How To Use A Shine Spray Serum

How To Use A Shine Spray Serum

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about a shine spray serum and I have also created this easy 2 minute everyday hairstyle and shown how I’ve used this spray-on serum.

I am using the BBLUNT Spotlight Hair Polish for Instant Shine.

How To Use A Shine Spray Serum, BBLUNT, How to create a half bun/hun/man bun hairstyle

What it claims: This lightweight heavyweight gives even the dullest hair a glossy, smooth finish. It’s about maximum shine with minimum fuss. Step into the spotlight.

We ensure that you’ll never find a dull moment! This hair polish gives your hair all the gloss it needs to get its shine back. Let your hair shine and get ready to step into the spotlight, healthy shine guaranteed.

  • Dull and lifeless hair get instant shine, with a glossy and smooth finish
  • Provides protection and reinforcement against pollutants and adverse Indian weather
  • Provitamin B5, vitamin E and silk proteins specially created for Indian hair
  • Protects from the environment and heat styling damage
  • Specially created for Indian hair with a unique colour protect formula

3 reasons to have it in your bag:

Own that gloss, like a boss – anytime, anywhere

Instantly sets your hair in place – holds any hairstyle firmly!

First ever spray-on serum – you don’t have to get your hands greasy, just spray it!

How to use?

To say hello to maximum shine with minimum fuss, all you have to do is shake, spray & step into the spotlight. Use it after ironing your hair for best results so that you get that sleek finished look. Remember to use it on dry hair always.

MRP: Rs.550/- for 150ml (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in a bright blue spray can packaging with a transparent cap.

I like the fact that all BBLUNT products are colour safe and have been made especially for Indian hair. This product is to be used only on dry hair and at the end of the hairstyle. Also make sure you do not use it on the roots.

It gives a sleek, glossy look and high shine to the hair. No frizziness, no dryness. Dry hair usually appears dull and lacks shine. When you straighten your hair or create a particular hairstyle, you would want frizz free, shiny hair. That is when this shine spray serum comes handy.

It is very economical and travel friendly too. I love the mini versions of BBLUNT products and this Spotlight Hair Polish also comes in a mini version, which is perfect to keep in your bag and travel with.

I created this 2 minute half-bun or ‘hun’ hairstyle which is perfect for college.

I washed my hair with the BBLUNT Perfect Balance Shampoo and Conditioner the previous day. Take the top half of your hair and secure it with a band, just like a half pony.

Twist the pony and wrap it around itself into a bun. Secure with a few bobby pins and gently tug to create more volume. Keep some strands of the hair ahead.

Finish with the BBLUNT Spotlight Hair Polish.

And we are done.

Easy, peasy and quick, the shine spray serum helps give the hair a glossy look and tames the flyaways and baby hair.

Do you like this hairstyle? Have you tried the shine spray serum?

Satthwa Premium Hair Oil for Hair Fall Control & Hair Growth Review

Satthwa Premium Hair Oil for Hair Fall Control & Hair Growth Review

Hi guys,

I have been using this Satthwa Premium Hair Oil since quite some time now, around 3 months. I had mentioned it on my Snapchat and few of you had asked me to review it. Also this was a part of last month’s favourites, see HERE

Claims: What is the oil made up of? The oil is made from a blend of 9 different oil which especially formulated to get into the roots and give second life to hair. No chemicals are used in the oil. What can the oil do? Within the 1st-2nd wash after use, you can feel the difference in the health of your hair (Soft and shine). In a month of use, it reduces hair fall and eliminate dandruff within 3-4 months it will help with regrowth of hair. Even for someone who does not have any hair problems, it will help improve the over quality and health of the hair and hair follicles. Read more here www.satthwa.com

Contains Omega 6 & 9, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and rare Vitamin K from Sweet Almond oil. Ricinoleic acid from Castor oil which makes hair darker and stops premature greying. Has Lauric acid from E.V Coconut oil. Jojoba oil which is Anti-fungal & cleanses the scalp by unclogging pores. Vitamin E contains d-alpha Tocopherol. Amla oil which is rich in Vitamin C. Grapeseed oil which delays skin aging. Emu oil stimulates dormant hair follicles and helps in new hair growth. E.V Olive oil treats dry and damaged hair.

