Lush Dark Angels Face Cleanser {Product Review}

Price: Rs 700 for 100 gms (approx.)

Ingredients

Rhassoul Mud, Cold Pressed Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima), Glycerine, Powdered Charcoal, Black Sugar (sucrose), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Perfume, *Linalool, Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album), Rosewood oil (Aniba rosaeodora)

 

Pros

natural ingredients

makes the skin really soft

exfoliates amazingly!!

Cons

doesn't control oil production

doesn't remove oil or cleanse really well

very expensive!!

My Experience

I got this in June and have been using it on and off since then. I had been wanting to try the product since a very very long time so was very excited to try it out. So, how to use it a very big problem and trust me when I say its damn messy!!! It will blacken your washbasins and everywhere else it touches. 

How to use? Take a pea size amount and pour a drop or two of water on it and make a paste which will be a little watery and cleanse with it thoroughly. Though, I would like to say that it doesn't really cleanse well. I use oil to remove the traces of sunscreen from my skin and this product doesn't cleanse that oil as thoroughly as I would like. 

But, its a damn good exfoliator. It leaves the skin soft and smooth and removes the whiteheads but it didn't really have any noticeable effect on my blackheads. I use it on alternate days to scrub my face properly. Its not at all harsh. Oh btw, avoid looking in the mirror or you might frighten yourself :D Yes, it looks like black paint on the face!! 

 

Its definitely expensive and would last two months at max if used regularly which I think is way too less. The expiry period of the product is probably four months from the date of manufacture but I do have issues with this date things in Lush. They provide date of packaging and expiry but the date of packaging is date when you buy the product. So, how do they calculate the date of expiry? Honestly, Lush is not really working out well for me!!

Have you used Dark Angels?

Other products I love or hate from Lush:

Lush Caca Noir

Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser

Lush Gorilla Perfumes - Short Description

Update on Lush Caca Noir

Raw Sugar and Rock Salt {Ingredients}

I have been always raving about sugar and salt scrubs but I have heard so many complaints about sugar being too harsh on skin. So, I wanted to share the sugar and salt which I use for my scrubs.

Fab India Raw Sugar

Raw Sugar is called Khandsari in Hindi. It is a less refined sugar, next to jaggery which is completely unrefined. It melts easily on skin and is not at all harsh and exfoliates really well. You can use it in place of sugar as well. Its less sweet, as well!!

Price: Rs 150 for 100 gms (approx.)

Skin Type: Dry to Matured

Patanjali Sendha Namak

Rock Salt is amazing for skin. I found only Patanjali selling rock salt in Hyderabad so I used it. In fact, rock salt is a little clumpy and not free flowing but this one is as fine as normal sugar so I do have doubts on the quality. If you know of anything better, do feel free to use it.

Price: Rs 10 for 1kg

Skin Type: Combination to Oily 

So, do check out this amazing DIY using the above ingredients which makes your skin glow like anything!! And, do let me know your experience :)

Vedic Line+ Exfo 10 Avocado Face Scrub {Product Review}

Price: Rs 175 for 100gms

Ingredients

check out the oils - sesame, sweet almond, apricot, avocado oils and glycolic acid and glycerin!! and, it has papaya extract as well, wheatgerm oil which is listed just below yellow line and Portulaca extract which is supposed to have great anti-oxidant properties and fatty acids

Pros

- does give immediate brightening

- has apricot kernels or something which is not at all scratchy

Cons

- doesn't do anything for the blackheads

- may leave a creamy residue on the face after being washed off

My Experience

This product contains glycolic acid which made me very curious about the product. Its packaging or rather the color of the packaging is something I really love -  a bright pink. The product is creamy in color and consistency and has lots of small granules which are walnut shell powder. 

Interestingly, the granules are not harsh at all. They feel like apricot scrub, soft and gentle on the skin. I like to help myself to a generous amount of scrub but the product will easily last for around two months if used regularly. And, results of the scrubbing is that the skin is left brighter and softer. 

