Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

5 Essential Tips for Healthy and Glowing Skin

Having healthy and glowing skin is a goal for many of us. It not only enhances our appearance, but it also reflects our overall well-being. Taking care of our skin requires consistent effort and attention. Here are 5 essential tips that can help you achieve healthy and radiant skin.

Cleanse Your Skin Properly: 

A good skincare routine starts with a gentle and effective cleanser. Make sure to cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type to avoid stripping the skin's natural moisture.

Exfoliate Regularly: 

Exfoliation is crucial to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb skincare products better. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, depending on your skin's sensitivity. Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause irritation and damage to the skin.


Hydrate Your Skin: 

Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.

Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure: 

Sun exposure can cause premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you go outside, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.


Follow a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle: 

What you put into your body reflects on your skin. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar, and getting regular exercise can promote healthy skin. Also, try to manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, as stress can contribute to skin issues like acne and inflammation.


In conclusion, achieving healthy and glowing skin requires a consistent skincare routine, including proper cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, sun protection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate these essential tips into your daily routine, and you'll be on your way to having radiant skin that looks and feels it’s best!

Ultimate Guide: How to Care for Wavy Dry Hair with DIY Treatments and Product Recommendations

If you have wavy hair that tends to be dry and suffers from split ends, you're not alone. Many individuals with wavy hair struggle to maintain its moisture balance and prevent damage. However, with the right haircare routine and some DIY treatments, you can revive your wavy locks and restore their health and vitality. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore how to care for wavy dry hair, including DIY treatments once a week, and product recommendations to keep your hair looking its best.

Step 1: Shampoo and Conditioner 

Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial for wavy dry hair. Look for moisturizing products that are formulated for dry or damaged hair. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to further dryness. Instead, opt for products that contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil, which can help hydrate and nourish your hair.

Product Recommendations:

·       MoroccanOil Hydrating Shampoo

·       SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

                                                       Step 2: Weekly DIY Hair Mask

Treating your hair to a nourishing hair mask once a week can provide deep hydration and repair for your wavy dry hair. Try this simple DIY hair mask recipe:

Ingredients:

·       1 ripe avocado

·       1 tablespoon of honey

·       2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Instructions:

·       Blend the ripe avocado, honey, and coconut oil in a blender until smooth

·       Apply the mixture to your damp hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots

·       Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to 1 hour

·       Rinse thoroughly and follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner

Avocado provides essential fatty acids and vitamins to nourish and moisturize the hair, while honey helps to seal in moisture, and coconut oil adds extra hydration and shine.

                                           Step 3: Leave-in Conditioner or Hair Oil

After shampooing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your damp hair to provide additional moisture and protection. Look for lightweight products that are specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair. Apply a small amount and distribute evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends.





Product Recommendations:

·       It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

·       OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil

                                                          Step 4: Styling Products

Styling products play a significant role in enhancing and defining your natural waves without further drying out your hair. Look for products that are specifically formulated for wavy or curly hair, and avoid those that contain alcohol, as they can further dehydrate your hair.

Product Recommendations:

·       Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Curl Activator Cream

·       DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

                                                           Step 5: Heat Protection

If you use heat-styling tools like flat irons or curling irons, make sure to use a heat protectant spray before styling to minimize damage to your hair. Look for a heat protectant spray that provides thermal protection and helps to seal in moisture.



Product Recommendation:

·       TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

                                                     Step 6: Trimming Regularly

Trimming your hair every 8-12 weeks is essential to remove split ends and prevent further damage. Avoid using scissors or tools that are not specifically designed for hair cutting, as they can cause additional damage.


In addition to the above haircare routine, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments on your hair. Proper care and nourishment can help restore moisture.


