REVIEW: Pond's Face Wash with Activated Carbon and Vitamin B3

You know that feeling when you have had a very tiring day and have no energy to deep clean your face before hitting the sack? You know that feeling when you have been out and about in the city and all that dust and grime gets to your skin? You know that feeling when you have had your make up on for a long time and it gets sticky and all? You know that feeling when you look into the mirror and think it is missing something? I know that feeling. Sometimes I hate felt all those on the very same day. I tried a lot of cleansers in the market. But the Pond's pure white Deep Cleansing Face Wash with activated carbon and vitamin B3 worked so well for me that it has made my deep cleansing routine so easy and cut the time by more than a half!

I have known about the cleansing powers of activated carbon. I know that it is used to detoxify the system as it can absorb the most toxic toxins. Activated carbon simply has such a molecular structure that makes it very porous and attracts everything to it because of its negative charge. So it is like a magnet for dust, pollution, sweat, make up, and all the unnecessary things on the skin.

Vitamin B3 is a superb skin potion and it is the supreme vitamin when it comes to skin care. There is no other vitamin that helps skin maintain its healthy glow more than vitamin B. It is skin's BFF , put shortly.

So, when these two ingredients combine, you know that it is a great combination for skin care.

Slender, black tube

The tube is a slender one and is all black to match the activated carbon. The cap twists open so no chance of leakage. The face wash is creamy and grey in colour. The fragrance is very very mild.

Grey, creamy face wash

I need a tiny pea sized amount and I take it on my finger tips and then rub both my hands fingers to get the product evenly on my finger tips and then massage it on my damp face and neck. I never let any soap sit longer than 10 - 20 seconds on my face and then I wash it off. Being a creamy face wash, it spreads easily and forms a foamy layer. Then I splash water to get it off my face. Lo and behold! All traces of makeup gone; including eye makeup and mascara, and the ever so tough to get rid of foundation. I tried to remove glitter eye shadow and that was erased too. It is just marvellous. If they can remove makeup so effortlessly, then imagine how it can remove pollution and oil from the face. It leaves the skin feeling so clean, no other face wash comes close to match it.

I feel it is suitable for all skin types because it doesn't leave the skin feeling dry or taut after washing. It just makes it soft and supple.

If you have the habit of using a cleanser, then wipes, then face wash and then scrub in your deep cleaning routine, this one product will cut the need for all those steps. It is simple, quick and easy.

So far I have been loving it and it is saving me so much time and effort to keep my skin clean and glowing.

Give it a try and share your experience in the comments below.

REVIEW: Patanjali Mogra Body Cleanser

After trying and loving the immensely popular Rose body cleanser by Patanjali (review here), I went for the Mogra or Jasmine body cleanser. I think Patanjali has three such body cleansers (glycerin soaps); rose, lemon, and jasmine (mogra). The rose and lemon are similarly packaged and shaped, but this one is different.

So, as you can see from the picture, it comes in a white box with pictures of jasmine on it and a little "peep" to show the soap inside it. The soap itself is oval shaped and a little bit thicker than the rose and lemon soaps. It comes wrapped in a transparent plastic sheet to seal the fragrance. It is a translucent soap in a lovely green colour. Green happens to be my favourite colour! And jasmine is my favourite fragrance. It doesn't take two guesses to conclude that this instantly became my favourite combination in a soap.

If your favourite fragrance is jasmine, then go for it, as this soap will transport you to a jasmine garden. Even after bathing, the fragrance slightly lingers on. It is heavenly! 

It lathers well and the lather is very soft. The soap best suits dry skin, moisturizing it and making it softer. Oily skin will feel soft too, but will need 2 - 3 washes with this one to completely erase the oil out of the face (or body). It gives a very nice glow to the skin after a bath because jasmines are very soothing and moisturizing in property. It has borax in it which makes it a very safe and gentle cleanser. Although these soaps are named body cleansers, this soap can be perfectly used on the face too. It is not only safe but more gentle than any other face washes because it has glycerin in it.

Soft and buttery Patanjali Mogra soap

It is a very, very soft textured soap. It melts rather easily. So, its lasting power isn't very long. When I opened the soap for the first time, there was a whitish film (as in the picture above) on it and has some edge pieces broken off. The whitish film is a residue of the soap drying from the soap making process. Once I used it, that film never appeared again, so it is surely not moisture. Then the soap is so soft that even a little pressure causes breakage at the edges.

So, overall it is an amazing soap. I loved the rose one earlier, but jasmine is more my cup of cappuccino! I am yet to try the lemon one. I hope it is citrusy and crisp just like lemon sorbet. That would be awesome. Have you tried any of these soaps? What do you think about them? Leave your experience in the comments below.

AD REVIEW: BBlunt dry shampoo ad

Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pERBNdqq0kI

Hello, hello, hello and hello again! This is a new series in my blog and I decided to call them 'Ad Reviews ', simply for what they are - review of the advertisement of the product. Ads are so important in the marketing of the product. They can build excitement, enough to go and purchase the product, even before the pros and cons reviews of the product are out. Such is a kind of ad for Bblunt dry shampoo. It has actually inspired me to start this ad review series, so I will dedicate the first review to it too.

If you haven't heard of or seen the Bblunt range of shampoos and other hair products, one look at this ad and you will get the picture! I first saw the ad on YouTube, but I reckon it is actually being called an anthem rather than being labelled a lengthy ad. It is young energy that these products are targeted for and the ad is oozing young, fresh and lively vibes. It won't take a bakers man to tell that these products are Adhuna's babies (Adhuna's fame to claim was being the hairstylist for the movie Dil Chahta Hain). Didn't spot Adhuna in the ad? She is the centre stage of the commercial , playing out the role of a rock and roll singer, compelling the consumer to "buy the dry shampoo" at the end of the ad. It is indeed laudable how effortlessly she blends into the rest of the 20-something crowd in the ad.

This is probably the first dry shampoo to be advertised in India and also the first to star Indian YouTubers, all from the beauty niche. You might be wondering who are all these fresh faces but most of them are pretty well known faces in the YouTube community and the Blogging sphere. Yes, that is a welcome change from just starring popular actresses and a novel idea indeed to rope in the YouTube stars, as this now guarantees double propagation! All their followers on YouTube are sure to check out there reviews on the product as well. The faces that I recognized are Sherry, Komal, Sonal, and Debashree.

