My August Haul

SOS Organics Handmade Soaps

I had talked about my haul sometime back. Since, I was running short of ideas and since some of you had requested for the haul and reviews, I am putting up the snaps. Do check them out :)

Puro Room Freshener and Episoft face wash

Soul Tree Shampoo, Auravedic Skin Lightening Oil, Rustic Art Algae Soap, Rustic Art Aloevera Gel and Neutrogena Sunscreen

Tea light Candles and Diffuser...should have ordered a match box as well :D

Oh, I did receive following products from PR.

  

Soul Tree travel size samples - both shampoos and one shower gel

Clean & Clear Fairness Cream and Face Wash (had been drooling on the product when I saw the ads!!)

Related Posts:
Episoft Cleanser
Rustic Art Aloevera Gel
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 349 for 30ml

Pros

doesn't leave the skin dry if you skip moisturizer

no tint so you can apply enough sunscreen for full protection

Cons

expensive

not for oily skin

gets greasy sometimes (may be depends on skin type)

My Experience

I have been using this suncreen since the time it was launched in June. It comes in a 30ml pack and is way more expensive than its counterpart but I have not really found much of a difference. Anyway, the packaging is a white bottle with a very thin nozzle which dispenses a little product. 

The product is white and creamy in consistency but very thin. But, the weird thing is that even a little product does get greasy on the face so applying enough of sunscreen really becomes difficult. Also, a little excess of product and you are left with a white cast as well. I, almost always, had to blot out the excess of product after applying the product (after leaving it on for 15-20 minutes to get absorbed). 

Regarding the efficacy of the sunscreen, I am really not sure if it gives the same protection as the dry touch. Because, I did find my skin tanned and dark in between and since some days, I have been again using the dry touch which has considerably prevented my face from tanning. And, the skin is looking a little brighter as well. 

So, I am back to the previous sunscreen for now!! But, I do think that this sunscreen will suit the dry skin beauties really well. The dry touch is matte and this one is moisturizing. I do skip moisturizer whenever I use this and it never made my skin feel dry. The only issue is that this sunscreen finishes off in a month :( Well, remember that you have to apply sunscreen adequately for proper protection?? 

Btw, have you used this product? How was your experience?

Other products from Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Neutrogena French Milled Soap
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Clean Conditioner

My June Mega Haul

So, let the pics do the talking :)

my peep-toe sandals :)

my sunscreen stock!!

hair bands (thrifted)!!

Lush Dark Angels

Forest Essentials Body Oils (smell heavenly)

sesame oil

won it on Bhumika's blog

received them for reviews

received it just today and dying to try them out!!!

PS: I couldn't click the bangle I bought for mom otherwise I would have shared with you all. Btw, I didn't even talk about the birthday celebrations. It was awesome :) We went to Citywalk for dinner. There is a small bistro called Amici which specializes in wood fired Pizza and Italian food. So, we had a pasta and pizza there and it was just too awesome. So, if guys go there, don't miss it out!!!

PS1: I am desperately waiting for the Kindle. Hope I receive it soon :)

PS2: Just now read on some blog about the All-in-one TBS BB Cream and was intrigued!!! Hope they launch it soon in India as well :)

Related Posts:
My Latest Haul
My December Haul
November Haul
September Haul

My Haul and Other Things

So, I am back to Hyderabad and wallowing in sadness :D And, as you all would be probably aware that my camera had not been functioning properly so I got my other camera this time from home. And, now that I can again take many snaps, I wanted to share some of the hauls in the past months and some other things. Do check out till the end :)

Kara Wipes and Neutrogena new sunscreen from New U and got a nail buffer free :)

Neev soaps from naturalmantra, Parachute body lotion dry skin and body shop haul :)

A word about the above products - Neutrogena new sunscreen is pretty light and oil free but extremely expensive (400 for 30 ml), Kara wipes good as always, Parachute body lotion is good but not for summers obviously ;), ginger body butter is not at all worth the cost (I am regretting it) and I love, love and love the Polynesian Monoi oil.

