REVIEW: Patanjali Moisturizer Cream

The natural ingredients that are in the cream and their respective benefits are as below.

Aloe Vera - It has a water based, gel like consistency and is non sticky which makes it a perfect moisturizer for oily skin. Also it tends to absorb better into the skin also taking along with it all the other ingredients. This is the main ingredient in this cream and it helps to lighten the consistency of the cream as there are heavier ingredients in it.

Image source: http://stylesatlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/aloe-vera-gel1.jpg

Honey - Honey is a gentle moisturizer and prevents loss of moisture from the skin. It keeps the skin dewy and soft. Apart from that, it also has bleaching property which makes it the safest way to bleach body hair.

Image source: http://healthscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Honey__Dippers.jpg

Shea butter - Shea butter is an age old African beauty secret which is newly seeing light outside of the African continent. It has gained so much popularity in the recent times that a moisturizer is not considered potent enough if this baby is not a part of it. Raw, unrefined Shea butter is better for the skin but it is creamish in color and very, very thick. It is extracted from the nuts of Shea tree. It is very rich in vitamin A which can help treat extremely dry skin and eczema, apart from lightening scars.

Image source: http://www.zoiy.eu/images/inhaltsstoff_sheabutter_quer.jpg

Soya bean oil - Soya bean oil is a great source of amino acids which are known to help with dry skin and wrinkles.

Image source: http://www.agricorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/soybean-oil.jpg

Almond oil - It is rich in vitamin E which not only heals dry skin but also repairs damaged, dry skin making it glow with health.

Image source: http://www.radiopaula.cl/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/aceite-de-almendras.jpg

Olive oil - It is quickly absorbed into skin making it oh-so-sexy-smooth. It's light weight formula does not clog pores so no more breakouts.

Image source: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/olive-oil.jpg

Cocoa butter - Cocoa butter goes hand in hand with Shea butter. Cocoa butter is extracted from the "chocolate" nut ( cocoa) which is found in Africa, just like Shea butter. It has a chocolatey aroma to it which might tempt you to eat it, but don't you do that. Just like shea butter, it is also a thick moisturizer which is great for dry skin.

Image source: http://marillaszappan.hu/shop_ordered/6725/pic/Kepek/olajak/kakaovaj2.jpg

Chamomile extract - Chamomile flowers have a healing property which is why so many baby products contain its extract. It is very soothing on sunburns and skin rashes.

Image source: http://vineveracosmetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ing-SL-Chamomile.jpg

Neem extract - Neem is a very powerful anti germ agent and with so many moisturizing agents which can easily lead to pimples, an anti germ agent will protect against pimple causing germs.

Image source: http://www.ozonebiotech.com/images/neem-based-product.jpg

Cucumber seeds extract - Cucumber is best associated for its refreshing coolness in the hot summers. Nearly 50% of cucumber seeds is oil. But a lot many of those tiny edible seeds are required to get even a teaspoonful of the oil. But that is the only way to incorporate the refreshing coolness of cucumber into the moisturizer.

Image source: http://static.parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/cucumber-veggie-of-the-week-ftr.jpg

Orange peel extract - It is full of vitamin C and orange peel is best known for its skin lightening property.

Image source : http://www.hlfteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/112.jpg

Cabbage extract - You might be surprised to see this vegetable in the ingredients list and to be honest, I was too. I did some research and came to know that in the olden days it was believed to have "moon power" since it grows in the moonlight. Such are its nutritional and medicinal value that it is said that of all veggies, cabbage is the best. It suits all skin types. It nourishes and moisturizes dry and wrinkled skin while combatting excessive oil and pimple marks on oily skin.

Image source: http://krautlook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Sauerkraut-Cabbage.png

Dates extract - Yet another ingredient that I had no idea how it could have beauty benefits. Apparently, it is quite popular beauty secret in the Middle East where it grows abundantly. It has all the necessary nutrients to make skin soft, plump and rejuvenated.

Image source : http://naturalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/date_fruit.jpg

Base material: Cream base, vitamins E, B5, and A ( vitamins for good skin), CI 45100 (added colo, Aqua q.s.

Review:

Here's one moisturizer with some unique ingredients and no added fragrance! I mean, have you ever heard of cabbage extract in a cream? Or for that matter dates or cucumber seeds extract? Never have I ever! And the fragrance is totally out of this world. It is like a faint floral but absolutely mesmerizing. Quite honestly, it's not something I was expecting out of an Ayurveda based cream.

The cream itself is a beautiful baby pink colored cream thanks to the added colorant. The consistency of the cream is like malai or milk cream, thick but easily spreadable. It melts on the skin with no white cast whatsoever. It is such a boon for dusky girls like myself where most of the moisturizers or creams either take forever to blend in or leave a whitish cast which is not at all flattering.

It doesn't have a greasy feel to it but it does feel like a heavy moisturizer. It is more apt as a body moisturizer than a face moisturizer because it is so heavy. But if you have acute dryness over your face then this might be the right one for you. I use it over my body only and don't remember the need to reapply it again in the day. It is definitely suitable for dry skin and during winters when heavy moisturization is required. Peeps with oily skin will find this one way too heavy.

I love the fact that I don't need to reapply it throughout the day. I just use it ones a day, right after a shower and that is it. I have dry skin over my body and I have never been 100% happy with any other moisturizer before I used this one.

It is a pretty thick cream but doesn't feel heavy or greasy after melting into the skin. It's quite weird because skin does look and feel moisturized but not at all greasy; which is great because frankly who likes feeling like a walking talking butter chicken?

I am not sure whether this one is free of nasty chemical preservatives and fragrances or it may have been missed out of the ingredients list mentioned on the package. But it does smell yummy and with those kind of ingredients, I highly doubt it is 100% natural. Also there are so many natural ingredients that there must be a preservative used to keep the product from spoiling.

It does such a good job as a moisturizer but even with such an extensive list of ingredients it does nothing exceptional for skin glow. I have been using it since such a long time but my skin looks the same. That is the only minus. But thankfully unlike other winter creams, this one didn't darken my complexion.

To wind it all up, this one is hands down the best cream I have come across for dry skin or winters. If you are only concerned about your dry skin, then this is the go to product for you. If you like to spice up your moisturizing routine and also want some bonus glow, then I have only one thing to say - keep those expectations aside. But you too will thank it for not darkening your complexion.

REVIEW: Patanjali Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream

Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream with Shea butter, coconut, wheat germ and olive oil.

For moisturizing and skin lightening.

Shelf life - 2 years

Net weight - 50 g

Price - INR 75

Claims: Useful for preventing ageing and dehydration of skin, protects skin against winter dryness & roughness, makes skin soft, smooth & beautiful.

Ingredients

Aloe Vera gel - 1000 mg... Soothing and moisturizing which is suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin. It hydrates and repairs dehydrated and damaged skin.

Shea butter - 20 mg... It's very thick and greasy so it is dry skin's best friend. A little goes a long way, so just a tiny bit is enough to feed the skin some fat. As the name suggests, it is the butter extracted from Shea nuts which are native to Africa.

Olive oil - 20 mg... Light and moisturizing, it is normal skin's best friend. It is easily absorbed and is non greasy, making it perfect moisturizer material. No wonder this kitchen staple is an all time favourite for skin smoothening and softening.

