While doing my regular window shopping of beauty products I recently came across a turmeric based under eye cream by the brand FARSÁLI and it costs a bomb! For 15 ml product you will have to pay INR 3500. I must say I was intrigued by the composition of the eye cream. So I did a little research to understand which ingredients do wonder for the under eye area and tried a few of them at home. In this post I will be sharing the ingredients I used and what results I got.
In general all the popular eye creams available in the market are quite expensive but we also need to take good care of the most sensitive area of our face. So here are a few pretty easy home remedies you can try.I did it for myself and it worked really well for me.
Coconut oil and vit E mixture – Coconut oil has some amazing health benefits if you cook your food with it but it has also showed proven results on the skin and hair. I have been staying and travelling around southern part of India and noticed that each and every part of a coconut tree is used here.It can be used as cooking oil or hair oil or as a natural facial oil as well. Coconut oil will instantly increase the moisture content of dry under eye area and vitamin e is known to work as an antioxidant and fights UV damage. Here in India, at a normal temperature(20-30 degree Celsius) you will find coconut oil to be in a liquid state but during winter it turns into solid. I have seen stores selling coconut oil in an exorbitant rate but actually it is quite cheap if you are buying directly from a genuine source. Before buying please make sure that it does not contain paraffin or palm oil etc. I got myself a 1 litre bottle of pure coconut oil without any adulteration from Kerala.If you are buying from a store please look into its license or any government certification to be sure that what you are getting is absolutely pure.
Now coming to the mixture you need to get 1 tablespoon of pure coconut oil and 1 capsule of vitamin e and gently massage your under eye area in a circular motion. If you are in India you can buy a strip of Evion Vitamin e capsules for 20-30 Rs. Remember to always use your ring finger to ensure you are applying right amount of pressure.Under eye area is so delicate a little bit of extra pressure can really make things worse for you.It will take some time to get fully absorbed. Just close your eyes and play some nice music and relax. I will recommend you to apply this before taking a shower. You can also take a bit more oil and vit e and mix it well in a glass jar and keep it in fridge.the mixture will solidify and you can use it as a balm.How fun that is! This mixture is so good that you can apply it anywhere in your body like chapped lips, elbows or knee.
Turmeric and yogurt mixture – The other one is definitely my age old favorite which is a turmeric plus yogurt or curd mixture.This mixture as well can be used on any part of your body and face as a natural moisturizer. You can mix two tea spoon of turmeric with 3 table spoon of yogurt or even home made curd and put it in a jar and store it in your fridge for at least 4 days. Turmeric is known for its anti oxidant and anti inflammatory property.It is known to bring a natural glow to skin.In India at least before the rapid growth of cosmetic industry turmeric or ‘haldi’ was the best known ingredient to every Indian household to get that instant glow.Even till now there is a pre-wedding ceremony dedicated to celebrate turmeric at almost every Indian wedding.On the other hand fresh curd or yogurt contains lactic acid which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This mixture worked wonders for my tired under eyes and I will recommend you to try them for yourself.
Hope you liked this homemade inexpensive DIY tricks for under eye care which will give you definite results without burning a hole into your pocket. Stay happy 🙂
Today I will review the Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack from the Korean brand Etude House. So, let me tell you this is the first sleeping pack I am using and I did not have much idea around what a sleeping pack is and also this is my first product from this brand.I have been using this product for last 2 weeks and will share my experience with you in this post.
Price & Quantity: You will receive a 100 ml tub for INR 1000.If you compare it with the Laneige water sleeping pack which costs for INR 1850 for 70 ml; this one is definitely cheaper. I have not used the Laneige water sleeping mask so won’t be able to compare it based on quality/effectiveness.
Product Description:
Contains 14% Super Collagen water, which is easily and softly absorbed into your skin, and 5.3%water extracted from baobab trees, nicknamed “water reservoir”.Enriched in small Super Collagen water particles and baobab tree essence, this moisturizing sleeping mask protects skin moisture from evaporating or being dried out while you sleep, to provide a hydrated, elastic, and gelatinous skin appearance during the daytime.
Water-gel texture with densely packed water drops promotes soft absorption without leaving any sticky feel. The moisture barrier is lightly and smoothly spread onto your face to protect your skin from being dried out during the night and even until the following day.
