Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

When it comes to the skin, the less product we use the better. That being said, a sunscreen is probably the most important part of our daily skin routine, whether you're slaving in the sun all day or have slight to moderate sun exposure on a said day. The hassle of using a moisturizer, waiting for that to dry, putting on a layer of sunscreen lotion and then waiting some more for that to be fully absorbed is pretty time consuming if you ask me. So when I saw the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer, I couldn't contain myself and bought it instantly. It's a two-in-one product as the name suggests, a moisturizer with SPF content. It's pretty much the IT thing for me, as I'm a college-goer and don't really put on make-up so I have to forego the make-up with SPF option. Also Neutrogena's products are aimed at sensitive skinned beauties so you can use it without the fear of ending up with itchy, flaky skin or acne. 

Do i need to go higher on the SPF content while choosing my sunscreen?

"Sun reaches the earth in the form of UVB and UVA rays.  UVB radiation plays a key role in skin cancer, and SPF refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen offers.  Thus, higher SPFs can help: An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent.  Furthermore, higher SPF values offer some safety margin, since consumers generally do not apply enough sunscreen.  To evaluate SPFs, testers apply two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin.  But in everyday life, most people apply from only 0.5 to one milligram per square centimeter of skin.  Consequently, the actual SPF they achieve is approximately 1/3 of the labeled value.

Despite these advantages, there are potential downsides to using products with very high SPFs.  First, above SPF 50 (which blocks an estimated 98 percent of UVB rays), the increase in UVB protection is minimal.  Second, although UVA protection is also important (UVA not only accelerates skin aging, but contributes to and may even initiate skin cancers), SPFs mainly measure UVB protection.  Individuals applying high-SPF sunscreens may not burn (UVB is the chief cause of sunburn), but without UVA-screening ingredients they can still receive large amounts of skin-damaging radiation. To avoid such a scenario, regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia have adopted UVA testing guidelines and measurement standards, and capped the SPF of sunscreens at 50+." - taken from skincancer.org/SPF

*My advice is go no lower than SPF 30 and no higher than SPF 50 for optimal protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Here's my experience with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

What Neutrogena claims about their Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer:

Provides complete and long lasting protection against UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors. Stabilized with patented Helioplex™ that works like an invisible shield to give you superior protection from skin darkening and signs of premature aging. In a moisturizing formula that protects against dehydration, yet is oil-free and non-greasy. With Dry Touch Technology, it spreads on smoothly to a clean and non-shiny finish.
Dermatologist tested. PABA-free, oil-free, does not clog pores.

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 4%, Benzophenone-3 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%.

Water, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer,  Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer,  Steareth-100,  Cyclopentasiloxane,  Trisiloxane,  Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-2, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Neopentyl Glycol Bisabolol, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate.

Price: INR 399/ P460
Quantity: 30 ml
Shelf Life: 2 years

Recommended usage: Apply liberally to face and neck 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. For added protection re-apply after swimming, excessive perspiration, towel drying or extended sun exposure.
Use as the end step of daily skincare routine.

product swatched on hand - after(left), before(right) 

What I love about this moisturizing sunscreen :

• True to its word, it fares well in the moisturizing department. My skin is dry and this doesn't make it drier (although it contains alcohol) but makes my skin soft and supple.
• Best thing about this sunscreen is that it's non-greasy! Finally something that doesn't produce icky grease on face.
• It gives a matte finisha nd keeps oils at bay for most part of the day. 
• Doesn't leave a whitish cast like most sunscreen lotions
• Contains Avobenzone and Oxybenzone and thus offering a broad spectrum coverage.
• Mildly scented (it's not an offensive smell; bearable.) 
• Non-comedogenic; doesn't clog pores.

What I don't like about it:

• I sweat a lot and have to reapply it every 4 hours but that's really not a con.
• Might seem a tad pricey.

I couldn't help but compare it to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 50+ PA+++ with Helioplex.

