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NEUTROGENA SUNSCREENS- BEST SUNSCREEN FOR SIZZLING HOT SUMMER

Saturday, May 04, 2019

Sunscreen is a must use in everybody’s life. Be it you are out in the sun, or you are inside your comfortable home, be it time is for a scorching summer, or it’s a chilly wintry morning, you mustn’t skip using sunscreen ever, no matter what your gender is. It not only protects your skin from the harmful UV rays, but also puts a barrier on the top layer of the skin, and helps to prevent various minor to major skin complications.

The funny part is that no matter how much we are aware of it, every once in a while, we like to cheat and skip our sunscreen. 😉😉 That is not good by the way but what the hey! Anyways, today I am not gonna dig deep on your cheating days. Today, I am gonna talk about two amazing sunscreens from the house of Neutrogena.

One of them is a Chemical Sunscreen, and another one is a Mineral or Physical Sunscreen. Confused? Once, I was also ignorant about all these facts. But worry not, this post will clear out all your confusions if any. Let's hear it out, shall we?

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

This one has been in many of our vanities for a while. And simply put, it is fantastic. Now, coming to a significant fact is, this one is a Chemical sunscreen. What is that?

By the name of it, I think you’ve derived the fact that this kind contains chemicals such as Octylcrylen, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate, etc. It is not absolutely unsafe for skin, but yes, some could be highly allergic and sensitive to these chemicals. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays first, before letting it out as infrared rays. In this process, some traces of chemicals enter into the top layers of the skin surface, and even some traces could enter into the deeper layer.

I have been using this particular sunscreen for years after using some miserable greasy uncomfortable ones. And I’ve loved it immensely. Why? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

Oil-free, non-greasy, sweat proof, and lightweight which are blessings in the summer season
Gives a Matt finish look and also a glowing effect on the skin
Perfect to use under makeup
Easily blendable and it doesn’t leave a white cast
Water resistant, because of that perfect for swimming, and water sports related activity
Has SPF 50 in it which is minimally required for tropical summer
Non- comedogenic that means it won’t clog your pores
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) free (though this chemical is FDA approved and can block UV radiation, it has several side effects including skin irritation)
Has broad-spectrum UVA, UVB PA+++

Cons:

Contains Chemicals including parabens

Price: INR 199 for 30 ml. And INR 549 for 88 ml.

Availability: It is available almost everywhere online, even in online grocery stores. I tend to buy it from whoever is giving a discount. For your ease, I am sharing a link both from amazon.in and nykaa.com.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin)

PIC CREDIT: AMAZON INDIA

This new beauty has been launched pretty recently in the Indian market. And everybody has high expectations for it. First of all, this one is a Mineral aka Physical Sunscreen. What is that?

As the name says it all, Mineral sunscreen uses minerals as their active ingredients, specifically zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Unlike Chemical sunscreens, it just sits on the top layer of the skin and reflects the harmful UV rays. Doesn’t it sound wonderful already? In fact, research says, sunscreens that contain only mineral-based active ingredients are safe to use on babies. How lovely is that?

But, as baby-skin is really sensitive, no adult sunscreen is recommended to use on their skin. For them, special sunscreens are available.

Coming up to this one, I am yet to try a full tube of it as of now. But, I had used it a couple of times from a sample I received a few years back (before it was launched here). I have fallen in love with it after I discovered its benefits through my extensive research. Thank God, it's here finally, and I can't wait to order it after I finish my regular Neutrogena sunscreen.

PIC CREDIT: AMAZON INDIA

Pros:

Made with 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients
Sheer Zinc provides superior sun protection that is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin
Oil-free, non-greasy, sweat proof and ultra-lightweight which are blessings in the summer season (same like the previous one)
Non-comedogenic and water resistant
Has SPF 50 in it which is minimally required for tropical summer
PURESCREEN technology (physical sunscreen) is ideal for sensitive and allergy prone skin
Fragrance-free and PABA free
Has broad-spectrum UVA, UVB PA+++
No parabens and other harmful chemicals

Cons:

It does leave a white cast which is pretty natural for a physical sunscreen
Not easily blendable and that's why it can get little uncomfortable to use under makeup
This particular sunscreen still contains a little dose of chemicals in it

Price: INR 825 for 80 ml. (you can find it in on nykaa.com, amazon.in)

So, there you have it. When you choose your sunscreen always get one which contains at least SPF 30 in it and has broad-spectrum protection. Unless you are possessive about using everything natural (like me), both of these sunscreens are pretty good and have their own perks. But, if you ask me, I don’t mind looking like a ghost if that’s beneficial for my skin. I can tell you from my previous experience that it’s not impossible to blend if that worries you the most. It just needs a little bit of extra effort. So, I am gonna switch to the sensitive version on most days. 😊😊

Cheers!!!

Happy living…

#Summer Body Lotion

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…

NEUTROGENA SUNSCREENS- BEST SUNSCREEN FOR SIZZLING HOT SUMMER

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

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