Indulgeo Essentials Squalane Skin Hydrator Review | Rose Oil Natural Hyaluronic Acid Variant | Repairing Skin Barrier | Beauty Blogger | Beauty Review

The one product that changed my skincare game forever - Indulgeo Essentials Squalane Oil i.e. Squalane Skin Hydrator ❤️ 

Feb 2020 onwards I have been battling issues like rosacea, acne outbreaks, inflammation, and from April 2020 onwards, full on damaged skin barrier, meaning unbelievable amount of inflammation and outbreaks and redness on my cheeks and actually all over face. I am fed up of how my skin is behaving all of a sudden. All my life I have had pretty nice naturally glowing skin with minor skin troubles now and then...but now *sigh*.

Anyway, I started researching like crazy and came across all sorts of suggestions from skin experts, dermatologists, beauty bloggers... 

Stop exfoliation (done!), 

Stop picking on pimples (done!), 

Stop using tonnes of beauty products (done!), 

Start using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides...

Oh boy, so much to learn and be confused about! 

Squalane oil kept popping up as an ingredient to soothe and hydrate skin as well as repair the skin barrier. So I looked around and found this offering from the famed brand of Indulgeo. They are famous for gold-based oils but I have never been interested in pricey or gold-flake-based products, but now, with Squalane, I got no option but to buy it. And I did!

Packaging of Indulgeo Squalane Skin Hydrator is quite travel-friendly. Simple green glass bottle, that is not good news for clumsy hands, but be careful and it is all good :D

Ingredients list is pure squalane that is 70% olive derived and 30% sugarcane derived. Well, this is the Rose Oil variant so it must also have some rose essential oil though it is not mentioned in the ingredient list on the packaging.

Claims are nothing short of miraculous, in fact, it makes me wonder why we did not hear of this earlier! Squalane is similar to Squalene that is produced naturally in our body but its quantity decreases as we age. This Squalane mimics natural sebum, controls oil production, works at a cellular level, helps in conditions such as acne and eczema, helps in collagen production and aging gracefully, is exceptionally hydrating even for oiliest of skins since it is so natural...etc...etc...

Availability of Indulgeo Squalane Skin Hydrator, like other Indulgeo products is quite good on its own website, Nykaa, Vanity Wagon, as well as on Amazon :)

Quantity of this 30 ml little bottle is enough to last 2 months even with daily usage of 2 times since only 3-4 drops are required every single time for entire face.

Usage - AM as well as PM, just 2-3 drops are needed after water-based moisturizer and before oil-based or heavy moisturizers. 

Effect - My facial skin is combination-dry, ultra-sensitive and acne-prone and as I said, I got this exclusively for the research that said it will help me in repairing my damaged skin barrier :) 

❤️ I actually got squalane options from 2 other brands also, and I sent them DM asking about the method to apply this, as in should I use it in conjunction with something else because I was focused on repairing skin barrier. Only Indulgeo replied on instagram, others ignored, so points to them for customer service.

❤️ They said I should use it after water based products (such as toner or facial mist) and before oil based products or moisturizer. I found this strange because it's an oil...but I thought okay,let's try...

❤️ It is expensive no doubt. But I got it at 25% discount from Vanity Wagon. And this has rose oil as natural hyaluronic acid, so I got squalane + hyaluronic in less than Rs. 1100 and it lasted me 2.5 months on daily application (Already ordered 2nd bottle)

❤️ My routine for the first 15 days after receiving this- cleanse face with Himalaya neem face wash, spray rose water, put squalane just 4 drops all over face, finish with a layer of lacto calamine.

❤️ After 15 days I introduced Tribe Concepts Kumkumadi Tailam + brightening cleanser before squalane, and finish with Deyga Organics beautifying serum.

❤️ Either way, Indulgeo Squalane Skin Hydrator calms my skin down immediately, gives a soothing silky finish, hydrates and plumps my skin. For the first 15 days when I used it alone, it did immense work in my skin repair, as evident by pictures.

     Before                                          After a week

I. Love. It. 

Even now my skin has its own share of problems but it is much much better than it was 6 months ago and I give the credit to all these products-

Himalaya Neem Face Wash

Patanjali Rose Water

Tribe Concepts Brightening Cleanser + Kumkumadi Tailam

Deyga Rose & Mulethi Face Pack

Indulgeo Squalane Skin Hydrator  

Deyga Beautifying Serum

GlamAroma Washed Ghee

Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel

Indulgeo Squalane was the one product that immediately showed its results. That is why I regard it so highly, as it gave me noticeably calmer and smoother inflammation-free skin within a couple of days. There is a lot of work to be done but Indulgeo Squalane is definitely going to be my go-to for a long loooooooong time.

YES 

• All I need to say, YES, it worked as expected and in fact even better in helping repair my skin barrier

• Non-comedogenic

• Lasted more than 2 months on my horsey-sized face so not very expensive

• Hydrates skin like nothing else without making it oily

• Available in Amazon, Nykaa, Vanity Wagon, often at good discounts.

