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Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

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So, this is the second step of the skin care routine to be followed after using the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. This tonic is just a toner for the skin. Kindly refer to the Liz Earle website for product information and the prices.
Ingredients
Since I received a 50ml sample size of the product, the ingredients are not listed on it. So, I’ll just mention the key ingredients here: Organic Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose-scented Geranium, Cucumber and Natural Vitamin E.
My Experience
Well, I have never used any commercial toners from the market except rose water So, I have no idea how they actually work. But, I really prefer them to be watery and hydrating instead of sticky. So, when I was going to use this, I was pretty excited. But, when I started using it, I found out that it was too heavy for my skin. I tried using the moisturizer right away, I let it dry completely before using it, but whatever I do, it made my skin really sticky so I didn’t understand what to do. Then, I decided it wasn’t for me. Then, finally one day, I used a lesser amount of toner than I usually used and the product got easily absorbed into my skin without any stickiness. But, still, I felt as if there was something on my skin. And, it made the moisturizer also sticky, unfortunately 🙁 And, I also noticed that my skin was getting oilier much sooner after using this toner.
On the good side, it smells awesome and I guess it will suit dry skin very well. But, I wish it had been more watery and light on the skin. But, (its my personal opinion) a product shouldn’t become too heavy for the skin just coz you have applied a little more quantity. And, there was a little problem with the fact that the bottle has a very small mouth so if I have to soak a cotton, every time excess amount of toner used to come so it was just impossible to use a less amount. A spray would be a better way to market this product. And, Liz Earle does have it in the spray form also. So, I think that the spray packaging would make sure only enough quantity is distributed on the face and not more making it easy to use.
My Recommendation
I give this product a benefit of doubt. But, make sure you read other reviews which are quite positive about the product here and here. It might just be the case that the product didn’t suit my skin.
PS: Product send by brand for consideration.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser {Product Review}

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This is a small bottle which you get free on the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sun block.
Price: 80 INR for 50ml
Ingredients
Only 3 ingredients which is quiet a change from the long list we generally see and it does have SLS
My Experience
They have tried to make it smell a little citrous.So, first concern which may arise for everyone is the presence of SLS. After all, it is on the top of the list and with only 3 ingredients, I would say its quiet a unique product. I have been using this product since probably a month and only half of it is finished as you can in the first pic. Now, one thing I would mention is that even though it has SLS, it doesn’t lather as much as the shampoos and other face washes. It lathers quiet less and cleans rather thoroughly. I have one complain with this face wash that I always feel it leaves a film on my face which I hate completely but it has never made my skin dry or stretchy. Instead, the face does look a little brightened and fresher. And, now the best part of this face wash, since it claims to do deep cleansing of the pores, it actually stands true on the claims. I would say that my blackheads have reduced quiet a lot and recurred less since I have started using this face wash regularly which is more than I can say for nay other face wash. It is for normal to oily skin so yes it suit my combination skin well. And, it is quiet affordable and lasts long.
My Recommendation
It is a good cleanser for oily skin with a lot blackheads trouble. Not for dry skin at all.

How to treat Sunburns? {Skin Care}

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Well, I know that summer is long past in Hyderabad but apparently Delhi is still very hot. Now, this is an impromptu post which I am putting up coz my dad just faced a sunburn yesterday after being exposed to the sun for a long time. So, what should be done to avoid and cure sunburns.
Avoid Sunburn
  • Always apply a sunscreen of spf 30 or higher when you know that you would be in the sun for a very long time. Don’t forget your sunscreen even if you are going ot the hills. You can get easily burnt in the hills as compared to plains (except beaches where there is a lot of sun rays reflection which are equally bad) simply because the rays of sun are much more damaging on the hills because of the distance from sea level.
  • Wear proper clothes and try to keep all the areas covered specially the sensitive regions like the neck and back.
  • Always carry an umbrella not matter how many layers of clothing you have put on yourself.
  • Try to be in shade whenever you can.
Now, I would also mention that sunscreens are meant to prevent skin cancer but you skin can still burn or get tanned so do not rely completely on the sunscreens.
Treat Sunburn
  • Apply cool things like ice packs. If ice pack is not there, apply cold water. Just pour it over the body. Don’t use a wash cloth or a sponge. Leave the sunburnt area to maximum air and make sure the air is cool.
  • Wash the sunburnt area immediately with cold water and do not rub the area at all. In fact don’t touch the area. Avoid using soap on the affected area and do not apply any moisturizer or astringent or toner too even if they claim to have cooling properties.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid irritation and aid proper air circulation.
  • Take a soft cloth and soak it in cold milk and cover the sunburnt area with the cloth for 30 minutes or so. This provides relief.
  • Aloevera gel is extremely cooling so always carry aloevera gel in your toilet kit no matter where you go – on the beach or on the hills. It is useful for cuts and nicks too.
  • Sandalwood paste can be applied to the area but be careful to just tap the paste ont he area. Don’t rub to spread it.
  • Slices of cucumber, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelon can be used.
  • A paste of mint leaves also helps in cooling the skin.
  • A paste of apricots is also helpful.
  • Spraying green tea or taking a green tea bath (mix green tea in bath water) is also helpful as tannins in the tea helps control inflammation of the skin.
  • Do not scrub the sunburnt areas even if you feel they have healed. Give it two weeks at least to heal properly and a week more to ensure there is no sensitivity. Stay out of sun in the mean time.
Food for Sunburns
Not only the remedies but diet is also very important to speed up the recovery.
  • Eating a proper balanced diet is very important.
  • Drink lots of milk and fluids.
  • Increase the intake of Vitamin C and E, betacarotenes (found in carrots and all orange and yellow colored vegetables and fruits) and Zinc (peanuts, dairy products, beans, brown rice and bread, potato, yogurt and pumpkin seeds).