Day Defense Cream | Herbal Essentials


Hey guys,

Herbal essentials is a brand that I was introduced to early on in UAE. I recently made it a part of my daily skincare routine and I'm enjoying the effects on my skin. 
Herbal Essentials is a prestige beauty and lifestyle brand that seeks to optimise skin health using active plant botanical's in combination with pure Himalayan Spring Water, our formulas respect the learning's of ancient beauty wisdom.
By fusing ancient beauty wisdom with best-in-class manufacturing techniques from award winning French formulators; Herbal Essentials’ ‘clean’ skincare products derive their efficacy from the perfect blend of wisdom and science.
Day Defence Cream with Wheat Germ Oil & Shea Butter (AED 250 for 50ml)


Packed with natural nourishing ingredients this lightweight cream melts into the skin for an immediate boost of hydration*. Rich in Wheat Germ Oil, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, natures powerful nourishing and soothing agents. These natural ingredients are high in essential minerals and vitamins, to enrich the skin and help soothe and moisturize for a healthy, youthful look.

The cream is formulated with a unique blend of natural oils, including wheat germ oil which is a rich source of natural Vitamin E. It moisturizing and the soothing ingredients help achieve beautiful supple skin, making it apt for a daily skin regime, ans is suitable for all skin types.



Apply on clean skin, post using a toner (I use the refreshing toner with Cucumber and rose from Herbal essentials) and use the moisturizer, massaging it into my face and neck.



Pros:
  • Travel friendly packaging
  • Easy to use
  • Pump ensure minimal wastage of product
  • Easily absorbed
  • Non greasy


Cons:
  • Fragnance



The above opinions are my own,  post using the product.

L'OREAL PURE CLAY MASK


Hello guys,

I have been wanting to talk about the clay masks from l'oreal with you guys from some time now. So when i purchased the Pure clay mask, I thought I'd review this for you guys.

Do let me know what you think.

The L'Oréal Paris Laboratories have selected three pure clays and combined them with Red Algae extract in an exfoliating scrub, for brighter, smoother and fresher skin, every day. Finely milled apricot seeds gently exfoliate dull, uneven skin to reveal its natural glow. The beaded, creamy texture illuminates by exfoliating skin, without drying it out.




PURE CLAYS + RED ALGAE 
Kaolin- a highly effective natural clay, known to absorb impurities and excess sebum 
Montmorillonite- rich in minerals, a clay recognized for helping to eliminate imperfections 
Ghassoul- a pure clay highly concentrated in minerals, renowned to help clarify complexion 
Red Algae- known for its brightening properties 

Experience
The mask comes in a square glass container with a twist top lid. The design is super basic, and the glass isn’t ideal for clumsy hands or bathroom tiles, but it does store the product effectively. I feel a squeeze tube would be less messy and more hygienic.

The mask has a thick paste like consistency, and grainy texture. There is a slight scent but that fades away after application. I have sensitive skin and have had no issue with either the texture or fragrance of this mask.

One of my favorite thing is that it can be used 2-3 times in a week, and only takes 10 minutes. You apply a thin layer in areas that needs exfoliation/ smoothing and leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse. The mask does have gentle exfoliating grans throughout it, so you can massage the product into your skin for greater exfoliation. You can either use it as a scrub or mask. But I prefer using the face wash/ scrub and then follow it up with this as a mask.

The results are almost immediate. Skin looks much softer and even, Pores feel tighter. I have used the purifying mask and that was also one of my favorite product. This mask is cheap and quick to use and targets specific areas.

Pros:
Affordable
Effective
Easy application
Less time

Cons:
Packaging






COLAB Dry Hair Shampoo

Hi Guys,

I want to share a new hair product that I have been using from sometime now. I have been using COLAB dry hair shampoo for those days when I run out of time to wash my hair. It's easy and an effective product to revive my hair and give it that extra bounce and refreshed look without actually washing it.

The best part about COLAB dry hair is that it doesn't leave a white residue, and gets absorbed quickly.




But don't let the dry shampoo stay in for longer than two days and it's NOT a permanent solution to Wet shampoo. (Read more HERE)

However, it definitely is a temporary solution to greasy hair when you are running late. It also gives a beautiful volume and added ease in styling your hair. 




Here's how to use the product:

1) Shake the product well before use
2) Section dry hair, and spray from around 15-20 cm.
( I don't prefer massaging my hair with my fingers, as the whole purpose is then lost, read HERE)
3) Brush your hair to evenly spread the residue and style as needed.


Much Love,

Tinu

XOXO

Is Dry shampoo a necessity?