NO 

• Hmm, the glass bottle is not good for clumsy hands :D

Recommended -YES. Want a good hydrating oil? Want an oil that works at cellular level of your skin? Want to repair skin? Want to keep your skin routine simple yet effective? Squalane is good for all these situations. Rating is 5/5.      

Zilch On Cloud 9 Face Wash Jelly Review | Favorite For Healing Skin Moisture Barrier | Beauty Review | Beauty Collaboration

Welcoming my most favorite facewash in recent times to the fold, Zilch On Cloud 9 Face Wash Jelly :) After Himalaya neem face wash and Just Herbs neem-bitter orange face wash, this is the only one I have come to love with all my heart! From the start, the Zilch brand looks outstanding from all the clutter in the market. Their philosophy is admirable too, with promotion of no BS, no drama, plain simple good stuff for skin. Everything, from their packaging to their website follows this philosophy.

Packaging of Zilch On Cloud 9 Face Wash Jelly is in a sturdy plastic body with flip cap that is secure enough for traveling. It is leak-proof, I tested :D

Ingredients list has many tempting ones like aloe vera, rose water, glycerine, lactic acid, and some minimal chemicals necessary for formulating any product. All good, nothing bad, even on my super-sensitive skin.

Claims to be paraben-free, alcohol-free, sulpahte-free, silicon-free and moisturize even after cleaning face without clogging pores.

Availability of Zilch On Cloud 9 Face Wash Jelly is good online on Amazon, and it is available for Rs. 700 for 200 ml which is amazing. 

Quantity of this 200ml facewash jelly is enough to last more than 2 months even when used twice a day since only 2 drops of jelly are enough for my horsey-size face too.

Usage - Like any cleanser. Take a drop of jelly, spread all over the face for 30 seconds, wash off.

Effect - Apart from the past year that was bad for my health and skin, this year too brought its share of problems. The last 2 months I am battling recurrent acne, inflammation, painful pimples, and I had to devise a complete routine to subside it all. It includes Choonkar Neem Oil, Indrani Cosmetics Anti-Acne Gel and this Zilch On Cloud 9 Face Wash Jelly :)

I have tried quite a few face washes in my life and my favorites are Himalaya Neem and Just Herbs Neem-Bitter Orange, and now Zilch. There is a difference between them, the other face washes are a bit drying, and strong, and in case one's moisture barrier is compromised then it is not good to use very strong products. This is exactly what I am battling right now. Going to soon do a post about compromised moisture barrier. However, for now, just know that it is a painful condition especially for someone with sensitive skin from birth, like me.

This is the first time I have used a jelly face wash and realized how much better it is...

-Glides like softest cloud on skin

-Feels cool and soothing

-Leaves skin feeling hydrated somehow

-I love it so much I leave it like a moisturizer on my face for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off and it still does not dry out my skin 

-Is extremely mild yet cleans my face nicely, leaving it plump and supple

But yeah this is not deep cleaning for those who need to remove makeup. I loved using it specifically because my skin is going through a repair mode after succession of acne attack, inflammation, dryness, rosacea..so I am using only the mildest products on my skin and This. Is. The. Bomb. 

It fulfills all its claims completely, so absolutely recommended, especially if your skin is ultra-sensitive and problematic. I will ensure I have this by my side at all times from now on!

YES 

• Fulfills all its claims completely
• Cleans without drying
• Leaves my super-sensitive skin feeling cool, supple, hydrated
• Available on Amazon
• Huge quantity, makes it value-for-money
• Helping my skin in healing from intense acne and inflammation

NO 

• Can be considered as pricey in one glance
• Will not remove stubborn makeup, but does not claim so either

Recommended -YES, a thousand times YESSSSSSS. An absolutely incredible product, use it, your skin will thank you. Rating is 5/5.

Choonkar Cold- Pressed Neem Oil Review | Miracle Worker For Acne Redness Inflammation | Beauty Review | Beauty Collaboration

Want to meet a miracle worker? Here you go- Choonkar Organics Pure Cold-Pressed Neem Oil, Raw & Natural. And trust me, while I am easy to please, this product has made a special place in my heart based solely on its performance overnight. 

Neem is famous in India as a traditional authentic potent Ayurvedic remedy for external as well as internal use. Internally it purifies blood and externally it is applied as a miracle remedy for pimples, rashes, acne, boils, and this is why I specifically chose Neem oil from Choonkar for review purposes because I had been battling horrible recurrent acne, rashes, redness, inflammation on my face, specifically my cheeks area for past year.   

Packaging of Choonkar Organics Pure Cold-Pressed Neem Oil is in a simple plastic bottle that seems sturdy, but the cap may leak the product if kept in a slanted position so I won't call it travel friendly. I suggest to transfer it in a more secure container if taken while traveling.

Ingredients list has just one name-100% pure, cold-pressed, raw, natural neem oil.

Claims to be GMO-free, Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, pure and natural, and work on skin, hair, nails in the typical potent neem way.

Availability of Choonkar Organics products is good online on Amazon, and this miracle oil is available for just about Rs. 199 which is amazingly affordable.

Quantity of this 60 ml oil is more than sufficient to last ages even when I use about 10 drops every night on my face as massage oil.

