Moisturizer Application Techniques {Skin Care}

Applying moisturizer properly is a very important part of the skin care ritual. The application technique affects the skin in the long run because of the regular movement of the skin which happens during the application. So, there are certain correct and wrong methods of application which we shall discuss for every part of the face and neck. 

• Circular Movements should be made with very light pressure applied on the skin
• Patting movement is also recommended but not very easy to get used to

For Eyes

Rubbing of the eyes is not recommend at all so only patting motion should be used to apply under-eye creams or any oil of choice. Circular Movement will cause movement of the thin skin around the eyes leading to early development of wrinkles. 

For Face

Short upward and outward strokes are recommended as very widely known. 

For Neck

Look at the ceiling while applying moisturizer on the neck and massage the neck in an upward stroke to prevent and smoothing of the neck lines. This does a double job - applies moisturizer evenly on the neck and stretches the skin of the neck as in the face exercise motion.

For Chest

Upward strokes and circular motion both are recommended for the chest and shoulder areas.

READ MORE - Moisturizer Application Techniques {Skin Care}

More about me and my skin care regime

About Me

• Name : Swati Murti


• Age : 25


• Hobbies : Reading


• Skin Type : Combination Skin tending towards dry


• Skin Color : Wheat Brown

What made me start "Perfect Skin Care for you"?

I have very thin hair and in consequence, I started searching for hair care remedies online. That was back in July - August 2009 and it had become an obsession. That was when I came across the concept of beauty blogs and websites. The obsession continued till November of the same year to a very high measure. And, then, in December, it struck me that it would be helpful if I could share all the extensive knowledge I had gained in the past couple of months and "Perfect Skin Care for you" was born.

When did I start "Perfect Skin Care for you" and what it is about?

I started blogging on 14th December, 2009. I had started with the intention of writing about natural skin and hair care topics and health was a subject closely related. And, very recently in January 2011, I have started doing product reviews.

What do I think is most important step in skin care regime?

Hydration. Keeping skin hydrated and supple makes it look young and healthy. So, hydrating the skin at every step is very important. 

My Skin Care Regime in a Nutshell

I don't have a very elaborated routine. I stick to the basics most of the time because of my laziness. Cleansing out the sunscreen is what I believe most essential. Then, I hydrate my skin with the toner. I take the toner in my palm and pat it onto my skin instead of using cotton pads or squirting it on my face. This helps in increasing the blood circulation.And, follow it with oil. Any facial oil or almond or coconut oil would do for me because my skin loves oils.

What are the 5 most important things in my bag?

I don't use makeup so you will find only skin care products in my bag. First will always be a lip balm, of course. Others include an all-purpose moisturizer, sunscreen, a face wash and a face spray.  

My favorite DIY 

Since I am a big fan of DIY remedies, I would like to end this post with my favorite DIY recipe. Its a homemade scrub which improves the hydration levels of the skin - sugar + salt + honey in equal quantities.

PS: This post is a part of the "Dove Diaries" section on 2threads.com which is sponsored by Dove.

READ MORE - More about me and my skin care regime

Almond Oil for Neck Wrinkles {DIY}

I have always felt that neck lines can't be got rid of except for doing face exercises daily and keeping the neck straight so that there is no crease. But, sometime back, I used almond oil for moisturizing my face and neck and observed that my neck lines were gone in probably 3-4 days. So, if you have the same problem you could give the almond oil a try!!! If you are afraid that the oil might break you out, then you could try using the oil only on the neck. I had been using the Rogan Badam oil which I had talked about quite a long back.

READ MORE - Almond Oil for Neck Wrinkles {DIY}

Tap the Toner {Tip of the Day}

Ok, so using toners is a very prevalent custom and there are various methods of using a toner. You might use a cotton to apply it on your skin or spray it on your face directly so as to avoid wastage of the product. But, I found the best method to be cupping the palm and pouring the toner onto the palm and then tapping it into the skin. Pat the skin hard like you are slapping the face. This improves blood circulation and allows the toner to get absorbed quickly. I have been using the pouring method since I had been sent the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic in the small bottle and as usual I found that the cotton was drinking up most of the product so I started pouring it onto my palm and then applying it on my face. And, I picked up the patting of the toner from Sesame's blog. She did a post on how to apply the skin care products which is extremely awesome.

