Tag Archives: Product Review

Charcoal and Marine Algae for skin?

August 26, 2018Review Cornerdermae, Product Review, Reviews, skincareMaria

Did you just say Charcoal and Marine Algae??! Well! Yes! Presenting Charcoal and Marine Algae range by DermaE

I have been holidaying and neglecting my blog (guilty!) for a month. Ever since I came back to UAE my body hasn’t been able to cope up with the heat (it was literally half the temperature of what we have here!) Finally I am back to reviewing products, and I have some very innovative and effective products in my kitty (insert dancing emoji here!) Stay Tuned and wish me Get Well Soon so I can be active here again!

I am up for anything that will give my skin relief from this scorching heat. The temperature in UAE is increasing every day, for people who cannot sit at home skincare in summers is a big concern. I try to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out but then that is not enough. Summers require extra care if you (like mine!) have sensitive and acne-prone skin.

The sebum production increases making the skin prone to acne, redness, sensitivity and so on. I needed something that would bring back the hydration I lost from my skin and something that would cool down my skin. This is where I decided to try this scrub followed by a mask. I used them twice a week following the instructions and I am more than happy to share the reviews now!

Read on to know how DermaE combined two miraculous products in one cute pack!

Brand Name- DermaE
Products I tried- Purifying 2-in-1 charcoal mask and Daily Detox Scrub.
Main Ingredients of the products- Marine Algae and Activated Charcoal
Plus points- Vegan and Cruelty-free, No Parabens.

My Personal Experience-

I used the scrub followed by the mask. The scrub is amazing, not too harsh on the skin, leaves the skin squeaky clean! The mask is just too cool! I loved how it calmed down my sensitive skin. It cleanses out the pores, absorbs extra oil, removes redness and puffiness.

Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of the skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fights acne.

Algae isn’t considered a conventional beauty ingredient, but it has been used in skincare for thousands of years. Its been dubbed a “miracle ingredient” and the ocean’s most potent secret,” and there are even entire skincare lines and brands dedicated to using algae and other marine extracts.

Finally verdict-

My skin felt sensational cooling, the scrub removed dead skin, I could see improvement in the T zone area. I felt that the mask was very apt for summers, I am in love with this Charcoal and Marine Algae range by DermaE.

If you are (still!) sceptical about the ingredients read why you need to include them in your skincare regime. You can buy it here online.

Reasons To Add Activated Charcoal To Your Beauty Regimen-

An All-Natural Ingredient
Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Properties
Unclogs Pores
Balances Oily Skin
Gently Exfoliates

Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of the skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne. Charcoal is not metabolized, adsorbed or absorbed by the body, but it can be used to treat some poisonous bites and disinfect some wounds. Activated charcoal powder is proven to adsorb thousands of times its own mass in harmful substances, which makes it a popular ingredient in facial masks.

The Benefits Algae Bring To Your Skin:

Algae come with some caveats, as do all beauty product ingredient claims. “There’s enough science here to say that algae, seaweed and kelp may provide some benefits but of course it depends on the specific type of extract, how it’s processed, and how much is used,” Schueller cautioned.

In general, algae are known to contain:

Protein and amino acids, up to 60% protein by dry weight
Vitamins A (beta-carotene), C (ascorbic acid), E and K

Many of the B-complex vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), choline, biotin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and B12 (cobalamin)

Minerals and trace minerals, including iodine, calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and zinc

Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, GLA and ALA
Active enzymes
Phytochemicals like chlorophyll, fucoxanthin and other plant pigments.

All in all, this Charcoal and Marine Algae range by DermaE is a hit! Read more product reviews here.

Review for Palmers Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner.

July 2, 2018Review CornerHaircare, Palmers, Product Review, ReviewsMaria

Meet the Straight-Outta-Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner duo!

I think I am going coco-over this new coconut range! Just like coconut quenches your thirst and keeps you hydrated, this range does the same for your hair.