Although both of them offer the same amount of SPF, I found the Complete UV moisturizer to be better for my dry, sensitive skin. The dry-touch sunblock does make skin greasy in summers and leaves a mild whitish cast on skin. But the complete UV moisturizer doesn't suffer from any of those problems.

Would I suggest it?

I have come to love this product and with summer approaching fast I would definitely suggest it. I've found my HG sunscreen. Have you? I would love to know what products you use to stay safe from the sun! 

Stay beautiful, stay protected! :)

Review: Votre Moisture Magnet Cream

 About The Company: "Votre is a premium skin care brand. All Votre skin care products are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. They are dermatologically and clinically tested for safety and efficiency." It says on the tub that it's an Ayurvedic product marketed by Trumount Cosmoceuticals (you can get further information at www.trumount.com)Price: INR 340.00 for 200gmShelf Life: 2 and a half years
What It Claims: Votre Moisture Magnet Cream is a unique formula to give pigmented and dry skin it's water supplement. Herbs like Crocus sativus along with almond oil moisturizes and works on melanin targeted areas for clear skin. (To be followed after scrubbing with Votre Dermabrade Scrub) Key Ingredients: Crocus sativus - or saffron (kesar) gives radiant and fairer skin and is widely popular even today as a key ingredient in many ayurvedic concoctions apart from various fairness creams. The little known antifungal property of saffron makes it effective for treatment of blemishes, acne scars, dry and dull skin, and imparts bright luminous complexion.Almond Oil - We all know how almond oil is a great massaging option if you want to opt for a non-greasy oil and it moisturises the skin effectively. But little did we know that almond oil is an excellent emollient (it gets absorbed easily into skin thus preserving tthe moisture content of skin) with anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in lightening pigmented skin. What's more, it also contains vitamins that help it delay the appearance of wrinkles. Talk about win-win!Aloe Vera Juice - Aloe vera is a wonder product, you'll be hard put to find a single disadvantage of using aloe vera gel/juice in your daily health regime be it for your skin or for your stomach ;-)
It is high in vitamins, fatty acids and contains all 8 of the essential amino acids so basically you cannot go wrong with it! Aloe vera moisturizes, hydrates, rejuvinates, de-pigments, soothes irritated skin. When applied topically it helps soothe burns, wounds and even insect bites!


Directions For Use: Take approximately 10 gm of the cream and massage thoroughly all over the scrubbed area. My Skin Type: Combination dry skinMy Take On The Product : With winter approaching fast my skin has already started shedding (yep you read that right, it becomes so dry during these balmy months that it literally sheds! and I'm in my 20's too...whoever said tween skin is to die for surely didn't have to combat extreme dryness)
and so in a bid to save and salve my skin I resorted to this moisture magnet massage cream. Frankly, I got lured by the phrase "moisture magnet", for someone with my skin's disposition its a boon to find a cream that hydrates effectively. And wholla! this cream did its job and how! :D
Usually Nivea is my go-to winter cream but it tends to make the skin greasy after a while and that attracts more dirt, but the Votre Moisture Magnet skin cream goes on lightly and gets fully absorbed without making the skin oily. Its a moderately light cream,white in color with a lovely floral smell which tends to linger (its nothing overpowering though). The texture is watery yet its thick enough to hold its shape in the tub. It lives upto it's claim of hydrating the skin for upto 5-6 hours, then you'd have to re-apply. I use it as a massaging cream after scrubbing at night and it certainly did soften the skin with regular use. You can even wear it during the day beneath your makeup (infact it serves as a good moisturizing base).
Now for the not-so-good part, it comes in a tub packaging with a plastic lid that doesn't fully close and you need to pressurize it into its place (I don't know if only I have this issue with it). Personally I don't like tubs as you have to dip your hands into the contents and risk contaminating it, so I keep a clean dipping spoon handy to scoop out the cream. I cannot comment on the de-pigmenting property as I don't really have pigmented skin (as yet!). As for fairness, I don't believe any cream can possibly make you fairer but this cream certainly brightens the skin. The plus point, I have sensitive skin and it didn't break me out, so all you dry skinned beauties can give it a go.