READ MORE - Tap the Toner {Tip of the Day}

Masks on wet skin {Tip of the Day}

Hey All!!! 

Today I want to share a tip which I have been trying out since quite some time. As you are already aware that moisturizer should be applied on damp skin for better results, I tried applying masks on damp skin too. Damp skin is more absorbent and this way, I suppose, skin is able to retain more moisture than otherwise. So, next time you apply a mask, try it out on wet skin and don't forget to remove the mask before it dries up completely. As I have already mentioned this point in one of my previous posts, face masks (clay ones and ones which completely dry out) should be removed befre they completely dry out. The reason is that they suck moisture due to the reverse osmosis if they lose their moisture. So, try applying masks on a damp skin and remove them before they completely dry out and do share your experiences :)

READ MORE - Masks on wet skin {Tip of the Day}

Why Besan works? {DIY}

Have you ever wondered how besan is able to clean the skin? The answer is very simple. It has high content of saponins - the same thing present in reetha or soapnuts. The very reason makes the mung dal or green gram dal which is a major ingredient of sunnipindi equally or even more effective than besan in cleaning the skin. So, washing skin with besan or sunnipindi regularly ensures your skin is receiving no harmful or harsh chemicals and the skin is cleansed effectively too. Mixing it with milk which has lactic acid makes the cleansing process even more effective ensuring your skin is on the same time getting AHA (very famously known as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) which is mild enough to be used on the skin everyday and protects the skin from free radicals and other skin-damaging agents. 

READ MORE - Why Besan works? {DIY}

Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Price: 125 INR for 10 gms

Ingredients

Well, I am really sorry that I threw away my pack but I remember reading the list and admiring few things in it. It has cocoa and sal and kokum butter. In fact the list was full of oils and butters and it also has beeswax and it is free from petroleum which is a huge plus for this product. 

My Experience

I have been using this since quite a long while (probably around 3 weeks). My biggest complain with this one is its packaging. I would have enjoyed this lip balm had it been in the tube or packaged just like Nivea lip balms because of hygiene and also because of the ease of use of the product. It pretty easy to use the tube on the lips as compared to digging into the tub and scooping it out and then smoothing it on the lips. Apart from this, I would say that the lip balm delivers what it promises. I use this on my lips on the days when I am at home or at night and it keeps my lips soft. Ok, there is probably another thing. The product is moisturizing but it sits on the lips. Well, this is a problem I face with every other lip balm I have tried (including Vaseline, Nivea and Baviphat) so I wouldn't say this lip balm fails on this point. And, of course, you have to apply it every time you eat or drink anything otherwise it stays for minimum of 3-4 hours. But, this lip balm doesn't dry the lips like some others do. And, this smells really awesome. But, the smells lingers on for a long time after you have applied so if you have a sensitive nose then it might irritate you after a certain while. And, regarding the quantity, it will last a long time.        

 

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a good lip balm to keep the lips soft and to prevent chapped lips problem.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

I was sent a small sample of this tonic some time back and I had reviewed it here. At that time, I had mentioned that the toner was heavy for my skin and probably a spray bottle would be helpful in controlling the amount of the product applied. So, consequently, Louise sent me the spritzer to try out. I have been using the spritzer since almost a month and I would like to update my experience accordingly. Before I write the review, I would like to mention this review is not for the benefit of the brand. Instead, I had missed out on certain salient points of the product in my earlier review so including them and sharing my experience with the spritzer. Check out the toner at the website.    

Ingredients

My Experience

Ok, so I have never used a toner before except for rose water. So, using this toner was very new for me and since I used it from the bottle directly, it always resulted in usage of more product and consequently it became very heavy for my skin. Using the spritzer was also a challenge for me in the starting coz I always used to spray it more thinking this little amount wouldn't be enough for the skin. But, controlling my urge, I gradually found out that only 3 sprays are more than enough for my face. And, after letting it dry for 2-3 minutes and following with Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer, my skin was extremely soft and looked radiant. I then used the toner with other products like Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream and Varnya and the result was equally good.

