Skin Care Archives - FashionForRoyals

Best Sunscreens for Summers

Sunscreen are our best friend in summers as they protect us from harmful sun rays. Here are the best sunscreens to keep sun damage at bay.

Summers are approaching and I am excited as I love spending time in the sun and enjoy the sunshine. But being out in the sun has its own downside. It can damage the skin, cause premature ageing, sunburn & skin cancer and that’s why I take sunscreens very seriously. Checkout more skincare and beauty blogs here.

No matter what the weather is, one should never skip applying sunscreen, especially while stepping outdoors. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents any skin damage that might happen. Therefore, using a good and effective sunscreen with the right amount of SPF is very important.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The level of protection a sunscreen gives the skin from the UVB, or burning rays is measured by the SPF number it has. It also indicates how long a sun protection product allows us to stay in the sun without getting sunburn.

What do different SPF numbers mean?

A question that many of us struggle with while buying sunscreen is what number of SPF to buy. We usually think that a sunscreen with a higher SPF number will give us better protection than the one with a lower SPF number, but that’s not the case. A sunscreen with SPF30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays, whereas one with SPF50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, so the difference is not that much.

Although using a higher SPF is always a good idea, do remember that SPF only protects us from UVB rays. For overall protection, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 is recommended. While staying indoors, when not in direct sunlight, a sunscreen with SPF15 can also work.

Types of sunscreens

There are 2 types of sunscreen commonly found in the market, chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. A chemical sunscreen soaks into the skin, absorbs the UV rays and changes them into heat and releases them from the body, whereas a physical sunscreen creates a protective barrier on the skin that filters out UV rays.Physical sunscreens tend to be more moisturising, cause less irritation and are best for sensitive skin, but they can be a bit heavy and leave a film on the skin. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand absorb quickly, are thinner and spread easily, which makes them best for swimming & sports.

Both physical and chemical sunscreens are equally effective in protecting against the harmful rays, it is our personal preference which one to choose. Another thing to keep in mind while choosing a sunscreen is to go for a non-comedogenic sunscreen as it doesn’t clog pores and prevents breakouts and acne.

When to apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied daily, even while staying indoors and one must never-ever skip them while stepping outside no matter what the weather is. A question that many of us have about sunscreen is, in which order it should be applied. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before stepping outside and it should be the final step in your skin care routine and therefore it should be used after the moisturizer. When doing makeup, sunscreen should come before the primer. Primer acts as a barrier between your sunscreen & makeup and keeps its effectiveness intact.

When it comes to protection from the sun, using sunscreen just once a day is not enough, it should be reapplied every 2 hours. While swimming or if one sweats heavily, it is recommended to use a water-resistant sunscreen or apply it more frequently.

Top 10 Face Sunscreens

Now that we know the importance of using SPFon a daily basis, here are 10 face sunscreens to try these summers:

Bioderma Photoderm Anti-Pigmentation and Ti-Wrinkles Sunscreen SPF50+

This Bioderma Photoderm Anti-Pigmentation and Ti-Wrinkles Sunscreen with SPF50+ moisturises and is ideal for everyday use. It shields against the UV rays and doesn’t feel heavy & sticky, as it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly.

Price – £16.80
Click here to buy!

Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin

Packed with antioxidants, this 3-in-1 Avene Very High Protection Sun Cream with SPF50+ is perfect for sensitive skin. This light coverage, tinted sunscreen protects against the sun & pollutants and covers any spots or blemishes.

Price – £14.00
Click here to buy!

REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF30

REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral with SPF30 is formulated with naturally-derived ingredients such as yellow passionfruit seed extract and soothing rice extract, it forms a protective shield against harmful rays, manages excess oil and gives a matte finish.

Price – £32.00
Click here to buy!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield SPF25 Moisturiser and Facial Sunscreen

Give the skin a boost of hydration with Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Sunscreen with SPF25. It is an oil-free, water-gel based sunscreen that protects the skin from sun damage & pollution while keeping it moisturised throughout the day.

Price – £12.99
Click here to buy!

VICHY Idéal Soleil Dry Touch Face Cream SPF 50

VICHY Idéal Soleil Dry Touch Face Cream with SPF 50 provides flawless sun protection by creating a protective film. It has a water-resistant texture & gives a soft, dry-touch finish and doesn’t leave the skin shiny.

Price – £16.50
Click here to buy!

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA ++++

Shield the skin from UVA/UVB rays, sun damage, pollution and blue light with mineral rich Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum with SPF50 PA ++++. It’s suitable for all skin types, brightens the skin and gives it a soft peach tint.

Price – £60.00
Click here to buy!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50 provides high protection against UV rays. It is water, sweat and sand resistant, which makes it an ideal choice for the day at the beach. Its fluid formula is easy to apply and doesn’t leave white marks.

Price – £13.13
Click here to buy!

Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Cream SPF30

With a unique WetForce formula, the Shiseido WetForce Expert Sunscreen with SPF30 provides UV protection that becomes even more effective when it comes in contact with water which makes it perfect for a beach day and swimming.

Price – £34.00
Click here to buy!

Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 50 – PowerBright TRx

This medium-weight, day time Dermalogica Pure Light Sunscreen with SPF50 guards the skin from harmful UV rays and reduces hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. It evens skin tone and creates a natural moisture barrier reducing the appearance of fine dehydration lines.

Price – £60.00
Click here to buy!

SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection

Boost the skin’s natural defences UV rays and sun damage with SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen with SPF50. It spreads easily on the skin, dries quickly without leaving any residue and gives a nice sheer, weightless matte finish.

Price – £37.00
Click here to buy!

Body Sunscreens

Protecting just the face from sun damage is not enough. Securing the body from harmful rays is just as important and that’s why having a separate sun product for that is essential. So, here are some effective body sunscreens:

Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+

Powered by anti-UVA and UVB technology, this Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen keeps skin safe. Its water-resistant formula spreads over skin effortlessly, creates a protective barrier and prevents sunburns and inflammation.

Price – £17.50
Click here to buy!

Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Body SPF30

This Clinique Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. The invisible shield technology of this sunscreen creates an invisible layer and protects the skin. It’s light-weight and super-comfortable to wear.

Price – £26.00
Click here to buy!

VICHY Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Tan Enhance SPF50

As the name suggests, this VICHY Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water mist hydrates, defends against environmental aggressors and enhances the tan at the same time. It is fast absorbing and is perfect for people who want a nice tan without burning the skin.

Price – £19.00
Click here to buy!

NUXE Sun Melting Spray for Face and Body SPF 50

Ideal for both face and body, this NUXE Sun Melting Spray protects from UV rays, prevents premature ageing and the appearance of pigmentation and sun spots. Its light-weight formula quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Price – £21.00
Click here to buy!

