Thursday 13 March 2014

Hairstyling and hair care for Holi

Hairstyling and hair care for Holi (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)
Festival of colours - Holi, is just around the corner. It is that time of the year when people least care about their looks, hair and attire and welcome the vibrant festival of colours.

Traditionally, Holi was played by colours extracted from herbs and the flowers blooming at that time. The natural colours were enriched with therapeutic value and were beneficial for our skin and health. Over the years, synthetic colours have replaced natural colours to the extent that most Holi colours sold in the market today are oxidized metals or industrial dyes. Hence it is important to protect your hair and scalp from the damage that can incur on account of these harmful colours.

By following a few simple precautionary steps you can ensure to enjoy a great Holi celebration without having to worry much about the colours affecting your hair.

Before you spray on any colours, ensure that you have oiled your hair well. A head massage with warm coconut or a mixture of jojoba and castor oil the night before Holi is typically recommended. The oil provides hair with the nutrition it requires when it gets dry due to the colours. This also causes the colour to come off the hair more easily after you have finished festival celebrations.

Another tip is to use the 'Hot Towel Treatment' just a night before you plan your big Holi-do. Simply soak a towel in hot water and wrap it around your head. Leaving this on for about 30 minutes to an hour will let the steam open up the pores in the scalp hence allowing the come off easily the next day

If you have a sensitive scalp, add a few drops of lemon juice to avoid any infection triggered by the chemicals in colours. The lemon juice acts as a protective shield against the harsh colours on the scalp.

Post Holi hair care tips

After celebrating Holi, first rinse your hair with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. You can use a mild shampoo, working it into the hair with the fingers followed by a conditioner. If the colour still remains in your hair, do not wash it again on the same day as it will make your locks dry.

Alternatively, you can apply olive oil to your hair and wash it the next day.

Soak few fenugreek (methi) seeds in water overnight. Next morning crush them to make a paste. Apply this on your hair and keep it for at least 15 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. If used twice a week, the mask will help reducing hair loss. The mask also controls the dandruff.

Few hairstyles tips that you can try for Holi

The biggest 'no-no' on Holi is to leave your hair open. To be comfortable, yet stylish and still guaranteed to have fun, you can try the following tips:

Try out a French Braid and wear a thick hair band with a bow on your head for a quirky-festival look. This will not only keep your hair tied back but the band will also protect your hair from the colour

A high bun is not only on trend, but you can also put a thick bun cover of the same colour as your hair on your bun. This will help protect your hair to a great extent from the chemicals and you will still be looking style savvy

If you want to protect your hair from every bit of colour, wearing a bandana would be a great option. Hold your hair together and make a low bun. Then, tie a bandana covering your complete head. This way, your hair will be safe from any colour.

(Inputs Courtesy: Celebrity hairstylist Asgar Sabbo)

Posted By   The Times of India

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Vedic line+ BB Cream SPF 20: Review and Swatches

I know how late I am to even talk about this when the whole country is raving about BB Creams. India seems to be the new target for bb cream manufacturers. From maybe line to this one to the latest addition from Garnier,everyone seems to be talking about BB creams. The one in discussion today is the Vedic line+ BB Cream 



Company Claims:


Directions for Use:


Ingredients:


Price/Quantity:


I got this for INR 225/-

Shade: Vedic line+ BB Cream comes only in one shade.

Packaging: It has a nozzle dispenser,which is very practical in terms of controlling the amount of the product. I just wish I could see how much product is left in the tube though :/

My Take:


Vedic line+ BB Cream SPF 20 is a caramel/beige colored cream. It comes in only one shade and one for all skin types. It suits my complexion and my dry skin pretty well though I doubt it might not be the best option for the dusky and oily skinned beauties. It is hydrating and does not dry me out further. The fragrance is mild (very foundation like). The best part is ..its paraben free and has SPF 20. Coverage wise it has medium coverage and since I do not have any significant pigmentation/marks/under-eyes,I can easily skip concealer while using this. It imparts a dewy glow to the face and stays put for a good time too. Just a pea-size is enough to cover a full face and its non-drying properties are what my dry skin really loves!