Before I begin, here’s an advice, make it a habit to research the brand and the ingredients used in your products before you start using it. So, with this being said, when I talk about Palmers Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner you need to know Why Coconut and Why Palmers?

Review for Palmers Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner

About Palmers Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner:

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula products contain ethically and sustainably sourced Coconut Oil and Tahitian Monoï, infused with Tiaré flower petals. These ingredients provide intense hydration and repair damaged hair. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Shampoo is a rich, creamy shampoo, free of sulfates and harsh detergents, that gently cleanses and removes buildup without stripping hair or interrupting its delicate moisture balance. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Repairing Conditioner is a rich, creamy conditioner that instantly detangles and coats strands for silkier, shinier and easier to manage hair.

Why Palmers?

Contains No Sulfates
Free from Parabens
No Phthalates
Doesn’t have Mineral Oil or Gluten
No Dyes

Why Coconut?

The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found in coconut oil nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles. Coconut helps in combating hairfall, dandruff, split-ends, premature greying, etc.

My Personal Experience-

I was using Palmers Shea Butter range which is a match made in heaven for my hair! When I received this one I decided to try them just for the sake of “trying” because I was already head over heels in love with the Shea range! I am glad these two didn’t let me down! My hair felt smoother and it was easy to manage them (which doesn’t happen if I use any random shampoo!) This shampoo-conditioner duo didn’t make my hair heavy (I have oily roots and dry ends, weirdest combo ever!). They smell like coconut and the fragrance lingers for long.

The shampoo and conditioner work for anyone who has dry, brittle or dull hair. It hydrated the hair without making them limp. I personally loved the fragrance and stays for long!

About the Coconut Body Lotion:

I also received a cute tiny sample for coconut body lotion. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Lotion contains high levels of naturally occurring fatty acids and proteins that are essential in keeping skin radiant and healthy looking. I have been using this one for over a year now and there’s no way am I going back to any other lotion! I love using it on my skin before I sleep, in the morning you can actually feel the difference.

More about the brand:

Palmer’s uses only the finest ingredients to provide consumers the highest quality formulas at affordable prices. All of our products are hand crafted based on Palmer’s long standing heritage and experience in offering superior formulations that deliver results. This is why Palmer’s promise to its consumers has always been an unconditional guarantee of quality.
You can read more about Palmers on https://me.palmers.com/

Palmer’s Body Firming Sheets review

June 29, 2018Review CornerBody Firming Sheets, Palmers, Product Review, ReviewsMaria

Review for Palmer’s Body Firming Sheets. All your questions regarding Body firming sheets are finally answered!

Summer is here which means Beach, Bikini and a Beach Body.. but what if your body still keeps giving you this Error?!

ERROR: Beach Body still Not Found.

Well, I got you! In fact, Palmers got you!

Read on!

What is it?

Coconut Body Firming Sheets by Palmers. For everyone who thinks Sheets are only meant for Face, Palmers is here with a revolutionary innovation in the sheet mask category. The sheets are supposed to be used on areas that need toning or firming like upper arms, stomach, thighs, buttocks, etc. Body firming sheet DOESN’T MAKE YOU SLIM, it makes the skin firmer and toner, hence makes it appear Slimmer.

Review for Palmers Coconut Body Firming Sheets.

What does it do?

It is a concentrated sheet mask designed to fit body’s shape and curves. These sheets deliver targeted toning to areas such as thighs, hips, stomach, upper arms or buttocks and results in a firmer, toner and smoother appearing body. *Starts preparing for the beach party*

What do Palmer’s body firming sheets contain?

The following ingredients pack a powerhouse of toning magic into every drop and this is how they work together:

Coconut Oil – Provides all-day hydration to keep skin looking healthy.
Vitamin E – Helps ease fluid retention and supports skin firming.
Sweet Almond Oil – Improves skin’s elasticity and helps tone.
Caffeine – Improves circulation for a smoother appearance.
Aloe Extract – Improves skin’s elasticity and helps in toning the skin.
Guarana Extract – Provides twice the potency of caffeine for a (Hurrah!) slimmer and more toned figure.
Capuacu – Improves skin’s moisture barrier and offers hydration for improved elasticity.

