Forest Essentials’ Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rose Water

This summer, to give my skin some much needed solace from the scorching Delhi heat, I decided to get the Forest Essentials’ Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rose Water. I’ve always loved visiting the store, driven by its exotic Ayurvedic vibes and the seductive aroma of its various products. And, yes, of course, I was excited to buy what I wanted to, to realize later that it was indeed a good call.

 “The skin requires a gentle boost after cleansing to rehydrate and tone it and prepare it for your nourishing routine. Our pure and active water-based toners are made from floral, fruit and herbal extracts, captured and crystallized at the height of potency, essential to the Ayurvedic philosophy; to hydrate tone and revive the skin. Rose has cooling, soothing and moisturizing properties. It is naturally hydrating. Its seductive floral scent, promotes a feeling of well being and harmony.”

“Rose is amongst the best tonics reported in Ayurveda for their skin benefits. Fresh Roses are steam distilled for the essential oil and the hydrating rose water residue is used for the facial tonic mist.”

“Use as toner after cleansing or to freshen skin during the day.”

Well, my sole reason to buy this tonic product, apart from the obvious benefits mentioned above, was also its size, allowing me to carry it in my bag and use it as a refresher anywhere I go.

The spray bottle is indeed refreshing, hydrating and does leave you with the instant cooling effect without making your skin dry. This is one of my summer favorite, which can also be used as a toner after cleansing the face.

Another thing I love about the product is that it is 100% natural and free from Parabens, Petroleum, GMO, Sulphates, Formaldehyde, PEGS, artificial color, synthetic fragrance and animal testing.  It contains 100% pure, steam distilled rose water.  No wonder I was comfortable paying the high price for the product.

However, there is one thing that puts me off – the aroma of rose water, which is too strong for me! L

Never mind that, I’ll buy the same product in another fragrance the next time. J

Sephora Gift Hamper

I am a regular subscriber to various fashion magazines and guess what I received on my renewal of Harper Bazaar - Sephora Gift Hamper !!! Oh my, isn't it amazing ! I am so excited and looking forward to try all these products.

Benefit 'They're Real Mascara: This is one of the cult product from Benefit. Can't wait to see what wonders it does to my eyes!

MakeUp ForEver Lipstick: I got 'Rouge Artist Intense 41' - a warm red tone. Uhmm.. I love my MAC 'Ruby Woo' but let's see how this one goes on my lips :)

Burt's Bees Daisy White Serum: My H2O serum recently got over, so I am happy to have this one. I might not have to buy another one if this suits my skin ;)

Burt's Bees Lip Balm: I love this one! I did buy this one as a gift for my sister some time back and was thinking of getting one for myself. And here I have it! That too as a gift !

Stila liquid eye liner: My Revlon liner is about to finish, so again, this one is a treat !

Gifts are always nice to receive. Isn't it? Well so I've decided to do a giveaway soon ! Excited?? So, do keep an eye out and don't forget to participate !!

Clinique 'All About Eyes'

One of the first skincare products that I started using was under-eye cream. Moreover, I have been using this product religiously since my college days. Initially my sole purpose in doing so was to purely prevent  dark circles around my eyes, only to realize it also provided much needed hydration and prevents future wrinkles.

In India, eye creams commercially emerged late nineties, with only a single brand of the product in the market promoting the benefits of it (remember the Garnier ad!). Until then, we had been relying upon the traditional treatment of using cucumber and potato slices to soothe our eyes! Gone are those days, we now have available with us a range of brands and products including, ‘desi’ (quintessentially Indian) or Ayurvedic, targeting specific concerns,separate formulation for male and females.

Silicone-based ‘All About Eyes’ is a moisturizing under-eye cream that is very light on the skin. It is definitely very hydrating and very smooth on the skin. Further, it can also be used before applying makeup and act as a base. One great thing about Clinique products is that they are fragrance-free; a very safe bet for those who have sensitive nose :).

This non-greasy cream is to be used morning and night after cleanser-toner-moisturizer routine. Rather, I should say this is the moisturizer for our delicate eye area! One has to apply it like any other eye area product - with a ring finger while dabbing it lightly. Always remember not to pull and tug your skin as the skin around this area is very sensitive. The product  is meant for all skin types and available in gel formulation as well.