NIVEA Sun Protect & Dry Touch Sunscreen Spray SPF50

NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Invisible Sun Spray is extra water-resistant and leaves skin feeling refreshed. It’s non-greasy formula, light formula is highly effective and provides immediate protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Price – £08.00
Click here to buy!

These are some sunscreens that can help protect the skin from sun and prevent premature ageing and other skin problems. Try them and soak in the sun without the worry of skin damage.

I hope you liked this blog and it was helpful in some way. For more fun fashion, beauty & lifestyle content, follow me on Instagram.

Clean Skincare with EVE LOM

Clean skincare products are something I like and EVE LOM is a brand known for that. So, here are some of their products I absolutely love.

After healthy & clean eating, the other thing that plays a huge role in giving you that radiant and glowing skin is your choice of skincare products. Picking the right products that suit your skin type is a challenge that most of us face. Believe me; I have had my share of bad experiences with skincare products in my college days, but with time I got a better understanding of my skin and what kind of products are best suited for it. Checkout more beauty & skincare blogs here.

Although there are some products that are a must have in my routine, to be honest with you I can’t stick to one skincare routine for a long time. I like to experiment and see if there is anything better out there than the products I am currently using. I recently came across some products by EVE LOM and I have been using them for some days, so I thought why not review them for you guys.

About EVE LOM

EVE LOM is a clean beauty brand that has been making Parabens free, Sulfates free and Phthalates free skincare products for over 30 years. All their products are made from naturally derived ingredients & essential oils and are free from any synthetic fragrance & dyes.

1. EVE LOM Gel Balm Cleanser

If you are looking for a cleanser that leaves your face squeaky clean and doesn’t strip out all the moisture from your skin, then this is it. It removes all the dirt, impurities and even waterproof makeup from your face to give you that fresh radiance.

The shea butter and grape seed oil present in this EVE LOM gel balm cleanser ensures that your skin stays moisturised and hydrated up to 12 hours of use. Just wet your face and take a generous amount of cleanser and apply it all over your face to get balm like foam, wash your face and say hello to bright skin.
Price – £45.00
Buy here!

2. EVE LOM Peel Pads

After your face is all clean from cleansing, the next step is to exfoliate it. We all know that exfoliating daily is not good for the skin and that’s why these EVE LOM Peel Pads are a blessing.

Enriched with Multi-fruit acid complex, these pads gently exfoliate skin for an instant bright, smooth and radiant skin. It’s super easy to use as well, just apply the pad over your face and neck until everything is fully absorbed into the skin and continue with the rest of your routine. These should be used in the night time only.
Price – £60.00
Buy here!

3. EVE LOM Rescue Toner

Now that the Balm cleanser and the peel pads have worked their magic on your skin, the next step is to tone your face with EVE LOM Rescue Toner.

This toner helps in improving the overall texture of the skin and reduces skin concerns like blemishes, uneven skin tone. It defends the skin cells from environmental contaminants and maintains the water balance so that the skin remains hydrated for a longer time. Take a little bit of toner on a clean cotton pad and wipe it over your face and neck for a soothing effect.
Price – £55.00
Buy here!

4. EVE LOM Moisture Lotion

If smooth and healthy skin is what you want, then you must always moisturise it with a good moisturiser.

This EVE LOM Moisture Lotion provides the skin with the much needed hydration and also protects it from pollution and oxidants by forming a protective layer. It is lightweight and oil-free, so your face won’t feel greasy after applying this. It minimizes pore size and controls oil, so that your skin looks fresh for a long period of time.
Price – £85.00
Buy here!

So, if you are looking for a clean skincare brand you should give EVE LOM a try. I absolutely love them and my skin feels smooth, fresh and hydrated after using their products.

Weekend De-Stress Ritual

A relaxing bath is proven to help you calm your mind and unwind. Here are a few things you can do to have a rejuvenating spa-like bath experience at home.

We are all doing our part by staying at home and social distancing as much as possible, but sometimes everything can get a bit overwhelming. While going through this time, it is vital to take some time out to relax and rejuvenate ourselves and weekends are a great time to do that. For me, nice baths helps me unwind, de-stress, and feel like a completely new person. Here is how you can turn your usual bathing into a spa-like experience at home and you can also find more self-care blogs here.

Add scented candles

Dim the lights of your bathroom and add scented candles for that perfect soft glow of light. Scented candles will instantly add that soothing, calming vibe to your bathroom, and their scent will uplift your mood. I like using Aequil London’s candles, as its refreshing fragrance takes me to a whole place right away.

Sip on your favorite drink

Sitting in the bathtub with your favourite drink takes the at-home relaxing session to a whole new level. I like to slowly sip on red wine while getting lost reading a good book.

Bath oils

Enriched with the goodness of essential oils, bath oils have therapeutic properties and are great for rejuvenating the mind and body. They are also good for various skin issues, inflammation, muscle aches, and insomnia. I add 6-8 drops of Olverum Bath Oil to my bath water and it works as an icing on the cake.

Sheet mask and relax

Indulge in some skincare while unwinding your mind with a sheet mask, after all, your skin needs pampering too. Garnier’s Moisture Bomb Mask is my go-to for my weekend de-stressing sessions, as it is super hydrating and gives my skin the moisture it needs.

Bath salts

When it comes to a good bath, Westlab Pink Gin Bathing salts are a must for me. They detoxify the skin by peeling away dead skin cells and keep the skin supple and delicate. They are also useful in removing skin tanning and pigmentation.

Bath fizzers

Bath fizzers take your at-home bath experience up a notch. The beautiful, colourful bubbles add a luxurious touch to your bath and put you in a happy mood. I love using bath fizzers by Bubble T Cosmetics, as they have an amazing fruity fragrance and are enriched with essential oils that nourish the skin.

Hair mask

While the bath oils and candles work their magic and calm your mind, you can use that time to nourish your hair with a hair mask. Apply your favourite hair mask, put on some soft music, close your eyes, and feel your mind getting calmer with each moment. I generally use Refibra Hair mask.

These are the things I include in my bath to take my bathing experience to next level and they help me release the tension and feel fresh.

My 5 Favourite Face Masks

I’ve always been extra-conscious about my skin but the lockdown has made me a wee bit more indulgent. Maybe, the stress has made me more vulnerable to breakouts or it’s just that I am noticing the smallest of pores and spots. Still, being someone who always sees a silver lining, I’ve decided to use this downtime for pampering my skin. Luckily, I have some awesome face masks in my collection and I’m using them regularly, according to moods and needs. Let me list the most amazing ones I recommend.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Archana Dhankar (@fashionforroyals) on Apr 3, 2020 at 1:25am PDT

Goddess Skin Clay Mask Charlotte Tilbury

The Goddess Skin Clay Mask claims to visibly lift, smoothen and brighten your skin, and tighten the pores as well, which it absolutely does! This nourishing 10-minute clay mask is my recommendation for rejuvenating your skin. The mask is enriched with Spanish clay that absorbs oil and impurities without causing dryness and essential oils that hydrate and delay the signs of aging.