And, if you noticed the ingredients, it has quite some oils which is interesting!!! But, I do have an issue with the product which is that the scrub does leave a creamy residue after being washed off. I do not like my products to leave any residue on the skin. Otherwise, its a really good and gentle scrub which will suits all skin types, even oily. 

PS: Product sent by brand. 

Other products from Vedic Line:
Vedic Line Apple Green Toner
Vedic Line Fig & Honey Moisturizer
Vedic Line Papaya Scrub and Papaya Face Pack
Vedic Line Neem & Brahmi Disinfecting Face Wash

My mini-giveaway winner!!

So, finally, I stopped being lazy and here is the winner - Monisha Thampi :) Congratulations, Monisha and your name reminds me of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai :D I hope you received my mail and in case you didn't, feel free to contact me.  Do contact me by Friday night otherwise I will have to pick another winner!!

And, here is her beauty tip (or rather "are her beauty tips"):

1. To reduce Pimples: Apply fresh ginger juice on pimples for not more than 10 minutes and wash it off. Do it for 7 days and pimples will vanish. Don't apply near eyebrows. 

2. This one is a little interesting. I have a wider forehead. So I combed my hair sidewise so as to reduce its distance b/n eyebrows and head. And now I have those tiny weeny hair started growing from there and now i have a less wider forehead.

3. Fairness: Grind 3 almonds without skin like a paste and mix it with curd. Apply this mixture every night and wash it off just before going to bed. Use Besan or Gram flour instead of soap while you use this face pack. It gives an instant glow to your face and will lighten the skin if continuously done for a week.

4. Anti-Blemish: Take a thin slice of potato and rub on your face continuously. Do it for 5-10 minutes. Do it twice a day. You will see quick results.

5. Any natural treatments that are acidic in nature (eg: lemon, ginger, vinegar, orange, tomato, papaya) should be mixed with some besan, gram flour or honey to avoid over reaction.

6. Its a mail I got one day and try it out because it is amazing.Take a bunch of parsley leaves and wash it clean. Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and Drink one glass once a week. You will notice the difference which you never felt before. It cleanses your body like anything.

And, this is what she likes and hates about my blog:

"It is really a genuine blog. When I had the first look, I was really surprised as it had a lot of DIYs and natural beauty tips.The blog was very, very simple and had nothing which would suit for a beauty blog. Then I knew that this blog was solely concentrating on the matter it had and not on its looks. But now, the blog is far ahead of what i saw at first. I have been through most of your blog changes. But I think the new look is apt. The font is very simple. Now there are not so many natural tips like before. I would say the posts are now on advanced topics like Reviews, treatments, Perfumes :), Oils etc. I think your blog covers almost everything related to beauty. 
Do give more product reviews, Your take on different myths (which is my favorite), and more on hair growth recipes, Add more polls, Answers to reader's queries. I appreciate one fact of yours that you find time to respond to all your follower's queries. You browse and search a lot and give a complete note on any subject so that I did not have to search on the same topic more. I wanted to write down point by point, but it went on like that. All the wishes for your blog, Swati."

And, boy, doesn't she have patience?? She has answered both the questions so perseveringly, thank you so much for all your kind words :) Oh btw, in case any of you thinks, I have chosen her on the basis of the length of her answers, NO. Her entry popped up in random.org and I forgot to take the screen shot so please don't accuse me of being under-handed. I do think she deserves winning. I mean look at the tips, one could say she keeps a separate diary at her home :D Oh btw, absolutely agree with the wider forehead thing, Monisha. I too have a huge forehead plus less density at the crown really made me look a little weird but I got side bangs and now, it just looks awesome.  Btw, do we get parsley in India??? Will have to search for it. [Btw, guys, don't think I am boasting about my blog by putting up what she has so kindly mentioned above, its just too flattering to not share **giggles**]

PS: Anyways, I am so happy I am leaving for Delhi tomorrow. Btw, it's my mom's birthday so do fire up suggestions for the gift. I am hopeless at selecting gifts. Budget is 10k. 