Even though dry shampoo is new to India, the ad explains it all as to what it is, and how it is to be used, all in a sing-song catchy tune with some rather double entendre lyrics (quickie, one constant affair, booty call...) and its quirky catch phrase "dirty little secret" that will help you "get back to life".  That one phrase is enough to garner attention as every girl can relate to that missing out on outings or not stepping out of the house because of greasy, un-shampooed hair. This claims to help to get back to life, what a life saver! Not to mention the various roles the girls were playing, from a  corporate chic dancing in board room meeting, to an air hostess, to college girls, to laid back girls pillow fighting. The vibe is naughty and definitely catches ones attention. The ad ends on a party note, and in the rather lengthy ad that it is, one tends to get lost in its vibe but the ending is a powerful reminder of why the product is a dirty little secret and also promptly pushes the audience to "buy the dry shampoo" which is the last sentence spoken by Adhuna as she steps out of the crowd. Unique! Lol, I've never heard that before!

Being the first dry shampoo in India (at least to be publicly advertised), it definitely spiked my curiosity in the product and the ad was so much fun. It seemed like if all those girls rocked the dry shampooed look, then it is a must try product. These are my take aways / observations on the ad:

• It looks like a regular can of hair spray, just hold it 6 inches away from the hair and blow away. 
• The mist however is noticeably whiter, denser and doesn't disappear into thin air, unlike the hair setting sprays. It's different for sure.  
• Then it is apparently fair to use on a daily basis. 
• It is also apparently easy to use anywhere, anytime. Just shake, spray and rub.
• It may be used in the morning, night, or just whenever the need may be.
• However, it was difficult to even spot one head of hair that looked glossy, or even good enough to sell the product, There were too many faces, firstly, and the camera captured their well done faces and skimpy outfits better than it did their hair. 

So, overall, I am impressed with just the ad itself. From the concept, to Adhuna, to the Youtubers, all were unique and a refreshing breathe of fresh ad air! Lol!

If you haven't already seen the video or are hooked to watching it again and again, here is the YT link.

DIY: Herbal Hair Mask for Hair Fall

Hair fall is an annoying problem and if you are possessive about your hair then it can be depressing too. They say that it is normal for about 100 hair strands to fall off every day! I don't know if that means less or more to you but I am sure that I will turn bald very soon if that was the case with me. If 100 strands fall every day then how many strands do you think grow every day? Because if that doesn't match up, one is sure to lose thickness and length of the hair.

Anyways, if you are reading this article then I am sure you are worried about your hair loss too. If your health, environment, lifestyle, eating habits are all normal, then this mask recipe will work for you too! 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

You will need

1. 2 tbsp Bhringaraja powder

2. 2 tbsp Brahmi powder

3. 1 tbsp Amla powder

4. 1 tbsp Hibiscus powder

5. 50 ml Curd

6. 50 ml Drinking water

You can get all the powder ingredients from a company called Banjaras. They are available in departmental stores. You can also find them in Ayurvedic shops. The price for a 100g packet would be around INR 50. Each packet will be sufficient for 4 masks. The cost of making the mask for single use is less than INR 50!

Method is easy. Mix all the powders together. These powders tend to be very finely milled, so they keep flying off in the air. Just a quick mix is good enough. Next add the curd and mix it properly. You will get a thick mixture. Add water slowly to adjust the consistency. The consistency should be like curd again. This thickness is just right to apply and spread the mask on the hair.

How to apply. Pre oil your hair at least the previous night for some deep conditioning. I use this oil to help control hair fall. If you don't have the time to oil your hair, just add 2 tbsp of oil into the mask. Detangle your hair gently, starting from ends and moving upwards to the crown. This will reduce unnecessary knots and tangles and thereby reduce breakage. Wear an old t-shirt which you don't mind getting messy. Drape a towel across your shoulders to catch any drip. Divide your hair into 3 horizontal sections. Clip each one away. Start with the topmost section. Take an inch of hair and start coating it with the mask from root to tip. Repeat all over the section. Once done, wrap loosely into a bun and secure with  a clip. Next, the middle section. Repeat the same procedure and then move on to the bottom section. After applying the hair mask, put on a shower cap or just wrap a towel around the head so that the hair won't get undone. Let it sit for 30 minutes. After this time the mask should still be semi wet and not completely dry as it can be difficult to wash off. Rinse off with plenty of water and then shampoo as usual. I use this shampoo which also makes my hair super duper shiny and silky. I skip conditioning as the basic purpose of the oil and mask is deep nourishing and conditioning. But if you like, then use your conditioner. Towel dry and then air dry your hair.

This mask has the most powerful ingredients that are recommended by Ayurveda to arrest hair fall. Bhringaraja has vitamin B complex, zinc which are the prime nutrients to promote healthy hair. It has chlorophyll which is the plant version of haemoglobin which promotes healthy blood circulation. Brahmi stimulates blood circulation and makes the hair healthy. Amla is rich in vitamin C which fights against environmental damage and also helps the chlorophyll to absorb well. It also keeps the hair dark and prevents greying. Hibiscus has vitamin E which is very moisturizing and makes the hair very silky and shiny. It also has the distinct aroma which makes this hair mask smell very soothing.  Curd has milk protein which helps to strengthen hair.

Try this mask once and you will immediately see the difference in your hair. You will love how healthy and shiny it looks. Let your hair completely air dry before combing out the tangles. Your hair fall will reduce by minimum 90% even after the first use. Use the mask weekly ones for one month for best results. After that you can use it once in a month.

Sayonara, hair fall!

DIY: 8 Simple Home Remedies for Excessive Sweating and Body Odour

Summer is here and it means beautiful dunrises and sunsets, mangoes, vacations at the grandma's, and also sweat! Sweating is body's natural method to get rid of toxins in the system and cool down the body. While it is meant for a good cause, stickiness, oiliness, and body odour that come along with it are very irritating. Booooo! I'm sure nobody likes it! If you are also in the same boat or have serious sweating or body odour problems, then keep on reading.

Deodorants and anti perspirants are temporary solutions and not very safe for long term use. There are so many cases of tragic results of using these chemicals on the body. Deodorants just mask the odour by chemically reacting with the sweat and producing another kind of odour. It is not very sanitary as the sweat and bacteria are still there, under the veil of the deodorant. Anti perspirants form a barrier wall on the skin obstructing the pores from sweating. You can imagine the perils of obstructing some natural phenomenon. It's not a very intelligent method to control sweat or odour!

I have 8 easy recipes that you can make using kitchen ingredients and they are all damn effective!