MRP: Rs.599/- for 100ml

Buy on Flipkart or Paytm

I always mix a few different oils when I have to oil my hair. This was a readymade mix of 9 different oils including Emu oil which is the main oil here for hair growth.

I tested this product for a long time, coz I definitely saw results in 2-3 uses in terms of softness and shine, and after one month use, saw some difference in my hair fall too. It was reduced to a great extent. But in terms of hair growth, the growing phase takes time and hence I am reviewing it now after 3 months.

It comes in this small plastic bottle with a white flip cap packaging. The oil is not very runny or thin, but neither too goopy or thick. It’s the perfect consistency and easy to use. Also the flip cap shuts tight and it doesn’t leak.

I love how each oil has a different benefit and a blend of all is giving all the benefits together. That makes this oil a blend of a lot of different vitamins and nutrients and you don’t need anything else additionally when using this.

It also helps in dandruff and greying of hair, along with hair fall and promoting hair growth. I usually suffer from dandruff in the Dec-Jan winter period coz of dry scalp and dryness in general. I have already seen some difference in my dandruff with this, I am pretty sure this will help keep the dandruff at bay this winter.

I do not have a lot of hair fall and still saw difference with this. I even made my husband try this and he saw difference in his hair fall too.

The only con would be the smell, it’s not very pleasing. But then this is 100% chemical free and only a blend of oils with no other chemicals, parabens or artificial fragrance in it. So can’t complain 😀

Also I know this is slightly on the expensive side, but some of the oils in this are expensive and not easily available. So anyway you cannot make this same blend at home and/or you will need to buy 9 different oils separately.

Since this works, the price is justifiable. And I totally recommend it! Many of you have been asking me a hair remedy or product for hair fall or promoting hair growth, look no further as we have found the perfect product here.

Have you tried the Satthwa Premium Hair Oil yet?

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Hi guys,

If you remember some time back I did a post on shaving myths, see HERE. So today I thought of sharing the benefits of shaving and the correct method of shaving.

Let’s begin with the benefits of shaving:

  • Economical : It has to be the most economical method of hair removal. While waxing requires help usually and the charges range from Rs. 500-1000 for hands/legs etc., depending on the body parts and type of wax and from where/whom you get it done, shaving can be done at the comfort of your home yourself and one gift pack worth Rs.550/- will last you ages as it comes with changeable cartridges
  • Time saving : You need not visit a salon or need any appointments for shaving. You can do it anytime, anywhere. All you will need is your razor and shaving gel.
  • Easy and quick : It’s also the quickest method of hair removal. This is the biggest benefit in my opinion 😀 I am always running late and I am most of the times in knee length dresses/midi skirts, I bless my Gillette Venus during that time :p It’s like a savior, I finish shaving in 5 minutes literally.
  • Painless : Well yes ladies, it is completely painless! While waxing and epilation give me huge red bumps which take 2-3 days to subside, shaving seems like a blessing in comparision.
  • Travel friendly : I always carry my razor when I am going on a 9-10 days holiday/vacation. With my razor with me, I can wear whatever I want to! Yes, you can carry an epilator too, but a razor is much smaller and lighter in comparision. And as explained above, easy, quick and painless coz you got no time on a vacation to sit and epilate! Always prefer a razor over an epilator

While there are number of benefits of shaving, the only con would be that you have to shave once in 5-7 days depending on your hair growth. But I think that is totally doable considering the benefits and how quick it is.

Now, let’s come to the correct method of shaving. I know a lot of girls have dryness, itchiness, ingrown hair, etc. after shaving, if you follow this method step by step, I assure you that there will be no such problems.

