Friday 24 June 2016

BOOTS BOTANICS SHINE AWAY IONIC CLAY MASK REVIEW


BOOTS own brand Botanics have come out with very good products as it uses some natural strong ingredients. This is the 1st one I have tried from the range. I love using clay masks as I have combination skin i would like to use it on my forehead, T zone and my chin. But if you have oily skin you should use it all over your face. 



This mask is not very expensive similar to the price of lush face masks but i always find it out of stock in boots as it seems to be one of a high in demand product. 

Packaging is in a tube form. Screw open the lid and squeeze the product out. Well i don't mind the packaging but I would prefer to have this mask in a pot. As I experience a disaster the 1st time I opened it. When I opened the tube and tried to squeeze out the product on to my fingers to apply ; It was so watery that it just spill from in between my fingers onto the bathroom floor. And my 1st reaction was a shock moment as to what a hell of a mess was that. As I tried to apply on my face still it was so watery that it kept spilling from my face and my bathroom skin was in a terrible mess.
I supposed that the clay and the water had separated probably needed to shake or stir the product well. I tried shaking the tube before applying but I found it better to put the content in a bowl and use a face brush and stir is well and then to apply it evenly on to my face. 





It has draw backs as from the ingredient list, there aren't any emulsifiers, which are ingredients like fatty acids (stearic acid is an example) that help hold products like together so they don't separate and become unusable. This formula also lacks "stabilizing" or thickening ingredients (like glycerine or butylene glycol) to keep the clay (sea silt) from drying up in the tube.


It claims to attract impurities like a magnet. It not a wow as clay has a property to absorb excess oil. But ionic clay is just a marketing gimmick.

In terms of the results of using the mask I simply liked its effect. It left my skin feeling nice and clean it didn't make it feel drying at all and it has helped a lot to prevent or subside any breakout that I have had. As I don't have a major issue with breakouts It only occurs due to hormonal imbalance during that time of the month. Otherwise my skin is fairly free from it hence I can't say if it is very effective with pimples/ zests. It is a simple and effective mask. 

It has draw backs as from the ingredient list, there aren't any emulsifiers, which are ingredients like fatty acids (stearic acid is an example) that help hold products like together so they don't separate and become unusable. This formula also lacks "stabilizing" or thickening ingredients (like glycerine or butylene glycol) to keep the clay (sea silt) from drying up in the tube.



I would say that the price of the product its high as this kind of a product can me made at home in our very own kitchen.

Boots always have offers like 3 for 2 from which you can benefit. I will not buy this product again though as I didn't like the consistency of the product and it is not travel friendly either.

Wednesday 22 June 2016

FACIAL OILS BENEFITS


I know what you’re thinking, if oil on your skin causes acne, blemishes and breakouts, aren’t you doing your pretty face a disservice by slathering it in facial oil? Actually, facial oil has the ability to help with redness, irritation and even breakouts. If you’re looking to have healthier, younger-looking skin consider adding facial oils to your skin care routine. It turns out the skin care product we’ve feared most of our lives can actually transform our skin! Oils give you back your glow.



Just as oils rich in essential fatty acids are required to keep our bodies healthy in our daily diet, oils are also necessary to keep our skin healthy. As we age, we produce less of the oils that give our skin a healthy glow, so it’s important to add them back in.

Facial oils are an excellent way to get antioxidants and vitamins quickly into the skin. Oils are absorbed quickly, and soften the appearance of fine lines. Essential oils are derived from botanicals, many of which are naturally packed with antioxidants, and create a protective barrier against harsh and uncaring external factors, like pollution, sun damage, environmental toxins, even over cleansing. Still light weight, and incredibly aromatic, the oils penetrate surface layers of your epidermis and maintain moisture for a brighter more radiant appearance. Just like all those plant-based super-foods that are so good for you, facial oils actually nourish your skin with intense moisture.

It is best to apply oils right after freshly cleansed skin in the morning and at night right before applying your moisturizer or you can even use alone. 
If you’re scared of using a facial oil, you can gently ease yourself into using one by simply adding a couple of drops to your night cream and day cream to give your skin an extra surge of hydration but without committing to applying the oil directly to your skin. Even by adding a couple of drops to your day and night cream is enough to notice the benefits to your skin.

Facial oils work on every skin type as they rebalance skin and restore a naturally healthy complexion. Whether you have oily (yes, even oily skin will benefit from a facial oil), combination or dry skin, by regularly applying facial oil your skin will rebalance to a reveal calm, clear and healthy looking complexion.



Because oils are lipophilic, they can penetrate deep into the skin, trapping water and other moisturising goodness in, while keeping toxins and other bad stuff out. Some oils also help to fortify and strengthen our own natural skin barrier. This is especially important for big city dwellers, they need extra protection against pollutants and smog, a known source of unwanted wrinkles. On a cold winter day, using a product with rosehip seed oil, which is highly concentrated with antioxidant ingredients, would be a definite win-win.

If you're affected by sun damage and dryness, looking for products containing primrose oil or those with a vitamin E base, such as Argan oil. Dab grape seed oil because it's anti-ageing, light, non-greasy, and beautifully fragranced. After washing your face at night, dabbing a tiny bit of your preferred oil can be beneficial.

Plummeting temps and cranked-up heaters suck moisture straight from the skin. Oils are the ideal antidote to dry, flaky skin. applying a pea-sized amount of coconut oil to your driest areas. Almond oil is packed with hydrating omega-3 fatty acids, making it is a good choice for sensitive skin.


Oils like mandarin and pumpkin seed zip through the top of skin at lightening quick speed, quickly settling comfortably into the areas that need hydrating the most. This gives an immediate plumping effect and creates the perfect canvas for your makeup.  
Higher-end oils such as macadamia, jojoba, and camellia actually pull out grime and fats from pores, making them appear smaller and less noticeable.


Many oils have anti-inflammatory properties as well, helping to quell irritated skin. Argan and yangu oils are ideal for irritations that follow use of popular anti ageing products such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids. Geranium oil is also fabulous at reducing redness from rosacea, as well.



Believe it or not, tea tree oil is a pretty darn good zit zapper. And no, you won't get more pimples if you use oils.Using jojoba oil in moderation can actually reduce oil production, making a great addition to your topical acne regimens, which can be drying.

Important Tip: Facial oils are now made in very cosmetically elegant, light formulations that are excellent for layering and everyday use. Just keep in mind that a small amount of the right product goes a long way. Too much of anything is never a good idea. It is best to use natural oils without any preservatives.