Beauty Haul + Mini Review ft. The Body Shop, Ananda Spa, Batiste etc.

I keep a list of products I want. These are the ones I’ve heard good reviews of but I’m waiting for them to go on sale so that I can buy them with lesser guilt. Believe it or not, some of them have been on my digital wishlist on every e-commerce website I stalk - because why should I miss out on a good deal, eh?

Empties #3 - Body care products I used up in 2015-16 ft. Iraya, The Body Shop etc.

I have wayyy too many empties guys, some these products have been sitting in my house since 2015. Instead of piling them all into post I decided to divide them in to sections – body care, skincare & makeup. So today I’ll be talking about the body products I managed to finish.

Important facts about sun protection // Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock, Body Mist Sunscreen Review

Let’s talk SUNSCREENS, they're only the most important skin care product. That’s why this post has been on my mind ever since the hot summer season started. As you can see from the pictures, I actually have two sets of sunscreens, one is empty & the other is new. If its not broke, why fix it right? Both these sunscreens have worked well for me when I first used them so I have repurchased them.

Some important points about sunscreens:  

Fact 1: UV rays that reach our atmosphere are of 2 types-UVA & UVB. UVB rays cause sunburns & skin cancer. SPFs measure only UVB protection. Any SPF 15 product filters out 93% of the UVB , SPF 30 filters out 97%, & SPF 45 filters out 98% of UVB rays. The best UVB protection you can offer your skin is SPF30.

Fact 2: UVA rays may also cause skin cancer. But the amount of protection against UVA rays cannot be measured by SPF. Presence of ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, ecamsule, and oxybenzone indicate UVA protection. Sunscreens with both UVA & UVB protection could be labeled multi spectrum, broad spectrum, or UVA/UVB protection. PA+ is a Japanese UVA rating (‘+’ is the lowest rating & ‘+++’ is the highest).

Fact 3:  SPF in makeup & skincare only protects you from UVB rays. In order to protect your skin from UVA rays, its mandatory to use a sunscreen having ingredients mentioned in Fact 2. To quote WebMD, “Ultra-protective makeup is a boon for skin. But think of it as the Robin to your sunscreen's Batman — a dynamic duo stronger together than either is alone”.

Fact 4: Sunblock is a physical kind of protective lotion containing both organic and non-organic ingredients that act as a barrier between your skin and UV rays by reflecting or scattering them. Sunscreen is the chemical kind that penetrates the skin and absorbs the UV rays before they reach the protective outer epidermis layer of your skin & damage it.

When you’re looking for a sunscreen in India, go for one that has an Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher and is broad spectrum(i.e both UVA & UVB protection). Why? See Fact 1 above. For me, the sunscreens that met all the criteria are the Neutrogena Dry Touch ones. There are many more 

in the market but currently these two are the only ones that give you a bang for your buck.

The Neutrogena Dry-Touch technology claims to leave a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish. Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreens are also non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores), oil free & PABA(Para-AminoBenzoic Acid) free. They also have claims such as ‘broad spectrum’ (mentioned in Fact 2) and ‘helioplex’. Helioplex is stabilized version of Avobenzone (mentioned in Fact 2), which deflects a wider range of UVA rays than other anti-UVA ingredients. It is stabilized so that it doesn’t degrade in sunlight i.e its staying power is extended.  These sunscreens need to be applied 15-30mins before sun exposure!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+:

Price: Rs.175 ($2.75)/Rs499($8)

Qty: 30ml(1 fl.oz)/88ml(2.97 fl.oz)

Availability: Nykaa | Flipkart |Amazon

Ingredients:

Water, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone – 3, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Beeswwax, Gylceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan gum, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate copolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylstearate, BHT, Trideceth – 6, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Methylisothiazolinone, Diethylhexyl 2, 6 Napthlate

Review:

I've been using this since a long time, I had even mentioned it in a summer skin care post last year.I use this sunblock primarily for my face & feet. It’s a white colored creamy product, inspite of being ‘dry touch’, it spreads easily on the skin. However it’s not comfortable to spread all over the body unless I’ve properly moisturized, and it feels too heavy on my body post moisturization (that’s why I use the sunscreen reviewed below) It claims to give a ‘non-shiny’ finish, however, after application my skin does look slightly shiny, even after powdering on top. But it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It needs to be applied 15-30mins before going out in the sun. It’s also waterproof, sweat proof & resists rub off. I can’t attest to the waterproof claims but I do think it resists rub offs. I always buy the small size(30mls) and carry it in my purse as well to reapply when I’m outside for longer durations. It does protect my skin from tanning & I would definitely recommend this product to everyone having normal to oily skin type.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30:

Price: Rs.675 ($10.6)

Qty: 141g (5 fl.oz)

Availability: Nykaa | Flipkart |Snapdeal

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone

Review:

