The Best Makeup Remover

Whassup y'all !
Tell you what I have a feeling this is the wedding season . Why else would my inbox be flooded with mails from brides - to - be !!! I love helping out with as much as I know and I am right on it. So brides, I'll get back to y'all soon - I promise.

Speaking of e-mails, I had one this morning informing me that I hadn't written on makeup removers - ever. True - I haven't ! And this is me getting to work answering the e- mails .

I'm cool like that (guess that song)
My most favorite, the best, no more eyeliner induced dark circles, works on everything makeup remover is Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover. The product even takes care of those (dadgum) sparkles. Hello UD 24/7 eyeliner in Crash - Silver glitter everywhere even after three days of use - that was the day I ran outta Neutrogena and had to use Clinique ( blue bottle)

It costs around $8 depending on the size and lasts for a long long time. I think I buy one every 5- 6 months. I've tried several other makeup removers, including the oh-so-popular ones from Clinique. Didn't stand a chance against Neutrogena. I am never ever going to spend $$$ on any other makeup remover.

Besides it doesn't make sense spending $$ on makeup removers. I'd rather save that money and use it on lipsticks.

Now that makes sense.

Lipsticks.

Though it says oil - free there is a little oil-ish feeling left after using it. But it hardly bothers me because it takes off makeup in one clean swipe, does not damage my delicate skin around the eyes and anyways I always wash my face with a cleanser after taking makeup off !

Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer

Traditionally it has always been easy for me to find something to soothe my dry skin during winter months. I try a couple and most often if they are a bit heavy - they keep me happy. And when all else fails I just slather on some olive oil !

Summers have never been easy. And around here Summer starts in April. It gets HOT and I get irritated. To top it all off my skin gets oily and keeps me looking every bit tired as the sun makes me. Finding a moisturizer to soothe my summer skin has been a challenge. But this year I am happy I've found something way before the heat hits !

The Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer is going to keep me happy .

The moisturizer is light, non greasy, non sticky, has a pleasant smell and almost vanishes into my skin. It gives me some moisture and soothes my skin. Aveeno also writes about how this product is suppose to minimize the appearance of unwanted hair but I'm not buying into it, yet. The pump model is great . You can close it so nothing drips off .

Lotion Up. Even When You're Feeling Lazy

Last week I woke up one night at 2 AM.

I couldn't take it anymore.

It wasn't the baby next door crying.

I couldn't bear it any longer. I ran to the bathroom.

It had nothing to do with my bladder. Lord knows, the bladder works overtime what with me guzzling down over 64 oz of water a day. Not like you wanna know about it.

But yeah it wasn't my bladder. Not this time.

This time it was my skin.

My dry parched skin.

Dry parched skin spread all around my legs and body. So dry it was paining. My skin was paining and I couldn't sleep anymore. I had to run to the bathroom, and slather moisturizer all over my body. At the end of it I almost wanted to cry. I felt *so* much better. I was beating myself up for not following with my advice on moisturizing soon after shower.

Not anymore. I have gotten back to religiously applying moisturizer after my shower. If I'm feeling lazy I just think of that night and in no time I'm squeezing the bottle of lotion out.

Apart from at home lotion-ing I carry a tube of moisturizer everywhere I go. I have one stashed in the car, one in each of the two bags I carry. I carry a tube of Curel. It is one of my absolute favorite drugstore brand.


They have tubes of Curel hand creams and the lotion itself in small travel size tubes. I use them both everywhere - legs, knees, elbows, hands and face. A few years back I had a really bad episode of dry skin on my face. I tried several products including Olay, Palmers butters, The Body Shop products - nothing helped. The only thing that worked was Curel's Lavender lotion on my face. I've been a fan ever since !

Moral Of The Story

Love,
Indian Girl

RAW Minerals Discovery Kit. : Review. Everything You Need But Do You Really Need Everything ? And A 50 % Discount Offer !!!

Hiya Ladies !

This morning I set out writing a post on Boys but then I got into other things and never finished it. I then figured we need a dose of it on any given day. So I'll be sure to post it on Wednesday - just when you need it the most.

Or I .

Instead lemme get to a story on foundation. I thought it would be a great followup, now that we have shared a few tips on how to apply foundation better.


I've been testing out the RAW Minerals Discovery Kit for a while now. I used it for a couple of weeks, took a break during the dry skin period and went back on it once my skin was back to normal. Been back on it for a couple of weeks now and its all been good !

The RAW Minerals Discovery Kit comes with 7 items

Two Different Foundation Shades
Mineral Glow
Active Veil SPF 18
Concealer Brush
Multi tasking Retractable Brush
Maximum Coverage ( Flat Top) Foundation brush

The Foundations

I went with the Medium Kit. The kit came with two foundation - L3 and M1.

M1 is just the perfect shade that matches my skin tone. Especially my chin which is notorious for being a shade darker than rest of my face. I love the choice of having two foundations. We can either mix the two together to make a suitable shade or you do what I do. I use M1 on my whole face and then dust L3 lightly on the center of my face. My eyes, extending it to the top my cheekbones , nose and center of the chin. The result is the JLO like effect. The one where she looks bright and awake !

