Ci ! Ci ! Vitamin A

Image sourced from healthytipsforfamily.blogspot.com

While you munch on a carrot ( or any other natural source of Vitamin A) let your skin soak this in.
This ingredient in your topical skin care product can help you fight skin aging - yes this has excellent anti aging properties.
If you apply this directly to your skin's problem areas it helps in promoting the growth of healthy skin and helps you to add a healthy glow to your skin - this is what makes it a popular ingredient in anti acne and under eye creams. It helps in promoting the growth of firmer, fuller and younger looking skin.
This ingredient in your skin care product would read like this - RETINOL (VITAMIN A) ( if unable to read - continue treating your body to Vitamin A , it improves your vision !! )
To know more visit : http://www.greenorganics.com.au/organic-natural-skin-care-products/vitamin-a-skin-care-benefits/

Oi ! Oi !Plantain Leaf Extracts

Have you ever touched one of these plantain leaves? Try standing under the shade of a plantain tree  - you'll feel overpowered by the heady aroma of the banana fruit and once the leaf caresses your skin you will realize that this is a natural boon for your skin - you will want more.
What does it do? heal, relieve stress, soothe a sun burn, gets rid of scars and gives you smooth and glowing skin. So wonderful !
If you're buying a cosmetic that contains an active ingredient called " Allantoin " which is one of the essences in this leaf - you have bought into renewal of your skin's cells.
The extracts of this leaf will look like this in your ingredients list - PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA LEAF EXTRACT
While you use a product with this extract, I recommend a stand under the shade of the tree on a hot summer afternoon in a place where you get balmy breeze  - trust me you will feel like you've been touched by angel
To know more : http://living.oneindia.in/beauty/skin-care/2011/plantain-leaf-skin-benefits-060711-aid0111.html

Oi ! Oi ! St John's Wort extracts

Image sourced from healthyfellow.com

Such a saintly effect on your skin! It heals your wounds, it soothes inflammations and irritations, has excellent anti microbial effects and apart from that, the flower is so unbelievably lively ! And guess what? It makes your skin feel exactly the same!
If you buy skin care oil which has this extract it works as an excellent rejuvenator. It also aids in cleansing & toning your skin.
It has strong anti microbial properties and obviously works against acne and blemishes.
A little caveat though - as sunny as the flower looks, it tends to cause your skin to be sensitive under harsh sun. So please use this with your night cream and night skin care routine or winter skin care routine.
This also helps in restoring the skin's natural oil  balance and has a dramatic effect on closing up those angrily open pores.
The extract will look like this - HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT
To know more check this out
http://www.dermaxime.com/st-john-wort.htm
http://delicious-skin.com/gourmet-skincare-ingredients/fresh-organic-st-johns-wort.html
Delicious isn't it?!!!

The Apple of my Eye - Canaan Eye Cream

Another delight from the Dead Sea. Canaan's eye cream works on two typical eye related issues women face - dark circles caused by lack of moisture and wrinkling. 

Canaan's eye cream fortified with their trademarked CSE complex works on moisturizing the eye area and has an anti wrinkling effect as well.

This one comes with a tiny spoon which helps you pick the right quantity of the cream for each eye without any wastage. I think thats extremely thoughtful and for this I rate it a 5/5.

My technique of applying this under eye cream is as follows :

First I finish applying any night moisturizer or serum or cream evenly all over my face ( under eyes area included)

Then I apply the under eye cream in small dots like a crescent moon in the under eye area without missing the crows feet zone

Then I take the tip of my index finger n dab it lightly all over

the moisturizer helps me apply the cream evenly without wastage and the dabbing action helps fast absorption.
This product saved me from the after effects of late nights at work ( and of course the emotional trauma of a really bad boss!) 

Quickly - its ingredients 

1. Water - this ingredient is definitely under the bridge for all subsequent posts !
2. Isopropyl myristate - skin conditioning agent
3. Glycol stearate se - emulsifying agent 
4. Glycerin - skin protectant , skin conditioning
5. Propylen glcyol - skin conditioning 
6. Aetylated lanolin - skin conditioning agent
7. PEG 40 Stearate - cleansing agent / solublizing agent
8. SORBITAN TRISTEARATE -emulsfying agent 
9. CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE - skin conditioning agent
10. UREA - skin protectant , skin soothing 
11. CETYL ALCOHOL - emulsion stabilizer, fragrance ingredient, viscosity reducing, opacifying agent
12. DIMETHICONE - skin protecting, skin conditioning
13. Tocopherol - Vitamin E - we know this one ! http://soproductiv.blogspot.com/2011/11/ci-ci-extraordinary-vitamin-e.html  Vitamin E by So Productive
14. RETINOL (VITAMIN A) - skin conditioning agent 
15. ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) - anti oxidant & skin conditioning agent
16.  IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA - skin protecting, soothing, skin conditioning
17. METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN - common preservatives
18. Fragrance
19. PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA LEAF EXTRACT - plantain leaf extract works as an anti microbial agent
20. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT - St John's wort flower extract 
21. ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT - extract of marshmallow root http://soproductiv.blogspot.com/2011/11/oi-oi-marshmallow-root-extract.html Marshmallow Root by So productive !! acts as a skin conditioning agent - know more 
23. MARIS SAL (DEAD SEA SALT) - this has 21 essential ingredients for your skin - know more  - Dead Sea Salt ( Maris sal) by So Productive !!

