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HIMALAYA HERBALS RICH COCOA BUTTER BODY CREAM REVIEW

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Taking care of your skin is one of the most essential parts of healthy living, yet it can be a gigantic task. As time, age, environment, and lastly health play pivotal roles in adjusting with skin, it can be a hard and laborious job to find out about the right skincare products.

Today, I am going to save you some time of your life and tell you about one of the most fantastic body care products I have come across in my life.

Himalaya Herbals Rich Cocoa Butter Body Cream

This body butter has changed my skin drastically since the time I have started using this. And that time would be around 8 months back. If you have been following my previous posts, then you know, I am in my early 30's, and though I live in a tropical country which is extremely hot during the summers, I live in one of the less humid regions of India. Summer time is not scorching hot here. Almost throughout the year, we get strong winds which can be pretty drying for the skin. For that, this product fits perfectly.

As I love and prefer to use natural products, my hunt is never-ending. It has taken me to this beautiful body butter, which is absolutely gorgeous. I am sure if you are into beauty and skincare stuff, then you already know the miraculous benefits of Cocoa Butter. But for knowledge's sake, I want to let you know a few facts about that. Scroll through…

Amazing benefits of Cocoa Butter:

· The Essential Fatty Acids in Cocoa Butter hydrate and nourish the skin and maintain skin elasticity.

· It protects the skin from premature aging and skin sagging.

· It helps to minimize the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy and in general, during the natural development of the body.

· It is highly beneficial in soothing rashes, itchiness, scaly skin, and scarring due to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Ethlhexanoate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol Acetate, Methylisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA, Caramel.

My Experience and How I use Himalaya Cocoa Butter Body Cream:

Since the last eight months, I have been continuously using this Cocoa Butter. I am an avid fan of The Body Shop Body Butters. But this Himalaya Body Butter has completely changed my life as it reacts amazingly to my skin and restores the moisture balance of my skin just perfectly.

Though my facial skin is a combination type, the skin on my body tends to get dry. Six months back, when I started using this, it was still winter and though winter also isn't very harsh in my place, but skin changes a lot. So, I used it for the first time during that time. And to be frank, I didn't like it for the next couple of days as it is really dense in nature, takes a lot of time to blend into the skin, and I am personally not a big fan of Cocoa butter scent. It doesn't bother me much, but I will choose flowery, fruity fragrances any day over the smell of cocoa butter. But do not worry if you are not a fan of Cocoa Butter scent like me. The smell of his particular product is not overpowering at all.

However, after one week, I started feeling a sudden change. My skin was not drying at all. Moisturizing after taking a bath was good enough, I didn't need to reapply anything else on my body in the night. Moreover, it was looking so healthy, plumped, and glowing.

That was months back. Since that day, I am in a forever bond with this body cream.

I have a few marks on my skin due to some skin infections, and I also have little eczema-prone areas on my skin. This body butter has been helping me a lot lightening the old marks and with my eczema, which is simply incredible.

I slather this on my body after taking a bath. And though it takes time to blend compared to traditional Body Lotions, I don't mind it at all. After getting the amazing benefits, how can I complain? Cocoa Butter itself is dense in nature. This is thick, and it shows Himalaya Herbals is using the best of the materials to make this product. If you are in a hurry, you may find it difficult to apply this. But don't ignore the product. Make sure you are giving it a shot according to your own preferable time. After the day’s work, if you use this at night, that will repair your skin a lot. Trust me, you won't be sorry at all.

Another great thing about the body butter is that as it is very thick and hydrating in nature, it works excellently as a hand and foot cream. My hands are really a desert. I take out a portion of this body cream in two small containers and use them as my hand and foot creams whenever I feel like it. Especially, if you apply it on your hands before going to sleep, you'll literally wake up with the softest hands.

I have mailed Himalaya Herbals personally to ask whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or not. And they confirmed, it is safe to use (if there are no particular pre-existing skin conditions) which is a delight for all would be Moms. But to be safe, it is always advisable to ask your doctors if you are pregnant or have any other health-related issues.

And guess what, unlike the expensive Body Butters available in the market, it is really…really pocket-friendly. So, not only it works the best, comes with all the benefits.

