Garnier Pure Active Range - Pure unclogging Wash

As I said earlier I have sensitive combination and acne prone skin. I am still in search of my HG face wash ..nopes not found it yet... So when Garnier launched its Pure Active Range just weeks after Clean N Clear launched its blackhead clearing scrub, I was all excited to give this one a try. I dunno why i am so forgiving... Garnier products have never worked for me ... STILL ! whenever they launch something new .. I get it to give it a try .. Every Single Time !!!

So now that I finally finished up the product. I can write a review about it better.
PRODUCT:  Garnier Pure Active Pore unclogging Wash.
QUANTITY: 150 gms
PRICE: 100 Rupees.

Garnier Pure Active -Pore unclogging wash

What the product claims:

The new Garnier Pure Active pore unclogging wash deeply purifies pores and removes inlayed impurities and prevents formation of imperfection marks to give a perfection skin result.


Its refreshing formula delivers a double anti- spots & anti marks action:
Enriched with an excellent exfoliating ingredient, it deeply purifies pores.
Enriched with a natural regenerating active, it prevents the formation of imperfection marks.


My Take On the Product:
This face wash comes in a handy tube packaging with a blue flip cap. It is travel friendly.
The face wash is transparent blue gel which lathers up quite well and menthol in the product provides cooling effect while you use the product.
It does not dry out your skin after you wash your face with it. 

Transparent Light Blue Gel

Besides that , I have nothing else to praise about this product - it certainly did not show results from DAY ONE like the product claimed.
I continued getting acne and whiteheads. It certainly did not prevent break-outs on my skin.
The product claims to work on imperfections and marks - I saw no effect whatsoever.
Some people may not like the minty smell that this product has.
People with perfect skin can try this product as it may work well for their face in summers to get rid of summer sweat.

Love it or Chuck it ?
Do I need to say more ?? - Chuck it !

Himalaya Under Eye Cream

I have big dark circles... panda like !! So far I have tried Garnier roll on pen for dark circles – didn’t work. Before Himalaya herbals sent me this product to review, I was already using this one. So now after using this product for quite sometime now I think I am at the better position to review this product. 

PRODUCT: Himalaya Under Eye Cream

PRICE: 150 Rupees

QUANTITY: It comes in a pack size of 15 ml. 

COMPOSITION: Under Eye Cream contains the following ingredients:

Cipadessa baccifera moisturizes the skin under eyes

Bergenia ligulata lightens the skin under eyes

Triticum vulgare nourishes the skin under eyes Himalaya Under Eye Cream - I was already using one.. Now i have two  :)

Swatch of the cream - It is beige in color.

MY TAKE ON THE PRODUCT:

This product comes in tube pack with green screw cap. The cream is beige in color and very light in consistency. I quite like the consistency of this cream. Other eye creams I used were kind of heavy and sticky so I used to apply them before going to sleep everyday.  This cream is light and is absorbed very quickly into the skin. I apply the cream now during day time too.

This product does not completely erase away your dark circles. But it is successful in smoothening area under the eye.

The herbal blend of the ingredients does not sting your eye and do not cause any allergic reactions.

The cream also goes on sheer under your eye inspite of being beige in color. I use this cream before putting up eye makeup. It moisturises the area well.

It is also very cheap compared to other eye creams available in the market.

This cream will be good for people who are just starting to develop dark circles because this cream definitely prevents the formation of dark circle.

Love it or chuck it?

I will pass this one. 

Please note: This product was sent by the company's PR for consideration. 

Garnier Skin Naturals - Sun Control Daily Moisturizer

Hello everyone!! Today I bring another Garnier product review – this time it is Garnier skin naturals – Sun control daily moisturizer with Mexoryl SX + vitamin E. I don’t remember when I picked this one up but I have this one for quite sometime now.  After almost finishing this product I think it’s about time I review it. 

QUANTITY: 50 ml

PRICE: 155 rupees ( hell it was expensive!)

WHAT PRODUCT CLAIMS:

Its special formula blends a moisturizer with selected ingredients:

Formula with Mexoryl SX , a revolutionary patented molecule, to give protection from sun’s UV rays.

Vitamin E to help protect against free radicals and help delay the signs of ageing.

Glycerol and extracts of coriander to retain the skin’s moisture and prevent it from drying while nourishing. 

FACTS ABOUT MEXORYL-SX: ( From Wikipedia)

Ecamsule (USAN, trade name Mexoryl SX, INCI terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid) is an organic compound which is added to many sunscreens to filter out UVA rays. It is a benzylidene camphor derivative, many of which are known for their excellent photostability.

Although there are a few different UV absorbers with the trade name Mexoryl, only two of them are widely used where approved. Mexoryl SX (water soluble) and Mexoryl XL (INCI Drometrizole trisiloxane, oil soluble). Together they show a synergistic effect in protection. The patents are held by L'Oréal. Sunscreens containing ecamsule are exclusive to L'Oréal and its brands.