What I love about the product - it works and its from the dead sea and it is a truly unique under eye cream ( plus points for the mini spoon applicator) 

Flip side- had to buy it online @ USD 30 from  http://deadseapavilion.com/canaaneyecream.aspx - no offense but it wouldn't hurt to be available at a nearby store? or an Indian e commerce store?

Dead Sea Salt - Brings you back to life!

Image source : deadseaonlinestore.com

Dead sea salt and extracts contain 26 essential minerals which work as a the A - Z for skin, body and hair care.

12 out of the 26 essential minerals are not found in your ordinary sea salt extracts.

Here are some of the benefits of the dead sea minerals

1. Calcium- soothes, strengthens skin membranes and cleans pores
2. Magnesium- helps your body use essential nutrients, also is anti-allergic agent
3. Chloride- restores skin's natural balance of minerals and body's natural acid and alkaline balance 
4. Bromide- relieves skin irritations, anti inflammatory, natural topical anti biotic
5. Sodium Chloride- nourishes, hydrates, detoxifies 
6. Iodine- vital for cell metabolism  
7. Zinc- regenerates skin, anti acne, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, UV ray protection
8. Boron- helps relieve psoriasis
9. Potassium- moisturizes, helps restore natural moisture balance 
10. Sulfur- treats psoriasis and eczema 

Products that contain " Maris Sal" in their ingredients are a sure shot companion in your struggle against acne, hair loss, dandruff, wrinkles, arthritis, skin allergies, cellulite, psoriasis, dry skin, eczema and just generally reducing your stress levels.

If you're using a product that contains Dead Sea extracts it comes with a warm invitation to an irritably relaxing vacation at the Dead Sea 

Enjoy the weightless sensation while it does its magic to your skin 

Image source: skabrat.com

Image source: jewishvirtualibrary.org

Oi ! Oi ! Marshmallow Root Extract

Image sourced from cookipedia.co.uk

Marshmallow - the pale pink flower the glows in the summer blesses you with the following skin care and hair care benefits making it a organic skin/ hair care product extract favorite

1. soothing skin irritations 
2. curb skin degeneration - this means anti aging for you and me !! 
3. heals skin wounds 
4. boosts immunity at a cellular level 
5. boosts moisture levels
6. dentangles and nourishes hair ! 
7. traditionally used by Indian women as a natural breast enlargement treatment 

I love this ingredient mainly because it comes from a pink flower and it makes your skin feel like one too !!!

You can know more at 

http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-marshmallow.htm

1 of a kind Silk Serum to Rejuvenate your skin

Canaan  Daily Silk Serum is a must have. You can use it as a part of your facial routine. The aroma, the gentle smooth silky sensation and the healthy after glow it gives my skin makes me feel blessed.
My curiosity was piqued in an instant when a skin expert at the salon where I purchased it told me that this whole range of products were based on extracts from the Dead Sea.
I call it the miracle serum because it gives me a healthy, radiant glow without much effort.
It is so easy to apply but there's a technique to it.
It comes in a bottle with a pump, so you take a small pump on your index finger.
Apply even dots all over your face and then just gently tap the serum into your skin.
This is the simplest method of applying any kind of moisturizer or sun screen or skin serum.
Caveat - don't do this in front of your partner/ friends, they will definitely find it strange ! But it works for your skin and you love yourself so you  have to do it.
Quickly
What I love about this product - easy to apply, fast absorbing, ultra moisturizing without over oiling, unbeatable and unmistakable after glow
Flip side - not easily available in retail
Rating - 5/5 it has Dead sea extracts...where can you find such stuff?!
Cost - USD 25 ( Because I purchased this from a salon)
You can buy from here
http://deadseapavilion.com/canaandailysilkserum.aspx