Now, coming to other aspects of the toner. The toner is alcohol free and is full of natural ingredients like aloevera and natural Vitamin E. The consistency of this toner is almost like water and gets absorbed into the skin very quickly and keeps the skin supple. So, if I compare the ingredients of this toner with others available in the market, I would definitely go for this one even though the price is a bit on the higher side. Also, the toner would last quite a long while coz you need just 3-5 sprays at a time. One can use the spritzer during hot summer months to keep the face fresh and radiant or during air travel where moisture is sucked out due to the air conditioning. I had found other reviews about this toner and found them to be quite favorable and one lady had recommended this one for air travels specially. The toner fulfills the need for hydration of the skin without making it sticky if used int he right quantity. 

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely!!! I know its costly but it is worth it and lasts quite a long time. 

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration. 

READ MORE - Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

Face Pack for glowing skin {Reader's Tips}

Hey All!!! I thought I would be doing an MIA silently but it seems I can't stay away from this platform long enough :) So, today, I am posting a recipe for glowing skin from Puspendu from Kolkata.

Use 2tbsp full of ata(wheat flour)+ 1-2tsp full of lemon juice + raw milk (as much required to make a paste) and 2tsp beetroot paste (boil the beetroot and smash it) now make a fine paste using all these ingredients and apply it on your face and neck, keep it for 5-10 minutes and wash off...do it everyday...after 7 days you will feel the difference....hope to hear from you guys......see you!!!

Thanks a lot Puspendu for your kind words. They have made my really bad day and trust me, bad was worse than horrible today :) So, thanks a lot!!! And, I would try to try out this recipe soon.

READ MORE - Face Pack for glowing skin {Reader's Tips}

Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream {Product Review}

Night Creams are supposed to be contain rich and revitalizing nutrients for the skin so as to repair the damage done to the skin in the morning. So, let us see how this one fares.

Price: 90 INR for 25gms

Ingredients

xMy Experience

This small sample of 25gms was sent to me for review but you need so less to cover the face and neck that this tub would last me around two months if I use it regularly. The cream is light in consistency and not very thick and gets absorbed into the skin very easily. Now, it is very important to apply the right amount of the cream otherwise it will create a layer and sit on the skin and do nothing for the skin. One thing which is pretty noticeable after applying the cream is that the skin feels toned up. In the morning, you wake up with a very smooth and soft skin. I wouldn't say that it has any effect on the fine lines though coz I haven't seen any changes in them. 

My Recommendation

A good and inexpensive night cream for skin which just needs preventive measures not curative ones.     

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream {Product Review}

Classic Face Pack Remembered {DIY}

Ok, so, I am not sharing anything new today. But, just reminding you all of the classic face pack which costs a zilch and the results are far better than any pricy product and this one has the simplest of the ingredients and is an answer to almost all the skin problems. 

Ingredients

• Multani Mitti
• Curd / Yogurt

Method

Mix them both and apply the pack on the face. Wait for it to dry. It might take long time, though but the wait is worth it. So, try this on a day when you can laze around. In the mean time, keep two chilled tea bags with you and apply them to your eyes and relax. After the mask gets dry, wash it off and rinse your face with green tea (warm or cold, anything). 

Results

A really fresh, hydrated and supple skin is revealed. It brightens the complexion in an instant, controls oil production and removes the dead skin cells. Multani mitti is great for oily skin and curd is great for troubled skin. But, this mask doesn't dry the skin at all. But, if you have dry skin, make sure to include honey as a precaution. But, even dry skin people should use clay masks once in a while coz it detoxifies the skin. So, a face pack which answers all the troubles of your skin and this can be done every alternate day by oily, combination and normal skin people and once in a week by dry skin gals (or guys!!!).