Recipe 1: Baking soda and lemon juice

Body odour happens when sweat can't evaporate but gets stuck in places where there is no air movement, like the underarms, neck creases, and other skin creases and folds ( you get it, right?) and this makes a perfect meal for bacteria. To avoid excessive perspiration, try mixing a tsp of baking soda and lemon juice each and apply it over those areas. Wash it off after 10 minutes. Baking soda not only absorbs all the sweat but kills the odour causing bacteria too. Lemon juice is an excellent astringent and will prevent excessive perspiration and also keeps you feeling fresh with its crisp, citrusy fragrance.

Image source: homedit.com

Recipe 2: Lemon

Lemon by itself is a superb ingredient to keep body odour in check. Just cut a lemon into half or use a small size and rub it on those places. It will dissolve all the sweat and keep you fresh too. If this is too much of a hassle for you, then simply add some drops of lemon juice into your bath water. It's a great refreshener.

Image source: https://middlepath.com.au/plant/img/lemon_7_detox.jpg

Recipe 3: Rosemary

Rosemary is an anti bacterial agent and also soothes prickly heat and itching caused by sweat. Take rosemary and water in the ratio 1:8, for example, half a cup of rosemary and 4 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a boil. Let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Just add a little to your bath water and let it sit in the water for about 10 minutes before taking a bath.

Image source: 17apart.com

Recipe 4: Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. You can use fruit based vinegar like Apple cider vinegar ( if you can bear its pungent smell) not the synthetic ones. Just dab it on a damp cotton ball and apply it on the affected areas. Then you can leave it on as is, since the strong smell of vinegar will fade away or use it before a bath.

Image source: vegkitchen.com

Recipe 5: Tomato

Bet you haven't heard of this one before! Tomatoes are natural antiseptics. It just kills germs so well. Dhishum dishoom! take that, germs! In the ancient times, tomato juice was mixed with the bath powder ( a blend of herbal ingredients) and used to not only clean the skin but prevent and treat body odour. If you don't have a bath powder, also known as Ubtan in India, you can use a tbsp of chickpea flour or garbanzo flour and a tbsp of tomato puree and apply this as a mask on in the shower. If using as a mask, then let it sit for a couple of minutes till it dries off before washing it off. If using it in the bath, then just apply over wet body and massage all over for a bit and then wash it off.

Image source: modernfarmer.com

Recipe 6: White Radish and glycerin

Grate a radish and squeeze it to extract the juice. Mix a tsp of glycerin. Pour this mixture into a small container and store it in the fridge. It will become thicker but that is okay! Just take a little bit and give it a mix before using it. Take a cotton ball and evenly apply a thin layer. It will dry off quickly and won't stain your clothes even.

Image source: docnz.org.nz

Recipe 7: Tea leaves

You can use used tea leaves to gently exfoliate the area and it will also control the body odor. Or you could use the decoction to cleanse the area and it will do the job too. Don't get crazy and use masala tea, or strawberry tea, or the likes. Just simple tea leaves will do.

Image source: rivertea.com

Recipe 8: Hydrogen peroxide

I know, I know! You must be thinking that it is used to bleach skin. But we are going to use a very weak hydrogen peroxide solution (1 tsp H2O2 to 4 glasses H2O) to wipe the skin and you will see in a couple of days that this works as a long term solution to keep sweat and odour in check.

Image source: today.com

REVIEW: Dove Elixir Nourished Shine Hibiscus and Argan Oil

Dove Elixir Precious Hair Oils With Real Ingredients

Nourished Shine

Hibiscus and Argan Oil

Description (on the box): Elixir is a luxurious blend of precious oils by Dove. Infused with real ingredients, it nourishes your hair from root to tip. This potent blend of oils has the power of overnight oiling in 30 minutes (vs. coconut oil).

Dove Elixir - Nourished Shine is enriched with Argan oil to retain moisture in hair fiber every time you oil your hair. Blended with Hibiscus, it lends your hair a luminous and reflective shine shield. It absorbs instantly to help rejuvenate damaged hair caused by heat, styling & environmental damage.

Directions for use: Dove Elixir can be used before cleansing for deep nourishment. It can also be applied after cleansing as a finishing touch to help style and add shine. Keep away from direct sunlight and at room temperature. Clouding can happen at cooler temperatures which is reversible when product returns to room temperature.

Price INR 185

Net volume 90 ml

Shelf life 2 years

Ingredients :

This oil contains 16% w/w vegetable oil and 78% w/w Mineral oil. That means that there is very little nutritious ingredients for the hair to grow healthy and just a cheap filler in the form of mineral oil. Such oils come under the category of Hair oil (perfumed) Type 3.

Of the natural ingredients in there, some are pretty interesting like sesame oil, sweet almond oil, palm oil (which I have never seen in a hair oil in India before), and of course the hibiscus and argan oils. Amongst the natural oils that form the base of this oil are sesame, sunflower and coconut oils. Even with so many natural ingredients they are just 16% of the oil. 78% is mineral oil. Then the rest 6%  are a host of chemicals used to help the product deliver what it claims. All the benefits and uses of these ingredients are mentioned below.

Mineral oil - It is a cheaply sourced oil as it is a by product of petroleum. There is no real benefit of using this as it doesn't nourish the hair nor does it absorb into the shaft or the follicle of the hair. It just sits on top of the hair and as it is non greasy, it is preferred. It doesn't even moisturize. But it is water proof so it protects hair from frizz caused by humidity in the hair. That is the only benefit.

Sesame seeds oil - Strengthens hair.

Cetyl demethicone - It is a silicone and all that silicones do is coat the hair to gove a smooth, glossy, frizz free and shiny effect. But it does build up in the hair and is only dissolved in a sulfate based shampoo. It is double the damage as sulfates are world famous for causing havoc on hair. 

Sunflower seeds oil - It provides softness to the hair.

Coconut oil - It provides protein to the hair as it is the only oil that can absorb into the deepest layer of the hair.

Sweet almond oil - It provides softness to the hair making it more manageable.

Olive oil - It also softens the hair and provides shine.

Hibiscus oil - It makes thh hair so smooth and glossy.

Perfume - An overpowering fragrance.

BHT - Preservative.

Palm oil - It is very nourishing for the hair as it is rich in vitamin D and K which are not found in any other type of oil. 

Argan oil - It is the latest rage and it is also called "liquid gold" for its rich vitamin E content. A very little is enough to deeply moisturize the hair.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate - Preservative

Tocopherol acetate - It is the cheap alternative to using vitamin E.