Pros:

· Absolutely natural

· No harmful chemicals or preservatives

· Safe to use during pregnancy

· Helps reducing scars

· Helps to minimize stretch marks due to weight fluctuations (though it can't control developing new stretch marks as it could be happening due to many factors)

· Amazingly hydrating, moisturizing

· Gives your skin a natural glow and skin looks healthy like never before

· Great to use as a hand and foot cream

· Sooooo budget-friendly, the price is just unbelievable

Cons:

· It takes time to get absorbed into the skin

· The plastic tub container is not a healthy and hygienic option

Price: INR 270

Buying Links:

This cream is widely available almost everywhere- in the local shops, online and even in online grocery shops like Big Basket, etc. Still, for your ease, I am gonna list a few buying links below.

HimalayaHerbals Website

Nykaa

Amazon

I have finished almost 10 tubs of this body cream as of now. I don't know why not many people talk or know about it as per my knowledge. But it is breathtakingly beautiful. Please, please, use this body butter at least once in your life. If you have normal or dry or combination skin, this actually can change your life dramatically.

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Health

AN ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR BUYING BEST STAINLESS-STEEL COOKWARE IN INDIA

Saturday, July 20, 2019

A few posts back, I've shared with you my share of experience about the best and safest Cookware. If you’ve read the previous post, then you already know, I prefer Stainless Steel and Cast-Iron cookware for my daily cooking. But if you haven’t read it yet, I would request you to read it first and come back to this one. The link is here.

Before I talk about some of the best Stainless-steel Cookware brands, first, let’s see how to choose the right Stainless-steel Cookware. Of course, all of you may be quite well-equipped already. But it is always handy to know a little more.

I am gonna spare the details of what Stainless-steel is. If you want to know, click here. In the local markets, you will get to see various Stainless-Steel Cookware, both by well-known brands and local manufacturers. The problems with most non-branded products are that most of the times, we really don’t have any ideas about their composition or their qualities. No one can tell surely what are the materials used, how much quantity is used. Apart from this, they are really lightweight, merely a few hundred grams, and not at all heavy duty. For Indian Cuisine, lightweight stainless steel is not much of a use. Why? Let’s find that out.

a) Most of the dishes in Indian cuisine require extreme heat

b) As lightweight steel cannot handle high heat, during cooking, the food gets stuck in the bottom. Therefore, it won’t be cooked properly.

c) Lightweight Stainless-steel Cookware is made with various other materials. The unknown substances can be reactive with excessive heat and can react badly with your cooked food. This can jeopardize our health.

So, am I telling, all branded Stainless-Steel Cookware are suitable for cooking and for your health? Or all local made products are non-trustworthy?

Not necessarily.

So, what are the options? How do we choose the best Cookware?

Let’s talk about that.

Irrespective of branding, the first and foremost idea should be choosing the best composition for the Stainless-steel in your Cookware. It not only ensures better health; it also yields longer durability. So, whenever you are planning to buy Stainless-steel Cookware for cooking, you must invest in a quality product. In that case, you may have to invest a decent price in the beginning, but that is gonna last you for at least 5-10 years if you maintain them well. So, if you do the math properly, you’ll see that actually the price you are paying is serving you well.

What are the qualities to look for while buying Stainless Steel Cookware?

1. The Grade of Cookware:

Make sure you are investing in Cookware made with 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel. The first number stands for Chromium and the second number stands for Nickel. Chromium protects from stains and rust while Nickel gives a high gloss finish. Try to go for those brands who make Tri-ply Cookware, i.e., they consist of three layers (the inner and the outer layer are steel, while the middle layer is Aluminum for even heat retention)

2. Stainless-steel with an Aluminum Core (middle layer):

Pure stainless steel does not maintain heat well; therefore, food can't be cooked properly. If the middle base is made with Aluminum in the pots and pans, it retains the heat evenly. Hence, the food doesn’t stick at the bottom.

3. The Weight of Cookware:

Make sure, all the Cookware has heavyweight. All heavy-duty pots and pans are amazingly sturdy, durable. If the Cookware is hefty, that typically indicates the materials used during the manufacturing are quality products, and also all the necessary elements are used generously. The heavy pans help to cook food well and hold the heat evenly. They also protect the pots from dents and hotspots. Whereas light weighted utensils are susceptible to dents, they are non-durable, and you’ll see black or brownish spot after cooking.

