Wednesday 30 November 2011

Aloe Vera Natural Hair Conditioner



Dry & rough hair is a common problem these days & after shampooing hair begins to lose moisture and is prone to pollutants. Hair, when exposed to various pollutants, harsh winds and sun tends to become brittle & dry.  To rectify this hair should be moisturized, given a sheen and should be conditioned.

And Aloe Vera is a great option to be used as a conditioner. Likewise aloe vera should be used as a wash off conditioner, even though it can be used as leave on conditioner but i found it very sticky and is difficult to manage.
So, use Aloe vera along with citrus fruits this give a very shiny soft effect.

How to prepare this conditioner:
Squeeze one lemon into the bowl & add some Aloe Vera gel in it .Now add few drops of your favorite essential oil, this will give you a personal scent feeling.
Mix all the ingredients & use this as a conditioner after shampoo & rinse thoroughly.

Thanks
Keep Smiling & be beautiful with me :)


Tuesday 29 November 2011

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash (Product Review)

Today I am sharing my experience with one of the best face wash I have ever used for my oily acne prone skin i.e.” Neutrogena oil free acne wash”. I always wanted something that can help me to reduce my acne without doing many efforts & keep my skin oil free for long. And then I got this miracle for my skin. Thanks to Neutrogena.

Bebeautifulwithpunam
Price: 350rs
Quantity: 175ml
 This one bottle last me some 4-5 months even when I used to wash my face 2-3 times a day because just a pea size is enough to wash your face.
Company’s claim: Neutrogena oil free acne wash is an alcohol free cleanser that provides deep cleaning without over drying your skin. It penetrates deep to clean pores to help prevent pimples by removing excess oil & surface build up. Special ingredients soothe & condition skin, leaving it clean, residue free & never oily.


Ingredients :

Bebeautifulwithpunam

Its main ingredient is salicylic acid, which has following properties –
Anti –inflammatory
Anti irritant
Anti-microbial
Salicylic acid encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin.
My experience with the product:
 I first bought this product, I was excited to try it and see the ‘magic’ ASAP. While I showered, I applied it to my face as instructed and washed it off to the feeling of smooth skin. I was ecstatic that I ALREADY felt a difference. After washing my face with this I wipe my face with rose water & my cotton ball was absolutely clean. My face was oil free for at least 4 hrs after that I just had a bit of shine on my face.
 It isn’t over drying for my oily skin but in winters I do feel like applying moisturizer after it.

 With the regular use in a very short span of time I can see it reduces my existing acne & reduces the formation of new acne & blackheads to an extent. So the claim of brand is all true here. I can say all this with some confidence because this is my second bottle .
Since I have started using it I never had breakout, except once when for 2 days I dint wash my face before going to bed. So this was my entire fault
This product is not only for oily skin but for all who are facing the problem of acne.
Easy to use pump & bottle is very handy
Oops about the product:
If over lathered or over used it may over dry skin , especially normal & dry skinned people may feel bit chapped & tight after using it but gradually one can know the proper quantity  for there skin type .
Thanks
Keep smiling J to be beautiful


Sunday 27 November 2011

Home Made Moisturizers

 As we all know moisturizers are must in winter because it not only relieve your dry skin but prevent further dryness as well.

So, Why not make a moisturizer at home this winter..???

Here are few that i have tried & you can make them from all the ingredients easily available in your kitchen-

I-Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater  
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Few drops of jojoba oil
The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, giving it a soft, smooth texture.
Jojoba oil is non comedogenic oil that gives you a moisturized skin for a long time.
Rose water is known for its cooling effect to dry skin & its natural oils trap moisture in the skin, helping it feel and look smoother.
This moisturizer hydrates your skin with a pleasant, lingering fragrance.

II-This one is from my mom, she uses it whole winter . This moisturizer will even bring glow on your face.

Ingredients:
  • 1 fresh Lime (juice)
  • 1/4 cup milk cream
  • 2 tablespoons  Olive oil
When used on normal skin, the milk has a gentle, soothing effect without the irritation of other natural remedies.
Olive oil again a very good moisturizer & lemon juice mixed with olive oil can provide a more bracing and refreshing feeling.

NOTE – You can keep all the above moisturizers in your fridge for few days.

So, when you feel dry or itchy this winter ,try this out & get soft & smooth skin from your kitchen.

Keep Smiling :) & Be Beautiful

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Winter Skin Care



Winter is just not about warm clothes, snuggling close to the pillows wrapped from head to toe in a comfy quilt.It is time to battle the cold winds that hampers your skin .Because your skin is the first one to feel the sign of winter. By little care let’s get prepared this winter to keep wintry troubles at bay…..