I use this spray-type of sunscreen only for my body. I like using it for the whole body because it’s very convenient and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin when used post moisturization. One thing that I’m not too fond of is that it makes my skin look shiny post application. Shiny skin looks good if you have waxed your arms. If you haven’t, it’s not an appealing look. It can make the skin really greasy too, if you apply alot. But this is something I have to overlook because of the ease of use. I do wish this bottle was available in smaller sizes so that I can always carry one around in my purse & reapply whenever I’m outside for longer durations. According to the instructions, once you spray this onto your skin, you do have to rub it in. I haven’t used this on my face, my sister tried it a couple of times on her face & it broke her out so I would not recommend it. As for sun-protection, I think it has prevented my arms & legs from tanning & if used liberally it protects my feet from tanning but not for long, which is why I use the sunscreen mentioned above.  It is water resistant for 80min. This is the cheapest sunscreen spray in the Indian market & I definitely recommend everyone to try it out at least once.

Now, coming to another important fact about sunscreen-

Fact 5: You need to apply at least a 1/4^th tea-spoon sized amount on the face & neck each for the sunscreen to be effective. If you’re using a spray, it should be applied until an even sheen appears on the skin. Sunscreen should always be the final step of your skincare/makeup routine, because anything applied over your sunblock will reduce its effectiveness. ANY sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration or outdoor activities.

Before you rate a sunscreen for not working, make sure you’re using it properly girls!

I would suggest you to try out at least one of these sunscreens, and definitely buy them online because its always cheaper than buying at the store! Let me know your favorite sunscreens in the comments!

Empties #2 - Empties And Some Nearly-Empties

So finally my second empties is here! Yay! I never thought I’d reach here so soon :P This time I have stuff that’s completely finished and stuff that’s nearly about to, just like 2-3mls of the product left.  A lot of the products haven’t been reviewed here so I’ve kept a couple of mini reviews in here as well. For more mini-reviews check out my Empties #1 post and Skin care post.

(These are the nearly empties)

(l-r) VS Mist, Pucelle Mist, Neutrogena Cleanser

My Summer Skin Care Routine For Combination Oily Skin and Some Skin Care Tips For You

I have a combination skin. Its normal to dry in winters, rest of the year its combination-oily with a little dryness on and my nose. My T-Zone and inner cheeks also tend to get oily soon. I've been using a couple of products since April and they have become staples in my routine. I've also gotten the habit of doing a night time routine no matter how tired I am, and this has really helped me. Recently I made a few changes in the way how I go about my routine,(after watching Michelle Phan's graduation tips video) and that's been pretty beneficial as well so I decided to share them with you!

Here are some things I follow:

• Using ice as a toner: Sometimes when the heat is unbearable, I take an ice cube and rub it all over my face, going over my cheeks in circular motion. I've been doing this since years and it really helps soothe and tighten the skin, ice is a natural toner.
• Patting, instead of rubbing: Earlier I used to rub moisturizer in circular motions on my face and when I'd wake up, my skin would be super grimy. Ever since I tried 'dab-dab' motion I've woken up with much less residue on my face. Now I'm all about patting/dabbing; whether its face cream, eye cream or pimple creams, I only dab. It helps the product sink in to the skin hence its more effective.
• Always apply and ice pack to sore eyes: There are alot of times when I end up sleeping late, like 3am or so and when I wake up my eyes feel really sore. I take an ice cube on a hankie and apply it to each eye until it melts off. This is very soothing and instantly lifts up my eyes.
• Use face mask after face scrub: I don't even know why I used to do the opposite. But seriously, using a scrub prior to face mask helps the face mask sink in to the skin and work better. 
• Always remove makeup before sleeping: This is pretty self explanatory and since I've gotten the hang of doing a night time routine I always take off makeup at night.
• Sunscreen, always: Again, I don't need to tell you why. Always keep sunscreen in your hand bag as well!
• Drink water every waking hour: I find myself thirsty all the time and end up drinking water every hour and this has really helped hydrate my skin. Of course I also make a lot of trips to the bathroom, but its worth it. 

Now here are some products that I use regularly, each one is not used everyday, just as per my needs. Not all of them have worked for me. Most of these are easily available in India: 

The Cleansers:

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Black Head Eliminating Scrub, 100ml: This is the most gentle scrub I've used! I used to use it everyday but since last week, my skin feels quite normal so I use this only when I'm feeling extra grimy. Its nice for gentle exfoliation everyday.
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser, 100g: This cleanser packs some serious cleansing power. I use it once I get up in the morning, it cleans all the residue of my night routine and leaves my skin squeaky clean. Its best suited for oily skin. It can dry out skin if you're not regular with a moiturizer.
• Loreal Hydrafresh Gel Foam Combination to Oily Skin: This is the least used product here. I purchased it on a whim online and I'm not happy with it. It has SLS as a second ingredient and I guess that's harsh for my skin. Its quite pricey as well. I won't recommend this to anyone. I use it on days where I don't feel the need to use a strong cleanser like the Neutrogena Deep Clean.
• Neutrogena Liquid Face Cleanser, 150ml (not in picture): I've done a full review of this HERE. Currently I'm just using this because I want to finish it off. I use this to get rid of residue once I'm done with makeup remover.