Price: £38.00
Click here to buy

O3+ Dermal Zone Sulphur Cooling Mask

My favourite pick for the upcoming summer, this mask has incredible cooling effect that your skin wants in the hot weather. The product contains naturally-cooling ingredients like organic willow bark and mint, which make your skin feel instantly lighter, cooler and refreshed. As a bonus, it gives you get a radiant glow that makes you look and feel beautiful.

Price: INR 830
Click here to buy

Bareminerals Dirty Detox Mud Mask

A detox for your skin is something that you can absolutely use right now! And my rescue mask for the difficult breakout-days is the Bareminerals Dirty Detox Mud Mask. The product combines the goodness of purifying charcoal with the amazing qualities of four mineral-rich clays and natural Papaya Enzyme to make your skin smooth, luminous and vibrant.

Price: £33.00
Click here to buy

Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask

I’ve been using Clarins for quite some time now and I can swear by this one because this is my second tube. This rebalancing purifying clay mask reboots my skin in just 10 minutes with the Organic Alpine Willow Herb extract mattifying, minimizing shine and reducing the appearance of pores. White Clay and Green Clay absorb the impurities, smoothen up the skin and give a healthy-looking glow.

Price: £30.00
Click here to buy

Bareminerals Metallic Mask – Mini Kit – Gem Stone One

The most amazing one in my cabinet is this mini kit by Bareminerals that has a collection of four incredible metallic masks. The gold mask is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid that gives your skin a much-needed hydration boost. The Amethyst one has rejuvenating and revitalizing action while the Sapphire Blue mask detoxifies your skin. The Pink Diamond gives you a healthy, radiant glow. I use this one for multi-masking, applying them selectively for target-specific concerns.

Price: £29.00
Click here to buy

So these are my recommendations for the season. Go ahead and try them-I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!

Travel Beauty & Makeup Essentials for Your Beach Holiday

Beach Vacation Makeup & Skincare Essentials

Travel skincare is vital because while skincare might be the last thing on your mind when you are in the vacation mode, but it is still important as sun, sand and sea can take its own toll on the skin. And on a beach vacation, you need to be extra careful to keep your skin safe from the sun, sand and sea.

Also, we all want to look the best on our holidays it is hard to tug along a lot of makeup on holidays for all the extra weight and space they take when you have a limited amount of baggage allowance that you want to save for some holiday shopping.

With a lot of trial and error, I have finally got my holiday makeup and skincare down to the T, and only carry what I will absolutely need.

Read along if you want to find out what I took away with me to my latest beach holiday, and obviously I have included both skincare and makeup essentials in one blog to make your life easy.

Skincare Essentials – Sun Protection on the top

Sunscreen is the first thing I think because it’s always my priority when I travel to the beach. Don’t forget to take along a strong sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better sun protection it gives. If you are planning to stay in the sun for long that SPF 50 sunscreen is an option to carry along. A sunscreen spray is a smart choice because is super-easy to apply to those hard to reach areas and doesn’t require rubbing in. I also make sure that my face cream also has good SPF in it which I use in evenings or sometimes over my sunscreen on the face.

A good conditioner and hair mask for your tresses is a must-have as sun-kissed beach waves need more moisture than you think. I used the conditioner every day and hair mask once in 3 days for that extra nourishment when my hairs felt dry.

Don’t forget an all-purpose moisturizer like Nivea Soft, which can use as a hand cream, body moisturizer and even face moisturizer. The salt in the sea and sun can especially make the skin dry so this is a good one to carry.

I would recommend a night serum too, as that can nourish your skin in the night as you get your beauty sleep. Wet wipes are also a another must for any holiday, as you can keep yourself fresh and also manage any mess-ups if they happen. Below is the list of my beach vacation skincare favourites:

NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream for face, hands and body:
Price: £4.99 for 200ml
Buy Now

Coola Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Unscented
Price: £ 30
Buy Now

Wet Ones Be Fresh Original 12 Antibacterial Wipes:
Price: £ 1.15
Buy Now

Clarins – Mission Perfection Serum
Price: £ 54
Buy Now

Avene Anti-Ageing Sunscreen SPF50+
Price: £ 19
Buy Now

Avène Hydrance Light-UV Emulsion:
Price: £ 15.50
Buy Now

Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Conditioner:
Price: £ 62
Buy Now

Elgon Refibra Concentrated Restoring Mask
Price: AUD $17.95

Favourite Makeup on Holidays

No one wants to be holed up doing makeup while there is so much out there to explore and do, and when its hot outside heavy makeup on the skin doesn’t go well. But still, we do need to look our best every time we step out. So how can I forget my favourite travel-friendly makeup products when talking about beauty and skincare.

So Without any ado, I will just go ahead and share the list of my makeup favourites that are my best beach buddies as well.

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Radiance SPF 35: A face primer that enhances the quality of your foundation, blurs imperfections and illuminates the complexion

Price: £ 24.50
Buy Now

Nude Huda Beauty Pallete: Absolutely, my go-to palette for any travel as it has pretty much all the looks I need

Price: £ 56
Buy Now

Bare Minerals Original Foundation (Golden Tan) – I only used this foundation as it’s not at all heavy and very natural looking. The foundation gives good medium coverage and buildable as well.

Price: £ 28
Buy Now

Benefit Cosmetics – Hoola Caramel Bronzer: Didn’t use it a lot after a few days as I had so much natural suntan but it was good for the initial days

Price: £ 26
Buy Now

Bare Minerals Dew Mist Setting Spray: An amazing product that offers extended wear and gives your skin a fresh and natural-looking glow. I also used it as a spritz to refresh myself sometimes

Price: £ 22
Buy Now

Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks: An amazing two-in-one product that you can use on lips and cheeks for a soft, stained and dewy finish

Price: £ 22.50
Buy Now

Clinique Chubby Lash Mascara: Mascara for evenings and dressy times, which I simply love because it lets me manage without fake lashes at all on holidays

Price: £ 20
Buy Now

Lipstick Queen Saint, Pinky Nude: This is the shade I love because it gives me that perfect glamorous, yet less heavy makeup look that is just right for the vacations

Price: £ 22
Buy Now

Lancôme Juicy Shaker Lip Gloss, 372 Berry Tale: As berry-licious as its name, I love this natural lip gloss that gives all the gloss and nourishment I need

Price: £ 18
Buy Now

Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil: Perfect for quick and easy eye-brow filling that I need so much when I just want to have fun on a vacation

Price: £ 21.50
Buy Now

Roller Liner Liquid Eyeliner: This true matter liquid eyeliner is my favourite pick and I prefer the brown shade as it looks less harsh and is much more fun on holidays

Price: £ 18.50
Buy Now

Bobbi Brown Make Up Remover: An extra-gentle waterproof makeup remover which removes long-wearing eye and lip makeup effectively. My absolute beauty tip – Never ever sleep with makeup on, no matter how tired you are.

