dry skin care – Mygirlypedia

Coconut Water Rubber Mask from Sephora India | Review and Swatch

I have been obsessed with shopping at Sephora lately. I have been in love with their sheet masks for quite a sometime. Will review some soon. Also I have had heard about their rubber mask. Since I am quite new or rather I had never used one, thought of giving it a try.

They have 4 different variants available:

Kiwi
Goji
Charcoal
Coconut Water

As my skin is quite dry, I opted for the variant – coconut water. Which claims to add deep moisture. Let’s see how this works.

Price: 580 INR

Packing:

This comes in a recyclable plastic box. The box resembles a small bucket. Different variants have different coloured boxes. All the details about the product including the required quantity of water to be mixed is also been mentioned on the box.

If it is a fresh piece, it is good to be carried around while you travel. But if you open the pack, the lid is not tight enough to carry it around without worrying about spillage.

Oh yes, it also comes with a spatula to mix water and the powder.

Colour:

The mask is light cream colour.

Fragrance:

It has a very very mild fruity smell. It’s a fresh aroma.

Consistency:

The store assistant told me that after mixing water and stirring it will turn into rubber like consistency and then we need to apply on face. But that was a miscommunication/ confusion. Because once you mix water, this turns out to be a paste like consistency. After letting it work for 5 minutes (as mentioned on the packing), it will turn into rubber like consistency. That is when we will be peeling off the mask.

My Experience:

Since this was my first ever encounter with rubber mask, I didn’t know exactly how it works and what quantity I will be needing. So, I blindly followed the instructions by adding the same quantity of water mentioned on the package. Stirred the mask with the spatula that comes with it.

But then I realised how actually the mask works. I.e. from paste to rubber consistency. Also I realised that I could have used the mask multiple times as the quantity was quite more for one time use.!

Even though the water added to the mask was exactly as instructed on the package, the mask was quite thin and dripping all over the place.

Good thing is that, as claimed by the company it works within 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of application, the mask had turned quite thick like a rubber.

Usually peeling masks hurt while peeling them off. But this mask was not. It was quite easy to peel it off.

About hydration – Usually peel off masks dry my skin. Post peeling them off I need a moisturizer. But post using this mask, my skin didn’t feel any dry. So I can easily say that skin was hydrated. But I can not say that the mask has deeply hydrated my skin, like a magic. It has done a very decent job.

Pros:

Peeling off the mask was easy.
It did not dry my skin like any other peel off mask would do.
It added hydration to my skin.
Packing is quite reusable.Quantity is more for single use. You can use it multiple times if you take adequate quantity out and mix water to make the mask.
Does not contain harmful chemicals.
Plastic used for packing is recyclable. So they are doing a bit for the environment.

Cons:

Quantity of water mentioned on the pack is misleading. If you go with the quantity mentioned on the package, you are going to end up wasting the product like I did.
It didn’t add any extra or deep hydration to my skin. It has done a very decent job.
Falls on pricier side for a mask + the job it is doing.
Package once opened, can’t be carried around without worrying about spillage. As the lid is not tight enough.

Is this on my repurchase list?

No. It is a descent product. But I had more expectations for the money I paid.

Will I recommend?

It is good enough for normal skin, provided they use it multiple times by the way I have suggested above. But if you have dry skin and searching for deep hydration, go for sheet masks instead of this one.

Mygirlypedia Rating: 2/5.

Check Out This Video of Mine Where I Have Demonstrated My First Ever Rubber Masking Experience. 😄

Useful Sheet Mask Tips To Make The Most Of It

It doesn’t really matter whether you are a beauty and skin care freak or not; I am sure if you live in the world of Instagram, you have seen these sheet masks while scrolling down the infinite Instagram feed. Haven’t you???

You might know the basic about these sheet masks, let me share some of the tips and tricks to follow while using one. I am sure you will find it useful for your next pampering session with the sheet masks.

What is a sheet mask?

It’s a serum infused paper mask.

Why sheet mask???