1. Exfoliate your body/parts where you want to shave a day prior using a body scrub/loofah/bath gloves.

2. Moisturize your skin beforehand. Never start shaving on dry skin

3. Soak the skin for 1-2 minutes in the shower before starting to shave. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave.

4. Always use a shaving gel. The Satin Care shave gel is meant for sensitive skin and has aloe vera. It not only keeps the skin moisturized and give a super smooth shave, it also soothes the skin coz of the aloe.

5. Clean the razor well, in between each part.

6. Wash off, pat dry and use a rich, moisturizing body butter/body lotion. If it has Retinol, that would be even better!

7. Keep moisturizing for 2-3 days

That’s it. If you follow this exact method, there will never be any dryness or itchiness.

You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE

How do you shave? Do you follow this method?

Bollywood Ladies Rocking the Crop Top

Bollywood Ladies Rocking the Crop Top

By Nidhal

It’s fun. It’s flirtatious. It’s sassy and it’s in! Confounded? Don’t be. I am talking about what has made it to the fancy of Tinsel town ladies these days… Crop Tops! There is no denying that crop tops amp up one’s glam quotient by leaps and bounds. And if your midriff is drool-worthy, a crop top brings all the limelight to it in the most flattering and tasteful manner. On that note, let us take a note of those B-wood ladies who carry off crop tops in sheer panache and aplomb.

1. KATRINA KAIF- With a face so cherubic and a body that is enviable, it comes as no doubt that Katrina Kaif had to make it to the list. Seen here is Katrina swaddled in a prepossessing Dhruv Kapoor crop top with a pair of culottes by Bodice at the Fitoor promotions. She slipped on to a pair of comfortable sneakers. A tied back ponytail completed her chic look.

Subtle but stunning!

2. JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ– Arguably the lady with the fittest body in Tinseltown, Jacqueline is seen here saddled in a simple casual crop top, printed jeans a pair of sneakers. Doesn’t this perfect for casual outings with one’s bunch of pals? Simple, chic and winsome in short.

3. TAMMANAAH BHATIA- The warrior princess of Bahhubali, Tammanaah Bhatia is the epitome of cuteness. With a porcelain clear complexion, her choice of colour is impeccable. Pink suits those with a lighter skin tone the most just the way orange complements warm shades the best. Tammanaah is seen here swaddled in a candy pink crop top and skirt by Elizabeth and James. Nude pumps? Check. Wavy beachy tousled hair? Check. Natural makeup? Check.

Fresh and feminine look? Check. She was styled by Nishka Lulla Mehra and all that endeavour surely shows positively here.

4. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- Can she stop being the winsome lass that she is so that I am not compelled to put her in every list that I prepare? Well, that is a question only Deepika can answer but I hope it’s in negation  During one of the promotional legs of her then, impending movie- Piku, Deepika was seen swaddled in a black sequins sporty crop top with balloon sleeves. This was paired with distressed cropped denims. Sporty loafers in white completed her look. Pssst… I know you are drooling over her abs. I understand. Even I am 🙂

5. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- Another fashionista of Bollywood who almost always steps as if on a mission to leave one and all awestruck with her impeccable sense of dressing. Having donned crop tops a couple of times, Priyanka here shows you how to style it in a number of ways. Long skirt, denims, pencil skirts… You name it and she shows it and how! And that midriff is worth drooling over, isn’t it?

6. NARGIS FAKHRI – Her frame is enviable. Period. So is her natural pout, isn’t it? Looking her casual best at the screening of the movie- Finding Fanny, Nargis made sure the shutterbugs had a pleasant time as she opted for a Forever 21 crop top along with Zara palazzo pants.

7. SONAM KAPOOR- Can this lady ever be missed when compiling a list of most fashionable B-town divas? Sonam has been seen swaddled a number of times in Payal Singhal and Arpita Mehta crop tops on different occasions during the promotions of her then impending movie- Khoobsurat 🙂 Khoobsurat, we say!

