Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Is Lakme Cruelty-free?


Is Lakme Crueltyfree?
source

My first ever Lipstick and Polish were from Lakme, both true red and I was only ten. Lakme was my favourite brand while I was in school mostly because of easy availability and perhaps, naiveness?
Then there was Elle 18, Revlon, Tips and Toes. Revlon had quite a cult following, I remember the round black packaging with gold ring around that did look as good as an Estee Lauder lipstick!
When I started discovering new brands, I never looked back. Lakme Lip and Cheek tint from their 2012 limited edition bridal collection was my last product ever, I'll hold on to it ever.
And now they've launched their Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Lip & Cheek Color and honestly they look irresistible.
The products are affordable and tailor-made for brown/olive skin tones. But a question always echoed in my head: Is Lakme Cruelty-free? or even Vegan? Any products!
And I was never answered upon asking. Infinite unanswered emails later, I decided to dig deep since the search queries have overwrought my blog search. So I finally sat down to research the brand's stance on animal testing.



So my conclusion: Lakme conducts animal testing either on the finished products or on the raw materials.

Why?

  • Never have I heard Lakme promoting their products as cruelty-free or being against animal testing.
  • Hindustan Unilever is the parent company, one of the miscreants (if I could put across ever so politely) of the animal-testings.
  • Lakme is an Indian brand and is largely exported to Malaysia apart from Nepal and UAE,  Though I could not trace China.

    I have already filtered the brand from my essentials or lust list, no matter how alluring the new launches seem to me.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron and Neem Review

Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Review




I struggle to consistently prioritize my mental effort on what's truly essential because the line between tasks can sometimes blur, and subjectivity is at play. No quintessential would be here unless noteworthy (read skincare). Lately, I've been focusing on Forest Essentials' Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon, and Rosewater. Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon, and Rosewater here.

I started using this in January (the first week or so). And it lasted me around 50 days, considering it was new, and I took a week to get accustomed to the right amount. I switched to this variant after emptying the other variant. And I have been using it ever since: more than 6 months straight!
Usually, I get bored with cleansers and often switch them, and different seasons require different cleansers.


Cruelty-Free Skin Cleansers in India

Price: 1075 INR for 200ml
Is Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron and Neem cruelty-free? Yes


Evening: I used this post-oil cleansing method when I wore makeup. And on days when I wore powder foundations, I massaged a pump on a damp face and wiped it off using a washcloth.

Morning: I usually use a pump simply to remove the layer of grime, not stripping out the natural moisture. Some mornings I use two full pumps (for lather) for a squeaky clean feeling.

Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Review
LR tarteist Lash Paint Mascara, Sleek Pout Paint, Urban Decay 24/7 Perversion
When I buy a cleanser, I don't think of anything else except cleansing without drying. I careless of all the magic ingredients that would aid anything but cleansing. So the ingredients honey, lemon, saffron and rosewater didn't matter to me. But somehow my skin looked brighter with its use (rosewater I assume).
This doubles up as an eye makeup remover since it does not sting. I used this to effortlessly remove long-wearing eye makeup without dragging the eye area (except for the Inglot Gel Eyeliner.)

See for yourself

Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Review


You'll love this...
* If you are looking for the gentlest cleanser, that foams and cleans without drying.
* If you want a double-duty cleanser + makeup remover.
* If you're looking for a Cruelty-free and Vegan alternative.


I have but one constraint: the ingredients list, or the base used as a foaming agent. But I have no issues with this so far. Closing this with the price tag, I don't personally spend so much on a cleanser but looking at how little you need and it will last for months. I think I would make a life-changing decision of adhering to this.


Repurchase: Almost yes. Since I prefer using this for makeup removal than Bioderma Micellar Water (Non-Cruelty-free)
I have an unopened Kama Ayurveda Rose & Jasmine Cleanser & The Body Shop DOL cleanser; I need to try La Roche Posay Lipikar Syndet (Non-cruelty-free) maybe.