Price: £ 19.50
Buy Now

So, that pretty much sums up my skincare and makeup kit for a beach vacation. Now, don’t forget to pack your essential beauty and skincare products next time you travel and look gorgeous on your next holiday.

Do share below if you find your essential beauty travel products, I am always looking for new ideas and suggestions.

My New Favorite Face Products

It is a truth universally acknowledged that healthy, glowing skin is a byproduct of a nutritious diet and carefully chosen skin products. Apart from eating the right kind of food, I also invest in skincare products that promise to deliver good results.

Every now and then, as I find the various lotions and potions I use diminishing in quantity, I explore new skin products and find the right combo to fit my needs. Here’s my take on some of the latest finds – hope my review helps when you’re out product-hunting next!

Sukin CTM Products

First, let’s look at this new brand I have tested Sukin, which is an Australian organic skincare brand. I have here tested their Foaming Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Mist Toner, and Facial Moisturiser as well. I wanted to replace my usual CTM products with organic cosmetics to test if it really made a difference.

The Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser is an inexpensive facewash that is great for everyday use, if you have combination or oily skin. It removes excess oil, without leaving my skin dry and patchy, though I definitely need to use a moisturizer after. I feel it leaves my skin feeling cleansed and soft, with a mild fragrance.

I follow up the cleanser with a generous spritz of the Hydrating Mist Toner. The toner has a lovely fragrance and hydrating effect, which ensures that I never miss the toning part of the CTM routine. I often use the toner on warmer days to simply freshen my face before a touch-up – I simply love the soft floral fragrance it leaves behind.

The Sukin Facial Moisturiser comes after the cleansing and toning. It is a light-weight moisturizer which leaves my skin feeling fresh. It doesn’t clog my pores or leave an oily sheen as some other moisturizers do. I often use it at night time and wake up with hydrated skin, no oily T-zone.

I would say that the Sukin products I tested are an affordable basic skin care range for people with combination to oily. I’m not sure how these products would fare for dry-skinned people, but my experience with them has been great so far.

Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser
Price: £7.95
Click here to buy

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
Price: £ 7.95
Click here to buy

Sukin Facial Moisturizer
Price: £ 7.95
Click here to buy

SkinCeuticals Anti-Ageing Serum

Getting past basic skincare, let’s come to one of my most exciting finds – the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense. Now, this is a product that gets a big thumbs-up from me. The product markets itself as a salicylic acid acne treatment for ageing skin.

With only two weeks of regular usage, I found that the serum was working its charm and how! My skin felt smoother, with better texture and radiance, and lesser oiliness at midday and even after a full night’s sleep. The serum has a clear fluid that spreads easily over the skin and it absorbed quickly. In my opinion, this product is worth purchasing again, even though it is slightly pricey. I will probably continue using it in the long term for clear, youthful skin.

SkinCeuticals Anti-Ageing Serum
Price: £ 78.00
Click here to buy

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks

Now let’s get to some makeup products. Burt’s Bees lipsticks – #532 Russet River, #524 Wine Wave, and #551 Magenta Rush. The lipsticks have a semi-matte finish, are highly moisturizing, and apply smoothly without tugging. They stay on me for a good 5-6 hours without touch-up though they do transfer on eating or drinking.

Russer River is a deep brown shade with red undertones which is great for office or evening wear. Wine Wave is a luscious purple-brown that I typically wear to evening dates or afternoon events. The Magenta Rush is a bright, playful shade that I reserve for casual outings in the daytime. These lipsticks are a wonderful addition to my vanity and used frequently these days.

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks
Price: £ 9.99
Click here to buy

The Soap Company Haul

Coming to the new bath products I tried; I got some lovely handcrafted soaps by The Soap Company, India, and they were every bit as lovely as I hoped. Handcrafted with nourishing ingredients, these soapy beauties promise to enrich the skin, leaving it scented, clean, and fresh. I got 4 beauty bars – Rose, Tangy Orange, Lemon Bee, And White Musk Shea Butter. What I love about them is that they are handcrafted with pure natural ingredients, thus reducing the skin’s exposure to chemicals. Also, unlike other soaps, these do not leave the skin dry and flaky,and are foamy enough for a luxuriant bathing experience. Kudos to The Soap Company for the lovely fragrance and sskin-energizing properties of their beauty bars.

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Rose Soap
Price: INR 125
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Tangy Orange Soap
Price: INR 110
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Lemon Bee Soap
Price: INR 120
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury White Musk Shea Butter Soap
Price: INR 125
Click here to buy

True North Products

Finally, let’s look at the True North skincare range that won me over. This brand has a unique, scientific approach to skin solutions and offers products based on biometric analysis of your skin type. I first tried their Timeless Eye 5.3 eye-gel which turned out to be an absolute wonder. It comes is a 15g tube, and is to be applied 1-2 times a day. I used it every night before sleeping and with two weeks of usage, could see the results; the under-eye area was definitely more supple, soft, and bright than before. I would recommend it to anyone with tired, sunken eyes – it really worked for me!

I also tried the De-Stressed Day 2.1 day cream, which is meant for normal to oily skin. I applied it as part of my CTM routine and was pretty satisfied with the results. It has a light, smooth texture, and is absorbed quickly into the skin. I felt that the cream left my skin feeling soft and radiant, without any post-usage greasy sheen; that’s what I need in a good moisturizer!

I also tried the De-Stressed Serum 4.1 which claims to be a super-hydrating product for all skin-types. I used it at night, along with the eye-gel, and felt that my skin looked healthier, softer, with just a week’s usage. I’d say it’s a good buy for people with dry, patchy skin.

True North Timeless Eye 5.3 eye-gel
Price: £ 29.60
Click here to buy

True North De-Stressed Day 2.1 day cream
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

True North De-Stressed Serum 4.1
Price: £ 39.20
Click here to buy

So this was all on my new face product finds. What about you? Do share!

Loving It Series- New Skin Care Products

Being an avid makeup enthusiast, I love experimenting with the latest beauty products in the market. Recently, I used a few products for the first time and would love to recommend the superb products to the readers.

Let’s check out the Loving It Series, as I call them:

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

An amazing product, this rejuvenating face oil makes an excellent alternative to face serums. It is made of hazelnut oil along with pure plant extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid. I love this product because it leaves my skin soft, supple and hydrated. It has a thin consistency and does not give a heavy or oily finish, rather leaves the skin looking radiant and healthy. What more, it is effective for getting rid of blemishes and open pores too. Just apply the oil in the evening and leave it overnight to let the skin soak it.