Editor’s Note: I loved Sonam and Priyanka’s looks, very versatile.

Your favourite?

Patanjali Coconut Oil Review & 6 Different Uses for Skin & Hair

Patanjali Coconut Oil Review & 6 Different Uses for Skin & Hair

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

There are some Patanjali products I swear by, like the Aloe Vera Gel, Divya Kantilep, Rose Water and this Coconut Oil. More than anything this has been a savior for me and I can’t stop praising it. I have been using this oil for the past one and half years and always keep two additional backups for this one. Here is my review on the same.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – It’s made of pure coconuts & helps in the improvement of hair growth. Patanjali coconut oil is a double filtered coconut oil which is without any preservatives. Hence, good for cooking purpose as well.

PRICE – Rs. 65 for 200ml (BUY HERE)

MY REVIEW

The oil has changed the packaging over the years. Initially there was this flip open bottle and then they suddenly shifted to the tub packaging which was extremely convenient. Last month, when I went out to purchase some, I saw that the bottle packaging is back and I couldn’t be more glad. It has a white opaque flattened bottle with a flip open cap. The mouth of the cap dispenses right amount and also helps you to control the flow as well. The bottle is much easier to carry around as well as storage. Overall, the packaging is sturdy and great.

The oil is transparent in it and leans on slightly thicker side. This is a pure coconut oil with no amount of dilution. If you see the ingredients, you would find that there is no mineral oil whatsoever and this is why the oil works best for every purpose. The smell of coconut is pretty much evident but there is no artificial touch to it. There are various ways I have been using the oil for a long time and I will elaborate how beneficial it has been.

Use 1: For the hair

Long ago I used a hair color and somehow it backfired on my scalp and I started having terrible hairfall. Someone suggested me this oil and I used to apply it overnight and wash off the next day. I did this twice a week for a month and my hairfall problem is gone. Surprisingly, the dandruff issue is also gone. The hair feels soft, nourished and healthy. Since I have extremely dry hair, sometimes I make a concoction of almond, castor, olive and coconut oil for the hair. I keep it overnight and wash off the next morning. There have been times, I also mix this coconut oil in the homemade hair masks for nourishment.

Use 2: For face

I have oily acne prone skin so I can’t exactly use it for moisturizer but I used for removing my makeup. I haven’t not used any commercial makeup remover and simply slather the oil on the face and massage for 2-3mins. Then taking a wet wipe, I wipe off and it removes every layer of makeup. For the eyes also, it removes every layer of water proof mascara and kajal and will not irritate the eyes at all. As I have oily skin, I wash off everything with a face wash.

Use 3: For hands and feet

In winters, the hands and feet get very dry and I massage the oil for 5-10mins and hit the bed. It nourishes my hands and feet overnight and I wake up with no dry layers. For other time, I simply wipe off the excess oil with a dry tissue.

Use 4: For body

The oil works like a charm to heal dry skin and stretch marks. I use this in winter for my body and it has removed my stretch marks. However, I must say that it takes a long time and patience. It took 9-10 months to remove the stretch marks on my thighs and hips.

Use 5: For eyes

I have hereditary dark circles and also dry under eyes. Most of the eye creams doesn’t suit me and I use little coconut oil on a cotton bud and apply around the eyes before sleeping. Thus, it never makes the eye dry and wrinkled.

Use 6: For nails

The nails are often under nourished due to the use of constant acetone based nail remover. I use the coconut oil as the cuticle oil and it never feels dry and under-nourished.

WHAT I LIKED

1. Opaque and sturdy packaging

2. Pure coconut oil

3. No mineral oil added

4. Has variety of uses for face, eyes, body, nails and hair

5. Reduces hairfall.

6. Hydrating

7. Easily available

8. Extremely affordable

WHAT I DISLIKED

Nothing

RATING – 5/5

OVERALL- Thus, the Patanjali Coconut Oil has various uses and the oil is truly a magic elixir for me. Most importantly, it is extremely affordable, easily available and in pure form. I would highly recommend this oil over any other hair oil for nourishment.