4. Buy Cookware with Handles and Lids:

If your pots and pans have handles and lids, that always come handy. Because good brands preferably use cool touch handles, that means you don't need to use an extra dry cloth to hold them while cooking. And all the lids are made in a way so that they are adjusted well with the shape of the particular pot or pan. If the lids sit well, the food will be cooked in less time using the accumulated heat and moisture inside the pots.

5. Plan Well before buying new Pots and Pans:

Before you plan to buy a new cookware, just go to your Kitchen, take a look around, and think what will be the purpose of the new Cookware. Various sizes of pots and pans are available in the market for different dishes. Plan accordingly.

I’ve got a Stainless-steel Wok, a Saucepan, a Casserole, and a frying pan in my Kitchen. The Wok and Saucepan are being used daily for cooking lentils, sabji (vegetables), and curry recipes. I use the Casserole mainly for cooking various Chicken recipes as it is big in size, and lastly the Frying Pan is amazing for sautéing veges and even making various Breakfast Recipes like Omelette, Upma, Poha, etc.

Is Stainless-steel Cookware Safe to use?

Many researchers claim that as Stainless-steel cookware is made from Chromium, Nickel, and other heavy metals, they are not that safe. Similarly, many claim them to be absolutely non-reactive to food.

I am not a pro. But so far what I’ve studied, reveal that there is always a chance of a reaction. Then, what doesn't, right! So, it is important that you invest in well-known manufacturing brands because they take good and sensitive care during the making-process. We need to believe in somebody. And I think, rather than using Aluminum or Non-stick, Stainless-steel is a far… far better and one of the most convenient options.

P.S: Nowadays, many brands are bringing Nickel-free Stainless Steel Cookware which are more healthier option in general, and a better substitute for Nickel-allergic people.

Brands to go for:

Some brands in the world make the finest Stainless-steel cookware, like Cuisinart, Calphalon, All-Clad, etc.

Sadly, in India, they are not easily available. And even though you can find it online, it is crazily expensive. If budget is not an issue, then obviously go for them.

The brand I trust and have been using for the past one and half years is Bergner.

Bergner Pots and Pans are made of:

a) Tri-ply Stainless Steel

b) The inner layer is made of 18/10 grade stainless steel, the middle layer is made of Aluminum, and the outer layer is made of 18/0 grade to make it induction compatible.

c) They are ideal to use on all sorts of cooktops- Halogen, Gas, Electric, Induction, and Vitrocemaric cooktops.

d) They are durable, scratch resistant, corrosion resistant, and produce even heat.

e) All the handles are made with cool touch technology. That means, they don’t get heated up easily while cooking.

And FYI, no food gets stuck in the bottom if you season the pan well with oil and proper heat.

Besides Bergner, nowadays, we also have brands like Vinod, Alda, Stahl, Meyer, and even Prestige, etc. who make good quality Stainless Steel Products. But personally, I have no experience of them.

Now, once you’ve invested your money and bought the necessary products, the job is not over. It is really essential to maintain them, so that they stay in your kitchen for years and be their best.

How to take care of the Cookware:

Always use a mild soap to clean the Cookware. If you can, then soak them in lukewarm water for some minutes after cooking and before washing them.
Never use abrasive brushes or scrub pads to clean them. If you want them to perform their best, you have to take gentle care of them.
Use a soft sponge to clean the Cookware. Right Cookware doesn't need the work of muscle to clean themselves. A few gentle swipes are good enough.
Do not use steel spatula for cooking food. Go for wooden spatulas.
Start cooking on low to medium heat to avoid food sticking at the bottom. As you become a pro, gradually you can start experimenting and adjust the temperature to your choice.
After cleaning the Cookware, wipe the water with a dry cloth and store them in a dry place.
After using any pots and pans for a long time, if you think the luster of the Cookware is gone or you see the hard-core stains of oil on the sides of the handles eventually, just make a paste of baking soda and water. Put them in the affected areas, keep it like that for half an hour. And then, clean them with a soft pad brush. Your Cookware will shine like new.

I am using all the cookware since the past 1 and half years now. I know, all these Cookware together seem pretty damn expensive for a tight budget. Obviously, you can adjust accordingly. But I can tell you infinity times that they are gonna serve you very well for a very long time. I wanted to invest in a good brand so that I can use them without any worries of leeching waste materials into my food or jeopardizing with my family’s well-being. So far, the cookware has been behaving amazingly.