Coconut oil - 20 mg... Coconut oil is another kitchen staple, especially in South India. It is slightly thicker than olive oil and as such it is suitable for dry skin. Coconut oil also helps to make skin glossy.

Wheat germ oil - 20 mg... Wheat germ oil is extracted from the kernel of wheat and is full of vitamins and minerals and is therefore one of the best natural oil that can be used as baby oil. It doesn't sink into the skin very easily and so it can be used as a massage oil. It is thicker than coconut oil and is good for dry skin. Added bonus is that it has skin lightening properties.

Turmeric extract - 5 mg... With all these light and heavy moisturizers, you need an antibacterial to prevent pimples. Turmeric is one of the best anti germ agent found in nature.

Base material

Aqua, cream base, vitamin E & glycerine - skin softeners, soya peptide - amino acids that prevent wrinkles, diazodinyl urea & IPBC - preservatives, sugandhit dhravya - fragrance q.s.

Review

After having been in love with Patanjali moisturizing cream, I decided to try out the Aloe Vera version just because Aloe Vera is soothing and cooling, and is perfect for the summer. I was in need for a light moisturizer which is suitable for oily skin and summer time.

The packaging and price is very similar to the moisturizing cream, just that the package colour is baby green while that one was baby pink. I feel this is a pretty good package compared to the other products from Patanjali. But anyways, I'm not here to talk about what is on the outside ( because it doesn't matter anyway) but let's get started on what is inside.

It is a light and fluffy white cream which melts into the skin. It feels so cooling on the skin and I love it. The fragrance is also something new and refreshing. So, the first impression is pretty good actually!

Coming to its moisturizing ability, it is a light moisturizer and is suitable for normal to oily skin. Although it claims to be suitable for winters, I doubt it. Because it is cooling on the skin, it is very refreshing to use in the summers. Also it is light weight and easily absorbed into the skin, so it is good for oily skin. Dry skin will hardly benefit as there will be constant need to reapply.

I have oily skin and I apply it twice a day, all over my face and body after a shower. This way it is better absorbed and doesn't leave any trace or greasy feeling.

The fragrance is also light and won't give a headache.

Most moisturizers in the market are full of chemicals and preservatives like parabens which are really harmful for the system, but this cream has other substances acting as preservatives which are not harmful like the parabens. For this reason only I find it safe to use even on a baby.

Although the amount of natural ingredients as listed above are really very small, only there tiny presence is enough to make it safer than the other chemical loaded moisturizers. I use it daily and have not had any breakouts with this cream.

As far as their skin lightening claim, I don't really bother because it is summer right now and no matter what, skin will tan. Nope, it hasn't helped me with the tan, but it is not a good idea to step out in the sun with this cream as there is no sunscreen and also because matter of fact, skin will tan easily with an oily cream on the skin.

It does make skin feel soft like butter and the feeling can easily get addictive. It does claim skin lightening but I haven't noticed any. But I love the glow it gives me without the shine.

So, overall it's a great product at a very economical price.

REVIEW: Patanjali Amla Hair Oil

Hair is rightfully called the crowning glory. Healthy hair indeed looks glorious. Some of us are blessed with beautiful hair, some of us are not. But all of us desire glorious hair. With hair fall, split ends, dandruff, and grays being our common woes, we need a one all solution to fix it all. But is there really any such Dr. Fix It? 

Divya Pharmacy's Patanjali by Baba Ramdev (which is such a rage nowadays, BTW) have launched Amla Hair Oil. It claims to strengthen the roots, prevent hair fall, graying hair and split ends. It is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicie and so it is suitable for one and all without the fear of chemicals causing further damage. So, is it effective? Does it work? What are its benefits? Read on to know more about this oil.

Each ml contains the following ingredients and I have also briefly written about the goodness of each ingredient used.

Sunflower oil... 760 mg - You may be surprised that your favorite cooking oil is the main ingredient of this hair oil. Infact not just this hair oil, but several others use it as a base due to its great properties as a carrier oil. It is very light weight and absorbs into the hair shaft in a jiffy. It's non.greasy formula is perfect for the new age woman who doesn't even like it nor has the time to rigorously wash it off. Being light in weight it can easily carry with it all the nutrients of the other added ingredients in the hair oil. Apart from that, it is itself rich in nutrients, mainly the Omega 6 fatty acids which are proved to be directly beneficial for thinning of hair. Other than Omega 6, it is also rich in vitamins A, B and E, and minerals like iron. It is useful for deep conditioning the hair and is ideal is you don't regularly oil your hair and only have time to oil your hair once in a while. Regular deep conditioning can help maintain soft, silky, shiny, frizz free hair which will ultimately be less likely to tangle and break.

Sunflower oil
Image source: http://blogs.mcgill.ca/oss/files/2013/07/sunflower-extract.png

Olive oil... 60 mg - Olives are native to the Mediterranean and tales of the beautiful maidens of this region are also well known. That olive complexion, dark eyes, and those thick, luscious locks of hair that define their beauty were best kept healthy and beautiful with olive oil. Olive oil is the best option for silken smooth hair. As it is a heavy oil it is best suited for those with thick, unmanageable hair. Fine or limp hair might just get bogged down by the sheer heaviness of the oil.

Olive oil
Image source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/266/266258/olive-oil-and-olives.jpg

Sesame oil... 60 mg - Lesser known fact about this healthy cooking oil is that it is equally good for healthy hair growth. It is rich in calcium and iron. Calcium fortifies the hair roots to make the foundation itself very strong and resilient to breakage. Iron feeds the follicles and also brings a healthy circulation of blood to the head to encourage good growth. It is therefore one of the best remedies for hair fall. Iron also prevents graying of hair and keeps its natural color looking vibrant.

Sesame oil
Image source: http://www.secretsofsushi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SesameOil.jpg?7eacfa

Amla... 60 mg - The Indian gooseberry is a storehouse of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to fight against free radical damage like dandruff and hair fall. Vitamin C is also important to help absorb calcium and iron. So the nutrients in sesame oil, as well as the other oils are given a boost with this good fellow. Amla is puréed and that paste is applied to the hair to reap these benefits. It can also be dried and made into a powder. This can be added to hair oils or made into a paste with water and applied to the hair. Vitamin C is also a natural conditioner. If your hair lacks shine, then regularly using Amla can make your hair dazzle with a mirror shine. This can be observed from the very first use. Alma is also believed to make dark hair darker and prevent grays.

Amla or the Indian Gooseberry
Image source: http://cdn.shopclues.net/images/detailed/24167/218_1440397160.jpg

Base material: CI 12740, CI 61565 & CI 12150 - colors solvent yellow, quinizarine green, and oil pink, respectively.
Base Q.S.

Other information:
Net Volume - 100 ml
MRP - INR 40
Shelf life - 2 years
Directions for storage - Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Directions for use: Take required quantity of oil and massage gently over hair and scalp.

REVIEW:

Patanjali Amla Hair Oil comes in a small and handy bottle. It's quite a queer shaped bottle, like I have never seen a hexagonal bottle before. It is a transparent hexagonal bottle but it fits perfectly in the hand. Small and compact. It comes with a flip top cap, so leakage is possible during travels. But it's not really a problem anymore if you wrap it with cling wrap and there won't be that big a risk of leaking.