Image Courtesy:mindingspot.blogspot.in, graminakitchen.blogspot.com, foodcourt.wordpress.com, victorias-alphabet-soup.blogspot.com, nah.wikipedia.org

Random Beauty Tips {Reader's Tips}

"Whenever a pimple pops up, crush a few neem leaves or apply neem powder available in the market on the affected, the size of the pimple reduces & if applied regularly it subsides" - Uzma

"To make your skin glow, Take honey and apply on ur face for 15 mins n wash" - Umesh

"In summers after washing your face use ice cubes for toning your face" - Swapna

"My favourite beauty tip would be a mixture of powdered rose petals,a lil bit of sandalwood powder and mix it all up wid rose water or curd..Apply it on the face everyday after a tiring day at work or college for glowing and soft skin.Works for me every time!" - Shruti

"My favourite beauty tip is to rub tomatoes on the face to remove tan naturally! One can use it after roaming about in the sun instead of after sun gels." - Shruti

Read more of your favourite reader's tips here and you can submit one too (here). And, don't forget to enter the giveaway.

PS: Sorry guys for the missing regular posts but I am kinda really tired and in anticipation of going home so not able to do any write ups. I have lots of product reviews pending and I really hope to get back soon with the posts too :) Till then, enjoy the beauty tips. They were from the giveaway which reminds me to announce the winner as well, shit!!!

Image Courtesy:medtips.in

Aloevera Scrub {Reader's Tip}

Aloe vera Moisturizer
Aloevera is a great moisturizer which moisturizes your skin instantly. I often use aloe gel to moisturize my skin in winter. Dry skin is the sign of dullness, so moisturize your skin and keep it soft always :). Take a leaf and remove the green skin to get soft and fresh aloevera gel :)

Editor's Comments: I love aloevera moisturizer. Do check my review on the Aloevera gel.

Aloe vera Scrub (To remove dead skin cells and improve the complexion)
Ingredients :
Oats powder - 2 teaspoons
Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon
Aloevera gel - 2 teaspoons

Here's how..
Mix all these ingredients well and apply over your clean face and neck. Leave for 20 minutes. Then wet your finger and tap your face, give a circular massage gently with fingertips. Wash off completely with clean and cold water.

Results

Instantly softens and brightens skin :) :)
With regular use It whitens your skin and keeps it clean and clear all time

BEST USAGE : Twice in a week

Source (My blog)
http://makeupandbeautytips-home.blogspot.com/

Image Courtesy:infobarrel.com

Auravedic Pomegranate Grapeseed Face Polish {Product Review}

Price: Rs 300 for 100gms

Ingredients

Hope you are able to read the ingredients list and I am loving it :)

Pros

- moisturizes and firms up the skin well

- leaves the skin dewy and glowing

- unabrasive on the skin

- polish is very creamy and feels really good on the face

Cons

- exfoliating granules are too less, but probably this is not a con either!!!

- don't know if the anti-aging results are permanent

My Experience

Its been a long time since I have used a good scrub for my face. I am too lazy and my closet is too full :D So, when I received it, I was too excited to wait and used it almost right away. And, may I start by saying that it has a really weird smell but I love the pink color of the polish. It comes in a sturdy plastic jar packaging which I find very convenient.

The polish is very creamy instead of bring granular. It has very less density of granules so I never really felt it as a polisher. Instead, it was more of a luxurious indulgence and pure bliss for me. I love the way the polish feels, the way it spreads on my face and neck and the way it feels. But, if I have to about exfoliation, it doesn't do much of a job there.

The granules are very less in density and they don't really hurt the skin when being used which is good thing but I don't know if they really remove the dead skin cells either. So, I always use it more as a mask or a nourishing cream. I apply it in the morning shower after washing my face and leave it until I finish my shower. And, then, wash it off with cold water.