 So here are 10 things you must do this winter -

1. Drink water

 Generally water intake reduces during winter but a good amount of water helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well keeping skin disorders at bay. Hydrate your skin within. Herbal tea is also great when it’s really cold. .

2. Exfoliate …

Exfoliate your body to remove dead skin cells. Add this to your cleansing routine at least once a week. Not only you’ll feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells. Now you’re ready to moisturize your skin!

3. Don’t forget to moisturize …

Moisturizers and cold creams are a must in the winters. If you have dry skin moisten your skin with a good creamy hand and body lotion or a oil based moisturizer.
"You have to put on moisturizer when your skin is still damp," That way, the moisturizer is trapping the moisture still on your skin." Your skin shouldn't be sopping wet -- just pat yourself dry with a towel and put it on. 
One myth that I want to clear is that oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized. Oily skins also need to be moisturized. Regular use of a moisturizer is important, even for those with acne. Remember, nearly all acne treatment products dry the skin to some extent. To avoid flaking and peeling skin, moisturizer is a must.
But don't slather on a greasy product. Instead, choose a moisturizing gel or lotion. They are lighter than products labeled moisturizing cream. Whatever moisturizer you choose, be sure it is specific for oily skin & marked Non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic products are less likely to cause pore blockages.
4. Sunscreen …
It's cold in winter, so you don't need sunscreen, right?  Wrong. Actually, you need it more. In the winter, the sun is closer to the earth and its rays are even stronger. Although it's true that you're outside for less time and are more bundled up when you are, but your face and hands are still exposed to harmful rays. Alternatively, choose a product that combines a sunscreen with a moisturizer.

5. Gloves …

It’s simple but it works! Why expose your hands to the cold. Choose a good quality pair that does not irritate the skin. If you’re allergic to wool, wear a cotton mitten underneath. It will help keep your hands dry and warm.

6. Oil bath …

Now how does jojoba oil or sweet almond bath sound to you? Relaxing isn’t it! Nourish you skin by adding a few drops of these oils into your every day bath. It will do wonders for your skin or pamper you skin with a little coconut oil massage before bath to heal dryness and chaps.

7. No blow dry …

Yes, sadly so. The blow drier is not your friend in winter. Try the tousled look or the wavy style this winter. Hot air dries out your scalp and can irritate your skin as well. So give the blow drier a miss this cold season.

8. Don’t lick …

… your lips. If you do, you’ll only chap your lips even more. Keep a lip balm in your purse and apply it when you’re tempted! Butter is effective in curing chapped lips and renders an extra softness.

9. Food that nourishes

Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on the intake. A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals will show signs, such as flaky skin. Few fruits & veggies can help you -

Add Essential fatty acids such omega 3 like oily fish, If fish isn’t your thing, look for flaxseed, avocado, and walnuts.

 Taking a supplement, such as evening primrose oil - and fish oils won't hurt either and could possibly help the skin's barrier.

Beyond drinking water, eat fruits and veggies that have high-water content like apples, oranges, pineapple, celery, and don’t forget to add cucumbers, carrots, yogurt, and almonds.

AND 10
Be happy & keep smiling … that’s the biggest secret to be beautiful……. J

Saturday 12 November 2011

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub (Product Review)

"Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub"


Price: 90rs Quantity: 80gms (available in small sizes as well)

“Ooopss “ the very first word that comes from my tongue whenever I see those tiny black dots i.e. “blackheads “ ……..Blackheads mainly caused when the oils secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin get trapped in the skin pores along with the dirt , oil & dead cells. And the easiest way to remove blackheads is exfoliation, i.e. scrubing and when I saw the add of “Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub “claiming to reduce blackheads visibly just in 3 days. :), I was badly tempted but couldn’t try it as I was not done with my other scrub, But as soon as I finished my old scrub I got this one ….

Company’s claim for there product: A unique blend of micro scrubbing beads works to break down trapped oil, dirt & dead cells that can cause blackheads. Next, the natural extract formula penetrates deep down into the pores to help soften stubborn blackheads & prevents new ones from forming. Its gentle exfoliating action gives you visibly less blackheads in just 3 days for clean, clear & beautiful skin.

Ingredients:


Ok a huge list……….
When I go through the list I found most them are surfactant & detergents, like
 Cocamidopropyl betaine -A surfactant derived from coconut oil, this allows water to clean dirt & oil. Sodium laureth sulfate (most commonly used in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos)-again surfactant. Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate- A surfactant works as a cleansing agent & foam booster. Propylene glycol - A surfactant that easily penetrates into the skin & attracts moisture.