Editor’s Note: I will surely give this a try Sanchita, nice review

Have you tried Patanjali Coconut Oil? How do you use it?

Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color Review, Swatches

Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So Lakme launched new lip and cheek colors in their 9 to 5 range, I attended the launch few days ago and got three shades to try.

Here are my thoughts..

What the Company claims: Say ‘No’ to touch ups with this perfect for office wear, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheek Color. Lakme’s first lip and cheek color comes in a mousse texture that’s weightless, giving a powdery matte finish to lips and a soft blush to your cheeks. Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheer Color is ideal for daily office wear adding charm and lasting long. Its dual benefit makes it a high functional product for the busy and on the go working woman. Its Looks and feels weightless because of the light weight formula. Since it’s a mouse texture, it absorbs well giving an intense color that long-lasting. The applicator brish glides on seamlessly making is east to apply and giving a smooth and even finish. There are 10 vibrant shades designed especially for both lips and cheeks.

Features & Benefits :

Mousse textured light weight lip color

Can be used on lip and cheek

Matte lip color

Long stay

Ultra matte

Available in 10 shades

Ingredients: PVP/Hexadecene copolymer, Nylon powder, Cyclomethicon

How to use product: Swipe on the product – with the foam tip applicator evenly over your lips. Apply a second coat of the weightless mousse, to deepen the shade and give your lips a powdery, matte look. To add a soft blush to your cheeks, dot the mousse under your cheekbones in a half moon shape and use your fingertips to blend.

MRP: Rs.575/- (Buy HERE)

Shades Available:

  • Burgundy Lush
  • Pink Plush
  • Cocoa Soft
  • Rose Touch
  • Crimson Silk
  • Blush Velvet
  • Coffee Lite
  • Plum Feather
  • Fuchsia Sude
  • Tangerine Fluff

I have the shades Pink Plush, Burgundy Lush and Coffee Lite with me. They come in a sleek blush pink tube packaging with a rose gold cap. While the outer packaging was kept same to match the 9 to 5 Weightless range, I wish there was some color demarcation. It is difficult to find one particular shade and you have to read the shade name behind each time if you have more than one shade.

It has a warm vanilla scent exactly like the MAC lipsticks, love the smell. It has a bendable doe foot applicator and is quite easy to glide on.

It has a smooth, velvet mousse like texture. A little more airy and light than the NYX/Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams. These are super pigmented though, once you take the applicator out, you wouldn’t need to dip it again as you can get two swipes and opaque coverage at once.

But as a blush, you need to work really quick with these. They take about 30-40 seconds to set and once set, they are difficult to blend or smudge.

They give a matte finish but are very light and comfortable on the lips. I was testing these at home and I forgot I had anything on my lips. My lips didn’t feel dry or didn’t crave a lip balm, they were very comfortable.

If you have dry lips, you will need to exfoliate though coz the lip colors cling on to the dry patches and accentuate them.

The lighter shades stay on for about 3-4 hours and the darker colors stay on for 5-6 hours. These do not transfer on cups or bottles and survives light snacks and tea. However, won’t survive full meal and would fade from the center and need re-application. But they are easy to reapply and do not crumble like matte liquid lipsticks.

In terms of shades, I wish there were few more nudes/browns/taupes and plums/grey beige and some unique colors. However not all those shades would work as a blush, so there is a limitation as this is a dual use product.

As a blush too, these are very comfortable and easy to blend. However, use a tiny bit as these are very pigmented and blend super quick, one cheek at a time 😀

L-R: Burgundy Lush, Coffee Lite, Pink Plush

Pink Plush is a neon coral pink

Burgundy Lush is a brick/burgundy red

Coffee Lite is a taupe with mauve undertone, my favourite out of the three!