Essential Oils - rosemary, lavender, neroli, frankincense, bergamot, patchouli, cedarwood, ginger, cinnamon bark

 and, cocoa butter from moksha lifestyle

Loving the essential oils but undecided on the cocoa butter. And, now, a very very very special thanks to Taps for this sweet gift :) Well, remember the huge Glossy Box debacle??? Yes, Taps of Beauty Through my Eyes (she has her first giveaway on so don't forget to participate) sent me this wonderful gift as a substitute for the giveaway win even though I told her not to many times. Thank you sooooooooo much, Taps :)

 

I have been hearing such good things about the chocolate mask that I was very much tempted to get this but I restrained myself as I have so many products to finish. Now, I'm gonna use it ASAP, yippeeee :) And, that's another Neev soap to the collection. And, the third is the fresh line Blue Chamomile mask which was also one of the products I wanted to try. So, this weekend is gonna be a pamper session for me :D

How to remove tanning on arms? {Skin Care}

[Source:writinginspiration.tumblr.com]

Tanning on my arms has been a long standing issue. And, last week, when someone requested me remedies for the same, I thought I would better do a post. Disclaimer: I wouldn't say that I am entirely rid of the tan but I have surely made some progress in the recent years and now, my hands looks a little better than what they did 5-6 years back. 

All of my issues started with the college whether hair or skin. In the school, everything was covered upto the neck and the arms were entirely shrouded in full sleeves and even my socks used to reach the knees and my skirt used to end just above so my knees were definitely one of the most hit parts of my body. But, since, I have been covering my legs ever since, my knees and the surrounding areas have lost all the tan and returned to their normal shade again. 

But, now, the issue remains with my arms and neck. My face is still doing a lot better. So, how to save the arms?

• Elbow-length Gloves: Yes, those which are used for driving. I had started to wear them pretty regularly a year or two back and had noticed my arms coloring had improved quite a lot. But, I shall also accept that they are uncomfortable and cumbersome but then, we do wear scarves all over the face, right??? 

• Sunscreen: Oh yes, absolute must. Arms get tanned very easily and we generally tend to miss them out while applying the sunscreen. But, applying sunscreen on the arms do make a huge deal of difference. I have tried Biotique ones and have received great results and they are economical too. And, right now, I am using Neutrogena Ultra sheer which is equally good but definitely not so economical for me. 

So, those were my two pennies on how I protect my arms and seriously, I have never done anything more for my arms or any other part of my body except face and probably neck (which shall be another post!!). 

Neutrogena Clean Conditioner {Product Review}

This was left out while I was reviewing the Neutrogena products I got from the hotel. I had loved the Deep Clean shampoo so I was pretty excited about the conditioner too. But I am not sure if it is available everywhere though I have seen some of its hair care ranges in some shops. 

Ingredients

My Experience

I would say this is an amazing conditioner. It looks thick but is extremely light-weight on the hair and doesn't weigh it down. It keeps the hair soft and hydrated and adds subtle shine too. And, the hair doesn't get weighed down even after two-three days (this happens with some conditioners). It doesn't also leave any residue on the hair. And, is a perfect shampoo-conditioner pack when combined with the Deep Clean Shampoo.

My Recommendation

Yes, definitely!!!

Also read other reviews from the same brand:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena French Milled Soap
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo

My weekly hair routine {Hair Care}

[Source: Google Images]

I have been trying to take care of my hair since quite long and have been trying to keep a sustaining routine. This is what I do weekly.

• Since my hair is curly and dry, I wash my hair only twice a week unless I go out somewhere in the dirt and pollution and specially in the day time or afternoon. Generally, I do not go out so my limit of shampooing twice weekly. Remember my article on how often should you shampoo hair?

My Weekday's Routine

• On the weekdays, when I wash my hair, I oil my hair and try to give it a hot oil treatment. At the very least, I try to cover my hair with shower cap and cover with a scarf for extra heating.
• If not so elaborately, I do heat the oil and then apply it on the scalp and generally massage my scalp for 15-20 minutes while watching something on the television. 
• Then, I leave the oil overnight and wash my hair next day. 
• I do try to massage my scalp every night but I am not so very regular with it.
• And, I give my hair a trim once in every two months. I do it on my own generally to avoid spending so much of money!!! But, twice in a year, I do prefer to go to a salon for a good hair cut. That reminds me of my next hair cut :)

