What are Essences?

Essences to put it simply are a cross between serums and toners. They are as light as toners usually, have mostly the same consistency as toners but have a high concentration of ingredients like serums. I think they are also called the love child between serum and toner and it’s apt an apt description of them. Essences are concentrated formulas made to target some specific skin conditions like dull skin, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, dryness, etc, to name a few. They come in a variety of consistencies, watery like toners, gel-like and some can be as thick as a moisturizer too.

Are Essences necessary in skincare?

Essences prep your skin to absorb the subsequent products like serum and moisturizer. You will see more results from essences as they are made to treat the skin on a cellular level. Korean essences usually contain ingredients to help skin regeneration and improve skin cell turnover rate. Hence a result you will notice with regular use your skin becoming softer, smoother, and brighter. With consistent use, you will definitely notice a difference in your skin.

What is the difference between essence and serum?

The main difference I have found is the concentration of ingredients. The essence is at times also referred to as ampoules, boosters, and even serums, which are lightweight and less concentrated than serums. They also provide an extra layer of hydration and help in absorbing serums and other subsequent products more efficiently.

How to incorporate them into your routine?

According to me, they aren’t a necessary step however I’m sure many Korean women will beg to differ. Essences play a vital part in Korean Skincare and is an integral part of their routine.  They help prep your skin for more efficient absorption of other skincare products. Essences also provide an extra layer of hydration and their formulation helps in combating various skin issues. You can decide if it’s something you need in your skincare routine. If you have decided to incorporate into your routine this is where you’ll need to add it for maximum efficiency. Follow the steps: Cleanser-Toner-Essence-Serum-moisturizer-Eye Cream-Sunscreen-Lip Balm.

I’m From Mugwort Essence

Price & Quantity: $40 for 160 ml which will last you for quite some time.

Ingredients: Artemisia Princeps Extract 100%

Claims: This is a soothing essence made with the single ingredient of Mugwort Extract. The refreshing fluid formula adheres and absorbs into the skin to soothe sensitive skin and recharge moisture from within.

Availability: You can get it from Wishtrend 

Packaging: It comes in a simple yet elegant glass bottle. The minimal packaging of I’m From products has always drawn me. It’s basic yet looks so beautiful. In my opinion, the glass bottle isn’t travel-friendly but it can easily be shifted into another container as and when required. So I usually transfer it into a spray bottle as I find that easier to use and carry. It also helps in wasting less product according to me. I prefer spraying it on my face but it works just as well if applied directly using hands or a cotton pad.

Smell: It has a herbal fragrance which is unique to the I’m From Mugwort range. It’s a light and pleasant fragrance that

My Experience:

I’m From Mugwort essence is one product that I have tested the longest because it’s almost been a year since I started using it. Now, when the bottle is almost empty have I finally sat down to review it.  I’m really thankful that Wishtrend allowed me to try this essence without a time limit for posting. Although I’m pretty sure that they didn’t think I’ll take this long, sorry Wishtrend.

I have been a fan of using essences in my routine. They help in combating various skin issues and my oily/combination skin loves them. I’m From is a brand that focuses on simple ingredient lists and clean and transparent brand philosophy, these are somethings that I really admire about this brand.

Mugwort is famous for it’s antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps heal, soothe, and nourish the skin. Mugwort also helps in treating treat redness, psoriasis, and other skin sensitivities.  Before I started using it, I had already seen and heard a lot about it so my hopes regarding this were pretty high. However, when I first started using it, I noticed practically no difference in my skin for the first three weeks. My main reason for incorporating this in my routine was to help soothe my skin which at that time was having small red bumps and breakouts. When I didn’t see a difference I stopped using it, thinking maybe it wasn’t for me. 

I stumbled upon in again when I was checking my stash to look for a hydrating product to add to my winter routine, so I picked it up again in my routine. I applied it in the beginning with my hands but it has a watery consistency and I didn’t find that an effective method of application. This time, however, I transferred it to a spray bottle to make it easier to apply as a mist on my face after toner. The essence has a very light but distinct smell, which I’m assuming is what Mugwort smells like.  The essence has an almost water consistency. It absorbs in the skin within seconds. It’s light on the skin, doesn’t pile up no matter how many steps are there in the routine. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on the skin. The fragrance fades after a few seconds as well.

I’m From Mugwort Essence became a part of my routine for months. Honestly, it took me a while to notice that the tiny red bumps that I had been plagued with for a long while were finally reducing and were completely gone in a few weeks. My skin was calmer, healthier, and smoother than it had been in the last year.

I knew Klairs Daily Skin Softening Water which I was using as a toner was responsible for it being smoother. However, I wanted to make sure that Mugwort essence was the one responsible for my skin being calmer so I took a risk and stopped using it for a few weeks. It didn’t take a lot of time for the red bumps to appear so added it back to my routine as haven’t changed it yet. After continuous usage of the I’m From Mugwort essence for months, I can safely say that it lives up to all its claims. It took me a while to figure it benefits out but then again every skin reacts differently and mine was just a little slow on the uptake.

