Friday 14 June 2013

DIY Cleaning Jewellery at Home

Hi All!

How many of you love silver jewellery? I sure do! but there is something about my body chemistry that turns any silver that I wear, black........... 

Some one told me to scrub my silver with toothpaste/toothpowder, but it was too much hard work, and did not really change the colour of tarnished silver for me. Others told me to boil my silver in detergent water, but that didn't work very well either. Recently a friend shared this recipe with me which had been give to her by her mom.

I tried it out with two sets I wear regularly, a pair of anklets which I have been wearing for nearly seven years and they had turned quite black. Another is a pair of silver bangles which belong to my mother and are about as old as I am........   So , they were quite tarnished! I was pleasantly surprised as to how simple and quick this method was. 

So I thought, why not share it with you as well.

What you need:
 1 tsp each if salt, backing powder/soda and dish wash liquid, aluminium foil, a glass bowl, 1 cup water.

Line the glass bowl with aluminium foil.
 
 Mix the dish wash liquid, salt and backing powder/soda

 Heat a cup of water to boiling point

 Pour it into the mixture.

 Place your jewellery in this mix and shake it around a bit. Leave for about 10 minutes

Brush lightly with a toothbrush to remove the dirt from the crevices.
Wash with fresh water and wipe with soft cloth.
 
Before

After
Do you see the difference? It was like magic!

I am told that it works equally well for gold jewellery, with stones set as well!

Try it out and let me know how it worked for you!

Take Care!!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Beauty tips for coffee lovers!


OK.......... How many coffee lovers out there? Many............ i can safely assume. Some of us want the early morning fix to start the day, some need cup after cup, or should I say mug after mug  to get through the day. And there are others,like me who drink coffee for fun. 

there has been a whole lot of research on the benefits or ill-effects of coffee and the jury is still out, but in the mean time, it seems coffee has some excellent beauty benefits (ok, ok the BB effect)! 

So lets first look at the properties that make it an excellent skin care agent.
Caffeine has potent anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for reducing inflammation and redness in your skin. In a 1981 study performed at the Seoul National University, researchers found that caffeine is able to reduce inflammation almost as well as aspirin; in a 1978 performed at the University of Tennessee, researchers found that adding caffeine to anti-inflammatory creams significantly increased their effectiveness. Overall, use of skin care products containing caffeine will reduce and prevent inflammation and redness, leaving you with a beautiful, even skin tone.
Although caffeine cannot completely erase hereditary dark circles, applying caffeine under your eyes will reduce the puffiness and inflammation associated with dark circles. Additionally, caffeine reduces the build-up of blood under your eyes which contributes to dark shadows. Several eye creams contain caffeine, or you can apply moist tea bags to your eyes for five minutes to reduce puffiness and give you a more alert appearance.
 
 
Caffeine can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. In a 2008 study performed at the University of São Paulo, researchers found that an application of skin cream containing caffeine to cellulite reduced the size of cellulite fat cells by 17 percent. In addition, a 2007 study performed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro found that caffeine cream applied to cellulite decreased the hip's diameter in almost 70 percent of participants. A number of anti-cellulite creams have been developed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, or you can take advantage of the power of caffeine by adding ground or instant coffee to your regular body scrub at home.

(Credits: www.livestrong.com)


How can coffee be used for beauty care? The best way to use coffee for home beauty treatments is using filter coffee. Instant coffee usually leaves no residue. Filter coffee actually contains the skin of the coffee bean. This skin of the coffee bean is what gets left behind after it had been brewed in a coffee maker or the more traditional South Indian filter for getting the decoction of coffee. The residue left behind is what is best as a beauty aid. If you do not have access to filter coffee, instant coffee should suffice. But be warned that it will stain your skin (since it will be stronger than the brewed filter residue)

 

A Simple trick to start you out.
Give your skin a buzz with used coffee grounds (filter coffee residue after brewing). Simply scrub the crumbly goodness all over your body for a natural exfoliant. Rubbing grounds into your skin will slough off dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling refreshed. For a smoother scrub, add a bit of olive oil to the grounds.

Hands feeling rough and dry? Rub your hands together using the same recipe, and see the difference. 

