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ST. IVES DAILY HYDRATING VITAMIN E & AVOCADO BODY LOTION- A PERFECT BUDGET FRIENDLY BODY LOTION FOR TROPICAL SUMMER

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Okay… though St. Ives has been a known friendly face in the U.S for decades, this has been launched officially in my country not very long ago. Surprisingly, I think many of us have already used a few products from this brand beforehand. In the past years, there used to be a few departmental stores who regularly have picked up a few iconic products from some brands that were not easy to catch at that time. And I am eternally grateful for that.

Anyways, things are pretty easy nowadays, thanks to the blessings of online shopping. Also, so many brands (both luxury & drugstore) are tying up with us now seeing the potential of a vast market. And that's how, finally St. Ives, one of the famous drugstore brands of the U.S is here now.

I have known about this brand for quite some years. I’ve loved the “St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Face Scrub” for a long time. The other day, when I was looking for a summery body lotion which would be ‘little natural’, and will not make a big hole in the wallet, I’ve come across this. I have placed an order immediately, used it for 15 days, and here I am.

I was going through some of the reviews people shared in the U.S websites. I found out that the love for this body lotion is 50-50 now, as many have adored and can’t forget about this lotion's previous version. I started digging further, and found out that previously it was made without the avocado, had a creamier texture. In short, it was just perfect for dry/combination skin. Immediately, I understood, why I have loved the new formulation of this body lotion. Given the fact, I live in a tropical country, summertime is hard because of extreme humidity. Our body needs moisture, and at the same time, we tend to get excessive sweat. The sticky feeling of a lotion keeps our mind occupied, and we end up not giving any moisturization to our body which is a disaster by the way.

But now, I believe, this lotion has come to the rescue. Just apply it all over your body after coming out of the shower. It will be absorbed immediately, and you'll be good to go with the day. I am sure many of you will reminisce the Good Ol’ Days of ‘Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Fresh Body Lotion’ as soon as you start using it. The texture of St. Ives is pretty much similar to Vaseline one. The only difference between them, and mind you that is a big one, is the ingredients list. That makes and breaks all the deal for me.

Let's talk about the pros & cons.

Pros:

Summer-friendly
Ingredients list is Pregnancy Safe which is a yay for many would-be Moms
Paraben & phthalate free
100% natural moisturizer (made with plant-derived ingredients)
Suitable for all skin types in summer, and also during winter perfect for oily skin
Non-sticky, and thanks to that no excessive sweating
Gives the perfect amount of hydration during the summer season
Vitamin E and avocado nourish deeply and give youthful, glowing skin.
Beautiful, fresh fragrance
Budget-friendly

Cons:

So far, none 😊

Price: INR 649 for 621 ml. (I got it on a 15% discount from nykaa.com) You can also buy from Amazon (link provided)

This is my 100% honest review. Let me know what’s your take in this body lotion.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Summer Soothing Gels

THE FACE SHOP JEJU ALOE FRESH SOOTHING GEL & DAMYANG BAMBOO FRESH SOOTHING GEL REVIEW

Monday, April 22, 2019

Today, I’m a bit jittery on whether to write this blog post or not. In this era of YouTube beauty videos, will this blog post get its due!

As my mind is oscillating between thoughts, I realize that though I am a fan of YouTube videos, but I still like to read a mind-staggering blog post every now and then. So, let's give it a go.

It is already summer in my country. What could be the better time than now to talk about few soothing gels. I think most of you have already heard about these products, but I’m sure this review will definitely help you settle on one of them.

So, from the house of The Face Shop, I have tried two gels. One is their Jeju Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel, and another is the Damayang Bamboo Fresh Soothing Gel. While one of them is not so good, the other one is quite fascinating for my skin. Both are colorless, transparent gels. Let’s see what they are offering.

THE FACE SHOP JEJU ALOE FRESH SOOTHING GEL

For a start, I have extremely sensitive skin. It used to be oily in the previous years. Now, it is a combination with an oily T-zone. To me, the ingredients list matters the most. Here, for both the products, the brand has provided full ingredients list in the back side of the container, and that is really admiring.

I bought it a year back after hearing all the raving from the ‘beauty gurus’. I was in desperate need of a ‘natural’ sort of aloe gel even though I have tried so many ‘natural’ brands earlier.