Since it’s almost over I started using it less frequently in my routine. This means that from using it daily, I went to use it alternate days, then from thrice a week to just twice, Which is where I’m right now, though I’ll be switching it to just once every week now until I run out of it or acquire a new bottle of it, whichever happens, first. So far my skin has adapted decently to it. I’m From Mugwort Essence has helped in strengthening my skin barrier, in calming down the tiny red bumps. It not only soothed my skin but also helped in keeping it calm and hydrated.

Pros:

• Light-weight
• Fast absorbing
• Has a pleasant fragrance
• Clean minimalistic packaging
• Helps calm and soothe irritated skin
• Provides an extra layer of hydration
• Lasts for a really long time

Cons:

• Apart from the problem of wishtrend nit shipping to India which makes availability an issue, there’s isn’t any other con that I could find.

Will I Repurchase: In a heartbeat, this essence has been a staple in my routine for a year now. Mugwort essence has greatly helped in healing and strengthening my skin barrier and I’ll really miss using this essence in my routine once I finish this bottle.

Do I Recommend: Yes! If you are planning on incorporating an essence in your skincare this one is definitely the way to go. However, if you already use essence and haven’t tried I’m From Mugwort essence yet then you are missing out.

Overall summary: 4.5/5. While essences are not a necessity in the skincare routine, they can be very helpful in some cases. It’s fast-absorbing, light-weight, non-sticky on application. I’m From Mugwort Essence helps in calm, heal, and soothe the skin. It took a while to show the results but it soon became a great and necessary addition to my skincare routine.

You can also check out my review of Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule and Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

The post Everything you need to know about Essence: Featuring I’m From Mugwort Essence review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Let’s talk a little about the brand first.

Klairs as a brand is

• Respectful of the beauty of the environment and carries healthy values regarding the earth
• Simple and contains only the most necessary ingredients (NO colorants, NO alcohol, NO parabens, NO artificial fragrances/fragrance-free)
• Always working to bring their products to customers at reasonable prices
• A high-quality skincare brand for sensitive skin

Brand Philosophy

• No harsh ingredients.
  Klairs makes sure to create products with only the most effective, necessary raw ingredients, all of which have passed the safety measures of a research lab specializing in dermatologist brand skincare. We make sure our products don’t contain components that can irritate sensitive skin.
• No animal testing.
  Since our foundation in 2010, we have not tested on animals. We don’t believe in harming animals for our cosmetic purposes and we are working to putting down animal testing.
• High quality. Reasonable prices.
  Rather than conducting costly PR and marketing, the Klairs name has been spread through satisfied customer reviews and word-of-mouth. We will always continue doing our best to provide the highest quality products to our customers for a fair price.

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream rapidly calms sensitive, irritated skin leaving the face comfortably moisturized while also helping to strengthen external barriers. Its signature ingredient, Guaiazulene, a herbal extract of chamomile, soothes and cools down inflamed skin. It is also effective in skin cell regeneration. At the same time, Centella Asiatica extract, derived from a Madagascar-native plant known as ‘tiger grass’, helps damaged skin regenerate and prevents scarring.  It is an amazing, rejuvenating solution for calming all skin types. It can be used by applying to the whole face when dry or by applying to specific areas that require extra calming and soothing treatment.

Price & Quantity: $24.50 for 30 ml

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Polysorbate 60, Candelilla Cera, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Morus Alba Root Extract, Tromethamine, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Guaiazulene, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lecithin, Acetyl Glutamine, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Bacillus/Soybean/Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

Claims: This gentle cream instantly calms and soothes sensitive skin. Star ingredients include Guaiazulene, a natural component extracted from Chamomile Oil with powerful calming effects, and Centella Asiatica that hydrates the skin and relieves redness.

Benefits:

• A refreshing, soothing cream that suits all skin types especially oily skin
• The Blue Cream is made for calming rather than moisturizing, to rapidly soothe the skin in response to irritation.
• Soothes and calms redness caused by pimples and acne
• Helps regeneration in damaged skin and prevents scarring
• Can be used when experiencing irritation & heat flashes after sun exposure
• It is good after pore care, intense laser treatment, long term sun exposure, post-shaving

Availability: It’s available on wishtrend.com, you can use the code FEB10 for an extra 10% discount (Valid only till March 15)

Packaging: It comes in a beautiful glass tub with a spatula. The bottle is sturdy and classy. The 60ml variant comes in a tube packaging which I think is more travel-friendly.

My Experience: I received Klairs Midnight Blue calming cream at a time when my skin was behaving very well for me. This is one of the most hyped-up products from Klairs and I was very excited to use it. All I had read or heard were great reviews about it and I wanted to see how well it’ll work for me. I used it as the last step in my night routine for a few days before I realized that this was a very small tub and would not last me long at all if I keep using it. Since it didn’t show any difference in my skin in the first few days, I put it aside and promptly forgot about it. A few weeks later when my skin was suffering from acne and redness combined with tiny red bumps is when I decided to give this cream another try.

At first, I used it as a spot treatment but didn’t see any visible results so I started using it as the last step in my routines again. Though using it as a sleeping mask ensured that I was going to run out of this cream sooner than expected, it did work better than using it as a spot treatment for me. In the morning it acted as a nice and light moisturizer for my oily skin. It has an almost matte finish and didn’t make the skin oily even after hours. I’m sure people with dry skin would find it lacking as a moisturizer but for my skin, it works, though it is not advertised as such. It’s a lightweight, quick-absorbing, non-sticky, non-greasy cream that soothes the skin.