 

Pros:
1. Light weight cream goes on smoothly

2. Gets absorbed quickly

3. Softens and brightens the skin

4. Does live up to its claims of hydrating and softening the skin

5. It has a lovely flowery smell which tends to linger but it's nothing overpowering

6. Provides good quantity for the price as a little amount goes a long way

7. The outer packaging is pretty professional looking with a sturdy tub pack material
Cons:

1. The tub packaging with a faulty plastic lid is unhygienic

2. Availability (Although it is available on all leading online shopping sites)

Do I Recommend It: Yep! All in all it's a very good massaging cream and you can definitely give it a try during the winter months as it suits all skin types. Complete with natural active ingredients I think its a good buy!
My Rating: 4/5

Product Review: Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

A cracked lip; raw skin.
I pined for orange flickers Dancing off a cheery fire.

A gelid blast of arctic air
Had caught me unawares -
Reinforcing my desire.

Turning down an avenue,
I froze; suspicious trees -
Likely destined for a pyre -

Were laughing off the icy chill
Of callous winter nights.
And I? Simply to retire

Snug, inside a balmy chair
Of warming solitude:
Ah! my carol, my festive choir. 

Winter is on its way and if the above poem is anything to go by then we all need to stock up on lip balms and butters which promise to provide our lips the proper TLC it needs during the balmy weather!
Personally I'm a lippe hoarder. Yes I am guilty of owning more lippies than required and my current stash would probably last me another decade (if they never expired that is...which is not the case...so its a lost cause...moving on!)
Today I'll be reviewing a lip butter from Nivea (remember their cold creams in blue tubs?) which has been causing quite the stir recently. These have been made available in India (YAY!! I was getting really tired of people gushing 'bout it on foreign blogs with the tiny tubs looking so cute and all) and I got hold of mine on Flipkart, I'm yet to see them on supermarket shelves though.


About the Brand: Nivea is a global skin and body-care brand that is owned by the German company Beiersdorf. (Frankly, if you don't live under a rock or have been living under it since the 90's you would know about Nivea.)


Product Claim: Nivea Lip Butter is the new range of deliciously-flavored and buttery, rich lipcare products   that melt to give you soft, rosy and well-moisturized lips. The moisturizing formula of Nivea lip butter with Hydra IQ contains shea butter and almond oil and provides intense moisture and long-lasting care. the indulging formula with caramel aroma gives sensationally soft lips.

Ingredient List: 

My Take On The Product: First off, my lips are dry all year around (in my defense I do drink a fair amount of water) and Nivea lip balms are my go to pout-saviors. I'm happy to inform y'all that their new lip butters are amazing as well! There are three variants available as of now in India-  Caramel Cream, Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss, Raspberry Rose and Caramel Cream. As of now, I've only spotted the Raspberry Rose and Caramel Cream online. I got the Caramel Cream and that is what I'm going to be reviewing today.

Net Content: 16.7 g
Price: INR 189
Best before 30 months from manufacture

True to its claim, its creamy, buttery and smells heavenly! Anyone who loves caramel will surely like it.
It is hydrating and heals dry, chapped lips making them soft and healthy. I needed to re-apply every 2 hours but I have this tendency of licking my lips (but then with this irresistible caramel smell who wouldn't do it? :P )
It's safe to say it'll last a couple more hours on you guys (hopefully!)

So wrapping it up...
PROS:

• Moisturizing, does what it claims
• Smells heavenly (one for caramel lovers)
• Softens lips
• Feels light on the lips, its a butter so there's no waxy effect
• Imparts a nice sheen to lips
• Hydrates

CONS:

• The only con I can think about is the tub packaging which is unhygienic (you have to dip your fingers into the tub)

I'd recommend you go ahead and buy this one and you won't be sorry.

Till the next review,
Take care and keep being beautiful! :-)

Skin care 101: Exfoliation, Do I Really Need It?

