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Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick Review

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick Review

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Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick Review

Hi guys,

Guerlain has relaunched in India and I had attended their event last month.  They launched the Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil and the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipsticks. I have been trying them out since quite some time now and here are my thoughts.

About the Abeille Royale Range:  Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil offers the skin all the power of Guerlain-exclusive ingredients: Ouessant Black Bee Honey and exclusive Royal Jelly. This revolutionary formula combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. Replenishing micro-drops of oil* are released at the very last minute, leaving the complexion looking radiant. The skin feels incredibly silky and baby-soft to the touch.

Abeille Royale: repair born of science and the bee.
In research going back ten years, Guerlain has scientifically proven the effectiveness of bee products in boosting the skin’s repair mechanisms. Abeille Royale offers an advanced solution to effectively combat the visible signs of ageing, namely wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Inspired by the latest discoveries in neuroscience, the new Abeille Royale Repairing Concentrate goes even further and, for the first time, targets the damage suffered by the skin’s nervous system with exposure to UV rays and other external aggressions. So the skin can repair itself more effectively and fully.

Directions for use: Shake the bottle.  Take 2-3 drops of the oil.  Apply morning and night to the face and neck before the cream, instead of, or before the serum. For greater effectiveness, use the special lifting application technique.

MRP: Rs.6025/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

It was so interesting to know about Island of Ouessant in France and how it is situated in a way that it is far off pollution and diseases and also the wind blows in a way that no polluted air comes on the island. It is a natural habitat for the black bees, one of it’s kind and a unique species. The honey from these black bees is of unraveled purity and that is used by Guerlain in it’s products. If you see the black bee sign on a Guerlain product, it contains this purest honey from those black bees. Guerlain works closely on maintaining and preserving the island and the bees.

The oil comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. It has royal jelly beads settled down and you need to shake the bottle before dispensing the product. The texture is almost like water, it doesn’t feel like an oil at all. It’s more like a watery serum but you can definitely feel the hydration once you use it.

I love how light weight it is, have been using this since the past 3 weeks now and I love how it makes my skin feel. I even got a small pimple in between but this dried and settled the pimple and inflammation. You don’t feel like you have anything on your skin, yet still get the moisture boost. It has slight tackiness and works great as a primer.

I am in love with this light weight watery oil, skin feels softer, smoother, plumped and nourished. Highly recommend this.

Coming to the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick.

Claims: Guerlain imagines KissKiss Matte, a hydrating and plumping matte lipstick, intense like a lipstick and comfortable like a balm! The subtle spice extract it contains gives the impression of voluminous lips while the precious oils and the hyaluronic acid smooth and hydrate them. KissKiss Matte offers 9 captivating shades for all special occasions. The iconic packaging is adorned with a golden matte veil.

Ingredients: 1. Imperceptible spice extract giving the illusion of voluminous lips.
2. Precious oils to nourish, smooth and hydrate the lips.
3. The new generation of hyaluronic acid brings volume and curve to the lips.

Directions: KissKiss Matte routine :
1. Apply Liplift primer before lipstick and slightly beyond the lip contour, then blend in with the fingertips.
2. Apply KissKiss Matte directly to the lips for a matte finish and hydrated lips all day long.

MRP: Rs.2775/-

Shades Available: 9

First of all, look at that gorgeous and luxurious packaging. It looks and feels like a bar of gold, it is quite heavy and feels fancy on touch.

A matte lip colour which is hydrating and comfortable, don’t we all need that? They have a mix of reds, nudes, orange and plums.

I have the shade Wild Plum with me. The pigmentation is amazing and it glides on really well. It doesn’t emphasize dry lines or bleed on the lips. It’s pretty easy to use and goes smooth. It does have a little bit of sheen on application but that wears off in a while. The colour settles to a matte one and stays for 4-5 hours without eating or drinking. With eating and drinking, about 2-3 hours but leaves a nice stain behind for few more hours.

Wild Plum is a gorgeous medium mauve plum. I love the colour, pigmentation, formula, packaging, everything about these lipsticks. My favourite out of the lot was Crazy Nude. Highly recommend these too, they are better in terms of quality than Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown and around similar price point.

Guerlain is available at Shoppers Stop, currently Juhu and Malad. But they are launching it online soon, mostly on Nykaa.

Have you tried Guerlain skincare or makeup? What do you think?

Fabindia Tea Tree Essential Oil Review

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Fabindia Tea Tree Essential Oil Review

By Monika

Hello everyone!!

I was on the lookout for a good product to treat acne since a long time and that is when, I read about how tea tree oil works wonders for acne. My main concern, was deciding whether to buy the Fabindia one or The Body Shop one but, I came to the conclusion that I’ll buy the fabindia one given that, I’ll have to shell out only half the amount .So without further ado, I headed straight to the fabindia store and bought myself the tea tree oil which is supposedly to work wonders for acne as well dandruff the latter not being a major problem in my case.. To know more about my experience with the product read on.

