Indian Earthy Naturals : Lip Balms

There’s something innately satisfying about using a beauty product that is natural and handmade. Lip balms have been an integral part of my handbag's must haves since forever. Recently my almost 4 year old too had been insisting she use lip balms like her mumma. Commercial lip balms were definitely not an option: I wanted something which was free of petroleum derevatives, harmful chemicals & preservatives, and who better to trust than IEN!!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about IEN HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Beeswax: It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and an anti-oxidant (1). Beeswax is also incredibly moisturizing and is an excellent emulsifier (enabling it to really lock in moisture), so it also has the ability to soothe any pain caused by dryness and dehydration. Furthermore, the capacity that beeswax has to lock in that moisture also makes one’s lips supple and soft—something that can only be attained after constant and deep hydration, not just surface attention (1). Lastly, beeswax even has properties that allow it to protect your lips from further danger. It contains vitamin A, which must be present for cells to develop normally. It also forms a protective layer on your lips that can shield them from harmful UV rays, as well as prevent infections or possible cold sores (1).

• Shea Butter: Most commonly used to help heal and moisturize sunburned, dry, or cracking lips, as it is said to not only bear anti-inflammatory properties, but is also easily absorbed into the skin (2). Though it is often used to heal chapped lips, it can also help prevent dry lips, because it is said to create a moisture barrier.

• Vitamin E Oil: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E protects the skin of your lips from sun damage and has the anti-aging properties. Lips are often exposed to the sun and do not contain the protective pigment melanin, so vitamin E is simply essential for them (3).

• Sweet Almond Oil: A good lubricant, it soothes, revitalizes, nourishes and moisturizes the lips.  Moreover, the oil is used to lighten dark lips; it eliminates dark spot and evens the lips color.  Almond oil may help get rid of wind-blown and scaly lips (4). (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Jojoba Oil: Rich in vitamins E and B complex as well as several minerals, jojoba oil can last longer than most conventional lip balm simply because it’s not water based and doesn’t evaporate out. Its long lasting and strong moisturizing effects helps dry lips feel soft and tender (5).

• Ylang Ylang Oil: Great essential oil for the skin, nourishing and moisturizing flaky and dry skin (6).

• Coconut Oil: Has good amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, it is a wonderful moisturizer for your dry skin. The fatty acids in coconut oil create a barrier and lock in moisture so that your lips remain free of cracks (7).

• Lemon Oil: Lemon essential oil also has anti-viral properties, so it can be used in a lip balm to treat cold sores (8).

• Rose Oil: Nourishes and soothes sensitive lips, fights free radicals and stimulates collagen production while slowing down the aging process (9).

• MICA: Provides a wonderful, subtle shimmer. Mica is a brittle silicate mineral and it comes in many colors. It is considered safe and non-toxic, with a green rating of 2 by the Environmental Working Group (10).

The 100% natural and organic lip balms, come in a 4 gm retractable tube format. Smooth in texture, the balms glides on effortlessly and smells of their respective essential oils. 

To use, glide it on the lips as often as you desire. 

Rose Tint: My favourite of the 3 variants, simply because I love the gorgeous aroma the rose otto imparts. The tint is very subtle and often impossible to notice. 

Coconut Lime: Has a strong lime and a mild beeswax fragrance, which reminds me of a delicious lemon parfait. 

Bronze Tint: If you are a ylang ylang fan, this one is for you. Again like the rose variant, the tint is very subtle but of the 3, I have noticed this one to work the best on my chapped lips.

The balms are non greasy, intensely hydrate and deeply nourish the delicate lip skin. The staying power of the balm isn't too long but ingredients continue to work long after the balm had faded. I regularly exfoliate with a lip scrub to help the goodness in the ingredients penetrate and moisturize better. I prefer lip balms in tubes rather than pots for two main reasons: (1) They are hygenic (2) The balm does not get stuck under my nails. 

A natural remedy, rich in vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids that will swipe away dullness and dryness to reveal luscious lips. 

Quick Tip: If you find the lipbalm melting, pop it into the refrigerator for a couple of hours and it's good to go!

Purchase IEN products HERE.

Aroma Essentials : Sorbets

Many of us tend to neglect moisturizer in the summers and quite rightfully as they tend to make the skin clammy and increase the discomfort. But summer also means staying for extended periods in air-conditioned environments that dry's and dehydrates the skin. The trick to finding the perfect heat-friendly moisturizer is to look for products that are gel based which will help the skin stay hydrated and nourished without making the skin feel greasy or slick.

 

ABOUT THE BRAND
Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloe Vera Extract: Plethora of 20 amino acids; minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium; enzymes; polysaccharides; the gel of aloe, penetrates quickly and deeply, moisturizing at the lower levels of skin and nourishing with natural enzymes and amino acids (1). An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (2). (Learn further benefits of aloe vera, HERE & HERE).

• Shea Butter: Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (3). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter make it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin making it apt for dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (3).  Source of oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying (3).

• Vegetable Glycerine: A natural humectant, that seals 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.

• Permitted Food Grade Coloring

• Rose Oil: Containing a complex array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rose essential oil has excellent emollient properties for moisturizing dry skin; it also offers antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acneic skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help treat redness and inflammation (4). Rose oil can also help refine skin texture, controlling skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, can help heal wounds, as inhaling it inhibits water loss in the skin and lowers the concentration of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body (4).

• Sandalwood Oil: Has natural properties that help heal small wounds, shrink pimples, calm itchy skin, and moisturize dry skin.
  
  • Antiseptic: By preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, sandalwood reduces acne outbreaks and helps in wound healing (5). 
  • Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation causes all kinds of damage in skin, including redness, acne, eczema, and aging. Taming inflammation not only helps skin appear more healthy and youthful, but helps your skin resist the signs of aging (5).
  • Astringent: Want tighter, less noticeable pores? Any oil with an astringent property will help, and sandalwood has it (5).
  • Cicatrisant: This means that the oil has an ability to promote cell regeneration, helping to eliminate scars and other dark marks on the skin (5).
  • Disinfectant: This is another of those natural preservatives—you don’t need chemicals. Sandalwood oil in a formula helps make sure it doesn’t become contaminated by microorganisms (5). 
  •  Emollient: Sandalwood soothes and softens skin, helping it hold onto water to it stays hydrated longer (5).

The sorbets come in 125 gm pots, are thick in consistency, have a smooth buttery-gel like texture and has the most divine fragrance courtesy of the essential oils. 

To use, slather on the required amount to a clean & dry canvas and reap the benefits.

Madhu weaves magic with her products and this one is no different. Made with 80% aloe and 20% shea butter, the sorbet glides on effortlessly melting into the skin to hydrate, comfort, soothe, and cool dry skin without leaving a sticky sensation. Light, fast-absorbing and devoid of harmful chemicals, the sorbets leave the skin instantly moisturized.  The essential oils further enhance the product by adding fragrance and therapeutic benefits mentioned above. Due to the lack of preservatives, the product needs to be refrigerated.

If there is one product you want to try this summer, this is the one!!

Purchase Aroma Essential products HERE.

*Products sent as PR sample*