Ingredients demystified and explained -

1. CSE Complex (trade marked ingredient) - moisturizes, energizes and refreshes your skin 
2. Water - makes it quick absorbing and non greasy
3. Propylene Glycol - skin conditioning, viscosity decreasing
4. Glycerin - skin protectant
5. Panthenol (Provitamine B5) - moisturizing and lubricant compound 
6. Dimethicone Copolyol - a silicon based polymer used as a skin conditioner, moisturizer and protecting agent 
7. Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salt) - skin conditioning agent used as a protection for the skin 
8. Althaea Officinalis Root Extract - marshmallow root extract used for skin conditioning 
9. Hypericum Perforatum Extract - St Johns Wort flower capsules, leaves and stem extract used as an anti microbial, skin protecting, astringent tonic which soothes the skin while masking it 
10. Plantago Lanceolata - - extract of plantain leaves, oh so Jordanian !!! Feels so good - it has anti microbial properties ( will provide a detailed review) 
11. Carbomer - this is a gel forming agent 
12. Lactose - skin conditioner 
13. Cellulose - this is organically derived from plant fibers and is used as an absorbant
14. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - this binds the product 
15. Chromium Hydroxide Green - this is a colorant 
16. Tocopheryl Acetate - Vitamin E - so good for your skin !
17. Ascorbyl Palmitate - Vitamin C - an antioxidant 
18. Fragrance - obvious isn't it?
19. Methylparabe & Propylparaben - we know these are widely used preservatives 
20. Imidazolidinyl Urea - this is also a widely used preservative

CTM - Why? ( Cleanse Tone Moisturize)

Image sourced from chiclooking.co.in

  Why is it important to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face?
Facial skin is most vulnerable to the effects of our life style - whether we are holed up in an air conditioned office all day or we're out in the sun for most of the day.
I keep my routine simple but I do it everyday - cleanse, tone and moisturize (CTM)
Why?

1. Cleansing - here you use a face wash or cleanser that suits your skin the best and apply it to your wet face in circular motions all around  ( don't skip the hair line) and on your neck. Once you're done splashing about you realize that the layer of excess oil, dust and grime is visibly reduced apart from the psychological effect of feeling fresh as a daisy?

Feel like your skin is too dry or non oily? Try a cream based face wash - its an important step in restoring your natural oil balance while you cleanse your face

2. Toning - once your face is feeling soft as a petal right after you pat it dry, you realize that you can now see all those trouble spots, maybe you have open pores, maybe you have a little nasty zit popping up, maybe your make up was too resilient - you need to tone your skin to restore the natural Ph balance of your skin, address those open pores, get rid of remnants of your day's make up or the cleanser you used even!

3. Moisturizing - before your toner dries up its important to seal in the moisture with a luscious moisturizer. You can use anything that suits your mood, ensure your toner is not jealous. I have combination skin and I used to skip this step till I realized that its almost like a crime, its like treating your skin to a full course meal without dessert. 

You must moisturize, if your skin is too oil, try water based products.

CTM must be accompanied with some good mental energy exercises as well otherwise its a waste!

1. Cleanse  - while cleansing, please rid your mind of all the negative thoughts you have - its toxic to feel bad about yourself. While you're cleansing your face, get rid of the day's toxins. Here you must tell your self " I'm opening myself up to receive love"

2. Toning - Now you've got to attack those deep rooted toxins, if there's too many things from the past that are troubling you, just dig them out from every inch of your skin. Get rid of those resilient emotional toxins that your mind is holding on to. Tell yourself "I'm freeing myself from all emotional baggage" 

3. Moisturizing - soothe your mind with some love. Tell yourself " I approve of myself, I love myself" 

Go girl go !!!!

3 Step Ritual towards beautiful skin

Image sourced from  clinique.com

I believe skin is the index of your emotions.
You're shy - you blush, you're happy - you glow...you're sad - you look pale.
I was going through many changes in my life in early 2010.
These changes showed up as angry skin reactions on my face.
Nothing seemed to work - water, exercise, diet nothing could fight my skin's angry reactions.
That's when I stumbled upon Clinique's 3 step cleansing system
Based on a skin test at the Clinique outlet I was diagnosed as a Type 3 i.e. Combination oil ( No surprise here with the 90% humidity level in my city)
You can take this simple test on Clinique's website to determine your skin type.
You can match your skin type to the products as indicated on the website.
I'm a type 3 - so I need to use the products that you see in the image.
I'll be introducing these products in another post, right now I'll explain the 3 steps
Step 1 - Cleanse : here you will need to use the liquid face soap pretty much like you would use any face wash
Step 2 - Exfoliate : the Clarifying lotion step is like you would use a toner except that this one acts as a perfect after wash wipe and a pre-step for aiding the application of the moisturizer
Step 3 - Moisturize : this is a liquid based moisturizer that gets absorbed into your skin almost instantly. Works perfect

Now let me answer your question, can I follow the 3 step routine with just any other product? The answer is yes, then why did I buy the Clinique face care 3- step set?
To make myself feel good. That's what beauty is all about...feeling good within and without. Something about the way the product communicated with me made me feel like this is like telling myself " I love you" in skin care language.
Will review each individual product in the set I've used in the upcoming posts....

