Burst of Happyness : What A Girl Wants

What a girl wants facial cleanser by Burst of Happyness is hands down my favorite product from the brand. My skin is dry/dehydrated/sensitive with sometimes blotchy red patches. I ordered this product based on the beneficial properties rhassoul clay imparts to dry skin and boy am I glad 🙂!!!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Burst Of Happyness HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Rhassoul Clay: A mineral rich clay  unearthed from the fertile Atlas Mountains in Morocco. In skincare, rhassoul clay has been documented to help reduce dryness, improve skin clarity and elasticity and for it’s extractive abilities that remove impurities and unblock pores, even stubborn blackheads (1).

• Vegetable Glycerin: A natural humectant, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of the skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture.

• Jojoba Oil: A wax that  very closely mimics skin’s sebum, non-comedogenic and an all natural antioxidant ingredient for the skin. It has a high content of beneficial minerals, Vitamin E and has anti-bacterial properties (2). 

• Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (3). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (3).

• Essential Oils Of Tea Tree & Lavender: Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial properties that also reduces sebum production by the skin and fights off the acne producing bacteria on the skin (4). Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal properties that helps to reduce scarring and speeds healing (5). 

The facial cleanser is a clay based soap free one that gently cleanses the skin. The cleanser is hand kneaded and has a consistency somewhere  between a dough & powder with a grainy/lumpy texture.

I scoop out a substantial amount using a wooden spatula, mix it with aloe juice or floral hydrosols, apply it to my face and let it dry like a mask. Once dry, I dampen it with some water scrub gently and rinse it off. There are no abrasive agents in the cleanser so on my sensitive skin it feels wonderful.

Clay cleansers are wonderful because they remove excess sebum whilst uncloging pores without drying the skin. A clay cleanser is also fantastic to use as a “mini-masque;” pop the cleanser on your T-Zone then wait two minutes (might as well put this on prior to brushing your teeth) and not only will the cleanser remove excess oil and shine, it will also draw out the impurities and blockages in the skin.

The after effects are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! My skin feels soft to touch with a natural sheen. There is no sigh of dryness, the redness is all gone and replaced with a glow. The first time I tried this cleanser was after a long haul flight and the results were instantaneous, so much so that my mom could notice it. Zits/pimples subside the next day upon application of the cleanser. The tree tea oil plays a dual role here : it fights off the acne producing bacteria and at the same time prevents the skin from drying. 

When used alternate days, this container lasts me little over a month. Made with skin loving ingredients, this cleanser definitely makes it on my  favorite skin care product list!

Whats you take on this BOH product?

Indian Earthy Naturals : Coffee Flaxseed Exfoliating Body Scrub

All natural, vegan beauty is slowing taking over my world one product at a time! I love coffee and coffee containing products. So when I chanced upon this coffee flaxseed exfoliating body scrubby Indian Earthy Naturals, I was tempted. Coffee based scrubs has several benefits that include: exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, temporary reduction of cellulite, improved circulation, reduced eye puffiness, and smooth skin (1). Coupled with omega rich flax seed, the scrub's potency increases two fold!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Indian Earthy Naturals HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Natural Soap Base: Usually made of saponified oil/butter blends to balance the scrub's cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing abilities

• Ground Coffee: Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically, coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite, acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins (2). Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines (1)

• Ground Flax Seed: Lends healthy omega fatty acids while exfoliating skin to evacuate dead skin cells and to revive the skin by tightening large pores and toning the skin (3,4). Applied topically, flax seed is also very lubricating for dry skin (2). The vitamin E found in flax seed along with the omega fatty acids, keep the skin healthy and moisturized (4).

• Essential Oil Of Geranium: Promotes beautiful and radiant skin, geranium oil is  used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, balance hormones, uplift the mood, lessen fatigue and promote emotional wellness (5).

The scrub comes in a 100 gm cute and reusable glass jar. It has a dark color owing to the coffee, a paste like consistency and a greasy feel. What makes this scrub unique is the use of flax seed as an exfoliating agent as opposed to sugar, salt or crushed nut shells which are the common ingredients in most body scrubs & polishes.