Hi guys,

I was recently talking to my friend about Dry Shampoo's and thought I'd share what I thought about them with you guys. Hope this helps.

Imagine getting a beautiful blowout during summers and then having to wash it off the next day itself. I know I hate it too. But what if you could get a temporary solution to your greasy scalp and add a relaxing scent of freshly washed hair? Perfect right? The Hair Gods, came up with the best - Dry Hair shampoo.  It’s a spray in product that advertises some of the same benefit as wet shampoo minus the time.

These alcohol- or starch-based sprays absorb the oil in your hair while adding volume. They are safe for al hair types, but should this be a replacement to traditional wet shampoo? I think not.
Wet shampoo removes additional oil, and build up and also help ease dandruff. Dry shampoo causes build up and hence is a temporary and not a permanent solution.

Once hair and scalp needs to be washed and rinsed intermittently to keep it clean. The scalp collects chemicals and pollutants both from the air and from styling products, and if you only use a dry shampoo, the cleansing is only minimal but it does freshen the hair by removing excessive  oil.



Keep in mind the following while using Dry Shampoo:

  • Only spray the greasy/oily areas
  • Shake well before use and spray from 15-20 cm away
  • Brush your scalp to evenly distribute the product*
  • Avoid spraying on the ends
  • Use no more than 2 days in a row.
  • Style as usual
*Avoid massaging with your finger tips as the purpose of Dry Shampoo is lost. Your finger tips secrete oil as well, thereby loosing the entire purpose of Dry Shampoo.


What do you think about Dry Shampoo?



Bodyshop Body Yoghurt

Hello guys,

I recently tried Banana Body Yogurt from Body Shop and totally loved it. Hence, I thought of sharing the same with you. I personally love the smell of Banana Body Yogurt, but you can also choose from other options like - Strawberry, Mango, Almond Milk, Coconut, British rose and Moringa.


Moringa and coconut are next on my list.


What I loved about the Body Yogurt range is that it's non-greasy and fast absorbing.



Banana Body Yogurt is enriched with organic banana puree from Ecuador and Community Trade organic almond milk from Spain and is 100% organic and vegan. It keeps the skin moisturized and has a pleasant banana smell (which I love)

Priced at AED 99 for 200ml

CromoAroma facial


It’s essential to take care of one’s skin as that’s something one is going to wear for the rest of their lives. Your skin never lies and is a mirror of one’s emotional and physical well being. If you are stressed, it shows, bad habits like imbalanced food, smoking, drinking all shows visibly on the skin.

Marzia clinic is an Italian skin care brand that believes and adopts holistic healing practices. They have combined their passion for alternate and natural remedies to develop a unique range of skincare treatments. Their first ever DermaBio Molecolare cosmetic line is available in UAE with launch of their CromoAroma facials.

CromoAroma  facial uses a balanced combination of essential oils and color based on individual skin requirements post an assessment. Their focus is not only on the physical but also on the emotional state of the skin.

The oils and treatmenst used are pure, of natural origin, extracted from flowers, fruits, resins  making  them free of  alcohol, paraben, preservatives , mineral, silicone etc .Depending on your skin type and issue – they select color treatment from 5 different colors like Red, orange, green, blue and purple.




The CromoAroma  facial is avaialable at Blush N Curls salon in Qusais, and is priced at AED 499 (prices may vary depending on the treatment). 



The process began with a foot ritual and a questionnaire that was filled to determine  food habits, allergies, lifestyle, etc.










We began with a relaxing back massage.




My therapist Carolin chose the Balancing treatment for me which consists of cleansing with Echinacea cleanser, followed by exfoliation with cheratopeel, then  a sheet mask drenched in hammamelis toner, followed by serum with DermaBio Molecolare, then a relaxing massage with cream balance professional cream and finally face mask using earth powder, essential oils like Ylang ylang, geranium and lemon & cream balance professional cream.









The entire session lasted for  70 minutes, and also included a relaxing head and arm massage.
The Facial not only rejuvenates your skin, but also relaxes you mentally and physically. The soothing aroma of essential oils calms your senses and helps you relax and enjoy the treatment. If you are looking at revitalizing your skin, then the CromoAroma facial is a must try.




