Skin types

Uncategorized, , , , , , ,
It is very important for us to know the type of skin we have before buying or using any products on our skin..just like a doctor needs to examine the disease or problem before prescribing any medicines. Many people end up buying the wrong products or some which are not at all meant for their skin.
Source

Skin is basically of three types i .e normal,dry and oily. But there are sub types like combination skin and sensitive skin.                                                                                        

How to determine your skin type :

  • Wash your face with a mild face wash and pat dry.
  • After 2-3 hours dab a tissue on your face concentrating more on the T zone i.e your forehead,nose and chin.
  • Check the tissue and see the following

If the tissue has no trace of oil and your skin feels stretchy,you have dry skin.
If the tissue has traces of oil all over and your skin tends to shine,you have oily skin
If the tissue has no trace of oil and you are comfortable in your skin,you have normal skin.


Now some ppl see traces of oil in some part of the tissue and nothing on the rest,they probably have combination skin which is the most common type. Combination can be oily-normal or oily-dry with oily skin generally on the T zone.
Some people have sensitive skin which reacts easily to some ingredients in the products or some cosmetics. They have to take care of their skin the most. They cannot experiment with products and should stick to natural remedies which suit them well.

Features of different skin types :

Dry skin- It is unable to retain the right amount of moisture. It always appears parched and papery and feels tight and stretchy. One benefit is that this type is less prone to acne but it also gets easily chapped especially in a cold weather. Skin often flakes and it requires frequent moisturisation and a good night cream too. Dry skin if not properly cared for would be more prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles.

Oily skin- This type has over production of sebum by sebaceous glands of the skin. It is excessively oily and greasy and attracts more dirt and dust than the dry skin leading to pimples,blackheads,whiteheads,etc. And thats why the pores should be kept clean by following the cleansing method properly. Washing face with water to keep oil at bay would be recommended but plain water as excessive use of face wash harms the moisture content of the skin. Oily skinned people age more gradually than dry skinned.

Normal skin- This is the best type possible. It has a perfect balance of  oil and moisture and there are no dry flakes. The skin is smooth and soft in appearance. But due care should be taken to maintain the suppleness of the skin.

Source

Combination skin- Here some areas like the cheeks have dry skin and some areas like the T zone have oily skin. Both these areas should be cared for according to their types. But now many products are coming out in the market which are especially made for combination skin like the Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture for combination skin.                                                                                            

Sensitive skin- This type of skin gets irritated very quickly and reacts to certain chemicals or strong scents in some cosmetic products. Even waxing,bleaching,tweezing,etc affects the skin and gives rashes.People with such skin should avoid chemicals and stick to natural products.

I would cover skin care and few tried and tested at home remedies in other post.

I have a combination skin which is normal-oily in summers and normal-dry in winters. And my skin is also sensitive to certain things especially waxing,threading,etc..so I need to take proper care of the skin for it not to react.

What type of skin do you have ??

Related Posts: 

Garnier Body Cocoon Review 
Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Lotion Review
Lakme Honey and Avocado Winter Perfect Day Lotion Review 
Garnier Light Daily Moisturising Lotion Review 
Fab India Clove Acne Control Cream Review 
Lacto Calamine Lotion Review- Classic and Aloe

Dandruff – Types, Symptoms, Causes and Cures

Dandruff, Hair Care, , , , , , , ,
Dandruff – Types, Symptoms, Causes and Cures

Dandruff is the condition where dead skin cells flake from the scalp. And this problem goes severe in winters coz of the dryness. It is said around 50% of the people have suffered from dandruff at some point in their lives.It is normal for dead skin cells to shed from the scalp but it causes dandruff when it starts shedding in thick layers.It may also be due to imbalance of our body function where our metabolism goes haywire.And that is also the reason why most people suffer from dandruff in their puberty or early 20s. It can be chronic i.e long term or due to some short term changes. It is more common in men and people with oily skin. And it may also cause acne on the face and neck especially the greasy dandruff.

There are two types of dandruff i.e dry and greasy.

1. Dry dandruff also known as Pityriasis-capitis is the condition of normal dry flakes shedding from the scalp. This occurs more in cold weather. It can be due to health, diet, stress, environment,etc

2. Greasy dandruff also known as Seborrhea Dermatitis is the condition where scalp is very greasy and the dandruff is thick,oily or scaly. This condition, if severe also needs medical attention and a dermatalogist should be consulted. In this condition scalp itches leading to redness of the scalp which may even cause scalp infection.