Price and quantity: Rs. 350 for 10 ml

What the product claims: This oil helps combat dandruff and acne. Fumes help in easing nasal congestion

Ingredients: Tea tree essential oil.

My views on the product

The product comes in a dark blue colored glass bottle with a screw cap which, has a dropper inside that makes sure that, you use the product sparingly which is very important in case of essential oils. I wouldn’t carry the product around as; I would have the constant fear of breaking it. I apply a few drops of the oil with a Q tip at night only on my acne avoiding the eye area. The oil has an extremely strong fragrance and causes a stinging sensation as soon as applied which, I am ready to forsake if it actually worked for acne. But to my disdain it did not, and the next day I saw 2 new pimples on my face. The effect probably varies from person to person but for my skin it clearly did no good .I continued using this product for a few days only because I didn’t want to waste my money but, it did nothing about the acne or the scars.

This product has ensured that I wouldn’t buy any product with tea tree oil in it cause of the recurrent acne that I saw on my face with regular usage of the product.

Pros:

  • Lasts for a long time since you have to use only a few drops in a single application
  • Comes with a dropper
  • Comes with a screw cap which prevents leakage

Cons:

  • Doesn’t reduce acne or scars
  • Causes stinging sensation
  • Overpowering smell
  • Can cause dry patches on skin
  • Not travel friendly

Final word

I would not recommend this product to anyone since, it has proven to be a complete waste of every penny spent and would do nothing about the acne instead, it would cause more harm like dry patches on skin. So, if you are looking for a good tea tree oil then, this is definitely not the one.

Rating: 1/5

Editor’s Note: Oo..I am surprised this didn’t work because I have heard a lot of good things about the Fabindia oils too. The Body Shop one is definitely amazing, I have tried that. I think you should try The Body Shop one.

Have you tried the Fabindia Tea Tree Oil? Did you have the same experience?

Touch Nature Lemongrass Essential Oil Review, Benefits, How to Use

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Touch Nature Lemongrass Essential Oil Review, Benefits, How to Use

By Nidhal

They smell heavenly. They are perfect pick-me- up items to uplift your senses and lull you into a soothing slumber. Popularly used in aromatherapy sessions, essential oils, EO for short are highly concentrated, potent and therapeutic oils that need to be necessarily blended with a carrier/base oil for external use (and they are strictly not meant for internal uses). A base oil is simply any oil that mellows down the potency of the essential oil to the extent that its goodness isn’t reduced but it becomes conducive for use on skin.

The bottom line- Always, without fail, dilute essential oils in a base (or more than one) oil such as- virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO in short), virgin sesame oil and so on and so forth for use on skin/hair. Also, add only a few “DROPS’ and not teaspoons/tablespoons of the essential oil into the carrier/base oil. You stand the risk of scalding your skin if you add more than a few drops of essential oil to the base oil.

With these basic ideas in my, I zeroed in on TOUCH NATURE NEPAL LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL one fine afternoon as I was strolling the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal in 2014 🙂 The people are the epitome of courtesy , warmth and civility by the way. Coming back to the topic, let us begin with how the essential oil fared for me and how I used it for my skin and hair.

PRICE – 350 INR for 10ml (Buy similar from Soulflower HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Dilute in a base/carrier oil of your choice, depending on your skin’s condition and use topically.

INGREDIENTS- Pure lemongrass essential oil

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a perennial plant in the Poaceae grass family and is native to the tropical and subtropical area of India, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Guatemala, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It flourishes where the soil is slightly sandy and the climate moist and war. Lemongrass essential oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, astringent and diuretic properties.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a minuscule glass jar with a plastic cap on top and a layer of plastic covering with already perforated holes inset, the packaging of the essential oil is simple, spillage-free and travel-friendly. Yes, the provision of the double layer packaging makes it easy to carry without the fear of leakage. However, I wish a dropper was furnished so that drawing out the oil would have been easier. So, that is my input.

The oil has a riveting aroma. It uplifts you truly! The oil does not have a greasy/oily/thick texture but is fairly runny (as I see). One is not supposed to put it on one’s skin without dilution hence, I never risked doing the same.

FOR MY SKIN – I blend 3-4 drops of this lemongrass essential oil into two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and then, massage it on my skin especially after a bath for that ensures better absorption 🙂 Result? My skin feels hydrated, smoothed out and softened throughout the day besides emanating a lovely aroma that keeps me fresh

FOR MY HAIR- I mix 2 drops of this lemongrass essential oil with 2 tablespoons of virgin sesame oil (which is slightly warm for I prefer hot oil massages). Never mix the oils and then heat the resulting mixture. Do not even heat virgin sesame oil too much else or it may emit flames of smoke, indicating that all its goodness is going in for a toss. Simply heat the virgin sesame oil for a minute or two on LOW FLAME and then after a minute or two, add 2 drops of lemongrass EO. Mix well and apply on your scalp.

Keep it overnight and then apply a mask (optional step) the next morning, shampoo and condition as usual. You will end with shiny, hydrated and softened hair which I did  Oh yes, as far as my experience goes, I find it suitable for use by all skin types except those with excessively dry skin. All hair types can go for it.