For example:

a) ‘Wow’ (made my skin red)

b) ‘Bipha Ayurveda’ (haven’t found any difference, and expensive)

c) ‘Forest Essentials' (this was good but freaking expensive, you can read about the review which I wrote 4 years back. I've used so much of aloe that it got over in 15 days)

d) ‘Patanjali Soundarya Aloe Gel’ (this surprisingly has shocked me with its good results, except I don’t like its artificial green color and can’t find its full ingredients list anywhere which is shady)

But not any one of them fully satisfies every aspect. I know, I know it is almost impossible. But hey, is it wrong to dream, never right!

Alcohol comes in the third position in the ingredients list of this The Face Shop aloe gel. I understand it is very much needed to preserve the product. But it is so overpowering. As soon as I apply this gel, my face feels a strong sensation, and even some areas get a burning feeling. Apart from that, it is crazily sticky. Instead of giving some soothing relief, I desperately wait to wash it off of my face. As I don’t want to waste it, I have to use it somehow.

Also, for some reason I have got rid of the original container. So I am gonna include a picture of it from somewhere else.

Pic Credit: The Face Shop

Let's talk pros and cons.

Pros:

Full marks for a full ingredients list
Doesn’t break me out
Easily available online
Being an imported product, it is still in the affordable range for many users
Quantity is excellent
Available in both tub and tube packaging

Cons:

Super Sticky
The little portion of alcohol is very overpowering for my skin
Gives a burning sensation sometimes
Doesn't provide soothing relief on my skin

Price: INR 450 (It is easily available online. I bought it from nykaa.com)

I am not gonna repurchase this though I tried my best to love it. ☹

Now, let’s talk about the gel which I really adore.

The Face Shop Damyang Bamboo Fresh Soothing Gel

Now, this gel too has alcohol in it, but it really justifies the ‘soothing’ part. It is little runnier than normal aloe gel which is absolutely a ‘no bother’ for me. In the summer, after coming from the scorching heat, this calms down my skin, soothes it, and gives amazing freshness. I like to apply this as a mask and keep it for 1 hr. After washing my face, my skin looks glowing.

Pros & Cons time.

Pros:

Works amazingly on my sensitive combination skin
Very soothing and gives a fresh feeling always (especially when used as chilled)
Can be used as a serum under the regular moisturizer
Non-sticky
The alcohol here doesn’t bother my type of skin
Can also be used as a face-mask, moisturizer
Huge tub and lots of product
All season friendly, especially summer

Cons:

As it comes only in tubs, hygiene-wise it is not up to the mark. But you can always take out some of it in a separate container and store the rest in the fridge.

Price: INR 450 (It is easily available online. I bought it from nykaa.com)

This gel is 100% recommended. I am gonna repurchase this as soon as I run out of the current one. 😊

I am still in search of an excellent natural Aloe Vera gel. Let me know if you have tried anything interesting.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Natural Mosquito Repellent

THE MAGICAL BENEFITS OF CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Essential oils are used for various medicinal purposes since ages. They are majorly used in aromatherapy as a form of alternative medicine. Though, scientifically, they are not proved to treat any significant health condition, but they are undoubtedly beneficial to ease out some problems.

Any essential oil is basically the essence of a particular plant. Citronella oil is derived from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon.

I have been using this oil for the last two years or so. I am a big fan of this oil, especially in Summer. It works like a charm and helps me out in many ways.

Benefits of Citronella Oil:

Natural Insect Repellent

I have used so many market-available insect repellents. In fact, most of them use Citronella Oil as one of the key ingredients.

I don't prefer to use them anymore as they contain many harsh chemicals.

Whereas, a pure Citronella Essential Oil is great to use as an insect repellent. It is natural and it works amazingly as a Mosquito Repellent. I am blown away by its results as I found this oil 100% effective.

How to use this as a Mosquito Repellent:

I put one drop of this oil on the edges of my top's sleeves. Similarly, I put one drop of this oil on each sides of the bottom wear. I have tested the effect for a long time in a place where the mosquitos rule the most. To my surprise, this oil has proved to be amazingly effective every time. The mosquitoes have definitely come near me, but they couldn’t sit on my body and bite me.

It sounds unbelievable, right!

You can also use this as a bug spray. Let me give you a beautiful recipe for that.

Ingredients:

½ cup Natural Witch Hazel
½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
30-40 drops of mixed essential oils (citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, mint.)

Mix everything in a spray bottle (preferably glass), and it is ready to use. I would suggest not to use it directly on the skin, instead, use it on clothes.

Stress Buster

Whenever I feel a little stressed, or I am under the weather, I put 2 drops of this oil on my pillow. It really helps calming me down, and I fall asleep in no time.

P.S: I don't think this remedy is effective in extreme stressful condition, but on a lower level, it helps.

