Thursday, 26 December 2013

Sukin Night Cream - My favorite

Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream

Sukin is an Australian brand offering an amazing range of natural skin care products containing powerful ingredients. 



The first product I have tried from their range is Sukin Moisture Restoring NIGHT CREAM. I have been looking for good night creams and I suddenly stumbled upon this in a pharmacy. When I checked online for reviews, I was delighted to see so many glowing reviews about this product. 

This product is instilled with blends of rosehip, evening primrose and borage oils that are suitable for all skin types. Furthermore, there are other powerful ingredients such as AloeJojoba seed oilVitamin Eavocado oillavender oilMandarin Orange peel oilGrapefruit seed etc. 

 -evening primrose
                                                   
- rose-hip

 It has no parabens, no mineral oils, no Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), no Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), no synthetic ingredients etc. 

This is a perfect, gentle night cream full of rich and active ingredients suitable for all skin types plus sensitive skin. It is a thick moisturizer and you need only a little bit to slather on. The cream is easily absorbed and doesn’t leave traces of residue behind. If you slather on too much cream, it feels heavy on your skin. 

I highly recommend using a spatula if you want to use this cream rather than dipping your fingers to avoid germs.        

I love putting on this night cream because it makes my face glow right after putting it. I feel my skin getting hydrated and plump after a few minutes which is a pleasant sensation. The next morning my skin is still radiant and looks healthy.
The functions of rosehip, evening primrose and borage oils help with night repair and renewal to generate healthy skin cells, and aloe to calm weary skin. The smell of lavender and vanilla helps you to be at ease and relax.

After cleansing your face at night, apply the cream to your face and neck in gentle upward motions.       
Sometimes I would combine my day moisturizer with a bit of the night cream to provide hydration throughout the day. The cream gives off a delightful smell that is neither strong nor overpowering.

Having combination type skin, it hydrates the dry areas of my face and provides the moisture that it needs balancing out the oily and dry sides. 

It is essential to use a good night cream because during the day our skin is exposed to external elements such as weather, air-conditioning, and pollution and so on. Thus you need to take care of your skin by purchasing a worthy night cream that helps to renew and restore the skin during the night. 

Now that it is the winter season in Los Angeles, this is a life saver for my skin.
I would give this product a rating of 10/10 because of its ingredients and the results I get after using this cream. It is a tub of 120ml that can last for a long time and I will definitely stick with this night cream for a long time. 

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Himalaya Herbals - Scrubs


Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub



This is the first face scrub I have used from the Himalaya Range. It has Walnut shell granules, wheatgerm oil and apple. I liked this scrub because I saw a reduction in the number of blackheads on my nose when I use this twice a week.

However it is a little bit rough on the skin so you have to be careful. After cleansing my face, I take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage my face in circular motions. After washing my face, I feel it is silky smooth and soft and leaves a nice fresh fragrance behind. This scrub claims to remove dead skin cells and blackheads. It is suitable for all skin types and is dermatologically tested.

Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub


I tried another face scrub in the same range, Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub that also leaves the skin soft and smooth. This scrub has wheatgerm oil, apricot granules and apple to promote healthy skin.  However I did not see a reduction in my blackheads when using the scrub.

Overall Himalaya Scrubs are good as a general scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and give your skin a natural healthy glow. 

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Tuesday, 24 December 2013

Brown Rice mask


This is one of my favorite hair masks to soften and repair hair instantly. It has a nice fragrance that is not too heavy and the texture is smooth and light.

It has extracts of organic brown rice, ginkgo biloba and polygonum multiflorum root. This mask can be used for 2 - 3 times a week for about 5 - 10 minutes.


After shampooing I towel dry my hair so there is no excess water and then take a small amount of the creamy mixture and apply it from my mid-lengths all the way to the tips of my hair.
You will notice how smooth and silky your hair is in the first application. I recommend using this twice a week.

I purchased this hair mask from Guardian Pharmacy in Malaysia and its price is reasonable. It comes in a light weight tub that is easy to use. Guardian used to carry a hair mud mask which worked equally well but sadly it was discontinued. Luckily this organic brown rice mask works on my hair and I am satisfied with it.