The oil itself is a green colored one, thanks to the added colors. The fragrance is irritating to say the least. I wonder why all Amla hair oils have this funny smell. Way back in time when I was in Class 7, one of my classmate, a boy, regularly put Amla oil in his hair. It was compulsory for all the school children to have their hair oiled everyday, but that annoying fragrance of Amla really got to me. I never spoke to him, and that hair oil was half the reason why. How snobbish of me! But now I don't even remember his name. That is my oldest memory of the fragrance of Amla hair oil but this particular oil is so much more! Quite honestly I must admit what it really reminds me of. Hit Cockroach Killing Spray. I put this oil on and it just feels like I'm sitting in a cockroach colony. It's disgusting and I'm sorry but that is exactly how it smells like. I could easily toss this oil bottle away if not for its promises and my expectations of it. I had to learn to ignore the smell and carry on. I actually top it off with another oil just to mask the smell. However, with each use (i use it only ones a week), the intensity of the smell diminished. Perhaps I got used to it or the fragrance was a volatile one and it just vanished slowly. Whatever! But good that it did. Phew.

Well, one benefit of this amla oil is that it is already diluted. The actual base is sunflower oil which makes up for 80% of the oil's composition and the concentration of amla is actually less than 10%. So, it is ready to use. But that percentage itself is so low that I don't see much point to call it "amla" oil. So, expectations also came crashing down.

As it is readily usable, I just take about 3 - 4 tsp of oil for my hair (it is quite long) and directly apply it on the roots of the hair and take some more oil and distribute it along the lengths of the hair. It is quite a light oil and it spreads easily on the hair. That is definitely a good thing because some oils just tend to sit on the spot where you have put the oil, and then you empty half the bottle in one go just to cover your entire head. This oil goes on quite easily and once your entire head and hair is oiled it won't feel greasy. Some oils tend to be volatile and completely vanish by the second day of oiling, but this oil stays on for quite a bit. So, it's good if you put it on on some Friday and plan to wash it on a Sunday. It will deep condition the hair in the days in between. This is usually my oiling routine, I let the oil sink in over the weekend before washing it off.

Even as the oil sinks into the hair, it softened my hair so much that I could feel the difference. So it just happened that I let it stay on longer than I initially intended to (because of, you know, the awful smell). It almost disappeared only on the third day I reckon. But after I washed my hair, Oh-my-Gosh! While my hair was still air drying, I could tell that it felt like I had used a conditioner. Normally, I don't use a conditioner unless I have not oiled my hair prior to washing it. It felt so soft. And smooth. And glossy. It looked shiny and felt light too. So much so that whenever I tied my hair up in a bun, it would come undone in some time. Loved it to bits for this reason! But for girls with fine textured hair, this might just make it finer.

As for the reason that I had purchased it for - preventing hair fall, I did not see any direct benefit to be honest. My hair kept falling and I was not really happy with this oil. Initially, that is how hair tends to react to any new product that goes on it, so I waited a bit to see of it eventually works. It does but not significantly. I wonder if there is really an anti-hair fall oil out there.

However, splits ends went to Bermuda Triangle. I think that it is because the oil is so moisturizing, so deep conditioning, that the split ends just had to go. I never expected that it could actually help in this department but boy was I wrong. In this department, it scores a perfect 10 on 10.

As for the prevent hair graying claim, I really can't tell. My hair is naturally brown in color and it hasn't darkened for sure. But perhaps, regularly using this will prevent some grey hair from popping up. Sometimes I do notice one strand of silver hair peeking out and I ignore it because you are never supposed to pull it out or more will peek out. Or so they say. So, I will keep an eye out for it now that I am using this oil. Let's see if it really helps.

I like to keep my bottle inside its carton itself as it will keep the bottle in a dark place as it is required to be as per the storage instructions. It also keeps my shelf from getting all oily and greasy from those little oil drops sticking to the bottle. It probably would have saved none if the bottle itself was tinted and prevented direct light from getting to the oil, but this works so it saves the day.

The price is also just too good to be true. Even if you mix these ingredients individually, you cannot beat its retail price.

Overall, I would not rate it as an oil that works well to prevent hair fall.
The only reason I would go back to re-purchase this oil is for its deep conditioning, extra softening effect on my hair and completely getting rid of split ends. Rarely does one find an oil that is so economical as well as so good to make hair this healthy and shiny. Recommended for girls who are unhappy with their hair's condition or texture.
Would I re-purchase it? Hell, yes! I have re-purchased it so many times already.

REVIEW: Mysore Sandal Gold soap

Let's name some common summer time skin problems. Excess sweating, oily skin, tanning and sun burn, acne, prickly heat and rashes to name a few. Now let's voice some wishes during summer time for our skin problems. We all wish to be cool as a cucumber and fragrant as sandalwood during the summer. We wish for something that can keep us feeling fresh for hours after a good shower. We wish to prevent and treat the very common pesky problem during the summer, prickly heat. We wish to avoid getting burnt and tanned in the scorching summer sun. We also wish to soothe and calm the very painful sun burns. And who wouldn't wish to get rid of the sun tan? Are you feeling that these are wishful thoughts? Think again! Ayurveda says that the one boon for all such wishes is none other than the good old fragrant, soothing, cooling sandalwood.

Sandalwood mainly grows in parts of South India and is pretty expensive by its virtue. The bark of the sandalwood tree is either powdered and made into a paste or ground on a stone to get a very fine texture paste. Oil is extracted from the bark and its fragrance is nothing short of heavenly. While the paste is directly used on the skin , the oil finds a number of uses either directly in the form of aroma therapy or indirectly in the form of perfumery.

Sandalwood trees
Image source: https://raxacollective.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/img_1329.jpg

Sandalwood has the power to keep the body cool and also reverse the damage caused by sun exposure. It is smeared on the forehead to cure fever and sun stroke. Its beautiful fragrance can lift the spirits and treat depression as well.

One simply has to experience the magic of sandalwood. The simplest way to incorporate sandalwood in everyday routine is to use a sandalwood based soap! Let's see if the Mysore Sandal Gold soap really brings out the golden qualities of sandalwood. Read on.

Mysore Sandal by Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited produces sandalwood based goods. As such its quality and reputation are untainted. Its sandalwood soap is very popular and a relatively new launch is the Gold soap.

Image source: http://202.138.105.9/mysoresandal/images/logo_100x100.jpg

In literary terms, sandalwood oil is often referred to as liquid gold for its value and virtue. So it is quite apt to name a soap based on the oil, Gold, too. The soap is 80% TFM or total fatty matter which determines the quality of the soap. TFM above 70% is considered as good quality. The soap is priced at INR 75 for a bar of 125 g which is pretty steep in a way, but perhaps it is justified as it contains perfume based on this very liquid gold. Please see below for the list of ingredients in this soap and their respective uses.

Enriched natural sandalwood oil based fragrance - So, the only sandalwood that is there in this product is a derivative based on a derivative of sandalwood. Such a bummer!

Sodium palmate and Sodium palm kernelate - It is the salt derived from palm oil and palm kernel oil by saponification. Both are very drying on the skin and are very alkaline in nature. However they are the base ingredients in soap making.

Aqua - Distilled water or aqua, of course is used in soap making to dissolve the lye crystals.

Glycerine - It is a by product during soap making but it can also be utilized in the soap. Glycerine soaps are much softer and more gentle than ordinary soaps. They are also very moisturizing.