Update: This is a staple now. 😼





Friday, July 22, 2016

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask Review & Ingredients Analysis

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask Review & Ingredients Analysis

I wanted to get hold of The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask when it was
first launched. But it was out of stock always and I assumed it was a Limited Edition.  When The Body Shop updated their packaging, I was glad I could find it.

Ever since cutting down dairy from my diet, my skin turned anhydrous and extremely dry.
Almond oil failed to provide nourishment to my dry skin. I needed a turnabout and this was it.
I started using it from the day I bought it and I made sure of noting down my usage and surveillance of first Five days.

I applied this using distinctive techniques. Because I was puzzled.

Night One: Used the Bouncy Sleeping Mask as a Night Cream. Massaged a dollop onto my face and neck till it was turned viscous to touch.

Night Two
: I practiced the same method above with Two dollops of this Sleeping Mask.

Night Three
: I practiced the same method above with Three dollops. And then layered a generous amount. (The layering was inclusive of the Three dollops)

Night Four
: Skipped because I was too tired to follow my night time routine.

Night Five: Used just One dollop of this Mask for both massaging and layering.

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask Review India

My Five Day Experience:

I was anticipating quick results and glowing skin the very next morning. On the morning after my first usage, my skin was the same: Dry and dehydrated. When I used it on the second night, certain areas like my nose, eyebrows and sides of my nose were tingling, a bit much. And the tingling continued for rest of the night, all nights. The morning after my third night, my skin was plump, hydrated and my complexion clarified with a lasting dewiness on my nose. My paper-thin sensitive skin did not break out at all. I did not sleep a bit the third night but my skin still looked well slept but my eyes were drowsy with the lack of sleep. I skipped the fourth night because my sleep cycle was disturbed.

How I continued using the product:

I pretty much use the same amount: One dollop and massage half of it onto my skin and then layer the rest on the dry-dehydrated areas
I am using it since mid-June and I skipped the third week since I was a bit occupied. So after using this for Two weeks straight. My skin wasn't as dry as it was during the skipped period and I resumed my routine again on 1st July. I followed the same technique mentioned above.
This does not stain my pillow since I let it absorb but I make sure I change them every alternate day.
There is one bizarre thing I did from day one, I hydrate myself with a glass full of water before and after applying this.
Considering the Humidity level is 89% these days, I have stopped using this. I did wake up with congested nose and cheeks the other day. I have switched to Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Miracle Serum and it has been a week. I would resume again in Cold months or whenever my skin feels dehydrated. I don't think this would complement acne-prone Oily skin.

Hyaluronic acid Sleeping Masks and Sleeping Creams in India. The Body Shop Reviews India. Sleeping Masks In India
 

Price: 2495 INR
Quantity: 90ml
Is The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask Cruelty-Free and Vegan? Yes (though I couldn't find packaging mentioning the same)

Ingredients list and Analysis:


Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propandiol, Dimethicone, Glycerin (humectant), Diheptyl Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Caffeine,Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil, Capylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum/Fragrance, Adenosine, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Linalool, Polysorbate 20,  Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem CellCulture, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Xanthum Gum

A combination of   
Water, Humectants (Glycerin, Propanediol)
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer (derived from Castor Oil)
Emollients ( Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil- Sunflower seed oil, Dimethicone, Diheptyl Succinate )
Preservatives (Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol)
Plants/Seed Extracts (Babassu Seed Oil, Edelweiss)
The Mask has an extremely pleasant & soothing floral fragrance which reminds me of Jasmine. The fragrance used in the mask is Citronellol, a natural fragrance derived from rose, geranium, and lemongrass. Caffeine is rich in antioxidants and instantly perks up the skin.
And the Wizard of this magic potion:
Sodium Hyaluronate, the salt of Hyaluronic Acid. 