Primary purpose of using a sheet mask is to add hydration to your skin.

Sheet mask or a moisturiser???

A good moisturiser adds moisture to your skin (which you all know). But sheet mask on the other hand has serum in it. Which in comparison with moisturiser, easily gets absorbed by skin. Thus, adding maximum moisture your skin needs.

Packing of sheet mask

Sheet mask comes in a pouch packing. A sheet mask which is dipped in serum.

Sheet masks before CTM or after CTM?

Ideally, it’s the M in the CTM where you moisturise. So, it’s always preferred to cleanse your face thoroughly and then use sheet mask. I personally skip toner.

Never use the sheet mask while the makeup is on or there is dirt on your face. Because adding moisture on makeup or dirt is going to clog pores which will end up in breakouts.

How to use a sheet mask?

Unfold the sheet mask and place it on your face. It ha these gaps for your eyes, mouth and nostrils.

For how long should I keep the sheet mask on?

Sheet mask should not be used more than 15 minutes. Reason being, 15 minutes is good enough for your skin to absorb the serum. If the sheet mask left more than that, the drying/ dried sheet masks can start absorbing moisture from your skin. So, doing no good to your skin.

How to make use of the excess serum in the pouch?

I love layering the serum on my face once I am done using the sheet mask. I also apply serum on my hands and feet sometimes. Ultimately, it’s a serum which adds moisture. Our hands and feet also need moisture, right?

Should I wash my face after using a sheet mask?

A big no. Because if you do so, it’s absolutely a waste of time and of course the money spent on masking. The serum which is absorbed by the skin should be left to see it’s magic. If we wash face, the serum will be gone, skin won’tbe benefited much.

Should I use moisturiser post sheet masking?

Umm it depends on your skin type. If you really feel the necessity for more moisture, you can. But usually serum in the sheet mask is quite heavy and most of us might not feel the need for moisture.

Should I use the sheet mask daily?

Even if you have dry skin, I don’t really suggest you use sheet mask every day. Because sheet mask is a huge source of moisture. Everything should be in moderation. So, I don’t personally prefer to add so much moisture every day to my skin.

How frequently should I use sheet mask?

If you have dry skin, 3 times a week should be good enough. If you have normal to oily skin, twice should be ok.

How long the results going to last?

Honestly, a day or max two.

Special Tip:

If you have oily, choose the sheet mask wisely. As your skin is already oily, you don’t need more moisture. Sheet masks like shea butter, avocado is something which you better avoid.

If your skin is prone to acne, sheet masks which is meant for skin type like green tea should be helpful. They add moisture also takes care of skin.

If you want to make your own sheet mask, check this out. Where I have mentioned how to make one at home.

I hope you find the post useful. Have any more query or tip??? Feel free to comment below.

How Do I Use Nivea Creme In Different Ways

Hello beautiful,

Let’s talk about a very basic skin care product today. Which can be used in different ways. Umm it’s kind of a budget friendly post, where you spend money on a cheaper product and use it for different purposes.

As the heading of the post says, I am talking about this cute little blue tin of Nivea, which I am sure you are familiar with. Pretty more chances that most of you had or have bought this tin somewhere during your local drug store haul. Haven’t you??? If I heard a No, well, you will buy once you finish reading this.

Let me share some of the ways I make use of this little box of magic.

Moisturizing:

The prime factor of Nivea is the super moisture it provides. I personally prefer to apply this heavy cream on my elbows and knees. This provides heavy moisture that my elbows and knees need.

Under eye cream:

If you have dark under eye area or puffy eyes, all you need is that extra moisture to pamper it. As you might already know, skin covering the under eye area is very delicate. It requires more hydration. Instead of spending more amount on an eye cream, spend only INR 39 to take care of under eye area. 😃 Sounds super budget friendly right… ? 😉

Applying a thin layer of Nivea before hitting the bed at night, should be helpful.

PS : I sometimes use it during the day as well. On under eye area, before applying any makeup.