Location:

Blush N Curls Salon, 
Damascus Street, 
Near Dubai Grand Hotel, 
Al Qusais, Dubai.



I was invited to Blush N curls to try the CromoAroma Facial by Marzia Salon, and all images and opinion are @Urbanmodish unless stated otherwise

Skin Republic 2 Step Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Facial Mask

 Hello Lovelies,

Today I’m going to talk about Skin Republic’s 2 Step Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Facial Mask. The 2 step includes a scrub and a sheet mask. Microdermabrasion exfoliant removes dry, dull skin cells and allows the skin to more effectively absorb the serum from the mask. The second step is an anti-aging facial treatment sheet mask containing Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen to smooth, nourish and promote a more youthful appearance. Skin Republic is continually exploring the latest natural ingredients to develop new and innovative skincare products.
Product description

Create a midweek spa environment in the comfort of your own home by treating yourself to a deluxe skincare experience with the Hyaluronic Acid 2 step Face Mask by Skin Republic. The first step involves a microdermabrasion exfoliant that removes dull skin and prepares your face for the Hyaluronic Acid anti-aging facial treatment sheet mask.  
If you are wondering why you should use Sheet masks. Click HERE

Face Mask Sheet HYALURONIC ACID + COLLAGEN 2 STEP
  • Double action anti-aging peel and mask
  • Lifts, smoothes and nourishes
  • Promotes a more youthful appearance
  • Not tested on animals


Packaging
I like the no-fuss packaging, which comes printed with all the information you need. It’s easy to open and use.

How to use:
Cleanse skin, remove mask from packaging, unfold and place it on your face using the eye areas to align correctly. Remove after 10-20 minutes and gently pat for better absorption. Do not rinse.

Texture:
The mask is slimy as its heavy with serum.

My experience:

These masks are so easy to use and are perfect for the scorching summer’s when you want to relax at home.

The mask fits the shape of my face well without needing to tug and refit every few minutes. Each mask comes heavily soaked in serum and once I’ve popped the mask on, there’s plenty of serum left in the packet. I apply them on my neck, decolletage and even arms and legs.

As the skin has a 4 week regeneration period, the masks are more effective when used twice a week for the first month and then as required. Apply just before bedtime for best results.

The mask is drenched in serum, however the serum doesn’t drip and stays in the mask. Although, if you want to reuse it just fold the mask and there is enough serum left in the mask for one light application over the face. You do feel a nice cooling/ tingling sensation when you first put the mask on. Taking it off, you notice the mask is not as heavy as it was when you put on, the serum completely soaks into your skin and there isn’t excess serum left on your face to massage in.

There's a whole range of masks available, targeting all sorts of skin concerns (one for blemishes, one for brightening, one with collagen, etc). They even have masks for your hands and feet, which sound interesting too. All the masks are hypo-allergenic and dermatology tested, and designed to give you salon quality results in the comfort of your own home without the spa treatment price tag..

Yay’s
Love the pre scrub routine
The scrub is just the right amount
The exfoliating scrub prepares the skin for the next step
Mask is a perfect fit
Super hydrating
Doesn’t leave the skin sticky once removed
Lots of leftover serum in each packet.


Nay’s
NONE

Product Information:

Name: Skin Republic 2 Step Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Facial Mask

Claims: Skin Republic 2 Step Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Facial Mask, is an innovative 2 Step Mask. Contains proven anti-ageing ingredients. Promotes firmer, younger looking skin. Microdermabrasion exfoliant removes dry, dull skin cells and improves the absorption of Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen from the serum soaked sheet mask.

Key Ingredients:

INGREDIENTS Scrub (1st Step): Aqua, Cellulose, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Betaine, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Benzophenone-5, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, CI 17200, CI 19140, Parfum. 

INGREDIENTS Mask (2nd Step): Aqua, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Polysorbate 80, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Parfum.



Here's Why Everyone Is Talking About Sugar Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick.

Hello,

I'll be reviewing Sugar Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick, in shade Brazen Raisin.




Brazen Raisin: Looking to announce every entry of yours without saying a word? Up your lip game to bold burgundy with the Brazen Raisin shade that’s as addictive as it is badass!

