skin care Archives - FashionForRoyals

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!

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.

What You Need to Know About Dermaroller Treatments

If you suffer from acne scars, stretch marks, or prominent facial wrinkles, you probably also suffer from diminished self-esteem. Our self-image plays a large part in how much confidence we have about ourselves. What if you could do something to change that? Would it be worth it to try cosmetic treatments to improve your image? If you are answering yes, then you need to learn about Dermarollers and how they work.

Origins of skincare issues

Many issues with skin conditions actually occur naturally. Anyone with oily skin is prone to breakouts as the oil clogs the pores in the skin, trapping bacteria inside. Puberty causes an increase in hormones which then create more oil on the skin. Too many dead skin cells on the skin’s surface also clog pores and cause breakouts. Ageing will cause wrinkles and sagging skin over time. Other skin conditions are a result of exposure to toxins such as smoking. Overexposing skin to the sun causes premature ageing of the skin. All of these things cause skincare issues.

How Dermarollers work

Dermarollers are designed for use in micro-needling applications. The manual device has a roller on one end that is covered with hundreds of medical grade, tiny needles. It is rolled across the surface of the skin and creates tiny punctures in the skin. These micro injuries stimulate the skin to create collagen and elastins to repair itself. These essential ingredients don’t just repair damage, but also plump the skin and make it tighter. The result is healthy looking skin.

The cost of treatments

If you’ve visited a clinic for treatments before and used cosmetic equipment like lasers to treat your skin issues, then you know how much they can cost. If multiple treatments are necessary, the cost can add up even more. However, Dermarollers don’t cost but a fraction of that amount. Many clinics will even offer price reductions on multiple treatments as a package deal.

What to expect during treatment

When you visit a cosmetic clinic for the first time, plan on arriving early to fill out medical questionnaires or forms. The trained technician doing the procedure can apply a topical anaesthetic or numbing cream to the skin before starting. They will make several passes over the skin with the Dermaroller to guarantee full coverage of the area. To make the procedure even more effective, they will likely apply a collagen or vitamin enhanced serum immediately after using the Dermaroller. The technician will give instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure.

What the Dermaroller treats

Dermarollers cannot treat every skincare issue, but they do treat many of them.

Acne scar removal – reduces or removes mild to moderate scars
Cellulite reduction – smooths the skin to remove or reduce cellulite pockets on arms, rear end, thighs, stomach, and legs.
Hair loss reduction – can stop hair loss or possibly even restore lost hair when used in conjunction with Minoxidil
Lines and wrinkles – very effective on facial lines and wrinkles.
Stretch mark reduction – reduces visible stretch marks

Your next step

If it sounds like Dermaroller treatments can work for you, then you will need to find a local clinic that offers this procedure. Remember to check out their reviews to make sure the clinic has a good reputation. Then make an appointment with confidence.

Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balms Review

When we think about a multipurpose balm or a cosmetic product we always think of Vaseline. Vaseline has been a staple for almost every woman. From hydrating dry skin to chapped lips, Vaseline worked wonders in many ways. But recently, I came across a new multipurpose balm that I am totally in love with. Dr. Paw Paw is a multipurpose balm which can be used in various ways like for chapped lips, dry skin, as a makeup base, to smoothen out fly away hair, hydrate dull and dry hair, repair split ends, and as a cuticle balm amongst other things.

Dr Paw Paw has been an instant success with several makeup artist, celebrities and bloggers since its launch in 2013. The brand offers 4 variants, the original, tinted Peach pink balm, tinted ultimate red balm and a limited edition red sparkle.

The original is a clear balm which comes in a yellow coloured tube. It is an all-purpose balm which can be used for dry patches, elbows, lips, hair setting like fly away, or on your eye lid as a shiner.

The tinted peach pink balm is a good lip balm with a hint of a peach colour to it. The best part about this shade is that it also doubles up as a wonderful tinted blush. It is a very subtle colour.

