DIY ALOE VERA HAIR MASKS

In one of my previous post I had explained how you can extract aloe vera gel from its plant.
Refer to:  http://zainabrd.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/aloe-vera-how-to-use-it-and-benefits.html

For face masks refer to: http://zainabrd.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/diy-aloe-vera-face-masks.html

We will talk about hair masks today.

 

You can use #aloevera gel on its own by applying it directly on to the scalp. Leave it for 15-20 mins and then wash it off.

Hair Mask:

Ingredients:

Aloe Vera Gel
Grape seed Oil 
You can use any other oil like castor oil , coconut oil, olive oil which are excellent for hair growth.
If you want you can also add Honey to it.

Method:
Add Aloe Vera gel and grape seed oil in a blender. The amount of oil you add depends either you can add a little bit or as equal as the gel quantity depending on how long your hair is. Blend the ingredients and you will be left with a frothy gel like mixture. Once the bubbles subside fill it in a lotion container which has a pump and you can easily apply it to your scalp taking sections of the hair and pumping the mask on to the scalp. As it is a hair growth mask it should target the scalp. Give it a good 3-5 mins scalp massage. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off . Or you can also leave it overnight and rinse off in the morning.

Benefits:

Grape seed oil is high in vitamin E, it also contains proteins, minerals and linoleic acid which helps in growing the hair long and healthy.
It also helps in blood circulation.
It penetrated well into the scalp.
It moisturises the hair.
It is hypoallergenic.

Aloe Vera contains enzymes, amino acids and proteins which are essential for hair growth and also helps strengthen your hair. Its balances the pH levels of the scalp.
It helps cure any scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, itchiness in the scalp because of its antipruritic properties , it also has anti-inflammatory properties and also aids in conditioning the hair by retaining moisture.

Mask 2:
A clarifying shampoo

Ingredients:

Aloe Vera gel
Lemon
Honey
Baking Soda

Method:
You can take the proportions according to your hair type. Take 100 ml of water in a bowl. Then take half teaspoon of baking soda and dilute it in the water. Add this mixture in a blender. Then add one teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and add one full lemon juice. Once done blend all of the ingredients. It will give you a frothy mixture. Let the bubbles subside. Apply it as you would normally apply a shampoo. Leave it for few second and then wash it off. You can finish off with applying a conditioner from mid length to the bottom length of the hair. Let it sit for 15-20 mins and wash it all off. You will be left with smooth and silky well cleaned hair which is easy to tame.

Benefits:

Aloe Vera contains enzymes, amino acids and proteins which are essential for hair growth and also helps strengthen your hair. Its balances the pH levels of the scalp and helps cleanse the scalp too.
It helps cure any scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, itchiness in the scalp because of its antipruritic properties , it also has anti-inflammatory properties and also aids in conditioning the hair by retaining moisture.

Lemon removes excess oil from the scalp
It helps remove dandruff and cures itchy scalp
It helps to make your hair softer and smoother.

Baking Soda clarifies product build up on the scalp and also has natural cleaning agents

Honey helps to treat dandruff.
It has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.
It helps tame frizz and also naturally moisturises the hair.

You can store it for later in d fridge too. If you try any of the above please let me know how it went. Hope you like reading my post. If you like me to review something specific please mention in the comments box below. Would love to hear from you!!

KONJAC SPONGE - Kind to SKin!!

What is KONJAC?

The Konjac Potato or Konnyaku is a perennial plant native to Asia, and can be found growing wild at very high altitudes. It is a totally natural food source. It has been used for 1500 years in Korea, Japan and China as medicine, food, a dieting aid and as a beauty product. 

Konjac is 97% water and is rich in mineral goodness and low in calories.

It is naturally alkaline and is pH neutral which leaves the skin perfectly balanced.

Because of its high health giving properties it is highly priced and is perfect for baby skin.

How to use it:

When you feel the sponge it is not very soft it is a bit hardened. Each time you want to use it, put the sponge under warm running tap water . Once it soaks water completely, the sponge will soften and expand. Either you can use it on its own or I prefer to use a gentle cleanser with it. Just dab a little cleanser on the sponge and then rub it in circular motions on to your face and then just rinse it off with water. 

Once you have used it rinse it  and don't store it in a closed container let it air outside by just hanging it as it comes with a string attached to it for the purpose.

Benefits:

It is 100% natural vegetable fibres packed with minerals and antioxidants. 

It is non toxic and free from impurities and pollutants.

It is 100% biodegradable hence it is earth friendly.

Its is cruelty free and certified vegan.

Its is free of colouring and additives.

Hence kind to Environment and excellent for skin care.

It deeply cleanses, exfoliates and detoxifies the skin for radiant complexion.

It is excellent if you have sensitive skin.

Once you have soaked it in water it becomes extremely soft hence it is excellent for sensitive skin.

It leaves the face clean, glowing and silky smooth. It exfoliates the skin naturally unlike any harsh rubbing of scrubs/ exfoliating beads on the skin. Or any glycolic peel to exfoliate which is not suitable for sensitive skin. It is so soft and gentle that it is suit baby skin too.