 

Results? It leaves my face glowing, firmed up (comparatively), glowing and dewy and supple. I really like the way my skin feels afterward. I have used it at least twice a week and still, I have managed to only finish a very little product so I would say that this will last for a long time. It definitely suits the dry and mature skin but I am not sure how well it will suit the oily skin because of its richness in oils and butters if you are breakout-prone.

Availability
Online - NaturalMantra.com (10% discount valid till 31st March)

PS: Product sent by the brand. 

Other products from Auravedic:

Auravedic Facial Skin Repair Moisturizing Lotion

Auravedic Pure Brightening Skin Polish Amla Tamarind

Auravedic Reviving Body Cleanser

Brown Sugar Facial Scrub {DIY}

[Source: Google Images]

This is a slightly modified version of the Body Polish Recipe I had shared a while ago. 

Ingredients

• 1 sachet  brown sugar
• Oil to mix the sugar (preferably Apricot oil)

Method

Mix the ingredients. Use enough oil to make a paste and not more. Use the mix to scrub your face and neck after cleansing thoroughly. Scrub till the sugar melts and this doesn't really take more than a minute but be gentle otherwise it can leave your skin feeling a little tender. After scrubbing, wash off the scrub and leave the oil as it is on the face. Do not wash it off. Follow with a little moisturizer. 

In place of apricot oil, almond oil is a great substitute. Both the oils get absorbed quickly into the skin and do not leave any greasiness behind. You can also include a drop or two of essential oils.

Results

Brown sugar is more preferred to normal sugar as you all are aware. This is because of the lesser calorie count of the brown sugar due to the presence of molasses which increases the water content in the sugar. This is also a reason that this is a better scrub than white sugar because it is less abrasive and hydrates the skin.

So, the results are awesome!! Your face is glowing and the oil and moisturizer combination leaves your skin soft and really supple all day long. A great scrub for emergency occasions. And, an extra benefit is that your skin is taut and tightened.

Himjoli Apricot Scrub {Product Review}

I had ordered this scrub online.Check out the Himjoli products page. They are a free trade market devoted to help the women of Uttaranchal. I had ordered this scrub from talash.com which sells the scrub 3 times its actual price which I came to know later but then I had an offer so I had to use it up!!! But, there are many brands which are coming in the market with such products which look and feel the same.

Price: 100 INR for 100gms

Ingredients
Apricot kernels

My Experience

As you can see in the pic, the scrub is more like a powder. Basically, this product is hand pounded apricots. And, I think even if we pound apricots at home, something like this would result. Now, whenever I mix it with some liquid, it becomes absolutely mushy and no longer stays like a scrub. When applied, its like a paste which you are applying to your face and its more of a face pack than a scrub. You can mix it with any liquid and the scrubbing action is really less so it can be used daily too. It makes the skin really soft though I wouldn't really say one gets any glow if used alone but if combined with proper liquid, the results are better. It is definitely a good product for daily use and really gentle on the skin and completely unlike the apricot scrubs commercially available which are generally pointed and harsh.

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely!!! If you are residing in Dehradun, they have a store there. And, for Mumbai and Delhi, they have provided contact numbers on the base of their website which is suppose for the wholesale purposes.

PS: If you like the post, please click on the +1 button above. Thanks a lot :)

Skin Watchers Papaya Moisture Peeling Gel {Product Review}

It is a Korean product from Beauty Finest and I am loving it till now.

Price: 32 SGD (approx. Rs 1300) (Singapore dollars) for 150ml

Ingredients

There is no list mentioned on the product so I am just pasting the information given on the website.

Suitable for all skin types but especially beneficially for Acne skin! Natural & Paraben Free. Skin Watchers Papaya Moisture Peeling Gel is a gentle exfoliating gel that exfoliates and peels off dirt and dead skin cells. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Natural, paraben-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free & colorant-free. A basic skincare must-have to prevent skin problems such as enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, blemish & dull skin tone. It contains Papaya extracts, an effective natural exfoliating and whitening ingredients that removes dead and old skin cells making your skin soft, supple, smooth, brighter and refreshed. It also contains Ma Chi Xian extract and Phyto ingredients. Ma Chi Xian is a Chinese Herb that nourishes your skin. It is loaded with Omega-3 acids, beta carotene, fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin C (which can be found in the stems) and other minerals. Skin Watchers Papaya Moisture Peeling Gel contains Arginine that effectively conditions heals and protects the skin. It has Hiaruron Acid that boosts the ability of moisturizing and absorption of oxygen.