P.P.S- Remember to be careful when you are applying this oil on your dresses or pillows. It leaves a yellowish stain on lighter colors. But the stain goes away after a couple of washes.

Room Freshener

I am a hardcore non-vegetarian, so you can imagine the smell of my kitchen after cooking. The smell sometimes spreads in the whole house. Yeah gross! To get rid of that, I take a small spray bottle, add 8 to 10 drops of this oil along with some water. I spray this in the entire house, especially on my curtains. And Voila! My house smells divine.

Some Other Benefits:

You can use Citronella Essential Oil in many other ways. Unlike the above-mentioned benefits, these are not tried and tested by me. So, I can't vouch for the results. But research says they are very effective.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reducer
Anti-bacterial & Anti-Fungal (for skin conditions)
Household Cleaner (as a disinfectant)
For Skin & Hair Care (acne, greasy hair, etc.)
Helps control some pet’s behavior

A Few Words of Caution:

1. Always buy an authentic product from the retailer.

2. Take a Patch test before using any essential oil. Some people may be allergic.

3. Never use it directly on the skin. Always dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut oil etc.) when you use them in skin care.

4. Never use any essential oil when you are pregnant or breast feeding. Always consult your Doctors first.

5. Consult with your Doctor before using it on kids.

I am using the Nykaa Citronella Essential Oil right now. You can use any brand as per your choice, just make sure it is an authentic product.

Price Of Nykaa Citronella Essential Oil: INR 350 for 10 ml. (you can grab it on discount most of the times)

Try it once and share your thoughts.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Body Exfoliator

REVIEW OF SOAP & GLORY SCRUB ‘EM AND LEAVE ‘EM BODY BUFF

Saturday, June 06, 2015

I've never thought that I would be able to buy Soap & Glory products, that too when I am in India. But at last, after a long wait our well loved 'Sephora' is here. I am super excited to get my hands on those beautiful products finally, though I have to be extra careful not to go bankrupt 😅.

Anyway, for a moment let’s forget about bank balance, and let's get our focus on a beautiful body exfoliator.

About the Product:

SOAP & GLORY SCRUB ‘EM AND LEAVE ‘EM BODY BUFF with BABASSU OIL & SEA SALT

On their

website the following description was there:

With babassu oil, sea salt and moisturising jojoba and mandarin oils. Scented with our Mist You Madly™ fragrance.

Instructions for Use:

Scoop out a handful and rub it all over, then rinse. Smear our Daily Smooth Body Butter on top (it has the same sexy smell!), if you want to maximize the moisturise.

Ingredients:

Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Synthetic Wax, Parfum (Fragrance), Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Coumarin, Citronellol, CI 73360 (Red 30), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

My Experience:

First of all guys, I am absolutely head over heels with Soap & Glory products. Now that 'Sephora' is here, I am trying their products one by one. Thankfully, the products are available here in travel sizes. I have bought this particular tub in mini size as I want to try their other variations too.

As per the description on their website, this particular body buff or exfoliator whatever you want to call it, is scented with their ‘Mist You Madly’ fragrance. Sadly, I haven't used it before so I cannot tell you anything about it.

But one thing is clear that this body exfoliator smells a...mazing. I am a fan of flowery-fruity smells. This product smells like an heavenly magical garden. The smell is not at all heavy. It is lightly yet beautifully scented with a perfect balance. Your bathroom will smell like a garden. If you want to treat yourself with a skin pampering session, you need this product in your life. It comes in light pink color with a semi-liquidy salt like texture and bright pink-colored granules. The granules in the scrub are really gentle on the skin.

At first, I clean my body with plain water and then, gently massage my skin with this. It is not abrasive at all, and even suitable for my sensitive skin. My skin feels like a new born baby after using it. The oils work perfectly and make the skin soft, moisturized, and beautiful. I moisturize my body after that. But sometimes, when I’m lazy, I do leave my skin as it is. The scrub itself moisturizes so amazingly that you don't need extra hydration most of the times.

Pros:

· Smells heavenly

· Gentle on the skin ( perfect for sensitive skin)

· Removes dead cells gently but effectively

· Makes skin soft and nourished

· Skin remains soft and plump for the next 3 to 4 days.