My Take on the product:
Etude House Moistfull Collagen
Packaging: The product comes in a glossy peach plastic tub and you need to use your fingers to take out the product.I wish they packaged it in a pump like bottle.
So it contains fragrance and alcohol. Hydrolyzed Collagen is the 2nd ingredient which is good.
Texture: Texture of the product is very light; gel/serum like but looks like white cream.It does not make my skin oily/greasy after applying.I have oily skin and it did not cause any trouble like break – outs.I did not know what sleeping packs are like and imagined it to be like a serum.Recently I came across some articles and youtube videos claiming the ‘Sleeping packs’ to be a very essential element of night time skincare routine.Sleeping packs basically gives you the hydration for the time you sleep and when you wake up you see a dewy supple skin.So now coming back the product it definitely is very hydrating on my skin and suitable for a humid weather.I can easily sleep after applying it.My skin breathes for sure.It did not give me a single pimple.So very happy about that.
Including Collagen in your skincare is very much needed when you are approaching your 20s. Atleast that is what I learnt.There are so many products claiming to reverse your age and all.Don’t know how true those claims are.Do not expect any magical transformation from this sleeping pack.If you someone who does not like to put thick creams or moisturizers before going to bed and want something lighter for your skin to breathe; you can use this one.I will try to use the Laneige water sleeping mask as well for a better comparison.
I remember I first came across the brand Dot & Key sometime last year and within a year you can tell that the brand has grown from its increased product line.I must say their products are quite unique at least for Indian market.
Price and Quantity: Both the product retails for INR 695 and comes in a 50ml beautiful bottle.I got them for 10% off on each of them at Nykaa.
My take on the product:
Packaging: Firstly, let’s talk about the packaging. The outer packaging of the products came with a box made of thick paper or like a cardboard kind of material.You can re-use them to store small knick-knacks.The bottles containing the product is very cute and aesthetically pleasing. All of their bottles or tubs come in sea green or lavender or baby pink or chromatic yellow shades.
The bottles have small pumps which will help you to get exactly the amount of product you need. They have recently started a drive on their official website where you can send back the empty bottles and get rewarded.
Ingredients: The moisture boost serum contains some amazing ingredients like Vitamin C & E, Lavender essential oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Argan Kernel Oil and Shea Butter. None of their products contain Paraben /Sulphates/phthalates and they are not tested on animals either.The illuminating Glow Moisture in Serum contains Frangipani Flower Oil and Ylang Ylang Flower Oil.
How they feel on my skin: So I bought the Skin Awakening Moisture Boost Serum First and completely fell in love with it because of its very light; almost airy texture.I don’t like to put on thick creams on my skin as I feel that my skin will not be able to breathe.This serum is an absolute dream.It did not cause me any break out.A little product like one pea size portion is enough for your entire face. The smell is like camphor.It does not look like usual transparent serum.It looks like a lotion but feels like feather on your skin.Due to peppermint oil there is a certain tingling cool feeling attached to it.
Moisture boost serum: Consistency
It instantly gives me the morning hydration that my skin needs in a very dry weather (where I stay).This product will work for all skin types. I have been using it for almost 2 months now and I can see that there is a very clear glow in my skin without making my skin look oily or causing me any acne.
The Illuminating Glow Moisturizer in Serum is rather new in my collection.As it says moisturizer in serum it actually is a face moisturizer than a serum. So keep your expectations right. It is definitely thicker than the moisture boost serum in terms of texture although not too thick.It does not have that airy feel but it feels like an actual moisturizer. Good! because that’s what it is!
Illuminating Glow Moisturizer in serum : Consistency
This one as well did not cause me any break outs but I use it every alternative day after shower.It contains mild SPF (15). So I guess it’s best to use it in daytime.The smell is floral but not over powering.It definitely gives you the instant glow and makes your skin supple.I think this one works better for people with dry skin.For combination or oily skin I will recommend it to use it in a regulated quantity but yes definitely this serum will feel more relaxing and light on your skin than the thick creams or lotions.