I love the foundation a bit more than my Clinique powder foundation. Its like adding a dose of Vitamin C to my face. Just pumps it up, infuses it with energy and warmth. I find most powder foundations dull and anything but exciting. This one is different. Mostly because it doesn't cake up in four hours to make me look like a cracked doll. What you see at the beginning of the day is almost exactly what you will look like after eight hours. That, that to me is magical !

PS : Ignore the fact that I just called myself a doll ! Good God what have I come to !

L to R : Nekkid skin, One layer of M1 , Two layers of M1 + bronzing powder

The Others

The Flat Top Brush is very good at laying the foundation and blending it into the skin. It feels light and stays on for hours. I do use a primer underneath (Smashbox Photofinish Oil Free Primer). Personally I think a primer is necessary for powder foundations. Just as much as bread is to a good sandwich.

The Mineral Glow is a bronzing powder and is just as good as the foundations. You know I cannot live without bronzers and my light olive oil mayo. But that's another story for another time.

The Active Veil is a setting powder with SPF 18. Though the power of powder SPF's is debatable, I would any day choose one with it than one without it. It being SPF. Though the powder looks white-ish, it is a translucent powder and doesn't make skin look any bit lighter.

But Then....

Yeah there are a few but thens...

The retractable brush is not great. The retractable part is great . The brush part is not. I would have loved it if they use the same material they used to make the flat top brush. Now that one is fab !

You order online so there isn't a chance to try it out forehand.

You must have a good understanding of what your skin tone is. Most of us have an idea. It could be the wrong idea. Just saying...

I lucked out when I ordered Medium. The photos on their site helped me. But mostly its the several foundation runs I've done in the past years to Sephora and Nordstrom that have given me a good understanding of my skin tone. I strongly suggest spending the rest of the weekends this year at Nordstrom . Its a good lesson to learn.

It comes in a sifter jar. I dislike sifter jars with a passion.

And then there is the question of what if ? What if you didn't want the other shade ? Just the one shade is working wonders - I'd rather have two of this one ! Not possible.

The kit costs $180.
It is all natural, mostly organic product. Still $180 ?

Each foundation box contains 2g (0.07 oz) of product. We get two of these foundations in the kit. If bought individually each costs $30. Though it is an all natural mostly organic product, I am not sold on the price. My Clinique Super Balanced Makeup Mineral Foundation has 17 grams (0.63 oz) of product and costs $34.50. And it comes with a futuristic grinder that shaves the right amount of foundation for me.

Told you, I love gadgets !!

But Just For You Offer

The folks at RAW Minerals have a wonderful offer for AIMB readers. You can now order the kit for $90 . That is a 50% discount ! Not 10 or 15 or even 20. A full 50 percent !!

And...FREE shipping too !

All you have to do is use the promotion code DISCOVERY50 during check out. There is no minimum amount of purchase required for this code. You can order anything and use the code for it.

This essentially brings down the average price of each product in the kit form $25.71 to $12.85. And if we get only the foundation, it will be for $15. And $15 only. Yay for free shipping !

Offer ends on 12/31/2009

Dinner Table Conversation

The kit was sent to AIMB to be considered for a post. I have been sent a few mineral foundations from different brands in the past but they never made it because they weren't fun or exciting. This one was fun and hence I write about about it.

You can now give it a go at $90 but what about later ? Later when you are as addicted to it as I am, would you pay $30 to get 2 grams of your foundation fix ? Just something to think about when you're having lunch this afternoon. Or dinner. Its a great topic for dinner table conversation !

I think so.

Which reminds me, I need FOOD now .

Love,
Indian Girl

My Anti Acne Regime

One thing my momma taught me that I diligently follow is - Not to pick on pimples.

Not that I don't follow anything else she tells me. I do. I am a momma's girl. But this one I will follow forever or till acne is eradicated.

It grosses me out when I see youtube videos of people teaching how to squeeze out pimples. I get the yucky feeling in my teeth - like when somebody drags their long nails on a blackboard. Yikes ! But some people are great at it. May be. I am not.

This is my simple regime.

Start off by throwing out all the chocolates in your house.

Or in my case the sub standard semi sweet chocolate chips.

Wake up. Wash my face with an anti acne cleanser.
I used this - The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleanser .


Follow with Anti Acne Light Oil Free Moisturizer. This time I used The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish fade Night Lotion. My other choice would be Clean & Clear.



If it was a much bigger pimple I would dab a little Anti Acne Serum on the monster.

At night I wash my face with water, pat dry and dab the Isomers Daily Control Serum on the affected areas. I avoid any heavy creams and moisturizers on my face. I do use an eye cream.

To me this serum is the real hero of my regime. The rest are all supporting characters. This one dries the pimple out, reduces the redness and any pain / irritation. I've been using this for over a year and a half . Real hero material, I tell ya !

Sometimes if my face feels really really dry and I badly need some moisture I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel on the unaffected areas. It is a light but very effective moisturizer.

Twice a week I used the LUSH Dark Angels as a face mask. It soaks up oil and sucks all gunk out. I'll write a review soon. In short - extreme cleaning.


No matter what I do, I do not pick on it because I bruise like a peach. Every thing leaves a mark on my skin. Instead I choose a routine and stick to it to 2 - 3 weeks till the monsters disappear. I am starting to believe in Tea Tree's anti acne properties. Anything natural, I am all for it. Especially if it works !

What is your killer anti acne regime ? Do share ! We all have different things that work for us !