I saw that my acne was less inflamed, the tiny red bumps less visible, my skin didn’t feel as painful. It took some time to work on me, but in the end, it did help me calm my skin down. In a few days, my skin was calmer and healthier than before. The redness was almost gone, the bumps reduced in size and some vanished completely.

Even though it did calm my skin, I fell that there are other products that calm and soothe my skin faster than Klairs Midnight Blue calming Cream does and are cost-effective as well. People who frequently get sunburned or inflamed skin, I think will benefit more from this. People with sensitive skin will enjoy it as well.

Pros: 

• The ingredient list has some great calming ingredients
• It’s a very beautiful shade of blue, that in itself is so calming
• Is soothing and calming
• It’s lightweight
• Fast absorbing
• Non-sticky, Non-greasy
• Works as a great moisturizer for oily skin
• Is vegan
• Cruelty-Free

Cons:

• It’s costly
• The quantity isn’t that much compared to its price so I don’t think it’s cost-effective

Will I Repurchase: Probably not. This cream while being good isn’t something that I’ll repurchase it again. I can’t justify the cost with the results.

Do I Recommend: People with sensitive skin, or someone who suffers from frequent sunburns, itchiness, inflamed skin, acne, etc this might be worth the investment. Otherwise you can skip on this one as it leans on the costlier side.

Overall summary: 3/5 Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream a nice soothing cream, the beautiful blue color of this fills me with calmness whenever I use it. It has amazing skin-calming ingredients and will work really well for sensitive skin. It heals and soothes irritated, inflamed skin, works on calming acne and redness as well. However, it is a bit on the costly side so fewer points for that.

You can also check out my review for I’m From Ginseng Mask here, which is also available on Wishtrend.

The post Fifty Shades of Blue: Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (Review) appeared first on Ani Speak.

Product Name: By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule

Price & Quantity: $32 for 30ml

Ingredients: Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Propolis Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Panthenol, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Zinc PCA, Pantolactone

Claims: This ampoule contains Houttuynia Cordata Extract effective in soothing acne instead of water and 15% Propolis with powerful antioxidant effects. The product improves acne and sensitive skin through powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and immune system enhancement.

Availability: It’s available on Wishtrend

Packaging: It comes in a glass dropper bottle. I like it a lot because it picks up a dropper full of product each time leaving no space unlike many other droppers that pick up air as well.

Smell: It has almost no fragrance but if you sniff carefully it has a slightly bitter sweet fragrance. You won’t be able to smell it unless you are specifically smelling it and even then the fragrance goes away after 5 seconds so it won’t be a bother at all.

My Experience: I have always stayed away from Propolis products, something about their fragrance and stickiness always bothered me hence I stayed away from it. However, I kept seeing it everywhere and people were all praises for it so I caved and thought I’ll give it a try as well. When Wishtrend offered me the opportunity to try their products I thought of picking up Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampule.

I started using this ampule as a part of my night routine, applying it after toner and before moisturizer. It’s a thick ampule which is very pale yellow in color. Though it’s said to have no fragrance I could smell a slightly bitter sweet scent from it although it’s very faint.  It’s a little sticky upon application but not very much so hence it’s tolerable. I’m really grateful it doesn’t smell like Propolis or I would not have been able to use it at all. It absorbs in the skin readily and will be perfect for those who want a dewy look. It remains sticky for a while but after applying moisturiser it doesn’t bother much.

Coming to it’s effects and benefits, the first thing I noticed was how moisturize my skin felt. It’s a great moisturizer and I think people with dry skin will especially love it’s moisturizing effects. After a few days I started using it as a moisturiser in my morning routine and it worked great. It’s definitely going to be an addition in my winter skincare routine. I can’t say it helped much with Acne as in it didn’t reduce them, however I did notice that my skin looked healthier while I was using this in my routine.  While it didn’t stop acne, which I think isn’t the purpose of this ampule anyway, it help my skin heal faster. My skin felt more plump and dewy when I used this in my routine.

Pros:

• It’s has amazing moisturizing properties and will be a great addition in winter routines
• It gives the skin a dewy look
• It strengthens the skin barrier
• It will suit all skin types

Cons:

• It’s a bit costly
• I’m not sure if wishtrend is still shipping to India so availability might become an issue

Will I Repurchase: Probably.

Do I Recommend: Yes, if you can get your hands on it, it’s worth a try.

Overall summary: By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15%  Ampule is a great moisturising product and a perfect addition to any routine. It aids in the healing of skin and gives a dewy look.

 Read my review of I’m From Ginseng Mask here.

The post Why you need By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule in your routine appeared first on Ani Speak.

The French Note is a quintessential brand with an enticing fragrance designed in France created to calm, pacify and soothe your senses. Infused with the sensuous notes of authentic French Lavender, the collection is steeped with a perfect combination of sustainability and sophistication.

This shower gel makes for an amazing addition to your bath routine and is the perfect way to start and end your day.