My Likes:
1. Brightens up the face.
2. Non-drying (infact hydrating)
3. Imparts a dewy glow.
4. Stays put for long hours.
5. Doesn't feel heavy.
6. The shade Suits my yellow-undertoned skin
7. Nozzle is able to control the amount.
8. Leak free packaging (travel friendly).
9. Provides medium coverage,enough for minor imperfections.
10. Doesn't leave a white cast. 
11. Affordable.
12. Has SPF 20
13. Not tested on Animals.
14. Paraben free. 

My Dislikes: 
Nothing for me personally but:
1. Only one shade for all (might not be suitable for dusky beauties).
2. One for All skin types (What is hydration to me,might be a con for oily skinned people)

Last Word:
The formula and the shade both suit me pretty well but others may face one of the above two issues!

Repurchase:
Though I love it..I'm yet to try the Garnier BB cream..

Over All Rating: 4.8/5

What's your favorite BB Cream?

Posted By Budget Belleza At budgetbelleza.com

Monday 10 March 2014

Product Review – Vedic Line + SensiTone Face Wash For Sensitive Skin

Hi,
Reviewing a Face Wash for Sensitive Skin.
Vedic Line offers aesthetic solutions such as whitening, anti – aging, moisturizing, aroma for mental & physical relaxation, acne treatment etc.  Read more about the brand and the products they offer HERE.



 
Product : Vedic Line + SensiTone Face Wash For Sensitive Skin. It is a clear, thin gel like formula. Has a sort of aqua fragrance. It is paraben free and not tested on animals. It is even dermatologically tested.
 
What Vedic Line Says : 
“Non irritating, soft & smooth on skin. Formulated with Anti-Oxidant & portulaca Extract to remove dirt & grime & clean with tenderness.”
Packaging : Bright Blue colored plastic squeeze tube with a flip cap. the packaging is very basic but is sturdy and the cap fits pretty tight, no chance for product leakage. As it is a plastic tube it is a travel friendly product.
 





Ingredients:


Price : Rs 150 for 100 ml
According to Me: Â  This is a very mild face wash. It is transparent in color. The formula is thin, gel-like with runny consistency. Whenever I flip open the tube the product starts oozing out if don’t hold the tube upright. For this consistency of product I prefer using a pump packaging, for more control on dispensing the product. Has aqua fragrance, and is little artificial for me. Though it is refreshing enough, it does not lasts long.


The face wash lathers pretty well and gives a nice clean soft feel immediately after washing it off with water. It does not dries my already dry skin. In a  air conditioned room, it makes my skin feels dry and stretchy without a moisturizer. But when I am in a non ac atmosphere my skin stays pretty normal. Attributing to the hot and humid weather of Chennai, my skin oils up on the T-zone. This face wash stops the oil pretty well without drying me up in a Non-ac room or outdoors. It did not cause any breakout. For testing this product I stopped using every other skincare product I use like my scrub and other exfoliants (glycolic and salicylic). In a period two days I noticed whiteheads surfacing. This product doesn’t helps with pore clogging. I don’t mind using an extra product to counteract this problem, as the exfoliants I use tackle whitehead issues very well.


Pros : 
Mild face wash.
Cleanses the face effectively.
Controls oil for decent time.
Refreshing fragrance.
Sturdy and Travel friendly packaging.
Affordable.
Paraben Free.
Not Animal Tested.
Cons:
Does not helps with pore clogging.
Product wastage because of watery consistency and squeeze tube packaging.
Contains SLES. Might bother few people.
Last words:
It is a decent product. Although it is primarily meant for sensitive skin, anyone looking for a mild face wash will like the product.
Stay Beautiful,
Shweta
This is a PR sample sent for reviewing purpose, My opinion is true and honest. 

Posted By Shweta Sarawgi

Friday 7 March 2014

Review : Vedic Line Green Apple Toner

Post by Shruti Shetty (Entry 6)
Hi guys,

Hope u all are doing well… With the onset of monsoon it’s become even a tad more necessary to take care of our skin. Following the CTM routine is ever so important in this rainy climate. So today I am going to review one of my favourite toners. It’s the Vedic Line Green Apple Toner.


Brand Information: Vedic Line provides innovative & effective daily care products for Face, Hair & Body. All speciality lines are designed for in-salon treatments & on-going treatments at home to restore or maintain youthful look. Vedic Line has optimum combination of Ayurvedic wisdom & modern scientific research. It uses most advanced active & natural ingredients for the best yet safest results. One can enjoy visibly healthier skin & hair initially & significant improvement overtime.