I'm a Type 3 - Combination to Oily

Ci ! Ci ! Extraordinary Vitamin E

Image sourced from myorganicchemistry.wikispaces.com

Ever thought about the effect of applying vitamins to your skin? Go fetch some almonds or chew on an avocado for a feel good effect while you read the rest of the post.

Vitamin E helps your skin in the following ways

• anti oxidant
• pollution protection 
• UV rays protection
• anti aging
• after sun care
• scar lightening 
• skin strengthening
• restoring natural oil balance of skin 

Okay these are just the top lines, in summary this is a must have in your skin care product. Its chemical extract will have this - "tocopherol" - as a pre fix to these words - " acetate/ extract / alpha / mixed" etc
If you're thinking why apply it when you can eat it, think twice - its always better to pamper yourself inside out and what better way to do it than to indulge in some wholesome skin care products???
You can read more about the benefits of Vitamin E here
http://www.healthy-skincare.com/benefits-of-vitamin-e.html
http://www.aromantic.co.uk/vitamins-skin.htm

Oi ! Oi ! Sweet Almond Oil

Image sourced from naturaldogcompany.com

Just take a look at these soft, pink, happy sweet almond blossoms - now imagine bathing your skin in all their goodness - satin and smooth personified!!
Sweet almond extract is the fast track to smooth skin.
Products that contain these extracts are typically non greasy as sweet almond oil is easily absorbed by skin. It not only nourishes and protects your skin it has a rejuvenating effect as well !
Products that contain sweet almond oil extracts will have this listed in their ingredients -  prunus amygdalus dulcis.
And you thought sweet almond could only add grace to your dessert !

Image sourced from hotelandspaessentials.com

I'll leave you with a small tried and tested tip here - try some sweet almod oil on your hair and your chapped lips as well to give them a delicious moisture inducing treat....
If you would like to know more, you can check these places
http://www.dermaxime.com/almond-oil.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Almond-Oil-for-Aging/Dry-Skin

Some classic moisturizing for your skin

I like a product with some history, some attitude and some personality. That's what I got with this fuss free moisturizer.
Creme 21 was one of the first skin care brands with an attitude in the 60s and was stylized and named after the German pop band Creme 21.
Orange and so iconic, you just have to have some on your skin.
Its so plain, simple, fuss free and fast absorbing. When I used it for the first time I didn't think it would work because its so light and my skin was so dry ! But quietly and subtly 2 days later I could feel my skin and I didn't want to stop. A couple of days later my skin seemed irresistibly soft to my partner...wow - that's true testimony. I love this cream.
The product I'm reviewing for you is the Soft care & hydro balance moisturizing cream with vitamin E.
Initially hydro balance didn't mean much to me till I realized that the cream actually helps the skin attain a natural moisture balance in stead of over working it.
Let's break down the ingredients for you

• Aqua - water
• Parrafinum liquidum - mineral oil - skin conditioning and skin protecting agent
• Glyceryl stearate se - emulsifying agent 
• propylene glycol - common skin conditioning agent
• glycerin - skin conditioning 
• octyldodecanol - fragrance ingredient which also acts as a skin conditioner
• potassium palmitate - cleansing / emulsifying agent 
• potassium stearate - cleansing / emulsifying agent
• cetearyl alcohol - stabilizer
• dimethicone - skin conditioning and skin protecting agent
• prunus amygdalus dulcis - sweet almond oil - guess what? well its a luxurious natural moisturizer 
• tocopheryl acetate- Vitamin E, anti oxidant, skin conditioner
• potassium carbomer - it forms a protective film and controls viscosity
• panthenol - its a form of Vitamin B5 which is used as a moisturizing compound 
• phenoxyethanol, methylparaben and propylparaben are presservatives commonly used in cosmetics 

The cream lasts for 12 months post manufacturing, I use it everyday after my bath and it vanishes into my skin to work its magic on me.