Product Name: The French Note Shower Gel

Price & Quantity: INR 1095 for 450 ml

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice 5mg, Glycerin 50mg, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polyquaternium-7, Cocobetaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone & Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance Q.S., Water (Aqua) Q.S.

Claims: Embraced with the soothing notes of French Lavender to calm, soothe and pacify your senses. This luxurious formulation indulges you in a relaxing bathing ritual and keeps skin fresh. Feel nourished and clean all day long after you cherish a blissful shower moment.

Availability: It’s available on their website www.kimirica.shop

Packaging: It comes in an elegant see-through plastic bottle with a black pump. It has the picture of the Effiel tower on the back label which makes it look really luxurious. It looks gorgeous sitting on the bathroom shelf and gives a very classy vibe.

Smell: It has a very beautiful Lavender fragrance. It’s sweet and floral and very soothing. It’s not at all overwhelming so people with sensitive noses won’t have an issue with it.

How to use:  Pour the gel on wet loofah or palm, massage gently all over the wet body, rinse thoroughly.

My Experience: The French Note collection is paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. The delicate French Lavender fragrance in this is so elegant and sophisticated. Every time I use it, I feel luxurious. The bottle reminds me of the elegant little shower gel bottles you get in high-end hotels and hence every time I use it, I feel like I’m on a vacation. I have been using this shower gel daily since the day I received this. The French Lavender Fragrance is very soothing and immediately relaxes me. A coin size amount of this shower gel is enough to cover the whole body. It makes rich foam and is very gentle on the skin. The shower gel cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin of the natural oils. It didn’t make my skin dry post-bath and doesn’t leave behind any film on the skin. My skin felt clean, soft and with regular use smoother as well.

The fragrance fills the bathroom when you use it and I just love that, it’s not overpowering, it’s more like a soothing background fragrance and feels amazing. It stays on the skin till the skin is damp after then it’s gone, though I really wish it stayed. It’s one of those products that instantly makes the place looks luxurious, elegant and sophisticated.

Pros:

• Elegant and classy packaging
• Sophisticated design
• Beautiful French Lavender fragrance
• Lifts the spirit with its fragrance
• Gentle on the skin
• Cleans on the skin without making it dry
• Cruelty-free
• Paraben-free
• Vegan

Cons:

• The fragrance doesn’t stay on the skin for long
• It’s costly

Will I Repurchase: Maybe, I like how this shower gel looks and feels but it’s a bit on the pricey side for me.

Do I Recommend: Yes! Just because of the fact that it is beautiful and amazing and is soothing.

Overall summary: 4/5. One less because it is costly and the fragrance doesn’t stay for long. Apart from that, it’s a pretty good shower gel and I enjoy using it. Though I’m pretty sure I’m going to hoard it for a long time, even when I know I shouldn’t. This shower gel makes the skin soft, smooth and doesn’t dry it out at all. It’s a relaxing treat and makes for a wonderful addition to your bathroom and bath routine.

The post The French Note Shower Gel: Luxury and Sophistication in a bottle appeared first on Ani Speak.

Le Jardin Retrouvé is a timeless, independent, family-owned Haute Parfumerie House created in 1975 by acclaimed perfumer Yuri Gutsatz, founding father of Perfumer Perfumery. He rejected the constraints of the marketing-driven perfume industry; he was in pursuit of creative freedom and the finest possible ingredients. 41 years later, in 2016, his son and his family boldly reinvented Le Jardin Retrouvé, while keeping Yuri’s delicate formulas, as well as his historical suppliers. Le Jardin Retrouvé is a way of experiencing perfume, both inspired by nature and comforting.

Product Name: Our Discovery Set

It consists of 7*2ml sample perfumes from their Collection. The seven fragrances are:

• Citron Boboli
• Cuir de Russie
• Sandalwood Sacré
• Eau des Délices
• Verveine d’Éte
• Tubéreuse Trianon
• Rose Trocadéro

Price: 20.42 € which is around 1600INR

Quantity: 7*2ml

Availability: It’s easy to order from their website lejardinretrouve.com and they ship worldwide.

Packaging: The samples come in small individual cardboard packs with the details about the perfume with a little story about the fragrance is mentioned. The boxes are covered with beautiful paintings each one unique and mesmerizing. The perfumes come in cute and compact glass spray bottles which are eco-friendly as well as easy to carry. All the seven packets come in a cloth bag. The whole packaging is very eco-friendly and alluring and will make for a great gift.

Fragrances:

Rose Trocadéro

Rose Trocadero is a floral Eau de Parfum with sweet notes of rose petals, blackcurrant buds and white musk. A fragrance inspired by nature reminiscent of the fragrant roses of yesteryear, the gardens of our childhood. A fragrance full of emotions, memories and delicacy. A creation full of the nostalgia of Yuri, the founder of our House, for the most beautiful French perfumes of the 1920s.

Sandalwood Sacré

Sandalwood Sacré is an aerial and spiritual Eau de Parfum. Milky sandal and patchouli will transport you to the heart of Indian rituals where incense sticks burn precious woods. This fragrance will lead you to meet Yuri Gutsatz, founder of Jardin Retrouvé, who has worked extensively in India to discover the fragrant plants of this country rich in scents.