Recommendation: This is life or death. I can skip moisturizing throughout the day and still expect my skin to be hydrated. I don't mind the gluey feeling or don't find it messy either for the results. I tend to skip sleep and some days I have disrupted schedules and this had been showing its signs on my skin. To put in in one line: I can cheat my sleep with The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask & Caffeine!
I do recommend if your abrupt lifestyle affects your skin ;-)

Repurchase: YES though I would love to try a few other sleeping masks.

Friday, July 15, 2016

When to Toss Your Makeup | Makeup Expiration | Guidelines to Makeup Life Span

How and When to Toss your Makeup


I am finicky when it comes to hygiene, makeup organisation and anybody touching my makeup for two reasons:  hygiene & longevity!
And to be honest I do not abide by the regular discarding rules that I often read on Pinterest or in magazines. I have been extra concerned with my makeup since I started stockpiling on requisite products.
I will lose my mind, If I am made to discard a high-end lipstick merely after few uses. I am not only sharing how to sanitize and when to discard makeup but also how you can get best out of the money you've invested. [Right, there I said it.:D]

But before everything else, I would like to mention that I never touch up makeup (ever) except for lip balm. And if I would, I'd keep a separate compact/lipstick in my bag that has to be sanitised every weekend. The nuisance I create definitely puts everyone off but who cares, I save some zits there, you see?

1] Store Your Makeup in Cool and Dry/Dark Place

Opaque Makeup Drawers are ideals for storage, since light exposure can alter the
texture/colour/consistency. When I say Cool place, I don't mean refrigerator. And away from humidity. Humidity is the real reason why fungus develops on oil-based makeup products. Avoid direct sunlight on your vanity, if you use clear or open storage make sure you keep them covered.


Period_After_Opening_on_Cosmetics.

2] Shelf Life (SL) and Period After Opening (PAO) 

SL is often mentioned on the package in bold and is well-known. Some brands also display PAO on the bottom of the product. Indian brands or certain brands sold in India do not label PAO symbols, for instance, I have attached a picture of Maybelline Lip Polish with the missing PAO.


Enlongate the Life of your Makeup Products


3] Sanitizing Makeup Every Month

I am a finicky and no amount of sanitising would ever convince me. But once in a month, I take out all my makeup to disinfect them, have a small talk over teatime and, of course, put them to sleep with a lullaby. =) Sometimes, I go overboard and disinfect the inner rims, outer package and clean all the fallouts and make them shiny new.
For instance, If I am running out of time, I would just sanitise the makeup I have used in past few weeks. I keep them rolling till I am bored.


Disposable Wands to apply Liquid Lipsticks


4] Using Q-tips, Spatulas and Lipgloss Wands to Extend the Life of Your Makeup

When I got hold of my 10-15 liquid lipsticks, I made sure I refrain from using the wand directly on my lips. So, I got these disposable wands to apply the lipcreams and liquid lipsticks so that I get the liberty to stretch the PAO of my liquid lipsticks. Also I use Q-tips or spatulas to take out moisturisers, scrubs or anything with tub packaging. [ I saved all those Barbie pink spoons I got from Baskin-Robbins :D]

5] Do Not Keep Your Products Exposed For Too Long

Even if you have been taking all the measures of not letting any aliens in your makeup, if you are keeping them open and exposed for too long that could just impair the taken measures. At times (not always), I disinfect the pumps of foundations ( hello! you dirty MAC match master mouth! *. *) with a sanitising wipe to just get better sleep at night. *rolls eyes*
That is one of the things that drive me insane: dirty pumps without caps.

6] For Cream Products and Concealers with Wands 

I personally avoid buying cream based face products because they should be tossed within 12 months (if unmentioned on the package), making sure that you don't dipundip unclean brushes doing rounds from your cheeks to pan. Concealers with wands are probably time-saving but the wand is unhygienic. It is better to discard such products after 6 months of PAO. And if you'd be covering zits or blemishes, it is always great to use a brush.

I think I have covered all my significant actions into a blogpost, but I still have a few things I'd like to mentionthe products that I discard on time are mascara and eyeliner. Infested or spoiled mascara/eyeliner can lead to stye or infection. Rest all the liquid makeup product's usage can be stretched until the texture changes/oxidises/alters.

