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

Review: Spinz Sun-Tan Remover

First of all, I was not really into Spinz products! I have tried their deos, and some of them are really good. I have tried their talcs, and I swear I won't go near them again! So, when I saw this tan removing cream by Spinz with that drab color combination and packaging, I went meh! I believed it won't be any good coz when those fairness creams don't work, what good would this one be? But we all love to remove tan from our skin and look even and radiant, so I thought let's just try it ones.

They say that the first impression is the best impression, and that is why packaging gains all the more importance because it can help to market the product well. The packaging also sends a signal to the consumer that the company has put in that effort into the product such that if the packaging is good, then the product ought to be good too! But they also say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, the product by its packaging. Boy! That is true. Some products don't please the eyes, but their effect speaks for itself and that is all the marketing that it needs. Just the case as this Spinz sun tan remover.

It is a pearly white cream and it comes in a tube with a tiny opening which dispenses thin strings of the product. The opening, I feel, can be a bit more wider since quite a bit of the product is used to only cover the face and neck. The cream feels soothing on the skin and the fragrance is mild too (thank goodness that it doesn't smell strong like the typical Spinz)! It has a typical fairness cream consistency which is neither too thick nor too runny. It doesn't blend into the skin but will just sit on top just like a bleach cream. Thankfully it doesn't feel greasy to touch.

This is a cream face mask so it doesn't dry up on the skin. Just have to let it sit on the skin for 5 - 10 minutes and it gets the job done in that little time. It fits perfectly into a busy girls schedule. It has no bleach in its ingredients making it safe to use on skin, even on sun burnt skin, and on daily basis. It is recommended to use it daily but not more than once a day. I apply it on cleansed skin using my fingers. I apply a thin layer all over my face and neck omitting the mouth and around the eyes. I have also used it on my arms and on my feet to get rid of the tan. It is creamy in texture and spreads easily. You can leave it on longer if you like, but I have not observed any difference in the result with keeping it on for longer. It takes a little effort to wash off the mask though and it doesn't easily come off the skin. It doesn't even dissolve in water so it needs a little rubbing to get off the skin. You could use a face towel or face wipes to remove it but my skin turns red with all that rubbing so I just wash it off.

The result is amazing! It matches that of a skin bleach, but this one is not a bleach. It moisturizes the skin well. I have normal to oily skin, and don't feel the need to apply moisturizer after that. The result appears at least a half shade lighter than the tan. This amazing result is all thanks to the wonderful ingredients that are used in the product. Please see below the list of ingredients and their respective benefits. All of the skin lightening agents are natural extracts. It also has some good skin care stuff.

Tan removing natural ingredients:

Lactic acid - It is an AHA which is formed by the bacterial fermentation of milk. It naturally dissolves dead skin cells and also moisturizes the fresh skin underneath. As it is acidic in nature, sensitive skin may react to it.

Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato extract) - This is the latin name for Tomato. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. It has strong anti-oxidant properties which makes it a wonderful ingredient for anti-aging remedies and products.

Citrus medica limonum extract (Lemon peel extract) - Lemon Peel extract is naturally rich in Vitamin C and anti-oxidant bioflavonoids. It not only fades scars and discoloration due to pigmentation making the complexion even toned, it can also bleach skin safely and naturally to lighten skin darkened in sun tan. Skin lightening is not the only benefit, it also makes the skin smooth and silky to touch. Being astringent in nature, it  can tighten up pores, reduce oiliness, and fight acne and pimples. However it is photosensitive, so it must not be used before stepping out in the sun. Best time to use it is in the evening.

Citrus grandis extract (Grapeseed extract) - Grapeseed extract helps to tone up the skin and also reduce acne. As an anti-microbial, it can fight minor skin infections. It can also help prolong the life of a cosmetic by acting as a natural preservative.

Vaccinium myrtillus extract (Blueberry extract) - Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin which gives it the beautiful blue color. It has anti-oxidant properties protecting the skin from free radicals and making it more resilient to damage. IT also reduces the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It is also rich in Vitamin C which reduces blotchy skin appearance. Vitamin A in it helps to treat acne and acne scars.