My only con here would be the price. I wish these were priced around 450-475 as it’s Lakme 9 to 5 range and not the Absolute Range. Also different color packaging or shade demarcation below would have been great. Lighter shades won’t show up as a blush on deeper skin tones.

Overall, I quite like these and I am glad Lakme is coming up with new, innovative products. This one is perfect for office and apt in the 9 to 5 category. Lasts long, pigmented, no. of shades, comfortable, dual use.

I tried and swatched all the shades at the launch and my favourites/must haves/recommended ones are Blush Velvet and Coffee Lite. If you want deeper shades for fall/winter, Burgundy Lush and Cocoa Soft.

Are you excited about the new Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Colors? Your favourite?

Plum Smokey Eyes for Diwali with L’Oreal Paris Festive Fever

Plum Smokey Eyes for Diwali with L’Oreal Paris Festive Fever

Hi guys,

I got a few things from the L’Oreal Paris Festive Fever collection. This collection has a range of products apt for the current festive season i.e. Diwali.

I got the Color Riche La Palette Nude in Rose, I think they have this floral design on on eye shadow for this special occasion, coz I haven’t seen in that usual palettes.

The Color Riche Les Ombre Eyeshadow in Midnight Rose, Color Riche Le Smoky Eyeliner Pencil in Black Velour. The eye pencil is amazing! Super creamy, super pigmented, stays long, comes with a smudger behind. Tough competition with my favourites Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate and Colorbar Just Smoky Just Black.

Then we have the Lucent Magique Blush in Sunset Glow, Super Liner Gel Intenza in Sapphire Blue. The Gel Intenza Gel liners are my favourites, I have all three shades and highly recommend these to everyone!

The Super Liner Perfect Slim, which I guess is a new launch in India. I love felt tip pen eyeliners and only use those, can’t wait to try this one.

L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder, Volume Million Lashes Mascara which is my favourite! And last but not the least, the Moist Matte Lipstick In Blaze of Red. I love the moist matte formula and they are one of my favourite range in L’Oreal Paris.

I came up with this plum smokey eyes using these products..

I used my L’Oreal Paris Infallible Foundation for the base and set it with the True Match Super Blendable Powder. The Lucent Magique Sunset Glow Blush for the blush and highlight. For my eyes, I used the Le Smoky Pencil in Black first to line my upper lashline and smudged it softly. I used the plum shade all over the lid and the warm light brown in the crease and for blending. I used the soft pink eye shadow in the inner corners and the matte off white shade on my brow bone. I used the Le Smoky Pencil for both waterline and tightlining and smoked the lower lash line with the same plum and brown. Finally finished with the Volume Million Lashes Mascara, two coats on both upper and lower lashes.

Color Riche La Palette Nude in Rose
Lucent Magique Blush Sunset Glow

And the Moist Matte Lipstick in Blaze of Red to end.

I hope you like the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Also what look are you sporting this Diwali?

P.S.: I wanted to record a video for this look, but my camera battery charger is not working. I have been going crazy in finding a charger as even the authorized service center or dealer do not have it and apparently no one stocks accessories. Kind of weird, but how does one use the camera without the charger. Highly disappointed in Nikon!

24 Hours with the New Coolpad Note 5

24 Hours with the New Coolpad Note 5

Hi guys,

I am exploring the new Coolpad Note 5 phone since the past few days and you must have already seen my Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Selfie post with the Note 5.

I took the phone with me all around and spent 24 hours just with this device, documenting my 24 hours day.

The pic I clicked in the morning, running some errands..

Some random clicks..

Red Velvet Cupcakes..

Later in the evening I had to go to an event. I clicked this selfie on my way to the event..

Few clicks at the event..

It got dark on my way back, and hence I used the ‘Night’ mode to click this selfie.

Night mode

Next day, I had a shoot planned, so took the phone along there.

Mandatory selfie on my way to the shoot..

Shoot Location..

Candid click by my photographer of me with my Coolpad Note 5 😀

And back home..