Packaging

The packaging is exactly like the Maybelline Color Sensational Velvet Matte lipsticks Lip Polish. It is transparent with a black cap and the clear product inside in the shape of a lipstick bullet at the end. The shade name and number is mentioned at the bottom of the tube. It has an extra outer packaging with product details printed on it.

The wand is slightly small and not doe foot, but that help in being precise on the corners though. You do not get a lot of product in one dip as the dispensing hole is narrow and you may have to dip twice to cover the lips well. The lipstick tube is tiny and lightweight and easily fits into any pocket.


Texture:

It has a faint vanilla scent which is quite nice. Formula wise, it is super pigmented and neither runny nor too mousey which gives a very smooth and even application. It takes about 30-40 seconds to dry completely and once set, it won’t budge or move. Though I can feel the lipsticks drying on my lips as there is slight stretchy feel. However, after few more minutes lips gets used to it and they wear comfortably. Once dry it sets a transfer-proof finish. And then there is absolutely no smudging, or fading hours. The lipstick is here to stay!

These are drying and you need exfoliated, moisturized lips for using these. If you have very dry lips, these would accentuate the dryness even more.


Experience:

The lipstick has a very mild, almost unnoticeable sweet fragrance that shouldn’t bother anyone. It has liquid consistency, but once applied on the lips, it dries quickly and settles into complete matte finish and that’s why I would suggest you to apply a good lip balm underneath. Even better if you can exfoliate your lips before applying the lipstick.

The lipstick glides smoothly on the lips. The applicator is really nice, it helps in smooth and even application. The lipstick feels very lightweight on the lips and once set, it just won’t move. The pigmentation is again amazing as you’d need only one swipe for full opaque coverage. The liquid lipsticks sets to a flat matte finish within 30-40 seconds.

These lipsticks are really long lasting.  They won’t go anywhere for as long as 7-8 hours. But just like other liquid lipsticks, they do fade from the inner center of the lips with and talking. If you don’t exfoliate your lips they tend to start flaking. Overall, they look pretty good on lips even after hours of wear. And the reapplication is also smooth, so in case you want to revive the fresh lipstick application after food just reapplies! Removing these liquid lipsticks will require good oil based makeup remover because the formula just hugs the lips.



Yays
·         Nice packaging
·         Travel friendly
·         Beautiful shades
·         Good applicator
·         Easy to apply
·         Lightweight
·         Amazing pigmentation
·         Long staying power
·         Smudge proof and water proof
·         Affordable

Nays
·         Dry out the lips
·         Difficult to remove

Product Information

NameSugar Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks

Claims: If you’ve ever lusted for a “one-coat wonder” product for your lips, your search ends here. Get a full-blooded burst of pigment with just a single swipe of the SUGAR Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick that will stay the day and right up till the night! Wine, coffee & date-proof – this is a matte lipstick that is guaranteed to last longer that your longest day. Available in 10 stunning shades that will make it difficult to choose – the question is, are you ready to commit to a lipstick that is built to last?

How to Apply: For precise application, apply it to your bottom lip first and then tend to your upper lip. Since the formula is very pigmented, we suggest applying the colour to the bottom lip first, pressing your lips together and then filling in your Cupid’s bow.

Benefits: The SUGAR Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick gives you opaque pigmentation with a single swipe that stays all day with zero feathering or fading. Our favourite mattifying fix contains a generous helping of Vitamin E and comes in a full range of 10 gorgeous shades that is guaranteed to make your OOTDs stand out! This product is dermatologically tested & approved and 100% safe for your skin

Key Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone, & Isododecane & Trimethylsiloxysilicate, cyclopentasiloxane, disteardimonium hectorite, propylparaben, propylene carbonate, Vitamin –E, Fragnance, Approved colors


Shades Available: 10
  • 01 Brazen Raisin
  • 02 Brink of Pink
  • 03 Tan Fan
  • 04 Plum Yum
  • 05 Rust Lust
  • 06 Tangerine Queen
  • 07 Rethink Pink
  • 08 Wine and Shine
  • 09 Suave Mauve
  • 10 Drop Dead Red