Empowering women. Brutally honest. Love science
Today’s topic personally affects me, and I was in two minds about writing this post. However, if I do not speak for myself, companies and two-a-penny social influencers have taken it upon themselves to be my mouthpiece. The falsetto tones
I’m back from my summer hibernation. I’d be overjoyed if this break from work had left me (miraculously) rejuvenated and spiritually replenished. It has not. Instead as my rose tinted glasses shatter, I am rudely brought back to reality and
There is at my core, a deep-seated desire to return to “normality.” I long for the days when I could walk the streets of New York with the Saks sale being my only preoccupation. I even miss aimlessly wandering around
I am taking the month off to do absolutely nothing. Yes, just as the lockdown begins to unwind and our lives return to some semblance of normality, I, decide to take time off. I assure you it is not at
I will be applying this test From the product list of ingredients, I’ve identified only Glycyrrhiza Glabra root extract or Licorice extract as a skin lightener. Licorice extract is one of the safest skin lightening agents with few side-effects. (see
No harmful chemicals that I look for are present in this product. Frankly, the first time I read the product list, I was underwhelmed. It is quite a short list of ingredients for a Korean product and I didn’t identify
This is one of innisfree’s brightening creams. Like other South Korean brand’s it has a really long list of ingredients that are mainly “actives.” An active ingredient, is supposed to do something to your skin. E.g., Niacinamide as an active,
ANEW is Avon’s contribution to fairness creams. Its Rs 1,500 and find out if you should buy it.
According to the label, this is an “intense hydrating night cream.” I will be applying this test. There are no harmful chemicals present that I look for. Q2) Are skin lightening ingredients present? (Q3) Strategy for skin lightening? Whitening ingredients
I will be applying this test Q1) Are harmful chemicals present? Yes. This fairness cream contains parabens, which I avoid. Parabens are cheap and effective preservatives that are endocrine system disruptors (estrogen mimickers). (See also Chemicals to Avoid – Parabens). If you
This is the “White Perfect” night cream from L’Oreal.
Pond’s have added this relatively cheap BB cream that offers everything: fairness, SPF protection and is a BB cream…
Product review of India’s No 1 fairness cream. This has been around since 1975 so let’s find out what the fuss is about.
Review of Olay White Radiance, one of many whitening products produced by Olay.
This product advertises itself as a “Japanese Sakura Skin Whitening creme.” The temptation is to believe that a singular Japanese sourced ingredient, Sakura is responsible for skin lightening. This is not the case and Lotus have created a very standard
Product review of Unilever’s fairness cream, Citra Pearl Fair
This product is Made in India by Neutrogena and has an SPF. Surprisingly, no Oxybenzone, which Neutrogena sunscreens in the US frequently use.
I will be applying this test This is an unashamedly simple product. It has no harmful chemicals that I look for and therefore all that remains is to highlight the ONLY skin lightener in this product: Niacinamide. Niacinamide is present
This product has to be one of the cleverest products I have reviewed in a while. Find out why.
I will be applying this test: Q1) Are there harmful chemicals contained in this product? Some of the harmful chemicals I look for include parabens and this contains, methyl- and propyl- paraben. Parabens – are cheap and effective preservatives that
Review of kaya’s white lumenis skin lightening product
Product review of an absolute radiance whitening cream
This product says its designed to “promote fairness & Sun Block.” Today, I won’t hold the appalling grammar against this company. I would only stress to you that there is no chemical or sunscreen that makes you 100% resistant to
I will be applying this test to check whether you should purchase this product or not: Harmful chemicals? This contains both methyl- and propyl- paraben. I am not a fan of parabens (see Chemicals to Avoid – Parabens) and therefore,
As I write this blog, my energy in investing in this troubling line of argument wanes. At its core, it reflects two of my own character weakness. First, I am unashamedly a people pleaser of the highest order. Second, as
Note on BlackLivesMatter A few readers have asked why I have not written in support of BlackLivesMatter or why my social media does not carry a black post. In the final year of my law degree (I was 20) I
This is one of Garnier’s fairness creams that occupies every pharmacy and mom & shop in India. Should you be rushing out to buy it?
This is a popular product for skin whitening. Should you be buying it?
In today’s blog, I’ve encapsulated everything I wish I had known before I started to used my nuface device
After the success of the 111 Eye Mask, will a full face mask deliver an excellent result?
In the ordinary course of my routine, I don’t use eye masks. However, my experience with Skyn Iceland’s eye masks was so positive that I ordered these. Of course, both brands are competing in different markets. Skyn Iceland’s eye masks
Glutathione is a fabulous anti-oxidant. Its found in all her cells. Should we be taking it intravenously to lighten skin?