Symptoms :

  • Dry silvery white flakes           
  • Itching
  • Redness of the scalp
  • Inflammation
  • Hair Loss

Causes :

  • Improper Diet
  • Stress
  • Hard shampoos
  • Infrequent washing
  • Horomonal change
  • Excessive cold weather

Some natural remedies for curing :

  • The best and the most effective method for curing dandruff would be fenugreek (methi) seeds. Soak a handful of methi seeds in water overnight and grind them the next morning. Mix it with curd to get a liquid consistency and apply it on the scalp.Leave on for 30-45 mins and wash off normally. (I do this sometimes and guys THIS WORKS)
  • Hot Oil Therapy i .e massage the scalp with warm oil and fold it in a damp towel and leave on for 5-10 mins for the moisture to sink in. You can add 2 drops pf rosemary oil too.
  • Massage your scalp while oiling n shampooing with your fingers. This would increase the blood circulation on your scalp. You can also use an electronic massager like the one Parachute has. 
  • Applying a mix of lemon juice and vinegar (in 1:2 ratio) on oiled hair before a wash.
  • Avoid harsh shampoos.
  • One can use 2-3 drops of tea tree oil for the greasy dandruff.
  • Massaging scalp with baking soda before a wash.
  • Shampoos with salicylic acid also helps greasy dandruff. But do not use any anti dandruff shampoos more than once a week.
  • Apply a mixture of egg yolk and curd and leave on for 30 mins and rinse off.
  • Vitamin D i.e a bit of sun exposure also helps. 

 Phew..I felt like I was in the exam hall again :p
 Hope that helped.

Any other remedies you would like to suggest ? 

 

Biotique Papaya Scrub Review

Uncategorized, , , , , , ,
Biotique Papaya Scrub Review

Biotique Papaya Scrub says it is a soothing and revitalizing scrub suitable for all skin types. The older pack of it read 7 days facial scrub but they have changed the packaging now I guess..

What the Company claims : The enzymes contained in the Papaya Fruit remove dead epithelial cells and deep cleanse the skin. The rubbing of Papaya Fruit helps Speed up natural skin  leaving it fresher and younger looking.

Directions for use : Massage on wet face and neck with fingertips. Avoid eye area. Remove with water or damp washcloth. Use daily or as needed.

MRP- Rs 199 for 85 gm or 2.4 oz. (I got it for Rs.180)

Ingredients : Papita 5%, Kela 3%, Khajoor 2%, Neem 5%, Methi 1%, Yasad bhasm Zincum 5%, Ban Haldi 1%, Aam beej 1%, Bees Wax 3.5 %, Gum Acacai 1.5 %, Moongphali 2.5 %, Himalayan Water Q.S

It has all the natural things which are excellent for the skin like papaya, khajoor, neem, bees wax, gum acacia, peanuts, methi, etc. It is a cream colored thick scrub with fruit seeds for exfoliation. I would suggest not using it daily though they mention so in the directions coz daily exfoliation of your very delicate facial skin is not good. You can use it once a week or once in two weeks as you like.

But exfoliation or scrubbing is very important as it removes the dead skin cells from your skin making way for the new ones.

Blended

Pros :

1. It is natural and I would anyday prefer this over the chemical laden scrubs.
2. It leaves skin nice,smooth and soft.
3. Removes dry flakes from the skin.
4. It can be used as a body scrub as well..especially on elbows,knees and places where you have ingrowth.
5. Its expiry is 3 years from the date of manufacture.So it can be used for a long time even if you don’t use it regularly. I love this thing in all Biotique products.
6. I like the nice fruity smell.
7. Its very very creamy and I even keep it for a few minutes on the skin like a pack..so it would work both ways..as it has all the good stuff.

Cons:

1. As all Biotique products it comes in a tub making it difficult to use when its close to getting finished. Its unhygienic to use fingers.You can use a plastic spoon or something to remove the scrub.
2. The price is a bit high if you use it as a body scrub as it will finish up sooner.Its decent enough if used only as a face scrub as little goes a long way.
3. It stings a bit while scrubbing but nothing abnormal. I would suggest people with sensitive skin to do a patch test first before using it on face.