Rose flower petals - A teaspoonful of dried rose petals are in the oil and you can see them through the clear glass bottle that it comes in. they just add an exotic touch to the oil.

Review:

This is the first (if not, please correct me) oil that comes in a spray bottle in India. It is a glass bottle which is a very pretty shaped one and you can see dried rose petals in the bottom which is nothing short of prettiness in a bottle. Even the cap is glass, which is kinda scary because you break it then the game is over.

The oil is pretty light and doesn't feel heavier than even coconut oil. It spreads easily and almost sinks into the hair. My hair tends to drink up any oil that I put on it. It's so dry that it is thirsty for oil, I think. It is colorless. I somehow like colorless oils even though it means that they are processed. Natural vegetable or plant based oils tend to have at least a tint. The fragrance is Strong on the first use but I got de-sensitized to it fairly quickly. By the third time of use it didn't bother me much. The fragrance is the typical Dove shampoo one, multiplied by 10. It is non sticky, so good news for the picky oilers.

I was expecting a spray oil kind of thing. The kind that sprays mist. But this one squirts, not sprays. This was disappointing for me because it squirts little by little and if you are using it directly on your hair then it doesn't even fall on it evenly. Spray would have had a more even distribution on the hair. It squirts very, very little at a time like probably half an ml or something. Pumping a few squirts on the hand and then applying it on the hair won't work because then what is the use of it. I would rather pour out some oil in my hands and apply it. It is easier too. Spraying a little over random sections of hair seems like the only go, but it doesn't give an even application. So if you are trying to use this all over your hair then it is indeed cumbersome.

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The product claims that it can be used after a hair wash too. This is best way to add some moisture back into hair while it is still a bit damp. Just take a tiny amount, like one or two pumps and work from the ends of the hair upward but not above your shoulders or near your head. This will help keep hair soft and also add a little nutrition. Just be sure to use very little depending on your hair length and thickness or you will look like you need shampoo again. My hair is waist length and I use just two pumps (about 1 ml). If you are not sure how much to use then just start with one pump and after applying it over your hair length, if you still feel the need for it then go for another pump. This tiny bit of oil doesn't interfere with hair styling like blow drying, straight ironing or curling.

I usually let my hair air dry and I notice that this oil makes my hair wavy. I have naturally wavy hair but this one just emphasizes my waves. So, I reckon it is great if you want to manage your naturally curly or wavy hair and give it some shape rather than looking all over the place. You know how wavy/ curly hair tends to behave like it belongs on a lion's head. It is so difficult to manage!

Image source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/07/article-2718970-205322B700000578-661_964x632.jpg

Do not under any circumstances use it on heat styled hair. For example, if you have just blow dried your hair or even straightened or curled it, using this oil or for that matter any oil will just undo the whole thing.


This oil also claims that it can be used prior to a hair wash. If you have to wash your hair that day but you initially never planned to but you are worried that shampoo will just make your hair look dull and lifeless then just use a generous amount of oil and this will take quite a lot of pumps depending on how much oil you like in your hair about 10 - 20 minutes before your shower. Oil is a natural conditioner and will help your hair not look stripped of its health.


The oil also claims that it can be used overnight and in that case it takes many a great pumps to sufficiently soak the hair in the oil. Like I said before that pumping some oil on the hands before applying it doesn't work for me, so I just pump it randomly all over my scalp and the lengths of my hair and then massage it in. I do this till I feel that all of my hair is coated with the oil and it takes its own sweet time. A minimum of a half hour goes into this hair oiling ritual. Then too, by the morning most of the oil has vanished. It's either transferred to my pillow or just evaporated if it is volatile. It looks weird, doesn't look like I spent that much time and oil on it. I definitely oil once again in the morning before washing.

I like it for every day use where I will typically take a pump full or two and concentrate near the ends of my hair. It just protects from split ends, I feel. As far as the shine is considered, hair looks like it has some oil in it. It is the oily kind of look or shine that it gives. Even after washing hair there is no miraculous shine. It does look healthier versus non oiled hair but that is it. I cannot call it a shine potion!

So, overall my experience with this one is lukewarm. I like its packaging and that I can use it regularly, even on a daily basis without getting overly oily. I don't like its squirt pump. I wish it would be a spray pump instead. I don't like the squirt because it doesn't evenly cover the hair and is too much of a hassle to work on longer and thicker hair. Its nourished shine claim is also not 100% true because there is nothing nourishing about a mineral oil and no shine to really boast about. I feel it is over priced for its ingredients and its effect too.

REVIEW: Parachute Ayurvedic Hair Oil

This is the only hair oil that has worked to reduce my hair fall. This is a bold opening statement and is a bright ray of hope for anyone who is suffering from hair fall. Read on to find out more about my experience with this oil and how soon it had started showing results.

Earlier I had reviewed Parachute's Scalp Therapie and it wasn't the magic potion that I was looking for. And then I had the tube light moment. I had not always suffered from hair loss. In fact, I was blessed with luxurious hair which was quite a neighbors envy! This was around 2 years ago and my hair fall really started becoming a problem since these past 2 years. At that point, I was adventurous enough to try out every single hair oil in the market. I basically just wanted silky, soft, shiny hair. I had tried and tested all of Parachute's hair oils. Parachute Ayurvedic hair oil was one of my favorite oil back in the day and I thought I should definitely give it a go this time around and see if it helps hair fall just like its advertisement claims.

The packaging has changed since I last used it. It still comes in the trademark Parachute dark blue plastic bottle but now it has an orange highlight and pictures of a lady with lovely long and thick tresses and below is a traditional Indian bowl used to churn up stuff with some herbs in it. The oil is a mustard brown color oil and has a very earthy aroma.

It is an ayurvedic proprietary medicine to control hair fall and grow hair longer (based on a clinical study).

It has the following ingredients in it

Amla or the Indian gooseberry

Aloe vera

Henna

Nagarmotha

Fenugreek

fragrance

Coconut oil / excipients q.s.

About 26% or 1/4th of the oil composition are herbs and the base is coconut oil and some mystery excipients which means fillers. Among these ingredients, Amla, Henna, and Fenugreek are famous Indian household ingredients that are used in hair packs to control hair fall. Coconut is a versatile hair oil and it is the only oil that can penetrate deep into the hair nourishing it with nutrients. So, the ingredients list looks promising to help control hair fall.