How to use?

Step – Use on the clean and dry skin. Carefully remove the sheets from the pouch.
Step – Apply to the target area, such as upper arm, thigh, stomach, hip, or buttock. Gently press to smooth into place. Repeat on another side with the second sheet (Each pouch contains 2 sheets).
Step – Leave the sheet on for 10 minutes. You may feel a cool, tingling sensation. Remove the sheet, massage excess product into the skin. Tadaa! Say hello to your Firmer-Self!

Personal Experience-

Each pouch has 2 sheets inside it, I decided to use them with a gap of 2 days in between each application to see how it feels like! I decided to use the sheets on my outer thighs, which I feel do need some toning. (I used the sheets post bath, on towel dried skin) The sheets are completely soaked in a thick yet not sticky lotion. To be honest I love the smell! Placed the sheets on both the sides and pressed gently and left it for 15 minutes (The pack said 10 minutes but I got so lost in reading the ingredients that I forgot to remove them!!)

I felt a very little tingling sensation, thankfully it was not uncomfortable at all. After removing the sheets and massaged the excess lotion into the skin. Was really tempted to use the same sheets on my tummy as it still had a lot of lotion left! LoL

As a result, the skin looked so hydrated and needless to say smelled so good! To my surprise, yes it did work! I could see how the skin looked more toned and firm. Surprisingly, after second application (after 2 days) few of the stretch marks also disappeared!! Which I didn’t even expect as I was hoping only for firmer and toner thighs!! (Yayy!! Bonus!!)

Will I repurchase?

Yes! Apart from using these sheets, I think these will make a perfect gift, so I will be purchasing them for gifting as well.

Review for I’m sorry for my skin sheet

April 20, 2018Review CornerProduct Review, Reviews, skincareMaria

Finally I tried the hyped-sheet mask but did it live upto its expectations? Read it here!

How do you say Sorry to your skin when you are found guilty of doing something that you know isn’t good for it!

For me it happens on weekends when I transform myself into either a bookworm or a coffee addict or end up eat the filthiest junk!

So did this sheet actually say Sorry to my skin?

Read on!

After a while I am reviewing a non-organic product!

Brand-

Ultru

Products tried-

Jelly Mask Brightening

Plus point-

Easy to use, Good hydration for skin

Minus Point-

Not effective, hardly had any effect at all on the skin.

My review for I’m sorry for my skin sheet-

Even though I am not a fan of facial sheets but I bought it because I loved the name (we will talk about my impulsive shopping someday!)

Contains interesting ingredients like Cucumber extract, Evening Primrose Root extract, Agave stem extract

My Personal Experience-

Not organic or natural so I didn’t actual get that Feel Good factor while using it. There was no brightening but yes skin felt very hydrated. Useful in case you are travelling or don’t have time for skin care regime.

Final Verdict-

Missing the Wow-factor, didn’t do much for the skin. I will give it 3 out of 5.

Do you like facial sheets, which one do you recommend?

Cocohabit- Goodness of real coconuts in a bottle.

April 10, 2018Review CornerProduct Review, ReviewsMaria

Guess who is switching to coconut water from soft drink this summer!

I’m going (coco) nuts over this one! 100% raw, natural, unprocessed and free from any preservatives- Which means Pure coconut water and Nothing else!

About Cocohabit-

“Born in the UAE and was the official suppliers at the Standard Chartered Marathon 2018, Coco Habit is a new range of products made with the extraordinary all-natural tender coconut water. The coconuts are naturally grown and harvested from the Southern part of India (Kerala), the country itself is famous as the land of Coconuts. Coco Habit offers a healthy approach by incorporating coconut water into your daily routine, to ensure it benefits your diet, skin, daily regime and all the health factors that look after the goodness of your health. Coconut has now earned its title as a super-food, offering numerous benefits for inner and outer health.”