GOOD-

1. Riveting aroma. It sends one’s olfactory senses into a tizzy. In one word- Heavenly 

2. Well-packaged

3. Well-priced. Most essential oils are within this range so, one is not being overcharged.

4. Perfect for aromatherapy sessions.

5. Can be added to hair masks with a foul odour to camouflage the smell.

6. Can be added to face masks in order to elicit a soul-stirring aroma.

7. Imparts a glow. I have added a few drops of the same to extra virgin olive oil and used on my face and neck (which is dry)every night for two months. Hence, can vouch for it. Please note, I said “drops”.

BAD-

1. Very difficult to find. I have not been able to find it in India. It is obvious since it is made in Nepal but even if searched online, one is unable to find to find it.

RATING – 4/5

Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum Review

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Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum Review

By Nidhal

Living in a metro was never easy. Admittedly, one has better access to a number of amenities but with all this, some uninvited guests in the form of – dirt, dust, pollution, grunge, grime and what not keep visiting our skin 24*7 🙁

To battle them, our first weapon is those eye-pleasing chemical-laden products that look at us enticingly from the shelves of the stores we throng to rescue our skin. Thanks to the paucity of time at hand and the desperation to rid ourselves off those skin woes, we add those rubbish products to our shopping cart. Months pass by and the products do more harm than good. Disenchanted, we start thinking that now the clock cannot be turned back. THIS is where we falter.

We always have organic products at our service to ride us off our skin woes. I admit they take time and patience but the end results are worth waiting for 🙂  In line with that thought, I zeroed in on RAW RITUALS ETHEREAL FACE SERUM one fine day. Let us see if it did anything praiseworthy to my skin or not.

PRICE- Rs 400/- for 8ml, Rs.750/- for 15ml (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Take 3-4 drops of the serum and massage onto your clean face and neck in circular motion till the oil is completely absorbed.

INGREDIENTS- Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, carrot seed oil, rosehip oil, cucumber seed oil, lemongrass essential oil, bergamot essential oil, rosemary essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, vitamin E Oil and olibanum essential oil.

This is the complete list of ingredients. No cheap/artificial fillers. No chemicals 🙂

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Ageing is a fact of life, but this powerful serum can combat the enemies of your skin and halt the ageing process to keep your complexion looking younger for longer. Whatever your main concern – be it wrinkles, skin brightening or instant hydration, the carrot seed oil present in this serum will take care of it. It will nourish, tighten, revitalize, rejuvenate skin and will slow the progression of visible wrinkles. The sweet, warm, balsamic aroma of the Olibanum oil is stimulating and elevating to the mind. This beautifully scented Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum is perfect for improving skin tone, deep hydration, reducing early signs of aging by smoothing out the fine wrinkles and uneven skin.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a royal blue glass bottle with a dropper on top and a layer of plastic sheet wrapped around its cap to prevent leakage, the packaging of Raw Rituals Ethereal face serum is impeccable. Not only does it look eye-pleasing (which is something I do not pay heed to but if it’s good, one should praise) but also fulfils all the factors that are actually pivotal such as- sturdiness, hygiene and travel-friendliness (of course, handle with care for it is glass) In short, as far as packaging is concerned, it gets full points from me.

The oil has a non-greasy, non-oily and non-sticky texture which is a major plus point for I think everyone can use even though it is specifically targeted towards dry skin. As instructed, 3-4 drops were used by me twice every day for over a week (that is how, it lasted. I had the smaller bottle).

Two minutes of massage and it went into my skin without leaving any trace of oil/grease. It hydrated my skin without weighing it down besides imparting softness (which will be noticeable after 5-6 uses)and a subtle glow (again, do not expect miracles with a single use). At times, I did not even apply anything on my face and venture out with just a few drops of this serum massaged into my skin. This is efficacious this serum is 🙂 It is capable of compelling you to chuck makeup altogether!

The aroma is pleasant and would not irk those with a sensitive nose. It is, however, transient. It can be used every night as a part of one’s ‘beauty sleep’ and you’ll wake up with clearer. Since I am in my early 20s, I cannot comment on its effectiveness to combat wrinkles/aging, however, given its ORGANIC composition and performance so far, it deserves a thumbs up 🙂 Way to go, Team Raw Rituals. It is the first time I am using a serum and I’m going gaga over it. Go grab it!

GOOD-

1. Organic

2. No chemicals or preservatives added

3. Sturdy packaging

4. Available easily (on Amazon India)

5. Brightens complexion

6. Softens skin (not intensely but to a certain extent)

7. Can be used daily

8. Can be used by all skin types

9. No rubbish added

10. Uplifting aroma (which is not artificial but of essential oils)

11. Non-sticky/non- greasy/non-oily texture

12. Gets absorbed within the twinkling of an eye

BAD- None

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good, I will definitely give this a try. I love serums and oils

Have you tried the Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum?