READ MORE - Classic Face Pack Remembered {DIY}

Homemade Body Polish {DIY}

I have used this once till today and the results have been better than any scrub I have ever used. And, at a pinch of a price. 

Ingredients

• Salt (preferably any Dead Sea Salt, Rock Salt or Epsom Salt)


• Sugar (preferably Cane Sugar or Jaggery)


• Honey

Method 

Mix salt and sugar in equal quantities enough for the entire body and mix them in honey to make a gooey paste. After your shower, scrub or polish your skin with this mixture until the salt and sugar dissolve which will take some time. If you still have time and mood on hands, leave it ont he skin for 15-30 minutes in a hot bathroom. Wash off and follow with moisturizer. 

Results

Amazingly soft skin and the difference is very much visible in one time. When I tried it out, my friend couldn't stop raving about my skin and asked me what did I do. I used this on the face too. And, my skin was glowing literally. And, as I am writing this, I feel like going and doing this again. 

Skin Type

Not for sensitive skin (might irritate) and for people suffering from breakouts. Also, make sure you don't have any wounds or cuts anywhere on your body coz you are using salt.Otherwise, all skin types can use this polish from dry to oily.

READ MORE - Homemade Body Polish {DIY}

Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Facewash {Product Review}

This is one of my few products from Lakme. I am not much fan of it but then who can resist interesting colors and new products. So, the color of the packaging is really nice. 

Price: 80 INR for 50 gms

Ingredients

My Experience

This is a normal face wash. Foams a lot so a tiny bit is enough. I have a combination skin and this one doesn't really dry the skin nor does it make it oily but the oil returns within an hour of washing the face so not much help there. Regarding the fairness claim, I would say that it instantly brightens the face and the brightening effect doesn't really go away so if you regularly use it, you might find the face is little brightened. But, as to the fairness claim, it doesn't really lighten the skin tone in case you are wondering. And, it doesn't even remove tanning which is even worse. So, it is a normal face wash which can be used without much expectations and it is costlier than the other brands like Ponds and Himalaya so one can give it a skip too. 

One positive thing about this face wash is that it doesn't have SLS / SLES which is a good thing but it really foams a lot so if you are looking for a less foamy face wash, this wouldn't be of much help. Btw, another great thing is that it doesn't leave any film on the skin like some cleansers and face washes. And, I have stayed without applying moisturizer in a humid place for almost two weeks without applying any moisturizer and my face didn't really feel dry or stretchy. 

A very big disadvantage is that it is not travel-friendly. No, I am not talking about the size but the face wash leaks!!! Yeah, I did realize it when I saw that the face wash was coming on to the cap and some of it was oozing outside and then I had to keep it in a plastic cover to save my other things but that's a very big disadvantage for people who travel constantly. Well, this might be just my face wash problem or this might apply to the entire packaging which I am not too sure. 

My Recommendation

You are not missing out something if you pass on this one.

READ MORE - Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Facewash {Product Review}

Episoft Cleanser {Product Review}

This post is more of a recommendation than a review. 

I don't have a HG face wash so I do keep experimenting and if someone asks me to recommend some, I would say Episoft cleanser which I have used and have discontinued using coz of its cost and availability issues but it is really good and better than Cetaphil actually and I am speaking for this coz I have used both of them and have seen the difference. So, in case you are in search of a good face wash, you can try it out. 

Regarding the cost, both cetaphil and Episoft cost the same. 

The cleanser is really light weight and non-greasy and leaves the skin just as it is (not dry or oil but clean). I have compared their ingredient lists too and did find that the Episoft ingredient list was better and gentler. And, comparing the cleansers, Episoft is gentler. I have used some 2-3 bottles of this cleanser on and off where as I have used Cetaphil only once and never went back to it. 

Regarding the availability, you can ask for it at Apollo pharmacy and they will definitely get it for you in case you do not get it at other drug stores. They might or might not have stocked it so that it a hitch in being regular with this cleanser. 

One more thing I would add is that I had this cleanser prescribed by a dermatologist whom I didn't much like and she had prescribed this one for my dry skin problem on my hands which had developed weird dry patches. When I used this cleanser over those patches, the condition normalized gradually in sometime so I can safely say that it is a damn good cleanser for people with such issues.