You could buy it from Amazon @ 12 USDs approximately 

• What I love about it - absolutely fuss free and fast absorbing, works fast - we love all this about products 
• Flip side - not available in organized retail yet ( In India) 
• Rating - 5/5 ( I love a product with attitude) 

Oi ! Oi ! Plum Extracts

Image sourced from plumbelievable.com

Your skin can never be glum if it gets a regular dose of some plum!
Use a product that contains plum extracts and just allow your skin to be moisturized, conditioned and smoothened.
Plum fruit is packed with Vitamin C which is nature's way of saying skin conditioning with a capital C.
It contains the right kind of free radicals that can have an anti aging effect on your skin and wait for it.... your hair too !!
This is definitely one indulgent natural ingredient for your hair and skin.



If you would like to know more about the use of plum extracts in skin care you can visit these websites :
http://www.naturesgold.com.au/kakadu-plum
http://meiganic.com/

Oi ! Oi ! Grape seed extracts

Image sourced from indiavision.com

Skin heaven is full of people who have a grapeful heart !
Grape seed extracts are a favorite organic ingredient in skin care products because they work as an excellent multitasking skin conditioning and hair conditioning agent.
Here are a list of all the tasks it performs:

• UV light absorber
• Sun screen agent 
• Anti fungal 
• Anti dandruff
• Anti microbial 
• Anti oxidant 

And if its in your oral care product it works its charm as an oral care agent as well.

Products that contain grape seed extracts would typically include this in their ingredients list :
extract of vitis vinifera seed or extract of vitis vinifera.

You know what? I say, its wine for the spirit and grape seed for the skin !!! A truly wonderful ingredient.

Oi ! Oi ! Lemon extracts

Image sourced from bradcreerhrcook's food blog

When life gives you lemons...you extract them and use it on your skin.
Lemon extracts work as a natural refresher and a purifier for your skin.
It has astringent and skin lightening properties.
It works wonders on oily skin by decongesting pores.
It works as a lovely toner as well.
Some schools of organic well being also believe that it works perfectly on dandruff because of its purifying properties.
It works on pigmentation and discoloration as well.
Products that contain lemon extracts will probably spell this out for you in their ingredients listing : "citrus medica limonum extract"

Oi ! Oi ! Aloe Vera

Image sourced from "whyaloevera.com"

Aloe vera is a miracle ingredient for restoring the natural balance and improving the health of your skin. It is also a perfect hair care product.
This makes it a favorite organic ingredient in face care, body care and hair care products.
It is my personal favorite because it has scar reducing properties.
Like water is the elixir of life for us, aloe vera is the elixi-gel of life for the skin.
Its so perfect.
Just keep applying it frequently especially on dry skin or troubled skin and stay cool.
A tip - it works wonders if refrigerated.
Aloe, ice and everything nice !!
To know more you can check this place out
http://www.whyaloevera.com/skin-care.html

Aloe Vera - for your soul's search and your skin's thirst

Rustic Art's Pure Aloe Vera Gel with Lemon Extracts is easily one of the best Aloe Vera gel product's I've ever used! I mean it.
I've tried home made aloe vera, aloe vera from mendicant quacks, aloe vera from random ayurveda shops but seriously with this one, I can now end my soul's search for perfect aloe vera.
It contains no colour, no fragrance and no animal fat.  The product hasn't been tested on animals - I mean come on! I feel bad for the animals who haven't been pampered with this delightful gel.
It contains lemon extracts that work perfectly on any skin allergies, infections or inflammations.
It is a colorless and clear gel that has the consistency of lets say a more accommodating and playful jelly? I dunno but I definitely feel tempted to taste it just to get a feel of it. The product is completely organic and you can tell that it is so because it just works wonders on your skin. Initially like any aloe vera product you do feel your skin slightly tighten up under the gel ( your skin doesn't absorb it) and then all you can feel is a smooth soulfulness and a gorgeous glow. Best time to apply it is immediately after your shower and definitely at night - sweet dreams guaranteed if you let yourself experience the "soothing" with a capital O!

• What I love about it - it helps calm my skin and my conscience, I typically use it after long hours at the pool or out in the sun. Its your perfect after sun mate. I use it everyday actually and I can't live without it 
• Cost - INR 150 ( approximately 3 USD?)
• Flip side - I wish I could get like a huge jar full of this stuff ( also I wish I could eat it)
• When you use this, you will just KNOW its good for you.

To know more, you can visit this website , don't forget to notice the " certified organic ingredients" label on their website.
Personally, I can't wait to try all their products

http://rusticart.in/rustic-creations.html

Ci ! Ci ! - Chemical Ingredients

For products that are largely chemical based, I will try my best to include an image of the ingredients mentioned on the packaging. If this is not possible or unreadable, I will type it out for your reference because I definitely do that much for you !!!
Also, based on research I will try my level best to include an explanation of the formulation.
Please remember I am neither a professional nor an expert on chemical product formulations and my research will be largely based on secondary sources of information and wherever possible an expert professional interview will be included.
Once more, I am not endorsing the use of any products I review, what I'm doing is merely reviewing the product based on my own personal experience or wherever possible a genuine consumer interview ( I will mention who is consumer and give a reference to the context in such a case) - please do consult a proper dermatologist / skin expert for recommendations on product usage, its for your own good my gorgeous productaholics !!
Happy reading and happy product worshipping !!! :D

Too hot to handle? Try a sun screen face wash!