I would give this a rating of 4.5/5.
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Dark Circles Away


One of my favourite eye serums:  Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away

I never thought that one day I will take the chance to purchase an expensive brand just to take care of my eyes! But it was worth the splurge. This is the first product I have tried from their brand.

This handy beauty product helps to diminish wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles and puffiness around the eye area. For me this worked on the first day itself where I saw a difference in my eye bags which reduced considerably. My eyes looked brighter and smoother when I woke up in the morning. 

It is a slim blue product that comes with a roller ball applicator that massages the eye area to reduce puffiness. It has a cooling effect when applying because of the metal roller ball. It helps to increase collagen levels and microcirculation.  The texture of the product is light and easily absorbed by the skin.

The best way to apply is to gently pump a small amount of product and glide it over the eye area including the eye lid gently in a circular motion. Then gently pat using your ring finger around the eye area to let it be absorbed. Then wipe the roller ball applicator with a cotton pad. Otherwise it can become quite messy on your next application. 

I prefer using this serum at night. After applying this serum, I apply one of my eye creams on top of it for maximum results. I use Cinelle eye bright cream which has not done much for my eye concerns.
However this product is relatively expensive but it can last for some time depending how often you use it.

 These are the results I get from this product and overall I am happy with using this product for the long-term! However individual results may vary. It would be best if you can obtain a sample of this product and try this for a week to see if there is an improvement before purchasing it! :)

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Frizz Fighter!



  Argan oil also known as Moroccan oil is a rare oil widely used in skin and hair care. It is a plant oil produced from kernels of the Argan tree. It has a pleasant nutty buttery smell which is not overpowering, and consists of anti-oxidants high in Vitamin E and Vitamin C. 

This is how I incorporate Argan oil in my hair care routine: 

Do remember that a little goes a long way! Don’t use too much because your hair will become oily.
  • I use it as a hot oil treatment incorporating a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, half a tablespoon of Argan oil and sometimes coconut oil for a more intensive treatment.
  • Apply the oil mixture throughout the hair from roots to the tips.
  • Massage the mixture into the scalp. Wrap your hair in a warm towel or a shower cap and keep it for at least 30 minutes.
  • Then wash hair with cold or warm water, and follow up with a shampoo and conditioner.
If my hair is frizzy after showering, I lightly apply some Argan oil throughout my wet hair and let it dry naturally. Applying Argan oil on your hair while it’s wet will help to make it dry 40% faster. If you are blow-drying your hair it will help to protect your hair shafts from heat. 

If you do this treatment every time you wash your hair you can see a difference after 2 weeks. You will notice your hair has become smoother and glossy, less frizzy and reduced split ends. It acts as a moisturizing agent that is perfect for beating the hot and dry weather. You can apply a bit of oil on the tips of your hair after washing your hair and before going out.  

If you are constantly using a curling iron, applying some Argan oil to your hair will help to maintain the shape of your curls or hairstyle and protect it from the heat. You can use a bit more after styling your hair if you feel it’s not enough. Furthermore it helps to promote and increase hair growth.  
       

Make sure you buy pure extracts or organic Argan oil to reap the full benefits of this miraculous oil. There are beauty products comprising of Argan oil mixed with synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good. 

It is a natural secret weapon for beautiful hair and glowing skin used by many celebrities. It pumps vitality into hair. You can achieve silky gorgeous hair within a month if you use this oil consistently in your hair care routine.  

Monday, 23 December 2013

The Golden Oil

The Golden Oil is revealed to be none other than olive oil!

It is a golden liquid contains healthy and rich nutrients for skin and body. It is used widely in beauty treatments and is the leading ingredient in certain beauty products. 