So impressed to know about the initiative of providing one meal per person per product by Cocohabit. Every time you buy their product you are not just doing good to your health, you are also supporting a social cause and feeding someone in need.

Thank you Cocohabit, for introducing me to this amazing product and the super-amazing basket of goodness !

Review for Acnecessity by Womn Cosmetics.

April 1, 2018Review CornerProduct Review, Reviews, skincareMaria

If you suffer from acne and pimples then this review is for you! Review for Acnecessity by Womn Cosmetics

If only the Moon knew all these beauty secrets, I am sure it would be shining spotlessly tonight but alas! I can’t help Mr. Moon but I can for sure help my readers with some tips to get that spot-free complexion! So read on to read the review of Acnessity by Womn Cosmetics.

The product I am reviewing today is called Acnecessity by Womn Cosmetics, if you don’t know about them already, they believe in bringing back the age old beauty trends in form of all natural ingredients without mixing harmful chemicals and preservatives. The products are all proudly handmade in UAE. This particular face mask is made for people who suffer (like me!) from acne, pimples and pigmentation.

Ingredients found in this Face Mask are:

Organic Turmeric
Organic Neem
Yellow Clay
Mutani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)

Some ‘Good to Know’ facts about the ingredients used in the mask:

1. Turmeric-

All the Desis in the house give me a shout ’cause we are now going to talk about Haldi a.k.a Turmeric!
Who knew Turmeric is more than just staining hands and leaving our perfectly manicured hands Yellow like Shi… Never mind!
Do you know the turmeric plants were cultivated by Harappan civilisation earlier in the 3000 B.C!! Turmeric is known as the Golden Spice not just because of the color but also because of the numerous benefits it has.

Benefits for the skin:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Natural Antiseptic
Aids In Acne Treatment
Prevents Wrinkles
Treats Skin Pigmentation
Antioxidant Properties

2. Neem-

Botanical name Azadirachta indica, a native to the Indian subcontinent, Neem is a common house-hold name when it comes to treating acne and pimples owing to it’s Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory properties.

Benefits for the skin:

Antibacterial Properties
Enhances Blood Circulation
Clears Acne Scars And Pigmentation
Delays Signs Of Skin Ageing
Redness Reduction

3. Yellow Clay-

French Yellow Clay draws out impurities via the skin, detoxifying and helping decongest blocked pores, essential minerals within the clay are released helping heal and repair the skin. It helps stimulates blood circulation to the skin, tones and exfoliates gently. It draws out impurities from the body while the essential minerals within the clay are released. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph, removes dead skin cells, and tones & strengthens connective tissues to leave skin smooth, fresh & radiant.

Benefits for the skin:

Removes Impurities
Detoxes the skin
Stimulates blood circulation
Draws the impurities out

4. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth)-

Multani mitti or the fuller’s earth is the first thing that comes my mind when somebody talks about skin care! I think it is one of the most common and effective ingredient when it comes to skin care. The fuller’s earth has a cooling effect on the skin, it helps in sucking out the extra oil from the skin, and so on.

Benefits for the skin:

Oil control
Removes tan
Cleanses the skin
Skin tightening
Cures sunburns

First impression of the mask:

As soon as I opened the tub, I could smell Turmeric and Clay. I followed the instructions given on the pack and prepared the mask. The mask was easy to apply since the powder was really fine, I had no issues in mixing or in applying it. The mask, as I said, has turmeric, so be careful as it will stain your clothes, hands, etc.

My experience with the mask:

When I first used the mask I had two huge zits coming up, so in my mind I thought that this is going to be a litmus test for the mask!! I followed the instructions and washed it off using room temperature water. I noticed that my face was still very yellow (which is very normal if you are used to using turmeric in your masks) since I used it over the weekend I did not panic on seeing my face Yellow! I noticed my zits were little more red than they were before (once again, turmeric and neem does that to your skin, so no need to panic)

I used it 2 times in a week with a gap of minimum 3 days in between. Right after the second application, I noticed that one of the zit had shrunk in size and the other one had started peeling. I have combination skin type and after using the mask I felt my skin was oil free for considerable amount of time. I also noticed that the pores around my nose and chin area looked clean. The mask did not make my skin burn or cause redness after the second use (There was a bit of redness after the 1st use since I had 2 Huge pimples on my face at that time.)