My all time favourite out of the 4 is the tinted red balm. I love the colour and it is so versatile that you can wear with almost any outfit at anytime of the day. The colour has a depth and is perfect for my skin tone. The colour would also suit any woman with a dusky or pale skin tone. Those who are too shy to try a bold matte red lipstick can definitely try this tinted lip balm to begin with. Even this lip balm can double up as a blush for a warmer makeup palette.

The limited edition red sparkle is a great addition to the Dr. Paw Paw collection. I am really excited to try it one of these days for a night out, cinema visits or a dinner.

Dr Paw Paw is made from all natural ingredients which are beneficial for the skin. The balms contain extracts from the carica papaya fruit, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, aloe vera leaf juice, medicinal grade petrolatum and potassium sorbate. These ingredients are nutrient rich and have a variety of benefits for the hair and skin. The concentration of the product is thick, so you only need to apply a little. Thus the product is long lasting. I also love the packing of the product, as I don’t like the stick shaped lip balms. Tube shaped balms are much better, but sometimes you also end up pressing a lot of product out.

Overall I love this product and highly recommend it. It is an instant favourite with good quality, quantity and packaging for the price. The moment I tried it on I was excited to share my reviews with everyone.

Currently Stocked in Superdrug, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Look Fantastic and Ocado.- so feel free to have your pick from your choice of outlet

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 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.

Top 10 Tips – For Your Skin

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 skin!

For Your Skin

Always wear sunscreen when stepping out during the day, regardless of whether it’s sunny or not.
Don’t not skip your CTM routine – ideally you should do it twice a day.
Keep a pack of wet wipes handy at all times; you never know when dirt, pollution and sweat may get you!
Never go to bed with makeup on – worst rookie mistake.
Use a serum to improve your skin. Choose one based on your skin type and treatment required.
Exfoliate your skin once a week using a gentle yet effective exfoliating face-wash.
Do not use facial scrubs more than twice a week – you don’t want to irritate your pores and suffer a breakout.
Avoid sharing skin products with anyone (no matter how much you love them!).
Difficult as it may be, refrain from picking on any acne, blackheads, whiteheads or lesions that appear on your skin
– you don’t want them scars and marks!
Go in for a facial/clean-up/skin therapy once every fortnight.

Subscribe to the blog now – to follow the series of Top 10 Tips Coming your way!

SmoothSkin Gold IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Review

Hair grooming has been a part of the beauty regime for ages. People have been using drastic rituals to get smooth hairless skin. Thanks to technology we don’t have to go through any of those. Recently, I talked about at home IPL machines vs. professional laser hair reduction solutions and since then I have been doing a little experimentation and went on to try a home IPL machines.
I have been using the SmoothSkin Gold IPL device and currently am on my fourth session. Read on if you want to know my thoughts about the product.
There are a million techniques you can adopt for hair removal like laser, waxing, epilators and IPL is one of them. So far, I feel that using an at home IPL device is a cost effective and painless way for hair removal or hair reduction. There are a lot of IPL devices available in the market and I chose to go for SmoothSkin Gold due to the features it had. SmoothSkin Gold is a hand held device with an automatic skin tone selection feature which supports the skin tone from 1 -5. The speed time between the shots is 0.9 to 1.9 seconds and the device has a lamp life time of 200,000 and 300,000 flashes.

It is one of the most powerful devices currently available in the market. The key features of the product are that it has two modes, the glide mode and the stamp treatment mode. The glide mode is to cover small areas like the upper lip, chin or side locks, whereas, the stamp treatment mode is for covering large areas like the hands, legs or bikini line. The product is safe to use on the face and also has a gentle mode for those with sensitive skin. It is simple and effective and does not need any type of gel for hair removal.

How does SmoothSkin Gold work:

The light energy transmitted through the device is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle disabling it and preventing and further growth.
Treated hair falls out over the course of 1-2 weeks.