Love,
Indian Girl
PS : It must be noted that mine is not chronic acne. I get a few pimples here and there. If you suffer form chronic acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Kenzo Cream With A Sheen : Review. For a Luminous Pearly Sheen On Your Skin !

Ladies, I'd like to divide y'all into two groups now. But you will divide into three.

I'd like all my lovely ladies with oily skin AKA the oilies to come to my right.

The rest stay where you are. I'll get back to you later.

Now oilies, run. Run as far as you can. Run like the devil herself is chasing you.
This devil ain't wearing no Prada. She is wearing comfortable Nikes with Foot petals in it for extreme comfort.

So. Run.
Faster. Faster. Faster.

Okay so now that we've sent away the oilies. I'd like my girls with dry skin to my left.
Lets call us - The Dryers. This story is for you.

I once had a dryer write to me asking what she can do to make her skin look oily. We all know what that meant. We want that sheen that comes naturally on oily skin.We don't want the parched lifeless look.

Thanks to some bad acne , four weeks back and some very good anti acne products that dried the living hell out of those pimples - I was left with super dry skin on my face.

Why the acne ? Chocolates.

Worse they weren't even good chocolates. I ate them because I had them.
Okay they weren't even chocolates . They were semi sweet chocolate chips.
Bad bad bad.

But no matter what the folks at Pro Active say, I still believe stress + chocolates = acne.

To add moisture back into my face and get rid of the lifelessness I started using Kenzo - Cream With A Sheen. It is a super hydrating product that also gives an overall luminous glow to your skin. I apply the cream and all I see is cream. But in a couple of minutes I notice the pearly glare all over my face. It is not shimmery, it is a sheen - like they say. Like the sheen on top of a pearl. And then I wait a couple more minutes and let out an Aaah...!

The same Aaah...! you let out after water reaches your dry throat.

The moisture hits your skin like the water from a sprinkler hits the earth on a dry hot Teaaaxan summer day.

However, use very little. I cannot assume that same beautiful result will come from adding loads of it. Loads of it and the devil will be chasing you too. In Nikes nonetheless !

Absolutely wonderful product that will break your bank at $58. But will leave you with the most beautiful, angel like, illuminated , luxurious feeling skin in the world !

I'm not done yet. I said I'll divide you into two groups but you'll become three. You did ! The third group - combis . Thank you for your patience. You know where your skin is at. Follow the path to breaking your bank err...luminous skin or run away if you've got the oilies.

Love,
Indian Girl

Two Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads, Completely.

Listen up listen up. So, a couple of weeks back your girl here was down with a terrible case of blocked nose. I couldn't breathe, couldn't sleep and had a constant case of the puffy. So I took my momma's advice and gave myself a steaming session. Inhaling steam saved me from all the pain that comes with the blockage high up and gave me a clear, blackhead free nose !!!

A facial is almost always accompanied by a steaming session. But really we don't need no fancy steam generators. All we need is a pot, water and a blanket.

Boil 6 cups of water in a pot - not to a full boil , a semi boil is enough. Place the pot on a mat the floor. Kneel down above it , bend, huddle into the blanket and here comes the fun part...

Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...

Oh wait we are talking blackheads not blockage, right.

Its still the same process. I almost had you there didn't I !

Breathe in...
Breathe out...

After a good 6-8 minutes , when you can handle no more breathing under the tent and the water has gone cold. Get out and run to the bathroom.

Don't walk or your pores will close and this method will not work on closed pores. Don't blame me later.

Run. Grab a blackhead removing strip and place it on your nose. Your nose is already wet on the surface from the steam condensation.

I know my science, okay.

After 10 minutes , pull the strip out and you'll notice a nose clearer than January Jones's.


If you don't have a pot, water or this thing called time go for a warming mask. Lots of clay masks have this warming property. I like the Biore Warming Anti Blackhead Cleanser ($6.99). This one warms up the second it touches the water on your skin and its anti blackhead. Hates them just as much as you do. Apply it all over your face , concentrating on the nose.

It is the matters of the nose that we have congregated here for.

Wash it off after one hot minute with warm - tolerably hot water. Again immediately grab a blackhead removing step and continue with process same as above.

I prefer the steaming method because its not just the nose but my face that gets a boost from it.

Try it. Its so much fun to huddle up and so much more fun to be blackhead free.

Take that January Jones.

Love,
Indian Girl
PS : I know you girls know all this, but something tells me I should put this in - Be careful with the hot water and steam. Keep your face at least 15 - 20 inches away from the surface of hot water. Again, I know my science , okay. Hot water is like ..hot. Really. Pinky swear.

Reader Contribution : Sunitha's Get Even Skin Tone Routine

After reading the post on Frieda Pinto ('s chin) lovely reader & fellow beauty junkie Sunitha wrote to me with her remedy for it ! Sunitha had a somewhat similar issue with her whole face being about 2-3 shades darker than the neck. She started this routine about 3-4 months ago and has seen a lot of improvement.

In Sunitha's words " am happy to say that my face now looks like it belongs on my body."

This is what Sunitha's program. A big thank you to Sunitha for sharing this with us. I am sure many of us will benefit from this.