Almond oil and Tocopherol acetate - Almond oil is a rich source of vitaminE. Tocopherol acetate is an acetate of tocopherol which is nothing but vitamin E. As such it is a cheap alternative to vitamin E while maintaining the properties and benefits of using vitamin E. Vitamin E softens the skin, keeps it smooth and glowing, it deep moisturizes skin and keeps wrinkles and dry skin at bay, it is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals in the environment and protects skin from damage.

Sodium chloride - It is our common salt. It is used in soap to make it antiseptic. It is also cleansing, astringent and stimulant on the skin making it perfect for a summer soap. When it is used in moderate quantity, it hydrates and softens skin. Too much of it can dry up the skin. It is a common ingredient in all antiseptic soaps.

Titanium dioxide - It is mainly used in soap to in very small quantities to make it pretty in appearance and smooth in texture. But it acts like a sunscreen, so there are double benefits of using it in soap.

Tetra sodium salt of Etidronic acid - It acts as a preservative.

Cocoamidopropyl betain - It is a derivative of coconut oil and its main use is as a surfactant.

Lanolin - It is the natural moisturizer produced by our skin. It is also found in the wool of sheep and is the only moisturizer that is readily absorbed by the skin as it treats it as its own. Lanolin can help repair dry, damaged, cracked, chapped skin in no time.

Liquid paraffin - It is distilled mineral oil and has moisturizing properties.

Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone - Preservatives.

Cosmetic colors CI No. 47000 & CI No. 26100 - yellow and red colors, respectively. The resultant would be orange but it is whitened with the presence of titanium dioxide.

Review:

The packaging is a very simple beige color cardboard box with little tendrils design and the word Gold is printed in golden ink. Their creative team could come up with a better alternative to this for the name itself is Gold but the packaging is not befitting .

The soap itself is wrapped in a synthetic sheet so as to preserve the fragrance.

The soap itself is a chunky oval shaped bar in a sandalwood paste color. The fragrance is exotic and is super luxe. If you do know the aroma of sandalwood oil, you will notice that this soap is different. If you know the typical fragrance of sandalwood based perfumes, then too you will notice that this soap is different. But if you know the fragrance of Mysore Sandal soap, then you will straightway notice that it is the classic Mysore Sandal's signature fragrance. I feel that this fragrance is far better compared to sandalwood oil or perfume. But as I have mentioned in the ingredients description, it is only a perfume which is based on sandalwood oil. Sandalwood oil is very volatile and so is the fragrance of this soap. On the very first day, it is all wonderful and exotic and makes your bath time a dreamy experience. It keeps you feeling fresh and aromatic all through the day. I wish I could say the same for the experience the next day. The fragrance magically disappeared! Well, not completely but all that was really left was a faint aroma. Another bummer. At least the perfume that was used which itself was based on sandalwood oil could be of a better quality. However, this was the only noticeable shortcoming of the soap.

The lather is rich and creamy. It does lather well but don't expect a bubble bath. It cleanses Oh so very well. All that summer ickiness and stickiness completely dissolve in a single use. Often times I reapply soap as the greasiness is not completely gone but with this soap one time wash is all it takes.

I did mention in the beginning of this post all the benefits of sandalwood for skin that is being troubled by the harsh summer sun. Now, even though actual sandalwood is absent in this soap, let's see if all the ingredients together can mimic the effects of sandalwood.

First and foremost, the exotic fragrance of sandalwood pleasantly lingers on through the day keeping you feeling fresh. However, it reduces with each passing day but not completely.

Secondly, its cooling effect on the skin and soothing effect on prickly heat and other summer rashes is wonderful. You will notice some relief from the very first use. In fact on hot summer nights when you are unable to sleep due to the heat and sweat, just a face wash with this soap will cool you down and put you to sleep! This is one experience that is only possible with sandalwood soaps. They easily beat any other summer soaps hands down in this department.

Next, its action on sun burn and tan is also good enough for I have never before seen any soap that reverts sun damage on the skin. My skin is dusky complexioned, so I tan more than burn. But I do notice the tan lightening up faster with this soap. In just a few days, tan is visibly lightened and in a week or two you can notice the difference. I cannot comment on its efficacy to calm sun burn since that is a problem faced by lighter complexioned people, but I can definitely say that skin feels cool and it works on prickly heat so it should work on sun burn too.

Finally, its effect on acne prone skin is great too! It reduces the oiliness on the face and prevents acne. Existing acne dries out thanks to the antiseptic action of salt.

All in all, this is a great soap for summer time although there is no real sandalwood in it. It is suitable for all skin types and for all age groups. It doesn't last very long to be honest, and I also use it quite a many times in a day. If you can ignore the price tag, go for it.

REVIEW: Patanjali Panchagavya Kanti Body Cleanser

Patanjali Panchagavya Soap

To enhance the natural beauty ad glow of skin.

Weight 75 g

Price Rs 13

Each 10 g contains extracts of:

Amla or Indian gooseberry - 1.0 mg... Amla is very rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to promote building collagen which is the cement that keeps skin firm against sagging and wrinkle free.Vitamin C also helps to lighten skin by inhibiting melanin which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. So, if you have a sun tan, or pigmentation or a scar, using amla will greatly help to lighten skin. The Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin and gives a vibrant glow. It also helps to clear oil on the skin and also control excess sebum production by shrinking pores and inhibiting excess sebum or skin's natural oil production. Therefore, it is great for oily skin people and keeps skin normal. It does not sting unlike lemon, but as Vitamin C is acidic in nature, it gently dissolves oil, dirt and dead skin cells and its lightening and anti-wrinkle properties work to make skin beautiful and healthy.

Image source: http://www.jaipurthepinkcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/amla-benefits-for-beauty.jpg?598b31

Puified borax - 2.5 mg... Borax is a naturally occurring white, crystalline powder. It is a natural cleanser but it can cause eye and skin irritation in some sensitive people.

Image source: http://www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/mineralmuseum/22099.jpg

Turmeric - 2.5 mg... Turmeric is the age old Indian beauty secret and it finds its place in every household kitchen. In Indian cooking, it is consumed almost every day. Also, it is one of the simplest yet most powerful facial mask ingredient. Just a paste using water and applied on the face can do so many wonders. It is anti-bacterial, so first and foremost it is very good for people suffering from acne. It is also good on minor skin infections. Secondly, it reduces scars. So, pimple marks also reduce. As it is anti-bacterial, it is a good deodorizer and keeps skin feeling and smelling fresh (or earthy). What else is needed to say? Healthy skin is beautiful skin. Period.

Image source: http://www.turmeric.co.in/images/turmeric_plant.gif

Tulasi - 2.5 mg... Tulasi or Holy Basil is worshiped in Hindu households. Tulasi leaves strengthen immune system and even banish common cold and cough. As it fights germs, it also cures acne and skin infections. 

Image source: http://umoveindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Growing-Tulsi-at-home.jpg

Giloy - 2.5 mg... Giloy is a shrub that is widely found in India and is one important ingredient used in Ayurvedic medicines. It is used to clear acne, fade scars and dark spots, and erase fine lines.

Image source: http://www.theayurveda.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Giloy-herb.jpg

Aama haldi - 2.5 mg... Aam haldi is actually Mango Ginger. Its aroma resembles that of Mango and hence the name. It brightens the skin complexion, and also cures pimples. Its paste can also soothe swelling due to water retention.