READ MORE - Episoft Cleanser {Product Review}

Steam and Skin {Skin Care}

Of course, you must have heard that steaming is amazing for your skin. Well, yes, it is. Why? It deep cleanses the skin by removing the dirt from the pores. One can make the steaming process exciting by adding herbs to it like tea tree oil for acne prone skin, eucalyptus oil for people prone to headaches and cold or even tea leaves for a simple refreshing feeling or you can give yourself an aromatherapy session by adding essential oils to the water. Apart from just simply hydrating the skin, the essential oils would also work on your skin and provide various benefits depending on the ones you have used. But, there is a time limit for the steaming process too. 

Dry Skin: 1-2 minutes (at max 3)

Normal / Combination Skin: 5 minutes

Oily Skin: 10-15 minutes (depending on the dirt clogged in your pores)

Now, one more thing to remember is that steaming your face is not a routine work. It is a therapy and like all therapies, it should be done regularly for maximum results but not daily. 

Dry Skin: once in 2 weeks

Normal / Combination Skin: once in a week

Oily Skin: at max. twice in a week

The reason why I have combined normal and combination skin is because of the fact that combination skin has both dry and oily areas. So, if taken for less time, the dirt and oil in the clogged pores wouldn't clean well and if taken for more time, it will lead to patchy areas. 

Beware of taking steam more often than necessary. Why? Excess of everything is bad and excess of steaming will cause your skin to become dry and dry skin is more prone to aging. Regular steaming is advisable for clearer skin. So, stick to the time lines and be regular to reap the benefits. 

One more word of caution for people under 25 who think they have not yet reached the age of aging. Aging is a process and not an age. It can begin at any time depending on various factors like your hormonal balances, your diet, your skin care routines, medicines and supplements taken by you and finally on the environmental factors like sun, rain, wind, pollution, dirt, time spent in air conditioned environments and dependency on technology and gadgets. So, if you think that since your skin is not aging right now, a little deviation form the skin routine is possible. Think again. Everything you do with your skin will show once you reach the age of 35. So, it is best to start taking care of it at whatever age you are.

READ MORE - Steam and Skin {Skin Care}

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer {Product Review}

The moisturizer is supposed to be followed after the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth and Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. Before starting on with the review, I would like to say that my skin reacts very differently to the moisturizers as opposed to other skin care products. They either make me sweat or leave me dry. I don't know why my skin behaves so errant in case of moisturizers. You must have seen a conspicuous absence of reviews on moisturizers except Dabur Gulabari which I liked more as a hand cream and Auravedic Facial Skin Repair Moisturizing Lotion which suited me quite well but only after quite a few hit and trials as I have mentioned in my review.

And, to write this review, I have taken almost a month because I was confused whether I liked the product or not. Many hit and trials were again in the order because I simply didn't feel like writing it off and I sincerely believe that moisturizers are something you can't give an instant opinion on. Kindly check for the prices and other product information on the Liz Earle website. And, I am also very grateful to Andrea for being so patient with me and allowing me so much of time to post my opinion on the product.

Ingredients

I have the smaller sample version of 15ml so the ingredients are not listed. So, I shall just mention the ones which are key ingredients: Borage and Avocado Oil, Echinacea, Beta-Carotene and Natural Vitamin E.

My Experience

I have the moisturizer suitable for combination/oily skin. Since I have told that the skin tonic was too heavy and felt sticky on my skin, so when I followed the moisturizer, my skin had become sticky and oily. And, to top it, I had taken out a very huge quantity of the product so overall, my first time was a disaster. Then, in the consequent uses, I understood that only a half pea size amount of the product is actually necessary for the entire face and neck. But, I could still not continue using the moisturizer on the skin tonic. So, I started using it with simple green tea. I sprayed green tea on my face and followed up with the moisturizer.