" Skin Type : normal/combination

AM : Wash face with Pears or Margo soap
Rose water as toner
Fragrance free moisturizer + sunblock


PM : Wash face with Pears or Margo soap
Rose water as toner
Bliss peeling groovy serum
Organic rose hip oil /organic aloe vera ( I alternate every other night between them and I buy Aubrey Organics brand from whole foods)

First and foremost I switched to fragrance free skincare. Fragrance can react for some people with UV rays to cause hyper pigmentation.

Switching to fragrance free was the biggest help for me but the other two products that helped me are the Bliss serum and the rose hip oil which seems to be a key ingredient in many moisturizers and anti aging products. "

Love,
Indian Girl

Anokha Skin Care Almond Cleansing Milk : Review

Remember my super awesome Creamy Almond Walnut Mask ?

Also remember I told you I found a very good cleanser to take the place of my beloved Korres Cleansing Foam ?

Now, put the two thought together and you get this - The luxurious Almond Cleansing Milk from Anokha Skincare.

About Anokha

Anokha is the brainchild of Dr. Nina Naidu, a New York based plastic surgeon. Dr. Naidu combined modern knowledge with traditional South Asian ingredients like lotus, neem, turmeric, almond, jasmine, honey, sandalwood to create Anokha, which represents the best of both the old and the new.

Anokha Skin Care’s products are free of artificial coloring, artificial fragrances, petroleum, parabens, and sodium lauryl sulfate. They are safe for use by pregnant and lactating women.

Almond Cleansing Milk

If you know me, you know I cannot resist hearing about natural ingredients, especially South Asian natural ingredients and not give it a try.

I just have to. Its my only OCD quirk.

Well, that and something to do with Krispy Kreme. But that's another story for another time.


I've been using the Cleansing Milk for over three weeks now which is a fair amount to time to progress from indecisive, in between to like and love a product. But with this one I went straight to the I Like It phase.

Its All About Balance

The Almond Cleansing Milk is a creamy but runny cleanser. The balance between cleansing and moisturizing is great. Unlike several other cleansers for dry skin it does not fill my face with slimy moisture. Instead it cleans and just keeps the natural oils intact, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple. This is my go-to early morning cleanser. Its always good to start your day with a bit of luxury coz God knows how the rest of the day is going to pan out.

Bit Of A Luxury, You See

The $25 price tag is steep but then again it is a boutique brand. Nothing is mass produced and one is assured of the quality that comes with producing things in small batches. I did get 1. oz more than my Korres cleanser and it was cheaper by $2. But yes, the price still seems high. Overall, I'd call it a refined version of my Creamy Almond Walnut Mask with milk instead of yogurt and no walnuts. An excellent cleanser for dry/ sensitive skin. With the fall coming around its time to start preventing those dry spots on the cheeks !

Price - $25 (6.5 oz)
Purchase - anokhaskincare.com
Purpose - Cleansing milk for dry skin
Position - In Other News ...
OMG it must be Fall !! All my favorite shows are back !

What shows are you following ? I am all over House, Brothers and Sisters, Gray's Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory from the oldies. And from the new ones Glee, Cougar town and Flash Forward. Gossip Girl is now out of my list coz its gotten a bit boring for me. I am really tired of Serena doing stupid things to get her father's attention and everybody acting like they don't read magazine or newspapers.

And then there is Jon Stewart. I love the man with all my heart.
Or is it hearts ?
Lots and lots of red hearts...

What about you ? What shows are you religiously following ?

Love,
Indian Girl

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion

For the past year I've been using a mystery product to dry up pimples and fade the blemish it might have left. One whole year. And just last week I realized the product was a Tea Tree Oil based one. Some times I'm like that. I'll make my mind up that it was made of Salicylic Acid and it will be a year before I realize its Tea Tree Oil.

T.E.A T.R.E.E O.I.L

The Tree Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion is now available 2 for $18. Originally its retails for $18 per product. Aint that bloody brilliant ( that's my London based alter ego)


It was when I sniffed this little bottle that I realized the story behind my mystery product. Once you get past the unique smell, there is no reason to not like this lotion. Its totally non greasy. As non greasy as fries rolled in paper towel and twisted to squeeze out the oil.

The two important ingredients in it are the Lemon tea tree and Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya which contain anti-bacterial properties that help fight blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. The other essential ingredient is Tamanu oil from Madagascar which has a soothing effect and helps to calm irritation and redness.

Thanks to some chocolate overdose from baking cookies for a friend I broke out on my right cheek. Three days of continuous application and there was a marked difference on the state on those suckers. They shriveled, sunk, weakened and drew back from fighting the almighty Tea Tree.

For $9 I am super happy with this product. Its a dream formula for gorgeous oily skinned women. For a dry skinned beauty ( hey, I called you gorgeous) like me, its still a miracle product coz it moisturizes and soothes my skin apart from putting those red suckers in its place.

Price - $18 (1.0 fl oz)
Purchase - Thebodshop-usa.com , The Body Shop stores
Purpose - Blemish Fade, Oil Free Lotion
Position - Have you tried any product from the Tea Tree Line ? If not, you must !

Love,
Indian Girl

Your Burning Summer Skincare Questions - Answered By Pros

A few weeks back we had the opportunity to ask Dr. Aparna our Burning Summer Skincare Questions. Though I was expecting only SPF and tan related questions we ended up getting questions on several other skin issues as well. I am not very sure about the complexity of the issues on which questions were submitted but I want to add a disclaimer stating that neither AIMB nor I am in any way responsible for the answers in this post and any treatment advised. In other words, reader discretion is advised. Skin issues are complicated and must be addressed with the same care and concern as any other health issue. Please visit your dermatologist and take his advise before trying out a OTC treatment or any any other home made treatments.