What the Company Claims: Enriched with natural fresheners, it tones and freshens the skin. It helps reducing minor marks and blemishes and brings a refreshing glow.

Price: Rs.100/- (got for Rs.90 from urbantouch.com)
Quantity: 100ml
Expiry: 3yrs from date of Mfg


Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Coco Amido Propyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Green Apple Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Color Brilliant Blue FCH42090

Packaging: Comes in a transparent bottle with a sturdy flip cap. The cap is pretty sturdy so you wouldn’t face any problem of leakages during travelling


My experience :-

I just love this toner. It has such a refreshing smell. I love green apple so it was no surprise that I was attracted to this product instantly. Since we all know that green apple is rich in anti-oxidants, this is one toner I had to try and I am glad I did. The toner as stated on the bottle is not brilliant blue but a shade of dark green. The main reason I bought this was because I was suffering from dark black patches around my lips because of dryness. So I had purchased this toner along with their lychee cleanser. I will review the cleanser some other day.  I’ve used this product for a month now and my skin texture has improved considerably. I have oily skin and due to change in weather my skin becomes flaky and dry especially around my lips. But ever since I have started using this, I haven’t faced any problem whatsoever. I didn’t face any break outs. In fact my skin looked less oily with its regular use. It definitely cleared up the blemishes.


Pros:
  • It’s cheap and you get ample quantity to use.
  • No parabens or alcohol yay !!
  • Refreshing smell.
  • Clears up blemishes with regular use.

Cons:
  • I wish it gave a cooling, tingling sensation to the skin.


Conclusion: Definitely worth purchasing. I am excited to try more products from their range.

Rating: 4.25/5

Posted By at makeupmypassion.com

Thursday 6 March 2014

Home Remedies to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Images courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Image
A number of reasons like age, hormonal imbalance, improper diet etc. can affect hair growth. Who doesn’t desire healthy and strong hair and to achieve this, people are willing to spend large amounts of money on expensive remedies and treatments. However, before you consider these treatments, try out these effective home remedies to make your hair grow faster.

Egg yolk and olive oil
Eggs contain high levels of proteins, which aid in the formation of new hair. They are also rich in minerals and vitamins, which help nourish the hair. Olive oil on the other hand helps soften and shine dull hair. Therefore, mixing these two ingredients can make up an extremely effective remedy for hair growth.  Use the white of one egg and add one spoon of olive oil to it. Use this paste on your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. You can later rinse it off with cool water and shampoo. 

Onion
Onion is another effective home remedy, which can boost hair growth. Onion juice is rich in sulphur, which will help increase the production of collagen and thus aid in hair growth. Chop the onion in small piece and squeeze out the juice. Apply this juice to your scalp and wait for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with cool water and shampoo. 

Banana 

Bananas are rich in vitamins A, C and E and are known to not only aid in hair growth but will also leave your hair healthier and softer. Choose a ripe banana and mash it into a paste. Make sure this paste is soft enough or you may find it difficult to rinse it off. If it’s not too soft add some olive oil to it. Apply this paste on your hair and use a shower cap or a warmed towel to cover your head. Allow it to stay on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with shampoo and conditioner. 

Coconut milk
Coconut milk has been used as an age old remedy for hair growth. This ingredient is rich in iron, proteins and potassium. It strengthens hair and reduces shredding. Use coconut milk on your hair and leave it overnight. Wash it off with water the next day. This will help aid in hair growth.

Posted By Vanessa Luis at Healthmeup.com

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Vedic Line Bio Under Eye Cream & Gel Review Swatches

Vedic Line Bio Under Eye Cream & Gel – Rs 200 & Rs 150 for 65ml each, available at Healthkart.com


My around the ‘Eye’ problems-
I don’t have under eye dark circles but have some visible eye lid discoloration. I have puffiness under my eyes which doesn’t look pleasant. Also due to dry skin so i have been noticing lots of wrinkles (or may be ageing since i am in late twenties) around my eyes. I was terrified and started to look for a solution around.
I was looking for a decent eye cream which isn’t heavy on pockets + if it doesn’t bring any result, i shouldn’t feel cheated. Nivedita from Beauty At Times is skin deep suggested Vedic Line Bio Under Eye Cream & Gel since she loved the results. I decided to follow her lead and ordered them from Healthkart.com