How to use SmoothSkin Gold:

Prepare your skin by shaving any visible hair on the area you want to treat.
Plug in the device in a power source and press the power button to start the device.
The device is ready once the power light turns white.
Place the device firmly on the area you want to treat.
The power bars on the side indicate your skin tone and the device customizes appropriate settings.
Press the activation button once you are ready.

Since the device has two treatment modes if you are using the glide mode:

Keep the activation button pressed continuously and move or glide over the area you want to treat.

If you are using the stamp mode:

Press and flash the activation button.
Move on to the next area when done.

Usually the results are visible in about 3 sittings but it really depends on your skin and hair type and tone. Currently I am on my 4th session for some parts and can see visible difference. Each flash gives a warm sensation on your skin and is completely painless. For best results, the device and routine is recommended for 2-3 months.Tips for better results:

Exfoliate your skin to have an effective treatment. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and allows for better light absorption.
Keep your skin hydrated and moisturize it daily.
Use the correct treatment mode. For tricky or small areas like the underarm or the face use the stamp mode. For large areas like the legs use the glide mode. When using the glide mode ensure you use a steady pace to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
The best part about using an at home IPL device is that you can control the settings. If you are not comfortable with the settings then use the Gentle Mode until you are ready. The gentle reduces the power output.
Before using any IPL machine or treatment for hair removal make sure you do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to it.
Keep the device in a pouch free from dirt and clean it regularly to get rid of any hair.
The Reflector should be cleaned after every treatment with a lightly damp cloth. Make sure the part is dry before re-fitting it.
Do not use water to clean the device.
Use SPF cream after treatment since your skin is sensitive.

Pros

Automatic skin detection technology which customizes the treatment for you.
Cost effective method for permanent hair removal when compared to salon treatments.
Easy to use, mess free and painless method for hair reduction.
Dual Treatment mode: Stamp and glide mode.
Gentle treatment mode for sensitive skin
Safe to use on face
No need for cartridges.

Cons

Takes a bit longer and you have to do the hard work
For best results the treatment is supposed to be carried out for 12 weeks or 3 months.
The device is not safe for very dark skin.
The device is not suitable for people with grey, white or red hair, as these hair types don’t have much pigment in the hair follicle to absorb the light, so it doesn’t work as well
Results vary based on skin and hair type.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Price: £299.00 for 200,000 flashes.

I would recommend SmoothSkin Gold if you are looking for a cost effective at home IPL Machine for permanent hair removal. But before using any hair removal or reduction technique make sure you consult a doctor if you are taking any medications and do a patch test. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have you tried any IPL machines at home? If so then, let me know your reviews in the comments section below.

Top 5 Home Remedies to Get Clear, Glowing Skin

Pollution, stress and irregular sleep often cause us to misplace our natural glow, and result in dull, tired skin. Wash it all away with some home remedies that will result in skin that speaks for itself.

Tomato

Containing high levels of lycopene, and anti-free radicals, tomatoes can work wonders on all skin types.

Rubbing tomato slices against skin can combat spotting, and result in clear, unblemished skin.
Mash half a tomato and apply the pulp to your face to defeat acne with vitamin A and C.

Lemon Juice

Full of enzymes and citric acid, lemon finds its way into several home remedies for clear skin. While using lemon one must wash it off before exposing skin to sunlight.

Lemon juice along with glycerin is a very effective face pack for glowing skin.
A scrub made of lemon juice, sugar and water can help remove dead cells to reveal clear skin.

Castor Oil

A sure way to remedy most skin problems, castor oil is commonly found in Indian households. A powerhouse of benefits, incorporate castor oil into your skincare routine for glowing skin.

Steam your skin and follow it up by massaging some castor oil on your face. It is bound to completely hydrate skin cells, and detoxify the clogged pores by seeping deep inside. Add a few drops of lavender oil to amplify the results.
Treat dry patches on your skin by using equal parts of coconut oil and castor oil

Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth)

Containing several minerals, Multani mitti is a type of clay that is often used in herbal remedies in India.