Washing and Conditioning

• I use a dollop of shampoo and mix it with a fist full of water and dilute it.
• I wet my hair thoroughly with water and then, apply the diluted shampoo to my scalp and massage the scalp for sometime.
• Then, wash it off an follow with the shampoo second time if I have oiled my hair otherwise once is enough.
• After washing my hair, I squeeze the extra water from the hair and then, I apply a good amount of conditioner on damp hair and keep it on for 3-5 minutes minimum.
• After that, I wash my hair thoroughly, obviously, and remove all traces of the conditioner.
• I generally air-dry my hair. I use the towel to squeeze out all the water from my hair and gently wrap it in the towel for sometime to catch all the dripping water. This is something I do in the winters where as in summers, I leave my hair as it is. 
• I use a cotton towel instead of a turkey towel as the turkey towel is more fluffy and can cause the hair to dry out more than the cotton towel. And, I use a separate towel for my hair - the cotton ones which are extremely thin. 
• Anyways, after that I run a drop or two of the hair serum through the damp hair and since my hair is curly, I prefer to detangle my hair when it is 80-90% dry instead of letting it dry completely. The dampness helps the hair to detangle easily as compared to completely dry hair.

My Weekend's Routine 

• I do try to do a weekly deep conditioning treatment as my hair is dry, curly and thin and they get rough and dull very easily so I have to take care of them pretty regularly.  
• In the summers, I prefer to use home remedies like eggs and curd and such things but in winters, I am using the hair masks. 
• But, I do not apply the hair masks on the scalp so I use the aloevera gel for my scalp. And, I keep the conditioning treatment for an hour minimum and wash off my hair. 

So, this is my weekly hair care routine. Nothing elaborate but it helps keep my hair soft, shiny and manageable and routine hair cuts ensure no splits. 

Products I am currently using for hair:

• The Body Shop Detangling Comb
• Rogan Badam Shirin Almond Oil
• Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range
• Pantene Total Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Conditioner
• Biotique Bio Almond and Cashew Fresh Replenishing Serum

My Shelf is overfull - Skin Care {Beauty Products}

Ok, so last time, I cleaned my shelf, I came across a plethora of beauty products lying in my closet. So, I decided that I would do a series of my overflowing skin and hair care products and ask you if you know how should I get rid of them. And, if you ever let your things collect to such and extent and still keep adding to it. So, enjoy the snaps!!! And, you can see what reviews you can await and also read the ones I have done with.

Cleansing and Moisturing

starting with face washes (head to toe!!)

Products already reviewed:

• Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Facewash

Facial Oils

Products already reviewed:

• Anti-aging Serum Varnya 

face moisturizers

Products already reviewed:

• Lacto Calamine
• Auravedic Facial Skin Repair Moisturizing Lotion 
• Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer
• Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream

Toning

[read the review here]

Lip Care

lip moisturizers

Products already reviewed:

• Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter

Face Scrubs and Masks

these are the scrubs I have and I forgot to add the Himjoli Walnut Scrub in the snap!!

Products already reviewed:

• Auravedic Pure Brightening Skin Polish 
• Himalaya Purifying Neem Scrub
• Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub
• Skin Watchers Papaya Moisture Peeling Gel

not so many masks but wait!!!

Products already reviewed:

• Himalaya Purifying Neem Pack
• Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack

see the poor baby!!! he is the only one in his category of 2-in-1

and, I have no idea why I bought this!!

Sunscreens

wish I was so diligent of the protection too :D

Products already reviewed:

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock 
• MVO Everyday Sheer Coverage

PS: Check back the next installment on body care.

Use sunscreen 365 days a year {Sunscreen}

Ok, so this is a sincere advise to people who love to skip on sunscreen. Yes, even I do that!!! Or, rather used to do that and now I have become diligent and force myself to apply the sunscreen everyday as soon as I moisturize my face. The reason is that it helps to keep you young by counteracting the effects of sun rays on skin. And, I have kept my resolve on and off since May so I can safely say that this happens to be true. Daily usage of sunscreen does keep you younger for a longer time or rather prevent wrinkles and age spots which tend to appear as you age. I know it is difficult to find a good sunscreen but for those who haven't tried, you can go for Neutrogena Ultra Sheer or if you have the dough to spend, I would definitely advise MVO Moisturizing Face Screen or Everyday Sheer Coverage. MVO has physical sunscreens and they definitely work!!! Better than chemical ones and you don' have to keep on reapplying them all day!!! And, of course, you should apply adequate amount of sunscreen for proper protection. That is very very important. And, do not skip on sunscreen even for a single day.