I use up a generous quantity of oil all over my scalp and hair. I never measured how much I used but I estimate up to 4 tbsp. Yes, my lovelies, my hair is one thirsty being and I wish I could show you how it literally drinks up all the oil every time I apply it. I need to apply 2 - 3 coats to saturate my hair with the oil. I have waist length hair so you might understand why I need more than 50 ml of oil to oil my hair in one use.

I always oil my hair at bedtime just before retiring to bed and if I were too tired or lazy ( most of the times), I sweetly ask my mom to do me a favor with the oiling. It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to saturate my hair with oil and then at least 5 minutes of head massage. Then I loosely twirl up my hair in a bun or a braid and go to sleep. I wash my hair the next morning or if there is a long holiday then I let it stay for a couple of days or as long as I can. I use my favorite ayurvedic shampoo (read the review here) and it is the best combination ever!

It is said that new hair products take their time to get along well with one and often cause hair fallout between the time that our bodies get accustomed to it.

I, for one, didn't have that case with this oil. Since the first time I used it we got along very well. I didn't have any more hair falling off. Although my hair doesn't feel like its strongest but right from day one I could tell that my hair was falling lesser. If I tried to change my oil to any other then my hair fall would immediately turn to its usual. With this oil that hair fall reduced by nearly half but not all the way. I have been using this for months now and now the hair fall pattern has remained the same. It hasn't reduced further but no other oil had even come this close. I notice that my hair fall only reduces dramatically when I introduce my DIY recipe to top off this oil and shampoo combination. With that mask I notice only a few strands falling off. That is fantastic!

As you can see in the picture above, this hair fall might seem too much or less for you. But this is the hair fall after using Parachute ayurvedic hair oil. It was so much worse earlier. I had nearly 4 - 5x more hair fall before.

It probably is helping my hair grow too but I am not sure if it can take full  credit since my hair has always been quick to grow.

So, all in all, my hair is still falling off but at least this oil is helping me when nothing else worked.

REVIEW: Garnier Oil in Cream

New Garnier Fructis Oil in Cream

Oil replacement cream with coconut, almond and olive oil.

Triple Nutrition

The goodness of hair oil in a light cream texture.

The next generation of hair oils
Get the nourishment of hair oils in  a non sticky hair format
Nourishes and hair feels stronger
Zero stickiness and mess
Pleasant long lasting fragrance

The cream texture instantly melts away without leaving sticky residue and does not weigh the hair down. Hair looks bouncy and full of life. Can use it just like oil before or after washing hair or overnight for deeper conditioning.

Hair cream 1160096

Review:

Hair creams have been around in India for a while and the first one was probably the Brylcreem. Back in the day it was used as a hair styling product for men and later on they became part of hair care routine. Not many people understand that cream is basically an amalgamation of water and oil. So fast-forward to 2015 when Garnier launched their oil in cream it seemed like a revolution to the common people.

The cream is very light and looks and feels exactly like a conditioner. Even more so because it comes in a tube package that resembles a conditioner. It comes in a yellow tube. Although it is from the Garnier Fructis range, the fragrance is not the typical fruity, trademark Fructis one. It is more sweeter, kind of floral fragrance. Ugh, I am so bad at describing fragrances. The product is white in colour and being heavily water based, it is light and non sticky and you can almost feel the water residue on your fingers. It is not too thick, but quite runny which is good because it helps the product spread easily. As it is not even sticky or greasy, it compels to use more of the product on the hair. But with this baby less is more.

I use about 2 - 3 dollops of the product along the lengths of my hair and let it sink in, usually overnight. Within a couple of minutes, the product completely gets absorbed into the hair. It claims to leave hair bouncy but on the contrary I found that it actually makes the hair look and feel sticky. It is not too sticky so to say but kind of tacky and definitely not the most attractive look. If I were to walk out of my house with this product in my hair, I would either braid it or tie it up in a bun. There is no point in letting hair loose because it steals its bounce and shape. It looks flat and somewhat unkempt. That is how it is different from a leave in conditioner. I can't imagine how it would work after shampoo because as long as it is there in the hair, it doesn't look good.

I used it overnight and that works best for my hair. It is much easier than applying oil in the hair and because it is not as greasy as a hair oil, I don't worry about staining my pillow cover. If you have read my blogs on hair oils, you will already know that my oiling routine takes no less than a half hour. Sometimes it really bogs me down just by thinking that it is time to oil my hair. With this oil in cream, it is less than a 5 minutes job. So easy and effortless. Saves me so much time. But yeah, I massage my scalp after oiling which I don't do with this one just because there is not enough lubrication. There is no point also because massage basically helps the oil penetrate better in to the hair but this guy would have already disappeared in to the hair by the time that I even get the idea about massaging.

I am a staunch believer in deep conditioning and that is why I leave it overnight. But if I have a sudden programme to go out and I need to wash my hair, I will still apply it quickly and let it work while the water is still heating up in the geyser. Even in those 5 - 10 minutes, it does a better job vs non oiling before shampoo.

Hair feels good after shampoo. It is noticeably softer vs non oiled, shampooed hair. Most of us don't like oil just because it is so messy and so miss out on the goodness of oiling the hair. Nowadays we are so busy with our day and don't have the energy or time to oil hair. This is a boon in disguise for such people. Of course it doesn't stand a chance next to oil conditioning, but will save your hair if you just don't oil.

Now is a good time to go through the list of ingredients used in this product to see what makes it tick.

Ingredients
Water - base
Cetearyl alcohol - It supports the main emulsion system and gives thickness to the product.

Mineral oil - By product of petroleum, it coats the hair and does not let anything penetrate into the hair. Non nutritional but non sticky as well.

Niacinamide - A form of B vitamin which is very important for healthy hair.

Sugar cane extract - It helps in promoting good hair growth and preventing hair fall. But it is also sticky and weighs the hair down.

Coconut oil - It is used regularly by south Indian women and it is the only known oil that can penetrate into the deepest layer of the hair and nourish it with vitamins and minerals.

Sodium benzoate - Preservative.

Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine - Acts like a silicone by smoothening the hair.

Olive fruit oil - Rich in vitamin B and makes hair extremely soft.

PEG-45M - It helps in emulsion of the product and also thickens it.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate - It helps the product to absorb into the hair.

Behentrimonium chloride - Anti static

Chlorhexidine digluconate - Antiseptic

Tea leaf extract - Conditioner

Benzyl salicylate - Fragrance

Linalool - Fragrance

Benzyl alcohol - Fragrance

Benzyl cinnamate - Fragrance

Fragrance 

Apple extract - Promotes hair growth.

Pyridoxine Hcl - It is a type of vitamin B6 dietary supplement which is known to be beneficial for healthy hair.