Mixture of Multani mitti, lemon juice and coconut oil is a great home remedy for glowing skin.
To combat dry skin, combine Multani mitti with whole milk and apply as a face mask.

Coffee Grounds

All the more reason to continue drinking your favorite cuppa, coffee grounds are an essential ingredient in home remedies for glowing skin. Just brew and drink some, and use the leftover grounds for treating common skin ailments.

Say goodbye to the cellulite and patches by using a paste of coffee grounds and olive oil which exfoliate the skin.
Now look fresh despite everything – use coffee to treat puffy eyes. Whether you have got enough sleep or not, always look your best by using caffeine to lift those eyes.

So the next time you cook, try these tips for glowing skin that you have always wished for!

Sponsored Post: Find more effective and easy skin care tips at www.rewardme.in

My Winter Skin Care Must Haves

It’s winter time and the festive season’s here too! You know exactly how stressed your skin is – the harsh, chilly weather and lots of product usage for all those parties – no wonder it needs some extra care. Here are some tips on what you can do to ensure your skin doesn’t suffer and remains fresh, supple and glowing.

For all those who asked my winter skin care routine. I have added a picture of all the products I have been using to me and my skin happy this winter.

‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly But Do Follow These Winter Skin Care Tips

Make Moisturizer Your Best Bud

Seriously! Your moisturizer is your best friend in these chilly times. Moisturize your face and body every day to prevent dryness and itchy/flaky skin. If you have naturally dry skin, go in for creamy body butters and oil-based face creams. Otherwise, you can stick to body milks and water/gel based products, but make sure to slather on generous amounts on application.

Forget Me Not, Says Your Sun-Block

Just because the sun isn’t shinning as brightly as you’d like, you can’t take the liberty of skipping your sunscreen when going out. The sun’s rays are still as damaging and potent, even if not as warming as usually they are. So make sure you apply skin products with SPF as a rule, be it your day cream, foundation, lip balm or anything else.

Treat Your Tresses to Nourishing Oils

Oiling your hair is a must in the winter months. Like facial skin and the body, the scalp gets dry too, which can lead to brittle, lifeless hair and flaky scalp condition too. Oil your hair before every wash and if your scalp is excessively dry, indulge in some hot oil therapy which is sure to give even better results.

Protect Your Pout

Keep a lip balm handy at all times. Make sure you have one in your handbag, one by your bedside and an emergency chapstick stashed somewhere too. Also, put on lipsticks/gloss that have a hydrating effect or apply balm before putting on matte shades. And make sure you do not lick your lips if they get dry; this will only make them drier and more chapped.

Don’t Let the Lazy Bugs Bite

It is very natural to get lazy about skin care during winters, but do not skip your nightly regime at any cost! Remove your makeup, complete the CTM routine and only then go to bed! This will ensure that all the late nights and partying don’t show on your face the next day for sure.

Five Simple Steps to Better Skin

We all want better skin, but the problem is that achieving it seems to be becoming increasingly complicated. The fact is, though, is that it really doesn’t have to be so confusing. Bettering your skin comes down to five simple steps. We all know them, but sometimes we just need reminding.

1. Drink

Drinking enough water is the first rule to having healthy skin. Not only does water help to keep you hydrated, but it’s great for your metabolism, too. Make sure that you’re not substituting your water intake for caffeinated drinks, though, as the caffeine content is dehydrating and pretty much counteracts any goodness you’re getting from the water. Herbal teas are fine, though, as they are caffeine-free.

2. Eat

Eating clean is crucial when it comes to achieving clear, healthy skin. Processed foods containing high levels of refined sugar and salt can be just as bad for your skin as forgetting to moisturise. Get rid of those nasty processed items and restock your fridge with lots of fresh fruit, veg and meat. When it comes to condiments such as mayonnaise, it’s always better to make your own so you know exactly what’s going into it. The same goes for baking.