BENEFITS OF CORIANDER:

Coriander has eleven vital components in the form of essential oils, Vitamin A, Vitamin C along with important minerals like iron and phosphorus. Coriander when mixed with pinch of turmeric powder, it serves as a powerful remedy against blackheads and pimples. The antioxidant and anti-fungal proprieties of coriander are ideal for treating skin dryness, eczema and other skin disorders.

MY- TAKE ON THE PRODUCT: 

This cream comes in a small bottle with screw cap top. The cream is light orange in color and faintly smells somewhat like medicated cream. The smell is not overwhelming though – its fine. The consistency of the cream is also ok – not so runny which is good. I hate it when sunscreens precipitate at the mouth of the bottle.

 

I am scared of using Garnier products on my face so I was extra careful using this product. Most of the times I skipped using this cream for my face and applied it on my arms. Once in a while I did use this cream for my face but I took care that I don’t apply too much of this cream.  I found this cream to be quite OK. It is not that bad and not that good too.  It is good because it didn’t break me out whenever I used it on my face. The thing I didn’t like about it was it is greasy for a while when we apply it, it also takes a while for the cream to get absorbed into the skin. It does prevent tan so that’s a plus point there. Also glycerol prevents my skin from getting dry throughout the day which is also good. Another thing I dislike about this product is that after using this cream for days – the cream kinda gets precipitated at the mouth of the bottle which makes it messy. This cream is good for application on arms and legs – for face I will not recommend it because it makes my face oily after a while.  Also this cream has SPF – 15 only - which I guess will not prove to be too useful in hot humid weathers in Mumbai and other places.  

PLUS POINT:

Plus point of introducing coriander extracts in skin care product.

GOOD POINTS:

Protects from UVA +UVB rays.

Dermatogically tested.

Helps prevent skin darkening and premature ageing.

Vitamin E –delays signs of ageing and protect against free radicals.

Glycerol and coriander extract retain skin’s moisture and provides nourishment.

 Travel friendly, easy to carry around.

NOT SO GOOD POINTS:

 It is expensive for the quantity of product we are getting.

The cream gets precipitated at the mouth of the bottle.

Low SPF factor (SPF 15).

Takes time to get absorbed into the skin. 

Love it or chuck it ? :  I will definitely pass this one. I did not like the greasy feel. 

Have you used this product yet ? Did you like it ? 

 

Garnier Full Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray Non- Aerosol

In time for warm weather Garnier has released their new Anti-Humidity hairsprays in a non -aerosol form. Last year the regular aerosol form of Full Control got used at Alchemist HQ by several people and was well received. High end , strong sprays are used mostly here , but this did a good job. It's a solid drugstore option. ( And I live in a high humidity area, 90% or more in summer).

There is also a new version of Sleek and Shine Anti- Humidity hairspray. Both are Ultra Strong Hold , are in stores now and retail for $ 4.11 each

Partial ingredients:

-Natural Bamboo Extract – known for its strength & resilience, bamboo locks hair in place, while still preserving its natural movement
-Fruit Micro-Waxes – seals out humidity and combats frizz, keeping strands sleek and smooth without extra weight
-UV Filters – protects color and hair fibers from the harmful effects of the sun

Garnier Skin Renew Resurfacing 3 Way Cleanser

Garnier's newest cleanser is Skin Renew Resurfacing 3 Way Cleanser. I am forever in search of a better cleanser and I've had good luck in the past with both their cream and gel cleansers.

This new one has the same great green tea scent as the others, and has the added benefits of kaolin clay ( for the oilies) , small polishing "micro-beads" and Vitamin B5.

Having the clay in there is great and it seems a just right amount. Some clay cleansers have so much that they kind of stick to your face. This washes off easily but gets the job done. Skin feels very clean, but not dry and makeup gets removed.

It's gentle enough to use everyday. The scrub particles are not harsh and if you want/need more exfoliation, you simply scrub harder. You can also leave the cleanser on for a mask.

Since my skin has decided to go into a major oil phase despite the below freezing temps which usually normalizes it , this cleanser has been welcome.

In stores now at $ 6.99

Garnier Anti- Sun Damage SPF 15 Eye cream

Summer is here and when warmer weather kicked in, I realized that I needed to add an eye cream with SPF to the routine. Yes, we need SPF all the time, but lets face it, when the summer sun is blistering down, we need it even more.

Enter Garnier's Skin Renew Anti Sun Damage SPF 15 Eye Cream. Long name, nice product. I feel good knowing I've got extra sunscreen around the eye area, and this is light and sinks in fast. It makes applying makeup over it a breeze, but has a nice bit of moisture in there. I also had no irritation with it.

The cream is has ingredients to help reverse past sun damage as well as prevent any new damage. I can't say I've seen a huge difference but I do think the area below the eye has gotten a tiny bit brighter . (I've been using the cream now for about 2 weeks). The cream has a larger dose of Vitamin C, Lycopene, and Magnesium along with UVA& UVB protection.

The .5 oz pump bottle is available at all mass market outlets for approx. $ 12.00

Read more at http://www.garnierusa.com/

The Sunscreen Roundup

I have no idea why, but I find trying and looking for the best sunscreens , fun. Maybe it's because there's so many great ones out there incl. more high end ones that appeal to the luxist in me. For whatever reason, it means I use sunscreen more, so thats a good thing.