Up until high school my skin was pretty clear, then came the lone pimple, followed by the battalion of cystic acne and a bout of bad skin aided and abetted by hectic schedules of classes, assignments, untimely meals comprising mostly of junk food and severe lack of sleep! Naturally, I started pummeling my facial skin with a tide of face washes which made my skin dull and raw. Enter mom. And as always mums know best! She suggested exfoliation and voila! I have never stopped using them since.

Here's a quick FAQ on Exfoliation aimed at keeping your visage sparkling...

Q. DO I NEED EXFOLIATION?

A. Scrubbing or Exfoliation should be an essential part of our skincare routine. Scrubbing helps to buff away dry,dead skin cells to reveal smooth and fresh cells underneath. Exfoliation helps fights against aging because it stimulates blood and lymph flow and cell turnover, thus resulting in smoother and younger looking skin.

Exfoliation has the following benefits:

- to remove dead skin cells, grease and impurities from the surface of the skin…. - allowing fresh new cells to be exposed, therefore improving the appearance of the skin. - skin preparations after exfoliating such as moisturizers, mask products penetrate easier into the skin. - the blood circulation increases, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, therefore improving the skin color. - hyper pigmentation improves as the pigmented surface skin cells is removed.

Q. WHEN SHOULD I EXFOLIATE?
A. Exfoliation should be done once or twice a week depending on the needs of your skin(and NOT more than that unless you want to end up with raw, sensitive skin) preferably after your CT (Cleansing Toning) routine and before applying face masks. Don't forget to moisturize after scrubbing even if you are an oily skinned beauty!

Q. WHAT KIND OF EXFOLIATOR IS SUITED TO MY SKIN TYPE?
A. Natural is the best way to go if you have time at your hands. Great nourishing scrubs can be made out of things right in your kitchen! A mixture of brown sugar and olive/baby oil works for all skin types. For more such home made scrubs visit DIY Exfoliating Scrubs

Physical cream exfoliators Cream scrubs contain micro-beads in a moisturizing cream or lotion base, and are great for people with dry skin. Just be wary when choosing with the type of beads in the creams. Some contain sharp-edged beads that can leave micro-scratches on your skin, so look for creamy exfoliators that have rounded beads instead.TRY: Boscia Smoothing Facial Polish, Clinique 7-day scrub cream rinse off formula, Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub, Neova Microdermabrasion Scrub Physical gel exfoliators Gel scrubs give the same results as cream scrubs but are in gel form so they are better for oily and combination skin types. TRY: Biotherm Biosource Clarifying Exfoliating Gel,Fabindia Orange and Cinnamon face and body gel scrub, Himalaya Neem Scrub Chemical exfoliators These exfoliators use glycolic, lactic, citric, or salicylic acid to chemically remove dead cells on the surface of the skin, which is also good for people with oily skin. If you have never used a chemical exfoliator before, start using it only once or twice a week, at night—once your skin adjusts, you can increase the number of times used per week. However these can be too drying and may end up doing more harm than good if used frequently with a heavy hand. Start by using scrubs having salicylic or glycolic base to see your skin’s reaction to it. TRY: Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub, Neutrogena rapid Clear Foaming Scrub

Cloth or pad exfoliators These gentle manual exfoliators are meant to cater to all skin types, except for people with skin issues. They can also help with acne problems, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Like any manual scrub, always follow product instructions and be careful not to go overboard.    Exfoliation for Men Yes men need exfoliation too. Not only because it gets rid of the grease from their skin, but it also helps to soften it, giving it a better appearance. Men and women (that have oily skin) both have something in common: they have a thick Epidermis, prone to shine and acne. Exfoliating products for men are often stronger with more granules in them, because men generally have thicker skin than women.
TRY: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub, Garnier Men Scrub, St.Ives Apricot face Scrub

Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SCRUB MY FACE?
A. Dermatologist Dr.David A. Colbert says, “How often you exfoliate depends on your age and skin texture. Younger people tend to have oilier skin and will be able handle more scrubbing. People with more mature skin will have a thinner epidermis and will need to do less with a proper product catered to their skin type." Too much of anything isn't good for you. Dermatologists recommend exfoliating two to three times a week maximum, depending on your skin type. Someone with eczema or dry skin should not be exfoliating more than someone who has oily skin. You will be able to gauge how your skin reacts to scrubs and create your own exfoliating routine. If you do over-scrub your face, stop immediately and let your skin heal.

