VLCC Skin Defense Almond Under Eye Cream

VLCC Skin Defense Almond UNDER EYE CREAM

 

Skin Type: Combination

Skin Tone: Dusky

This May 4^th I have turned 35 yrs and first time I have gifted myself an under eye cream from VLCC.

Packaging: It comes in a cute tub packaging which looks so adorable however tub packaging is a bit unhygienic

Shelf Life: 2 years

Price: INR 195/- available here-nykaa.com

Quantity: 15g

Product description:  Packed goodness almond, this product holds all the essential vitamins and nutrients that are needed to nourish the delicate under eye. It holds a light weight formula that gets absorbed by the skin easily and is meant for treating puffy and dark pigmented eyes.

 

Key Ingredients:The product contains Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E, Chamomile Extracts, Olive Oil Extracts, D-Panthenol, Demethicone and Almond oil.

My Experience based on product: it’s a white cream based product which gets absorbed easily without leaving any residue. Mine is a combination skin and till date it didn’t break me out. It has a very mild yet pleasant fragrance which evaporates instantly upon application

My Experience based on Performance: I have just turned 35yrs and really regret why I didn’t start with an under eye cream earlier. I don’t have any dark circles or puffiness under my eyes but recently I changed my job and now I am having night shifts, which make my eyes look dull and lifeless. After I started using this particular eye cream (which happens to be my first one) I have noticed my under eye looking more moisturized and nourished. I have been using this product for almost ten days and I do see my fine lines easing out.  I religiously apply it twice every day after my CTM in the morning and night and before applying makeup as well. It makes my eyes look brighter and prevents my makeup from creasing.

As I don’t have prominent dark circles so I am not in a position to comment much on that regards but for beginners this is a must tried product.

 

Pros:

• Moisturizes and nourishes the under eye area
• Reduction in fine lines
• Affordable
• Not oily /greasy, does not break out.
• Soft and mild fragrance
• Easy to carry around.
• Does not sting if goes inside eyes.
• Eye makeup looks brighter
• Not tested on animals, recyclable packaging and 100% veg product

Cons:

• May not be effective on intense dark circles and fine lines
• Unhygienic tub packaging

Overall Rating: 4

 

For beginners and girls with less prominent dark circles and fine lines this is a perfect under eye cream within budget to start with.

 

 

 

 

 

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Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30

Skin Type: Combination

Complexion: Dusky

Last January we celebrated our 6^th anniversary in Goa and needless to say I had come back with a stubborn tan, dry skin and rashes. Anything I applied, my skin used to burn like hell.  It’s then that I stopped using everything and switched to only two products 1. Aloe vera gel from Red soil (which I got from a local medical shop in Goa and 2.  Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30.

 

Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30_1

Packaging: It’s a no fuss no fancy just simple and neat packaging with soothing light mint and white combination. The tube is travel safe and flip cover closes to my satisfaction of carrying it in my purse.

 

Price: INR 350/- available in nykaa.com

Quantity: 120 ml (115g)

Shelf Life: 36 months

Product Claims: Made with effective ingredients that prevent damage from the harmful UV rays, it avoids sunburn and also suppresses tanning.

Ingredients: Ingredients: Purified Water, Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate, Glycerine, Benzophenone 3, Octyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Mono Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbopol 940, Xanthan Gum, Methyl Paraben, Vitamin E Acetate, Fragrance, Allantoin, Propyl Paraben.

Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30_2

 My Experience based on the product: I make sure I always apply sunscreen at least 20-30 mins before I step out. Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lint mint colored cream based product with a mild fragrance which is really soothing to my nose. It at once relaxes me. The color of the cream is similar to the color of the tube. While application it seems to be a little greasy but after 5-10 mins get absorbed in the skin so I make sure that apply it at least 20-30 mins before stepping out in the sun.

For oily and combination skin you can skip using moisturizer cause this product includes glycerine and vitamin E which provide enough moisturization. For dry skin you may consider using a moisturizer prior to application. This product leaves no white cast.

Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30_3

My experience based on the Performance: As I already mentioned that after coming back from Goa my skin was dehydrated, tanned and parched like barren land and this sunscreen along with Red Soil Aloe vera gel (separate post for that coming soon) came for my rescue. This very first time when I applied my skin felt relaxed, the smell, the texture everything was so soothing to the rashes. After a week I found my tan fading and my rashes also subsided. It prevents tanning and adds glow to your face. However, it’s not water proof so for people who sweat heavily or are involved with lot of outdoor sports or swimming then it’s not for you.

 Pros:

• Prevent tanning
• Effecting on skin rashes which resulted from tanning
• Mild soothing fragrance and color.
• Does not leave any white cast.
• For oily and combination skin this serves as a moisturizer even.
• Can be used under makeup.
• Not tested on animals

Cons:

• Not water-resistant.