Cetyl dimethicone - Gives a silky feeling.

Cetrimonium chloride - Antiseptic.

Citric acid - pH regulator.

Citrenellol - Fragrance.

Lemon peel extract - Gives a silky texture.

Sweet almond oil - Conditions the hair and is a rich source of vitamin E.

Hexyl cinnamal - Fragrance

Glycerin - Humectant

So, as you can see, there are so many unique hair conditioning ingredients in this product that I never knew that they could be incorporated into hair care before. For example, sugar cane extract. I loooooove love love sugar cane juice. It is my favourite of all drinks. I knew that it is rich in iron and also helps the body cool down in the summer. It is a refreshing drink, but I never knew that it helped the hair grow better! And apple extract! Now this is one fruit that I am not too fond of. But it seems to have made its way in here because it strengthens the hair. Tea leaf extract. Now I do have an idea that it is a conditioner as it is used as a decoction in some henna preparations for a hair mask. I am glad that it is an ingredient in this product because I can vouch that it does lend a wonderful sheen to the hair. Then there is the all important Vitamin B in the form of niacinamide and pyridoxine hydrochloride. Vitamin B is the vitamin that helps skin and hair maintain their health. Healthy hair is beautiful hair.

Apart from that, there are the three well known oils that help to nourish hair from deep within to make it grow stronger and more soft and beautiful. These are the coconut oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. These ingredients are also highlighted on the packaging and in the commercials for marketing the product. Well, it is good that these ingredients are here to do the job, but I feel the unique ingredients that are used in this formulation are not given the attention they deserve. It could be used in the product's promotions as they can help the product stand out!

It does have mineral oil, which does not really nourish hair, but if you are looking for a non sticky, non greasy oil, then this is the one for you. But, if it does not nourish the hair, then this product would have been useless. That is why they have used another chemical (read above) to help the product absorb into the hair better, so that the nourishing ingredients can do their part.

So, that is my experience with this product. It is helpful on busy, lazy days to give my hair that little something - some sort of alternative to regular oil. For girls who cannot stand the messy oils, this one will come close to mimicking the action of oil on hair. It did not get rid of dandruff. It did not stop hair fall. It did not make my hair any thicker. It did not make my hair any bouncier, while the product was still in my hair. But just like you can see the effect of oil on hair after a wash, so can you see that this product indeed makes the hair soft and cute. It tames hair a bit. It does add a little more shine to the hair. For glamorous hair, this is a great shortcut! For healthy hair from the inside, I, the oil loyalist will turn to my oil.

Verdict on the results after shampoo based on my experience:

Shine: 2/5

Softness: 4/5

Volume: Nil

Bounce: 2/5

Manageability: 4/5

Verdict on the product itself based on my experience:

Fragrance: 4/5 (-1 for it is quite strong)

Ease of use: 5/5

Non sticky: 5/5 on the hands, 2/5 on the hair

Non greasy: 5/5 on the hands, 1/5 on the hair

Thanks for reading my post! Do share your experience with Garnier Oil in Cream through your comments.

HOW TO: Properly dry your face

Did you know that the way you dry your cleansed face is as important as your whole cleansing routine? In fact, it is very much a part of your cleansing routine, only the climax of your cleansing routine. You've paid importance to the kind of water you are using, the right cleanser, the right cleansing tools and the right cleansing method to wash your face, but do not forget the way you dry your face has an impact on the way your face feels after cleansing and it has far reaching effects on the texture and delaying fine lines and wrinkles on your face too.

Of course, I cannot make you follow what works for me, so I will lay down the ins and outs of the various methods.

1. Cloth towels/ napkins: By far, the most common method to dry up and most of us take it for granted. It is the quickest way to dry yourself up, but have you given it a thought? The material of the towel could be soft or coarse. Coarse towels are great for exfoliation, but if you use it on a daily basis, you might end up with chaffed skin. It could be a terry towel or a plain cotton/ muslin one. Terry towels take up a longer time to dry and they are bulky and heavy too, whereas pure cotton towels are so light and soft and they absorb brilliantly! They are my personal favorites. It could be a face towel or a body towel; something that you use all over your body. In that case, have you wondered about the transfer of germs from the body to the face? That could lead to some serious acne breakouts. But it could get pretty cluttered having one towel for the face and another for the body and having them both dry and making a storage space for them, etc.

Image source: pixabay.com

2. Paper towels/ napkins: These are pretty convenient to use and pretty sanitary as well as they are use-and-throw kinds. They are lot stronger and thicker than regular napkins. Just blot over a wet face and they absorb the moisture and then just dump them. Easy peasy! Since they are fresh, there are lesser chances of getting acne. If you've got that nasty habit of rubbing your face to dry it, then it will help you kick that habit since the only way to use it is patting skin dry. But if the paper ain't that thick or there is too much moisture on the face, they can get soggy and stick on the face and get very messy.

Image source: ecochoices.com

3. Air drying: It is the safest method if you are looking for sanitary ways to dry your face as there is no contact with anything else, and no medical history has ever recorded pimple breakout by contact with the air. However, most people say that it makes the face feel slightly sticky after air drying. You must remember that air evaporates and the only thing that is left on the face are traces of the soap residue which does feel sticky! Toweling can get rid of that residue, and so can using a toner! Basically, the very purpose of a toner is to get rid of residue cleanser. But air drying is also great for all skin types. Dry skin benefits from air drying by not getting overly dry by toweling and oily skin also gets agitated when touched or rubbed by a towel. You will also experience a new kind of freshness as the water evaporates from the face and cools it down slightly. However, it takes time to dry depending on your room temperature and might take seemingly forever in cooler climates.

Image source: shutterstock.com

4. Blow drying: You've probably blow dried your hair and nails, so why not blow dry your face too! Uh-uh, not with your hair dryer, sweetie! But with a table or mobile fan. Depending on its speed, it can get the job done quicker. It has the same effect and benefits of air drying at a faster speed. If you've got no sweet time to spare, then sit in front of a fan and talk like a robot! That is super fun!  It is also be so refreshing in the summer or hot days to sit in front of a fan. But using a fan can be dreary in cold weather.

Image source: dreamstime.com

So, there you go guys! Your choice. But just remember that the method you like and choose will impact your skin too. Hopefully, this article has inspired you and you might wanna try out a new method and see if you like it!

7 Ways Girls Can Use Boys Skin & Hair Care Products

Image source: tomboy-tarts.com

Yeah, sure! Visit now and then, but here are some ingenious ways you can use their grooming stuff every so often.