Tubéreuse Trianon

Tubéreuse Trianon is a solar and luminous Eau de Parfum. With its notes of white flowers, raspberry and coconut this floral and fruity fragrance will make you travel to warmer climates. Where the tuberose, jasmine and ylang-ylang grow that will capsize your heart. A radiant fragrance that lasts on the skin, from a floral facet to creamy, musky and milky base notes.

Cuir de Russie

Cuir de Russie is an Eau de Parfum with a subtle fragrance of violet and leather mixed with precious resins. It is a memento of the Slavic origins of Yuri Gutsatz, founder of Jardin Retrouvé. He wanted this scent to recreate a child’s memory, that of his father’s leather boots. This delicate and tinged fragrance will make you discover a new facet of Russian Leather.

Eau des Délices

Eau des Délice is an Eau Fraiche inspired by classical Colognes. Invigorating and light, it will be your best friend for summer days. This citrus perfume, with hints of Italian lemon, petitgrain, orange from Brazil will accompany you throughout the day thanks to its musky base. A delicate unisex scent suitable for all occasions.

Citron Boboli

Citron Boboli is an energizing Eau de Parfum with energizing notes of citrus and warm spices. An original, comforting and mixed fragrance. It will transport you in the footsteps of Yuri, the founder of our House when he lived in India and discovered the richness of Indian aromas and plants. Clove, pepper and lemon will make you travel between Asia and Italy.

Verveine d’Été

Verveine d’Eté is an Eau de Parfum with a delicate and fresh scent. It will be an ideal partner on hot summer days but also in the heart of winter to bring you joy and comfort. A mixed scent, sparkling and energizing that brings back memories of the freshness of a bed of aromatic plants in the early morning. Let yourself be transported by its green notes in the Summer Garden of St. Petersburg.

Ingredients:

Citron Boboli

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / d-limonene / eugenol / linalool / citral / geraniol / citronellol / cinnamal / coumarin

Cuir de Russie

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / d-limonene / linalool / alpha-isomethyl ionone / benzyl salicylate / Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde / evernia prunastrii (oakmoss) extract / farnesol / citral / cinnamal / benzyl benzoate / Hydroxycitronellal / methyl 2-octynoate / geraniol / cinnamyl alcohol / benzyl cinnamate / isoeugenol / cinnamyl alcohol / benzyl cinnamate

Sandalwood Sacré

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / d-limonene / Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde / linalool / geraniol / citronellol / farnesol / benzyl salicylate / coumarin / benzyl benzoate / evernia prunastrii (oakmoss) extract / Hydroxycitronellal / citral / alpha-isomethyl ionone / eugenol / cinnamyl alcohol / benzyl cinnamate

Eau des Délices

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / d-limonene / linalool / citral / geraniol / evernia prunastrii (oakmoss) extract / farnesol / citronellol

Verveine d’Éte

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / d-limonene / linalool / citral / evernia prunastrii (oakmoss) extract / geraniol / citronellol / eugenol / coumarin

Tubéreuse Trianon

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / benzyl salicylate / Hydroxycitronellal / linalool / Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde / geraniol / eugenol / benzyl benzoate / benzyl cinnamate / methyl 2-octynoate / d-limonene / farnesol / Benzyl alcohol / isoeugenol

Rose Trocadéro

Ingrédients/contains: Alcool denat (alcohol) / Parfum (fragrance) / Aqua (WATER) / citronellol / geraniol / linalool / eugenol / citral / Benzyl alcohol / coumarin / farnesol

My Experience: I love collecting fragrances, it’s like taking a journey with every sniff. Scents hold so many memories and can easily take you down the memory lane with a single sniff. I read in an article years ago that every woman should have her signature scent and since then I have been trying to find mine. Along the journey, I have discovered a lot about my preferences. This Discovery set is a great way to start on your journey to find that one scent that defines you. It comes in small glass vials and lets you try seven unique fragrances at once. Each fragrance is one of its kind and I’m sure you’ll end up liking at least a few if not all of them, you might even discover your signature scent.

I have always wanted to try French perfumes, something about them just enticed me and I’m glad I got to try this set. It has seven unique fragrances ranging from mild to strong and from floral to woody and spicy. There is something for everyone here. Each fragrance lasts for a different amount of time on me ranging from 4-10 hours. My favourite among them is the Rose Trocadéro, Sandalwood Sacré and Tubéreuse Trianon.

Pros:

• Comes in eco-friendly packaging with a cute pouch
• Cute glass bottles
• All unique and different types of fragrances
• Lets you try many samples at once before you invest in the full size
• You also get a coupon of the same amount as the sample set value which you can later use to purchase any product from the store apart from the sample set
• Has a fragrance for everyone ranging from floral to spicy
• Makes for a great gift

Cons: 

• It’s a little costly

Overall: 5/5 I think it’s always a great idea to try a sample before you invest in the full size so you know if it works for you or not and fragrances are no different. Everyone has a unique taste and this set has something that will appeal to the whole family. While I find some scents too strong for my liking, my father loves them, the spicy ones are a favourite of my brother and floral ones caught the attention of my sister as well. Plus the bright little packs it comes in makes for a great gift.