Top 10 Types of Essential Oils, Their Uses and Benefits, How to Use, Buy Online

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Top 10 Types of Essential Oils, Their Uses and Benefits, How to Use, Buy Online

By Simran

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.

An oil is ‘essential’ in the sense that it contains the ‘essence of’ the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.

Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that essential oils and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.

In addition to these impressive qualities, they often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. This makes for a highly vast and diverse list of uses for essential oils.

Rosewood Essential Oil

1. Rosewood essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Rosewood is a decorative tree and used to make furniture, chopsticks, and show pieces; it is a versatile and durable tree that grows abundantly in Brazil. It is commonly called sheesham in India. But rosewood is more than just a raw material used in manufacturing.

Benefits/uses of rosewood essential oil:

  • Rosewood oil has tissue-regenerating properties that help prevent wrinkles and premature aging.
  • You can use it to reduce the onset of pimples and blackheads while controlling the amount of sebum secreted by your oil glands
  • It even has wound-healing actions, making it an ideal first-aid remedy for cuts and insect bites.
  • Aroma therapists use it to help treat depression, as it is said to impart feelings of happiness and strength.

How to Use: You can dilute the oil by using a carrier oil like coconut/olive oil and apply it on your face or use it as a massaging oil. Add a few drops to your bath to relax your body. You can even mix it in your unscented shower gel to achieve a sweet smelling shower gel which relaxes you.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

2. Tea Tree Essential Oil: (Buy HERE)

Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the tea tree plant, a member of the myrtle tree family, which is native to Australia.

Benefits/Uses of Tea Tree essential oil:

  • Tea tree oil can be used to cure acne, fungal and bacterial infections.
  • It can even effectively be used to get rid of dandruff.
  • Tea tree essential oil can provide relief from muscular pain, aches, and sprains because its strong chemical properties can work as an anti-inflammatory and also encourages blood flow.

How to Use: Mix the oil in your moisturiser or Mix a drop or 2 with a smidge of coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply on your face to effectively fight acne. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water and dip your toothbrush in it once a week to get rid of bacteria on your toothbrush. Use the oil as your deodorant since it fights bacteria and helps you smell fresh.

Orange Essential Oil

3. Orange essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Orange essential oil is obtained from the peels of orange by cold compression. Although most of you know the common name of oranges, perhaps you don’t know the botanical name, Citrus Sinensis.

Benefits/Uses of orange essential oil:

  • Orange essential oil is known to relax muscular and nervous spasms.
  • Curing acne and constipation.
  • Improves complexion.
  • Inhibits growth of microbes in wounds and helps reduce inflammation.

How to Use: Use it with your moisturiser, since Vit. C helps in repairing skin and fighting wrinkles. Add a few drops of oil in water and use it as a kitchen cleanser. Diffuse Orange with Lime, Lemon, or Tangerine for a sunny warm-weather scent, or diffuse it with Cinnamon and a hint of Clove for a festive smell perfect for the holidays.

Lavender Essential Oil

4. Lavender essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has also been used in making perfumes.

Benefits/Uses of Lavender essential oil:

  • Lavender essential oil is known to Reduces anxiety and emotional stress
  • Heal burns and wounds.
  • It helps in Improving sleep
  • Restores skin complexion and reduces acne.
  • It Slows aging with powerful antioxidants.

How to Use: Put a drop or two in your bath water to instantly relax your body after a long day. If you have trouble sleeping, put 2-3 drops on your pillow case to help you fall asleep faster. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a nut or vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc) and use topically on acne.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

5. Cedarwood essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Cedarwood essential oil is extracted from wood pieces of the cedar wood tree. Cedarwood contributes a great deal to its health benefits.

Benefits/uses of Cedarwood essential oil:

  • Cedarwood oil promotes hair growth
  • has anti-inflammatory agents
  • cures toothaches
  • strengthens gums
  • It clears out toxins and helps cure acne and fungal infections.
  • Reduces skin irritations
  • regulates menstruation
  • stimulates metabolism
  • tightens muscles

How to Use: Just add a few drops of Cedarwood oil to your shampoo or massage it directly into the scalp to promote hair growth. Simply add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your skin cream and rub it into the affected acne areas or you can add 4 or 5 drops to your bathwater to help soothe the skin. You could also add cedarwood oil to coconut oil and some oatmeal to make your own facial scrub. If you are feeling in any way tense, stressed or depressed try inhaling cedarwood essential oil from the bottle or put a few drops on a handkerchief and breathe it in whenever you feel the need.

Chamomile Essential Oil

6. Chamomile essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the Chamomile plant, which is very popular as a flowering plant. There are two types of Chamomile; The Roman Chamomile and the German Chamomile.

Benefits/uses of Chamomile essential oil:

  • Chamomile oil is best known throughout the ages for its sedative and soothing qualities.
  • Endowed with an overall calming effect for the stressed mind and tense body
  • Chamomile essential oil can also be used to ease feelings of grief, anger, discontent or over-sensitivity.
  • It helps in fading scars and spots on your skin and treats sunburn.