Description on the product:
Lightweight eye cream diminishes the appearance of eye puffs, darkness and fine lines. Non-creep, cream/gel formula actually helps hold eye makeup in place. For use morning and night, both under eyes and on lids. Ophthalmologist Tested.

Well, this silky eye cream is definitely hydrating, so yes, it does work well for the initial fine lines. It helps puffy eyes as well. However, it doesn't do much for dark circles.

I did a little research on its key ingredients and found: caffeine helps in reducing puffiness, wheat sphingolipids repairs skin's moisture barrier and whey protein stimulates collagen production. Additionally, it has antioxidants rich green tea extract, vitamin B6, linoleic acid, cholesterol, and vitamin E. 

Packaged in a pot, one has to dip fingers to take out the product. I would suggest using clean hands while doing the same to avoid transferring and breeding of germs.

You can ask for free sample at any of the Clinique store to try this product. In addition, Clinique stores also provide complete skin analysis for free (although, I never  really found them useful) !

Yellow Fever

Well, YELLOW is the color of this season .. and my fav too !

We can do so much fun with this vibrant color. One thing that i am really loving currently is - dipping my nails in this sooo pick-me-up hue.

Another fantastic thing about yellow is that it is universally flattering - especially on nails ! (Which most people don't believe because they pick the wrong yellow!)

  I opted for pocket-friendly Faces Canada in Aureolin.

I used three coats of this shade to get the right pigment as it is quite watery.

Do you like it ?

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy

 Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy tubes in six different fragrances - This is the gift box that I received upon subscribing Cosmopolitan Magazine few months back ! Packaging is soo cute and the sizes are perfect to carry in your bags. Moreover, these are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol. This non-oily moisturizing cream nourishes hands and cuticles as it contains macadamia nut oil, shea butter and Myrrh extract.

Texture of these babies is little thick and creamy. However, it is absorbed by our delicate skin in minutes, leaving hands well moisturized without being greasy. I always find massaging cream onto my hands very therapeutic ! Totally blissful ! Do try !

KIEHL’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque

Last month I visited Kiehl’s store, following great reviews about its products, especially its overnight masks. The hydrating mask is the latest addition to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial line. Launched few months back, overnight masks are still fairly new in the skin care industry.

“Replenishes skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and healthy-looking skin”

“In just one application this ultra-hydrating masque, formulated with Ophiopogon Japonicus (aka Fountain Plant), fills skin’s ‘hydration reservoir’ to help reduce moisture depletion. Combined with skin-protecting Glacial Proteins and moisture-retaining Desert Plants, our formula leaves skin smoother and softer, refreshed and supple.”

Of course, I was sold to that product description and I picked it up to give it a shot J

I am not really fond of the idea of night creams as I believe that one should let the skin breathe after the daily exposure of environmental pollutants combined with usage of various gels/serums/creams containing chemicals. However, I also don’t really mind applying a mask overnight, albeit only once a week. And now….after test-applying this product for a month (once every week), I decided to write about it. Ideally I should have tried this product during winter for a real test, considering the dryness of that particular season. Nevertheless, it is still a good use for summers and works fine for my combination skin. (do note that the product is for all skin types). Old school theory that oily skins don’t need any hydration is such a myth- skin does actually turns greasy due to lack of moisture, when oil production increases to lubricate the skin. Moreover, whatever your skin type may be, hydration is necessary not only to keep the skin healthy but also to delay ageing.

Since it is an overnight mask – meaning that we are required to sleep with it – I was indeed skeptical !! Hmmm….wouldn’t it get messy? Will it bother my sweet sleep? Any side-effects?

No, the process is easy - we need to apply a thick layer of this almost translucent mask all over the face and neck avoiding the eyes and the area around it. Considering my skin is quite sensitive, it did initially burn a little around my cheeks. Furthermore, my cheeks did turn a little red. However, the burning sensation subsided after couple of minutes. After ten minutes, remove the excess, while leaving the remaining for overnight replenishment. I used a tissue paper and dab dab to clean, while no rinsing was required. Voila! Allowing (almost absorbed) mask do the work overnight. Sleeping with this (barely there) mask is not difficult and not at all messy.