Full strength sunscreen in summers is a must but many people tend to forgo it in rainy seasons or cloudy days or even in the winters. But, on cloudy days, there might be a possibility that UV radiations increase so it is always safe to apply a full strength sunscreen. The reason is that though clouds are handy in deflecting the UV rays passing through them, they also reflect the UV rays if the sun is out and not obscured by the clouds. So, don't be fooled by clouds and leave the sunscreen at home. And, regarding winters, yeah you can go little less on the strength that is the spf factor if you wish to. But, forgoing it not at all a good idea. The UVA rays specially remain strongest during the daylight hours all the year round.

spf 15 - filters 93.3% UVB

spf 30 - filters 96.7% UVB

spf > 30 - filters around 97% UVB 

So, clearly any sunscreen having spf more than 30 is not very helpful and efficient. These are mainly marketing tactics so you can protect your skin as well with spf 30 as you will with spf 100. 

I would recommend going for spf 30 in general all round the year because it provides the best protection. It is proven through research that factors higher than 30 do not in anyway provide extra protection as compared to spf 30 so it is better to stick with spf 30 and make sure to reapply it regularly. And, clothing is very important to protect from the sun's rays. So, do take care that you are amply covered.  

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser {Product Review}

This is a small bottle which you get free on the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sun block.

Price: 80 INR for 50ml

Ingredients

Only 3 ingredients which is quiet a change from the long list we generally see and it does have SLS

My Experience

They have tried to make it smell a little citrous.So, first concern which may arise for everyone is the presence of SLS. After all, it is on the top of the list and with only 3 ingredients, I would say its quiet a unique product. I have been using this product since probably a month and only half of it is finished as you can in the first pic. Now, one thing I would mention is that even though it has SLS, it doesn't lather as much as the shampoos and other face washes. It lathers quiet less and cleans rather thoroughly. I have one complain with this face wash that I always feel it leaves a film on my face which I hate completely but it has never made my skin dry or stretchy. Instead, the face does look a little brightened and fresher. And, now the best part of this face wash, since it claims to do deep cleansing of the pores, it actually stands true on the claims. I would say that my blackheads have reduced quiet a lot and recurred less since I have started using this face wash regularly which is more than I can say for nay other face wash. It is for normal to oily skin so yes it suit my combination skin well. And, it is quiet affordable and lasts long.

My Recommendation

It is a good cleanser for oily skin with a lot blackheads trouble. Not for dry skin at all.

Neutrogena French Milled Soap {Product Review}

Another of the hotel goodies :) I love to collect stuff from the hotels. It is like a therapy for me when I see my closet full of the hotel stuff!!! Do you ever collect your hotel goodies???? Ok. so I searched for this soap in Neutrogena's website too but couldn't find it. I am not sure if you would get this product. Anyways, I am still going ahead with the review. Of course, no idea about the price again.

Ingredients

One of the few soaps which doesn't have SLS or SLES in it (sorry for the bad pic!!!)

My Experience

I have this soap in 15gms size and it is lasting me for about 8-10 baths so the soap is not one which melts away. It is definitely moisturizing and doesn't let the skin dry out. Since it summers and I don't like to put body lotions as the humidity is also increasing, I leave my skin after my bath to breathe as much as it can and my skin has never felt dry or dehydrated after using this soap. And, it doesn't even leave a film on my skin as some soaps do. I am not a big fan of soaps coz most of the soaps dry me out. The only soaps I like are Camay Classic and Yardley and this is one new added to the list.

My Recommendation

Do get one of it if you find it anywhere on the counters. It is really a good product.

Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel {Product Review}

Another of the Neutrogena products from the hotel accessories. No idea of the price and availability again.

Ingredients

It does have SLS and parabens and whole lot of other chemicals.

My Experience

It has an exhilarating fragrance which really wakes you up. The fragrance is not natural but it has a citrus scent which is not very strong to irritate but enough to stay for the entire time you take bath and a little afterward. The gel foams a lot and cleanses well but can be a little drying sometimes so not a good gel for winters. It can be drying for dry skin in summers too but will suit the oily skin well. It doesn't leave any film on the body. Also, very little of the shower gel is required for the entire body. I need only 5 drops for my entire body.  

My Recommendation

A good shower gel if you don't mind SLS and parabens.

Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula {Product Review}

I got this small bottle as a part of hotel accessories just like the Neutrogena shampoo. So, I am not sure of the price and its availability.

