Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi brightening ayurvedic face scrub Review

Hello Angels :)

Hope you guys had a lovely time in first month of this New year :)

Today's review is on the Kumkumadi face scrub by Kama Ayurveda which I have been using for almost 2.5 months now. To find out how I feel about it please keep reading:)

This product won The Vogue beauty award  for best exfoliating face scrub 2014.




PACKAGING:

Luxuuurious. That sums it up. The outer packaging is very class & luxurious looking that infact I still store the container in it coz it looks so pretty in my dressing. Come in a dark brown glass jar. Not very travel friendly. But I anyway empty my sizeful products in small container stacks for easy of use & light travelling.

SMELL:

Its has a very mild smell that's quite pleasant. I like the fact that it isn't overpowering as other "Ayurvedic" products.

INGREDIENTS:



TEXTURE:
Its a cream based scrub with fine granules that gently exfoliates my skin without irritating it. The texture is neither course or abrasive nor too fine. Its just the right consistency. Girls with large pores will specially love this as it wont make it worse. It also has a few strands of Saffron (Kumkumadi/kesar) that doesn't really exfoliate but works towards adding a soft glow to the skin.



MY SKIN TYPE: Combination to oily acne prone & sesitive. (I know deadly. Pheww)

HOW I USE:

I spread the scrub the all over my face & neck leaving the eye area in a thin layer & leave it on for 2-3 mins & then I gently exfoliate in circular motions to take off dead skin cells.

EFFECTS:

This srcub gently yet effectively deep cleans my pores & removes the dead skin cells which makes my skin a lot softer & smoother. With continued usage it has slightly improved the texture of my skin. It does help in keeping my mild blackheads at bay but since I dont have any stubborn blackheads or overly congested pores I cant really say if it will eradicate them completely but with regular usage it will help you to reduce the occurrence of blackheads.  Also it has helped me minimise the tanning to small extent.

And this scrub kept me free from dead cells while adding a subtle glow to my skin.



PROS:

1. Gentle & effective in cleaning the pores & removing dead skin
2. Luxurious packaging
3. Comes with a wooden spoon
4. All natural ingredients
5. Keeps mild blackheads at bay
6. Cleans & soften my skin
7. Nourishing. Makes skin supple
8. Can be used by all skin types unless your skin is EXTREMELY OILY.
9. Safe for sensitive skin.
10. Paraben free.

CONS:

1. Availability
2. Price (Although I consider Ayurvedic & Organic skin care products as an investment but some may find it expensive)
3. Jar packaging can be unhygienic unless you scoop out the product with spoon/ spatula & keep it clean.
4. Not suitable for very oily skin during summer months.

PRICE: INR 795 now raised to 995 for 50 grams :( Why Kama why :P

ATSL RATING: 4.75/ 5

Would I recommend? Defintely yes.  I will keep repurchasing this.

Available online: www.kamaayurveda.com & in store in Chennai at Phoenix market city mall.


Have you tried the Kama Ayurveda kumkumadi brightening face srcub? Or would you try this? Let me know in the comments below.

Lots of love,
Priyanka.
  

Festive/ Bridal Makeup Tutorial: Video Part 2

Hi Guys :)

This is the Part 2 of my first Video and in this I will show you how to do a Gold glitter smokey eye makeup look paired with a Red lipstick which is perfect for Brides, Close Wedding guests & for all of us who simply love to get decked up :)

~Please watch the video & like it on Youtube if you enjoyed watching.

~Please SUBCRIBE to my Youtube Channel Priyanka Jain ATSL

~Click on this link to watch Festive/ Bridal Makeup Tutorial - Part 2

Hope you enjoyed watching this Video & Found it useful.

To master the skill of doing your own Makeup like a Pro, Join my 2 Day Makeup workshop in Chennai. For Details on Registration, Topics covered & Fees click HERE

Let me know in the Comments below what video would you like to see next.

On my Channel I'm planning to do Makeup tutorials, Nail art tutorials, Outfit look/lookbook, DIY etc. Please tell me if you have any specific video request so that I can shoot that next :)

Lots of love,

Priyanka.

Festive/ Bridal makeup Tutorial - Video Part 1

Hello Everyone :)

This is my first Video and in this I will show you how to create a flawless base paired with Gold glitter smokey eyes which is perfect for Brides, Close Wedding guests & for all of us who simply love to get decked up :)

~Please watch the video & like it if you enjoyed watching.

~Please SUBCRIBE to my Youtube Channel Priyanka Jain ATSL

~Click on this link to watch my video Festive/ Bridal Makeup tutorial - Part 1

I did this look on my friend Peenal from zahana.in :)

STEPS MENTIONED:

1. Primer
2. Foundation 
3. Concealer
4. Blending
5. Loose powder
6. Blush
7. Highlighter

Part 2 will be up next week where we will focus on eye makeup in depth & lipstick application.