Image source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aEBhPLtJzHVDJlE6xTX5o5cg6CmDMZb68o-x2Zl6ntDf3wuHCpSBDZBV7vBCWW1-YI8aBcgRIb0a_eJAgWohPtXVlCW30AVQRLmgVOXDCzEYyAes0C1SKtpC4m00N7_77ztjlBjRCylx/s1600/mango+ginger.JPG

Neem - 2.5 mg... There is not a single kind of germ that Neem cannot destroy. It is anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral, et al. For all round healthy skin free from infections and minor cuts, wounds, burns use neem.

Image source: http://www.pexports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Neem-Leaf-cover.jpg

Aloe vera - 2.5 mg... Aloe vera is famous for its soothing and moisturizing properties. However, it is suitable for all skin types. Oily skin or dry skin - it makes it normal. Acne or pimples - it cures it. Sun tan or sun burn - it soothes skin. Pigmentation - it balances melanin production. Fine lines or wrinkles - it erases them. In short, it address each and every type of skin concern.

Image source: http://www.coml13.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/aloe-vera-plant.jpg

Cow milk fat - 10 mg... Cow milk fat or Malai or cream is extremely moisturizing and soothing especially on minor burns. It is also known for its skin lightening properties due to lactic acid found in milk. It makes skin super soft and glowy. Because of its fatty nature, it also removes fine lines or wrinkles.

Image source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C63dz2JlA9g/maxresdefault.jpg

Cow urine - 10 mg... Cow urine is believed to be very beneficial for overall health and also treat cancer. It is said to cure skin diseases like psoriasis too.

Image source: http://i39.tinypic.com/6gihdx.jpg

Base material:
Vegetable oil, water, perfume, sodium benzoate, permitted colours.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative for all the natural ingredients in the soap.

Use:
Useful in rejuvenating, nourishing and glorifying the skin. Useful in removing dryness and roughness of skin.

Review:

In Sanskrit, Panch means five, and Gavya means coming from or belonging to a cow. So panchagavya literally means 5 products from a cow. Traditionally, they mean dung, urine, milk, curd and clarified butter or ghee. However, this soap has only 2 such "gavya" ingredients - namely cow's milk fat and urine. The traditional Panchagavya as such is famous as a cancer treatment medicine as well as a pesticide. It is very powerful and is very good for health.

Patanjali Panchagavya soap comes in a cute dark green paper cover with a rather beautiful painting of a cow on it. So, even if you were clueless about the soap, you could easily figure that this soap has something to do with Cow. Inside the paper cover is a soap liner which is of thicker paper. Both the cover paper and liner paper are of great quality and can be used in a soap box. They don't become mushy and moist or tear up in the shower. They are very durable and even when the soap is over, these papers will still go strong! I have never seen such durable paper, let alone soap liners or covers.

The soap itself is a dark green, oval shaped soap. It has 'Patanjali' inscribed on it. The fragrance is neither too strong ( thank goodness) nor herbal smelling. It kind of smells like neem soaps. As such, it is pleasantly gentle (I love it!).

Coming to what a soap is meant to do, it does its job very well. It is ideal for normal to oily skin but isn't harsh on dry or sensitive skin either. I have dry skin on my body and this soap has never left my skin dry or scaly. I believe it cleanses the oil acne dirt without disrupting the skin's own moisture balance. I have never stepped out of the shower with my skin feeling dry and taught.

Coming to its benefits, first and foremost its effect on acne or pimples. This tends to be one of the most common skin issue. Look no further as this soap is the one stop solution to such problems. Not only does this soap clear out existing acne but also prevents new breakouts ( provided the culprit is only excessive oil on the face ). Ofcourse there are many different reasons behind acne breakouts - hormones, bad eating habits or unhealthy lifestyle, oily skin, etc. The most common culprit is bacteria that feeds on the skin's oil and if it is not regularly cleansed, it can lead to ACNE!!! This soap contains so many powerful ingredients as listed above and mostly all of them help to keep skin clean by fighting against germs. It's no wonder that this soap is so effective against pimples. It is equally effective on back acne or body acne.

Apart from pimples, other common skin issues are usually rashes and infections. In summer, the most common skin issue is rashes from prickly heat. Such rashes tend to be red bumps which are itchy. This soap fights against germs causing prickly heat and almost immediately the redness will reduce. The itching also is greatly controlled in the first use itself and within a matter of few days, the bumps dried out and completely vanished.

I have small eczema breakouts and with this soap although I cannot say that it has cured it, but it has definitely helped control its flare ups. Eczema is a dry skin infection and therefore I can confidently say that it is suitable for dry skin as well. Dry skin tends to become parched and flaky and I have not experienced that with this soap. That does not go to say that it moisturizes the skin. Your skin will not become any drier or oilier after using it.

It keeps body odour at bay. If you are worried that you will step out of the shower smelling earthy, don't worry as its fragrance isn't strong and doesn't even last once you are out of the shower. If bad body odour is one of your enemy, then this soap will greatly help you to control that problem.

Speaking of its beauty benefits, I truly have not noticed any skin brightening effects. However, it is helping to fade scars! Very fast too. It promises to make rough skin smoother and it is true to the T indeed. You will definitely see an improvement in the skin texture, as it will help to soften and smoothen the skin.

Last but not the least, and it's most impressive part is that this soap will last you longer than your expectations. Take a guess. How long would you expect this bar of soap to last? One month? Two months ? Three months? This soap has been with me for a good four months! It could easily set a record that way. Our water is just normal, neither soft nor hard. So, fulllllll paisa vasool soap.

So, overall all impression - very good.
Suitable for all skin types - oh, yes! Absolutely.
Removes pimples and marks - erases.
Beautifies skin - keeps it clean and healthy.
Would I re-purchase it - yes, oh, yes!

REVIEW: L'oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

L'oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

New anti-frizz, anti-flyaways, anti-static formula with micro diffusion for extra strength and sleek perfection that disappears at the stroke of a brush.

L'Oreal's "finest hairspray used by the finest stylists".

The legendary hold of Elnett protects hair from humidity, frizz and flyaways with antistatic protection technology, for flawlessly sleek styles.

Smooth and control loose styles and ponytails. Perfect for longer hair.

New fragrance with a delicate twist of rose extract.

Ingredients:
Alcohol denat. - Denatured alcohol which is a mixture of ethyl alcohol and a denaturing agent. It is toxic if consumed bu potential risks of using denatured alcohol in personal products is much smaller. It is used in personal care products as an antibacterial agent and solvent.

Dimethyl ether - This ether is obtained by dehydrating methyl alcohol in the form of a colorless gas. It is used as a propellant in a hairspray. It boils away when the hairspray head is pressed down, propelling out the ingredients in the form of a fine mist. However as it is toxic, it has been banned in many countries including Japan.

VA/Crotonates/Vinyl neodecanoate copolymer - This polymer quickly dries on the hair to form a coating to inhibit absorbtion of moisture, thus reducing frizz, and also keeps the hair down in place, thus setting it.

PEG/PPG-4/12 dimethicone - It is an emulsifying agent keeping all the ingredients in a solvent together without separating from each other.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate - It protects the hair from harmful UV radiation from the sun rays.

Aminomethyl propanol - It adjusts the pH of the product.

Limonene - Fragrance ingredient that resembles citrus notes.

Linalool - Fragrance ingredient that has a floral note similar to Bergamot and Lavendar flowers.