Usage - Internally as well as externally since it is pure neem oil. I use it solely on my face for reducing acne and inflammation. I suggest patch test for everyone before using any new product.

Effect - I woke up one fine day with my cheeks filled with big red angry pimples and my cheeks covered in rashes. It may be due to changing weather or the fact that I had used some new beauty products in past week or due to hormonal changes *sigh* I don't know. Something triggered a massive acne and redness attack on my face and the pimples were hurting very bad. 

This has been a pattern with me for past 1 year when I have battled many health issues and family issues so I was not surprised. Thankfully, I had this Neem Oil in my stash from Choonkar that I had not yet used. 

But this was the perfect opportunity. So I stopped using every beauty product and simply washed my face with my trusted Himalaya Neem Turmeric Face Wash, mixed this Neem Oil with Lacto Calamine Lotion and applied on my skin. In evening, I again washed my face with Himalaya and applied Indrani Cosmetics Anti Acne Gel and let it stay on my face for about 3 hours. Then I washed it off and applied this Neem Oil mixed with Calamine lotion and went to sleep. 

3 days later, my pimples had vanished and my redness was much controlled. Since then, I have used more or less the same routine and my skin is thanking me right now. I had heard about the miracles of neem oil but this time I saw the miracle with my own eyes. Choonkar Neem Oil is a potent product that smells strong, showing its purity. It also stings if it goes near the eyes so I suggest everyone to be careful about that. 

Since it is such a strong product I do not apply it directly on my skin because I don't know when my problematic skin will start acting up. Right now I am mixing it with my Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel and applying it. But I am sure normal skin people can use it directly, and maybe I can too, I just need courage to do that :D 

In any case, it is an incredible product and I am always going to keep it by my side as it leaves my skin purified, soft, redness and acne free. Soon I am going to use a few drops in my shampoo and oil too for getting rid of dandruff permanently. What an amazing multi-purpose product :)

YES 

• Miracle worker, pure potent Neem Oil
• Soothes, calms skin, works on acne and inflammation overnight
• Extremely value for money
• Multi-purpose for skin, hair, nails
• Available on Amazon

NO 

• The bottle is not travel friendly as the cap can let the oil leak sometimes
• Neem oil is so strong, it will sting eyes if it gets near, so be careful

Recommended -YES. An absolutely incredible product from Choonkar Organics that everyone should have at home. Rating is 5/5.

Sage Apothecary Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Mud Mask Review | Smytten Haul | Beauty Review

Sage Apothecary Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Mud Mask was a part of samples I chose from Smytten... I chose the sample because I was looking forward to detoxifying my skin and cleaning my pores after a particularly stretch of bad skin including rashes, inflammation, acne outbreaks. Most of my sample choices from Smytten were terrific and my skin loved them and I am looking forward to trying their full sizes such as the Votre whipped clay mask and Fuschia Charcoal Mask.

Packaging of  Sage Apothecary Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Mud Mask is simple, a round little transparent plastic pot.

Ingredients list is full of famous ones like bentonite clay, charocoal powder, aloe vera, walnut shell, tea tree, and peppermint.

Claims to deep cleanse, detoxify, bring out all the dirt from the pores while simultaneously nourishing the skin.

Availability of  Sage Apothecary Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree 3 in 1 Mud Mask is decent on online sites such as Amazon or Smytten App. Full size 100 grams available for Rs. 419 which is proper enough for the quantity.

Quantity of this 30 gm sample from Smytten was enough for 4 uses all over my neck and elbows.

Usage - No such instruction on the sample pack. I am assuming it is supposed to be used like any other mask. Cleanse, tone, then apply this in a uniform layer, let it dry, wash off thoroughly.

Effect - As I have used many other clay masks, I had such big expectations from this one too. But this was such a horrible product fail for me :( I thought it would be a Mud Mask like the Fuschia one or Aroma Magic one. But when I opened the little pot, I saw little scrub particles, enough to give my super sensitive skin micro tears..and especially right now I cannot take any chances with such abrasive products...I have used many such products when I was in college and I feel they have made my skin super-sensitive over the years (my fault, for getting sucked in good marketing by big companies and using scrubs every alternate day!)

Yes it is a mud Mask and it is a SCRUB also, best for people who have strong non-sensitive skin and love scrub exfoliation. They should really change its name from mud mask to intense exfoliator since the granules are really big. So I was not using it on my face at all. I used it on my neck and as an exfoliator for my hands. Because thank God, my body and neck skin is not as sensitive as my facial skin.

Overall, I don't really like this product or would recommend it unless someone wants a good exfoliator for their face or neck and their skin won't tear with these big abrasive granules. It left my neck and hands squeaky clean after exfoliation and washing off, but I cannot under any circumstances use it on my face.

YES 

• Free of silicons, parabens
• Deeply cleanses, exfoliates, leaves skin squeaky clean
• Available on Amazon, Smytten 

NO 

• The exfoliating granules are too abrasive, not for my sensitive and rashes-prone skin
• Name is misleading-it says mud pack but it is an exfoliating pack

Recommended -NO. Not good for all skin types and would be too harsh on most people's facial skin. Rating is 1.5/5.