So that’s how I spent more than 24 hours documenting what I did and where I was on my Coolpad Note 5. I absolutely loved the pictures. These are all raw and unedited.

The camera offers Night mode, Beauty Mode and Pro mode. You can adjust everything manually in the Pro mode. It has 13 MP rear camera and 8MP front camera with LED flash.

It has 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM with a massive 4010 mAh battery. The metal body behind looks super sleek and stylish and I love this gold color!

It has a 5.5” large display with scratch resistant 1920 x 1080 resolution screen.

The innovative fingerprint sensor behind unlocks the phone, clicks pictures, also quickly dials and records calls. It offers dual sim 4G slots.

All these features for the price of Rs.10,999/-. this phone is a total steal! See more details and/or buy HERE. It is available for sale already.

What do you like the most? Have you tried the Coolpad Note 5?

Best Aloe Vera Face Packs to get Clear, Glowing Skin

Best Aloe Vera Face Packs to get Clear, Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

It’s juicy. It’s succulent. It’s tender. It is a magic potion for your skin and hair. If consumed on a regular basis, it endows your body with a whole range of vital nutrients. It comes packed in tubs, tubes and bottles but that’s as good as a paper airplane in the name of defence equipment! It’s not real. Raw/real Aloe vera displays the tendency to turn stale within half an hour of being extracted.

Naturally the one in tubs, tubes or bottles would either be conspicuously fake or pumped with an overwhelmingly large number of chemicals. In the name of revitalising our skin, why then go for something that is just gel and nowhere as nourishing as our real Aloe Vera is?

Today, I will enlist a few tried-and- tested face masks with real Aloe Vera that you can easily whip at home to nurture your skin from within

1. ALOE VERA & HONEY MASK

The secret of Aloe Vera lies in its long, tender, succulent leaves – it is this gel that makes aloe vera a magical plant. It contains a host of beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, lectins and mannans etc. The main constituent of Aloe Vera is water but it also packs inside a bulk of minerals, vitamins and many active compounds which will leave your skin nourished and refreshed.

Honey, on the other hand, being a humectant (moisture binding agent) traps in moisture and doesn’t let your skin feel dry or stretchy.

PROCEDURE- Simply extract the gel of a whole Aloe vera plant and add half the quantity of raw (preferably Manuka) honey to whatsoever quantity of Aloe Vera gel you’ve extracted. Mix, apply and wash after 15 minutes. Since the mask contains honey, it won’t dry up solely so, there’s no point in sitting with it for hours. At most, half an hour is suggested after which Aloe vera would tend to be infested by bacteria.

2. ALOE VERA & CURD MASK

Known to be a peerless retainer of one’s skin’s firmness, Aloe vera in combination with curd that has lactic acid and hence, efficacious in lightening scars, spots, freckles, marks, blemishes, etc. is a wonderful mask to kick away spots and dullness. It also raises radiance.

PROCEDURE- As usual, extract the gel of an Aloe Vera plant (a single leaf would be sufficient) painstakingly and add two tbsp. of curd to it. Mix both well, massage on your skin gently and let it stay for 15-20 minutes or till it gets dry completely. Wash off with ample cold water to reveal brighter and energised face.

3. ALOE VERA, BESAN & HALDI POWDER MASK

The humble Aloe Vera gel has anti-microbial properties which spells cheer. Why? Because that makes it ideal to treat acne and pimples. Did I just see acne-prone ladies cavort excitedly on reading this? Besan helps to sort sallow complexion thereby evening out skin tone. Haldi makes for an excellent instant skin brightening ingredient that you just cannot skip in this recipe. I would suggest using either Kasthoori Haldi or Amba Haldi because these two variants are exclusively crafted for skin care and won’t turn your skin yellow if applied a little in excess (of course, don’t add an entire pack of Haldi just to ascertain the level at which your skin would turn yellow)

PROCEDURE- Simply extract Aloe vera’s gel off a leaf. Add a tsp of Kasthoori haldi or Amba haldi as well as besan. Mix well, apply and wash off within 15-20 minutes. Do not keep any Aloe vera face mask for more than half an hour. It gets infested by bacteria. You may not feel it but its nutritive value surely diminishes.