Benzyl alcohol - It is a preservative and although it is an alcohol, it does not belong to the drying types.

Apha-isomethyl ionone - It is used as a fragrance ingredient but it can cause allergic reaction in some.

Geraniol - It lends a nice floral scent to the product.

Rosa centifolia extract - Also known as the Provence Rose and Cabbage Rose, it is obvious to say that its extract lends a beautiful rose fragrance to the product.

Citronellol - Its fragrance is also close to that of rose.

Coumarin - Its fragrance is said to resemble newly mown hay.

Hexyl cinnamal - It is derived from chamomile flowers but it can cause allergic reactions.

Fragrance (F.I.L. C158630/1)

Review:

It is one of the best selling hairspray in the market today and rightly so. You will find every beauty guru out there raving about it. Popularity second to none, it is unlikely to dislike this product. With such positive impressions of the product, let's see what the product can do well and if it has any shortcomings at all.

The L'OREAL Elnette range of hairsprays are budget friendly and come in a sleek and slender golden can. It's easy to confuse them if not for the colors. All of them boast of extra strong hold . This one in particular claims anti frizz and anti static.

Given our hot and humid weather, frizzy hair is one of the biggest spoilers to an otherwise beautiful head of hair. Or it could be those annoying flyaway baby hairs that just refuse to budge while we patiently wait to grow them out. Or it could be static in the hair just after having combed or brushed through them. So, the common element in all these cases is fine textured hair. This product works really well for fine hair.

Coming to its efficacy, it does lend a very good "polished" look to the hairstyle, even if it is just a regular ponytail. It also smoothens the appearance of the hair while making it look sleek and glossy. On fine hair, it might just tame the flyaways and also the frizz, but on my thick hair I could hardly notice any such strong hold. It did help blend flyaways with the rest of the hair but couldn't stick them down. As regards to controlling frizz, it did a fairly good job as its super fine mist spreads well and coats the hair evenly and you don't even need to use your hands to distribute the product.

I am in love with this hairspray mainly for its fragrance. I would repurchase it just for its fragrance! It smells nothing like alcohol but it is like a nice perfume for the hair. I cannot describe it but it like a crisp floral scent. And it lasts till you wash it off.

Here comes the best part about this product. Most hairsprays tend to leave hair feeling and looking tacky and stiff. Not at all with this one. This is the reason it is a favorite with one and all. In fact, even you might just forget that you have it on. I kid you not!

All in all, this product is awesome for fine and straight hair to hold it strongly in place , but for thicker or wavy / curly hair this is just not 100% the right one. For fine hair it gives a pretty strong hold so sleek ponytails are possible , but for thicker hair it gives every day hairstyles like casual ponytails or buns a little lift.

Review: Patanjali Tejus Tailum

Patanjali Tejus Tailum

For healthy hair, muscular strength, beautiful and glowing skin.

Shelf life : 2 years

Net volume: 100 ml

Price: INR 60

Composition:
Composition of this oil as mentioned on the bottle:

Each 10 ml contains (in decreasing order of quantity used):
Sunflower oil - 2.5 ml
Sesame oil - 2.5 ml
Mustard oil - 1.5 ml
Soyabean oil - 1.0 ml
Olive oil - 0.6 ml
Walnut oil - 0.5 ml
Peanut oil - 0.5 ml
Castor oil - 0.5 ml
Almond oil - 0.2 ml
Frangrance

Benefits of each ingredient:

Sunflower oil - Sunflower oil is one of the most commonly used vegetable oils in the kitchen as it is very light - lighter than even olive oil. Owing to its light weight, it is also easily absorbed into the skin and hair making it a versatile oil for beauty treatments. Sunflower oil is richer in Vitamin E than almond oil. This makes it an excellent moisturizer to keep the skin soft, smooth and fight wrinkles and sun damage too. It is also believed to have skin lightening properties, so it makes it the best oil for massage prior to ubtan. Sunflower also strengthens hair follicles and promotes new hair growth, so it is very good for thin hair or hair fall. 

Sesame oil - Sesame seed oil is known as the Queen of oils. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory meaning that it not only protects skin and treats skin diseases like acne, dandruff, etc due to germs and also environmental pollutants. It cures serious skin conditions like psoriasis and when applied to hair, it kills lice, so it is good for children too. It is excellent as a massage oil on its own as it not only promotes flexibility of joints but also muscular strength. It tightens skin and shrinks pores helping skin looks more youthful. It is rich in zinc, meaning that it lessens hair fall.

Mustard oil - Any Bengali will vouch for the potency of mustard oil. Regular oiling with mustard oil is almost like a ritual. Not to forget, it is a must for cooking that scrumptious fish! Massaging the body with this oil, especially during winters, keeps the body nice and warm. It also imparts a lovely, warm glow to the skin. Regular use can help fade scars and pigmentation and also lighten tan. Applied to the hair, it makes it healthy and grow long and strong.

Soyabean oil - If your skin's been damaged due to excessive sun exposure, look no further than this. It can reverse the damage and heal the skin. It can remove the tan, the dryness and the wrinkles associated with sun damage. It is extremely moisturizing to the hair as well, conditioning it deeply and making it soft and manageable.

Olive oil - Olive oil has been popularized quite a lot for its skin lightening properties. And it is true. Owing to its high percentages of vitamins A and E, it makes skin glow with health and increases skin cell's turnover, so that newer, healthier cells replace, darkened, damaged skin cells. And it is so light weight that it does not clog pores and lead to breakouts. Used on hair, it can make it silky and glossy.

Walnut oil - Walnut oil is quite a thick consistency oil and it can work wonders on the skin. If soft, glowing, youthful skin is your desire, then walnut oil is your genie. It can make skin soft and supple, transforming dry and rough skin to velvety smoothness. It can also help with lightening dark circles around the eyes. Applied to hair, it enhances the natural brown highlights/ pigments in the hair, so it is great for brownish hair. It is the ultimate when it comes to pampering the skin and hair.

Peanut oil - Peanut oil is one of the lesser known wonder oils in the skin care department. Nowadays, it is slowly and steadily garnering popularity due to its versatility in skin care regimen. It is the best face cleanser you could have ever dreamed of. You will notice all the dirt, oil, and make up just melting off as you massage with this oil. So, not only will it moisturize the skin like all other oils, but its rich iron content will help to keep the skin healthy and remove any pigmentation and skin darkening due to anemia. 

Castor oil - Castor is famous to make hair thicker and promote hair growth. It is a lesser known oil for skin care. Nonetheless, its presence in this oil concoction helps boost its use for hair care. 

Almond oil - Poor little almond oil is the least quantity used in this product. Almond oil is popular as rich in vitamin E, however like I mentioned previously, sunflower oil is richer in vitamin E than almond oil. So, it peanut oil. So, this guy sits in the concoction boosting the concentration of vitamin E in whichever way that he can help. It also helps lighten skin tone. However, it tends to settle in the skin pores and lead to breakouts if not washed off properly. It can also lead to skin puffiness by penetrating into the skin layers. Therefore, sparing use is actually good.

Review:

Let's leave the packaging aside for a while. It is not worth raving about anyway. Let's just rave about the product. After all, we paid money for the product right?

So, the golden oil comes in a flip top bottle with a tiny opening to ensure you don't spill out more than you need. The first thing you will notice after pouring some oil onto your palms is the fragrance. Some people are very sensitive to even the tiniest bit of fragrance; like babies and some grown ups. Those kinds will find it too over powering, else it is a not that strong actually. Quite frankly, it is much milder than your shampoo. Bet?