Price: £ 33
Buy from: (link)

Tropika Skin Coconut Cleansing Oil

Another skin care product that I fell in love with is Tropika Skin Coconut Cleansing Oil which is just right for sensitive skin. The best thing about this cleansing oil is that it is formulated with natural ingredients, virgin coconut oil and olive oil. While virgin coconut oil keeps the skin clear and blemish-free, olive oil prevents premature aging. Together, these ingredients work magic to remove the makeup and leave the skin smooth, soft and clear. Mix a few drops with some water and massage on your face to get rid of dirt and makeup gently.

Price: £ 17.99
Buy from: (link)

Coola SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

Coola SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is a great product if you are an outdoor lover. Made with 97% organic inactive ingredients, the spray offers active sun protection naturally. It contains aloe, algae, cucumber and strawberry extracts which work together to hydrate, nourish and repair dry and damaged skin. Algae and strawberry extracts give protection from the harmful UV rays. The spray comes in natural citrus mimosa and pina colada fragrances and I absolutely love both of them.

Price: £ 30.17
Buy from: (link)

Estee Lauder- Perfectly Clean Triple Action Cleanser, Toner and Makeup Remover

A versatile product, this one is something I would recommend for all. It is a refreshing, airy foam cleanser that removes makeup and impurities gently and thoroughly, without drying the skin. It leaves the skin toned and luminous, without any oily residue. The product is enriched with natural botanicals and minerals that comfort and clarify the skin. Gently massage it on dry skin and rinse it off.

Price: £ 26.00
Buy from: (link)

Clarins SPF 50 Sunscreen

Another Clarins product that I would like to talk about is Clarins SPF 50 Sunscreen. It is a lightweight and oil-free day screen that provides complete protection from UVA/UVB rays. It also protects the skin from pollution and damage caused by free radicals. Clarins’ pioneering Anti-Pollution Complex forms an invisible shield for the skin, keeping it safe from premature aging and dark spots.

Price: £ 32
Buy from: (link)

I recommend that you make all these products a part of your daily skin-care regime to get a radiant, youthful and beautiful skin.

Time Bomb: Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel

If ageing was a myth then we would all be timeless beauties. But it’s the harsh truth of life. After 30 the skin loses its firmness, elasticity and density as the skins essential collagen starts to break down. To keep your skin looking healthy, young and firm you need to pay extra attention to your skin. There are so many ways you can keep your skin looking gorgeous. One such product I came across is the Time Bomb Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel.

This new beauty product is filled with antioxidants and natural plant extracts which help boost the collagen in your skin. The product works by maintaining the skin’s structure and reinforcing the collagen and elastic giving you a smooth texture and touch skin. It also helps counteract the damaging effect of environmental exposure and keeps your complexion clean and healthy looking.

If you are fighting the battles of ageing skin then this is one product you should add to your daily beauty regimen. It has a light peachy texture which easily spreads over your skin to give your skin an improved tone and texture. The active ingredients like Pycnogenol help plump up your skin giving a glow.

How to Use:

Pump out a pea sized product on your palm and spread it evenly over your face and back.
Use it twice (Morning and Evening) for better results.

After using the product for a period of time I felt that my skin was smooth and there was an even texture which made my skin look healthy and fit. You can see visible results of the collagen bomb. Also, I like the packaging, love the pastel shades use and the pump which dispenses the required amount of product.

Price: £39.99

Time Bomb Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel: £39 for 30 ml. It is available on timebombco.com and QVC.

Bobbi Brown remedies skin reviver No. 91

Beautiful skin requires commitment, there is no miracle cure. Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. So it is important to have a regular skincare regimen. The golden rules of skincare require you to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat your greens and nourish your skin for a healthy glow. Work, stress and pollution aren’t easy on your skin leaving it damaged, unhealthy or tired looking. A regular diet and skincare routine is necessary. But it’s easier said than done. But maintaining your skin got easier with the Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Reviver No. 91. This is a part of the remedies collection by Bobbi Brown. The collection has six different concoctions for different skincare needs. Just a few drops of this anti-oxidant rich remedy helps support the skin’s overall health, replenish the vital nutrients, and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. The product claims to leave your skin feeling energised and looking revitalised, radiant and healthier after 4 weeks.

The skin reviver is like a green smoothie for your skin, with extracts of fresh kale, spinach and brussel sprouts and chlorella. These ingredients help tackle dullness and signs of ageing, resulting in brighter, plumper and more refreshed complexion by providing the skin with the vital nutrients it needs. The lightweight texture of the product is a perfect fusion of beauty and wellness. The skin reviver can also be mixed with other formulas from the remedies collection or layered with other products for a customised skincare routine.

How to Use – Apply 2–3 drops on clean skin twice a day in place of your serum or before it.

Overall this supercharged green smoothie works wonders on tired looking or damaged skin. The product has good absorption as it is lightweight. And the skin boosting ingredients help renew the skin’s key supplements giving a calming effect and it also shields the skin from environmental aggressors. It’s a great product which brightens up the skin. It works like a skin clearer giving you a radiant finish if used on a regular basis. However, watch out for sun exposure immediately after the application of the product.

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: £26.55

Have you tried any products from the skincare reviver range? Let me know in the comments below.

VLCC Beauty Product Haul Review

A girl can never have enough of beauty products, which does come close to the quintessential pairs of shoes she can own. When you have a plethora of such pretty products from VLCC, your joy knows no bounds. VLCC is one of the pioneers in the beauty and wellness sector, focussing keenly on the needs of the Indian skin and body, which other foreign brands may not really focus on.

Their focus on incorporating the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda into a modern woman’s needs is really worth a mention. I had the privilege of using a range of their products and here is my take on some of their key products-:

Diamond Facial Kit for skin polishing and purification: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and even your skin’s! As the name suggests, the facial kit actually has diamond bhasma or dust which according to Ayurveda is actually very beneficial to the skin in terms of removing the dullness and tiredness. The kit mainly contains 6 components of a proper skin care regime; a cleanser cum toner, scrub, lotion, gel and a face mask which all need to be used as per directions. All of them are infused with olive oil and jojoba oil to leave your skin soft and supple, but if you have an oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin you may want to avoid this facial to avoid breakouts. I was very pleasantly surprised with precise directions for use and the mild dewy fragrance just left me relaxed. At the end of the facial, there was an instant glow and evened skin tone thanks to the specks of diamond. However, the effect does not last for more than one or two days, thus one needs to consistently use this kit to avail the long term benefits of a toned and glowing skin.

Daily Protect Sunscreen Cream: Sunscreen is more than just a cosmetic; it is a dire need for anyone and everyone who steps out in the sun, to prevent skin damage. This came at a perfect time when the summer heat is building up. With a good SPF 25, the cream is very light, fragrance-free and non-greasy on the skin and did not leave any streaks of white marks that sunscreen creams usually do. It has the goodness of olive oil, papaya extracts to prevent wrinkles and tomato extracts to ensure tightness of the skin. But, one needs to apply this at least 20 minutes before stepping out and re-application is necessary to avail the benefits. So, keep this in mind ladies.