When I spotted this product I felt like I'd struck gold! I was in Dubai -  its perpetually sunny in Dubai.
I felt a new confidence when I started using the Lotus Herbals safe sun range's sun screen face wash gel with grapes & plums for sun protection.
Grape seed extracts help in deep cleansing and normalizing the skin's ph balance apart from acting as an excellent sun screen agent, while plum extracts helps deposit the active sun screen agent evenly on the skin.
Initially I didn't believe this product and I thought I'm going to have a cling film feeling but wow ! after I used it, my skin would feel fresh and protected at the same time.
Obviously you would combine it with a sun screen if you're leaving your home or office but when you're indoors and you still need sun protection, this is the perfect answer.
Did you know that in direct sun light can also damage your skin? If you didn't know buy it from me now and try sun protection even if you're exposed to indirect sunlight.
For people who like hassle free face care at home or in office, this is the perfect product.
Cost - INR 99 (2 USD approx)
What I like about it - I love the way the product feels in my hands and on my skin, I love the after effect of feeling protected 
Flip side - why can't I just walk out wearing just this?!! 
For largely chemical products I will put up the ingredients as mentioned on the packaging and will share information based on my research, please remember I'm a consumer I'm not claiming to be an expert on chemical formulations. 

1. p-Methoxy 
Cinnaomidopropyldimethhyllauryl
2. Ammonium Tosylate Peg -12
3. Dimethicone Disodium E.D.T.A. 

My research 


The product packaging mentions that the product contains an innovative sun screen agent which is newly invented - which makes me believe I may not find these ingredients easily 

1. Not able to access information on the first ingredient, however the chemical " methoxycinnamate" is commonly used for UV protection as a 
Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV ABSORBER
2. Not able to find the exact ingredient however, found a similar sounding CETRIMONIUM TOSYLAT which is a quaternary ammonium salt and is used as an emulsifying agent in products 
3. Dimethicone - is a commonly used as a skin protectant, skin conditioner or anti foaming agent

Source for information on chemicals - http://www.ewg.org/skindeep
For more information you can visit the Lotus Herbals site : http://lotusherbals.com/

Here comes the sun! Try a Lotus umbrella

The perfect matte block

I like this product by the Lotus Herbals Safe Sun range for only one reason - its called the 3 in one matte look daily sunblock and it really lives up to being a matte look sun screen.
I've tried the SPF 40 UVB version which is suitable for all skin types. I obviously wouldn't use it when I'm out in the sun for a very long time - the kind of sun you are likely to experience at the Maldives or say Goa. This is a perfect everyday use sun screen when you know you're not in the sun for more than 2 hours.
The product promises sun protection, skin lightening and a matte effect and based on my experience it delivers excellently on the 3rd promise. The skin lightening effects are not rapid enough for me to notice how its working. Sun protection like I said , I would not experiment with this product under direct harsh sunlight. Works perfect if I have to zip out for a drive in the sun, hit the super market, come back home and then step out again. It won't work if I'm at the beach or by the pool or in it all day. In case you're a only one sun screen at a time kind of girl, then I would recommend frequent re application - it doesn't build up on your skin and its easy to apply.
Cost - INR 295 ( 6 USD approx)
What I like about it - the even toned matte look it creates, easy to apply - thats just perfect when you're on the go, feels so light.
Flip side - requires frequent application, though its good hygiene for all sun screens I'm lazy
Rating - 3/5

Ingredients as mentioned on the packaging 

My research
I'm only going to try and attempt to explain the chemical sounding ingredients, you obviously don't want to read about "water" and "glycerin". Where I don't find information, I can't write much about that ingredient, the objective of this is to help you understand my experience.
So here goes

• Kaolin : this is used as a Abrasive; Absorbent; Anticaking Agent; Bulking Agent; Opacifying Agent; Skin Protectant;Slip Modifier
• Oxybenzone : sunscreen ingredient associated with photo allergic reactions
• Methoxycinnamate : found in sun screen products it acts as a Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV absorber or a UV filter 
• Titanium dioxide : used in sun screen products as a UV absorber or a sun screen agent 
• Butyl Methoxydibenoylmethane : used in sunscreen products as a sunscreen agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV Absorber ; UV filter
• Cyclopentasiloxane : skin conditioning agent 
• Phenoxyethanol : used as a fragrant ingredient or a preservative
• Methylparaben : used as a fragrant ingredient or a preservative ( this isn't a typo or repetition it really does this according to my secondary source) 
• Propylparaben : used as a fragrance ingredient, perfuming, preservative
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone :  widely used preservative; has been associated with allergic reactions ( I did not face any allergic reactions !) 
• Methylisothiazolinone :  widely used preservative
• Iron Oxides : Cosmetic colorants ( this products looks like a regular foundation lotion) 