Overall rating: 4.0

To conclude it’s a good sunscreen which serves the claims it makes. I highly recommend and right now I am on the verge of finishing my second consecutive tube.

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Random Thoughts #1

When you are wearing lot of bling..keep your makeup matte and simple with simple accessories to avoid you looking like a Disco ball

Himalaya Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Applying makeup and then removing makeup. We girls can really spend so much of time and energy to enhance our beauty. With makeup with try to hide our imperfections and successfully removing makeup makes sure we are not harming ourselves and maintaining our natural beauty. Thus removing makeup should be an integral part of our daily routine. But is it only removing makeup? No its removing impurities, oil, dirt, grime and dead cells that accumulate throughout the day so that our skin can be breathe easily and rest during sleep and we wake up to a more beautiful person.
In terms of cleansing milk I haven’t tried much however this is the first time I tried Himalaya’s Refreshing Cleansing milk.
My skin type: Normal.

Company’s Verdict:

Company’s verdict

Ingredients:

Ingredients list

Price: INR 80/- for 100ml.

Shelf life: 3 years.

Him_Refreshing_Cleansing Milk_1

Him_Refreshing_Cleansing Milk_2

Him_Refreshing_Cleansing Milk_6

Him_Refreshing_Cleansing Milk_5

My experience: Himalaya’s Refreshing Cleansing milk comes in a white opaque sturdy bottle and the product milky white with thickened texture and mild fragrance. You just require a coin size amount for your face and neck. It takes some time in getting absorbed so you need to massage it a bit. After that you can simply cleaning it with a damp cotton wool and your face is all clean. It removes all dirt and oil in just one swipe. After cleaning you feel fresh and moisturized and there is a subtle glow. At times I even miss my moisturizer and still it doesn’t feel stretchy. As I prefer water soluble makeup so I am unable to comment about its performance on waterproof makeup. Generally I use olive oil and Johnson’s baby oil for my eye region but certain times I have used this and the results were equally effective.

Pros:
1. Effective in removing makeup, oil and dirt.
2. Imparts an subtle glow after cleansing
3. Feels refreshing
4. Doesn’t dry out skin
5. Affordable
6. Not Tested on Animals
Cons:
1. Contains parabens
2. Takes time in getting absorbed.
Overall rating: 4. I think one should definitely give it a try.

Hair Styles from 1920’s

In 1920’s fashion had experienced a more modern and bold change. Women started to abandon the restrictions of yester years and experiment with more comfortable clothing. Along with clothes even makeup and hairstyle faced a new dawn. The deep eyes with bold lips with the wavy hair styles added to their oomph factor. The entire look gave them a more innocent and delicately bold touch. The look they portrayed made men go weak in their knees and even after so many years this look is surfacing back with more elegance and a more modern and edgy approach.

Below are few images sourced from google.com just to showcase the hair styles of our English Vintage years. I am trying out a few myself, if you like them and wish to try them or have already tried them then please share them in the comments section.

Return of the Pinafore Dressing

What do you mean by a Pinafore: This style dates back to 1920s. It’s a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing. The name reflects that the pinafore was formerly pinned (pin) to the front (afore) of a dress. It does not have sleeves and there is no back to the bodice.
Since its evolution it has come a long way. Presently it can be altered and styled in various ways ranging from a vintage look to a casual look and even can be extended to a classy and sophisticated look.
Below are few images sourced from google.com to give a clearer picture on Pinafores and how we can style pinafores in the 21st century.

Missing Durga Pujo..Missing my childhood

Mone pore jaye chutto belar kotha…
Mahalaya theke shuru hoto dress’er trails’er pala..
Matching kaner dulo Jodi na hoye kena
Maye’r matha’y shuru hoto jontrona..
Bondhur kache amar theke beshi jama kano
Ekhoni cholo bazaar, notun jama keno..
Palay palay dress change hoto,
Sathe change hoto juto..kintu paye porto je poshka boro boro
Sara bocher’er opekha jeno char dine purno hoto.
Maa chole gele roye jeto beja chokh duto…
Ekhon aami boro hoyechi, hoyechi ek corporate employee..
Durga Pujo’r saad online’e purno kori tai

Biotique Morning Nectar Lightening Lip Balm

Hello Friends,

Today I am going to share my experience with Biotique Morning Nectar Lightening Lip Balm. I have a very bad habit that I hardly stick to a single product for long. I feel that the market is flooded with so many good products and I should try them at least once. So after my Lotus lip balm got over my quest for a good lip balm began. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Biotique where most of the products haven’t worked for me but still I don’t know why I keep on trying and testing them. Anyways…

When I saw this little pot on the rack I thought I would pass, but SPF 30 UVA/UVB sunscreen caught my fancy and I picked it.