Ps: Please be generous :P Its my first video & I'm still figuring out how to use the camera, lighting, editing software etc :)

Happy Diwali :)
Priyanka.

How to apply mascara like a Pro without any clumps

Tuesday Tip (Volume 1): Avoid Mascara clumps

Heyy guys, Today I am starting a new series *Tuesday Tip* in which I will share Makeup, Hair, Nail & Fashion Hacks and tips with you all. To make the getting ready process easy & hassle free. 

This tip will help you get most natural looking thick & long lashes without any clumps.

Two most important points before we get started

• Mascaras expire within 3 months of opening so please DO NOT use it after that since it is a breeding ground for infection causing bacteria. 
• Do not share your mascara with ANYBODY to prevent infections. 

Lets get started.

1. Wipe off excess mascara from the wand on a tissue to avoid clumps and getting 2-3 lashes stick together. That's not what we want right? Its not wasting guys trust me. You will experience a cleaner & neat application.
2. Comb (Optional) & Curl your lashes.
3. Hold the wand horizontally & wiggle the wand inwards towards your inner corner twice for both upper & lower lashes.
4. Now again hold the wand horizontally & wiggle the wand outwards towards your ear as if you were fanning them out. Do this twice on upper & lower lashes.
5.  Not to make sure every lash is seperate and well coated, hold the mascara vertically and apply it in upward direction on upper lashes & in downward direction for lower lashes.

Voila! Now you have thick & long lashes.

This will instantly open up your eyes and make them look wide and will lift up a tired face.

Hope you find this tip helpful & enjoy the new series. Let me know if you want any solutions or hacks for your beauty or fashion woes and it might be my next post. 

Love,

Priyanka.

Mix & Match Animal Print Manicure

Hello Everyone :)

Yes I know I know its been ages since I did a Manicure Monday post.  So this time I have for you a  Super trendy design of the season Mix & Match. 2015 is all about mixing prints like you may have seen in this post HERE where I mixed prints for my outfit and matched my nails with it too. 

You all know  I have a thing for Animal Print & my first blog post was also a Cheetah print nail art so I thought why not mix Zebra & Cheetah print and come up with some creative nail art. 

So I decided to do 2 nails with full Zebra Stripes one full cheetah print & another side french cheetah on my cousin's nails. She is is crazy about animal print and insisted me to add a twist and do her nails. So I alternated the base color with a solid pastel pink & red. In my opinion pale pink is THE color of this summer as spotted on many celebrities & fashion shows.

Products used : 

Maybelline Color show nail polish in Keep up the flame (A very pretty coral red)

Maybelline Color show nail polish in Constant candy (Pale pastel pink)

Base & top coat :  Maybelline Color show nail polish in Crystal clear

You can also check out my French manicure with a zebra twist HERE

I hope you like this design as much as I do. If you try it out please share with me on facebook & tag me. Also tag me on Instagram using the #atsl

In case you want to see a Step by Step tutorial of this design or any other design please comment below and let me know. I will be more than happy to do it for you.

Love,
Priyanka.

Introduction to Essential oils

Essential oils or 'essences' as they are also known are highly concentrated and fragrant oils extracted from various parts of aromatic plants and trees such as flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds or peel through the process of distillation.

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (usually by steam or water). Essential oils contrary to the word oil are not really oily/ greasy feeling.  Most oil are clear but some oil like lemon, orange, patchouli are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain true essence of the plant it is derived from. They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. They can be used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption.

Essential oil Application :

Essential oils can be used in a very simple yet effective manner at home, both for their aroma ans cosmetic & medicinal qualities. They can be used to revive potpourris, added to bath or facial steaming, used in cosmetic creams and lotions or used as perfumes.

They can also be used as topical application to help relieve common health problems such as head ache, common cold, menstrual pains, aching muscles and joints.

Essential oil Dilution :

Age                              10 - 14 years                                                   14 year & above

Aroma mixture              3-4 drops in 20 ml of base oil                            4-7 drops in 20 ml of base oil
Bath                             4-5 drops in bath                                               5-7 drops in bath
Diffuser                        1 drop on 3-5 m square area                             1-2 drops on 3 m square area

Its best to use essential oil at night for 2 reasons :

1. Avoid sun damage if the oil you are using is photo toxic.

2. When you sleep products work more effectively on skin and you can derive its maximum advantage.

Caution:

1. Some essential oils are photo toxic hence never use it just before going out in the sun as it may burn the skin or cause irritation and tanning. Hence use a good sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and above PA+++ if you use the essential oils in the day time. 

2. Always Always Always test the  essential oil mixed with carrier oil of course on the inside of your hands to check whether or not you are allergic to it.

3. If you are pregnant or dealing with any medical problems or allergies do not use these oil unless otherwise you are prescribed by a certified practitioner.