Buying links from Amazon India:

Wok:

Pic Credit: Amazon India

Saucepan:

Pic Credit: Amazon India

Casserole:

Pic Credit: Amazon India

Frying Pan:

Pic Credit: Amazon India

They are also available on Bergner Website.

If you are using any Stainless-steel Cookware already, let me know about the brands you love. All the readers, including me, will be highly benefited by that.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Monsoon Skin Care

THE BODY SHOP MORINGA SHOWER GEL REVIEW

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Let’s begin today’s post with some sweet old memories. Around 4 years back, I have written a post in this blog on The Body Shop Moringa Body Milk. And if you read the post, then you will know how much I adore the product.

I love The Body Shop products in general. They are one of my most favorite brands whose skin care products are just dreamy. Their Moringa range has been close to my heart for a long time. Once you use anything from this range, you will go back to it again and again. Today, I would like to share my experiences about one of my favorite The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel with you, which is outstanding to use in this Monsoon.

First, let’s talk about Moringa Seeds.

In Western countries, Moringa is used in tablets or in powder form as a dietary supplement. In Indian cuisine, Moringa Pods are widely used. They are delicious in various Vegetable Curries and even make a fine, tasty soup. Along with that, Moringa leaves are also used for making some delightful recipes.

A little TMI, but I can’t help sharing the fact that in our house garden, we used to have two Moringa trees and I remember playing around it in my childhood days and also used to have delish recipes out of the pods and leaves. Though we use Moringa Pods in our day to day cuisine, not many of us know about their amazing health benefits. So, let's see what those are:

Moringa pods:

a) Are rich in Antioxidants

b) Help lowering Blood Sugar levels

c) Help lowering Cholesterol level

d) Are high in Fiber and Iron

e) Are packed with Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory properties

f) Have Calcium in it which helps in joint pain

g) Improve sleep

Okay now…enough info for a post. I swear I am gonna talk about the product now. But don’t get disheartened by this because a healthy skin always comes with a healthy body. 😉😊 So, it is not at all a waste of time to get to know about some beneficial facts.

What The Body Shop says about their product,

Immerse yourself in the fresh floral scent of moringa seed oil as you lather up with our soap-free body wash. This shower gel is perfect to cleanse and envelop your skin in softness.

Shower cream
Cleanses the skin
Leaves skin feeling softer and freshly cleansed
Lather-rich
Soap free
Seed oil from hand-picked moringa pods

Ingredients:

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Mel, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Parfum, Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, p-Anisic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Moringa oleifera, Sorbitol, Caramel, CI 19140.

Price:

INR 325 for 250 ml.

Website Links to buy the product:

The Body Shop India Website

Nykaa

Myntra

My experience:

The Body Shop handpicks the Moringa seed oil, sourced from Asili Natural Oils in Rwanda. This Moringa range delivers a magnificent aromatic scent like nobody else. This shower gel is excellent to use, especially during summer and monsoon when your body needs the perfect synergy of hydration and freshness.

It lathers up really well and deeply conditions the skin without any dryness. Skin feels amazingly soft and plump, and the mind explores the absolute freshness. Not only that, your whole bath area will smell like a Spa throughout the day, which is an extra bonus.

This shower gel takes out the grease just perfectly. The moisturizing agent penetrates deep into the skin and protects it with moringa seeds oil’s rich omega 9 and behenic acid content. And cherry on top, not only women, but men too can use this shower gel and enjoy to the fullest. So, if you want, get this as a surprise gift for your husbands and boyfriends.
Quantity wise, this 250 ml. bottle will last you around 2 to 2 and half months if you use it regularly. Also, keep an eye for a Sale, you can get this on discount most of the time. Don't you think it's a bargain?

Even though this shower gel contains Sulfate, this is great to detoxify your day’s exhaustion in a jiff. Because of sulfate, it gives beautiful foamy texture, but they are really mild on the skin.

Of course, it would be great to have a sulfate-free product, but I guess, then it will not lather up well and therefore will not have a deep cleansing effect.