I will recommend you to try both of these products based on your needs as they are quite affordable and definitely good for your skin.Hope you liked this review. Have a nice day 🙂
I recently picked up the Juniper Berry oil free Moisturizer from Aroma Magic.Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic is the largest Aromatherapy brand in India. With over 170 signature aromatherapy—based products including skin care, hair care, essential oils and curative oils. I have been particularly following Dr. Blossom Kochhar’s articles in various magazines where she introduced the concept of Aromatherapy probably for last 10-12 years.Yes She is a pioneer in this field. I use Aroma Magic products because it is completely free of petrochemicals, phathalates,paraben,artificial fragrances and colour. Also,this brand is very affordable and students/ college goers can totally afford them.
Now let’s do the product review.
Price and quantity: 100 ml pump bottle comes for INR 190. The 200 ml variant comes for INR 345. Packaging is nothing fancy but just useful. I struggled with the pump for the first time but just that.
ProductDescription: The Aroma Magic Juniper Berry Oil Free Moisturizer protects, moisturizes and brightens your skin. The multi tasking extracts of Juniper berry and Cucumber act as efficient anti ageing, anti inflammatory and anti oxidant agents protecting the skin from the sun by guarding it against harmful free radicals. An exotic blend of Patchouli and Lemon essential oil helps regulate the oil level in the skin. Together with Aloe vera juice, the non greasy gel formula of this potion helps heal acne and lighten blemishes leaving your skin well nourished, refreshed and brighter.
Aroma Magic Juniper Berry Oil free moisturizer
Features:
Has SPF 15
Infused with the goodness of wondrous natural ingredients
100% free of petrochemicals, phthalates, toxic ingredients, parabens, artificial fragrance and color
For Oily skin
Aroma Magic Juniper Berry Oil free moisturizer
My take on the product: The product looks like a transparent serum but the consistency is little thinner than usual serums.It has a herbal smell which I did not like that much but it does not stay for long. The moisturizer feels very light on my skin and I can put it on easily whenever I want; be it day or night; and it gives a quick hydration. The product is water based and contains essential oils along with hyaluronic acid.
It perfectly worked on my oily skin in summer when I can not apply any heavy moisturizer yet want some hydration for my skin.There is a blend of Patchouli and lemon essential oil which helps to regulate the oil concentration level in the skin.I am not sure about its anti-ageing or anti-blemish properties as I don’t have wrinkles or blemishes on my skin right now but I guess it contains some really good ingredients like hyaluronic acid which are good in maintaining the hydration level and making your skin look soft and plump.
As I mentioned the consistency is like a light runny serum and just a little product gives you the right amount of moisture and hydration for 5-6 hours.You will not feel like re-applying again and again. I stay in Bangalore where the weather is very dry and this light moisturizer really suits in such weather.
Aroma Magic Juniper berry oil free moisturizer
I have not used it in Winter. So will not be able to comment if it will be super effective as a winter moisturizer.It did not cause any irritation or break outs in my skin as it does not contain any harmful chemical.It does not feel greasy at all and the claim of it to be an oil free moisturizer is really true. I really feel like my skin is breathing. You can easily use it as a base before putting on any make up. I am not sure if it will turn out to be really effective for dry skin beauties but for oily skin or combination skin it does its job brilliantly.
I know how much each of us is craving to travel at the moment; given the ongoing lockdown. I was just going through my travel photos and thought of sharing my Kodai trip with you guys. I don’t know when the world will be again safe heaven for all the travellers out there but in the mean time we can all cherish and reminisce the sweet moments we spent with the mother nature.
Last year, in mid-July we suddenly planned for a short weekend trip to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is a cozy city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means “The Gift of the Forest”. Kodaikanal is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination*.I heard so much about Kodai’s lush greenery and waterfalls from my family and friends but the craving to go there became strongest when one of my friends visited the place and could not stop talking about it.That was the point when I thought let’s explore it!
How to reach Kodaikanal: We started from Bangalore on an overnight bus journey.We booked our buses just one week before the journey from Redbus. Bangalore to Kodai distance is almost 466 km. So we started at around 8 pm on Friday and reached there before 7am on Saturday. The bus journey was not super comfortable and I would prefer going there by car but we were on a tight budget. So can’t complain! If you are coming from any other part of India or abroad then Madurai National airport is the closest from Kodai (around 120kms). You can get a taxi from there.