Q.WHAT FOLLOW UP PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?
A. Scrubbing or Exfoliating opens up your pores to clean from within. It is a good habit to use a pore closing product like an alcohol free toner (or plain ice from your fridge!) after exfoliation so that dirt doesn’t accumulate in the pores subsequently causing acne.
Also a good moisturization regimen is must if you have dry skin, as sometimes exfoliation may make your skin drier.

• Important Points To Note:

- Always work with warm water when exfoliating. An exfoliating product can be too uncomfortable when applied on it’s own.

- NEVER use body exfoliators on your face.

- Do not apply make-up immediately after exfoliating. This is why you should exfoliate at night.

- Do not exfoliate after shaving facial hair.

- When exfoliating twice a week, do not do this two days in a row. Seperate these days within the week so that your skin cells can regenerate well.

- Try to use exfoliating products on your neck area also.

- Exfoliation is not recommended for those with highly sensitive skin, or pustular, blemished skin.

- Avoid exfoliating products that contain sharp grains of nut shells, as these can scrape, split and damage your skin.

- Always test the product on the back of your hand before purchasing.

-If you have a medical condition please consult your dermatologist.

If you are averse to using chemical exfoliants going natural is a great way when you have time in your hands.
Try: DIY Exfoliating Scrubs from right within your kitchen cabinets!

Hope I could help with your questions regarding exfoliation. Have some more? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below and i’ll try and answer as soon as possible.

DIY Exfoliating Scrubs

Exfoliation is a great way to a healthy, glowy and youthful visage, and what better way to scrub than homemade luscious scrubs which double up as healthier and safe version of their store bought counterparts!
Here are the recipes to some yummilicious skin-friendly scrubs!

Brown Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of olive oil (I use extra virgin, you can use any)
1 tablespoon of raw honey
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Great for: Dry to Normal Skin Especially during (Winter)

(Optional) - Scents : 
Lavender Essential Oil 
Rosemary Essential Oil
Pure Vanilla
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with the help of a spoon. Can be refrigerated for upto a week.


Sea Salt & Lemon Scrub

Ingredients:
Sea Salt 
Lemon Zest
Lemon Juice (Squeezed)

Great for: Oily to Acne Prone Skin or (Summer Time)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with the help of a spoon. You can add some coconut oil for moisturization. Can be refrigerated for upto 2-3 weeks.








Cinnamon & Honey (Masque or Scrub)
Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of Cinnamon into a paste

Great for: Acne Prone Skin and Blemish treatment

 Baking Soda & Lemon Mix
 Ingredients:1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon Lemon juice

Great for: Acne & Oily Skin & Dark Spots on skin
(Baking Soda Scrub is equivalent to 1 Microdermabrasion Treatment)The grains in baking soda are just the right size to act as a gentle exfoliant, and many claim that it has helped clear up acne.


Anti-Cellulite Coffee Treatment Ingredients:

Ground Coffee Beans (or commercial coffee like Nescafe)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil(you can use virgin olive oil as well)

Great for: scrubbing cellulite away!

                       

Mix the ingredients together to form a paste. Scrub for 10 minutes and rinse off.
The coffee grounds will not only help reduce the appearance of cellulite but it also naturally exfoliates your skin. On top of that, the extra virgin olive oil will help your skin as soft as ever

Soothing Oatmeal Scrub

Ingredients:1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal
1/4 teaspoon of salt(which boosts the face treatment's exfoliating properties)
1 teaspoon of water or olive oil
Great for: all skin types

Combine the ingredients. Gently rub it onto you skin in circular motions, let sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse.
Ground oatmeal not only serves as a wonderful exfoliant, but it also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated. It has been known to soothe and heal everything from acne to sunburn to dry, flaky skin. Given its gentle nature, it is also ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Know some more DIY scrubs? Share your recipe with us!