I scoop out a teaspoon and a half of the scrub with a wooden spoon (this is necessary as the product is sans preservatives) and massage it in circular motion feet up (as this is supposed to stimulate circulation). I was pleasantly surprised that this amount was well sufficient for the whole body. Since the product is moist and lump free, there is no spillage (i.e. nothing falls to the floor).  

IEN provides the scrub with your choice of fragrance oil and I choose geranium essential oil. Though the scrub does not leave any detectable smell on the skin, the aroma lingers long after in the washroom (LOVE LOVE LOVE). 

The coffee grinds & flax seeds in the scrub exfoliate without being abrasive on the skin making it ideal for sensitive skin while the soap base provides gentle cleansing without drying the skin. Post shower, it leaves an oily film on the skin which hydrates my dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin well. I do not feel the need to moisturizer which, is a big deal for me. The skin feels soft, supple with a visible sheen.

This scrub definitely makes it to my MUST HAVE/FAVOURITE list!

Do give this product a try and let it work its magic !

Gia Bath & Body Works : Pomegranate Facial Cleanser

I just cannot seem to get enough of these natural facial cleansers. And why not....once you try of these cleansers you will never be able to revert to commercial ones that are full of empty promises!!!!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Gia Bath & Body Works HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Pomegranate Extract: Pomegranate is a rich source of conjugated fatty acids and polyphenol compounds (such as anthocynidins and the powerful, miraculous ellagic acid) that lend the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging abilities (1).

• Pomegranate Oil: The oil stimulates “keratinocytes,” which help reverse past damage to revive skin (2). Polyunsaturated acid called “punicic acid”—an omega 5 fatty acid found in the oil has strong anti-inflammatory powers, has antioxidant protection, provides soothing, hydrating relief for those with extra dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and sunburned skin (2).

• Almond Powder: Almond flour is a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells. Almonds can cleanse the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals from your body. The various antioxidants in almonds possess anti-ageing properties which help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin E component is considered a skin food as it nourishes the skin, keeping it smooth and glowing, can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten age spots and other blemishes on the skin. (3,4).

• Moroccan Clay: Mined in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this mineral-rich clay is known for its ability to absorb impurities from the skin. It cleanses deep, clearing pores and tightening skin (5). Rhassoul contains naturally high levels of skin-loving, beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Rhassoul clay can improve skin tone, texture, elasticity, and clarity while eliminating dryness and flakiness (5).

• Rose Petal Powder: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (6). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (6).

• Kaolin Clay: A naturally occurring soft clay with natural absorbency properties. The mildest of all clays, it is very suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing without pulling out the skin’s natural oil (7).

• Vegetable Glycerin: A natural humectant, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of the skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: Helps smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin (8). Colloidal oatmeal contains sugars that allow the skin to retain moisture, and the thin barrier that it creates on the skin protects and heals the skin’s own natural barriers as well. This barrier can last for days, improving the skin’s tone and texture (9). Furthermore it works to help relieve dry, skin patches, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations.

• Avocado Oil: One of the more deeply penetrating oils, it helps to fix moisture into the skin. This makes it great for dealing with dehydrated skin as well as softening rough skin. Non-greasy and non comedogenic, it helps treat inflammatory skin conditions like blemishes and eczema (10).

• Sweet Almond Oil: Helps in repairing, rejuvenating, as well as revitalizing damaged skin ensuring it is left feeling relaxed and looking great (11). (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

The pomegranate facial cleanser, comes in a 150 gm plastic jar with a screw on top and is a semi dry/crumbly consistency. 

To use, I scoop out the desired amount with a wooden spoon, spritz Oilcraft Naturals Panch Pusph facial mist and apply  it to the face. I let it dry, them dampen the mask with water, massage it in circular motions and rinse if off.

There are no abrasive ingredients at all so it works great for sensitive/acne prone skin. I love the hydration this mask provides for my dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of several key ingredients (oatmeal, pomegranate oil, rose petals etc.), calms the redness and irritation synonymous with dry skin conditions. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering.

My skin definitely felt hydrated, so much so I forgot to moisturizer it and only realized my folly when my skin started to feel stretchy after a couple of hours. This cleanser may not suit oily skin but would work wonders (if used over an extended period) for acne prone skin.