Where we stayed in Kodai: We made the booking quite last minute and I will advise you to plan your travel atleast a month back to get good deals. We stayed at Altius Nest. The place is quite close to the Kodaikanal Lake (Tip: Try to find accommodation near the Kodai lake because then you will be able to check out a few tourist spots and eateries just by walking). Anyway our hotel interior was quite minimalist and neat. The rooms were quite large with a serene view. They had a small collection of books, magazines and local products. The most amazing part was that the hotel is kind of in the midst of a residential area and hence, quite soundproof. I loved to take a stroll on the sloping streets around the hotel and click the pictures of the amazing flowers there.
Sunshine
Now coming to the places you can cover in 2 days or we covered in just one and a half days. Also I will share some tips from the mistakes I made. Read on.
Transport: This is the most important thing if you did not bring your own bike or car and will have to depend on local travel agencies. Once we got down from our bus atleast 15 travel agents suddenly appeared with their small leaflets describing travel itineraries. There were 3 types of itineraries on their list -Trekking tour, Forest tour and the lake and pine forest plus pillar rocks tour. We skipped the forest tour as we would have to take passes the day before. Sleepy eyed and hungry; we just wanted to go to our hotel and freshen up.They offered us a free drop to a hotel and promised to come back after 2 hours for local sight seeing.We agreed.The rate seemed little on the higher side but as we did not have any idea of the map; we were just clueless. So we took their car along with a driver but soon we realized that they started charging us for a lot of stuff without any receipt. We were in a trap but just wanted to enjoy our trip rather than brooding. Anyway for the next day we booked another travel agent from our hotel desk and that was really good. So my small tip will be do not book any random car or driver when you arrive at the airport or bus-stop. Always take help from your hotel desk even before coming to Kodai.
Day One:
Coaker’s Walk: Now first thing first. Coaker’s walk, Kodai Lake and Bryant park are all very close to each other and you can easily cover them by walking. Coaker’s walk is around one km long well paved pathway for you to take a stroll and enjoy the amazing view of the mountains surrounded by dense clouds.
Coaker’s Walk,KodaikanalView from Coaker’s Walk
There are plenty of places to sit and sip a cup of tea or munch on corn or buy small knick knacks. There is an entry fee of around 30 Rupees per person. Oh by the way this place was created in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker and that is where the name comes from.
Kodaikanal Lake: After you are out of Coaker’s walk there is a quiet street connecting the Bryant park and Kodaikanal lake; straight from there. Kodaikanal lake is the most crowded place in the entire Kodaikanal for obvious reasons. There are plenty of home made chocolate and spice shops surrounding the lake. I remember the white chocolates to be really good :p. You can rent a cycle from there or ride a horse as well. There were some double seater cycles as well and those were really a joy to ride! Of course there are boats for you to pedal or row through the lake.
Bryant Park: Just beside the lake you will find a botanical garden named Bryant Park (named after an army officer).The park has a splendid collection of rare species of cactus, amazing flowers,shrubs and trees. There are plenty of places to just sit and click some photos or just take a stroll and inhale the fresh air. There is an entry fee around 50-60 Rupees per person.
Bryant ParkBryant Park, Kodaikanal
Pine Tree Forest: Next stop on our itinerary was the dense pine forest.I got to know from our driver that this place is used to be quite popular for shooting. I enjoyed the calmness even when there were quite a number of people around.There is no entry fee and you can take a quick ride on horses.I preferred to take a quiet walk away from the hustle bustle and collected a few pine cones for my DIY projects 🙂
Pine Forest, Kodaikanal
Pillar Rocks: When we were deciding on exploring Kodaikanal, Pillar rocks was on top of our list because of its intriguing misty view.There are three mammoth granite rock pillars stand shoulder-to-shoulder, around 400-ft-high. The chambers between the pillars are referred to as the devil’s kitchen (quite scary huh!) I think the fog makes it look more mysterious.The shady woods beneath the rocks serve as perfect picnic spot for locals as well as tourists. Close to Pillar Rocks, there is a beautifully manicured garden where you can find a wide variety of flowers blooming.
Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal
Guna Caves: So basically, these caves are actually caverns formed between the three boulders of the Pillar rocks; the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ as I mentioned earlier. Apparently the name ‘Guna’ came from a South Indian movie shot here. Also according to Hindu Mythology; Mahabharatha; the Pandavas used to cook meals inside these caves and the word Kitchen came from that reference.There is a mysterious and enthralling appeal of this place; can’t deny that.However, most of the area was locked because some accident happened there. So we could not explore the inside of the caves.
Tree roots: Guna Caves, Kodaikanal
There were some enormous tree roots (As you can see from the picture).
Well, after covering all the places the driver dropped us at Hilltop inn for having lunch. They have two outlets side by side; one for vegetarians and another for non- vegetarians. We could not enter the non-veg one as there was no seat available.However the veg one was quite empty and the taste was not that great.I was expecting to discover some great South Indian delicacies but there were not many to offer. Anyway after lunch we spent some time around the lake and did some shopping for souvenirs, oils and spices and then went back hotel. There was a local liquor shop,however, there were very few options. So let me give you an idea of how much time we spent to cover all the places mentioned so far.We started around 11 am and by 3 we were done with sight seeing for the day.We chilled and ate dinner at our hotel for the rest of the day.In the evening it started raining. So don’t forget to carry a rain jacket if you are travelling during monsoon.
The next day we had complimentary breakfast at our hotel and checked out at around 10.30 am. Our new driver cum guide came on time to receive us and he took us for the trekking tour.
Day Two:
Dolphin’s Nose and Echo point: If you are an experienced trekker this trekking will be nothing for you. Please carry proper shoe and clothes suitable for trekking. No need to carry food or water.There are a number of fruit juice and snack stalls at every juncture. The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint is where you can experience Kodaikanal at its best – green valleys, rugged terrain and mysterious sudden fogs embellishing the scene. As the name suggests, this viewpoint is shaped like a dolphin’s nose at the height of 6,600 feet.
Dolphin’s Nose -PeakOn our way to Dolphin’s Nose
This destination will add an adventurous touch to your otherwise laid back trip. Just as you walk past the Dolphin’s Nose you will reach the tree which directs you to Echo Point(I guess I found one Echo Point at every hill station In India :p). The path here too changed with a narrower one with more trees surrounding you. I will not recommend to bring older people with breathing difficulties here. I exactly don’t remember how long the trail was but even if your are not experienced in trekking this one is much easier and you will find plenty of places to take rest.
Vattakanal falls: There is another small trek to Vattakanal falls.This was the only one where we found water. A lot of other falls dried up.You can just park your car outside and then take a few steps downhill.The trekking trail is pretty narrow and you may have to jump here and there but it will be fun.This one as well is not at all a difficult trek.
Vattakanal Waterfalls: KodaikanalThe sound of water : On our way to Vattakanal falls
The waterfall was not huge but beautiful; surrounded with greenery.We even saw a few people taking bath in the crystal clear water.The breezy cool weather was adding a level of charm into our trek.There was no entry fee.This waterfall is also connected to Guna caves but I think the road was blocked.
These two treks took almost half of our day and we stopped at ‘Ten Degrees’ for an amazing lunch and also explored the local vegetable and fruit market and sipped in coffee at Aby’s Cafe.
Look what we found from a street vendor in Kodaicanal: Rambutan A sumptuous lunch at Ten Degrees,Kodaikanal
At 6pm on Sunday our bus picked us up and we came back to Bangalore by 5am on Monday.
We missed the Berijam lake which was inside the Kodaikanal life sactuary as we had to take a pass standing in a queue early in the morning and we could not get up 😦 Anyway there is always a next time.
So I have been using a few products from Plum Goodness and I wanted to write a quick review on one of the products by the same brand – the e-luminence deep moisturizing cream. So Plum is an Indian beauty brand and offers some really greaaat products (especially theirs kohls and kajals) and all their products are vegan! I will add my reviews on their other products as well but for now let’s start with this one.
Price: The product retails for INR 575 and comes in a 50 ml tub.It is available in Nykaa and in the Plum goodness website.
Description: The e-luminence creme offers the hydrating power of Vitamin E and 12 phyto-nutrients boosted by a dozen potent plant nutrients, to provide unmatched hydration and nourishment to dry & damaged skin. The result: bouncy, hydrated skin that exudes a happy, dewy radiance.The cream comes in a thick milky white texture and has a mild scent.