Okay so now that we have the disclaimer out of the way, lets get to the questions. All great questions. I learnt a lot from all this and question #6 in particular is one I would advice everybody to take a look at.

Big Thanks to Dr. Aparna for taking time out to answer all our skincare questions.

1. I have a question on hyperpigmentation...well melasma. My mother has a serious case of melasma and we have tried many things to remove it and no help. Also she has medium dark skin and is very sensitive. She burned when she was using the sensitive kit from PCA for hyperpigmentation. Are there any home care, over the counter things she can use ?

Melasma has multiple causes and the level of pigmentation can be deep, superficial or mixed. Most of the over the counter kits contain stronger percentage of Glycolic Acid which tends to irritate and peel the skin. If your mother has sensitive skin, then she should not be using the over the counter kits.

2. I never used to use sunscreen because they all either burned, were sticky on the face, or caused me to sweat like crazy and rolled off my skin looking like a greasy mess. I have combination skin. I can see the hyperpigmentation on my face as a result of not wearing sunscreen. Right now I'm using bare escentuals spf 30 powdered sunscreen. I have a question on the effectiveness of powdered brush on sunscreens. Also, Is there any effective liquid or other type sunscreens you can recommend for sensitive skin. I'm also very fair, is spf 30 good or should we use more ? – Crissy

Using sunscreen is essential and SPF 30 sunscreen is good enough to use. The important thing is to have full coverage on face and neck. I am not in the favour of using powdered sunscreens as absorption of it is a problem. You can use lighter lotion based sunscreens of SPF 15 and top it with a powdered sunscreen of SPF 15. This will give you enough protection and at the same time will take away the stickiness.

3. I have a question regarding my hands. I have medium color skin. My right hand seems to be darker, i see more lines in them than my left hand but both are dark in the joints around the fingers. I've been told it is because of cracking my fingers so often, is that true or is it from the sun or a combination of both? And are there any lotions or creams that may help even them out? –N

Darker joints are not because of cracking in fingers. It is just a racial feature usually found in Indian/ asian skin having darker skin around the joints. Your right hand may be more sunexposed,hence, may be a little darker than your left hand. You need to use a sunscreen and moisturizer on your hands. Skin is thinner on the hands and hence, is also subject to aging faster due to lack of moisture. Using a moisturizer will help. For pigmentation you can consult a dermatologist who can assess the level of pigmentation and recommend the further course of action.

4. I have question about hyperpigmentation as well. I have dark spots around my mouth that get worse during the summer. I always use sunscreen/exfoliate and i've tried lemon juice, paulas choice lightening gel, tumeric, hydroquinone, the body shops moisture white cream, ddf's holistic lightening gel, and the whole line of Shiseido White Lucent products. basically, I've tried everything and spent alot of money on fixing this issue. can you please recommend something that won't cause damage to my skin (meaning not harsh).

You have tried a lot over the counter products. Going by your history, you seem to have photopigmentation. Peri-oral pigmentation is general y accompanied by peri-oral dermatitis (which you may not have noticed). I would advise you see an expert and avoid using over the counter products yourself as some of them can even cause rebound pigmentation.

5. Is it important to put sun protection on your scalp and hair as well? if so, how do you do it? and is there a way of getting rid of dark tan lines around the neck and legs (which are obvious when you wear t-shirts with wider necks, or flip flops)?
thanks! – Kriti

Using sunscreen on your scalp is not important unless you are bald. For hair you can use a good serum or a conditioner. If you have long hair, you can use a scarf or tie them. Cover your hair with a swimming cap when you go swimming. After swimming, don’t forget to have a bath and wash your hair. For dark tan lines around the neck and legs I would advise you to use a sunscreen.

6. What is the difference between the different rating systems like SPF, PA pluses and the stars? How is SPF measured? I saw a sunscreen in the drug store with SPF 90, what does that mean? Plus I'm confused because I keep hearing people need to apply 1 oz of sunscreen on the body and 1 table spoon on the face and that we need to reapply after a few hours is that true or do they just want us to waste product?

SPF is a measure of UV B protection. It is a well accepted measure. PA pulse and Stars are a measure of UV A protection and they are not so widely accepted. Stars are usually used in America in Over the counter sunscreens. Single Star represents – Low protection, 2 stars represents Medium Protection, 3 stars represent high protection. Sunscreens mentioning broad spectrum or dual protection offer protection against both UV A and UV B rays. SPF is a ratio of how soon the skin will burn with sunscreen as opposed to without sunscreen. SPF measurement is done in laboratories wherein sunscreen is applied in a patch on the back and is then subject to UV B radiation.

SPF 15 sunscreen gives 90% protection against sun burns for 4 hrs. Any thing higher than this gives just incremental protection. E.g. SPF 30 gives 92% protection against sunburns for 4 hrs. It is correct that you need to apply 1 oz of sunscreen on the body and 1 table spoon on the face and yes, you need to reapply sunscreen every 4 hrs. Incase, you are outdoors, you need to reapply every 1 hr

7. What I can do in the summer to protect my skin against keratosis-pilaris like bumps (I find that it gets much worse in the summer - probably due to sweat, BUT I don't sweat that much at all!!). What products (besides those containing hyaluronic acid) can be used? Do you have any recommendations for natural products like turmeric etc ? - Purnima

It is very useful to use products containing salicylic aid or glycolic acid. At home, you can use turmeric or sandalwood.