A Do-it-yourself facial
No need for high-end (and high-priced) spa treatments to get your skin glowing. Indulge in a coffee grounds facial to soften the delicate skin on your face.
Simply mix together these ingredients:
2 tablespoons freshly ground coffee (or used grinds)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons milk (whole), heavy cream or yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
Massage this chocolatey delicious mask into your skin in the morning for a quick perk up. Allow the mask to dry for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse it off thoroughly.
This yummy mask will help tighten pores and remove dead cells. The coffee grinds will help reduce puffiness and swelling, while the cocoa, honey and milk will add moisture to your skin. Some people report brown staining on skin. In which case reduce the wait time. If you have very oily skin, prone to break outs, you might want to ignore the honey and use low fat milk

Now for something more luxurious....
Egyptian Revitalizing Coffee Scrub Recipe
INGREDIENTS
  1. 3 Tablespoons of  moist, used coffee grounds
  2. 1 Tablespoon of  Extra Virgin Olive Oil or coconut oil
  3. 1/3 teaspoon of pure honey ( use more if your skin is extra dry)
DIRECTIONS
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Wash your face with cool water to remove any dirt or makeup.
  3. Apply the scrub to your face and massage gently in a circular motion.
  4. Let scrub sit on your face for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Rinse scrub off with cool water.
  6. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
You can even use it for a whole body exfoliation. But be warned of the mess in the bathroom. 
 
A lot of anti-ageing creams have caffeine in them. So, rubbing coffee grounds into your skin is a great way to beat the wrinkles without burning a hole in your pocket!
Using coffee as an exfoliator or face mask makes my skin feel fabulously soft and deliciously smelling of coffee.............. :)




These scrubs are supposed to fight cellulite too. Mix 1/4 cup warm, used coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil, then, while standing over an old towel or newspaper, apply the mixture to your "problem areas". Next, wrap the areas with shrink wrap and leave on for several minutes. Unwind the wrap, brush loose grounds off your skin and then shower with warm water. For best results, it is recommended to repeat this procedure twice a week. A little weird to be sure, but as high priced cellulite creams actually have coffee in them, it just might work (This I have not tried)
 
 
It seems you can use coffee as a great hair care agent too. 
Rubbing in some coffee grounds into your scalp and hair helps condition and make your hair shiny. It works really well for those with dark brown or black hair.
 
Mixing instant coffee with henna powder gives a darker tint to your hair.

Compost Material – Coffee grounds fit the standards set by gardeners for compost materials. The grounds, when mixed with soil, release nutrients that make the ground richer. If you have a good supply of coffee grounds, just spread them evenly in your garden or pots. Your plants will reward you by producing robust blooms. 




There are so many more uses of coffee other than just drinking it. If you have a secret use for coffee let me know.............

Till then,take care..........

Sunday 9 June 2013

Somi's Ayurvedic Glow Active Face and Body Grains - Review

Hello again!


I have been using Somi's Ayurvedic products for the last couple of years and have got good results with some of the products. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share my experience about these products with you.


Today, I am going to review Glow Active Face and Body Grains.

First let us look at the product:


 I have put in a picture of Glow Shine Solution because both these products have to be used in combination.


What Glow Active Grains and Glow Shine Solution look like.
 Ok lets begin with the ingredients:
For Glow Active:
Each 5 gm contains:
  1. Ashwagandha............... 1250mg
  2. Saurashtri Mrittika........ 1250 mg
  3. Yaba/barley...................1250mg
  4. Haridra.........................1250 mg
For Glow Shine:
Aqueous Extracts of (For every 5ml):
  1. Someraji Beej................200 mg
  2. Daruharidra...................200 mg
  3. Haridra.........................100 mg
  4. Chakunde Beej.............100 mg
Other Ingredients:
  1. Polysorbates 20...........0.1 ml (are a class of emulsifiers used in some pharmaceuticals and food preparation. They are often used in cosmetics to solubilize essential oils into water-based products.)
  2. Sorbitol.......................0.05 ml (often used in modern cosmetics as a humectant and thickener. Sorbitol often is used in mouthwashes and toothpastes.)
  3. Propylene Glycol.........0.05 ml (is a humectant, which means it helps the skin to absorb moisture. It helps to carry the water-based ingredients into the skin.)
  4. Glycerine....................0.075 ml (It draws moisture up through skin layers and slows or prevents excessive drying and evaporation.)
Preservative:
  1. Sodium Benzoate........25mg
Flavour: Mixed Fruit............0.05 mg (IP)
Colour: Green......................5 mg (PFA)
Purified water .....................Q.S. to 5ml

Benefits of the ingredients:

Ashwagandha has anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties.

Saurashtri Mrittika, probably multani mitti removes dead cells from the skin making space for it to breathe. It helps in removing acne and blemishes to a great degree. It is well capable of removing all the impurities from your skin so that your pores are not clogged anymore. It improves blood circulation also. It is an antiseptic agent and improves blood circulation.It is useful in soothing sunburns.
Barley is rich in proteins and enzymes. softens and smoothens skin, reduces wrinkles, eliminates pigment spots, and gives fair complexion. It eliminates acne and effectively prevents dry skin.
Haridra or turmeric: skin care benefits associated with turmeric, include the treatment of acne blemishes, blackheads, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps heal and prevent dry skin, and to slow the skin aging process, and is used to diminish wrinkles, keep skin supple and improve skin’s elasticity. This spice is also being used as an ingredient in sunscreens 
   Someraj beej couldn't find its latin or common name. :(

 Daruharidra/tree turmeric: It has anti-bacterial, anti septic properties and is useful in treating acne.