Aha! Now I see how it lasts for nearly 4 years!!! My pack was manufactured in Jan 2011 and I can use it all the way upto Jan 2014

100% Herbal Actives

What does this seal " 100% herbal actives" mean?
This means that from the entire formulation of the product, the key ingredients which will directly act on your skin condition are the active ingredients.
In the case of this face wash product show cased on the label - Neem & Turmeric are the key ingredients in the face wash formulation that will directly act on your skin condition ( in this case it is acne prevention).

Oi ! Oi ! Turmeric

Turmeric is a common ingredient in Indian food and is traditionally used in most Indian households in improving complexion and treating acne.
It has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties which makes it a popular ingredient in organic or ayurvedic face care products that treat or prevent acne.

You learn more at a glance on
http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/benefits-of-turmeric-for-skin-and-more/
( photo credit to this site) 

Oi! Oi! Neem

Neem leaves are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure almost any skin ailment. In India the Neem tree is called as the "Heal all" tree.
It is believed to have anti fungal, antibacterial properties and is a popular ingredient in face care products that target acne prevention and cure. 


To know more you can visit the site where I sourced this image from http://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=132

Herbal face wash - Ayurveda for your skin, gets rid of bad skin karma!

This face wash prevents pimples. It really does. I use this on those days when I know what I've done is going to result in a pimple ( we all know - right after too much fried food, right after a day in the sun, right before your period and so on). This is suitable for all skin types. 

The feel of it - its a soap free gel based face wash. The after effect is clean, soft and supple skin and no over drying. 

Key ingredients - each gram contains 50 mg extracts of Nimba ( Azadirachta indica) which is Neem and 5 mg of Haridra (Curcuma longa) which is Turmeric 

It contains no harmful chemicals in it.

It is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine.

Cost - 50 ml costs INR 45 ( Almost 1 USD) and its available at your nearby super market

What I love about it - the fact that it really actually works on preventing pimples, I would combine this with a satvic ayurvedic diet - it just makes  you feel right 

Flip side - doesn't work on existing pimples rapidly. It is an ayurvedic product , it doesn't work as a chemical that will zap out your zit. But that's also what we love about it !

Rating  - 3/5 - I don't feel like using it all the time because my skin isn't acne prone. 

Oi ! Oi ! COSMEBIO

If you see this label on your product, feel assured that the brand is a member of a 350 member leading ecological and organic cosmetics professional association dominant in Europe. The brand would need to adhere to an “Ecological and Organic Cosmetics” charter. 

To know more visit : http://www.cosmebio.org/en/qui-sommes-nous.php

Oi Oi ! (O - Organic, I - Ingredients, ! - Alert) Verbena Leaves

Verbena Leaves act as a mild astringent in cosmetic products. 

Perfect replacement for face wash

I went through a phase when any face wash seemed too chemical for me to handle - this was a purely emotional battle with face washes, in reality, most products are carefully manufactured by companies and I truly believe that if you can match the right product to your skin / hair type, learn how to use it the right way and use it as directed you will see desired effects. 

Anyway, during this “I’m off face wash” phase, I spotted the Biguine Bio Verbena Milk which is a make up remover and a daily cleansing milk. A stylist at the Jean Claude Biguine salon recommended that I use the cleansing milk with a toner and a serum ( I will write about them in another post). She had replaced her face wash routine with the cleansing milk for 2 months and her skin was radiant!

I tried it out for 2 months and I was in love. It felt like a handsome lover - resilient yet gentle. Before I explain how to use it, let me tell you that I have combination skin and at that point in time I lived and worked in a polluted, hot and humid metropolitan city ( Mumbai) - so this was beautiful for my skin.

Adherent to the COSMEBIO charter the product contains 99% plant ingredients which are organically grown. 31% of the total ingredients are from Organic Agriculture and 100% ingredients are from a natural source.

It contains - water, palm oil, hazel seed oil, lemon peel oil, verbena leaf oil, Olibanum oil, yarrow oil and ingredients which are naturally present in the essential oils. There is this one chemical sounding  ingredient “cetearyl alcohol cocoglucoside” , however, my research indicates that this is certified as a personal care ingredient by the Natural Products Association. 