As a lip mask:

Sitting in air conditioned environment??? Huuh… no matter how the weather is outside, our skin and especially lips get dry. I have a quick tried tested tip for dry lips and skin around mouth.

Apply a layer of Nivea on lips and around mouth. Let it absorb for around ten minutes. Take a wet cloth or wet wipe, wipe the cream. This will make sure the lips are hydrated and skin becomes soft.

I don’t prefer using it as a lip balm because it is too heavy and makes lips look visibly white (you know what I mean.)

As a foot cream:

Skin covering our feet is thick and needs heavy moisture. Apply Nivea to your feet and cracked heels. Cover it with socks and enjoy your beauty sleep. Wake up with much softer and happier feet.

Shaving Cream:

Applying Nivea before using razor will avoid cuts and also leaves skin smooth post hair removal.

As a Hand Cream:

I carry this tiny Nivea tin with me while I travel or I’m out. This will easily fit in small clutch or even inside jeans pocket. I have dry hands and that annoys me a bit sometimes. A quick layer of Nivea is what is enough for me to make my hands baby soft.

Special Note:

As much as I love using Nivea in above mentioned ways, I personally don’t prefer using it on my facial skin. It’s heavy and might clog pores which results in breakouts.

Hope you find it useful to replace some of the expensive skin care products with a super budget friendly Nivea tin.

PS : This is NOT a sponsored post and tips written are out of my own ‘tried and tested’ list.

Health and Beauty Benefits of Sea Water

Are you a mountain person or a beach one??? I love both. I discover my inner self between mountains and I find enormous happiness when I play with the waves. Looking at the huge sea/ ocean/ mountain makes me realise how tiny I am in this huge world…!!!

Apart from making us happy and taking care of our mental health, the sea makes our skin more healthy. Did you know that??? Yes, it does. How??? Let me tell you.

Sea water has lots of minerals in it. Which has been proved that it cures many skin issues. I have even heard my granny saying that, wearing accessories made of sea shells can also help to cure skin disorders. Isn’t it amazing??? Making skin healthier with some natural remedies, ahhh sounds perfect to me.

Let me list down some more advantages of sea water to our skin and hair.

Cures various skin disorders:
As I said earlier, it does cure the skin diseases but how??? Well, sea water contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium in it. Which are the reasons for this magical property of salt water. Sea water absorbs toxins from the skin and bacteria which causes acne thus making skin clear in the long run. It is also proved to cure infection and encouraging healing process.

Boosts Immune System:
Salt water increases oxygen level in the blood thus strengthening the immune system of the body.

Thyroid:
Iodine content of sea water helps in boosting thyroid activity.

Bye bye Cold and Flu:
It also relieve cold and flu symptoms, as well as to cure bronchitis and sinusitis.

Treats oily skin:
Sea water absorbs extra oil from the skin. Thus preventing overproduction of natural oil which if not treated might clog the pores resulting in breakouts.
If you are a dry skinned beauty, you really need to apply a good moisturizer post your visit to sea water. Because you don’t want to end up with itchy skin due to lack of moisture.

Used for good oral health:
Most of you must be familiar with this remedy. Whenever you are suffering from tooth ache, someone must have advised you to gargle mouth with salt water. The reason being, the salt water has anti bacterial property which kills the bacteria which is troubling you.
Even when you are not in any teeth trouble, you can use the salt water as a mouth wash in order to maintain good oral health.
Plus, certain studies say that it cures oral conditions like gingivitis and halitosis also.

To exfoliate dry skin:
Minerals in the sea water helps in scrubbing the skin cells gently thus unclogging pores and increasing the blood circulation. These open pores are further cleansed by the minerals which in turn helps in better absorption of the product applied on skin later that.

Relieves muscle pain:
You might have seen people dipping their feet in the tub full of warm salt water to get rid of the pain. The magnesium present in the salt water helps in relieving the muscle pain.