It deep cleanses naturally and removes water based make up too. And also balance our skins pH levels.

Konjac sponges are not only available for facial cleanse but you also get body sponges which are similarly effective too. It not only comes in several shapes and sizes but also different types which are used accordingly. for different purpose.

Types of Konjac Sponges:

1. Green Tea Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Green Clay, Green Tea Extract
2. Black Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root powder, Bamboo Charcoal Extract
3. Yellow Citrus Fruit Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Yellow Clay, Citron Extract
4. Pink Cherry Blossom Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root powder, Pink Clay, Sakura Leaves Extract
5. Blue Wild Mint Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Blue Clay, Blue Mica, Wild Mint Extract
6. Pure White Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root only.

There are loads of different types of konjac sponges targeting different problem areas. The one which I would like to try is Turmeric. Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any and would recommend!!

ORIGINS " DRINK IT UP"

Origins products are formulated without Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin,DEA, Animal Ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax).

I had my eye on this product for quite a long tine until a few months back in January when I got my hands on it. I have been using it two to three times a week. In love with the product.

It is an hydrating mask which you would apply at night after cleansing and toning when it is time for moisturiser you would only put this product on. You don't need a lot only two or three pea size amount. It comes out as an off white cream and when you massage it in it becomes clear so no one would know you have a mask on your face all through the night.

In terms of packaging it comes in a tube form the colour is very soothing to the eyes and the overall quality of the tube is very good and sturdy. You don't need to unscrew the cap as it has a top opening lid which flips back on.

This mask has avocado and apricot kernel oil to deeply and instantly hydrate your skin, and Japanese seaweed to repair your skin's barrier and prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing. It also has my favourite ingredient hyaluronic acid. If you look at the ingredient list it contains a ton of different flower waters and extracts, which are meant to be lovely for your skin.

As the name suggests it is a 'Drink Up' mask it actually sinks well into the skin and when you wake up in the morning it makes your skin feel hydrated, dewy and fresh as you had been drinking tons of water, juices and eating good stuff all through the week. If I have plans to go to an important event the next day then I would slather a bit more the night before so that my skin feels and looks extremely plumped and youthful.

It smells of apricots and has several flower extracts which is a very pleasing smell but after you have applied it the smell doesn't linger for long so it is a plus for people who are sensitive to smells.

I have been trying more product from Origins as it is all natural ingredients which is excellent for skincare. Hence I will give you an in-depth review on other products too in my next posts to come.

DIY ALOE VERA FACE MASKS

Aloe Vera Mask

In my last blog I had explained how you can extract the pulp from an aloe vera plant. This pulp is known as Aloe Vera Gel.

Mask 1:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Lemon

Method:
Scoop out some Aloe Vera gel in a bowl. Then squeeze a lemon in one bowl. Next mix the gel and lemon in a blender. It will create a frothy mixture which you can store in a mason jar and apply the mixture regularly on to your face.

Benefits:
Aloe gel acts as a good moisturiser and keeps the skin soft and supple.
Lemon is a natural astringent which helps brightening the skin and reducing dark spots.



Mask 2: 

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Walnuts
Honey

Method:
Scoop out some Aloe Vera gel in a bowl. Add some walnuts and mix it in a blender. Scoop out the mixture and then add some honey to it. Store in a mason jar and apply the mixture regularly on to your face.

Benefits:
Aloe gel acts as a good moisturiser and keeps the skin soft and supple and gives it a gel like consistency. It is rich in vitamins and enzymes.
Walnuts acts as a good exfoliant to remove dead skin and gunk from the face.
Honey has anti- bacterial properties which prevents acne and is a natural moisturiser too.

 Mask 3:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Honey
Turmeric
Fuller's Earth Clay (Multani Mitti) or can be replaced with Gram Flour (Besan)
Lemon

Method:
Mix all the ingredients into a bowl. Use a clean face brush to apply it all over your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off for a glowing, moisturised and even skintone.

Benefits:
Aloe gel is rich in vitamins and enzymes. It acts as a cooling moisturiser.
Honey has anti- bacterial properties which prevents acne and is a natural moisturiser too.
Turmeric gives you and even and glowing skintone.

Fuller's Earth Clay is used to treat acne to give a fair complexion and remove blemishes and mainly removes excess oils and impurities. You can pick this up from most Indian grocery stores or just order online. One pack will last you a long time and it’s so cheap! 

To the western world its known as Fullers Earth and is composed of mainly bentonite which is the basis of the clay. Its rich in magnesium chloride, zinc, calcium and many other minerals.

These all help absorb the excess oil, balance the skins pH, get rid of dead skin cells and impurities and increases blood circulation, to really give you glowing healthy skin.

Lemon is a natural astringent which helps brightening the skin and reducing dark spots.

Mask 4:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Cabbage

Method:

Take some cabbage and blend it with water to make a paste. Mix all the ingredients well and apply to your face.Leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with cool water. 

Benefits:
Aloe gel is rich in vitamins and acts as a cooling moisturiser.

Cabbage Juice removes dark spots, black spots, prevents the reoccurrence of pimples and thus gives you a clear and flawless skin.

Next post will update about hair masks!!

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.

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!!

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!!