8. I am a 27 year old female and I have a medium brown skin but I have 2 shades of brown in my body. My face is darker than my neck and below. This is only because of the tan that I have acquired during my long years in India and now that I have moved to the US, I want to remove the excess tan on my face so that I look more even toned. Please help. I would prefer more of home remedies. - Ria

You have got pigmentation. I would not recommend any home remedies for that. Use sunscreen regularly, the pigmentation would go in 2-3 months. If you want quicker results, you can get Microdermabrasion or Glycolic peels done.

9. My name is Jessica Somrajit by the way. My question is, what is the best way to get rid of dark spots caused by acne?

Retenoic Acid based creams prescribed by dermatologists can help get rid of dark spots caused by acne. Occasionally, Benzoyl Peroxide / Glycolic Acid based creams can also help. Best is to consult a dermatologist to know the course best suited for you.

10. My skin isn't that dark though, more on the tan, olive side which leads me to my question about hyperpigmentation (which is kind of embarassing): even when I remove the hair on my upper lip, there is still a bit of a dark shadow cast. It's not too dark but how can I fade it? I've tried OTC fade creams hydroquinone but I think it made it worse. I also have dark spots in my armpit even when the hair is removed, any suggestions on how to get those to go away? I'm desperate – Tatiana

Pigments are strong where there is hair especially those with complexion on the darker side. I would not recommend OTC products as they may cause rebound pigmentation. I would advise you visit a dermatologist and get the level of pigmentation assessed and embark on the program as suggested.

11. What is the best way to treat a cuticle infection ? The skin around my nails have been sensitive for a while and they hurt sometimes. I believe this is a cuticle infection. Could you recommend some home made remedies or Over the counter creams that I can use ?

The infection can be either bacterial or fungal. I would not recommend any home remedies/ OTC products. It is best to go to the doctor to get the infection diagnosed and take the right treatment.

Love,
Indian Girl

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex - Review & Free Sample Offer

Yes there is going to be a free sampling offer but before I tell y'all about it I wanted to write about my experience with the product.

Hello Skin Nightmare !

I have been using it for five days and nights now. After my little three day trip to TMONW, I got back home with severely dry, red and irritated face. To add to the horror I also has a few tiny bumps on my skin. I am sure it was because of the change in water. The water there was very hard and something you cannot put into your mouth. It definitely took a toll on my skin.

ANR Experiment & Results

When I got back home I knew I needed something powerful to take care of it ASAP. Thankfully I had a small sample of the new Advanced Night Repair (ANR) waiting in my mail box and I decided to put it to test. I took a before picture and wanted to see if there was any visible difference. In two days of testing it I saw remarkable change in the redness, irritation and bumps. There was a significant reduction which is visible in the picture.

The dryness however remained and still remains. Not completely but my face is still on the dry side. I realize this is because they do ask you to follow up with a moisturizer of your choice. I did not know this but I guess its good I didn't because then I wouldn't know what brought the change.

Prevention Rather Than Cure

Once my sample finishes I plan on buying a full size 1 oz bottle for $47.50. I love the feel of the serum on my skin. It is very light and gets absorbed in a flash of a second. Plus it is not an anti aging product. I'd say its more of a prevention than a cure.
It is a product aimed at everybody to
- Help heighten Skin's Natural Repair Process
- Help repair past damages that the environment has done to our skin
- Protect skin from 90% of environmentally generated free radicals that are harmful to the skin
- Hydrate with key ingredient Hyaluronic Acid

I am eager to see how well the product works for me in the future. At 25, I am looking to protect my skin and keep it looking as good as it can in the future but at the same time I am too young to start on anti aging stuff. For now, I am very happy with the feel, texture, design of the product and the effect it has on my skin as far as redness and irritation goes. Lot more is desired on the hydration front.

Fun Facts About ANR

- It was first released in 1982 ( way before I was born !)
- First serum ever created.
- Everyday 4.464 bottle of ANR are sold worldwide.
- The Night Repair patent was purchased for $10 !!! LOL !

Price - $47.50 ( 1oz)
Purchase - Nordstrom, Macys, Estee Lauder Website
Purpose - Protect skin against environmental damages, help skin's natural repair process Position
Estee Lauder Offer : Get Your Free 10 Day Sample Of ANR

On Thursday, July 23rd Estée Lauder will kick off its largest sampling program to date – America’s Night to Repair. For 4 synchronized hours – from 5:00pm – 9:00pm (all local times) – Estée Lauder Beauty Advisors will be distributing 250,000 10-day samples of NEW Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex at ALL Estée Lauder department and specialty store counters nationwide – one per customer while supplies last. Visit the EL site here for additional information.

Love,
Indian Girl

Ban Clinical Defense Roll On Antiperspirant : Review

Good Morning Ladies !

Happy Monday ! Lets start off the day with a product that works !

The New Clinical Defense Roll On Antiperspirant were created with the highest percentage of antiperspirant level possible without a prescription. That sounds safe and good ! I was up was testing it after my recent Dove debacle. Plus I had never tried a roll on before. Seriously, why didn't I ? Its way better than stick ! None of the thick pastiness of the stick or the white residue. They dry immediately and remain completely invisible !