So overall I would suggest it to everyone as its damn good and my HG scrub.
Though I have’nt tried the much famous St. Ives Apricot and also Nivea Visage and others but those mostly have SLS which I think is harmful for th skin.

I have tried Nomarks Apricot scrub which I will review later.But I love this natural baby more…;)

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating – 4.25/5

Would I buy this again -Yes yes I would surely.

Have you tried this scrub ??Which is your HG scrub ? 

War of Face Washes- Himalaya v Pond’s v Fabindia and my HG

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
War of Face Washes- Himalaya v Pond’s v Fabindia

Ok..here is a quick comparision of the face washes I have tried. Precisely its Himalaya Purifying Neem Face wash (which I am using from last 4-5 years and yes you are right…this is my HG), Pond’s White Beauty Daily Spotless Lightening Facial Foam and Fabindia Tea Tree Face wash.

Lets start with Himalaya Purifying Neem…there is also a Foaming one in this which comes in a pump dispenser..I have tried that 1-2 times..but I feel this one is better and stick to it…

It is a light green color gel and it says prevents pimples and purifies skin in all skin types..

What the Company claims-A soap-free herbal formulation that gently removes impurities and prevents pimples. Enriched with Neem, well known for its anti-bacterial property that kills problem-causing bacteria, and Turmeric, which effectively controls acne and pimples. Use regularly for clear, soft, and pimple-free skin.

Directions for use-Moisten face, apply a small quantity of Purifying Neem Face Wash and gently work up lather with a circular motion. Wash off and pat dry. Use twice daily. Followup with Himalaya Herbals Face Moisutrizing Lotion.Use Himalaya Herbals Neem Face Pack once a week to rejuvenate and revitalize your facial skin.

MRP- Rs. 45 for 50 ml and Rs 70 for 100 ml (The Foaming one is for Rs 150 for 150 ml)

Ingredients : Exts. Nimba, Haridra
Inactives: Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Pros :
1. It leaves my skin squeaky clean without any dryness or stretchy feeling.
2. Using this regularly has helped reduce break outs.
3. It is very mild and gentle.
4. I love the refreshing smell and it wakes me up instantly.
5. I trust Himalaya with their products and it mentions all the ingredients.
6. The 45 ml tube is travel friendly.
7. Its cheap and a good value for money.

Cons :
1. The flip tube cap is a bit tight.

Umm…no other cons..I guess… I love it too much and come back to it always..I am going to buy this forever..but I do try other face washes in between.

Rating- 4.5/5

Would I buy it again- Yes yes….forever

Now the Pond’s White Beauty Daily Spotless Lightening Facial Foam…It is a  white creamy facewash…and just a bit is required as it foams a lot…it has Pro Vitamin B3

What the Company claims- Cleanses deeply for glowing and brighter skin. This gentle foam deeply cleanses and brightens skin, transforming your complexion to a radiant look you have always wanted. The foams unique formula reduces dullness and brightens skin, while washing away old and weary, sallow skin cells. Skin feels soft, smooth and sparkling clean.

Directions for use – Wet your face. Apply to face and neck and gently massage. Rinse off.

MRP – Rs 60 for 50 gm

Ingredients: Myristic Acid, Gylcerin, Water, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid n Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glycol Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyquaternium-7, Niacinamide, DMDM Hydantoin n Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Perfume, Disodium Edta.

Pros :
1. It does lighten the skin a bit and gives that radiant glow.
2. A little goes a long way.
3. It is travel friendly.
4. It is cheap.
5. Smells nice.

Cons :
1. It is very drying…dry skinned beauties stay far away from this.
2. It gives that stretchy feeling and now I use it only occasionally to finish it off.

Rating- 3/5

Would I buy it again- No

And lastly Fabindia Tea Tree Face Wash…its a transparent gel…with a strong tea tree smell. Tea tree oil is supposed to be very good for oily skin, pimples, blemishes, uneven skin tone, body odour, dandruff,etc

What the Company claims-  An antiseptic face wash ideal for oily skin,containing tea tree oil and turmeric extract. Daily use removes excess sebum reducing acne and pimples.