Image source : Pinterest

Do you use any essential oil? Let me know which one in the comments below.

Lots of love,
Priyanka.

How to make green tea

In my previous post i told you all about the benefits of green tea and as promised today i am gonna tell you guys how to make green tea for those of you who would prefer consuming it for overall benefits and not just beauty benefits. Ok it does taste slightly bitter if i were to say so but trust me with regular consumption you get used to it.

Method 1

Supplies:

~a vessel to boil a glass of water.
~a green tea bag
~a glass mug

1. Take a glass of water and boil it.
2. Now transfer this water into the glass mug.
3. Dip the tea bag.
4. Sip on your green tea :)

Method 2:

Supplies:

~a vessel to boil a glass of water.

~a lid to cover the vessel
~green tea leaves or pearls
~strainer
~a glass mug

1. Take a glass of water and boil it and then turn off the flame.
2. Now add the green tea leaves or pearls.
3. Quickly close your vessel with a lid. (you want all the good things to remain in it and not to be taken away by the air).
4. Let it steep for about 2 minutes.
5. Open the lid and strain it and transfer it into your favorite glass mug.
6. Sip on and enjoy :).

Voila.

It does sooo much good to your skin, hair, immune system, brain and helps you loos weight in the long run :)..

Tada.

Lots of love.

Priyanka.

<3 <3 <3

Crackle Nail Polish

Hey guys i'm back with the next manicure :).. I'm currently obssesed with trying out new manicures and nail arts.. So keep reading :)..

STEP 1 

Apply a clear base coat of your choice.

STEP 2 

Apply two coats of the ORIFLAME VERY ME NAIL GRAFFITI BASE COAT on your entire nail. (The ones on the left are base coat paints)

STEP 3 

 Let it dry fr a few seconds and the start of by applying the top coat of the ORIFLAME VERY ME NAIL  TOP COAT (The ones on the right are the top crackle paints). Apply 1-2 coats as desired.

STEP 4 

You will get an instant & nice crackle effect on your nails like the picture above.

PRODUCTS USED:

1.ORIFLAME VERY ME NAIL GRAFFITI BASE COAT

2.ORIFLAME VERY ME NAIL  TOP COAT

This month these Amazing Nail Polishes are on a Hot offer for just Rs 149 each. Go ahead and grab the offer ;).. Do try this look and let me know how u find it :):)... 

Lots of love :)

Priyanka.

Easy winged eye liner tutorial

Hey guys happy morning. The biggest hit this season is a winged/cat eyeliner look. So my next tutorial is about how to get a quick and easy winged eye liner.


STEP 1
Dip your brush in a gel eyeliner of your choice and draw a flick on the outside of your eye by simply following your lower lash line using an angled brush.

STEP 2
Exactly where your flick ends, extend the flick towards inside in a curved shallow U shape.

STEP 3
Once you have a guideline extend the liner inside by keeping it thicker on the outside and going thin as you move inside.

STEP 4
Now fill in your gaps and your winged  eyeliner looks like this.

Easy winged eyeliner tutorial

PRODUCT BREAKDOWN:
Eyeliner:          Maybelline Gel eyeliner in black
Angled brush : Vega professional range

Hope you guys liked it.. Please  do let me know if you want any tutorials :)

How do you find this tutorial? What is your way of doing a winged out eyeliner?

Lots of Love.

Take care :)

Regards,

Priyanka.

Purple & Green Leopard Nail Art

Heyyy guys :) this is my first post & it had to be about something i really love and i'm a crazy about Animal Prints so i have done my own leopard nails :)  Here's a step by step tutorial..

STEP 1

 Hydrate your nails with any clear Base coat. Here I'm using a clear nail polish by Lakme. Always roll the bottle before application since shaking might create bubbles. After you have applied the base coat let it dry for a few seconds.

STEP 2

 Once the base coat dry apply  2 coats of the Purple Polish on the entire nail and it looks like this. Make sure you have a fair gap in between you coats.

STEP 3 

 Apply random asymmetrical spots on top on the purple shade using green and wait for a few seconds for it to dry. 

STEP 4

 Take a tooth pick or a thin brush and dip it in a Black Nail Polish and start outlining the spots at the sides randomly.

STEP 5

Since this is an Animal print look, you need not worry because its going to look good asymmetrically. 

Finish with a top coat for a glossy effect and for a better staying power of your polish.

The Final Look

PRODUCTS USED:

1.Clear base coat: Lakme

2. Lakme Free spirit : N236

3. Colorbar: Apple Martini

4. Elle 18: # 35

5. Toothpick

 Hope its easy and you guys enjoyed reading:)..  Drop your feedback and suggestions down in the comments box.. 

What is you favorite DIY nail art?

Good night. Lots of love <3..