Citric acid - Citric acid can slough off dead skin cells and also boost the cell renewal process. It lightens skin and heals damaged skin, making it perfect for sun tanned skin.

Malic acid - Malic acid is found in almost all fruits, but it is abundant in apples. It gives it the pleasantly sour taste. Malic acid is also a type of AHA but much milder than the others. It penetrates deep into the skin taking all its benefits along with itself. It improves skin complexion and smoothness. It moisturizes the skin keeping it soft and supple and also keeps signs of aging at bay. It is slightly acidic, thereby naturally dissolving dead skin cells. If bright, radiant glow is what you need, look no further - Malic acid will come to your rescue.

Milk - Milk contains lactose, milk protein, milk lipids all of which help make the skin healthy and radiant. Lactose attracts and retains moisture in the skin, milk protein and lipids condition the skin. The benefits of milk for beautiful skin is no secret as one of most powerful queen to have ruled the mighty Egyptian dynasty, Cleopatra, used to bathe in milk.

Saffron - Anti-bacterial and skin lightening.

Natural moisturizing  ingredients:

Honey - Moisturizer and anti-bacterial.

Glycerin - It is a humectant meaning that it absorbs moisture from the environment and moisturizes the skin and keeps it soft and supple.

Skin care chemical ingredients:

Triethanolamine - For its strong alkaline nature, it is used as a pH adjuster.

Isopropyl myristate - It not only conditions the skin but helps the product absorb better by penetrating into deeper layers of the skin.

Allantoin - It soothes and softens the skin. It is a common ingredient in diaper rash creams.

Propylene glycol - It softens skin and gives it a smooth feel.

Titanium dioxide - Gives white color to the cosmetic and also acts as a sunscreen.

Stearic acid - It is a fatty acid with a waxy texture found in natural substances likes shea butter and cocoa butter. It is used as a cleansing agent and also to add some opacity to the product.

Cetyl alcohol - It also has a waxy texture and used as an emulsifier to keep oils and water bound together. In face masks like this product, it needs to be emulsified enough so that it sits on the skin and not absorb into the skin. It is also a good moisturizer.

Pentaerytthrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxycinnamate - Anti-oxidant.

Disodium EDTA - It prevents the metallic ingredients from inter-reacting.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative

Harmful ingredients:

Methyl paraben - Preservative. But, it is known to disrupt female hormonal balance.

Propyl paraben - Preservative. Also, disrupts female hormonal balance.

Sodium metabisulphite - Preservative. May irritate eyes and sensitive skin.

Perfume

The result doesn't last very long and will compel you to re-use it the next day. It doesn't have a long lasting effect either, so it cannot remove the tan completely and maintain it that way. It is better to use it if you have a special occasion to attend or something, it will give skin a nice glow. My skin looks even and radiant after using it and I must admit that it looks like it has been bleached. However, there is no bleaching going on as the facial hair remained the same color. The effect slowly wears off. On the second day, it is half gone and by the third day, it is gone! And this experience is with minimum sun exposure during the day. If you are out in the sun often then it won't last that long. Like I said that I used it over my face, neck, arms and feet, the best result was seen on my feet to my surprise. It lightened my feet and they feel super soft as if I got a pedicure. It completely got rid of the tan lines on my feet from my sandals and also kept them looking good. All this in just a couple of uses. Perhaps 5 - 6 times. Next best result was seen on my face, followed by my neck and arms. My face was literally glowing. I was so happy with it. It was almost love at first use! But it didn't completely get the tan off my face. But that is still OK because the glow it gives to my skin and the way it looks conditioned and even toned make up for it. Skin actually looks healthy. Every time I use it, I am a happy consumer.

The product lasted for about 10 applications. I think that is a fair amount. It is affordable and it works like a charm. It is definitely worth a try without a doubt. It is sure to make its way into your hearts too.

Review: Liquid Neutrogena Face Wash

Neutrogena sounds like a totally new brand but it is actually a group of products by none other than Johnson and Johnson.

Johnson and Johnson is a big brand and has been around for quite a few decades. Over this period it has won many hearts and also broke many a naive heart's trust. So much so that in many countries this brand is shunned and it has lost its value. All this tragedy is because it uses some chemicals in its products, including those baby ones, which are harmful or banned.