The BAN Clinical Defense Roll On worked very well for me. It did keep me dry at least 8-9 hours. I wouldn't stretch it out to 24 hours though they claim it is a 24 hour wetness protection. But then again, antiperspirants work differently on each of us. For me 8 hours dryness was more than enough. I was also really happy that even after two hours of sweating at the gym, I did not stink one bit. In other words I don't have to do my laundry that often. Now that's a great feeling!

Have you tried BAN products ? Did you like em ? What is your fav deo / antiperspirant ?

Price - $6.99
Purchase - Drugstores
Purpose - Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
PositionLove,
Indian Girl

Dove Go Fresh Energizing Deodorant : Review

I'll keep this simple and get straight to the point. I was super sad it did not work for me. I mean everybody was talking about it and the ads were great, so I ran to CVS and got it. Unfortunately the Go Fresh stick deodorant failed to keep me dry. And I did not like the Grapefruit & lemongrass scent. There actually was no Grapefruit or lemon grass scent to it. All I got was a typical deodorant scent. No like that's bad but I wanted the G and L .

I am now officially going back to my Dove original for sensitive skin . That one works great, stays on for hours and has no scent ! All hail the original.

Love,
Indian Girl

Rx For Brown Skin - Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum : Review

This is the first time that I tried an exfoliating serum. All exfoliation up until now has been with a cleanser or masque - the regular way. The Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum($38) is a special kinda exfoliator that exfoliates while moisturizing. Rocket Science stuff, I tell ya !

What It Does

Unlike regular exfoliators that contain broken nuts and dissolving beads, the exfoliating serum contains glycolic acid in small quantities. The glycolic acid gently helps shed the stubborn discolorations from the skin, retexturizes our brown skin and gives an overall boost by doing away with the top dull layer of cells. If uneven skin tone is what you're looking to take care of then this is probably one the better products to start with.

Meet Pesky Patricia

In a week of using the product I knew I saw a difference! Let me tell you how . A person I know - lets call her Pesky Patricia, who almost never compliments anyone on anything had something to say about my skin . Oh yes, The Pesky Patricia said something, awright. It went like this - " Your face..." and she continued by giving it a good stare. Now anyone and everyone who knows Pesky Patricia understands what it means. It means " Your face. It looks so radiant and polished ". Okay I added the radiant and polished part but I knew that's exactly what she would have said. Its only Pesky P who didn't know it.

Dear Pesky Patricia,
Thank you for your many compliments today. It totally made my day !
Love,
IG

So, desi girls, brown girls and actually anyone else out there looking for some gentle evening of skin tone and for a compliment from Pesky P, try the exfoliating serum. It works well as a light moisturizer. Does not tingle or feel rough. Its just like applying a regular thin gel with secret rocket science properties. You'll really like it !

Love,
Indian Girl

Rx for Brown Skin Bright & Even Eye Cream For Dark Circles : Review

Rx for Brown Skin is a line of skincare products, all of which were made to suit brown skin. With the different ranges of melanin , the types and problems that come with brown skin are unique and require special care. Rx for brown skin is one line that recognizes this difference and has formulated several products to suit brown skin.

I fall right into their category and with a whole line dedicated to my kinda skin...I had to try it ! By now you know what is the one word I go for. That;s right - BRIGHT ! Any product with word bright in it - I will try. After my trip to Big Bend I got back exhausted from the lack of sleep and lots of travel. Exhaustion leads to one thing for sure and that is dark circles. My regular moisturizers weren't really doing the trick. So, I turned to a more specific product - The Bright & Even Eye Cream for Dark Circles ($36)

No Dark Circles or Irritated Eyes ??

The very good thing about the cream is that in four days of using the product, my dark circles reduced drastically. I must also mention that I slept like a log but who doesn't after a 10 hour drive and three days in the wild ! The cream has awesome texture and provides a lot of hydration. Its not heavy or oily either. However, if I don't apply it carefully, my eyes burn a bit. I must take care to apply it just around the eye and see to it that not one bit touches the eye itself. The reaction is not severe but is more like an uncomfortable feeling that makes me want to wash it off ASAP. So, I decided on using it only before bed and applied it very carefully so it did not touch the eye at all and things were fine.

Overall it is almost the only cream that I've had a reaction to and the only eye cream that has made a difference as far as dark circles go. Weird Predicament ...Now that my dark circles are at a normal level, I have gone back to a regular eye cream but if they do make comeback, I'll whip the Bright & Even Cream out and fight em off - at night.

Love,
Indian Girl

How To Stop Breakouts & Pimples & Zits : 10 Simple Steps To Maintain Clear Skin

I remember as teen I was super scared of all the pimples my friends were developing on their faces. Thankfully I did not have huge breakouts but that did not stop me from taking all the precautions I could. I was more anal about changing pillow cases than my mom was and religiously carried two towels into the shower - small one for face and a regular one for body. Mom, sis and I, had our Sunday afternoon family mud mask sessions when we would call my cousin who would then mix herself some of it for herself ! I sat thinking of those fun times and probably about how these prevented me from severe teenage acne breakouts. This is list of 10 steps that helped me. Lets spread the word ! No body wants acne . What do you do to prevent it ?