Company Claims: This anti-ageing lip balm moisturizes and revitalize lips. Fights collagen loss and fills-in creases to smooth out dry lines fo noticeably smoother, younger looking lips.

How to use: Smooth on and around bare lips alone or under lipstick.
Price: 99/- INR for 16 gms

Shelf life: 3 yrs from the date of Manufacture.

Packaging: Their cute little tub in that old boring green color.

Biotique_Lip Balm_glowinghalo

Biotique_Lip Balm_Glowinghalo

Biotique_Lip Balm_Glowinghalo

Biotique_Lip Balm_Glowinghalo

Biotique_Lip Balm_Glowinghalo

My Experience: I really loved the SPF 30 factor and the claim which says “lightens and protects”. I am sick of my pigmented lips. It really feels embarrassing at times. The color of the balm is of light milky cream colour, with a distinctive smell. But I somehow liked it. However under AC I observed that the balms condenses on the lips and leaves a white cast. And this is one primary reason that this balm should not be applied under a lipstick. I found all my lipsticks giving me a cakey look after application. So first I apply this and after 5 mins remove it with soft cotton ball and then re-apply.
The moisturization affect hardly stays for 1-2hrs and beyond which you have to re-apply else there is a stretchy feeling. But there is one thing that made me fall in love with it and that is it helped me lighten my pigmentation marks by 10%. I apply a thick layer before going to bed and the next morning my lips are soft and with reduced marks.

Pros:
As claimed lightens the pigmentation marks
Moiturizes the lips
Has SPF 30 and UVA/UVB sunscreen
Affordable and easily available

Cons:
Quite heavy in texture.
Constant re-application is required.
Under AC condenses and leaves a white cast.
If applied under lipsticks, it leaves a cakey look.

Rating: 3 (With all the cons it still give a rating of “3” because it had actually helped reducing those ugly dark spots on my lips)

Recommendation: If you have pigmented lips you can at least try during the nights to see the difference.

DIY: Facewash, Scrub and Pack

Dear All

Post Pregnancy my skin lost all its charm, it may be due to the huge hormonal change, Bangalore weather, stress, work pressure, lack of sleep (mother of a toddler). Tried lots of products, some helped and some didn’t. The glow was still missing. So finally thought of putting an end on wasting all my money on those magic products, which are actually of no use and stick to my kitchen recipes. As kids our mother was strictly against the use of chemical products and had always encouraged the use of easily available kitchen products.

The DIY, which I am going to share today is what I am using every day and within 3-4 days I did see a change in myself.

Ingredients:-
1. Besan

2. Milk Powder

DIY_Milk Power

3. Turmeric (optional)

Mix besan and milk powder in equal quantities and little turmeric, again if you want to. Then pass the mixture through a sieve several times. This ensures a uniform mixture and as well removes any hard unwanted particles. You can store this mixture in any air-tight container and keep it for future use.

I have kept it in my bath room and everyday use it at least twice. Once in the morning and once before going to bed, following it up with a moisturizer.

Just mix a little water and make a paste and apply it on my face. Keep it for 20-30 secs and wash off. The days I need to scrub just slowly rub it in circular directions and wash off. For a face pack I keep it on my face still it dries and wash off for that glowing skin.

This can be used as a bodywash even. Just dampen your body and apply it evenly all over. Again as per your requirement you can use it as a wash, scrub or pack.
You can even mix it with coconut oil and any other oil of your choice when using as a body wash.

After one week I do see my black scars fading and there is an even glow on my face. The tan on my hands and neck have faded.

You can add, remove or edit the ingredients as per your skin type or choice. Like when I have some extra time, I mix curd and honey to the mixture.

If you have any more suggestions please let me know.

Disclaimer: Images used have been borrowed from google search and I don’t own them.

Where the mind is without Fear.

With all that’s happening around us, I can say I am scared. I am scared for myself, my daughter, sister, niece, mother, friends rather the entire female gender. Starting from female feticide, child abuse, rape…..why??? Why are we treated this way? It’s so disheartening so live amidst this society where crime after crime is being committed and no action is taken.
There is one Tagore’s poem that’s coming to my mind –“Where the mind is without Fear”

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

To our counterpart gender-To all the fathers, brothers, uncles, friends and so on…We love you, Trust you. Please if you can’t love us at least give us some respect and let us live fearlessly. Please Let us live with dignity. Don’t make us believe that it’s a curse being born as a daughter.
Will a day come when we –Girls can really wake up to a fearless and free country, with equality of thoughts and respect?