3. Sleep

It sounds simply, but we lead such busy and stressful lives that sleep actually moves further and further down our list of priorities. Every adult needs 7-8 hours of proper, quality sleep every night. Set an alarm for half an hour before you need to be in bed, and start your bedtime routine then. Try to avoid screens for the last hour before you go to bed, and make sure you don’t eat too close to your bedtime.

4. Sweat

Sweating is not only good for your body since it usually comes hand-in-hand with a workout, but sweating is actually really good for the skin in itself. It opens the pores, drawing out and releasing all the dirt and grime in the skin, also releasing all those toxins. Just make sure you wash your face after a workout, though, as the residue will otherwise just sit on the surface of your skin and seep back in over time.

5. Work

Working out your whole body is great for your skin, but you can also work out your face itself. We often end up neglecting the hundreds of muscles in our face, which can result in headaches, poor circulation and even an increase in wrinkling. Working out the face increases the blood flow to the skin, making it appear more radiant and keeping the skin fresh and healthy. Relaxing all of those muscles will also keep you looking younger and relieving any tension you hold in the face.

Improve Your Morning Skin Care Routine with these Five Additions

When you wake up in the morning, the way you slept the night before is reflected on your face. A good, unbroken snooze would lead to fresh, supple skin, whereas inadequate or disturbed sleep would result in a puffy, dull face.

While you cannot undo or fix the way your sleep pattern has affected your skin once you’re up, there are ways in which you can fortify it for the rest of your day. It is an established fact that your morning skin care routine has a vital impact on your overall skin quality. What’s more is that just as the previous night’s nap determines your morning look, AM-skin-habits affect how your skin looks and feels for the rest of the day.

Experts recommend making small additions to your morning skin regime which will definitely improve its appearance in the long run. Here are five measures you can take to have your face glowing and radiant every day.

Hydrate – After sleeping for several hours, your body is dehydrated which naturally impacts the skin. So, the moment you wake up, rehydrate it with a glass or two or warm water. This will slowly flush your body of toxins and add a healthy glimmer to the skin. You could also squeeze in some lemon, which being Vitamin-C rich, helps boosts collagen production.
Mist your face – Store some mineral water in a spray bottle overnight. Gently spray its contents on your face as soon as you wake up, before you get on to other things. The chilled mist will reduce puffiness, wake you up and remove signs of fatigue and dullness.
Have some green tea – Green tea contains flavenoids which are powerful antioxidants – they help minimize cell damage, slowing the ageing process. So have a cup of green tea early in the morning for long term gains. If you prefer some other morning caffeine fix such as coffee or tea, just fit in some room for a small cup of green tea before or after that.
Eat a protein-rich breakfast – Proteins help in producing collagen which is a protein that prevents skin from wrinkling and sagging – something that one should start worrying about from their 20ies onward. Thus, eat a high-protein breakfast of eggs, nuts, milk, sprouts, yoghurt and so on – your skin will look tight, bright and beautiful at all times.
Use an anti-oxidant serum – Before you put on any other beauty product, use an antioxidant serum (after washing your face and using toner, of course). Antioxidant serums protect your skin against the sun, pollution, ageing, dehydration and even the ill-effects of poor eating habits. Follow up with your sunscreen or SPF-loaded makeup as usual.

If you improve your morning skin care routine with these additions; you will certainly witness a change in your skin in a couple of weeks. The best part is that such habits will not only make your skin look more lush and nourished every day, but improve its quality intrinsically, so you can feel the benefits for years and years to come!

Five Tips For Flawless Skin

Every lady dreams of having flawless skin – think Lucy Liu, who looks as beautiful at 46 as she did in her heyday, or Nicole Kidman who knows that protecting her fair skin from the sun can go a long way. In contrast to what many believe, flawless skin is not always hereditary. Your personal skincare routine, dietary habits and overall lifestyle have a huge impact on your skin. Give your skin the TLC it needs and watch it evolve from dull to delightful. After all, great skin is always in. Here are some of the skin care tips to help you get that flawless skin we all dream of:

1. Water- Drink at least two liters of water everyday without fail. Whilst water has many health benefits, it works especially well to rid your skin of impurities, prevent wrinkles as you grow older and instil a healthy glow. To supplement your intake of this magic potion, embellish your diet with water-rich fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, peaches and cantaloupe.