I asked Janet to provide me with the ingredient list in the meanwhile so here it goes:

Water, PEG-400, Cellulose, Polyethylene, Glycerin, Arginine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Algin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Perfume

Ok, so ingredients are entirely unknown to me to comment anything on it. 

How to use?

Use on dry face. Massage face very GENTLY in a circular motion. Do not use too much force as it may cause redness. Great for removing dead skin on neck, armpit, elbow, knee and back too. Safe to use on alternate days or as & when necessary.

1) Remove all makeup, wash your face and towel dry well.

2) Pump a small amount of Papaya Peeling Gel onto your fingertips.

3) In a circular motion, massage gel onto your face or the area of concern where you want to remove the dead skin

4) Once the dead skin cells have come off, rinse with water and continue with regular skincare routine

5) Just massage gel gently onto the skin, do not use too much force as it may cause redness.

6) The gel will be liquid when used, please be careful when applying around your eyes area.

My Experience

Ok, so, let me admit. I was very apprehensive of the word peeling but I wanted to try it out so when I got the package, I was very excited. The gel is somewhat of the texture of what I think would be used while doing microdermabrasion. Very minutely abrasive. The product smells of nothing in particular and is white in color as you can see.

So, when I used it, I washed my face and cleansed it thoroughly to remove all the impurities and then let it dry completely. A word of warning is that this product doesn't work on wet skin. I tried that. So, to make the most of the product, its best to use on clean dry skin. I placed the product in dots all over my face and rubbed it in gently in circular motion like one would massage the face. I was particularly gentle lest the product damages my skin. But, to my surprise, the product is very very gentle and doesn't harm the skin at all but you can instantly see all the dead skin peeling off. The massage should be continued till the skin stops peeling which takes 5 minutes at max. And, that's it.

don't worry the skin doesn't peel and in fact, it doesn't sting at all...just the skin comes off!!!

and, that's after 2-3 minutes of massage when the dead skin cells come off

and that's my hand: radiant and glowing and not dry at all!!!! Ok, the brightening is pretty much apparent and there was a dryness before I used it on my hand which is not there, instead, my hand also looks young :)

The results of the product are overwhelming. The skin is brightened immediately and is so soft and looks supple. It definitely stays well-hydrated for at least a day after using the exfoliant and I have also noticed that the skin looks younger instantly. I loved this exfoliant more than any I have ever used!!! I have used it 4 times on my skin till now and not once did the product sting me even a bit. I would definitely say that this product shouldn't be used on sensitive skins and areas like nape of the neck. When I used it, I thought it was better not to use it there again but I did use it on my neck (front) and it worked admirably there too. I avoid using this exfoliant near the eyes fearing the sensitiveness and thinness of the skin around the eyes. I space 4 days in between my uses so as not to overdo it. You don't need to use a lot of the product and the exfoliation is very gentle and the best part is that with regular usage, you see that next time you have less of dead skin peeling off.

My Recommendation

I would definitely recommend the product for everyone except people with sensitive skin. 

PS: Thanks to Janet for sending me two 15ml tubes of the gel as a part of a giveaway held on the facebook fan page of Beauty Finest.

Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub {Product Review}

I had used this scrub earlier around a year and half back and at that time I was just satisfied with it. But, since then, there have been a lot of changes in the product. The exfoliating beads have become smaller and gentle and they do not rip the skin like they used to and the cream of the scrub is not so heavy now. So, lets go on to the review.