Is this the look on your face? How, you ask? Read on...

For quite some time, men's skin care and hair care routine was undefined. Much as they did not bother to take care of their looks, this department did not evolve. Modern day times are very judging on both women and men - how they present themselves, how groomed they look, etc. Coyly, boys and men would sneak into the girls section of beauty and use the same products - moisturizers, pro-v shampoos, what not! This prompted an upsurge in the beauty industry to develop products that are meant for men's skin and hair needs. But will this stop the girls from plunging into the men's beauty department? It is beauty, right? Where there is "beauty", there is woman. And to our ladies utter delight, not only are these products of great quality, they seem to work on us too! Here are some ways that you can tomboy your beauty regimen. 

1. Shower gels: Girls shower gels always have a sweet or fruity scent; the kind that can make you feel pampered and girly. But there are those mornings that are hot and sultry and what you need is a quick surge of freshness. Mens shower gels are just that. They are musky, they are citrusy, they are full of energy and they are fresh! And what's more, it has a dual function as a light hair wash too! This is the best way to kick start your day on a high energy note. Here are some of my top recommendations.

2. Shaving: Yes, girls! Shaving arms and legs using razors and blades has been quite a many beauties go to method for smooth hair free skin for ages. It is painless, non messy, and quick, so many girls find this more convenient than waxing or depilatory creams. Just in the recent decade or two, there have been razors designed for women. I have used them and I can vouch they are not as good as the men's. Almost every guy would vouch for the Mach 3 razor. And if it can give them such a close shave transforming their skin to oh-so-irresistibly-kissable, then just think what it can do to your legs? Wink! You know that itchy skin when hair grows back? Mach 3 Sensitive is proven to ease that problem. My tip would be to always build up a lather before using a razor; this is just to lubricate the skin and the blade will glide over smoothly and do its job. You can use a soap, but if you wanna use a shaving foam, nothing is stopping you. Prevent razor burns with your trusted astringent or after shave. If you are brave enough go for the Old Spice After Shave. You totally steal their game, girl!

3. Deodorants and Perfumes: If you are like me then your perfume/ deo collection is full of the guy stuff. I do buy girls deos and perfumes too, but I tend to lean over the guy's stuff more often. They are just more concentrated, more musky, more earthy, more long lasting, and just more to my liking. They are just so different! They are better at sweat control too. Here are some of my favorites.

4. Moisturizers: Owing to boys rougher and thicker skin, their moisturizers tend to be thicker and more hydrating. So for girls softer skin, it just offers much better moisturization. Boys also have more oil prone skin, so their anti-acne, oil control products are just to die for! I really like Garnier Men Powerlight No Oil No Sweat moisturizer as it feels hydrating but has a matte finish and doesn't break you out in a sweat for quite a bit.

5. Primer: If you are aware of the latest rage in primers, you will be well aware of the use of Nivea Men After Shave Balm as a primer before applying make up. If not, let me introduce you to the world of Nivea After Shave Balm. It has a tingling, cool sensation and has a tacky feeling once it has settled on the skin. This tackiness helps the make up bind for a really long time. And it is much cheaper than those face primers! If you are new to make up, or are just starting out and building up a collection, or already have a stack of make up collection, then definitely try it out and you will know what I am talking about.

6. Hair gels: If you want a sexy, just out of bed look, go for a mens hair cream. Ever wondered how they look so effortlessly sexy and tousled? Well, here is the answer. Mens hair creams have a booster or two to give volume and lift to the hair roots to make them look voluminous and wind swept. Brylcreem has an exciting range of hair creams and I swear by them. I have always been intrigued by them since I first noticed my chacha (uncle) use it when I was just 5! But if you are looking for some texture and some crisp hold over your beachy curls, then go for Set Wet hair gels. They have a wet look and have a great hold. If you have used heat to style your hair, then remember that creams and gels have a little bit of water in them, enough to ruin your hairstyle. So if you have heatless hair styles, go for it. It will up your look for sure.

7. After Shave Splash: If you have an outbreak and are looking for an overnight solution, turn to an after shave splash. Not the lotions or balms, but the splash, as it has a higher concentration of alcohol. Alcohol is extremely drying so it dries out the pimple. My technique is to take a cotton ball, put a few drops of after shave splash on it, and just dab over the pimple for a few times, couple of times a day. Never forget to leave it pressed on the skin for long time as it can cause burning and scarring. Voila! It works better than any anti pimple product out there. I trust Old Spice After Shave splash to do the job for me.

High 5 for a tomboy beauty!

REVIEW: Dabur Baby Massage Oil with Olive & Almond

This is the second baby oil from Dabur and their first one was the Lal Tel which is based on an ayurvedic composition and it's just awesome. I already have review out here. This is also made of natural oils but I doubt if it is an ayurvedic composition too.

Dabur baby massage oil is paraffin free, made of natural oils, no artificial colors, and dermatologically tested for skin safety. It provides extra skin nourishment as per study by research agency. Olive oil provides nourishment to the baby's skin and almond oil gently moisturizes delicate skin making it soft & supple. Regular massaging helps strengthen bones and muscles.

Ingredients:

Natural oils containing sunflower, sesame, olive, almond and jojoba. Fragrance, tocopherol acetate and TBHQ.

To be stored away from sunlight.

Net volume: 200 ml

Price: INR 200

Shelf life: 1.5 years

Review:

The packaging itself is so cute that you will want to buy it. It has a cute little brown baby elephant which is smiling on its cover. It kinda sends a subliminal message that after using it our baby will also turn chubby just like that baby elephant. On the other side of the box, the baby elephant is weight lifting so as to suggest that our baby will become stronger too. For me these thoughts and hopes were enough to get the oil.

The bottle comes with a convenient flip cap which is easy to pour out the oil. The bottle itself is transparent and lets you see how much is there. The oil is slightly yellow (perhaps from the sunflower and sesame oils). It has a sweet perfume to it and to be honest that is why I still like it. But I don't think fragrance is good for babies. It should have been left with its natural fragrance. The oil itself is quite light weight and is easy to spread. It doesn't absorb immediately into the skin, so it lubricates the baby's skin well during massage.

