Wednesday, 18 May 2016

EVE LOM Cleanser - Is it worth the hype??

Eve Lom Cleanser




Eve Lom was one of the first ones to get this kind of balm cleanser which revolutionised the beauty world. And Vogue Magazine stated it to be the best cleanser in the world. Hence it sounded very promising and I was excited to try it.

Initially people were afraid of using oils especially those who had oily skin and thought they would breakout more but to their surprise research and reviews have proven that oils balances the natural oils produced by our skin. And also keeps the skin nourishes. It is mainly pollution and dust that settles on the skin which leads to breakouts on the skin.
Cleansers are one of the most important part of a good skin care routine. It deep cleans the skin and using a cleanser with oils will help keep the skin soft, supple and balanced.

Eve Lom cleanser contains Mineral Oils. Mineral Oil is basically a very inexpensive by-product of the distillation of petroleum. It is a transparent, colourless oil related to petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The version that you find in skincare is highly refined and purified, but has a bad reputation, because it is known to clog pores and break people out.
It also contains flower, leaf and seed oils too.

I got to try the Eve Lom cleanser in the #lookfantastic Christmas box which is a subscription box service. Hence I got a 50ml content in a tube packaging. The 100ml content pot ranges around £55 - £85 depending on where you buy it from. I prefer the tube packaging rather than a pot as you don't have to dip your fingers in the same pot rather the tube allows it to keep it hygienic. 



To use the content from the tube you have to swirl the cap it makes a click sound then you press the lower part of the tube to get the product out. The packaging is quality can be felt from the outer material.
In terms of the actual product the instant I start to use the product I noticed the smell. Personally I hate such a herbal medicinal smell. It has the weirdest smell and is not pleasing at all.


It comes out as a off-white cream which melts into the skin as a thick oil as you rub it into your palms and then apply it to your face. It is very greasy as you work it on to your skin. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The best way to wash of a cleanser is to soak a muslin cloth in running hot water and then wipe your face with it to clean off the cleanser from your face. It removes stubborn makeup which is what it justifies itself. Otherwise it leaves my skin feeling soft but the unpleasant smell lingers. Overall I would say it is a good cleanser if they improve the smell a bit. In terms of the price I don't thing it justifies itself as it contains mineral oil which is very inexpensive.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

ALOE VERA - How to use it and Benefits

"ALOE VERA" most people are aware that it has loads of uses and benefits.




Extracting Aloe Vera Gel:
It is a plant which has fleshy leaves and when you slit open the leaves it contains a gel like substance which is clear white in colour and is popularly known as aloe gel. Make sure you don't consume the yellow part as it is very toxic and can have side effects.
Cut the sides of the leaves as it has tiny thorns then removed the yellow toxic part on the top of the leaf. Lay the leaf flat on the ground and then slit it horizontally removing just the cover/ the green hard bit and then turn it and repeat the process. You will be left with a clear gel substance called Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe Vera gel can be consumed directly with a glass of water.







Another way of extracting Aloe Vera Gel:
Cut the sides of the leaves as it has tiny thorns then removed the yellow toxic part on the top of the leaf. Lay the leaf flat on the ground and then slit it into half horizontally and then scrap it with a spoon.




It can be used as a supplements for a lot of different vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.


Vitamins: It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.


Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.


Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.


It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.


Anti- Inflammatory and Antibacterial: You can rub aloe gel directly on the wound and it will help heal any inflammation or itchiness. It works as an antiseptic. 

Best Moisturiser and Anti- Ageing: Aloe gel can be applied directly as a face mask . It is very moisturising and make the skin silky smooth. You can also add other ingredients like avocado etc. Adding aloe vera gel to face mask gives it a gel consistency that is required for a mask plus the added moisturising and anti-ageing benefits.

Aids Weight Loss: Drinking Aloe vera juice in the morning helps in weight loss by helping in excreting toxins from the body. Take one part of aloe vera juice and add to two parts of warm water and consume it in the morning in empty stomach before having anything.

Sinus Remedy: Once you have removed the gel from the leaves. Just put the leaves into a pot with boiling water and then take steam from it. It helps clear airways and improves sinus issues.

Sunburn Remedy: Aloe vera gel applied directly on to a sunburn will help calm it down.

Acne Treatment: It helps with acne treatment because of it anti bacterial properties. and also soothes the skin.

Treats Sore Heels: You can rub your heel with aloe vera and it will help soothe and also soften the area.

Leave In Hair Treatment: Either you can take take the gel and rub it through your hands and apply t to ur ends of the hair or you can make a liquid solution by adding water and then spraying it from a spray bottle on to your hair.

Helps Indigestion: Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, it helps with keeping things flowing and a bunch of other benefits for your digestive system. 


Caution!! Don't consume a lot of the concentrated aloe vera orally only consume a tiny amount as it can have side effects. As I mention earlier the upper part of the leaf contains a yellow substance which is very concentrated and is used to treat certain types of cancer but its better not to consume it as it is highly concentrated and can have side effects. 
Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometime causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.

