My hair loves BBlunt!

A few weeks ago, two amazing surprises came in my mail. I wasn't really expecting it, so there was the excitement of a 5 year old inside me tearing apart the package. And out came the BBlunt High Definition Curl - Curl Defining Leave-In Cream. Followed by the Bblunt Back to life Dry Shampoo.

At first I was a little disappointed on seeing the first product because I don't have curly hair. But when I read that It enhances curls & waves and also tames frizz, I decided to give the product a go.

High Definition Curl

Curl-Defining Leave-In Cream 

Curls need definition and this hassle-free cream makes it easy. It enhances curls & waves and also tames frizz. Go ahead, show your curls some love.

IngredientsHydrolyzed Wheat protein, Meadowfoam seed extract & Provitamin B5

Specially created for Indian hair. Protects from the environment and heat styling damage.

HOW TO USE"Flip hair upside down and apply evenly on damp hair, from roots to ends. Twirl, scrunch and style. Blow dry using a diffuser for maximum effect."

My take-

I have used the product 4-5 times till now. And I follow the instructions, applying it on damp hair, from roots to end. What I'm left with, are HAPPY HAIR! It totally defines my wavy hair and makes them look beautiful. You know when you get out of bed with oh-so-perfect wavy hair? It kinda gives that effect. My colleagues & friends have already asked me twice if I got a hair cut, coz it's usually the blow-dry they give you after a hair-cut that leaves your hair with defined curls and looking tamed.

I tried applying the leave-in cream after just shampooing my hair (without conditioner) vs. after shampooing and conditioning my hair. When I apply it without a conditioner, my hair stay beautiful on Day 1, but get dry and brittle day 2 onwards. Hence I realised  that the leave-in cream does not mean that you can skip your conditioner. And it's nowhere mentioned in the instructions too. I'm sure that if I had really curly hair, this would have been my most used & needed product. So if you've got maggi-noodle tresses, please give it a try. You can buy it online for Rs.550 a bottle.

Back To Life Dry Shampoo For Instant Freshness 

Instant freshness is now a spray away. This dry shampoo (no water required) does a smooth job of absorbing excess grease & grime and revamps your hair in seconds. Don’t leave home without it.

Ingredients - Micro-crystalline starch

Specially created for Indian hair. 

HOW TO USE

Shake well before use. Hold can in an upright position, six inches away from the hair and spray evenly, close to the roots. Leave on for two minutes. Massage and brush thoroughly.

My take -

Now being someone whose hair get's oily pretty easily, and who has a very hectic life with times when there is no time in the morning to wash hair (need a separate agenda for hair-wash days); I have used and own a dry shampoo already. The one I have used is by Lush Cosmetics, and I love it but the only (and big) drawback is that it comes in a bottle wherein you have to take the powder in your hands, apply on scalp and brush hair. The outcome is pretty messy, and hands are left with the residue.

So when I saw the dry shampoo in a spray bottle, compact version, I was thrilled. I happen to travel for work & pleasure from time to time. And I also happen to be a really lazy person. I'm sure the Dry Shampoo was invented by someone like me. This product is easy to spray & carry, and does what it says - absorbs the oil, leaving hair looking fresh. No more bad hair days with no other option but to tie a pony or hide the hair behind a scarf or something. Though, the other dry shampoo I have had a nice lemony scent, which I wish would be there in this one too.

Comes in 2 sizes - 30 ml for Rs.250 and 125ml for Rs.550, and you can decide which one to buy on your usage and need of a compact bottle.

I have used (and loved) a couple of other BBlunt products too, the One Night Stand is my all time favourite. I'm definitely going to try their range of shampoo & conditioners soon!

Think twice before getting a dream catcher!

Dream catchers are pretty, unique and make a great addition to our home decor. Everyone is getting one nowadays, small or big, in different colours. Some of you even make your own awesome dream catchers. And then we have dream catcher necklaces and earrings, tattoos, printed T-shirts and the list goes on. 

But have you ever stopped for a moment to know the real meaning and reason of the innovation of a dream catcher? 

In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with sacred items such as feathers and beads.

The Ojibwe people have an ancient legend about the origin of the dreamcatcher. Storytellers speak of the Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi; she took care of the children and the people on the land. Eventually, the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America and it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children. So the mothers and grandmothers would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The dreamcatchers would filter out all bad dreams and only allow good thoughts to enter our mind. Once the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear. (Source: Wikipedia)

Like all other excited people, I also bought a pretty looking dream catcher off the internet, and once it arrived I immediately hung it in my room, took a nice picture and instagrammed it.. You know the drill.  

An acquaintance (my colleagues friend) who follows me on instagram, happened to see the image. She passed on a message to me via my colleague that I should take the dream catcher down. 

I was a little taken aback at that. Why would I do it? I'm not someone who believes in superstitions easily. But she said that if there are babies and small children sleeping in the room, the dream catcher should be removed. Because such small humans can't even tell us if they're having any side effects. 

I made a mental note of removing the dream catcher and putting it in the living room, coz even though I don't believe in the superstitions, I didn't want to take any chances with my li'l one. And then, in my chaotic routine and work, I completely forgot about it. 

A couple of days later my baby fell ill with viral, cough cold and fever. Now this is a usual, happens to every kid, has happened to him before also, so I did what I always do, treat it. Then we were off for a vacation - to Goa for a week, and I was glad my baby's health was back to normal. We had a fun vacation and he absolutely enjoyed the beach. 

We got back and after a couple of days he fell ill again. This time he had stomach infection, high fever, cough and cold, everything. The poor thing stayed unwell for 4-5 days, vomiting and becoming weak and me taking him to the doc again n again. One of these days (I had taken a leave from work to tend to my baby) it suddenly hit me that the dream catcher was still there. 