Empties #1 - A post I thought I'd never do!

Whoa! Here’s one post I never thought I’d do. I’ve barely finished any makeup product in my life. Most of the stuff I manage to finish is skin care and bath related, but only if I don’t get bored of using them before they get empty. This isn’t a planned post, I didn’t set a target to finish x products by this month, I just happened to successfully finish a lot of products around the same time. Whilst recovering from the semi-shock and awe that I actually managed to do so, I decided to do a tiny post including their mini-reviews, because I’ve never talked about them on my blog. These products were finished around the mid May actually, yes, it took me so long just to take their pictures. 

Here’s what I managed to get rid of!:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub and Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser:

The scrub is very fine and non-abrasive. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like a scrub. Its very good for gentle daily exfoliation for my combination skin but I’ve seen no difference on the blackheads on my nose(only ones I have). I’ve been using it since July and it got over in May which means its very good value for money. During winters I used it every alternate day but otherwise, it was used daily.

       The Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser is meant for oily skin types only. One wash with this and your face will be striped off all impurities. It can give that dry stretchy feeling sometimes when I’m not regular with my moisturizer. But its my favourite cleanser for the summer season because it leaves my face instantly fresh and dirt, sweat free.

Both of these are fragrance free and neither caused any break outs for me. I love both of them and I’ve already repurchased.

Lotus Herbal’s Vanilla Velvet Daily Body Lotion and Johnson’s Baby Milk Cream are right out of my winter skin care routine. I finished them by the start of May actually. I love both of them because they’re extremely moisturizing for my super dry skin. The baby cream was used as a hand cream, its thick but absorbs easily and leaves the skin very smooth and soft. The Vanilla Velvet lotion is quite thin and absorbs super fast into the skin. Neither of them give that greasy feeling but they’re not as thin as TBS lotions either. The baby cream is fragrance free and the lotion has a light, non-over powering vanilla scent which I like a lot! I will definitely repurchase both again during winters, unless I find better alternatives.

L’Oreal Fall Repair 3X Shampoo and Conditioner:

The shampoo is actually a go-to product for me. I don’t have hair fall problem but I use these two anyways because they suit my hair. All those that I’ve used before have damaged my hair. The shampoo is nice and cleans hair with a single use itself(I wash my hair once in 3 days) but the conditioner isn’t suitable for my dry ends. Since I use a mask every alternate wash, it isn’t such a big deal to me. I also use hair oil sometimes and serum other times to take care of my dry ends. I have repurchased both, but I’m on the lookout for a better conditioner.  They’re not fragrance free, but I  like the smell, it’s a typical ‘L’Oreal hair product’ smell.

Marks and Spencer Creamy Coconut Shower Gel:

I was super excited about this, when I got it back in January. It smells wonderful, like a coconut flavoured biscuit, I’m not a fan of coconuts so I was happy that it doesn’t smell that coconut-y. Apart from the smell, there’s nothing I like about this shower gel. It’s a gel liquid, which is not moisturizing, and makes me feel soapy even after I’ve used buckets of water. It has very high SLS content. Will not repurchase again.

So that’s it for my empties- 7 products are not so bad right? I wouldn’t expect another empties post anytime soon though :P

Is it hard for you to finish products as well? Or are you a pro at it? Comment below and let me know!

Review- Liquid Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser

I'm a fan of Neutrogena's Deep clean Gentle Scrub. It was the perfect scrub because it was oil free and non-comedogenic and I would use it daily without any fear of drying out my skin. Why Neutrogena choose to discontinue this face wash is a mystery to me, I used 4-5 of the 50ml tubes in a year. Now I'm on the hunt for a good daily scrub having the same properties, but till now, no such luck. Since I had a good experience with Neutrogena I decided to try another one of their products.

*UPDATE: mybeautyexpress is now crazybeautyland.blogspot.com

What the company claims:-
Neutrogena Liquid Facial Cleanser Pure Mild has glycerin rich formula that offers a moisturized and clean look to your facial skin. It is a gentle and pure cleanser for clear, clean and healthy-looking skin. It helps in eliminating surplus oil, and never dries out your skin. This product rinses your face clean without leaving pore-clogging residue. 

Cost- Rs.270
Qty-150ml
Availability : Nykaa | Purplle | Jabong | Flipkart | Amazon