So one thing I did not realize before buying this product was that it is best suitable for dry skin.If you look at the main ingredients, this product contains
1. Vitamin E – possibly the best hydrator out there
2. Jojoba oil – nourisher of choice for dry skin
3. Calendula flower extract – heals damaged skin
4. Red clover flower extract – reduces itching and calms down skin
5. Elder flower extract – helps fade wrinkles for a smoother, younger appearance
6. Rose flower extract – helps soothe and reduce inflammation
Well all these ingredients sound awesome but the formula is just not apt for someone with oily or combination skin.It has a very thick consistency. Especially if you have acne prone skin then it is an absolute no no product. Same goes for me as I have oily skin! Actually I was so amazed by their Tea tree night clarity gel that I did not do enough research before buying this one 😦
Plum e-luminence creme
Anyway I somehow wanted to use the product because my mom also has oily skin.So what I did was to wash my face first well with a facewash and then apply very minimum amount of the cream like 3-4 dots over my face and then just massage it gently.
I am yet to empty this!
I could apply it only during winter.It got absorbed quickly and thankfully did not feel greasy. Its thick consistency is not suitable for applying during summer as my skin started sweating because of its very oily texture. I applied it mostly after sunset because it does not contain SPF. It gave my skin a beautiful glow.That is for sure!
I think this will work wonders for dry skin beauties; especially during winter.
Hope you found this review helpful 🙂 Stay healthy! Take care!!
I have been in quarantine for almost 2 months now.I guess most of you are as well.Staying home for such a prolonged period was unprecedented but anyway I could put the time into some productive use as well. Also in these last 2 months I have not used a single make up product and mostly focused on my skin care regime.So here are a list of 5 products that I used almost everyday or every alternate day.
Facial Mist: I never really used facial mists/sprays earlier and did not have an clear idea what they are used for. So these facials sprays are absolute blessing during a dry summer. Just a few quick splash and I feel all rejuvenated. So I use Rose water spray from Kama Ayurveda (INR 275) and the most pocket friendly Dabur Gulabari. Both of them are available in a 100 ml spray bottle.There is another one which I recently discovered is from the brand Urvija. It is their Lavender Mint Facial Spray with clay sage.
Urvija Lavendar Mint Facial Spray
It is a home grown brand and the product retails for INR 190 for a 100 ml bottle.The uniqueness about this particular spray is that along with an amazing smell they it gives an amazing glow and a cool refreshing feeling even if you don’t refrigerate it.
I also made some DIY facial sprays all by myself and it is actually pretty easy and does not cost much. First one is a lavendar and aloe spray – I just took an empty 100 ml spray bottle and filled 80% of the bottle with distilled water.Then added 5-6 drops of lavendar essential oil and just one table spoon of aloe vera gel. You can use your home grown aloe and extract the gel from it as well. Now coming to the other spray this one is also very simple to make. Just extract some fresh cucumber juice (around 2 table spoon) and add 1 spoon aloe vera gel in it and fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
Both of them cost around 900 INR for 30ml of the product and trust me if you have oily skin or if you don’t really like to use all those thick creams these 2 serums should be in your shopping cart. Hyaluronic acid is also much talked about these days because of its anti-ageing property.I love to apply these serums and then massage slowly using my ROSE QUARTZ FACIAL GUA SHA stone for my night time skin care routine.
Hair oil: I will have to admit I was kind of really reluctant to use hair oil but because I got to stay at home during this lockdown period I got plenty of time to apply hair oil.I am currently using BRINGADI INTENSIVE HAIR TREATMENT OIL from Kama Ayurveda.It retails for INR 650 for a 100ml bottle.
Kama Ayurveda Bringadi Intensive hair treatment
This product is meant to prevent hair loss, dandruff and premature graying. It is also a natural conditioner for lush hair growth. In addition, it cools the head. The herbal formula includes indigo (neeli), Eclipta Alba and gooseberry to promote hair growth; liquorices which acts as an anti-fungal agent; and balloon vine which prevents scalp infection. I have very thick wavy hair and this oil never made my hair sticky; not even a greasy scalp.It has definitely given me volumes and the smell kind of de-stresses me everytime I use it.