How to Use: Rub a few drops of Chamomile essential oil on your pulse points like behind the ear or neck; it will help you fall asleep better. Add 1–2 drops to your favourite moisturizer, shampoo, or conditioner to promote youthful looking skin and hair. Add 1–2 drops to herbal teas or hot drinks to soothe the body and mind.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

7. Cinnamon essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Cinnamon originated in tropical Asia, and was particularly widely used in Sri Lanka and India. Now, the shrub is grown in almost every tropical region of the world. The spice, owing to its vast medicinal uses, has found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, which is the traditional Indian medicinal system.

Benefits/uses of Cinnamon essential oil:

  • It increases circulation and fights viruses.
  • The oil possesses anti inflammation properties and hence cures acne effectively.
  • Helps alleviate sore muscles and joints

How to Use: Place 1 drop Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or mineral oil and apply on your face for glowing skin and decreasing acne. Place one drop on your toothbrush then add toothpaste for healthier gums.

Sweet Basil/Tulsi Essential Oil

8. Sweet Basil essential oil:

Sweet basil oil comes from basil, a plant with a thick foliage and small white flowers. Fresh basil leaves taste sweet and pungent, and exudes a fresh and floral aroma, while the dried ones have a spicy and earthy scent. Basil was widely used in ancient times and still used in India for various medicinal purposes.

Benefits/uses of Sweet Basil essential oil:

  • Sweet Basil essential oil Soothes sore muscles and joints.
  • It enhances the lustre of dull-looking skin and hair.
  • It helps cure acne and improves circulation.
  • Apply to minor skin irritations
  • For sensitive skin, dilute with fractionated coconut oil.
  • It is anti bacterial

How to Use: Mix it in your shampoo or moisturiser for lush hair and glowing skin. Use basil essential oils topically on the feet or by diffusing them aromatically to fight fatigue.

Peppermint Essential Oil

9. Peppermint essential oil: (Buy HERE)

While the aroma of peppermint essential oil may be synonymous in some minds with the candy, it’s a lot more than flavouring. The essential oil of peppermint has been used for centuries for digestive problems, sinus and respiration and more. The aroma of the oil can be very sweet, and obviously minty, in nature.

Benefits/uses of Peppermint essential oil:

  • It nourishes skin and improves texture of oily skin
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Improves mental focus and relieves headaches.

How to Use: Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to your regular morning shampoo and conditioner to stimulate the scalp and energize your mind. Use a drop or two on your temples to help enhance mental clarity. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can stave off the munchies and can help you feel full faster.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

10: Lemongrass essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Lemongrass is an herb that belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. Lemongrass oil has a light and fresh lemony smell with earthy undertones. It is stimulating, relaxing, soothing, and balancing.

Benefits/uses of Lemon grass essential oil:

  • It relieves head and stomach aches
  • Helps reduce acne and oiliness of the skin
  • Helps in reducing fatigue or insomnia, even menstrual cramps.

How to Use: Diffuse or apply Lemongrass essential oil to bottoms of feet at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep. Drink two cups of lemongrass tea a day to relieve pain associated with your period. To help clear up acne, add one drop to a carrier oil and dab on to affected areas once or twice a day.

These essential oils are also available in a set of 6 (HERE) and set of 12 (HERE), different combinations.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Simran. I absolutely love Lavender essential oil and of course tea tree.

Do you use essential oils? Your favourite essential oil?

Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

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Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

By Pallavi

Hii Girlies,

For dry skinned girls like me you can’t leave without body oils in winters. And especially during the February and summer months when the winters gets reduced but the air turns dry. That is the time when i felt my skin feeling much more dryer. And that is when i realised that only body lotions are not going to soften my skin. i need something stronger. Let’s go for body oils. Now, can you imagine whole winter i didn’t used any body oils but when the winter was on the verge of ending i needed a body oil. And that is when i landed with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil.

Price : Rs. 54 for 100 ml.

Ingredients:

Company claims : For a soft, smooth, glowing and healthy skin, reach out for Jac Olivol, which is enhanced with Italian olive oil. It has a light texture with sandalwood aroma and nourishes your skin with ayurvedic elements.

   Absorbed by skin easily

   Makes skin soft, smooth and radiant

   Effective herbal body oil

   Golden liquid of 200 ml ensures healthy skin

My experience with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

The packaging of this olive oil impressed me. With oils I always have a fear that they will spill out and damage my clothes and all. But this one comes in medium sized yellow bottle which has product details inscribed on it. The bottle has the cap at the top which when tightly secured ensures that the oil will not spill out.

Now coming to the texture of this oil it is really free flowing and light. It spreads easily on your skin and since it is light it does not feel sticky. You need a very little amount per usage. so, a single bottle can survive you easily for one winter. With regular usage you can see that the oil is taking care of your dry patches. Also, it brings a healthy glow to the skin.