The Body Shop has so many variants of different shower gels. You can obviously try according to your own choice. But personally, I would highly recommend this Moringa Shower Gel if you are a lover of floral notes. Along with the Moringa Body butter/sorbet/yogurt and a dash of the Moringa perfume will take your day into the next level.

What’s your favorite shower gel from The Body Shop? Let me know.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

#Monsoon Skin Care

THE BODY SHOP SATSUMA BODY POLISH REVIEW

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Though Summer is in its full swing right now, Monsoon is almost about to check in. In fact, the region I live in is already prepping up big time for a rainy season.

Seasons play a prime role in taking care of skin and hair. People are going conscious every single day about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are not far behind the fact that along with internal health, external care is also mandatory. And that differs a lot with age and season.

Skincare varies a lot in Summer, in the same way, Winter skincare also steps in in a different mode. But Monsoon is a season when Skin and Hair care get incredibly tricky.

Both Skin and Hair become confused about how to act in the Monsoon. Sometimes, it gets sweaty and greasy, and other times, they are parched. So, it is essential to take a good look at your skin and hair, and act accordingly.

I have been an admirer of The Body Shop Skin Care Products for a long time. They are Cruelty-free, Vegan, use Handpicked Ingredients in their products, and also use a lesser amount of Artificial Chemicals in their products.

Today, I am gonna talk about The Body Shop Satsuma Body Polish and why it works like a charm during the Monsoon.

As The Body Shop claims about the product,

Pick up our satsuma body polish to slough away dead skin cells, leaving your skin supremely softer and refined. The exfoliating foaming gel and energising scent add a touch of luxury to your shower routine.

Body exfoliator
Gentle exfoliation
Satsuma oil from Argentina
Zesty satsuma scent
Light, particle gel texture
Use 2-3 times per week

My experience:

The skin on my body is equally sensitive like my face. It is not combination type though, rather it can be pretty dry from time to time. To give you a sensitivity radar test, I can say that I can't even wear artificial jewelry that often because they give me allergic reactions.

Anyway, during the Summers and Monsoons, my skin becomes extra sensitive. I develop rashes sometimes. And that's the reason I prefer not to use any hard-core, grainy body scrub.

This Satsuma Body Polish is just perfect to use on sensitive skin. It does the job wonderfully, of taking the dead cells out without ripping off the skin. I use it twice every week, and it gives me a healthy, moisturized, soft, and supple skin. I love to use this body polish throughout the year, especially during the Monsoon. It balances the moisture barrier of the skin so well.

Apart this, I prefer to use it before I shave my body hair. It makes the job more comfortable, and I don't even get any razor-bumps as the razor glides into the skin so well after using this body polish.

The smell of Satsuma is just oh-so-awesome. If you are in a hurry to go out somewhere in the morning, but reluctant to take a bath, the scent will help you to get into the shower. Your whole bathroom will smell fresh, with a little hint of flowery and a strong sweet mandarin orange-y scent.

After taking a bath, the smell lingers on the body for quite some time if you don't apply anything else. If you want the scent to stay for the whole day, I would suggest you to use the Satsuma Body Butter, along with the Satsuma body perfume. You'll smell just fantastic for the entire day. When you smell good, you feel good, and the day just gets more beautiful.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Mel, Limonene, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Disodium EDTA, Citral, Denatonium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, CI 15510, CI 15985.

Pros:

· Smells amazing

· Gentle on sensitive skin

· No harsh grits on the body polish

· Removes dead cells with gentle care

· Skin becomes soft and supple

· Quantity of the product is good

· Preps the skin well for shaving

Cons:

· Contains Chemicals, so not an au-natural product

Price: INR 625

P.S: The Body Shop products come on the expensive sides in India. And that sucks big time. I can't do anything about that. But what I can tell you is that their products are undoubtedly one of the best in this price range. And a little goes a long way.

Website Links:

The Body Shop India

Nykaa

Give it a try. If you are a digger for zesty, citrusy scents, then you’ll fall in love with it. I am pretty sure your skin will thank you a million times for this.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…

HIMALAYA HERBALS RICH COCOA BUTTER BODY CREAM REVIEW

AN ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR BUYING BEST STAINLESS-STEEL COOKWARE IN INDIA

THE BODY SHOP MORINGA SHOWER GEL REVIEW

THE BODY SHOP SATSUMA BODY POLISH REVIEW

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