 After looking few ingredients in the list I was not interested to take this product but then I looked salicylic acid which is good for my oily acne prone skin, then witch hazel it’s a shrub found in North America that is proved to contain powerful medicinal capabilities, most commonly used for treating acne and facial blemishes& as you can see in the end of the list there are few names of fruit Juices & fruit extract, so I thought of giving a try.

Packaging of the product:
 The product comes in a flip open tube. It’s a fairly large tube, containing 80g of product which will last a long time. One thing I really like about this scrub is that – it rarely sticks on the top of the hole .packaging is quite nice.


Texture:It’s as gel kind scrub with very tiny green granules which are not easily visible as you can see in the image below .The granules are not at all harsh to the skin .Initially I used to feel sticky after scrubbing even if I wipes out my face with toner than gradually I learned that it is because I am taking too much of it, just a lit more than a pea size is enough for your face.It smells very soapy , like detergents.

Ok now coming to its effects:

 I have lots of blackheads on my t-zone, that’s why I concentrated more on this area but I could not see any change even after 30 days so forget about 3 days. But my blackheads were really stubborn & old, so probably it was not able to do any thing for deep blackheads .
                 Then I noticed it helped in removing my new & soft blackheads & even whiteheads but my old ones are still with me. It does make my skin bit soft but not as good & supple as my other scrubs did.
               Whenever I use this scrub it instantly brightens my face making it oil free, Clean, & Clear. And it doesnt break me out.But as what it claims of reducing blackheads visibly in 3 days was really not true in my case.
                      I even asked my younger sister to give a try but she also couldn’t see a huge change & she used to feel bit dry & stretchy as she have normal skin .for me this was good that it makes my skin bit dry as I have oily skin.

Summary: I am not going to repurchase it ever again. Coz I need a scrub to reduce my all kind of blackheads whether new or old & not the one which is full of detergents.

Thanks.
 Keep smiling ....

Monday 7 November 2011

 LAKME AQUASHINE LIP COLOR - FIG

 
                                   

Brand: Lakme
Name: Aqua Shine Lip Color
Shade: Fig
Quantity: 2.55 ml
Price: Rs 425



Company's Claim :Glide color onto your lips like velvet. The super soft applicator gives your lips a shape like never before.
Leaving you with the perfect smile. Its a lipstick, Lip Balm and a Lip Gloss all in one.


Direction to use : Remove cap. Twist body of pen until the lip color is seen at the tip of the nib. Apply on lips for a smooth glossy finish.

My take on the product -



Packaging :Packaging is quite girly & stylish,you can easily keep it in your jeans pocket or in your clutch. This comes in a large tube & the best part is the color of the tube is same as color of the shade,this make it easy to locate if you have more than one shade.The cap is easy to open & fit.Its application is quite easy & unique as it comes with the sponge applicator , which helps in spreading the color very evenly & properly.




Texture :
Its really smooth & moisturizing.Its very light in feel.Niether sticky like some glosses nor cakey like lipstick.

Description of shade :Though i am mad about this shade ,but i dont have proper word to describe the color, let me try - its a warm & soft pink with the brown tone.
Its perfectly pigmented without feathring into the lines of mouth.




Staying Capacity :One of the major disadvantage of this lippie ,is its staying capacity which is really poor ,not more than an hour provided you dont eat, drink & talk a lot (something not possible for me ,hehehe) otherwise it will disappear even before an hour , after that you will be left with a bit of tint.
For me its ok coz i love this shade ,these dayz wherever i am going i am wearing this shade its suitable for both day n night . This shade is a kind that will suit to all complexion

Wows about this lippie -Lovely warm pinkinsh brown shade
If you apply this lipstick you are not in need of anything else like a Gloss or lip balm, as you will get all in this one lippie.
No cakey & chapped feel , keeps lips soft & smooth even in this season (where winter is almost on the door).
Packaging is quite attractive & travel friendly.
Easy to apply with the unique sponge applicator.
No melting or leaking in summers.
Nicely pigmented & easy to build up the color.
Leaves your lips with a tint .

Oops about this lippie -Staying capacity is a huge disappointment:(
When you twist it to bring out the color it takes long to come out.
You have to be bit careful while twisting as it may brings out excess quantity

Summary :I love this color as its perfect for daily wear , brings sophisticated look on my face .There are 16 shades from this range of lakme so you have a good options available .If i get this kind of color in some other brand with a better staying capacity i may not purchase it again but for now i am in love with shade & its soft feel.

This is how it looks on me:


keep smiling :)