Good about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Natural brand

2. Little product required per usage

3. Inexpensive

4. Spreads easily on skin

5. Soothes dry patches on skin

6. Healthy glow to the skin

Bad about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Not meant for oily skinned beauties anytime of the year

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Pallavi, I have combination skin and definitely need a rich oil like this for winters. I would surely give this a try.

Have you tried the Jac Olivol Olive Body Oil yet?

Almendrop 100% Pure Almond Oil Review

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ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL REVIEW

By Nidhal Sinha

Almond oil has benefits galore for your skin and crowning glory. Don’t believe? Enriched with Vitamins A, E and B, almond oil is food for your skin. Not only does it quench your skin’s thirst for moisturisation but also halt the signs of aging. Sounds good? Wait, there’s good news for your mane too. Almond oil is a great emollient and also cleanses skin and removes dead cells. This quality helps fight dandruff and keep the scalp clean. It is light in texture and that makes it a great substitute for shine enhancers or leave-in conditioners. Almond oil has amazing moisturizing properties due to the essential fatty acids and the vitamin E it contains. Lusciously gorgeous mane, did I hear you say that?

Oh, wait, the benefits don’t end here. There’s good news for your lips too. How? Almond oil comes to your rescue when you want those soft, pink lips to die for. Almond oil’s rich vitamin content and the fact that is a great moisturizer works wonders in softening lips and imparting a winsome natural pink colour. Since it is storehouse of beauty hacks, why not grab a bottle of almond oil and put a full stop to all our beauty woes? Sure, but markets are inundated with hordes of almond oil brands. Which one should be relied upon? Well, the answer is subjective but today, I will bring a brand of almond oil to your notice that will hopefully leave you with the answer to the above poser.

So, let’s begin with the review of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL on that note.

PRICE- Rs 225/- for 175 ml (BUY HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply on skin, hair or lips by massaging it gently.

INGREDIENTS- Refined almond oil (edible grade)

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Beneficial for hair, skin and health.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simply but sturdy plastic bottle with cap on top and a layer of plastic covering shielding the oil from contamination inset, the packaging of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL is leakage-free and hygienic. That said, I doubt if it is travel-friendly or not. The cap, I think may loosen its grip with use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the packaging to make it travel-friendly. Just the cap needs to be revamped. All else is fine.

The oil isn’t lightweight but it isn’t as heavy as coconut oil is. If applied on one’s skin and hair, one will get a feeling that something is applied. But again it won’t be so heavy that you will feel uneasy in keeping it for long duration. The oil has no fragrance which is a plus point for me. I detest artificial fragrances.

When used on skin overnight (of course, I won’t recommend oily-skinned ladies to do so), you wake up with a dewy and moisturised skin. The key is to be regular. Miracles don’t happen overnight unless it is a Bollywood movie 😛 As far as its use on lips is concerned, a better idea would be to add ghee to it since the oil gets soaked immediately when slathered on lips. Finally when it comes to one’s crowning glory, if used as a hot oil treatment overtime (around 2 months), you’ll get shiny and softened locks. This depends of your hair’s condition and frequency of usage too so, do not picture shiny tresses instantaneously on reading my experience

All in all, it a good investment. The results aren’t noted within a week or two of use. Be patient and persistent. It’s a natural treatment but the results will spellbind you for sure.

GOOD-
Economical price
Hydrated lips if not deeply then in combination with other natural ingredients such as-ghee.
Imparts shine to your crowning glory. Again, the results won’t be seen immediately. Religious use overtime throws such results.
Moisturises skin well.
Sturdy bottle.
Pure. It is an edible grade oil which validates its purity.
No artificial aroma

BAD-
Limited availability. I found it a supermarket in New Delhi. It is an imported oil so, it may take time to reach the remotest corners of India.
Cap’s packaging needs to be modified to make it travel-friendly

RATING- 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: I just saw this on Amazon and it looks pretty good. I always recommend Hamdard Rogan Badam Shirin but this is cheaper and seems like a nice option.

Have you tried Almendrop Almond Oil yet? Heard of it?

The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

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The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing two products from The Body Shop’s new Spa Of The World Range. The French Lavender Massage Oil I have been using since quite some time now and the Japanese Camellia Cream I have been using since about 2 weeks.

Both of these products are from the Relaxing Ritual which has 3 more products,a total of 5, i.e. African Ximenia Scrub, Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay and Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath. And there are two other rituals i.e. Revitalizing and Blissful which have different body massage oils and scrubs and 3 products each in that range.

Starting with the Camellia Cream,

What the Company claims: Camellia oil has been used by Japanese women since the 8th century to gently soften and moisturise skin. The exquisite scent of this pure and elegant flower allows mind and body to reconnect with a moment of profound peace. Use this rich body cream with a light, velvety texture as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Velvet moisture body cream
– Makes skin feel beautifully hydrated and delicately scented
– Relaxes body and mind

How to use: Smooth on from décolletage to toes until fully absorbed. Expert tip: “Before applying Spa of the World™ Japanese Camellia Cream, warm hands under running water, take a bit of the cream and massage your hands together to warm the cream. Japanese Camellia Cream is ideal to use every day as a body moisturiser.”