Eye cream/gel: Because I have a job which requires me to constantly look at the screen for atleast 7-8 hours and even if I don’t include that my screentime is definitely not less than 12 hours everyday. Although I don’t get deep dark circles around my eyes; I have noticed some dryness and hence, I started using an eye gel from the brand Aroma Magic.Most of the available eye creams/gels cost a bomb to be honest but this one is really pocket friendly.It costs just INR 195 for 20gm product and does its job too.
Aroma Magic Eye Gel
I am not sure if it will be that impactful for heavy dark circles but if you just want an eye cream to refreshen and moisturize your under eye area this product will work for you.
Lip masks: I have already talked about this Laneige lip sleeping mask and how amazing it is. So obviously it is part of my lipcare routine. Also I used the organic juicy chemistry lip scrub twice a week for exfoliation.It retails for INR350 for 10gm of product and goes a long way.
So I am sure if you love to see the skin care routines of the Supermodels or Victoria’s Secret Models on Youtube there is one product which I have seen a lot of them absolutely swear by for their gorgeous lips and that is Laneige Lip sleeping Mask.Also, this is probably one of those products which I could actually afford :p
Now coming to the product; Laneige is a very well known Korean skin care brand.I have noticed that they do not come up with a lot of products every now and then.They are very specific about a few key products that are actually really popular.So generally the quality standards are really high.
Price and Quantity: It comes in 2 sizes – 8 gms for INR 500 and 20 gms for INR 1150.I would recommend you to go for the 8 gms tub because it goes really long way trust me!
Description: – A leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes – Has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips – Offers a nutritiously sweet and fragrant blend – Forms a protective film over the lips to lock in moisture – For smoother and more supple lips
My take on the Laneige lip mask :
Well I honestly did not have an idea of what a lip mask is before buying this.Also, I am a person who is generally averse of the idea of putting a mask before sleeping.I mean it is kind of weird right ! But to put all your worries away let me clarify this is not like a mask you will generally think of.This product has a balmy texture and has a sweet berry like taste (in case you lick it accidentally,whoops!).It has no color at all; totally transparent and glossy. The texture is thick and sticky; almost like you have put honey on your lips but it quickly melts into your lips.It comes in a cute pink tub and I know it feels kind of gross to dig your finger to take some of the product out but this is actually a mask and not a balm.Hence, the product consistency is not something which you could package in a stick.
Now coming to the main question; did I notice any difference to my lips ?
Yes I did and that is why I absolutely love this product and can’t stop going gaga over this. It actually works.A lot of Korean brands have really conquered the skin care market and out of them Laneige is quite a silent but really steady player.Their product gives you result.I wish I could show you a before and after picture of my lips but I actually forgot to click one before I started using it.I am no experienced beauty blogger 😦
However, I can describe my experience. I got dark outer lip lines due to sun damage.I used lip scrubs but somehow the pigmentation did not really go away.I religiously used this product for 2 weeks; every single night and I could see the darker lip line to fade and gradually the pink soft lips coming out; as if my older pink soft lips getting a rebirth. The product is rish in Vitamin C, shea butter and berry extracts and lots of good ingredients.No paraben and totally cruelty free. Why is it called a mask? I assume if we actually used it as a balm we would end up eating it :p . Using it as a sleep mask helps to absorb it totally while we are sleeping.
I came across the Nykaa Prep me up Face Primer just before the Summer started.Previously I was using Smashbox primer water both as a face primer and make up fixing spray.Then I found this primer which comes at almost half the price.I just picked this one up to try and let me tell you; I don’t regret.
Price : 499 INR
Quantity: 30 gm
Description: So the product says, “Prep your canvas before you start with the art of makeup with Nykaa Prep Me Up! Face Primer. This lightweight, non – greasy Formula instantly blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines to create a flawless base.”
Claims :
Leaves a sensational velvety Matte finish
Silky smooth on skin
Ideal for all skin type
Extremely light weight
It fills in the pore and fine lines, so
makeup glides on flawlessly and smoothly
Contains Vitamin E that neutralizes
free radicals & promotes healthier skin
My take on Nykaa Prep me Up Face Primer :
Well the product looks like a transparent thick gel like formula.Since the consistency is so thick it gives a great coverage on my skin,like a second transparent layer of my own skin ,hence, less visibility of open pores around my nose. As it claims it always gives the matte finish and absorbs all the extra shine and oil from my skin.