Over all:

Biggest surprise was the noticeable reduction in the size of the active zits. Skin felt cleaner and was oil free for a comparatively longer period of time. The pores looked clean, and skin felt tighter after washing the mask off. I had a tough time getting rid of yellowness after washing the face with only water. After discussing this with Nena from Womn Cosmetics, whom I can’t stop admiring enough for taking such keen interest in each feedback. She advised me to use a mild cleanser or scrub after washing the mask, which helped me in removing the yellowness completely. The skin felt very light (people with oily skin will understand what this means!) The mask is perfect for people who suffer from constant acne and pimples.

The pack is suitable for sensitive skin, however Always do a patch test since every skin is different. Read more about Womn Cosmetics here.

Avocado body butter by Womn Cosmetics

February 26, 2018Review CornerProduct Review, Reviews, skincare, Womn CosmeticsMaria

Read the review for Avocado Dream body butter by Womn Cosmetics and why you need to include avocados to your skincare regime.

Avocados are something I swear by, from delicious salads to amazing face masks, from hair masks to delicious shakes. So when I first saw this product by Womn Cosmetics I had Very high hopes as it had my favourite Avocado in it!

Read on to know whether it was a thumbs up or not.

Details-

Brand- Womn Natural Cosmetics
Product- Avocado Dream body butter
Plus point- Handmade, Natural, Organic, free from harmful chemicals and Parabens. Comes in a very convenient tub. (Read my old blog-post to know more about this amazing brand)
Main Ingredients- Avocado, Coconut and Shea Butter

–First of all Why Avocado?

Avocados are considered a “Super Food” and have a special position in the food calorie pyramid.
Excellent source of over twenty vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, C, E and K, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids.
For years, people have used avocado as a natural facial treatment for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Used extensively for its ability to heal and soothe the skin.
They are added to a variety of cosmetics due to their ability to nourish the skin and make it glow.

My Personal Experience:

The cream literally melts in your hand (indicates the presence of Shea Butter, another ingredient that’s great for skin). It spreads easily leaving behind no stickiness. The skin feels smooth and lustrous right after the first use. I used it straight for a week and the difference in the texture of skin was remarkable. Great for nourishing and hydrating the skin. The body butter had a very hydrating and nourishing effect. The skin felt supple and looked moisturised.

So, Avocado Dream body butter by Womn Cosmetics is definitely worth 5 stars! Something I would definitely repurchase in future. You can read more about them here.

Skincare in winters with Palmers

December 1, 2017Review CornerPalmers, Product Review, Reviews, skincareMaria

Winter is here and so is dry skin! Read on to know about skincare with Palmers and how you can get 24 hrs protection without re-applying lotion every hour!

Skincare and Plamers:

Hurray Winter is here (finally!) The season to cuddle up in a blanket, wear cozy sweaters, gulp down hot chocolate while reading your favorite novel! This is the season when I turn myself into a two-legged polar bear!!

I love those foggy mornings and the cool wind at night, it is by far the favorite part of the year. The winters in UAE are quite different from the ones we had back in India, here the winters are mild but can make your skin extremely dry and itchy. I remember how I suffered last year!

Winter is also the season when our skin needs extra moisture and here is when Palmer’s range of Cocoa Butter Formula comes to our rescue and ensuring 24 hrs moisture. No more re-applying body lotion every hour!

Products I tried–

Body Oil and Daily Skin Therapy

Daily Skin Therapy not only nourishes the skin but also soothes Marks and scars. Moisturising Body oil provides instant relief from dry skin.