Beach waves:
We try so many methods, with and without heat to get those dreamy wavy hair. Do you know which is the easiest way to achieve that? One dip in the sea can make you achieve those beach waves. I know not everyone can afford to visit beach everyday. A quick replacement is a spray bottle and salted water. Spraying salt water to hair should also serve the purpose.

So, these were some of the prominent benefits of sea water.

Like I said, not everyone live by the seashore. Visiting one might not be a daily business. So you can try mixing table salt with water to get some benefits. But I must say, sea water is more effective than any other ones.

If you have any skin issues and want to try out salt water bath, you can try some amazing salts with healing properties. Which we call it as Bath salts. You can read this post where I have mentioned what and how does bath salts work.

There are multiple brands which have introduced different flavored bath salts to the market. In case you want to try out pure bath salts, you can prepare one at home. Here is the post where you get step by step details to prepare your own customised bath salts.

The next time you get drenched in sea water, instead of worrying about the stickiness, just feel good about great things it is doing to your skin and body. 😉

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub Reviewed

Hello world,

Like zillion times, I have mentioned in most of my posts that scrubbing is very very important in order to maintain a very healthy skin. As you know, scrubbing is a technique to remove the dead skin cells. As ‘The winter is coming’, it’s better you stoke up your shelf with a good scrub.

I heard many celebrities talking about this Indian skin and hair cars brand called Kama Ayurveda. The brand swears that it is totally Ayurvedic with no chemicals. This is a high end brand with products falling on slightly pricier side.

I was very keen to try my hands on these products since quite long. So thought of giving a try for this beautiful scrub from the brand, to start with(of course I’m gonna try more 😉).

Before I start reviewing this product let me tell you guys, this product is not sponsored by the brand. So let’s just start to get to know how this scrub worked for me.

Name:

Kama Ayurveda kumkumadi brightening Ayurvedic face scrub

Price:

1295 INR for 50 g

Click on below image to buy.

Shelf life:

2 years

What does company claims:

Kumkumadi face Scrub is specially formulated with pure Ayurvedic kumkumadi oil – a miraculous beauty fluid with 12 precious and rare ingredients that help in illuminating the complexion, smoothen fine line and rejuvenate skin cell growth. Our authentic Ayurvedic formula is created with the finest Kashmir Saffron to brighten your skin and repair pigmentation. Finely ground sweet almonds, rich in vitamins E and D nourish and nurture while exfoliating pollutants and impurities for a glowing complexion.

How to use:

Wet the face with lukewarm water. Massage a small amount of Scrub gently on your skin. Rinse well.

Ingredients:

Packing:

The outer cartoon is a combination of colours orange and gold. I just love this colour combination it totally gives you a very royal feel.

The cartoon looks something like this.

That design of lotus and couple of birds give this vintage look. Isn’t it?

All the details like, the shelf life, price, ingredients, how to use everything has been printed on this outer cover.

The glass bottle which contains the product looks something like this. With all the details of the product mentioned on the sticker on it.

Post opening the lid is one more small lid for the double protection for the product to be safe. Hence no worries of any spillage.

If you are thinking the tub packing is unhygienic, as you have to dip your finger every time you want to take the product out, then Kama Ayurveda has a quick solution. The product comes with a small wooden spatula. Which you can use to take out the product and clean the spatula for next use. Thus maintaining the hygiene.

Consistency:

This light yellowish cream has this tiny granules to scrub of the dead skin cells from your face. The best part of the scrub is you can actually see saffron in it.

Fragrance:

It has a very mild fragrance of Ayurvedic oil. Even if you have sensitive nose, I’m pretty sure this fragrance doesn’t going to trouble you.

How did it worked on me:

As mentioned on the cover I did wet my face with water and applied a thin layer of Scrub on my face. Gently rubbed my face to let the scrub work. I usually leave the scrub on my face for a while post massaging. Before it gets dried off completely, I wash my face with warm water.

I must say, in the first use itself apart from doing its primary job of making skin soft, it also gives a good glow to the skin. So if you want to get that glow to the skin instantly, I think you should use this scrub for sure.