Price: 65 INR for 50gms

Ingredients

It earlier had crab apple (I don't know what it is) and now it has only apple!!! Btw, it smells almost same like it used but the fragrance is a little toned down.


My Experience

Since I had used the original scrub launched Himalaya long back, I can spot the difference easily and I can confidently say that this product is good one. But, even then, the granules are less in density and are bit more harsher than the Neem scrub. So, it can definitely irritate the sensitive skin. I have a combination skin and it did not dry me out. Earlier the cream in the scrub used to so heavy that it used to leave residue behind after being washed off which I completely hated and I stopped using that product. But, now there are no as such problems with the scrub.

The scrub leaves the skin fresh and a bit brighter too. No fairness claims though and I don't really believe in them. Skin feels soft and supple afterward but it didn't really do anything for my blackheads.

My Recommendation

A good scrub which delivers what it says and is very much affordable. But, sensitive skin people should remain away from it. And, I am not sure how it will affect the oily skin. Neem face scrub is more suitable for oily skin.

PS: Product provided by the brand for consideration.

Rice Powder Face Scrub {DIY}

Hey guys!!!

After a lot of days, I am again back with a DIY.

Ingredients: 

• Rice flour (1/2 table spoon)
• Besan (1 table spoon)
• Milk / Rose Water

Method: Mix them all in a smooth paste and apply on your face. Use rose water if your face is acne-prone otherwise it is safe to use milk. Leave for 15 minutes and then, gently scrub it off. Wash wth warm water.

Warnings: 

• Do not use Rice flour alone as it is very coarse and may harm the skin if exfoliation is overdone.
• Do not use this recipe if you have a sensitive skin. It will definitely make your skin sour. Tried and Tested. Trust me, it hurts bad.
• Do not exfoliate with scrubs if you have pimples and acne. 

Tips: 

• The scrub can be made in more quantity and can be used as a body scrub but keep the proportion same. 
• Use the finer rice flour, not the coarse one.
• You can mix it with other scrubs too to make your own DIY recipes but make sure that you use a gentle agent with rice four to reduce its abrasiveness. 

Besan turns skin black?

Ok, so this might be a surprising news for you. But, the good news is that this is NOT TRUE. It is one of the long living myths which came into my notice yesterday. I had a talk about it with one of my friends and she told me that besan turns your skin dark even though it makes it glow. Kinda conflicting, right? I tried telling her that it is not possible but all my words were for deaf ears. Seeing her conviction in this myth, I decided to clear it on a mass basis and state the reason why the skin might turn dark after using the scrub. And, I know that this is not true because of my personal experiences and also because I have asked a lot of people about this.

Besan or 'Sunnipindi' or whatever scrub you may use like masoor dal (red lentils) or rice flour polish your skin by removing the dead skin. And, in this process, they reveal a new layer of skin. Thus, the result is a clean glowing skin. As a matter of fact, besan is extremely useful in getting rid of dark spots and other conditions of the skin and gives a flawless complexion. But, if you venture out in the sun unprotected by sunscreen, your newly revealed skin is going to be subjected to a lot of environmental factors like dust, pollution and sun. The result is dull and tired looking dark skin. Thus, the connection that besan turns skin black. So, always wear a sunscreen. And, clean your skin well after a session in the sun.

And, I would love to know of any such myths which might be existing and clear them.

Get the most out of your scrubs

When you are scrubbing your face or any other part of your body, the general trend is to scrub and wash it off. But, yesterday, I thought of improvising a little. While scrubbing my face yesterday, I did it for no more than 3 minutes and then left the scrub on to let it dry. After it dried, I washed it off. My skin was smooth and moisturized. And, I ended the routine with a little of cleanser to wash off any scrub residue left on my skin. There was no need of a face mask and I firmly believe in not overdoing my beauty routines. The result was an even complexion with perfectly glowing skin. 

Tip: You can use the products from the market or you can make various scrubs at home. For over the counter products, you can improve the results by adding a capsule of vitamin E oil or a little of aloevera gel before scrubbing. This would give even better results.