STEP 1 : Wash your face with a gentle gel cleanser. Avoid cream cleansers if you are prone to breakouts

STEP 2 : Pat dry your face with a clean towel. Use a separate towel for face and for your body.

STEP 3 : Apply a light oil -free moisturizer with Salicylic Acid.

STEP 4 : Apply Acne Spot Treatment over preexisting acne.

STEP 5 : Use a mud mask or a fullers earth mask once a week.

STEP 6 : Exfoliate in the shower using a gentle face scrub at least twice a week.

STEP 7 : Go for Oil - Free Makeup Products as often as possible.

STEP 8 : Change sheets and pillow cases often

STEP 9 : Pay attention to the food you eat and the products you use. Only you can decide what is causing a reaction on your face. Stay away from what you think is bad for you.

STEP 10 : Do not pop zits. They only lead to more zits and scars.

Love,
Indian Girl

Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial : Review

I hate the song - Hot and Cold by Katy Perry but if there is one thing that I'd sing the song to...it would be my skin this week. I started out feeling very oily and dirty so I used my stand by - make me dry cleanser. Except the cleanser made me too dry. Way too dry. Flaky, skin peeling off ugly dry. To remedy the dryness I used my stand by - make me fly ( makes no sense but hey it rhymes !) moisturizer. Though it removed the tightness of dry skin the flakes persisted and I sang...You change your mind, like a something I would know...


Enter Clinique Turnaround Facial ($36.50) - a five-minute pampering mask that combines physical and chemical exfoliation to offer skin the resurfacing results of a professional microdermabrasion treatment. Its not what I'm used to, I mean no chemical peel has touched my skin but I wanted to try it on. It is a grainy mask that you spread on your face and wait 5 minutes . I waited 30 minutes. Nothing to do with my discretion, I was simply loading the dishwasher. Later while washing off I massaged the masque on my face so the exfoliating beads could work their magic and because that's what good girls do. The flakes vanished but that's expected of a grainy mask, right. What's magical is that it restored my skin's balance. It is no longer dancing in between oily and dry. The masque even got rid of a couple of bumps between my brows ( imagine that horror). Its safe to say this masque has caught my attention, big time. My skin now is so soft, so smooth, so touchable . I mean I'm in love ....

You wont guess what I'm singing now. Oh no you wont. No ways. It's not what, I'm used to Just wanna try you on...I'm curious for you...Caught my attention...I liked it, I liked it.
What ??? You knew that ??? Shoot...Ain't no big deal, its innocent....

Love,
Indian Girl

Why Do You Use a Toner ?

Every Bollywood actress talks about CTM - Cleanse Tone Moisturize. The cliched line when asked about their face routine is " Of course , I CTM ! "
Do you CTM ? I only CM. I 'T' sometimes and I'll tell you later, how.

What does a toner do ?

A toner is a product using between a cleanser and moisturizer. Essentially it should / can :

- Help remove remnants of makeup
- Help remove remnants of cleanser
- Act as a binding agent for the moisturizer
- Act as a light moisturizing agent
- Bring the pH level of the skin to normal if it was displaced (increased) by using soap. An increased skin pH level causes dryness of skin.
- Additionally it could reduce inflammation, provides anti oxidant and anti irritation benefits.
- It is generally best to avoid toners with alcohol.

How and Why do I use a toner ?

Though toner has many benefits, I don't use it. I have been CM-ing for ever it has been working. However when I do have a bout of dry skin I reach for my toner. After cleansing I take a couple of drops on my palm, rub them together and pat it on my face. I immediately follow it up with a moisturizer. No cotton pads, nothing. I really do feel that the toner helps my skin absorb the moisturizer better and relieve me of dryness.

SUMMER TIP : During summer, I store my toner in the fridge and sometimes just pat it on my face whenever I feel hot. Almost like a face mist. It works just as well !

My toner of choice

I love Carol's Daughter's Rose & Chamomile toner. It is meant for normal - dry skin and has the most amazing scent. Plus it has several other natural ingredients in it which makes me feel extra good about special care of my skin !

So, why & how do you use a toner ?

Tell me all about it in the comments !

Love,
Indian Girl

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Spray : Review

I feel HOT during summers. LOL, well that's a given but the emphasis is on HOT. It has something to do with my internal body composition - I feel way too hotter than most people. I am the opposite of vampires ( sorry I just saw The New Moon trailer and I just had to say it). I am constantly washing my feet with cool water when at home so my body feels just a bit cooler.

That should tell you enough about why I am excited over a blue cooling spray for my feet. The moment I saw the Peppermint Cooling Spray from The Body Shop ($10) I knew it was made for me. The cooling menthol and peppermint oils provide much needed relief to my burning toes. It also has Castor Oil, the only other cooling oil I know of ! My mom always said that if I kept my head and feet cool, the rest of the body's temperature gets automatically readjusted. I don't know the science behind this but the refreshing effect of the menthol feels glorious during theses never ending hot summer months.

Do you know where they sell menthol / peppermint oils ? I am thinking of making this spray myself. But I need to find out the secret behind the instant drying and absence of grease despite the oils. Once I get my hands on that, I'm gonna start whipping up stuff in my kitchen. Who knows I might be the next Shehnaz Hussain or Lisa Price. Now tell me where can I find the oils ?

Oh how I love this song !



Love,
Indian Girl