Will I repurchase: I probably will go for the Sandalwood Sacré as this fragrance is a warm, woody scent that lasts around 6-8 hours on me and has a very beautiful lingering scent.

Do I recommend: Yes, they are worth a try plus you are not losing anything since you receive a gift code of the value of your total sample order to use on your next purchase (except samples).

The post French Fragrances to Steal your Heart: Le Jardin Retrouve Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Price & Quantity: It costs INR 325 for a 60gms tub.

Ingredients: Jojoba oil, almond oil, aloe vera, mulberry extract, liquorice extract

Claims: This incredible formula enriched with mulberry and liquorice extract, both rich in antioxidants and skin brightening properties. It helps reduce tan evens out skin tone, making it a perfect partner in your daily beauty regime.

Availability: It’s easily available on Amazon

Packaging: It comes in the signature white tub with a blue lid and an extra lid for safety.

Smell: It has a floral fruity fragrance which is strong if you sniff it directly but otherwise doesn’t bother much. It doesn’t stay on the skin for long as well.

My Experience: I don’t usually go for Brightening creams but summers mean tan and that calls for drastic measures. This cream has a slightly thick texture and a very light fragrance. It absorbs easily but makes my face oily. So I started using it at night as a night cream and it worked. After a few days, I did see my skin getting even toned. It didn’t break me out or make my face excessively greasy. Though it did leave an oily sheen I can work with that at night. It’s highly Moisturizing and makes the skin soft and bright.

I’m not saying it’ll make your skin lighter since that’s not possible but it does help with making your skin brighter and even toned. Though I think it’s not for oily skinned beauties. However, people with dry skin might appreciate this a lot.

Pros: 

• Absorbs easily
• Affordable
• Works on removing tan
• Brightens skin tone
• Makes the skin even toned

Cons: 

• Makes my skin oily

Will I Repurchase: I won’t be repurchasing this one as it doesn’t work for my skin type.

Do I Recommend: It’s a good cream that will skin dry skin beauties very well.

Overall summary: It’s a good cream just not for my skin type.

 Read about the amazing clove pack and mint cleanser here.

The post Beauty Origins Mulberry Skin Brightening Cream Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

2NDesign First Lip Balm Restore & Soothing

Price & Quantity: It costs around $8-$10 for a 15gm jar but you can find it on discount usually for around $5-$6

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosehip oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Glycerin, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol.

Features: 

• Long-lasting strong moisturization lip balm the best solution for your chapped lips
• A moisturizing lip balm that shines your lips
• Can be used as the makeup base to improve the quality of your makeup
• Does not contain any artificial colouring or scent

Availability: It’s easily available on Jolse.com and RoseRoseShop.com

Packaging: It has a beautiful matte baby pink cap with the number 2 printed on it. It’s a beautiful jar and I simply adore it.

Smell: It has no fragrance so people with a sensitive nose will have no issues with this lip balm.

My Experience: When I first used it, I wasn’t expecting very much from it, to be honest. My lips which are perpetually dry like a desert are very hard to impress. So, I started using it and within a few days, I knew I had stumbled upon something amazing! Let’s talk about its packaging first. It’s a very beautiful and sturdy tub with a matte baby pink cap and has the number 2 printed on it in gloss. I love its colour, I’m so happy that I got the pink variant because it’s my favourite colour. It comes in three different variants. The cap colour of each variant is different, Apart from that I don’t think there is much difference.  It also comes in Black and White and they are equally gorgeous. I usually prefer my lip balm in a tube since they are more convenient to carry and apply plus more hygienic. But I’m glad this one comes in a tub since I get such a huge quantity at a very good price.

It is a very very moisturising lip balm. I’m saying that because I noticed that after this lip balm my lips stay moisturised for a very long time. It applies like a gloss and it looks so beautiful that you really don’t need to apply anything else. It improved the texture of my lips as well over time. My lips are now definitely more soft and smooth than before. I apply a generous amount of it during the night and I wake up with soft, smooth, moisturised lips that stay like that even if I don’t apply anything in the morning. Which by the way I had to do prior to this lip balm, otherwise my lips would start cracking up within minutes. Yes, they are that dry and that’s why I’m so impressed with this lip balm.

I currently have around 10-12 lip balms open that I used to use in rotation, since I get bored with them easily but after this, I find it hard to go back to using any other since I have to keep reapplying them every few hours and this one allows me to even forget the need to apply one for hours on end. It has no artificial fragrance or colour. It’s transparent and goes glossy on lips which works well for me. Since I now just go out in this lip balm and nothing else. It doesn’t feel heavy on the lips at all and forms a protective barrier on the lips. Which keeps them soft and smooth

It can be used as a base under the lipstick as well. Though I prefer applying it a few mins prior to the application of the lipstick and then gently wipe it off. That makes my lips soft, moisturised and prepped for the application of the lip balm at the same time ensures that my lipstick doesn’t get runny. Since this is a glossy lip balm there’s a chance of it making the lipstick runny. It does act as a good primer though and helps in keeping the lips moisturized even with matte lipsticks. I have almost finished more than half the tub as you can clearly see because I can’t get enough of this lip balm.