Chakunda beej: The pant is reported to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antipyretic, antifungal, anthelmintic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative carminative, anti-cholesterol, emollient properties.



Before Application

During Application

After Washing Off
Indications: Helps in lightening blemishes and protects skin from infections.

Method of Use: Take equal amounts of Glow active grains and Glow Shine solution to make a smooth paste, add a few drops of water if required. Apply evenly on face and neck. Leave on skin for 5 minutes, gently scrub face and wash off with cool water. Use 3-4 times a day.

Price: Glow Active: INR 115 for 200 g and Glow Shine Solution: INR 250 for 200ml.

What it did for me: 
The product has suited my oily and sensitive skin type very well. I of course keep on the application till it dries completely. It really cleans out my skin of daily dirt and grime and oil (did i mention I have very oily skin?) feeling fresh, without leaving it feeling stretched and scratchy. I have not felt the need to use a face wash when I use this product. My skin is very prone to pimples, but since I have used this product, I have had lesser break-outs even during peak humidity in summers.
I have even used the solution on its own on some cotton-wool to clean my face on the go. Quite effective!

Now let us look at the overall picture:

Pros:
  1. Almost completely natural (except for the preservatives)
  2. The ingredients are all geared towards removing excess oil from skin and fighting infections.
  3. The ingredients are safe unless someone has an allergy to a particular item.
  4. Doesn't harm the environment (chemical soaps and face-washes have elements which are pollution and non-biodegradable)
  5. Cleanses skin effectively
  6. Leaves skin feeling fresh
  7. Does not overdry.
  8. Reduces breakouts.
  9. Leaves skin glowing
  10. Reduces tanning
  11. Removes dead skin
  12. Price doesn't burn a hole in the pocket
Cons:
  1. Not easily available outside West Bengal.
Will I buy this product again? YES!!

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Arish Face Cleanser for oily to acne skin - Review

I prefer to review products only after having used them for a month. For any product to show results, positive or otherwise, it needs to be used regularly as instructed .........mainly to be fair to the product as well.

So today I will look at how Arish Face Cleanser for Oily to Acne Skin worked for me.
First let us look at the product:

















It is a simple, oblong bottle with a flip top. The entire cap can be screwed open as well if you want more of the product on the cotton ball. It is a colourless liquid, like water.

Ingredients: 
Every 5 ml of the product contains:
  1. Oil extract of lemon (C.Limonum)............. 0.2 ml
  2. Natural flavouring agent: Oil Extract of Lavender (L.Officianalis).................0.05 ml
  3. Purified water............. Q.S. to 5 ml
Let us briefly look at the properties of the first two ingredients. 

Lemon is a tiny package which packs a bomb of health and beauty benefits.It is packed with vitamin C, the health benefits of which are not unknown. It is great for skin because of its anti-bacterial and astringent properties. Lemons' natural acids can gently exfoliate and cleanse oily skin, leaving it toned and even. Liquid lemon juice can penetrate buildup and remove impurities, leading to tighter, cleaner skin less prone to breakouts. Lemon juice can be added to any home acne remedy to give it a breakout-fighting boost.

Lavender: It has anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore beneficial for sensitive and acne prone skin. It is also known to relax and ease tension and stress. The essential oil of lavender is used extensively in aromatherapy and beauty products.

 Indications: 
It is supposed to remove dirt and oils from deep within the pores, maintain Ph balance of the skin and helps in prickly heat, rashes, effective for acne and pimples.

Shelf life: is a reasonable 3 years from the date of manufacture.

Price: INR 185/-for 100ml

What I like about the product:
  1. Nice handy packaging. Can be easily carried in hand-bag.
  2. Lovely lemony fresh smell
What I don't like:
  1. My skin never really felt clean and fresh 
  2. My skin remained slightly sticky even after wiping 3 times.
  3. Did not do much for my oily, pimple prone skin.
  4. The price is a bit steep for the kind of work it did.
So will I buy this product again? No. 

I thought Rose water of any brand did a better job for me at INR 37/- for 120 ml (Dabur Gulabari Rose water).

Maybe if the manufacturers increased the proportion of Lemon and lavender oils in the cleanser, it might be more effective. Otherwise, apart from the first buy out of curiosity (like I did), many will not go for a second buy.

Take care!

Smile,because it adds to your face value!