Next day my skin felt well hydrated, supple and healthy…something which always makes me smile looking at the mirror. J

This gel-like mask locks and helps in retaining the natural moisture of skin. I have acne prone skin, therefore at times I have to use an acne spot treatment which dries out my skin. Hence, the night following the treatment, I always use this mask to allow my skin to regain its moisture. This transparent clear gel contains glycerin and therefore, reminds me of my childhood nights, when my mom applied glycerin on my face (in winters) to avoid flaky skin. 

I also tried the product on my friend who has a very dry skin, and the next morning her skin too felt hydrated and soft. If required (like in winters) one may use the product twice a week.

Another important feature about this product is that it is silicon-free, paraben-free, colorant-free and fragrance-free. 

Price: INR 2,100 for 125 ml - Considering once a week usage it may easily last for almost a year !

Enjoy using it!

My Summer Beauty Haul !

 

Over the last few weeks I added some beauty products from various stores to satiate/quench my summer thirst :) Most of the products were planned purchases so no binge shopping for me!


KIEHL'S Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque - This is something new for me - an overnight mask (wow..was instantly sold to the idea!!) and bought it last month. Clinique too is out with one.. (can't wait to get my hands on that as well). Click on the link to check post on the same.


MAC Fix+ - I have been thinking of buying this for some time. It's a skin refresher plus finishing mist. Great product !

Lush Sweet Lips - Yummy scrub for my lips. Previously i used to scrub my lips by mixing sugar and oil from my kitchen. However, after reading great review at http://titiyangzom.blogspot.in/2013/04/titiyangzom.html, I couldn't help but get one myself !

Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist - This is facial mist - natural rose water in a small on-the-go bottle, ideal to be carried around in my bag. Perfect summer buy !

Ouidad Clarifying Shampoo - This has been on my list for quite some time. Alas, I feel less guilty after using all those hair styling products !

Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Slimming Oil - I know one doesn't get slim by using these products but no harm in using this one - it's natural and can be used as a wonderful body moisturizer ! Buying this product in winter would have made more sense but I got to read about this in one of my recent magazines. :)

The Body Shop Cactus Brush - I have been thinking of trying dry brushing - so i bought this one for the same :). Lets experiment!

That's all for now ... It is so much fun to share about my newly bought goodies. I prefer to use all and more for couple weeks, so I can share more with you guys  :)

TLC Tips for your Makeup Brushes

We all are too lazy to clean our makeup brushes. However, cleaning makeup brushes is as important as washing clothes! It's a part of basic hygiene. They are so intimate just because they get in contact with our delicate skin, carried around in our bags and pouches with loads of other crap. So these workhorses do need some TLC.

Proper brush care will lead to longevity, as over a period of time, brushes lose their softness due to makeup buildup. We spend so much on buying good quality brushes! Hence, why allow the bacteria to harbor in them? We should clean them on a regular basis/or after every use to remove makeup buildup, dirt & debris, bacteria, oils, dead skin cells.

We may either use regular shampoo or a professional cleaner designed for cleaning makeup brushes. Well, I prefer using both. 

 I am always in a rush while doing my makeup and I don’t usually have enough time to clean them. So I give my brushes a quick wipe with my MAC cleaner (INR650 for 235ml), after each use (you may have noticed MAC sales girls quickly wiping brushes with some liquid before use). However, this product is meant for cleaning and rinsing. Nevertheless, I give my brushes quick wipe so that makeup doesn't settle in them. Thorough cleaning is left for later. And even later, if I forget to clean my brushes for days, I am not worried because using MAC solution provides me with some kind of solace. It cleans, disinfects (as it contains alcohol) and conditions. Brush cleansers from Estee Lauder, Sephora, Makeup Forever and Clinique are other options available in our country  If you don't want to spend on these bottles, than just go for face cleansing wipes :)

Next day or whenever I am free, I rinse them with the same liquid and they are ready for my next use.