Pros:

• It’s highly moisturising
• It absorbs easily
• Makes the lips soft
• Has no artificial fragrance or colour
• Dermatologically Hypoallergenic tested
• Free from 20 harmful substances

Cons:

• People might find the tub packaging unhygienic. At times even I don’t know what to do with the lip balm left on my finger after I have applied it. So, I started applying that on my elbows and that has made a huge difference.

Will I Repurchase: I will until I find something better than this, which I doubt I will. It’s almost as good as Laneige Lip mask, if not better.

Do I Recommend: Yes, go give this a try. Since its way cheaper than Laneige and might I say better than it.

Overall summary: 2NDesign First Lip Balm Restore & Soothing is my current love. It’s a beautiful pink pot of love that will take care of all you lip woes so silently,  you will forget you even have something on. It repairs, softens, smoothens, and moisturises your lips effortlessly.

The post A Pink Pot of Love: 2NDesign First Lip Balm Review  appeared first on Ani Speak.

Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum

Price & Quantity: $20 for 60ml

Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Carbomer, Arginine, Sclerotium Gum, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ceramide NP

Claims: Let your skin to ‘take’ in all the ingredients it needs at once, like a Buffet.

The serum containing 49% Centella extract that promotes collagen synthesis and activates cell tissues to calm trouble scars. EWG-certified Buffet Serum also contains niacinamide, which balances skin tone with whitening effects, and Panthenol and Adenosine to help improve wrinkles, helping to replenish the skin evenly.

• Instead of just using Centella Asiatica water, Centella Asiatica Leaf is boiled in water and a solvent is used to separate and extract only certain substances.
• A high-quality product is thereby created including a high 49% content of Centella quantitative extract, instead of a small amount.
• The essence has been certified by the Environment Working Group (EWG), a Nonprofit Environmental Organization, focused on safety in the cosmetics sector.

Availability: It’s available on their website Puritoen.com

Packaging: It comes in an emerald green pump bottle which is simple and elegant.

Smell: It smells a bit like green tea. It’s a very faint and pleasant fragrance that doesn’t last for long.

My Experience: I had heard such a lot about the Centella Serum by Purito that I had very high hopes for this one. The Serum is lightweight and non-sticky. It’s a slightly thick serum, what I mean is it’s not watery in consistency. It absorbs quite easy and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness or heaviness. I used it for a week in my right routine but saw no visible results. At that time I was having red bumps all over my cheeks that would not go away no matter what I did. They would settle for a day or two just to return back. My main hope with this serum was to get rid of them. But when I didn’t see any results for a week I was honestly disappointed, I thought it would work and I was about to give up on using it. But I thought to be patient with it since I remember reading that some products that a while before they show results.

Determined with this thought, I keep using this serum religiously in my night routine. By the end of the second week, the red bumps were reduced. I paid no attention to it since I thought they will reappear like always. By the end of the third week, my skin was returning to its original condition i.e. of no tiny red bumps. Finally, after the fourth week, the red bumps were all gone and my skin was back to normal albeit more clearer than it had been in months. I stopped using it in the middle of the fifth week just to see if the red bumps would return. Unfortunately, they did after a week, just the beginning of them, like I could see them covering my cheeks again. Scared I went back to using this serum and within two days they vanished again.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this serum works amazingly well but you have to be patient with it. It gave me clear skin and I will continue using it. Purito Centella serum is worth every penny.

Pros:

• Simple minimalistic packaging
• Clean ingredients
• Works well on calming skin
• Lightweight
• Nonsticky
• Nongreasy
• Absorbs easily within seconds
• Lives up to its claim

Cons:

• Nope, can’t think of any.

Will I Repurchase: As long as I keep having tiny red bumps on my face I will keep repurchasing it. Though I’m hoping when I finish this bottle, I will finish those bumps for good as well.

Do I Recommend: Yes absolutely.

Overall summary: Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum is amazing. It’s lightweight, nongreasy and nonsticky. It absorbs easily and calms skin. It gives an even skin tone and clear skin. This Green bottle of goodness is definitely worth a try. Don’t worry if you don’t see immediate results with it as good things take time.

The post Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Beauty Origins Clove Anti Acne Pack

Price & Quantity: It costs INR250 for 75gms

Ingredients: Clove oil, rosewater, orange peel extract, lemon extract, ginseng extract.

Claims: This anti-acne pack is a fine solution for oily and sensitive skin. The anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of clove help reduce acne and pimples. it exfoliates blemished skin, making it appear healthier and cleaner. Presence of ginseng root extract reduces inflammation, swelling and even early signs of ageing.

Availability: It’s easily available on Amazon.

Packaging: It comes in a white plastic tub with a bright blue lid. I think that’s the standard packaging for all Beauty Origins products.

Smell: It smells like clove but its a very beautiful scent, it’s not overpowering or too faint, it’s just right and I like how it smells. The fragrance lasts for a few minutes but isn’t a bother at all.