Coming to its benefits, it's a very gentle oil and there were no side effects. It's great for massage. It's non sticky. And there are no nasty chemicals. As far as benefits for a baby are concerned, it is not very moisturizing. After a bath, I still have to apply cream on my baby's dry skin. Oil massages are also believed to help baby gain weight as some of the oil is absorbed by the skin, but I didn't observe even the tiniest bit of weight gain that I could attribute to this oil. For months old babies this oil might not be of any good as their requirements are more in terms of skin moisturizing and weight gain. I would suggest any oil from the kitchen would be far better. For toddlers it is good as a moisturizer ( post bath). Like all baby products, this one is expensive for what it is. But, yeah. I have used other brands of natural and not-so natural baby oils out in the market, and this one is definitely better.

Review n Look: Lakme CC Complexion Care Cream in S# Bronze

Lakme CC Complexion Care Cream S# Bronze

All in 1 instant skin stylist with SPF 20.

Claims: 

This instant skin stylist brings together all the goodness of your daily skin cream with just the right touch of make up to give you skin that looks styled by an expert, everyday. It instantly protects, moisturizes, brightens, evens skin tone, conceals, and freshens.

To use, dab over cleansed skin and blend in till absorbed for instant brightness and a perfect finish. Suitable for use everyday.

Review:

CC cream actually stands for Color Correcting cream. These are basically tinted moisturizers with SPF. So don't expect a lot in the coverage department.

Lakme too has jumped into the bandwagon and launched the CC cream some time ago. However, Lakme's definition of CC is Complexion Care. Given the Indian's cravings for beautiful complexion, this stuff is just apt because not all of us are pale and face redness issues to need a color correction.

Beautiful fuchsia box

The box is so pretty and it is a fuchsia color. The color, I am sure,  will appeal to majority of the girls. That is half the marketing done right there. The tube is a beige color one with a silver screw cap. It is also nice, but not quite the stealer as the box. What I did like about this product is that the tube is also as much as the box. You know what I mean? Some products come in a slinzy tube while the box is so huge! So, here you get what you see.

Beige tube with silver and fuchsia text

But don't be carried away by the CC cream ad where a stylist / make up artist is applying the CC cream on the model (with a sponge applicator) and she is ready to hit the ramp. No, don't let it make you think that it is somewhat of a foundation. Foundation can make your skin tone even and provide a base for your make up. It requires some effort and / or some tools for application. It's very important to get an exact match or it looks very ashy. If not done properly, it ends up looking cakey too. Use it often or use it a lot and eventually your skin will look tired and lifeless. None of these are true in the case of the Lakme CC Complexion Care cream in my experience. That is how it stands out even though it has some purpose as a make up item, it is actually a skin care product.

Now is a good time to get into the list of ingredients that make this product to see what makes it tick.

Skin care ingredients:

Ginger root extract - Increases blood circulation.

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dicaprylyl carbonate - Makes skin silky.

Glycerin, Cholesterol, Allantoin, Tocopherol acetate - Makes skin softer.

Dimethicone crosspolymer, PEG - 10 dimethicone, Dimethicone, Bisabolol  - Makes skin smoother.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Titanium dioxide  - Sunscreens.

Zinc oxide - Shrinks pores.

Niacinamide - Restores skin elasticity.

Magnesium sulfate - Fights acne.

Ingredients that form the product's base:

Potassium chloride - Increases thickness of the product.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Sucrose distearate  - Binds the product together.

Disteardimonium hectorite - Keeps the ingredients in the product in suspension.

DMDM hydantoin, BHT, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate - Preservatives

Disodium EDTA - Prevents ingredients in the product from reacting with each other.

Butylene glycol - Solvent for the ingredients in the product.

CI 77491, 77492 and 77499 - Colorants; these are the red, yellow, and black oxides of iron, respectively.

Water - Base.

Perfume - Fragrance.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of ingredients that help to address various skin care issues. For example, ginger root extract can pump up the blood circulation and give the face a healthy glow. There are so many skin conditioning ingredients that help to soften, smoothen, and give it a silky finish. There are anti aging ingredients to help fight wrinkles and fine lines. There is also an anti acne ingredient. And of course there is sunscreen. So you see it has so many benefits as a skin care product.

This is when I get to comment on its usage. The product's texture resembles a foundation and not a cream. Cream would have been easy to spread and then massage in. This CC cream dries up and settles down in a matter of seconds. Dot it all over the face and by the time you give one swipe , it's almost settled. So you gotta work briskly with it. Unlike traditional creams which come with wide opening, this one comes out of a tiny hole in the form of a thin string. It's probably meant to be used sparingly. It just sits on top of the skin and doesn't absorb into the skin. It makes skin look like skin, albeit a lot better. It's got a yellow undertone, so it will flatter those with a warm undertone. I guess most of us Indians are warm toned.

Tiny nozzle

Coming to its shades, there are just two shades - beige and bronze. Beige is very light in color and will suit the very fair Indian skin tones. Bronze is just a little bit darker than Beige and actually suits the fair to medium Indian skin tones. So what do the rest of us dusky girls do? Make do with the Bronze in very small bits so that it doesn't look fake but still look decent enough. Yeah! Meh! Big meh! Take a clue from my pictures below to see how I have got the CC cream in Bronze to work for me.

    

That is all the product I used to dot all over my face and neck

As you can see that the shade is much lighter than my own skin tone. I take a tiny amount and dot all over my face. Then I quickly spread it out with short and brisk movements.

The final look is a bright and even looking skin. Coverage is light and not really buildable. It minimized the appearance of pores. I love the radiant glow and also that it looks very natural. It has a matte finish but also lets skin's natural shine peek through. It doesn't settle into the creases in the skin but dry or rough patches look even worse. Staying power is average in moderate weather but will melt in heat or humidity.

  

Left: Bare skin; Right: Lakme CC cream in Bronze

Coming to its claims and skin care benefits, not all of it is true. It does brighten skin, and minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. It doesn't moisturize the skin even a tad bit but looks terrible on dry or flakey skin. It doesn't refresh or give any sort of such a feeling either. It cannot even conceal a small little freckle. Overall, it works well on normal to oily skin which is more or less perfect. What it does is boost the radiance and pull the look together. Oh, if your skin is pimple free then you can also feel its smoothening effect and silky finish. I have been using it for more than a year and a half and although there is no skin care benefit, it hasn't at least spoilt my complexion. Most foundations leave my skin lifeless but not this one. That is why I have no problem using it on a daily basis.

So, overall it behaves like a light foundation . It suits normal to oily skin types. It's much cheaper and easier to use than a foundation but slightly more expensive than a regular moisturizer / sunscreen. If you have nearly even skin, then it is good for just a hint of make up.

Lakme CC Complexion Care Cream in Bronze