It felt very light on the skin and not at all sticky. It made my skin soft and supple and kept it that way till the next wash whether applied in the morning or at night. I am not sure of the repair it had done on my skin coz my skin is just as it was. But, probably it did preserve my skin coz lately I haven't been eating and sleeping properly at all (which is a very bad thing!!!) and still my skin feels soft and chubby like it was. But, the fine lines under my eyes are just like they were and not sleeping properly is not really helping them so I am not going to blame the moisturizer for that. Though, I had the oily skin variant of the moisturizer but I felt it was a little heavy for my skin otherwise nothing wrong with it. May be I am using a bit more than what I should.

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a nice moisturizer but price is a downfall!! And, you would love it once you come to know the amount of moisturizer you need for your face and neck. A bit more and it will become heavy otherwise you wouldn't feel like you have applied anything on your skin which is something very few products can do.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer {Product Review}

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

So, this is the second step of the skin care routine to be followed after using the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. This tonic is just a toner for the skin. Kindly refer to the Liz Earle website for product information and the prices.

Ingredients

Since I received a 50ml sample size of the product, the ingredients are not listed on it. So, I'll just mention the key ingredients here: Organic Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose-scented Geranium, Cucumber and Natural Vitamin E.

My Experience

Well, I have never used any commercial toners from the market except rose water So, I have no idea how they actually work. But, I really prefer them to be watery and hydrating instead of sticky. So, when I was going to use this, I was pretty excited. But, when I started using it, I found out that it was too heavy for my skin. I tried using the moisturizer right away, I let it dry completely before using it, but whatever I do, it made my skin really sticky so I didn't understand what to do. Then, I decided it wasn't for me. Then, finally one day, I used a lesser amount of toner than I usually used and the product got easily absorbed into my skin without any stickiness. But, still, I felt as if there was something on my skin. And, it made the moisturizer also sticky, unfortunately :( And, I also noticed that my skin was getting oilier much sooner after using this toner. 

On the good side, it smells awesome and I guess it will suit dry skin very well. But, I wish it had been more watery and light on the skin. But, (its my personal opinion) a product shouldn't become too heavy for the skin just coz you have applied a little more quantity. And, there was a little problem with the fact that the bottle has a very small mouth so if I have to soak a cotton, every time excess amount of toner used to come so it was just impossible to use a less amount. A spray would be a better way to market this product. And, Liz Earle does have it in the spray form also. So, I think that the spray packaging would make sure only enough quantity is distributed on the face and not more making it easy to use.

My Recommendation

I give this product a benefit of doubt. But, make sure you read other reviews which are quite positive about the product here and here. It might just be the case that the product didn't suit my skin. 

PS: Product send by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser {Product Review}

This is a small bottle which you get free on the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sun block.

Price: 80 INR for 50ml

Ingredients

Only 3 ingredients which is quiet a change from the long list we generally see and it does have SLS

My Experience

They have tried to make it smell a little citrous.So, first concern which may arise for everyone is the presence of SLS. After all, it is on the top of the list and with only 3 ingredients, I would say its quiet a unique product. I have been using this product since probably a month and only half of it is finished as you can in the first pic. Now, one thing I would mention is that even though it has SLS, it doesn't lather as much as the shampoos and other face washes. It lathers quiet less and cleans rather thoroughly. I have one complain with this face wash that I always feel it leaves a film on my face which I hate completely but it has never made my skin dry or stretchy. Instead, the face does look a little brightened and fresher. And, now the best part of this face wash, since it claims to do deep cleansing of the pores, it actually stands true on the claims. I would say that my blackheads have reduced quiet a lot and recurred less since I have started using this face wash regularly which is more than I can say for nay other face wash. It is for normal to oily skin so yes it suit my combination skin well. And, it is quiet affordable and lasts long.

My Recommendation

It is a good cleanser for oily skin with a lot blackheads trouble. Not for dry skin at all.

READ MORE - Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser {Product Review}

Franc Essential Exfoliate and Serum {Product Review}

Why did I club these two and those two in the earlier post. Simple reason, I loved these samples. The problem with earlier samples was that they are products which you need to use consistently to judge them where as in the case of Exfoliate, it is a scrub which I have used twice on face and loved it (still left for 1-2 more uses) and in case of Serum, I have been using it since a week and some more is left (might last for another week). So, I have used enough of both of these products to say that they are really worth it. 