VLCC Lovable Lips: Chapped lips are something that we all deal with throughout the year irrespective of the season. While most of the lip balms contain paraffin wax or mineral oil, this actually contains natural ingredients such as thick shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and almond oil, hence it is priced slightly higher than other lip balms. Though in summers, this may tend to bleed from your lips if you apply too much. The easy application stick and handiness makes it worth holding on to.

Gold polishing scrub: While the benefits of gold adorning your body as ornaments is nothing new, gold dust as a scrub seems to be even more exciting. Egyptian Queens like Cleopatra used gold masks to keep their skin young and polished. Closer to home, Ayurveda recommends real gold dust in skin care products like moisturisers, cleansers etc to improve youthfulness and increased oxygenation to the skin. From the moment you squeeze out a little scrub on your palms, one can make out the light metallic gold and also turmeric fragrance, which is an excellent anti-bacterial. A small quantity in the size of a coin is enough to get a good scrub for your face. Unlike other fruit or plant based scrubs, this is not very abrasive, yet effective in remove the dead skin, white heads and dirt. The only little thing with this is that it tends to make your skin dry after use, so those with already dry flaky skin should avoid this.

VLCC cacti and litchi Gentle Hydrating face wash: I never knew that litchi and cacti are actually good cleansers for your skin, up and until now. Though it claims to work best for normal to dry skin, I even used it on my oily skin and after a few uses, my skin did not react adversely or break out. It is definitely mild even in terms of its fragrance. So, definitely worth using on a daily basis and quite worth the price.

I am quite impressed with the range of products that VLCC currently has and I am sure there is more to come. It is definitely a blessing for those who are conscious about their skin and yet want to avoid burning holes in their pockets. These products are mostly skin friendly and do what they claim. So, do not hesitate to try them and be consistent with using them.

Tips for Keeping your Skin Radiant and Ageless

Ageless, radiant skin is dream come true for a woman. In fact, no investment seems too big to have a skin that looks young and healthy. But you need not spend a fortune to get that youthful glow as some simple tips and tricks could give great results. There’s no need to spend hours and thousands for expensive skin treatment or buy pricey cosmetics that hide your flaws. Just a few healthy changes and choices and you are set to look younger by years!

Here are some easy tips to look gorgeous with youthful, radiant skin that defies age:

Hydration is the key: Keep your skin hydrated, inside and outside! Drink plenty of water and healthy drinks such as fresh fruit juice, coconut water, and lemonade. These drinks make the skin supple and hydrated as well as flush out the toxins from the body. Apply moisturiser daily to keep the skin soft and glowing.

Eat healthy, balanced diet: A great skin care regime starts with eating a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on eating fresh fruits and veggies and avoid processed foods and those high in oil and sugar. Dairy products, whole grains, poultry, beans and legumes form crucial components of a complete diet. These foods repair the skin cells and keep you looking fresh and young.

Pamper your skin naturally: Instead of using expensive, chemical-based cosmetic products on your skin, pamper it naturally. Wash your face twice a day with a mild face wash and cold water. Use a good quality cleanser at bedtime to remove dirt and grime. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week, using natural ingredients such as rice flour or sugar. This will remove the dead skin cells and leave the skin glowing and ageless.

Follow stress-free lifestyle: Get proper sleep as the skin repairs itself during the night. Stress is a factor that takes toll of your health and makes you look older than you are. Combat stress with activities like meditation, workout and yoga or indulge in your favourite hobby. Invest in your personal fulfilment and keep your spirits high.

Sun protection is essential too! The ultraviolet rays of the sun are harsh on skin and cause damage to the skin cells. Always apply a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) if you want to preserve the skin’s youthful radiance. Whether it is summer or winter, sun protection is essential for skin health.

Abstain from smoking and alcohol: Unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can dehydrate and damage your skin. Quit smoking to prevent premature ageing. Consume alcohol in moderation and keep your skin looking healthy.

It is important to use herbal and natural cosmetics rather than those laden with chemicals. Such skin care products are gentle on skin and make you look young and beautiful. All these easy secrets would surely lead you to the fountain of youth!!

Skin Care Tips for Holi

A touch of green, a hint of blue and a tinge of red smeared on the happy faces of your friends is the perfect ingredient for a colourful holi. Holi is all about colours, friends, sweets, bhang, dancing, water balloons and more. It’s a festival that as awaited as Diwali and celebrate all over the world! The colours, music, and the rain dance may bring much joy and merriment.

But don’t you skin or hair suffer the damage from the colour spoils your mood this year. Holi colours were traditionally made using natural ingredients and plant extracts. But these days you a lot of people use metallic colours and other pakka colours which explain the colourful faces at work or anywhere a week after holi. Before you get ready to surprise attack your friends with colours, protect yourself with these easy tips which will keep your skin and hair safe this holi.

Organic Colours: Play it safe and have fun at the same time with organic powders which don’t damage your skin or hair. Keep a few extra pouches with you to offer others. People get done with their colours pretty fast.

If you have any cuts or bruises, cover them up well with a band-aid or adequate dressing to avoid an infection later.

Clothes: You are traditionally supposed to wear white during holi. But with the harmful chemical and harsh sun try wearing dark clothes, in cotton or synthetic material. Don’t wear jeans. They will get too heavy once you are drenched in water. Also, try wearing long sleeve t-shirts or kurta. The idea is to cover yourself up as much as possible to avoid exposure to chemicals.

Nail Colour: Don’t want your nails looking like you’ve never gotten them cleaned or heard of a manicure. Protect your nails by applying clear polish or any dark coloured nail paint. Rub off any excess colour by rubbing a slice of lime on your nails.

Oil: This is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Even as a child my mother would oil my hair and skin with coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil. It keeps your hair and skin protected from the harsh chemicals in the colours and makes sure it doesn’t leave you looking like a red ape the next day. Apply the oil at least 15- 20 minutes before going to play. Braid up your hair to avoid a mess.

Avoid getting any treatments done on your skin 3-4 days before and after playing holi. Avoid going for waxing, threading or bleaching as well. Your skin would be sensitive when you get the treatments done, and the colours may cause irritation. If your skin does get itchy, then apply some aloe vera gel on the area.

Wash off the colour, immediately after you are done playing. Your skin may feel extremely dry after playing holi. Avoid exfoliating your skin and use gentle glycerin based soaps. Apply a generous amount of body lotion or baby oil to hydrate your skin. You can even use oil to remove colour from your skin i.e. just like a makeup remover.

Now that you have all your bases covered with all the do’s and don’ts. Get all geared up to play a safe and fun filled holi.