Post using the scrub my skin was left softer and cleaner. Usually most of the other scrubs make my skin dry and its screams for hydration. But post using this one, I didn’t have to run for moisturization immediately.

Pros of Kama ayurveda kumkumadi brightening ayurvedic face scrub:

Ayurvedic ingredients
Travel friendly packing
Leaves skin soft and clean
Does not dry your skin
Didn’t give any breakouts
Adds glow to your skin
I have used this scrub for three to four times now and I can see the acne marks fading away.
Hygienic packing, thanks to the wooden spatula
Easily available online
Cruelty free
Glass packing which is recyclable. Making it Eco friendly packing.

Cons of Kama ayurveda kumkumadi brightening ayurvedic face scrub

Some might find it pricey. But little quantity goes a long way and with the positive experience I had, I think it’s worth the hype and price.

So, if you would like to invest in a good product to pamper yourself then do try this scrub. With the results it gives, I am sure you will be happy with your purchase.

Mygirlypedia rating: 5 out of 5.

Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin

Last week I have shared a post with all the care we got to take if we have oily skin. Today, let’s talk about skin which lacks hydration. That is dry skin.

Some girls are so much worried about their itchy dry skin that they try a lot many products. But not all the products are meant for this particular type of skin. Lets see how to take care of dry skin in right way.

First thing first. No matter what your skin type is, the basic mantra is these three letters – CTM.

Cleansing –

Harsh face washes and soaps are a big no no for you guys. Because they dry the skin even more. To clean or cleanse your face, always use a cream based cleanser. Reason being, while serving the key purpose, it will also add some moisture which your skin needs.

Toning –

Toner removes the left over dirt from facial pores. If you have good cleanser, you can skip this step.

Moisturising –

There are multiple types of moisturisers available in market. I am not just talking about different brands, there are types like water based, oil based, heavy, light moisturisers. Based on your skin condition choose the right one. Since the skin is already dry, oil based or heavy moisturiser suits the best for dry skinned beauties.

Scrubbing –

This is one of the ‘needed’ step in skin care regime for dry skin. Scrubbing removes dead skin cells. Which is much needed in your case. Even while choosing a scrub, look for a lotion based scrub. You can try out sugar and honey scrub. While sugar removes the dead skin cells, honey adds moisture. Too much scrubbing is something I never recommend. Two to three times a week(provided your skin is extremely dry) is what best suitable one.

More homemade scrubs here.

Face Packs –

There are some moisturising face packs which you can prepare at home using kitchen ingredients. Try them twice or thrice a week to add the moisture to your skin.

For body:

Along with eating right and drinking loads of water, below are some of the points which are essential for better skin texture.

1. Cleansing –

Instead of using soaps, opt for a mild shower cream or gel. Cream being the first choice, for the obvious reasons.

2. Scrubbing –

Just like face, it’s necessary to scrub away those dead skin cells from body. This will avoid the itchiness as well as it lets skin breath. You can try some home made scrubs or try dry brushing.
Know about dry brushing here.

3. Body Lotion –

A heavy body lotion is what your skin will be thankful for. These are the body lotions I recommend for you. Apply the lotion twice a day for better results.

So these are the quick tips to take a good care of dry skin. I hope you find it useful. ☺️

Is Almond, Milk and Honey Shower Cream from The Body Shop A Best Pick???

Hey pretty,

Who doesn’t like a long shower or relaxing bath…!?? We all do. I know not everyone has the privilege of enjoying a long bath in a bath tub. (nor time to enjoy it every morning)… Least we can do to enjoy the bath is to chose a nice aromatic bath gel or a bath cream. Usually post bath, our skin scream for more moisture. Choosing a moisturizing shower cream would be a wise idea.

The other day I had been to The body shop outlet in Westend mall Pune to do a mini haul. Since I was bored with the shower cream I was using, I picked up this one. Only point which made me pick this up was its fragrance. It’s a sweetest fragrance. Smells like sweet candies.

Well, did it any good to my skin??? Read on…

Brand:

The Body Shop