MRP: Rs.2995/- for 350ml

Ingredients:

When I saw the tub, I was surprised, coz it’s huge! Super huge! But it’s made of plastic and quite light weight, also there is a thin transparent layer in between so it looks bigger than it actually is. Entire Spa of the World range come in this brown and black packaging. And all bottles and tubs are plastic, more convenient for oils as the bottles may break easily.

I don’t generally like body butters unless they are quite light weight like the Fuji Green Tea one was. This looked quite rich to me when I first opened the tub and saw it. And as soon as I dipped my finger in it to get the product, I was surprised! This is nothing like a body butter, not at all thick. It’s exactly like whipped cream or mousse. Soft, airy and fluffy. I absolutely loved the texture and as soon as I apply it on the body, it immediately melts in contact with skin and blends super easily. The best part is gets absorbed so quickly that by the time you finish using it all over your body, more than half of it is already absorbed. It feels super light and even in the Mumbai summers, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all.

I love the soft, refreshing smell. I am not sure how Camellia flowers smell but it does have a soft hint of floral. I also like the other ingredients i.e. mango seed oil and shea butter apart from the camellia seed oil.

Skin stays moisturized whole day and no need to re-apply or apply anything else. If you have normal to oily skin or live in humid city, I will definitely suggest getting this one. And if you have dry skin or have harsh winters, the Hawaiian Kukui Cream would work better for you.

It is definitely very pricey but this tub of 350ml will surely last me ages! Not a lot of product comes out when you try to scoop it out since it slips, but then a little goes a long way with this cream, so you don’t even need like huge dollops every time.

And now coming to the French Lavender Oil,

What the Company claims: In the 14th century, King Charles VI of France demanded pillows filled with lavender to soothe him to sleep. Lavender essential oil has a natural relaxing scent which promotes a sense of well-being. Use this calming massage oil as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Relaxing massage oil.
– Soothes body and mind
– With lavender from the south of France.

How to use: Focusing on tense areas, massage onto skin to help relax body and mind. Try using with the Spa of the World™ Thai Wooden Massager to enhance the experience. Expert tip: “Bring this product when you travel, it can work as a body moisturiser and the lavender scent will help you relax before you sleep.”

MRP: Rs.1695/- for 170ml

Ingredients:

The body massage oils come in this small round bottles with a black cap. The dispensing hole is not too huge nor too tiny and dispenses the perfect quantity of oil required at one go.

I absolutely love lavender and if I have to ever pick only one scent for ever, I will go with lavender. Also lavender oil is very relaxing and calming and will also solve insomnia issue. I can’t generally sleep on time, I would lying on my bed for hours but can never sleep early. That’s when I make sure I use this oil.

It has a base of sweet almond oil and sesame oil with jojoba, lavender and few other essential oils combined. I love sweet almond and sesame oils as base coz they are very light and get absorbed quickly. Where as olive or coconut are quite on the heavy side.

Since the ingredients are all oils, you can even use this on your face i.e. if you use oils on your face. I do and sometimes just blend the leftover on my face post using it on the body.

I use it post shower or before sleeping or anytime I feel like. Absolutely love the relaxing lavender scent and how light weight the oil is. The two other massage oils in the Spa of the World Range are Tahitian Orchid and Thai Lemongrass. Where as the Tahitan Orchid is blended with ylang ylang and patchouli and would be quite strong, Thai Lemongrass one is good for body massages, if you get them done at home. But for normal day to day use, if I have to suggest you one, I would say the French Lavender one.

Even the oils are on the little pricier side, but then again it’s 170ml than usual 100ml. I would have loved if The Body Shop had come with smaller variants and pricing too. And that would have been travel friendly versions too, coz these definitely aren’t.

Overall I love both the products and they are absolutely amazing, definitely on the pricey side, but quality super! No doubts about that, the Spa Of The World range is out in the stores now and also available online on The Body Shop India website.

What do you think of The Body Shop Spa Of The World Range? Any favourites?

Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

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Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

By Pallavi

Hello Beauties,

Here i am with yet another one of my cult products. I like products which you can use in multiple ways. And some time back the concepts of oils have been quite a hit. You can use them in numerous ways be it on your hairs, skin or anywhere. Castor oil is one such significant oil. Since time immemorial people have been raving about this oil.

Actually, this oil is very thick and extremely sticky. And i have absolutely thin fine hairs. So, i thought that this oil will further weigh my hair down and i will have completely flat hair. But after researching a lot i thought that if i use this oil properly then, i will definitely get immense benefits out of this.

So, my first experience with this oil began with Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil. Read on to know how this fared on me and the multiple uses of this oil.