Aloe Vera is used in several beauty treatments which i will discuss in my next blog!!




Monday, 16 May 2016

Bourjois CC Cream

BB and CC Creams always sounded like a gimmick to me. I tried a few initially but never fell for it nor was too convinced by its results.

Until i came across one of my favourite brand Bourjois, a french cosmetics brand and decided to try its 123 perfect Colour Correcting Cream /CC Cream.
Color Correction is a technique of using different colour gels which acts as filters for balancing the light on the right places.





Packaging is nice and simple with quite a detailed information on the front about the colours used and its what these colour are meant to correct. It comes in a tube form so easy to squeeze out the product. and compact size so easy to travel with. Considering it is a drugstore product the quality of packaging is not bad. but certainly the quality of the actual product inside the tub is brilliant.

In terms of texture it is quite liquified and has a lighter coverage than a heavy foundation but gives a very dewy look. I found after a few hours of application, it oxidized on the skin and matches the skin colour so perfectly. I love the effect it gives to the face of a hint of a bronzed glow look.
It has four colour range which is not a lot but you will certainly find a match to suit your skin tone. The colour correcting makes it a product which you can slather on a casual day or when you are running late and not worry about much to correct with a concealer. Also it is so hydrating that it doesn't give you a cakey makeup look. It looks youthful and illuminating.

It has 3 pigments. Apricot shade also called as a salmon pink which is very good for hiding dark circles under your eyes. Green colour counteracts redness on any areas on the face. And lastly white balance dark spots which are usually sun spots or any acne scars which have been for a long time.
It has an SPF 15 which is another plus bonus for a skin base cream. Hence it protects from UV rays which is harmful for our skin.
It gives a very natural look and very easy to apply with even application. I have been using shade 33 Rose Beige and it stays for about 10-12 hours. It has become my everyday easy go to product. Love it!!



Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Good Things - Review



GOOD THINGS - All Natural Ingredients

Free from PARABENS and SULPHATES.


Love this product range of Manuka Honey :
Cleanser@ It has a creamy texture. It is very gentle but still cleanses the skin well. It nourishes and make the skin feel soft and supple.
Face Mask@ Nourishes and hydrates well and give a healthy glowing skin effect.
It has the benefits of Manuka honey.




All of the products I have tried are very good and effective..
Awaiting to try the new Argon Oil range. Will keep you updated on that.







Monday, 30 March 2015

Simple DIY Face Mask for Acne and Blemish prone skin

DIY FACE MASK- Helps lighten blemishes and prevents Acne

Ingredients:

1] MANUKA HONEY

It has healing properties as it is very effective for sore throat.
It improves digestion.
It boosts energy and
It enhances Skin




2] CINNAMON

It Stimulates blood flow and
Controls Blood Sugar


Method:

Mix Manuka Honey and a little bit of Cinnamon in a bowl. Use a face brush or your finger tips to apply it all over the face. Let it sit for a few mins, the longer the better and then rinse with warm water.
Apply twice a week for better results.


Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Most effective DETOX Water Recipes

DETOX WATER

Basic and most effective Detox Water
Add the ingredients to water in a glass jar/jug and let it sit overnight. And drink it empty stomach early in the morning. You can also drink it through out the day. It is the best and the most simple and effective form/recipe of Detox Water.




1] Weight Loss Detox Water - Lemon+Lime+Cucumber+Mint+ Ginger(Optional)

2]Zero Calorie Detox Water- Apple and Cinnamon
It Helps boost metabolism, Curbs Appetite and Balances Blood Sugar



3] Immunity Detox Water 
Filled with anti-oxidants and vitamin C

a) Strawberries and Kiwi



b) Oranges and Blueberries



FUN WAY TO KEEP HYDRATED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY!!





Tuesday, 24 March 2015

DIY Lip Scrub + LUSH Lip Scrubs

We all are familiar with and also use body and face scrubs but one of our essential parts on the body that is our lips also need some TLC at times.
So a lip scrub was evolved to remove all the dead skin cells from our lips which is a way of exfoliation. It makes the lips softer and smoother.

DIY LIP SCRUB:

Ingredients:
Corse Brown/White Sugar- Helps remove dead skin.
Olive Oil - Nourishes skin and also binds the ingredients.
Essence of your choice- (Vanilla Extract etc)
Pinch of Cinnamon- Stimulates blood flow and plumps the lips for a fuller look.

Method:
Mix all the ingredients well in a clean bowl. Wet your lips with water and scrub-a-dub. And den wash it off with water.
Store the remaining in a dry container for future use.

If you are lazy to make one you can buy it.

LUSH LIP SCRUBS;

Tastes and smells yummy. And comes in a variety of flavours to choose from.
My personal favourite is the Popcorn Lip Scrub as it is sweet with a hint of saltiness which tastes yummy!!
Its not a great idea to lick it after you have scrubbed it on your lips as it contains all the dead skin too. But if you accidentally do its fine.