VLCC Day Spa Event Review

Jasmine..Mogra..Rose..No, I am not checking my memory for names of flowers but these were the aromas I smelt when I walked into the VLCC Day Spa and Salon, Vasant Vihar for their special VLCC Style Statement event. The eyes were met with a bunch of girls getting a funky nail art session which was really tempting. One could just google a nail art picture and voila! These experts can reproduce it on your nail. It was a treat to meet the cheerful hostesses like the centre manager and marketing head Sushmita Verma, so I was pretty sure that I was in for a soothing, relaxing and knowledgeable two hours. The centre was spread across 2 floors in the posh Basant Lok complex of Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. It has all the modern facilities for a spa and salon like make-up, nail art, laser treatments, body treatments etc. You name it, they have it right at your command. One might think it is a very girly thing, but interestingly 30% of their customers are men, who are equally concerned about their body too.

VLCC was started by one of India’s first women entrepreneurs; Vandana Luthra who is now a renowned figure in the beauty and wellness industry. VLCC which is spread across 127 locations, is traditionally known for their weight loss treatments, but now is a famous brand in the beauty and wellness sector. A little-known fact that, the famous Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial treatment, wherein your protein-rich blood plasma is used to even out the skin tone and ageing signs were, in fact, introduced first in India by VLCC. Now they have expanded their services to complement every aspect of your body like preventive anti-ageing treatments, Laser treatments, Spa treatments, Hair and make-up…. the list is long. Not to mention their standards in hygiene and safety are comparable to any top class salon-spa in India. No salon or spa can ever be successful without the staff, and VLCC is proof of that because their staff is very courteous and professional.

Apart from these wonderful sights and smells, we even got to learn some new and latest techniques to enhance the way you look and feel. One of the biggest concerns which any person, men and women alike have is that how can one prevent ageing and wrinkles? While the natural process of ageing would occur no matter what but all we can do is to delay it as much as possible. So, here at VLCC they help reduce the ageing signs through a thorough skin test to check your skin type and suggest a variety of treatments like chemical peels, Thermage, products diet and even lifestyle changes to help you achieve your goal. For those of us who are worried about the sagging under-eye and puffiness, the Dermaheal eye mask treatment is highly recommended, so much so that one 30 minute session would help reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes.

With so much of pollution and stress plaguing us, it takes a toll on our skin in the form of pigmentation, darkening and dullness. They have a variety of treatments like the Extra lightening Glutathione, where the glutathione serum is added to your skin using Derma rollers to lighten your skin tone up to two shades in just one sitting. They are even bringing in the famous Q switch laser treatment for pigmentation and scar removal in India.

Still not satisfied? Then their ultimate Thermage radiofrequency treatment reduces the appearance of those lines or acne marks on our faces, troublesome cellulite or bulges on our bodies and uplifts the eyes almost instantaneously. There is something for keeping those tresses pretty too; the Metabeta treatment which is a two-hour treatment helps arresting hair fall, dandruff and scalp sebum. VLCC takes pride in being the only salon to be providing this treatment in the country.

I was super excited to know that VLCC is piloting the ‘VLCC At Home’ service wherein the services would be available at the comfort of your own home, so you would not have any more excuses to skip that beauty routine. With VLCC as a trusted brand, this one is bound to be a hit.

Phew! After that enriching session, it was time to pamper ourselves with some massages like head and foot massages, which are highly recommended after that tiring day. Our final pull towards vanity was strengthened by our hosts giving us lovely takeaways of a gift voucher and a goody bag filled with their body care products like massage oils, moisturisers etc. So, watch out for our upcoming blog to learn more about these products.

We also have a discount code for you all to use at VLCC. Code – U3A5M242

The T&C for the codes are as follows:

10% discount on availing any service with VLCC ( valid over and above the current discount )
One time use
Valid till 30^th April
Not applicable on high end Dermat services

What is Thermage treatment? Is it effective? How does it work?

In today’s times, due to our fast paced lives, we often find it challenging to remain fit. Fitness is something we all strive for, but only a few of us manage to attain it. Our skin is a very important aspect of our body, which too needs to be taken care of. Having a smooth skin not only makes you feel good but also makes you look younger. However, maintaining smooth skin can be a daunting task! It means sticking to a particular diet, avoiding your skin getting over exposed to the sun and numerous other things that demand persistence. Sometimes, you might get your skin damaged because of your sedentary lifestyle- be it your unhealthy eating habits, smoking or an allergy.

Luckily, there are various clinical treatments using which you can treat your skin in no time. Thermage (anti-aging treatment) is one such procedure which helps in attaining smooth and younger looking skin.

What is Thermage treatment?

It is among one of the clinically proven skin tightening treatments that improve your skin and makes it look younger. Not only is this treatment user-friendly, but it also delivers promising results in no time irrespective of the skin tone in just a single procedure.

How does it work?

The treatment consists of using radiofrequency (RF) technology for the treatment of the skin. It makes use of heat to strengthen the core layers of the skin. The RF technology heats the layers of collagen (which plays a vital role in the replacement of dead skin cells) in your skin, thus assisting in remodelling the existing collagen as well as producing new collagen. This, in turn, improves the texture and smoothness of the skin.

The procedure causes the skin to generate new collagen of its own as well as stimulate the already existing collagen fibres. It makes utilisation of the natural processes in the body instead of depending on surgery to improve a patient’s skin.

What can Thermage treat?

By undergoing this anti-ageing treatment, you can actually treat wrinkles and fine lines on your body including the eyes, arms, hands, thighs, buttocks, face, etc. Furthermore, it also helps in smoothening the uneven and dimpled skin of the body. Apart from this, the anti-ageing treatment can also reduce the appearance of the cellulite (the under skin fat that causes lumpiness of the skin) temporarily.

Who can undergo Thermage?

This procedure is constructed for patients who don’t want to do a surgical facelift. This does not mean that it is an alternative to a surgical facelift. Both these procedures i.e. Thermage treatment and surgical facelift have their pros and cons.

Those ideal for the Thermage treatment include-

Those who don’t want to undergo a surgical face lift.
Middle-aged women displaying signs of neck/brow/eyelid sagging.
Middle-aged women displaying signs of drooping jowls/cheek folds.
Those who want to strengthen their skin structure without undergoing surgery.
Those who have earlier had facelift, but want to strengthen the structure of their skin further.

Before the procedure, an individual needs to consult a cosmetic dermatologist who will give an in-depth detail about the treatment i.e. how to go upon with it, its cost, the results of it, etc.

Skin Tightening Treatments

– Difference between Thermage (RF) and Surgical Face Lift

The effects of doing a facelift can last up to 5 to 10 years, while an RF treatment effect can last for up to 2 years at an average. In a facelift, there’s a surgery involving tightening of facial muscles, the rearrangement of underlying facial structures and the trimming of excess skin. On the other hand, the latter involves reducing fine lines, wrinkles, cheek folds and droopiness on the face through a noninvasive facial cosmetic procedure.

Regarding cost, the radiofrequency treatment (RF) is comparatively cheaper than the surgical face lift treatment.