Franc Essential Exfoliate

Ingredients

My Experience

This scrub is a creamy scrub which has fine bamboo as scrub granules. Well, to think of it, it does sound very harsh coz bamboo is wood, right. And, frankly, when you use it, it does give a feel like that. But, the scrub is really gentle and can be used on the face without any worries. I have combination skin but I could use it without any breakouts or anything. And, the result is a really soft skin which was never a result of other normal scrubs available in the market. And, the face doesn't feel dry or stretchy and there is no product left on the face. And, while using this scrub, it gives more of a massage to the face. Overall, my experience with this small sample was amazing and I fell in love with it so much that I did not feel like wasting it by using on my hands coz you need more of the quantity na :D

Franc Essential Serum

Ingredients

My Experience

This is almost like an oil but only gets absorbed into the skin very easily and very quickly. The ingredients as you can see are all oils. The color of this serum is red with a slight orange and it smells really weird but has a sweet hint in it. You can make out very easily that it is an amalgamation of so many things and its amazing. I have been using it since a week every night. Now, my first impression was that the serum would be some what gel-like in texture so when I opened the sample, a lot of serum came into my hand. Of course, I could not pour it back into the sample coz it would have simply spilled so I used all the serum on my face and neck. Obviously, my face became a lot oily coz I could use that much quantity of serum (which fell in my hand) for probably a week to 10 days but my face did not becomes overburdened with the serum or the moisturizer I followed with. You need only 3-5 drops per application and I apply the serum only at night as a revitalizing treatment before applying the moisturizer (Serum is applied before the moisturizer as it is a hydrating treatment generally and also has anti-aging effects). So, my face was so soft and tightened (not that I have a loose face but you can see when the face is toned up nicely) and supple and really hydrated the next morning. I was cautious since the next time while taking out the serum and I have found that the application of this serum improves the performance of the moisturizer too. And, the face doesn't become sticky or heavy or anything like that. I would say this is just amazing!!!

My Recommendation

Of course, you would have guessed by now that I love both of these products so I would obviously recommend them to you. Kindly go to the Franc Essential website and check out the prices and their product range.

PS: Samples provided by the brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Franc Essential Exfoliate and Serum {Product Review}

Franc Essential Cleanse and Body Melt {Product Review}

I will be talking of two products today and I will be writing about the remaining two in the next post. I received a sample each of all the four (above pic) so this won't exactly be a review. Instead, I would describe my limited experience with the samples. Lets start with the Cleanse and wrap up with Body Melt. Do visit their online store to check out their other products. They do have an interesting range of products and their ingredient lists are worth a look (almost natural).

Franc Essential Cleanse

Ingredients

My Experience

I have used this cleanser only two times. The first time I used I felt it to be a little drying for my skin but the feeling did not recur after the second use. It takes away all the impurities and cleanses well and I found that it need not be followed with a face wash like some cleansers do. But, I felt a very faint feeling that probably it leaves behind a film which I never like in my product so I always use a face wash to get rid of the effect. Otherwise, it left my skin supple and soft both the times and also did a little brightening job. It doesn't feel heavy and it did suit my combination skin.   

Franc Essential Body Melt

Ingredients

Full of Cocoa and Shea Butters

My Experience

I have used the body melt mainly for my hands and legs. I found it to be a bit hard to take out from the sample first of all. It is a thick cream and requires a lot of rubbing in the skin to get absorbed as opposed to its name. It didn't definitely melt on my body but the amount was less so I can't give a judgement on the product. It moisturized my skin well but it took a lot of time to get absorbed and later (around after half hour) my skin felt soft but till then the cream felt a little heavy for me on my hands but it was great for the legs. This product is mainly for dry skin as it is extremely creamy and moisturizing.

PS: Product provided by the brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Franc Essential Cleanse and Body Melt {Product Review}