4. ALOE VERA, MILK & RICE FLOUR MASK

This mask comes to rescue to those who are battling sunburns. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and when teamed up with milk (that is high in lactic acid which lightens blemishes and deep cleanses skin) and rice flour (which helps to even out complexion), there’s surely no way your sunburn would stay for long.

PROCEDURE- Simply mix adequate amount of raw Aloe vera gel in a tablespoon of rice and  little milk (enough to liquefy) the resulting mixture and smear it liberally on your skin. Once dry, splash cold water and scrub it gently to remove it. Voila! Someone’s glowing.

Editor’s Note: Loved this! I love curd & honey, definitely trying first two <3

Do you use aloe vera in your DIY face packs? How do you use it?

Patanjali Neem-Aloe Vera with Cucumber Face Pack Review

Patanjali Neem-Aloe Vera with Cucumber Face Pack Review

By Simli

Hi lovelies!

Smooth soft and clear skin is what we all wish for. But somehow all of us somewhere fail to achieve it, we suffer from clogged pores, rough skin which is not soft and also not a pleasant feeling.

Lately I went up to a local Patanjali store and bought a face pack from pratanjali . It is known as neem-aloevera  face pack, below neem-aloevera its written in very small font “with cucumber”

What the product claims: “Clear clogged pores,cools,soothes and softens skin”
It also says ” A unique blend of pure herbs for clear glowing skin. Nimb (neem) full of anti bacterial properties regulates excess oil secretion, clear clogged pores,skin impurities impart natural glow to your face”

Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Neem, Cucumber, Fuller’s Earth, Aqua, pack base, Methyl paraben, propyl paraben , sugandhit dravya

Uses: Prevents from pimples and improves face glow.

Method of using: Apply on wet face, gentle massage it, let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off.

Price: Rs 60 for 60ml. (Buy HERE)

Texture:

The product is off white in color. Creamy and spreads well. The consistency is neither runny nor thick

Packaging:

White color Plastic tube with name written on it  and is having  a flip open cap. The packaging is quite travel friendly. The product doesn’t spill out in the cap.

My experience:

Having oily skin everything that has neem and Aloe vera attracts me a lot. This product says that it has neem and aloe vera thus I ended up buying this.  It didn’t break me out, had no pimples or rashes after using this.

It smells very herbal, people liking herbal smell may find it pleasant. The consistency is very good, it spreads evenly and without any problem onto my face. After applying it, it gives a cooling sensation which I feel is because of the presence of aloe vera and cucumber in it.

I have been using this product for a month now and am quite happy with the results. I apply it in exact same way as mentioned on its back and keep it on my face for 15 minutes. I let it dry completely. After rinsing it off my face looks fresh and rejuvenated. It doesn’t makes my skin glowing but it does clear my face. Containing neem I expected that it will give tingling sensation to my face but it didn’t and I feel so good about it.

It can be used as a regular face pack. Neem and aloe vera both are good for pimples plus fuller’s earth helps absorb oil and cucumber acts as a toner and calms the skin, I think this will also keep my pimples away. I’m quite satisfied with this product, for the price its a very good product.

I’m almost about to finish this product and will be buying this again. For anyone who is not willing to invest in something very costly for their skin care, can definitely go for this product. It is value for money.

Pros:

● economical
● value for money
● pleasant herbal smell
● clears skin
● no tingling sensation
● clears clogged pores

Cons:

● I very much like this product and do not find any con except that it contains parabens in it.

Rating: 4/5

Recommended!

Editor’s Note: This sounds pretty good, in my Patanjali list of products to try. Nice review Simli

Have you tried the Patanjali Neem-Aloe Vera with Cucumber Face Pack?