Things you need to keep in mind before undergoing the RF procedure-

There is no doubt that radio frequency skin tightening treatment acts as an alternative to face lift. However, it shouldn’t be considered as a substitute for it. Those showing signs of ageing like loose skin, heavy faces, wrinkles, etc. may not experience considerable improvement after undergoing RF. Also, those who are seeking RF treatment must be well informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Consulting a skin specialist is recommended to identify your skin requirements and also make sure whether RF treatment is really required for you or not!

The number of sessions required-

Regarding duration, the treatment does not take more than an hour, although it may sometime go beyond the stated time due to the preparation and utilisation of anaesthesia. On the patient’s side, there’s no prior preparation needed apart from washing the face clean.

The effects of the treatment-

The recovery time for radio frequency skin tightening treatments are pretty quick as compared to related surgical treatments. The patient will find his/her skin firm and elastic almost immediately; however the physical results will be visible only after a few months. This will, in turn, make you look younger as compared to earlier i.e. before the treatment.

Thermage side effects, although rare include having mild redness, bumps and blisters in the areas- where one has undergone the treatment. This may vanish eventually (within a few days) or sometimes may last for up to a week or more. In the rarest of cases, there have been reports of a symptom known as surface irregularity (which lasts for a longer period of time).

The results of RF procedure vary from patient to patient. To be more specific, it depends on the patient’s underlying skin (the collagen). There is no doubt that the procedure improves the appearance of the skin to a certain extent. The results can be even better for those having healthier skin.

Simply Argan Scrub – Argan Oil, Coconut and Vanilla Coffee Scrub Review

Coffee is a stimulating drink for many people across the world especially in the morning. I am never completely awake without a nice cup of hot steaming coffee. But did you know coffee also has several benefits for the skin.

It contains antioxidants, fatty acid and vitamins which are beneficial for the skin. It helps brighten up tired looking skin. The natural oil moisturises and nourishes your skin, while it helps reduce cellulite and restores the skins texture by reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Caffeine stimulates dilation and scrubbing motion increases blood circulation, which plumps up the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Coffee is also a great exfoliator and is used in several face and body scrubs.

I recently tried the ultimate Coffee and Argan Oil Scrub from Simply Argan and I can see the difference in my skin. If your skin is flaky and dry this product is suitable for you. The natural ingredients like argan oil nourish the skin. Argan oil is also known as liquid gold and it works wonders for your skin. It helps maintain your body’s radiance.

The scrub also helps get rid of dead skin, brightens up the skin and leaves it smelling heavenly. It comes in a re-sealable pouch and once you open the pouch you are overwhelmed by the smell of coffee in a good way. When using the product, remove a small portion in a bowl and mix it with about 2 teaspoons of water to make a fine paste. One warning the product is a bit messy, as its a loose scrub my tip is to take a muslin cloth and wrap the scrub in the cloth and then use as a scrub.But on the plus side it will leave you and your bathroom smelling amazing.

The scrub can be used for your body as well as face. But if you have sensitive skin or oily skin then use only a pea sized amount for your face and scrub gently. After using the scrub for 2-3 times a week I feel that my skin looks healthier and softer. Also the smell lasts for a few hours which is a huge plus.

Overall this is a great body scrub which will leave your skin silky smooth, smelling great and reducing scars, marks and cellulite. Priced at £19 for a 200 gm pouch.

Have you tried the Simply Argan Scrub? Comment and let me know your favourite products beauty products this season.

Top 10 tips – For Your Nails

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your nails!

For Your Nails

Do not bite your nails; apart from having unsightly fingertips, you also become more prone to skin infections.
Always have your nails filed to perfect. Always. It’s the mark of a true fashionista.
Use good quality polishes and removers only. Cheap, low-quality products tend to dry the nail bed and make nails brittle.
Alternate dark and light nail polish to prevent discolouration of nails. Ideally, there should also be a 1-2 day gap between polish change so your nails can
If your nails are already discoloured – a yellowish hue due to too much product usage – use lemon juice. Dip cotton in it and place on each nail for 2-3 minutes. Follow up with moisturization.
Always apply a coat of clear nail polish beneath and over your coloured nail paint. This prevents yellowing of nails and chipping of coloured polish.
Keep your nails well moisturised to prevent chipping and breakage. Invest in a hand-and-nail cream and use regularly.
When filling your nails at home, move the nail file in one direction and not back and forth – this makes them less brittle and prone to breaking.
If a nail gets chipped, cut and file it immediately – don’t leave it looking shabby and uneven for too long.

Get a professional manicure done once every month. Admit it; you can’t clean, buff and remove cuticles the way the salon guy do

Top 10 Tips – For Your Hair

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your hairs!

For Your Hair

Always shampoo and condition your hair for maintaining optimal quality and texture. If worried about slathering on too many chemicals, go in for herbal products.
Do not skimp on heat protection before blow-drying and/or styling hair with heated irons. Heat protection products are expensive, yes, but worth every penny in terms of keeping hair healthy.
Apply a homemade hair mask once every week. Find a recipe suited to your hair quality and scalp condition.
Do not brush your hair too often – your grandma’s advice of 100 strokes each night may actually harm hair and the follicles.
On a windy day, cover your hair with some headgear or keep it tied to prevent tangling and knots.
Serums and leave-in conditioners can improve hair quality significantly, especially when it comes to dry hair.
If your hair gets too oily and you don’t have time for a wash, sprinkle some baby powder on your locks – it will soak the oil up instantly.
To remove split ends without going in for a haircut, twist your hair and inspect the strands that protrude outwards – they are usually the split ends. Get chopping!

Top 10 Tips – For Your Lips

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your lips!

For Your Lips

Chapped lips are such a turn-off; be kiss-ready with well-moisturized lips at all times.
Do not lick your lips when they get dry; this will only worsen their condition. Fall into the habit of always having lip moisturisers handy.
Always use a lip balm with SPF to prevent darkening of lip skin.
Every few days, buff your lips to remove dead skin – use a toothbrush for gentle exfoliation and follow up by moisturising them with a soothing balm or lip butter.
Always go in for quality products when it comes to lip care and makeup; it’s better to have fewer high-end lip colours than a truckload of inexpensive, low-quality lip products.
Never share your lip products with anyone, unless of course, you also have a makeup brush that can be cleaned once used after application by someone else.
If you have dark pigmented lips, rub a slice of potato on them before bed and rinse off in the morning.
To have naturally pink lips, use a natural lip stain like fresh beetroot or pomegranate juice. Apply a few drops and night and wake up to a lovely pinkish pout!
Don’t throw money on expensive lip plumpers to get that sexy pout. Instead, rub a little peppermint oil which irritates the lip-skin (mildly) and gives a fuller effect.
On special occasions when you have to bring your A-game, massage your lips with an ice-cube before putting on makeup – this will provide them with a supple, healthy glow; the best base for any product application.