My Experience: Among all the products that I have received from this brand this was the one I was most excited about. I tried it as soon as I received it (after doing a patch test of course) since I could see the beginning of a huge pimple that day. The kind of pimple that takes days to fully form and is very very painful. The one that feels like it covers up all your face and is red and almost has a mind of its own. The one that takes days to stop aching and even more days to completely go away. Immediately after opening the lid I was hit with a soft scent of cloves and the soft pink colour of the mask was so beautiful. I applied a thin layer and kept it on for some 10-12 minutes until the mask was fully dry and then washed it off.

Even as I was washing it off I could feel that my skin was softer than before. I dried my face and touched my skin and it felt so so so soft that I thought maybe I didn’t wash the mask properly and a layer was still left on my face so I got makeup remover and used that to clean my face. However, nothing came on that cotton, my face was as clean as it could be and silky soft, I kid you not, soft like a baby’s bottom. My pimple felt a little less red and less painful as before. To be honest I could not stop touching my face because it felt smoother than I have ever felt in months.

The next day my pimple didn’t hurt as much and was subdued as well. I used it as a spot treatment that day and applied only on the pimple. my pimple reduced in size before even fully forming was painless by the third day and was completely settled by the fourth. It just felt like a bump now and left a black mark behind but no more pain or growing larger. I have applied the mask since then a couple more times and even as I’m writing this, I had the mask on. My skin always feels softer after washing this mask off but not as soft as it did the first time I used it.

This mask had become my favourite and I don’t think I’ll ever stop purchasing this. It’s affordable, effective, economical, amazing and great for my skin.

Pros:

• It’s super affordable and is currently on discount.
• Easy to apply and wash off
• Works well on Acne-prone/0ily/combination skin
• Smells good
• Makes the skin super soft
• Didn’t break me out

Cons:

• None that I can find but I do wish the packaging was more eco-friendly, though at this price I can’t really complain.

Will I Repurchase: Yes! Yes! Yes! This was a lucky find but it’s going to have a permanent place in my vanity now.

Do I Recommend: YES! It’s amazing and definitely worth a try. At this price, you have got nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Overall summary: 5/5. It’s a mask that made it’s way into my top 5 wash off masks from the very use itself. From it’s colour to it’s smell to its effect, everything about this mask is great. I honestly cannot stop gushing about it.

Read about Beauty Origins Mint Cleanser here.

The post A Must try: Beauty Origins Anti-acne Clove Pack Review appeared first on Ani Speak.

Until I finally realised a good face wash isn’t one that foams a lot or makes my skin squeaky clean aka dry. A good face wash is one that does it job silently without making your skin worse. If your skin produces a lot of oil you might need to take a look at your facewash and see if it isn’t the culprit. It’s easy to find out if your face wash is making your skin dry. Wash your face and don’t apply anything on it till 10 minutes, if your skin feels dry or stretchy it means your face wash isn’t the best option for your skin and it’s time you changed it. Luckily I found a good cleanser which works well for oily skin without making it worse.

Beauty Origins Mint Face Cleanser

Price & Quantity: INR 250 for 60gms

Claims: It’s a soap-free cleanser, which helps in removing dirt, oil and impurities. Infused with peppermint, it absorbs excess oil and keeps the skin clean. It’s best suited for oily and acne-prone skin and nourishes sunburned or chapped skin

Availability: It’s easily available on Amazon

Packaging: It comes in a white plastic tub with a blue lid and an extra lid to keep it from spilling.

Smell: It has a pleasant minty fragrance.

My Experience: It’s a unique experience using this cleanser as it doesn’t foam especially since I’ so used to foaming face washes. This is just one thing that set’s it apart from other face washes in the market. What truly set’s it apart is how well it works for oily/combination skin. The cleanser didn’t break me out nor made my skin dry immediately after washing. It effectively cleaned all the dirt and grime from the face leaving behind softer, cleaner skin. It’s perfect to use daily and it feels a little different from other facewashes due to no foams being made but that doesn’t affect its cleaning power. My skin didn’t get oily after using this even hours later which is a huge plus point since summers and oily skin is a hard combination.

This face cleanser has a very pleasant fragrance that stays till you are washing it off. It’s like a thick creamy lotion and a pea-sized amount is enough to cover the whole face. It leaves a cooling sensation immediately after wash which lasts for about 30seconds but is very refreshing especially in summers.

Pros:

• It’s budget friendly
• Leaves behind a cooling sensation after every wash which is very refreshing
• Doesn’t dry out the skin
• Helps control oil even after hours of washing
• Effectively cleans and removes all dirt and grime from the face

Cons:

• I don’t like tub packaging for my face washes. I’m always worried about getting water in them while I use them in the shower hence I prefer the bottle packaging.

Will I Repurchase: I will, it’s definitely a great cleanser especially for summers. I have become addicted to the cooling sensation it provides after wash which is invigorating.

Do I Recommend: Yes, absolutely. This is a great cleanser, especially for oily skin beauties.

Overall summary: Beauty Origins Mint Cleanser is a no foaming cleanser. It effectively cleans all dirt and grime without making the skin dry. It prevents the skin from getting oily even after hours and the cooling sensation it provides is a boon in summers.

The post Beauty Origins Mint Cleanser: Perfect for Summers and Oily Skin appeared first on Ani Speak.