Coming to this Neutrogena face wash, it is not much different from a typical J&J product in that it too contains many toxic chemicals. Please read below for the complete list of ingredients and their uses. Those that are harmful are marked in red.

Water - Base

Glycerin - Glycerin is a byproduct of saponification and it is also known as sweet oil. It attracts moisture from the environment to the skin making it useful for dry skin.

Oleic acid - It is a fatty acid which acts as a cleanser.

Coconut acid - Oils are needed in any kind of soap so that a strong hydrolysis is formed to produce soap. Coconut oil has good skin conditioning properties and it is the base of this cleanser.

Sodium hydroxide - It is one of the main ingredients of soap. It hydrolyses fat to form soap.

Triethanolamine - It is a strong alkaline substance and so it can modify the pH of the product accordingly.

Sodium trideceth sulphate - It is a rather harsh detergent that can strip the oils from the skin. 

Sodium cocoamphoacetate and Cocoamphodiacetate - These are coconut oil derivatives which increase the foaming factor of any soap/ cleanser.

Citric acid - It is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that can help to exfoliate and regenerate new skin cells promoting healthy skin. As it is acidic in nature, it can alter the pH of the product accordingly. 

Caprylyl glycol - It is a good moisturizer and increases the anti-bacterial property of any preservative used in the product. 

Trisodium HEDTA - It prevents the ingredients from reacting to each other by binding to metal ions and making them inactive. It also maintains the clarity of the product. 

Phenoxyethanol - It is an anti-bacterial so it acts as a preservative which has come to the spotlight after the paraben scare. However, it is not the safest alternative to parabens. It is advised to be used in proportions less than 1% by the cosmetic regulations. According to some studies, prolonged use could cause contact dermatitis, worsen the condition of eczema, and build up toxins in the system harming the brain, the nervous system and the reproductive system.

BHT - Butylated hydroxytoluene is a preservative. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has banned its use in cosmetics as it is proved to have harmful effects on the hormonal balance. 

Hexylene glycol - It is used as a solving agent/ viscosity decreasing agent in facial cleansers. It is used to thin out the product so that it can spread more easily. It may irritate the eyes and sensitive skin on contact.

CI 19140, CI 17200, CI 42090

Review:

Speaking of my experience with this product has been quite contrary to its general popularity in the market. I expected great much things from it and it just left me looking dull and lifeless. I have no idea how it didn't suit me but after looking at those ingredients, it's actually a blessing in disguise that it did not work out for me. Just imagine if it would have actually impressed me and I continued to use it bottle after bottle and our love saga just went on and on ?

So, the face wash actually bears a very strong resemblance to J&J baby shampoo - its color and fragrance are so similar that I often wonder if it is a cleverly repackaged consumable. It is a mustard yellow liquid with a smooth texture that foams well with water. Just as easily it foams up, it is difficult to completely wash off. I always felt like a film of soap was left over on my skin.

I guess it will work well on oily or summer skin by getting rid of oil and also to keep skin oil free. Beauties with dry skin please be advised and stay miles away from it. It is just - not - meant - to - be. My skin felt and looked dry and patchy with no bit of glow peeping through. Utter disappointment!

Since it works wonders with all of what it has got to keep skin dry, it can combat pimples due to excessive oiliness. Probably a majority of its hopeful buyers also expect the same. Perhaps that is why it is still so famous - it probably dries out pimples in the same way and helps to bid goodbye ( for a while at least ).

Then its effect on my skin texture. I cannot really comment since that soap film always remained even after towel patting skin dry.

With every face wash, one would expect a beautiful sunset glow. But as I mentioned earlier, it actually stripped all glow and every thing off my face.

So, I don't have much to speak of. Once bitten twice shy. I have this bottle since a couple of months and now it is gathering dust in a forlorn corner.

I never meant to put ill reviews up in my blog but I felt that I could raise awareness on its bad chemicals content and to urge every one to use it wisely.

REVIEW: Patanjali Rose Face Wash

Patanjali Rose Face Wash is made from natural ingredients like extracts of rose, neem, and aloe vera.

