Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel with Spf20

Price: Rs.285/- for 100ml 

Kolkata is so hot and humid right now, that even my trusted Neutrogena ultra sheer drytouch sunblock gets uncomfortable and sticky after a while. It's still my favourite for cooler or more comfortable weather. My summer saviour is usually the Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Matte Gel sunscreen. But I gave it to mom. 

I almost repurchased the Lotus one when this super cute cyan coloured tube popped up. An Aloe Vera sunscreen gel sounded just perfect to me. 

The colour is sooo cute, my babe thinks it's his toy! I have to keep it hidden from him!

Now for a little backend info:

SPF protect our skin only from UVB rays. For UVA protection look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the ingredients because these protect against the full spectrum of UVA rays. So make sure your sunscreen/sunblock protects you from both UVA and UVB.

Ideally, higher the SPF, your skin is protected longer and better. But contrary to common belief, it is not always advisable to use an SPF higher than 50 on a regular basis. Very simply, higher the SPF, higher protection at a cost of more chemicals.

Also fair skin is more susceptible to the harmful rays and chemicals resulting into skin damage. The darker skin suffer less skin damage (comparatively) due to higher melanin pigment.

Now, by thumb rule, if my skin starts getting damaged or tanned after staying in the sun for 20 mins, an SPF 20 will protect my skin 20 times more. Hence 400 mins i.e for 6.6 hours. And one needs to re-apply sunscreen anyway if you sweat or wipe your face. So I don't see the point of using higher SPF on a daily basis and subjecting my skin to more chemicals, when I am protected for 6 hours approx or I have to anyways re-apply my sunscreen when I'm out 'coz i'm continuously wiping my face. Do I make sense?

Coming back to this product.

1) Meant for Oily and acne prone skin.

2)This serves both my purpose of aloe vera gel and sunscreen.

3) Super light on the skin. Immediately soaks into the skin.

4) Non-sticky and matte finish once absorbed.

5) Did not break me out

6) Can be applied under makeup.

7) Does not make my skin oily.

8) Pocket friendly

  

Putting it straight, I LOVE this sunscreen. It checks all the boxes. Can't get over how cute it looks.  Will definitely repurchase  this for daily use. However in case of a holiday or somewhere out where you know the sun will hit you hard, I'd suggest a sunblock with higher Spf. Neutrogena drytouch and Lotus Herbals safe sun matte gel still topping the list for Higher SPF.   

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Have you used this? Which sunscreen are you using this summer?

Love, 

SS 

My everyday Skin Care Routine for Winters!

Hey There! 

Kolkata is perfect right now. Perfect chill in the weather. Not too cold but cold enough. And this obviously demands a change in the skincare/haircare/clothes and practically everything. 

My skin loves the cold… it behaves itself, it’s not angry or grumpy. (Of course minus the mood swings during PMS times )

Thankfully the routine I’ve been following since a month is working well for me. Touch wood…  And I hope this helps you some way…

My Skin type- Unpredictable. Combinational. Ultra Sensitive. 

Hence i'm trying to make a consious effort to use products with less alchohol and parabens.

Skincare routine

Step I-

 I use Johnson’s Baby Oil as a makeup remover/cleanser. And it works beautifully! It breaks down every bit of the makeup. It works on waterproof mascaras Like. A. Boss.

I’ve literally forgotten about my Loreal makeup remover after using this. I’m not even tempted to use that or anything else for that matter.

 Does not irritate my eyes. Does not break me out.

I know a lot of you’ll be thinking…”Girl! That baby oil has mineral oil in it!.”  Yeah. I know. With regards to the debate whether mineral oil is good or bad, I think it's all a MYTH. If it’s good enough for a baby…it’s damn well good enough for me.

Anyhow here are a few links you can check out and make up your own mind.

https://askanesthetician.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/why-does-mineral-oil-get-such-a-bad-rep/

http://skincare.about.com/od/skin101/tp/Skincare-Myths.htm

Basically I believe if a product works for you… Use it. It’s not necessary that a natural product won’t break you out. It’s all about what works for YOU. Individually.

Price:  50ml ; MRP: Rs.48/-

Step II-

After I’ve scrubbed the oil out of my face, along with the dirt and all, with cotton, I use my Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash. It does not foam too much. And I like that for the colder season. The foaming face washes dry out my skin too much. Just finished my Neutrogena Clean Facial cleanser (Look out for my empties post for this quarter). Love it. Also Clean and clear facial wash has been my staple since like…ever! (Do you realise my mental affiliation towards Johnson & Johnson related products)

Price: 250ml ; MRP: Rs.695/- 

Step III-

After I’ve dried my face with a clean towel, I use The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner. Just a few drops on cotton suffice. 4 drops, to be exact, for my face and 2 drops for my neck. It soothes my skin and removes any remaining dirt on the face (Believe me even after all those previous steps the cotton turns out dirty :\)

Initially I didn’t realize the importance of this step. But before, I would get these acne kind bumps on my face. Not really acne or pimples. It did not hurt or itch, nor did they turn into white heads. The skin specialist said it was kind of an allergic reaction to something.

But since I started using this toner, the bumps (I don’t know what to call them!) have visibly lessened. Toner majorly helps to maintain the PH level of the skin and calms down the irritations. Now someone with a normal skin type might not realize the difference after using a toner. But those with sensitive skin, I’ll urge you to start using a toner. Start with rose water. Use it religiously twice a day, if you don’t want to invest in something costly.

Price – 200ml ; MRP: Rs.795/- 

A 200ml bottle is going to last me forever!

Step IV-

I let the toner set and dry for 4-5 mins. During daytime on weekdays when I have to go to work I put on my Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry touch Sunblock, over it.  

At night or during the day when I’m home, after the toner dries, I then apply the Aloe Soothing cream. Just a pea sized amount is enough for the whole face and neck. This range also has a night cream. But this is moisturizing enough for me. Need to be a little careful since excess makes the face oily. But that's ok for the night when I'm retiring to bed anyways.

Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry touch Sunblock Price- 88ml; MRP:Rs.499/-

TBS aloe Soothing cream Price- 50ml ; MRP: Rs.995/- 

STEP V-

I then apply the Vitamin E Eye cream under my eyes and on my eye lids. This I apply only at night while I’m retiring to bed. Keeps the eye area super moisturized. Claims to reduce appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Everything that I need.

Honestly I still don’t know if it’s working or not. But I know it's an essential for the longer run and I’m a hopeless optimist.

Price- : Rs.995/- My Buy: Rs.746/- ; 25%OFF

Step VI-

When I’m all moisturized and squeaky clean, I finally dab on some lip balm and I’m done!

So that's my routine and has been helping me for quite sometime...

*What do you think works for you best? *