Once every month I deep cleanse them using oil and a shampoo. Yes, I oil them to break the buildup. It also adds softness. Then I dip them in a shampoo and water solution and let it sit for five minutes. Finally, I rinse them and Voila! they are squeaky clean. If you find this boring, a quick rinse with a normal shampoo or a professional cleanser is also good enough (depending on the usage and dirt).

I know you must be thinking that I am some kind of a nerd with loads of time to waste!! However, besides the fact that I am actually a finicky person and I prefer everything clean and tidy, trust me, your pampered brushes will reciprocate by loving your skin just as much :):)

Last but not the least, do not forget to:

• ensure that they are completely clean: Rub the brush head back and forth over a paper towel or tissue repeatedly until there is no more product coming off
•  rinse with the hairs pointing downwards to prevent water entering the ferrule (metal part) or in to the handle. Doing opposite may lead to loosening of the glue that holds the brush together. Again for the same reason, don’t dry your brushes on paper towels/ cloth towel in an upright position. Keep them tilted pointing downwards by creating an elevation in the middle

The Royal 'JIVA' Experience

During my recent weekend getaway at Usha Kiran Palace, Taj’s heritage property in Gwalior, I decided to get some pampering at its luxurious, award-winning and all-natural Spa, Jiva.

As you enter the spa, adjacent to the pool and lush garden, you immediately realize that you've entered a serene place with birds chirping and sunlight filtering through the windows. I was approached by the smiling Narayan, who is the spa head of the branch. He welcomed me and gave me a tour of the spa, while explaining the available spa treatments, customized for Gwalior menu.

The signature treatment is known as Mangal Snan (Auspicious Bath), a three hour treatment, which includes cleansing, exfoliating, massage and a beauty bath. The treatment was devised keeping in mind the history and legends of the royal city of Gwalior, narrated to us by Narayan. He then showed me the beautiful room designed especially for this particular treatment, including a local musician sitting behind a jharokha (enclosed balcony), allowing one to relax and unwind to the live music.

However, as I did not have three hours to spare, I settled for a two hour treatment known as Jivanaya (Invigorate). It comprises of beauty ritual Narikela –scrub that gently exfoliates and moisturizes, and of Indian aromatherapy oil massage – Vishram. As this special scrub cools and nourishes the body, Narayan highly recommended it, considering the hot weather. He also told me that they only use kitchen ingredients.

I was introduced to my masseur, Miss Lamha from Darjeeling, who was, courteous and pleasant. I was asked to fill a form to assess my health and other medical conditions, if any. It is easy to tell when you are in professional hands. I was all excited, ready to be pampered and relax à la Maharani.

Miss Lamha directed me to Agni (Fire), the spa room prepared for me. Dim lights, calming aroma and soothing music - all the ingredients for relaxation.

After changing into a bathrobe, I was asked to lie on my back on the massage bed. First, my body was exfoliated from head to toe with a scrub made of coconut powder (key ingredient), milk, turmeric and cream. It smelled yummy!

After the scrub, she wrapped me in a towel like a baby :) While the ingredients were getting absorbed by my skin, she massaged my head very gently. Oh my, I relaxed under her spell, falling into a deep somber. After 15 minutes, I was woken up gently for a quick shower to wash away the scrub. mmmm... My skin felt so baby soft…

Post shower, I was on the massage bed again for the seconde partie. The aromatic oil made of Kewda, Frankincense, Brahmi, Sandalwood and Sesame was massaged gently using palm and thumb strokes all over my body.

Usually, before any massage I tend to get little stiff, in the anticipation of strong pressure, however, she was so skilled with a gentle but effective touch. Her magical delicate hands - kneading and massaging oil into my body, releasing tension from my stiff and stressed muscles. I felt heavenly and just wanted this experience to go on and on. However, all good things come to an end, although she did give me a quick complimentary face massage. Soon the beautiful experience was over leaving me calm and happy.

I was very content with the entire experience and Narayan welcomed me back again where we chit chatted for a while. I told him that I wanted to try Managal Snan and I won’t mind visiting the 'Royal City' again. :)

FYI: The two hour treatment costs INR 3, 850 + taxes. 20% discount for a Taj InnerCircle Members.