For use as a massage oil, it is not that oily or greasy, and actually absorbs into the skin very fast, so it is not awesome as a body massage or baby massage oil. No matter how much oil you use for massage, it all sinks in to the skin so fast, that you will have more friction than massage.

The same absorbency power is this oil's forte. Because it disappears into the skin, without leaving any greasiness, it works great as a moisturizer for normal to oily skin types. It is best to apply a layer of oil on the skin - face, neck, hands, elbows, legs, toes, anywhere that you have problematic skin and allow 5 minutes for it to soak in. You don't need to worry about staining your clothes with the oil. It won't. Best time to use this oil is at night before retiring to bed, on clean skin. Wake up in the morning and amaze yourself with the glow on your face and skin. If you have acne, it will help control it. As it does not clog the pores being so light, you don't have to worry about new breakouts. Also, it helps fade away acne scars and pigmentation. If you are upset about the tan on your skin, let this oil gently erase it. You will be surprised to see it faster than any fairness/ anti-tan/ anti-marks product ever! If you have rough, dry skin, this oil will make it softer with each use. Therefore, it is especially useful for softening and lightening dark elbows, knees, and neck easily, and without scrubbing. I do not recommend oil or oil based creams as such for under eye dark circles as the oil tends to get into the hair follicles and puff them up as eyelash hair is very thin and so is its follicles, so even an oil drop is heavy enough to clog it. Therefore, water based products like aloe vera, cucumber, potato and tomato, etc do not puff them up and work better for dark circles  than oils, even this oil. This oil is soothing on the skin, and feels light and cool, and will soothe inflammations and skin irritations. Skin flare ups like eczema and psoriasis will find some relief with use if this product. However, do not use it as the only treatment. Better use it as a follow up along with your current routine and you will definitely see good improvement.

Indirect uses of this oil can be together with ubtan mixture for body scrub, mixed with regular hair oil or body oil or baby oil for massage.

Some FAQs.
Is it safe to use for baby?
Some of the most popular foreign brands of baby oil available in the market are made of mineral oil which is nothing but liquid paraffin which is nothing but a petroleum by-product. If most mothers or care givers see no harm in applying such toxic chemicals on a baby, how would an all natural product such as this one do any harm? Use your intuition and mother's instinct while choosing a product for your baby. Always do a patch test before committing to use any kind of product on the little one. Benefits of massaging with this oil will be smoother, softer skin, along with stronger muscles and bones as some of its ingredients are good for muscular strength. Some areas of a baby tend to get darker, such as the bum and knees due to crawling and sitting/sleeping for long time. This oil will help moisturize and lighten the skin. As mentioned earlier, it is not the right oil for massage as it quickly gets absorbed, so better use in together with some coconut oil or mustard oil which are good for baby massages.

Will regularly using this oil promote thicker hair growth on the body?
Some believe that if oiling helps hair on the head grow longer and thicker, it will also make hair on the face and body grow similarly. Contrary to the hair on the head, facial and body hair is much finer and much much much shorter. Their follicles do not need food to grow like the head hair follicles do. The purpose of the hair on the body is to keep the body warm by preventing excessive loss of body heat. So, depending on the person's body temperature, hormones, and other health factors, the hair on the body is thick or scanty, and this is controlled by the body'd internal mechanism. Outer factors like oiling, face masks etc. won't send the body any more signals to grow it longer or thicker than it already is.

Review: Livon Serum

Livon's new catch phrase, Pretty Girl Swag, really hits the spot! Even Kangna Ranaut looks ravishing with her thick, glossy hair in the commercial. And she says, Goodbye uljhe, frizzy, toote hair. Hahaha. What an amazing alternating combination of an English and a Hindi word. Really cool. So the ad has captured attention, but does the product deliver? Read on, babes. Read on.

Now, Livon is not really a new hair care product in the market. It's been around at least for the last 10 years or so. I remember slathering on some Livon every time I wanted to feel pretty pretty. Wink!

Livon was popularized as a hair serum that would prevent tangles and keep hair silky smooth. Let's first have a look at the ingredients that help deliver what the product claims.

Ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane - It is a silicone which gives a silky, almost slippery feeling when applied on the hair. The quintessential ingredient which gives serum, the texture of a serum - oily yet non greasy, easy to apply and slides on smoothly. It repels moisture, therefore, controls frizz very well. It is light weight so it is apt for leave in conditioners without weighing the hair down and making it look flat. 

Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethiconol - Dimethiconol resembles dimethicone which is a heavier silicone and it is well transported by the lighter silicone, cyclopentasiloxane. It is also an excellent hair conditioner just like the cyclo guy. As it is heavier, it can fix fly aways. As mentioned previously, these guys hate water, they repel it, so for the same reason, they cannot be washed away with plain water. They need to be rinsed off in a "sulphate" shampoo. 

Diphenyl dimethicone - This little guy is misspelt on the label. I take such typos very seriously as they speak a lot about their credibility, don't they? Anyways, this guy is another member of the hair conditioner family. He sits comfortably with his peers assisting in what they all do best - making hair sleek and polished looking.

C12-15 Alkyl benzoate - It is an intense softener. Want hair soft as a velvet cushion. Just look out for this guy to help you out.

Tocopherol acetate - It is an acetate of Vitamin E. What does that mean? A cheap alternative to using similar amounts of Vitamin E oil. Whenever I see this ingredient on a product's label, I roll my eyes. Cheap tricks and big bucks.

Fragrance

Review:

Earlier, this product came in a decent sized bottle but now it is a smaller bottle. Talk about commercialization. The product's craze, as I have noticed hasn't waned a bit. Thanks to its claims and promises targeting what every girl desires, it has remained in the most wanted list. Hehe.

The colorless serum feel pretty oily on the hands, but quickly absorbs into the hair leaving no trace of oiliness at all! It can be applied on damp or dry hair. Damp hair helps to evenly distribute the product better than dry hair that is all. If you have just treated your hair to some loving heat from a straightener or curler, apply this product after, not before. As there is no water based solvent in the product, it does not "spoil" the newly set hair. However, do not confuse it with a hair setting serum. It will only soften the hair and not set the hair straight or curly as you have set it.

Only a very tiny amount is needed - actually, much lesser than you would think. Too much serum will end you up looking like an oily mess. Apply only to the hair shaft and not to the roots or neat the scalp or it will turn hair oily. It works well on all types of hair. I was afraid that it might weigh down hair and turn flat hair even more limp. However, contrary to my worries, it has added a fluffiness to the hair. Hair feels light and fluffy, the kind you would imagine flying gorgeously in the wind. At the same time it tames frizz and fly-aways', so that hair looks good and well kept. Its effect lasts surprisingly long too - my hair is dry and the product fares well even on third day hair. Hair tangles visibly reduce. I donno what kinda magic it might be but it does. So hair combing and brushing is no more a pain, literally! Less hair breakage means less hairfall. Other than that quality, it does not strengthen hair. I cannot rave about the shine it imparts to the hair as I have noticed none. It does soften the hair, so dry and rough hair will surely love this one. And not to forget its fragrance, it just lingers on in the hair and its a beautiful one.