Now I have only touched the surface here. There's a lot of sunscreens out there, I am finding new ones I want to try every day. Hopefully this primer will help you either find one you love, or get you started on a search of your own.

Things to remember:
-According to a news report last week all sunscreens need re-appying after 40-60 mins., no matter what the bottle says. The government has been planning to regulate sunblock claims for years, but as they will, haven't gotten around to it. None are so waterproof as to last hours.

-Any SPF higher than 30 is not really needed. Ones with higher numbers only provide little more protection. However, it can't hurt either. Just know that if your favorite is 15 or 30, you're good.

-Lastly Mexoryl is the best protectant out there. Only one type is approved for use here sadly, but companies are making various antioxidant cocktails and mineral blocks to up the ante in protection and make up for lack of Mexoryl. Think Helioplex from Neutrogena among others.

___________________________________________

- Ambre Solaire by Garnier- The best with BOTH Mexoryls. But only available outside the US. I grabbed this in Paris 2 yrs. ago and wish I had bought more. If you or anyone you know is going to Europe, get 1 or 10. ( In US there are several with one Mexoryl -SX. Lancome, La Roche Posay and Skinceuticals (highlighted further down).

-Cosmedicine Medi Matte Tint SPF- One of my favorite products now comes in a tinted version with SPF 20. Fabulous. This mattifier really works, and it's rare to see a mattifier( or tinted cream) for us oily gals with SPF. $ 42.50 ( Murad has a great looking non- tinted version as well, but haven't tried it yet)

Skinceuticals Active UV Defense SPF 15- One of the Mexoryl SX sunblocks. This is light but strong. Has a very light scent, but it's a nice enough one. One of my new favs. $ 29.00

being TRUE Essential SPF 30 gel- a gel/cream thats great for oily skins. Light , sinks right in . Ingredients incl. phytomelanin ,white and green tea . Can be used on face/body and under makeup. Oil free and oil absorbing. $ 35.00

Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36- yes it's expensive for a lip product, but you're worth it. It comes from a great suncare line and looks very chic. Some complain of a white tint. If that happens, just blend. $ 20.00

Clinique SPF 25 Body Spray- I am loving the new Clinique suncare. Reviewed in detail Here this spray is easy , has their new Solar Smart technology and a high SPF. $ 20.00

Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Powder Suncare- There is a new oily/problem skin version with 4% Salicyclic Acid & Willow Bark ( This sounds awesome. Must Try) and an Unwrinkle version with their Syn-Ake wrinkle relaxing ingredient, a neuropeptide and Matrixl 3000.
The Unwrinkle one I have tried and it's a smooth powder that evens skin . Feels very light. Their Unwrinkle powder compact is great , now you can have a lighter sunblock version. These are perfect for mid- day touch ups or those who want no SPF cream on their face. $ 30-35.00

Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Kiss SPF 20 Lip Gloss- an older Hawaiian Tropic lip balm was all I used a few summers back poolside. Smelled so good. Now we have this yummy berry lipgloss version. I have Cat Marnell at Lucky mag and her column to thank for finding this. $ 5.99 approx.

Mission Skincare Fast Drying Spray- Yesterday I mentioned how Mission is now at CVS. One new item is the Quick Drying Mist in a pump spray. Especially good for the athelete, outdoorsy or men. $ 6.99

Neutogena Pure & Free Baby SPF 60- New formula made extra gentle for babies and acc. to Neutogena , made with PureScreen technology, a more natural mineral physical block. Has " a separate layer that sits on top of the skin. This layer reflects and refracts the dangerous UVA/UVB rays of the sun before they have a chance to touch your baby"
Plus if it's gentle enough for babies, then it's great for those with sensitive skin .

Sephora's Sun Safety Kit- remember I said discovering new sunscreens can be fun ? Well this kit gives you a chance to try a gazillion of them . There's some great stuff in here like Clarins, DDF, andSmashbox plus a bag. $ 22.50

My new favorite cleanser

Garnier's cleanser line came out here in January. I had looked at them a lot but never tried any.

I finally tried the Nutri Pure Detoxifying Cream Cleanser this week. I love it. I am often searching for a great cleanser, and not finding them . I try a lot, and then try more.

The Garnier cream cleanser really gets the makeup off. It is very thick and you only need a little. It is very soft and it smells great. Really great, like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea Fragrance.

The cleanser does have Green leaf extract, as well as Vitamins E, B5, and Grape Extract. All to help the skin.

Skin feels very soft after cleansing and in this weather, I need no moisturizer after. In winter, this would be even better.

I have my eye on the gel version of this, and may try that, but I will return to this cleanser. I am as impressed with a cleanser as I have been in a while. The last was DDF Glycolic cleanser, which I loved, but I really didn't like the 25.00 price tag. I prefer to spend less on cleanser if I can.

The Garnier Cleansers retail at 5.99 and CVS will have them next week at 4.99