I use extra virgin olive oil for treating my skin and it works wonderfully. You can use this amazing oil in so many ways that will benefit your skin: 

  • Olive oil and sugar scrub – Mix one tablespoon of olive oil (optional: warm) with two tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl. Then apply this sugar scrub in gentle and circular motions all over your body. Then wash it off and followed by your favourite moisturizer. You will notice in the morning that your skin is radiant, healthy, soft, and toned.
  • Feet softener – As a feet softener, apply a generous amount of olive oil and wear socks before you sleep. When you wake up, your feet will be so soft.
  • Healthy nails – Dip your nails in warm olive oil and lemon juice for 5-10 minutes. It will make them stronger and soften your cuticles.
  • Glowing skin – Use olive oil as a night treatment for your face. After cleansing your face, apply a few drops of olive oil on your face and massage gently in upward motions. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will be radiant and it will shine throughout the day. I have many people complimenting on my glowing skin when I use this treatment daily at night. If you like this can be followed by your favourite night cream. In this case, olive oil can act as a serum for your face.  
  • Velvety lips – Put olive oil on your lips to prevent chapped lips all year around. This will help your lips to stay soft and healthy.
  • Soft and silky hair – Apply warm olive oil to dry hair and wrap hair in a shower cap or towel for 15-30 minutes. After shampooing and using conditioner you will notice hair fall is less and hair is soft and shiny. Olive oil can also take the place of a conditioner. You can see better results when you use this treatment regularly.
  • Apply olive oil on dry areas of the body which is often neglected such as elbows and knees during the night.  
Taking olive oil internally will help to further increase the benefits you will receive. My favorite salad dressing is a mix of lemon, apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil consists of Vitamin E and is rich in antioxidants. This is a healthy dressing for those who want to watch their weight or want to try a sharper and tangy dressing to suit their taste buds.
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Quick Fixes #1

#1 White Egg mask for pesky whiteheads and blackheads 

I want to reveal to you an egg mask that I’ve tried out for a while. I am happy with the results though it took practice to become a pro at it.  
Make sure you don’t keep egg on your face for too long. Less than 10 - 15 minutes will do because you will end up with small pimples all over your face. 

-          You will need:

White egg
Tissues

First make a mixture of white egg to apply on the areas of your face where there are whiteheads or blackheads. Most common areas are on the forehead, nose and chin area.  
To make this mission easier, tear thin tissues into small pieces that would fit your nose, chin etc. it doesn’t have to be accurate as long as it covers your areas of whiteheads and blackheads.

Then apply this mixture by layer. Apply the first layer on the areas of concern, let it dry then apply another layer and so on. Apply 3 - 5 layers. This will take around 6 minutes or so. Once the last layer is half –dried, take your tissues and put it on different parts of your face. If you apply a thin layer, it will take less time to dry. I recommend applying thin layer rather than a thick layer. 

Carefully apply another layer of egg over the tissues and allow it to be dried. When it is dried, pull the tissue gently in an upward direction, and you can see a lot of whiteheads and blackheads attached to it!
Finally wash your face gently and thoroughly to get rid of the egg mixture, and apply a hydrating moisturizer as white egg can be drying. You will notice a tightening effect, and your nose will be so smooth. It is amazing! 

In my first attempt I got a lot of whiteheads and some blackheads on the tissue. I was so surprised because I didn’t expect this in my first try. This is a cheaper and natural method of eliminating pesky skin concerns. 

Do this only twice a week not every day. Don’t be frustrated if you didn’t get this right in the first attempt. Once you practice you will get better at it and you will get good results by trying this method. 

Have you tried this? What were your results? 

#2 Lemon Treatment for dull and uneven skin tone


The smell of fresh citrus is refreshing and calming. It is a great method to even skin tone. 

To use the lemon treatment, cleanse your face well. Then make a diluted mix of fresh lemon and water. A teaspoon of lemon and water is sufficient to cover the whole face. 


You can try this method at night or even during the day if you have time. Using a cotton pad, apply this mixture on your face in upward motions. Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes, and then wash your face with water. Apply your favourite night cream and you’re done! I prefer using Sukin Moisture Restoring night cream. 

Try this for one week and you will notice your skin is getting brighter and smoother, and your skin tone is becoming more even. 

This is the natural way I have discovered to even out skin. I have tried a number of products that claimed ‘even skin tone’, or ‘for uneven skin tone’, but sadly didn’t work and was a big disappointment for me. I found this lemon treatment helped to lighten my uneven skin tone around my mouth and forehead. People complimented me on my smooth and bright skin tone and I am very happy with this method. 

You may notice some stings when you first apply this mixture. That is because the lemon is doing its magic for the skin. I would advise those who have sensitive skin to be cautious. Since I have oily combination skin, my skin doesn’t react to the acidity of the lemon that is diluted with water. 


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