All in all, I love Livon for its magic on the hair. However, girls who have had their hair chemically treated - colored or straightened/permed, may not have the same result. I had used it when my hair was newly re-bonded and the results were anything but pleasing. I noticed that my hair was turning lighter in color every time I had used it. But now that all that re-bonding and chemicals have worn off, the serum works well on my hair. 

REVIEW: Parachute Scalp Therapie

Parachute Advansed Scalp Therapie 

with active protein complex clinically proven for hair fall control 

tested by dermatologists.

Quirky fact #1: The name is "Advansed", not advanced. There is no such word like that. Therefore, it is not advanced. Hehehe

Quirky fact #2: The name is "Therapie", not therapy. There is no such word like that. Therefore, it is not a therapy. Hehehehehe

Some falls are fun. Like falling in love, or nightfall. But some falls are not so fun. Like Humpty Dumpty's fall or our own hair fall. Hair fall is one of the most common woes and one that is very pesky and not easy to fix. Hair fall can be caused by many conditions - be it poor diet or eating habits, physical/mental/emotional stress, medical conditions, environmental pollution, hormonal imbalance, allergies, dandruff etc. The fix to all of them may not be one remedy, but the general rule of thumb is that a healthy scalp means healthy hair.

Parachute is a very loved brand, famous for its pure coconut oil for hair care in India. In the recent years it has spiced up its plain coconut oil and has launched a number of new concoctions under the names like hot oil, ayurvedic oil, jasmine oil, etc. Its new launch the Parachute Advansed Scalp Therapie claims to arrest hair fall with visible results in 7 weeks (less than 2 months!). So before delving into its detailed analysis and reviews and pros and cons, lets first look at its ingredients, coz a product's potential is what it is made up of. It has quite a list of impressive hair fall control-repair-growth ingredients, so read on to find out what they are and what powers they bestow.

Ingredients:

Coconut oil - Coconut oil is one of the best loved hair care oils because of its versatile properties. It moisturizes dry and frizzy hair and makes it soft and manageable. It is an excellent pre-shampoo hair conditioner that also makes hair super glossy. It is high in fatty acids that provide the hair proper nourishment to keep it strong and healthy. It is anti-bacterial and fights scalp infections including dandruff. It is widely used in south India, and pretty much every damsel uses it regularly to maintain those ever praise worthy thick and luscious locks.

Mineral oil - Mineral oil is popularly sold as baby oil making it look harmless and often misleading people by its name which tricks one into thinking that it is rich in minerals. Contrary to what one may believe, it is actually a petroleum derivative; liquid vaseline. It does not absorb into the skin or hair, merely sits on the surface like a plastic cling wrap blocking the pores and making it difficult for the skin to breathe. There is no real benefit of using this oil as such, it is merely used in products as a cheap means to "fill up" the product.

Isopropyl palmitate - It is a colorless and almost odourless liquid. It is derived by processing palmitic acid from coconut oil. As such it is an all natural substance. It can not only moisturize the hair, but also eliminate static which makes hair frizzy and unmanageable, making it a versatile ingredient in humid climates. It is used in hair care products to make it look glossy and also make it smooth and silky to touch. However, it can cause adverse reactions on sensitive skin or skin which already is suffering infections or cuts. 

Isopropyl myristate - It is a synthetic substance and is used in hair care products for softening and conditioning properties. It lends a silky feel to the hair whilst conditioning it. It's unique characteristic property reduces the oily or greasy feeling of the oils giving the product an oil-free, light feel. It absorbs quickly into the skin and scalp, thus delivering the results quickly and also taking along with it, the other ingredients in the hair care product. However, it does tend to clog pores if used excessively. 

Vegetable protein mix - Protein deficiency is believed to cause hair loss. Hair is also made up of keratin which is a type of protein, so it makes sense to feed hair some protein if it lacks it. However, the exact ingredients are not mentioned but the source is vegetarian. 

Sorbitan oleate - It is an emuldifying agent that keeps ingredients hugging each other where they normally would'nt. 

Fragrance - Fragrant oils tend to linger on for a long time and can cause headaches to sensitive peeps.

Herbal blend (Hibiscus, Amla, Brahmi) - All the three ingredients are age-old beauty secrets in India for beautiful hair. Hibiscus feeds the hair roots making them stronger and resilient to hair fall and damage. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and fatty acids to nourish the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth and also fights scalp infections while making hair shiny and strong  Brahmi is another famous hair care ingredient to make hair thicker and promote hair growth.

Mineral blend (zinc, copper) - Zinc is an essential mineral that maintains hormonal balance. Zinc deficiency can also cause deterioration in the protein structure. As mentioned before, hair is made up of protein called keratin, so zinc deficiency can be linked to loss of hair as well. Copper not only strengthens hair follicles making hair resilient to hair fall, but also promotes hair growth at a fast rate. All this while boosting melanin production in the hair, thus helping reverse hair greying. So, it is an all win-win situation. 

Vitamin E - It is anti-inflammatory in nature and thereby protects hair from external free radical damage. It also keeps hair soft and nourished.

Vitamin B - Vitamin B or B complex if the single most crucial vitamin vital for overall good health. For more information on the importance of vitamins for health and beauty - what are those vitamins and how does each vitamin exactly help in beauty, read my blog here.

Review:

Surprise, surprise! The oil is yellowish brown in color and not colorless like all the other Parachute oils in their range. Also, it is non-sticky unlike the rest. So, obviously, curiosity spikes and expectations hike just thinking that it must be so different from the rest. The fragrance is of lavender and is pretty overwhelming first off. I just couldn't stand it and thought it was the first and last time that I would use it. The whole time it was in my hair, I felt like I was walking with Airwick Lavendar on my head. Not kidding! But hey, the results were great with just the one day's use. The next day my hair fall definitely reduced so much so that I could notice it was not falling all over the place like it usually did. Even as I ran my fingers through my hair, it didn't just break and fall off. So, I was happy with the product and forgot to oil my hair again that day. The next day hair fall was back to square one. So, I realized this product and this problem needed daily regular attention. So, I now slather on some every day. It takes about 10 ml (around 2 tsps) quantity for my scalp. I apply it concentrating on the scalp and the hair roots get some product on them too. It is best to leave it overnight before washing it off. If you stay indoors and can avoid shampooing every so often, then just leave on the oil. The fragrance does get bearable with regular use, I guess the olfactory organ just learns to ignore it well. It is a pricey product for how much quantity you get. But. I guess all these hair fall repair products tend to cash in on the consumers "weak" point. The one other con that I see with this product is that you will need another oil to oil the rest of the hair. Although the hair shaft does not need oiling, I feel oiling the shafts and the ends help moisturize it better and prevents dry, rough hair and split ends. So, it has just been a week since I have started using this product. The results are good enough to keep me using this product for now. I had severe hair fall problem and I would lose bunches and bunches of hair just like that, and hair would just shed off everywhere. Since the time I have been using this oil, it has at least  stopped shedding as much as before. I haven't experienced thicker hair or faster hair growth. I hope it reduces hair fall eventually and makes hair thicker in the long run. I will post an update in 6 weeks time to let you guys know if the product has lived up to its 7 week claim.

P.S> It has been more than 6 weeks and I used up the entire bottle. Results were unsatisfactory! Very disappointed for its claims had risen my expectations and a total waste. However, its lesser known cousin, Parachute Ayurvedic Hair Oil worked like magic. Review here.