Plus point-

No sulphates,
No parabens,
No phthalates,
No mineral oil,
No gluten,
No dyes.
Ethically traded and sustainably produced.
Palmers is against animal testing

Contains-

Moisturizing Body Oil- Soybean oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, vitamin E, Cocoa

Daily Skin Therapy-Vitamin E, Cocoa, Corn Oil

My Personal Experience-

Apply the body oil right after taking a shower onto the damp skin, massage till the oil is absorbed, towel dry as usual.

I was quite apprehensive before using the oil as I feared greasy and sticky skin but surprisingly it did not make my skin heavy, the skin felt supple and smelled great. The oil is easy to apply and spreads evenly. The skin was hydrated till I washed it, so if you apply it in the morning after the shower, expect smooth skin throughout the day.

The skin therapy cream for skincare is of thicker consistency as compared to normal creams. It should be used on the areas that need more hydration (perfect for stretch marks, elbows, knees, body marks, etc) I have been using it for over a week, I apply it before going to bed over the concerned areas and the skin feels super smooth in the morning, the skin has been smoother than ever. I also like to use it as a cuticle cream, makes the nail shinier and since it has Vitamin E, it will make the nails stronger. I also use it around my knees and elbows. There has been noticeable reduction in the rough skin, I will continue to use it to see if there is a reduction in marks/scars.

Final Verdict-

The products are perfect for skincare in winters, providing high level of hydration without making the skin greasy.

5/5 for both the products. Buy it here.

Don’t forget to let me know about your winter skincare regime. Read reviews before buying a product here.

Review for Tiffany Anderson Gavee Gold, Boast Global UAE.

October 16, 2017Review CornerProduct Review, Reviews, skincareMaria

“The world’s first Organically Extracted, Metal-Free, Purified 24K Liquid Gold. The only method that allows gold’s beneficial minerals to be absorbed by the skin. Light years ahead of other skincare lines that contain gold metal particles. Our formulas do not contain nano nor colloidal particles of metal — only pure nutrients needed for the health of the skin.

Our organic extraction process is a natural method derived from pure plants, minerals, metals, and gemstones. This scientific process allows these elements to be used as powerful skin nutrients, penetrating to the deepest part of the epidermis, without the infusion of toxic chemicals. Premium USDA Certified Organic Ingredients offer superior results; it’s as simple as that! Clean ingredients have higher levels of antioxidants and have been proven to help fight free radical damage naturally – without toxic chemicals.

We care about the planet and are environmentally responsible, using only certified BPA-free plastic containers. We have designed beautiful, eye-catching packaging with which we encourage re-use by refilling, or as a beautiful display.

24Kt Liquid Gold for skin care? Yes please!

Gold is used as an anti-aging ingredient, it helps in reducing inflammation, which is a cause of acne and hyper pigmentation.

I Have been using these little pots of gold for a week now and here is my final verdict!

Brand-

Tiffany Anderson Gavee Gold Boost Global LLC UAE

Products I tried-

Golden enzymes, Heart of Gold elixir, Royal Day N Night cream, Liquid Gold Peptides.

Plus point-

Organic, World’s first Organically Extracted, Metal-Free, Purified 24K Liquid Gold. Healthy ingredients are used in manufacturing these products.

Details-

Conscious skin care that is Clean, Green and Organic. Not only this, if you have a question about any of the approved or non-approved ingredients, you can email them and the clinical pharmacist, who specialises in cosmetic ingredient toxicology, and one of their licensed/certified practitioners will respond to you within 72 hours.

My Personal Experience-

The products have a Luxuries feel and not just in looks! My experience was pretty good, products don’t feel thick on the skin. My skin felt smoother and well hydrated. I did not break out, there was no increase in sebum production (which usually happens) I noticed that skin felt supple and had a subtle glow in the morning.

Extra brownie points for the packaging. (I am keeping the empties!). Extreme care has been taken to ensure Green Packaging which means the plastic containers are BPA-free.