Ingredients

The best part of this lotion is that it has sesame oil. The ingredients are all chemical so I am not stating all of them but I would like to point out two things - the top most two ingredients listed - Aqua and Sesame seed oil.

My Experience

This is probably one of the best body lotions I have used. It is a very light and moisturizing lotion. And, I guess the whole thing is attributed to sesame seed oil. Though the lotion is very light and spreads really easily on the skin, it doesn't let your skin go dry and dehydrated even after 3-4 hours. Another application may be necessary depending on the weather. This is a perfect body lotion for summers and oily skin. This might be a little light for dry skin in winters but otherwise its a perfect year-round body lotion for every weather. And, it keeps the skin looking glowing and well-hydrated and supple and is not at all sticky and gets absorbed really fast into the skin. And, yes, it is an amazing hand lotion also.

My Recommendation

Oh, yes, definitely!!! I guess Neutrogena is becoming my favorite brand very soon even though it is not herbal.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock {Product Review}

I love this sunscreen to bits and pieces. 

Price: 450 INR for 88 ml (thanks Gautami!!!)

Ingredients

My Experience

This is the best sunscreen I have used till date. I have tried lots and lots of sunscreens and have always hated everyone of them. This is the only one I have been consistent with in usage. It is definitely very expensive so it goes only on my face and neck. Biotique sunscreens are great for my hands and other parts of the body so it works out to be complimentary solution. It doesn't get oily, keeps the face matte and oil free completely. I have stayed with this suncreen for four hours under the sun literally. And, at the end, my face ended up with just a wee-bit of oil which was a combination of oil and sweat. Then, I have used it during my vacations on the beach and in the hills and it gives great protection all round. Since it is spf 50, I leave it for around 4 hours and my skin hasn't tanned a lot (may be a little). Reapplication after 4 hors is obviously necessary. 

The texture is very sheer so if you spread even a little bit of sunscreen on your hands, it feels very creamy. It spreads very easily and gets absorbed easily. If you are applying it in little quantity, it gets absorbed soon but if you apply it in a thick layer, then it takes around 10-15 minutes to get completely absorbed. Now, let me point out one thing. This product is a sunblock not a sunscreen (even though I have used that word). I prefer sunblock to sunscreens coz sunblocks don't get absorbed into the skin. Instead, they stay on the skin and deflect the sun's rays. So, technically, you can apply a sunblock and go into the sun immediately. What I fail to understand is that why should this be, then, applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. I would love an asnwer to this question and would ask Neutrogena people to answer it. Another problem with the product is that it stings in the eye so be very careful while applying it in the eye area.

My Recommendation

You should definitely buy it. Sunscreens are very important and spending on a good one is well-worth the cost.

PS: I had intended to point out that this sunblock is not moisturizing at all but it slipped from my mind while writing the review. Thanks to Dhanu that she reminded me. The sunscreen might be moisturizing enough for oily skins but combination, normal and dry skin need a moisturizer before using the sunblock. 

Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo {Product Review}

I didn't buy this but got the Neutrogena goodies at Hilton, Delhi. I don't think Neutrogena has launched its hair care products in India. Heard that the Triple Moisture range is just awesome. I hope it launches the hair care range in India soon. 

Ingredients

Oh, it has got a really big ingredient list and is full of chemicals as all Neutrogena products. Since you have seen the size of the bottle and the print is not very clear since it is transparent, so I can not reproduce the entire list here. But, it does contain SLS, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (is same as SLS) and Propyl Paraben in case you are interested in these specific ingredients.

My Experience

I loved this shampoo. Generally, I wouldn't know how to review a shampoo coz for me, generally, all are one. But, I have used this one following up with and without any conditioner. For the first time, I used no conditioner coz I wanted to see how it works and it cleansed my hair really clean without making it dry (my hair is quite dry and gets dry very easily). Very less of the product required and it does lather well. No frizzes and no flyaways. My scalp was also not feeling dry and stretchy as it does sometimes with some of the shampoos. And, it does make my hair feel heavy and voluminous which is a very big thing for a shampoo. It leaves hair soft, shiny and bouncy even without the help of a conditioner which is a lot from a shampoo. I think it has been now replaced with Clean Replenishing range. 

My Recommendation

Should be tried once to see if it suits your hair!!! So, try it out when it gets launched here :)