About Vedic Line Bio Under Eye Gel
Strengthens Sensitive eye areas & delays formation of wrinkles. Good during day time.
How to use
Lightly apply around eyes & let it dry naturally.
Contents
Purified water, Aloe Vera Gel, Honey, Carbomer, Almond Oil.
About Vedic Line Bio Under Eye Cream
Firms, smoothes & retards formation of fine lines & wrinkles. Good as night cream.
How to use
Lightly massage around eyes, if needed wipe it before sleeping.
Contents
Purified water, Palm Wax, Aloe Vera Gel, Honey & Carbomer.


How i use them
I use Bio under eye gel during the day since it gets absorb quickly, looks and feels non greasy and keeps the area around my eyes fresh and taut.
I use Bio under eye cream during the night since it looks and feels rich. It really sinks into the skin after few minutes (not instantly) and keeps the eye area hydrated and healthy. Its a bit sticky in texture so i do not find it suitable for daytime.

Texture
Bio under eye gel feels like any other eye gel. It feels light and cool. It instantly refreshes the eye area and sinks in quickly. I love to apply it anytime during the day whenever my eyes feel tired and baggy. I have under eye puffiness issue and they become prominent when i work too much on computer or had a sleepless night. This gel helps in relaxing and refreshing eye area.

Bio Under eye cream feels pretty light when you touch it, kind of whipped cream (IMO), it feels light but once you apply it instantly hydrates eye area. Due to its rich texture it feels sticky for a while until it sinks in completely.
My experience
I have been using these two products for over 25 days now and can see
  1. Reduced fine lines around my eyes.
  2. Discoloration on my eye lid has reduced to some extent.
  3. Under eye bags have disappeared considerably.
  4. My pocket and heart feel good since there is still so much product left. It will not be over anytime soon.
My recommendations
I would highly recommend bio under eye cream and gel to be used together in order to see quick results. I am not sure how well it fares on dark circles but seeing the way it has reduced the discoloration on my eye lids i am sure it will benefit dark circles too. My eye area looks smooth and hydrated. Also the quantity will last more than 3 months since you don’t need anything more than half a pea size.
Ratings : 4.7/5
Posted By At bbeautilicious.com

Sunday 2 March 2014

Vedicline Lychee Shake Cleanser would be there with me for quite some time

Oh well, as I was about to post this one, I received the shock of my life! I had written out this post and yet, it was not saved! Anyway, I had to write the draft again. Some time ago, in fact, quite some time ago, I had bought this huge bottle of Vedicline Lychee Cleanser. Many of you were pretty curious about it. Well, cleansers are a part of my skin care routine and I need them in my kitty. So, when I saw this huge bottle on sale, I knew I had to add it to my cart.


My experience: It's a creamy cleanser which does not leave any oily residue behind. I normally massage the cleanser on my face and then wipe off with a wash cloth soaked in warm water. It effectively takes off my facial makeup and most of my eye makeup. But, if you have stubborn eye makeups on, you need some extra work with this one. I myself do not mind because, I would gently massage a tiny amount of coconut oil to melt down the eye makeup and then wipe it off with the cleanser.



This cleanser leaves my face squeaky clean and my skin feels soft right after use. 
Since, it does not moisturize ( which is good), I would follow up with a toner and moisturizer.

The likes:
  1. It's a good cleanser. Takes off even my Maybelline gel liner effortlessly.
  2. The scent is mild and not overwhelming. In fact, it's barely noticeable either.
  3. Does not leave any residue on the skin.
  4. Removed eye makeup well ( though not the best).
  5. Never broke me out and my skin remains soft.
  6. Whik\le massaged on the skin, it does not get soaked up.
  7. Huge bottle. 500 ml for around 375 INR is what you call steal.

The not-so-likes
  1. Not easily available.
  2. This gigantic sized bottle is not available on any e-store.
  3. The pump dispenses a lot and when has to be twisted back. In the process, plenty of product come out.

But I have solved it by pouring out some in a smaller pot.

Verdict: I am really liking this cleanser a lot. In fact, almost all the Vedicline products have been working good for me.

I do recommend this cleanser if you are looking for a gentle one.   

Posted by Nivedita At makeupandchitchat.com