What the Company claims: Distil’s Castor Oil has many medicinal and curative uses. Contains ricinoleic acid that inhibits many viruses and bacteria, and as castor oil is able to penetrate skin tissue deeply, this makes it an effective treatment for acne. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid protects the scalp and hair from infections that can cause hair loss. The omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil nourish the hair and prevent the scalp from drying. Rubbing castor oil on your scalp and the roots of your hair will regenerate new hair growth and also thicken thinning hair within months. Rub in a small amount around your eyes and face before bed, washing it off the next morning. Castor Oil breaks up external and internal scar tissue and prevents new scars from forming. It softens rough or thickened skin, including calluses and corns and cures skin infections like athletes foot and ringworm. Rub a small amount of castor oil over your stomach and thighs daily to prevent stretchmarks during pregnancy or periods of weight gain.

Product description:

  • Effective Treatment for Acne
  • Promotes Hair Growth
  • Medicinal and Curative Uses
  • Penetrate Skin Tissue Deeply
  • Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungicidal
  • Prevents Hair Loss
  • Nourishes Hair
  • Prevent Scalp Dryness
  • Anti Scars
  • Anti Stretch Marks

Price: 225 INR for 200 ml.

Shelf life: 24 months from the date of packaging

My experience with Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

Castor oil is one of the most famous oils available in market at present times. But people say that the best version of castor oil is cold pressed castor oil. This is believed to be the purest form of castor oil. Castor oil is thick in nature. So, actually you should buy it in the smallest bottle size, but i mistakenly bought the biggest one and it is lasting me since ages.

Anyways coming to this bottle it comes in thick plastic bottle which doesn’t breaks or spills oil even if thrown accidentally from a good height. The bottle has a little hole at the between which ensures little oil dispersion only. I use it on my hair. But i advise strongly not to use it directly, as it will make your hair too sticky and you will not be able to wash it off. So, i use these oils by blending it with other oils. This makes a very powerful connotation. This oil is believed to be hair growth stimulator. So, i have used it regularly on my eyebrow and you won’t believe i gained average amount of hair within a month or two. Many people use castor oil in their eyebrows every night.

Coming to the economy of this bottle single bottle will last you long enough. So, invest in the smaller one.

Good about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

  • Natural brand
  • Cold pressed form
  • Huge quantity
  • Affordable price
  • Multipurpose use
  • Doesn’t smell bad

Bad about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

  • None for me

Rating:

Availability : 4/5
Performance : 5/5

Overall rating : 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: Yes, many use castor oil every night on eyebrows and eye lashes, definitely recommend trying this you are looking to grow your eyebrows or want thicker eye lashes. Also as mentioned by you, mixing it with other oils for your hair. And the mix also works well on stretch marks. Nice review Pallavi 🙂 Also would like to mention I love some of the Aloe Veda products, their French Lavender Body Wash is my all time favourite!

Do you use castor oil? How do you use it and which one?

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

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The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

Hi guys,

I have been using the new Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil since a week now and here are my first impressions about it.

What the Company claims: Infused with three precious seed oils and a blend of seven essential oils, we’ve created the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. The lightweight and quickly absorbing texture leaves a non-sticky finish, melting onto the skin, leaving it silky and soft. Instantly, skin appears smoother, more radiant, revived, revitalized and nourished. After 4 weeks, the signs of aging appear reduced, wrinkles appear minimized, and skin feels more elastic and firm.

How to use: This dermatologically tested oil can be applied every morning and evening before applying a cream. Apply 1 to 2 drops maximum (2-3 for very dry skin) onto the face and neck and gently massage into the skin. Follow with one of our Oils of Life moisturizers.

MRP: Rs.3095/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

It comes in a sleek and nice golden yellow glass bottle with a black dropper dispensor. The packaging is very convenient to use, though I am not sure how travel friendly it would be coz of the glass.

I love using oils on my face, using oils and serums at night is something I have been following since years and it really works amazing. Oils can be used even by people with oily skin, what it does it balances the oil secretion of the skin and also has amazing properties for revitalizing, firming and hydration of the skin. Different oils have different properties and this time Body Shop has come up with a combination of three special seed oils i.e Black Cumin, Camellia and Rosehip.Cold pressed seed oils are the purest form of oils and all their properties remain preserved. It also has a lot of other oils like Olive Oil as a base, Lavender Oil, Jojoba oil , Orange Peel Oil, etc.

I use 2-3 drops of it every night and massage it well on the skin, it has a complete dance routine massage video on their youtube channel. The smell is not unpleasing, it is nice, I do smell a hint of lavender and I really like lavender oil.

The oil is super light in texture and absorbs in a jiffy. Skin next day is super moisturised and plump, there is no redness or dryness. My skin was feeling very dry and stretchy as the winters had started, especially in the mornings, also coz of the AC at night. But since the time I have been using this, there are no dry patches and no stretchiness.

It also claims to have firming and anti-ageing properties, I cannot comment on it right now and would do a full review on it, post using it for a month.

It is slightly on the expensive side but all oils and serums in this category are almost in the same range. And since you need just 2-3 drops per use, this will easily last months

Overall I would say, I definitely recommend trying this out, especially if you love serums and oils. This is just a perfect blend of all the goodness of oils.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out or tried the The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil yet?