2. Sunscreen- Prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can do a whole lot of damage to your delicate skin. As far as possible, try to avoid basking in the sunlight for long periods of time. Ensure that you never step out of the house without applying sunscreen to your face, neck and lips, even in the winter. Your skin will thank you in the years to come.

3. Makeup Removal- When you come home after a tiring day of work or a long night of partying, the only thing you want to do is grab some shuteye. As tempting as it may be to hit the pillows straight away, you must take out five minutes to remove your makeup before you go to bed. By ridding your skin of the impurities and chemicals that are present in makeup, the ritual of removing makeup will reduce the chance of breakouts and let your skin breathe. Start now.

4. Sleep- Take it easy! Stress is one of the biggest culprits of blemished skin. To achieve a flawless façade, you have to bid adieu to the sources of stress in your life. If you are unsure about where to start, try your hand at early morning yoga or indulge in a leisurely bubble bath with your favorite bath salts. Alongside your mission to reduce anxiety, you must also make it a point to get enough sleep – we recommend 7 to 8 hours every night. Beauty sleep is essential!

05.Hydration- Pay attention to your skincare routine. Cleanse your face with a gentle foaming wash every morning and then tone it before you begin to apply your makeup. Remember, there is no such thing as too much hydration when it comes to looking after your skin! Pat on some moisturizer in the morning before you apply your makeup and again at night after you have removed it. Ensure that you choose a product based on your skin type – get in touch with an expert before purchasing. Many skincare fanatics invest in a hydrating mist to keep their skin feeling supple all day long.

Finally, remember to exfoliate twice a week to rid your face of dead skin and you are good to go!

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review

You would know from my previous posts that these days I am all into nighttime skin recovery products. And that’s because the science suggests that your night regimen is very important. There is much evidence that skin cells regenerate faster at night than during the day. Cell division happens throughout the day, but peaks around 2 am. This is literally renewal and rejuvenation during sleep, at least for people like me who are dreaming away at these late hours. Though the peak in cell division happens even if you stay awake at night, but the surge in growth hormone doesn’t. The latter is necessary for effective skin renewal.

You now probably understand my fascination with nighttime skin products; it’s more scientific than cosmetic!

Now, I recently got my hands on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I have already tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque. Personally I trust Kiehl’s to come out with all the right products – clearly I am a big fan. I do admit the products end up being a bit expensive sometimes, but my mantra is that you need to care for your skin and use good quality products right from the beginning; not when signs of damage start glaring at you in the mirror for then it’s quite late. I thus don’t mind splurging on such products one in a while, but only after doing my research. I can’t simply go out and buy products blindly off the counter (well, sometimes maybe, but only sometimes!) – I need to know I’m making the right choice.

Coming to this product, I can assure you, it does what it says. I have been using it for a week now, and from day 1, I could feel a gradual improvement in my skin texture. My skin looks more dewy and glowing now. The product is very light and absorbs quickly on my skin.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate 2 Here is a picture for you to see how my hand looks after I have applied the serum on. Other than a nice sheen you wouldn’t see any difference.

One other thing about this serum is the nice smelling fragrance it gives off. To me it smells like roses; I feel fresh and pampered each time I apply it. I somehow even sleep better with this on, but maybe that’s just due to my mind being at peace about my skin being well-cared for as I snooze.

Here’s my quick take on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

Pros:

Light in texture
Easily absorbed
Nice fragrance
Works – improvement in skin quality

Con:

Pricey but lasts long time

Price in India: Rs 3200/30ml
Price in UK: £36/30ml