Directions for use – not stated (You just have to take some and apply on wet face and neck and pat dry..as usual)

MRP- Rs. 125 for120 ml

Ingredients : Purified water,Tea Tree oil, Glyceryl Cocoate, Turmeric extract, Guar gum.

Pros :
1. I think it would be the best face wash for oily skinned people prone to acne or pimples.
2. Its not drying.
3. It leaves you squeaky clean and refreshed and even removes basic makeup.

Cons :
1. The smell…strong tea tree oil smell.
2. Its runny..so you have to be careful with this.
3. Can be drying if used more than once a day even for oily skinned.
4. The price considering it comes in a huge tube. They should come out with a smaller size.
5. It is not travel friendly as its a big tube.
6. It leaves a slippery feeling behind.

Though I have combination skin.. I use it occasionally whenever I break out..and it does help in that.I like most of the Fabindia products as they are quite effective.

Rating- 3/5

Would I buy it again- May be..if in case I break out or something.

So overall I am quite happy with my HG..my Himalaya Neem for my daily use.

P.S : I went for shopping at Pantaloons…got 4 T shirts and 1 nice pair of earrings..they are in gold color..and perfect for traditional wear..love them..

So which is your HG face wash ? And which do you like among these three ??

NOTD and Lakme True Wear Color Review

Uncategorized, , , ,

I got the shade 243 from the new Lakme Gypsy collection…
Its a dark bluish purplish color with very fine blue shimmer visible in the bottle but not much on the nails.
Its the 1st time I have ever used a dark shade coz I was always into lighter shades or plain silver..
But but now that I have used it…I am loving it….the shade is super nice…and dark colors make your hands n feet look fairer ( cheat code :p)
The new collection has 8 shades…I wanted 043 and 044 badly…I loved them on Cynthia but they were Out of Stock..
043 is a dark navy blue
044 is a henna green gold
Others are 530 (a mustard dark gold),245 (dark maroonish red with shimmer),422(tomato red),244(lavender) and 246 (magenta pink with silver shimmer)
All these nail paints have shimmer in them.

What Lakme claims :
TRUE WEAR NAIL COLOR

Inspired by the bohemian, rustic gypsy trails this season, wear rich, deep colors with just a hint of shimmer. From mystic indigos to ruby reds and from plush purples to
henna golds.Available in 8 shades

MRP: Rs 90/-

Pros :
1. You get 9 ml for Rs 90 which is pretty decent.
2. The quality of these is quite good.
3. They stay for a long time on my toes and on hands they stayed for 2-3 days n then chipped a bit at the    
     edges but thats coz I use my hands a lot for handling something or the other.
4. Interesting shades for everyone.You will like one or the other out of the 8.
5. They are quick drying.
6. They are glossy.

Cons :
1. Availability.I dint get the shades I wanted.
2. Packaging is ok
3. Just that they chip on hands.

Here is the shade I have..

For other swatches go here and here

Rating- 3.5/5

Would I buy again- Yes I am surely getting 043 and 044

Have you guys got any new shades from the gypsy collection ?
Which one is your fav ??

Blog Awards

Uncategorized

I got two amazing awards…one Lovely Blog Award from Rakshanda of chamber of beauty and one Stylish Blogger Award from Pooja of musings of a novice.

They both have amazing blogs..so do check out their blogs…

So here I have to do 3 things..
1. Thank d person who gave me d award..thank u pooja…
2. Tell 7 facts about urself
3. Pay it forward to 7 bloggers you adore and contact them to let them know they’ve been chosen.

7 facts about me…

1. I love my mom a lot and cant live without her…n whatever I am is all coz of her…
2. I am very lazyyyyy….
3. I have specs but wear lenses whenever I am going out…n as I said I am lazy I sometimes sleep with my lenses..though not for long and I know its bad 🙁 but I am tooo tired sometimes…
4. I loveeee dancing….music on and dance steps on in my mind…but I am not very comfy dancing when someone’s watching…though I have shed that inhibition a bit..may take sum more time…
5. I am always wearing my kajal or khol…and you would not see me without it
6. I am super tensed and super nervous before exams n presentations n stuff….n whenever I have to go on stage…I go totally cold at that time..but once its over..I am relaxed…
7. I am a big time foodie and I love all the spicy stuff…:)