Composition:
Each 10 ml contains extracts of
Rose - 50 mg
Aloe vera - 50 mg
Neem - 5 mg

Base material - Aqua, gel base, honey, diazolidinyl urea, IPBC, vitamin E, fragrance, CI 15450

Net weight - 60 g
MRP - INR 60
Shelf life - 1.5 years
Recommended for normal to oily skin.
Claims: Useful for dry and rough skin and to reduce pimples.

I had been eyeing the Rose face wash for a while but I never purchased it as I was already using the rose soap and I thought the two would be similar. If you haven't read my blog on the rose body cleanser already, read it here. I finally gave in and bought it while I was travelling recently as the tube is more handy to carry around than the soap. So, are the two really similar? Read on to know more about the face wash.

Most Patanjali face washes contain more than one ingredient, and to me that is really confusing because I like one ingredient and don't like the other one in it so I end up not purchasing it at all. But the Patanjali Rose face wash is is packaged with only a beautiful picture of a rose on the tube as if it is a solo ingredient product. Well, that is somewhat true too, as rose is one of the main ingredient, but it also has aloe vera extract in equal quantity as rose, and a little bit of neem. All these ingredients are present in such tiny quantities, milligrams to be precise, it is hardly a 100% au naturale product as the rest of the product is made using some or the other chemical. But at least it has some natural ingredient in it!

So, the packaging is a simple yet beautiful one with a really pretty color combination of white and pink. How girly! I love it! The tube is white and it has a pretty rose on it and the text and all that jazz is in pink - the kind of pink that you would associate with a rose. The tube has a flip cap which is (thankfully) easy on the nails. It is a medium sized tube (60g), neither compact nor too bulky but it is easy to carry around in a make up bag.

The face wash is almost transparent but has the slightest hint of baby pink to it. It is a gel base so it is quite refreshing for use in the summer time. No prizes for guessing the fragrance; rose!It is not as strong as the rose body cleanser but it is nice and mild. It doesn't lather like soap but just forms a foamy film which washes off easily. It does not leave any sticky or tacky feeling on the skin like most gel based soaps do. I use quite a fair amount of the face wash over my face and neck and then it does its job well. 

Now let's talk about its benefits. Rose is a really good natural moisturizer and it is great for dry skin. It also helps to even out the complexion by erasing scars and pigmentation. By the way, did you that the scent of a rose is an aphrodisiac? Pretty obvious, if you think about it! Aloe vera suits dry, normal, and oily skin alike. It is so effective on dry skin and on oily skin it just tones down the oiliness. Neem is an antibacterial agent and it helps to fight pimples.

The product itself mentions that it is meant for normal to oily skin, and it is true! If you have dry skin, or you want to use this in the winter, drop that idea right there. That is quite ironic since rose is meant to work on dry skin. But this works well on oily skin or in the summer. The first time that I used it, it gave a tingling fresh sensation. It being summer, I loved the feeling. But, alas! My skin quickly de-sensitized to it and I couldn't feel it again but it sure feels refreshing every time I use it. It is a very mild cleanser, so if you are looking to remove your make up with it, uh-uh! In the summer, I feel the need to wash my face often as I get oily in the blink of an eye, and I feel guilty to use soap that often. But as this one is so gentle, it hardly feels like soap. So, once the cleansing is done, I feel my skin is smooth but glossy, still. If you like your skin looking matte after a face wash, especially if you have oily skin then I am sure you like a matte look, then this guy won't impress you. But glossy skin is a perfect base for make up. If you do intend to wear mattifying foundation, then this face wash will give you the perfect glossy base, so that your make up will look soft and dewy. I feel it works well that way. As far as the fragrance goes, it is not strong and it vanishes after having patting skin dry. It didn't work well on acne or acne scars which is again disappointing because all the three natural ingredients in there are supposed to be good for that. I really wonder that its ingredients are one thing and what it works for is a different thing.

Overall, this product is awesome for normal skin. It is also awesome for a glossy looking skin. If you already have perfect skin and are looking for the mildest cleanser out there to maintain your amazing skin, then this is the one for you. If you are looking for a remedy to fix your problem skin, this is a waste of money. I guess having already used the rose soap, my expectations out of this face wash were high, but they came crashing down. I now use other face washes to fix any skin issues that I may be facing at that point and only use this one along the way.

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.