Cons:

· Expensive

· Not easily available ('Sephora' too is not available all over India as of now)

· The quantity is very less for the price

Price:

470 INR for 50 ml

Rating:

4.5/5 (I so wish the price is lesser than it is)

This travel size Soap & Glory Scrub lasts for a whole month. I use it once a week: and it works like a magic. So, whenever you get a peak, grab it. You’ll definitely fall in love with it.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Bamboo Charcoal Face Pack

AROMA MAGIC ACTIVATED BAMBOO CHARCOAL 6 IN 1 PACK REVIEW

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Summer is here. You all must be rocking it with the season. But I know, this time can be pretty sweaty, greasy. The dirt and the heat sit on our faces. We literally feel like a grease ball.
So, today let's talk about a product that can be effective in repairing your skin and get your glow back in this summer.
A few years back, who would have ever thought that Charcoal will be this famous as a Skin Care Essential. At least I didn't. But look at all the commercials on TV. Charcoal has become everyone’s most trusted and favorite friend.

I was in search of a good charcoal based face pack for a long time. And finally, after an extensive research, I have found one and to be frank, I’m quite happy with it.

About the product:

Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal 6 in 1 Pack.

In the bottle it says:

Aromatherapy skincare essentials

Deep cleansing

This brand has a unique way of introducing each and every product on the back of the pack. That is quite fascinating I would say. They claim,

Ingredients:

Contains Bamboo Charcoal Powder, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Emusifying Wax, Juniper Berry essential oil, Aloe Barbadensis, Illite, Simmondsia Seed oils, Salix Nigra bark Extract, Pterocarpus Santalinus Wood extract, Citrus medica Limonum, Boswellia Carteri oil, aqua.

How to use:

Wash your face. Pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the pack to your face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse off. You may follow up with moisturizer. Use once a week for best results.

My experience:

I am truly amazed by Charcoal’s benefits. During my research, I have found out that it has been beneficial since ancient Egyptian times. And even the great Greek physician Hippocrates too recommended this for medicinal purposes. Activated charcoal helps to fight acne, and this can also take out dirt, bacteria, toxins, and other pollutants from the skin. It also helps to treat poisonous bites, wounds, inflammation etc. Along with this, it absorbs gas and its bacteria too.

Now as of my personal experience is concerned, this particular brand Aroma Magic has drawn my attention because of its awesome natural ingredients. Along with other products, this particular product too is free from harmful chemicals, preservatives etc. What this face pack does is nicely written on the back of the pack. It brightens, tightens, exfoliates, and makes a protected antibacterial shield around the skin.

This pack acts in multipurpose ways. It comes in a grayish black color. There is a smell but it is just like the essential oils. After cleansing my face, I apply this face pack thoroughly on my face and neck. I leave this for 30 minutes, and then wash it out. It gives an instant glow and makes my skin radiant as never before. It also makes it soft, gives a lustrous effect. The ‘deep cleansing’ after effect is really visible.

In fact, while washing the face pack, I gently rub my face in a circular motion. It also scrubs the dead cells out very nicely.

My husband also likes to apply this product. It really works amazingly on the rough & tough skin of Men.

But one downside of this product that I've noticed is that the glow doesn't stay for long. But immediate after-effect is really kissable.

Pros:

· Lightens, brightens, exfoliates

· Transforms the skin in 6 miraculous ways

· Does Deep cleansing with activated carbon

· Nourishes skin with Vitamins and Minerals

· Protects the Skin with an Anti-Bacterial Shield

· Smoothens the skin, tightens the pores, eliminates blackheads, and whiteheads

· Free from harmful Chemicals & Preservatives

· Both Men and Women can use this product

Cons:

· The smell could be over powering for some people (if you are very sensitive)

· The radiance doesn't stay for long ( maximum 2 days )

P.S: Sometimes natural ingredients could produce allergic reaction for some people. I suggest that at first, you try this in a small part of your skin and then use it on the face.

Price:

380 INR for 100 g (but you can get discounts in different shopping sites)

Rating:

4/5

One thing is really clear that this gives instant glow. So, if you have any special occasion like a Date or a Wedding to attend, this will be really effective on your skin. That is really awesome. What do you say!

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

ST. IVES DAILY HYDRATING VITAMIN E & AVOCADO BODY LOTION- A PERFECT BUDGET FRIENDLY BODY LOTION FOR TROPICAL SUMMER

THE FACE SHOP JEJU ALOE FRESH SOOTHING GEL & DAMYANG BAMBOO FRESH SOOTHING GEL REVIEW

THE MAGICAL BENEFITS OF CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL

REVIEW OF SOAP & GLORY SCRUB ‘EM AND LEAVE ‘EM BODY BUFF

AROMA MAGIC ACTIVATED BAMBOO CHARCOAL 6 IN 1 PACK REVIEW

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