N d 7 bloggers whom I pass both these awards to are :
1. Tanveer from Addicted to blush (You where the first blogger I religiously followed everyday and then came to know bout other blogs thereon..I love the way you review products in detail)
2. Anamika from Wise She (Her site is full of herbal remedies and all the useful gyaan)
3. HD from bombay beauty (We both have similar choices and both are new at blogging)
4. Poornima from GGG ( She’s super sweet)
5. Rashmi from indyabeauty (Our very own MAC guru…you can contact her if u need any info or advice relating to MAC..)
6. Shivani of Adorable on ur vanity (She is a blush fan and loves her MAC blushes toooo much)
7. CZ of indian vanity case (Ohh…she’s super stylish and super sexy)

Thank you Pooja and Rakshanda…

And people I have forwarded both these awards too..don’t forget to forward them ahead….

Post Exam Haul

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Post Exam Haul

Ok…since my exams are over I have been roaming around here and there and doing lots of shopping…so did not get time to blog…sorry guys

Well I am back..and let me share with you all my haul…;)

I went to World Trade Centre at Colaba where there are designer exhibitions and stuff and got a very pretty peach colored anarkali suit for 3000/- but I don’t have a pic of that..would post it when I wear it on my cousins wedding…

I also got a pair of earrings which has 5 different colored droppings..which we can interchange to match any dress…I loved it..

Then I went to Colaba Causeway for some street shopping and got a black long shrug…which would match all tops…and black gladiator…and 10 colored dozen bangles each and pink intertwined metal bangles….

Then comes the makeup haul 😉 I went to Beauty Centre at Crawford and got all this…

I got Vega eye shadow brush, Professional eye shadow brush, Angular blender brush and beauty sponges..
Lakme Rose Powder in Natural
Lakme Desert Rose Trio Blush
Lakme 243 nail paint (loving it..)
Bourjois Kohl n Contour pencils in black n peacock blue(lining upper lash line has become super easy now with the black one..)
Colorbar I glide in Prunella n Jaded
Colorbar Velvet Matte lipstick in naked pink
Lotus Herbals Floralglam lipsticks in sensuous mauve and choco chip
Maybelline Colossal Volume Masacara waterproof
Maybelline Moisture extreme lipstick in bronze orange
Maybelline Colorsensational gloss in Hooked On Pink
Maybelline colorama nail paints in cremosa nude n cremosa sexy…
And two other things are d VOV matte black eyeshadow n Star Cosmetics gold cream eye shadow (I think it can be substituted for Lakme eye pot topaz which has been discontinued)

I wanted d Colorbar Warm palette, apple martini nail paint and peachy rose blush…but all three were Out Of Stock..:(

I was quite disppointed as I wanted that warm palette from a long time…next time may be 😉

Here are the swatches…(though not clear 🙁 )

From L-R: naked pink,sensuous mauve,choco chip n bronzy orange

Hooked On Pink gloss

Bourjois Blue n Black, Colorbar jaded n prunella

This is how I kept all my new things in the maybelline trousseau box I had got last time…

Then for my skin and hair care I got Figaro olive oil, sesame oil and Evian Vitamin E capsules…

And The Body Shop Facial Buffer with which I got the sample of Tea tree face wash….

And lastly these black and white cute hair pins for my new hair cut…:)

And me with my new hair cut….

Phew…..!!
I hope you guys liked my haul….

What did u like d most ??
N wat all did u shop for recently ??

Got My Goodies

Uncategorized, , ,

I received my giveaway goodies just now….so wanted to share it wit u all….

Tightly wrapped in bubble wrap with a note…

The blush is a nice soft pink…bite of an apple !! what a name..:p

n a dark pink fuchsia pigment….any reccos on how to use it n wit which color ??

n a hair serum…

Oriflame Haul

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,

Oriflame Haul

Hi guys,

I had ordered a few products from Oriflame and I received them today….

 

 

I got the body talcs, eye lash curler, Giordani Loose Powder Kabuki Brush, two shampoos, one visions lipstick in mauve magic (to try out), Soothing Foot Cream, Honey and Milk Soap (again to try), Alladin and Yasmin eye pencil, Two Visions nail paints in silver pink and romance, one head band and one white tip nail pencil….

I would review and post swatches of the mauve magic lipstick and alladin and yasmin eye pencil…dark brown and light brown-bit like copper…

So what all did you like ??