Now since I have a super oily T zone if i don’t use a primer and directly use a BB cream or a foundation; it never gets blended with proper consistency and coverage.Hence, I highly recommend using a primer before putting on anything else.Also, sometimes I actually just put on the primer for an even toned fresh skin without any extra layer of make up.This face primer for Nykaa helps to get a smooth finish and my face never looks too oily.
Lastly, this product is not tested on animals and free from Paraben. It also has Vitamin E.
So I have been locked down in my home for almost a month and I have been trying to utilize it to catch up on things which I don’t usually get time to do.Amazingly I managed to watch 7 very good movies in the last 7 days and I would recommend you to watch them as well. Here goes the list!
Shutter Island: Shutter Island is a 2010 mind bending American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Dennis Lehane’s 2003 novel of the same name. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels, who is investigating a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island after one of the patients goes missing. Mark Ruffalo plays his partner officer; Ben Kingsley is the facility’s lead psychiatrist.Although It was well received by the critics,the movie is not that well known.I discovered it during my quarantine days and it managed to absolutely engross me till the end.A must watch for all the psychological thriller lovers.
The Departed: Now this one was quite popular and won 4 Oscars but somehow I missed it.This one is another must watch by Martin Scorsese. It is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. The Departed stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, with Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, and Alec Baldwin in supporting roles.The film takes place in Boston. Irish Mob boss Francis “Frank” Costello (Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Damon) as a mole within the Massachusetts State Police; simultaneously, the police assign undercover state trooper William “Billy” Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello’s crew. When both sides realize the situation, Sullivan and Costigan each attempt to discover the other’s identity before they are found out. The character Colin Sullivan is loosely based on the corrupt FBI agent John Connolly, while the character Frank Costello is based on gangster Whitey Bulger. The movie will keep you glued to your seat till the end.
Seven: Seven is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by David Fincher. It stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey.The film tells the story of David Mills (Brad Pitt), a detective who partners with the retiring William Somerset (Freeman) to track down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as a motif in his murders.Although I have watched it long time back I watched it again for the nerve wrecking suspense till the end.This just says about my love for crime thrillers especially the ones with serial killers in it :p Watching the young Brad Pitt was another hidden motive of course!
The ballad of buster scruggs: This was a Netflix recommendation and I must say it was really something to spend your time for.The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a six-story anthology set in a stylized version of the American West; it was written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2018. Each story, with its own cast of characters, is distinctive in tone, plot, and setting.They do not have anything particular in common plot wise, but thematically they all tell the huge story of the Wild West – the dark & crazy, sometimes sad side of it. This is a really a tall tale of death wrapped in comic reliefs.
Margin call: Margin Call is a 2011 American drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor in his feature directorial debut. The principal story takes place over a 24-hour period at a large Wall Street investment bank during the initial stages of the financial crisis of 2007–08 and that is why it feels relevant during this tough economic situation. In focus are the actions taken by a group of employees during the subsequent financial collapse.The ensemble cast features Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci.
The perks of being a wallflower: The Perks Of Being a Wallflower may seem like an unusual title but it’s a simple story dealing with some important issues.This movie is about feeling Love,friendships and of course pain.One of the protagonists is Charlie who is hiding a big secret inside him but dealing with it on daily basis. We can relate to his struggles on many instances.The characters are vibrant,funny,likable but all of them are dealing with relatable real issues and still enjoying their lives.The movie is not a shallow teenage drama.The music was really great and I recommend it strongly.
Forrest Gump: I will end the list with the sweet one. I am sure most of you have already watched it.This is a really feel-good movie which lifts your spirits up even after 25 years because of its innocence may be.This story still inspires me to go the distance and see the world like Forrest did. This movie talks about not giving up in most terrible times of our lives and also caring for our loved ones and understanding their feelings.This will reinstate your faith in the good.Of course Tom Hanks is just incredible in it !!
I will come back with more recommendations!Stay healthy 🙂
The Peach Diary 