Just Gossip

On the Shelf Vol. 1 – Face Masks

Swathy · June 22, 2018 · 8 Comments

If you are skin care fanatic, you would know how it is to have your shelves overflowing with products. I was just cleaning my dresser a few days back and I found I have quite a collection of face masks. All masks I have are clay based. I wish I had something soothing and hydrating to use after a long day in sun and do not have to struggle while taking off. Any recommendations?

Sheet masks are a good choice in those cases but somehow they have never really worked for me, even the super-expensive ones from SKII.

Face Masks on My Shelf

Just Herbs Petal Soft Anti-Tan Rose Face Pack

Price : Rs 445 for 150gms

I had bought this with a lot of hope but it does nothing special. I was hoping it would get rid of the tan. It just makes the face look fresh. I like to use it in the shower now as a morning cleanser sometimes and washing off is not exactly easy, just like with other clay masks.

Just Herbs Instaglow Almond Complexion Pack

Price : Rs 445 for 150gms

I was hoping this would be a creamy mask but it also turned out to be a mud mask. Again nothing much, just makes face look fresher.

What are your 5 Must Haves for Salon Sessions?

Swathy · June 11, 2018 · 4 Comments

must haves to salon — Image courtesy pexels.com

How often do you go to a parlor? Once a month, may be? Ever since I started going to the parlor, some of the practices I found were completely unhygienic even in the best of them. Then, they would also not carry the same moisturizers and sunscreens. So, I started developing a habit of carrying my own go-to-parlor kit. My go-to parlor kit has must haves for salon sessions. You could also carry your own manicure and pedicure kits just to be on the safer side but I am lazy enough to skip that!!

Going to parlor is relaxing but sometimes it becomes a little frustrating for me when I see some of them doing things which they should not. Yes, turning a blind eye is the only thing you can do in fact. For example, they use the same knife/spatula to dip into the wax and use it on countless people. I also wish they have ice cubes when skin needs to be calmed down or soothed a little, especially after threading or waxing and even after extraction.

What are my must-haves to salon?

Change of Clothes

I always always carry my own clothes which I don in there before getting the services done and change back. I do not like what they provide unless they are disposables and hardly salons invest in them! So, I prefer to wear mine.

Hair Oil

I love head massages and there is nothing wrong with using the regular coconut or almond oil but I prefer to carry my own hair oil. Sometimes because I am in the middle of reviewing a product and sometimes because I want to just use up the stuff at home. There is no particular reason but I like to invest in my hair oils and use them. I also make my own customized changes to the oils by adding in essential oils and I would like to take full advantage of them. So, for me, hair oil is another must have for salon sessions.

Nail Paint

Well, I am not really a fan of nail paint but I have one signature shade which I absolutely love – the valentine from Faces. I discovered this particular shade of red when I was getting married and I have been consistently in love with it. I always carry my own nail paint when I go for pedicures or manicures.

Towel / Wash Cloth

No matter how much the service lady cleans off the wax, I feel some of it is left behind. Or, after the facial or the detan pack, there is quite a bit left on the ears or behind the ears or on the back if the girl is not good at her job. I carry the wash cloth for such exigencies. And, also because I like to use my own stuff. Again one of the most important must haves for salon trip.

Toners / Moisturizers and Sunscreen

The parlors do use astringents after the waxing but I like to hydrate my skin so I use toners. I do not like moisturizing right away because it can cause pigmentation. You should let the skin rest a while after waxing and before applying anything, at least not until you have washed the area in cold water.

But, then, after facials or any face service, they have generic moisturizers which I do not like to use. So, I carry my own moisturizer or an all-purpose product like nivea crème. Also, I prefer to go to salons in the evenings but just in case I go in the morning time, I always carry sunscreen and a scarf to cover my head completely. If you go in the mornings or afternoons, sunscreen is a prominent product in your must haves for salon trip.

So, I do my best to be as hygienic as possible but of course, at home services can be best sometimes, though the spatula problem remains.

Now, it’s your turn . . .

These are the things which make up my go-to-parlor kit. Do you have a go-to-parlor kit? What is your list of must haves for salon sessions? I would love to know your thoughts about it.

Just Gossip Vol. 40 – 10 things to do before embracing New Year

Swathy · December 31, 2016 · 8 Comments

Republished from 1stJanuary, 2015

Good Morning Everyone! So, welcome to the last day of 2016. I thought this would be a good time to republish this post. Have a read and let me know what you think about it 🙂

In the spirit with the new year, I had been meaning to do a post tagged #dump10things since quite long. So, finally, here it is – list of 10 things I would like to get rid of at the verge of this transition from the old to new. Do check out my list and do not forget to share yours in the comments below!!

#1 – Old Grudges

High time to let go of the extra baggage with which we all have been burdening ourselves. If a thing can be solved, solve it. If not, just let it go.

#2 – Taking relationships and people for Granted

This is something we all do some or the other time, intentionally or unintentionally. No, that is not absolutely acceptable. I would hate it if someone would just take me for a ride and so would you so why do it to someone else, right?

#3 – Temper

Oh hello, my old friend. I do think it is time to let you go and a new friend, Patience, to welcome in my life. Short temper not only harms your relationships but also your health so beware!

#4 – Laziness

Well, I love a sedentary lifestyle but is it really that good for us all? Do you know it is one of the cardinal sins to be a sloth and not use yourself to the best of your ability. While I would not say slog it out, I would say not to lie around. But, I do love it so 😀

#5 – Procastination

This is a natural progression from laziness. So, next time you have a thing on your To Do list, do not keep on adding it at the bottom. In fact, finish the task which you are most likely to procrastinate first and you will feel good about it!

#6 – Ignoring yourself

A rule of thumb is that you can never take care of others unless you take care of yourself. So, follow the adage and prioritize yourself. Take 15 minutes off from the day and just pamper yourself. Go for a walk, meditate, head for the salon or simply sit with your thoughts.

#7 – Leading an Unhealthy Life

While laziness is more or less responsible for this point, I would also stress that bad daily routines and unhealthy habits does lead to a lot of laziness as well. You can see that it is a never ending cycle. So, break it now and start it slow!

#8 – Fear

Afraid of heights? Or, afraid of discovering more about yourself? Pick whichever fear is more closer to you and work on it. Travel, write, do whatever you have been thinking you want to do but have been hesitant about it. Nothing will happen unless you get your hands dirty. My boss used to say show me the dirt!

#9 – Negativity

Well, this is one thing which seeps your entire energy and spirit and kills you from inside. So, chuck this out first. Be optimistic and value your assets. In most of the situations, you are more likely to have nothing to lose. So, think about it whenever you are negative about anything.

#10 – Not Traveling

This one is close to my heart. I love to travel and I love to travel locally as opposed to touristy. So, yup, I would love to get a chance to go and travel the world. High on my list are Norway and Iceland. I am just dying to go there.

So, these are my list of 10 things which I would love to improve upon in this course of the new year and soon make changes for my and my family’s good. Now that you have read my list, do not forget to share yours in the comments below. Remember, I am waiting!!