How does one use it? You need to take a small pump ( just one tiny squeeze of the tube) on a cotton wool or cotton pad and wipe the grime off your face. Ideally you should follow this up with the Biguine Bio sunflower seed cleanser ( will write about it later), however its okay to wash it off with water too.

I replaced this for my face wash and I live in a humid city, so I need water on my face just to make me feel fresh, so I followed it up with water. 

Cost - INR 1860 

Where can you buy it - these products are only available at Jean Claude Biguine salons in Mumbai 

What I love about it - silently does it job without any side effects on a combination skin. Does not leave your face dry or unnaturally clean after usage. Its quite resilient on any grime on your face. Ask me, I’m an Indian woman - this got rid of a vermillion spot on my forehead after my visit to the temple in one swipe. Its perfect as a cleanser. It works so fabulously well for removing any kind of resilient make up. 

Flip side - lasts only for 3 months after opening, guess thats the price you pay for buying natural products. It has a rather unpleasant odor - I loved it because it felt earthy but my gal pal hated it when I got her to use it. Also, its only available at the salon, you will need to visit the salon and may need to over come the embarrassment of not being a regular customer there to buy this product. 

Rating - 5/5 ( I love natural products ) 

What’s missing - I would so totally use a face wash, I need a face wash emotionally. Its like using those shampoos that don’t foam up. I love the feeling of soap suds on my face and I don’t care if they’re chemical , please pretty please? A face wash? 

For more information you can visit these websites ( I’ve sourced the product photo used in this post from the Jean Claude Biguine website)

http://www.biguine.com/gamme-bio/visage/?langue=US

http://www.franchise-biguine.com/biguine-annuaire/index.php?p=7

http://www.biguineindia.com/

The Miraculous lip calm lip balm

Are your lips ready for some tender loving care? Okay, let’s face it, we love our lip products and spending hours in our air conditioned offices ignoring our dry lips.

We love avoiding that sip of water just to give our lips an occasional lick when it needs moisture, but has all this lack of care left your lips dry beyond repair?

Stop feeling guilty, I’ve found this awesome lip balm which is so basic, so nude and so scrumptiously honest that its mouthwateringly irresistible. I don’t have a fancy product name, its just called Honey & Bees wax lip balm by Last Forest which claims to be one of the largest known network of organic and fair trade products in India. 

Quickly - its ingredients are bees wax- which is oh so good for your lips, olive oil ( you can taste the olive oil in it ) and essence - this is very mild and undetectable. Once you use the product, you will know that its just this and nothing else, no complicated chemical stuff. 

Costs - INR 40 ( that’s less than 1 USD but its worth more than every fancy product I’ve ever sealed my kisses with) 

What I like about it - no product build up, I really mean it. ZERO product build up on your lips.

Plus it isn’t jealous of any other product you use along with it, it just mixes well and adds to the color and glow.

How do I know that its not jealous? I’ve used this as a base for lipsticks for all important events where I would need to wear lipstick through the evening/ night. In fact, this helped seal the product too! 

Its not addictive - I mean , my lips don’t dry out if I don’t use it. Its extremely effective on chapped beyond recognition lips. 

Flip side - so difficult to source! its not on every counter at every shop but it really should be. 

Star Rating - 4/5 

What’s missing - can be a little more stylish, can’t we have some interesting name already? That’s one of the reasons we love products, don’t we? 

Flavors I haven’t tried but wouldn’t miss based on my experience : strawberry, mint & orange - these just sound so wholesome and good. 

To know more visit : http://lastforest.in/products-page/bees-wax-lip-balms

One can order online

So many product trials so little time !!

I will write about all products I've used, once this list is over, I will try new products that pique my interest . Also if I don't personally use them I will post interviews of people who use interesting products that I don't use. The focus is on getting original reviews.
Can't wait to get started !!

So Productive!!

This blog is your one stop shop for all you need to know about skin care, hair and beauty products. I am not talking about make up here. I am talking about skin and hair care - beauty creams, face washes, shampoos, conditioners, serums and more. 

I am a product enthusiast. I used to build Nivea’s brand in the media space professionally and thats where I fell in love with the skin care category. I realized there so many products in the market which suit different requirements.

Through  my consumer research and competitive studies for the skin and hair care category, I realized that consumers treasure honest product reviews from actual consumers over mass media advertisements. 

 I am not being paid by any brand to review or endorse their products. Through this blog I am not selling or recommending a single product I review, I am not a qualified dermatologist or professional who can recommend the products that are most likely to suit you. What I share are product experience reviews  or in another words what works for me, what I like, what I don’t.