How to Sanitize Lipsticks:

Dip the bullet (only the bulbous part that comes in contact with the lips) into Dr Spirit and then wipe away on clean tissue.You can also sanitise your lip pencils.

How to Sanitize Compact Powders/Blushes:

Transfer rubbing alcohol/Dr Spirit into a spray bottle and spray some alcohol on the surface. Wait for the surface to dry and then brush off the upper layer with a clean brush.

Following these certainly does take a lot of effort and you don't have to the rigid follow rules, if you look after your makeup.


Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold Review and Ingredients Analysis

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold Review and Ingredient Analysis

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold has accustomed itself on my tabletop. The only moisturizer I have loved during summer and I am eking out. You should know why!

I got hold of this in December but it did nothing, absolutely nothing for my dry skin. So I resumed using this in spring/summer. You can check my Forest Essential Haul here.
It has been more than three months, I have been using this exclusively after cleansing my face in the morning and just one pump. And I am still left with moisturizer that would last me for another month.

Forest Essential claims this to be an authentic Ayurvedic formulation and Ayurvedic name mentioned on the packaging is Taruni.
Taruni is native botanical name for Rose but Taruni also means New, perhaps renewal with reference to the product.
The factual reason I chose this variant is because of the Pitta dosha being dominant. My facial skin turns red especially my nose and cheeks with excess Pitta.

There's whole earnestness with Ayurveda, You can check or read Basic Principles Of Ayurveda by Bhagwan Dash if you will.

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold Review and Ingredient Analysis


I am using this exclusively as a Day-time moisturizer and at times, I layer my regular sunblock for maximum protection. The texture is a cross between thick cream and a lotion, spreads and absorbs effortlessly. The pump is in compliance with the texture of the lotion and dispenses the right amount without any mayhem around the pump.
The lotions does not leave any oil residue, just a subtle glow on the oily areas of my face.
As per the claims, I did not notice any skin lightening, brightening or renewal with 3 months of usage. But it did gradually countered my redness and kept my skin hydrated during the day.
To condense down in one sentence, This is just regular lotion that hydrates and balances the eruptions/redness with imbalance in Pitta dosha.

Ingredients Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold Review and Ingredient Analysis

Ingredients Analysis:

The main ingredients of Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold are Almond Oil & Wheatgerm oil. I was delighted to read Sweet Almond oil listed as main ingredient with Wheatgerm Oil. Almond Oil repairs the damaged collagen layers due to oxidative stress and is one of the most potent anti-oxidant. Wheatgerm oil increases collagen production and repair the DNA.
Mulberry Extract contains Arbutin ( a form of Hydroquinone ) used in skin lightening. Jojoba Oil  is a natural emollient which prevents irritations, rough skin, it also hydrates and repairs the epidermis.
Rice Bran Oil is rich in Phytic acid which stimulates circulation and cell growth while revealing brighter skin. Ashwagandha Root Extract stimulates collagen production while increasing elasticity in the skin. Gokharu Seed Extract is known to improve skin texture.
Kokum Butter, a natural emollient moisturizes and rejuvenates. Beeswax is an emollient and skin softener that helps maintain a smooth skin texture. Vitamin E is a potent anti-aging moisturizer and damaging free radicals neutralizer. Rose Oil is known for its calming and anti-bacterial properties which soothes redness and irritation. Marigold Flower Extract is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant which heals and slows down aging, known as an effective treatment for acne.

Forest Essentials Light Day Lotion Indian Rose & Marigold Review and Ingredient Analysis


Price: 1750 INR for 40ml
Cruelty-Free Status: Cruelty-Free but not Vegan (contains Beeswax)

Recommendation: This is not really an essential in my daily routine. This works fine with hydrating and makes a fine base for my powder foundation. But it does not really work for all the claims of brightening, lightening or even healing. It definitely is way too pricey for just a regular moisturizer. I won't repurchase though I love how it reduces my redness.