I immediately took it off and kept it inside. My kiddo got well in a couple of days. 

Now this could be a pure coincidence. But it could also be something more supernatural. Who knows? 

All I'm trying to say is, when it comes to delicate matters like Feng shui, vastu shashtra, etc, we should do our research and homework and ask experts before we go buy and install anything in our home. I would love to know what is your opinion and if you have had any such similar incidents!

Summer Skincare with VLCC

Happiness is...when VLCC shower's a lot of love on you! That's what I felt when I received this hamper of products! I almost wished I was ten-headed like Raavan so that I could use all the products at one go. :D

On the serious side, though I did not try all products (Some were not meant for my skin type i.e. combination skin) and were for people with dry skin, I did try a few and here is my take on them -

1. De-pigmentation range - Day Cream & Night Cream (Also available - Mask & Serum)

I have pigmentation issues, specially on the face and upper back. And after my recent trip to Goa for a week, even after applying sunscreen, I came back tanned and pigmented. Hence, the VLCC De-pigmentation day cream with SPF and night cream to my rescue!

About the products - 

De-Pigmentation Day Cream With SPF 25

– Treats pigmented skin & spots to even out skin tone
– Suitable for all skin types

Mulberries are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, that are renowned for their impressive ability to neutralise free radicals that cause damage to skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Turmeric is loaded with anti-oxidants and has anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties that purifies and heals skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and oil free.

These two expert natural extracts combine to bring us the VLCC De-Pigmentation Day Cream which works effectively on pigmented skin. 

Turmeric is a centuries old remedy used by our ancestors for various troubles, not only for the skin but even overall health. The cream smells great, is light and blends in easily. It also provides SPF 25 protection from sun so that you don't have to apply sunscreen separately.

De-Pigmentation Night Cream

Sandalwood soothes irritated skin by creating a soothing cooling sensation, making it especially effective for treating skin conditions. Sandalwood oil helps fade scars & spots, while Aloe Vera extract nourishes the skin and improves its appearance and texture. These two natural ingredients come together to create VLCC De-Pigmentation Night Cream, a specially designed product for effective night-time skincare as it rejuvenates the skin after day long harsh environmental exposures. The deeply penetrating delivery molecules work throughout the night to lighten skin, dark spots and pigmentation.

Benefits: – Lightens the skin– Fades dark spots and pigmentation– Suitable for all skin types

Sandalwood & Aloe Vera are again very old and popular ingredients of skincare. I haven't been much of a night cream user, but since I am using the day cream, I make it a point to follow the regime so that I get maximum results. It's just been a couple of weeks, but I can see my dark spots fading and I am sure within a couple of months my skin will be so much better!

2. Sun Care Range - Matte look sunscreen with SPF 30 & Tinted Sunscreen Souffle with SPF 25 (A lot of other variations are available).

Thanks to Global Warming, we do not really have any Spring in March, but it get's skipped and we directly face the wrath of Summer. The scorched sun and it's harmful rays, and the humid Mumbai weather, you know the drill. The sunscreen came right in time, as my previous one was about to get over. 

Ever since I learnt in one of the bloggers meet, that for skin that looks young, and for your skin not to age fast, sunscreen is a must, to be used regularly weather winter or summer or monsoons. I try my best to stick to that now. Which SPF to use can be tricky, but unless you stay at a beach or are always out in the sun (which is when you would require a SPF 40 or 50), for regular use an SPF 25 to SPF 30 should be more than enough.

About the products - 

Matte Look Sun Screen Lotion SPF 30 | PA+++

Product Description -

Pineapples are full of important antioxidants that work to prevent cell damage by fighting against free radicals. This enzyme-rich fruit helps to keep the skin flexible and firm because it increases collagen synthesis. It contains vitamin C and amino acids and these are all skin-friendly nutrients. VLCC Matte Look Sun Screen Lotion with SPF 30 and PA+++ is made with a combination of Pineapple extract along with many other natural ingredients, which not only protects skin from harmful UVA & UVB sun rays, but also hydrates the skin leaving it soft and supple. In addition, its non-sticky formula gets absorbed quickly into the skin giving it an even finish. So go ahead, enjoy the Sun!

I love pineapples and the description almost makes me hungry! I have always used a matte sunscreen, because my skin is generally oily, and even more during the humid Mumbai heat, so matte sunscreens help me control the oily look. The VLCC matte sunscreen smells so fresh and yummy! Do not forget to apply it at-least 20 mins before heading outside guys!

Enbrighten Tinted Sun Screen Souffle SPF 25 | PA+++

Product Description

Grapes are considered to be one of the best remedies for overall skincare. They are loaded with phytochemicals and phytonutrients which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The application of grapes seed extract on the skin provides protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. It acts as a sunscreen by reducing the redness caused due to sunburn, and also minimizes the damage borne by the skin cells. Enbrighten Tinted Sun Screen Souffle with SPF 25 and PA+++, is a light weight, water based tinted formula that covers skin evenly &  protects  against sun damage.

BENEFITS

Enriched with the goodness of Red Grape Extracts, it nourishes skin leaving it soft & brighter.

Now this is the product I was really interested in, because it is a souffle and it is tinted and it is water-based. Being tinted means it covers the skin and makes it appear even and takes care of the bronzed look we want when we head out!

What I absolutely love about VLCC's range of products is the wide variety catering to every skin type and skin issue plus the use of natural ingredients along with latest technology to bring us the best products at most reasonable prices!