I have a love-hate relationship with Kiehl’s. Some of their products I really love…at the moment, I am using their Butterstick Lip treatment, a product which I don’t know how I managed to survive without. However, I dislike the fact
Introduction Indian cosmetic companies don’t make a lot of ready to use masks. Ordinarily, a face mask is some type of semi-solid powder. Nine out of ten times this is ubtan, which you take home and make a paste out
In my previous blog, “How does a cleanser work?” I have indicated that cleansers by necessity can and do, damage your skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier is characterised by some/all of these: Tightness (especially after washing) Roughness Dryness Skin
In today’s blog, I’ll be considering the skin lightening ability of turmeric and saffron. Unless you have been living in an igloo off Greenland along with a few endangered species, you will have heard of at least one of these.
Azelaic Acid has been used as a prescription grade treatment mainly for melasama, acne and roseacea. However, recently you may have noticed the plethora of products that contain Azelaic Acid ranging from The Ordinary’s 10% Azelaic Acid to Paula’s Choice
Before I started researching this blog, I wrote out everything I knew about sandalwood. As you can see, it would neatly fit onto a matchbook: Grows in Australia and India Possibly the plant equivalent of an endangered species (?) Used
This is the number one bestselling sunscreen on Amazon UK. Should this sunscreen be part of your sunscreen stable?
Product review of the new kid on the block with a tan accelerator
I have received feedback that I am too harsh on Forest Essentials. I don’t think so. It’s a brand that sells itself as a luxury brand (reflected in the price, packaging, and the purchasing experiencing) as well as expertise. The
This is the second product form lixirskin that I am trying out. Its an exfoliating clay mask thing. Confused yet?
This is a quick morning mask that contains 10% Vitamin C. It promises to protect and correct in one…
How make up is priced is becoming a firm favourite amongst all of you. Enjoy!
The trade names “Dermawhite HS”, “Vegewhite” or my favourite, “Melarrest” are all trade name mixtures where the principal skin lightener is kojic acid. Kojic Acid is a natural agent that’s obtained from koji malt, which has been used for the
How is licorice extract – what we know as a sweet – a skin lightener?
The origin of the words Aloe Vera is majestic. Aloe vera derives from “Allaeh” (an Arabic word that means “shining bitter substances”) and “Vera” (Latin word that means “true”) (Sánchez et al). If you live in a hot and dry
This is a US$ 70 face mask. It’s Made in the USA, but it would appear that the product raw materials are entirely sourced from the Founder’s family farm/estate in India. I can’t help but visualise this as Tata Harper’s
Mulberry or Morus Alba extract is an exceedingly common ingredient that’s used in skin lightening products.
I am product testing a plant based collagen face mask. This is my first such mask and I am excited!
I have written endlessly about the benefits of Vitamin C. I am a fan. Is it also a skin lightener?
This is a lavender to green colour changing Vitamin C mask. I am excited to try this sustainable science experiment in a tube.
Which is the most expensive eyeshadow palette that you can buy? I assure you, its not what you think it is.
Have you ever thought of buying lipstick that offers value for money? If not, why not…?
This is a USD 80 honey gel mask. I have noticed that honey masks are expensive and I am curious to understand the justification for the high price point.
I am product testing an at home clay mask that takes the novel format of a rubber gel that sets on your face. You peel off the mask to reveal a new you?
This is Part Two on Niacinamide. In Part One, (LINK attached here), I outlined why Niacinamide is important to energy storage in our bodies and how it is a skin lightener. Today’s blog outlines the functions of Niacinamide There is
Niacinamide is not an ingredient that you would associate with skin lightening, so find out why its so prevalent in products.
Introduction I love how the lockdown has allowed nature, especially wildlife, to reclaim (albeit temporarily) spaces that they were hitherto precluded from. My favourite are the Welsh mountain goats doing the rounds of the BBC. However, these peacocks strutting around
Similar to my previous blog covering sunscreens that were available for sale in India, I undertook this exercise for Sephora USA…
This blog summarises my top choices of sunscreens from Nykaa.
I sometimes wonder why sunscreen makers need to make multiple sunscreens, when they have a perfect product already. Let’s find out.
Despite all the fuss around K-beauty, this is one of the few South Korean sunscreens that make it to Nykaa’s bestseller list.
One of the final products on Nykaa’s best selling sunscreens is Clinique’s SPF 50, which appears to be the same formula that is also sold in the USA.
This is Kiehl’s Mineral sunscreen which provides extensive broad spectrum coverage. Its the same/similar formulation to the Made in USA Kiehl offering. Should you buy it?
I had almost forgotten this product was a sunscreen as I was so taken by its self-professed “anti-pollution” benefits.
This is an inexpensive sunscreen (Rs 515 for 30ml). It’s interesting, that Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreens are a combination of low and high priced items.
A 21.6% Zinc Oxide formulation is (literally) the American way to make sunscreen. I’m not surprised this product finds itself on Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreens.
This is an American brand sunscreen that is on average, 30 percent cheaper in the USA. As much as possible, it makes sense to buy this outside India.
A massive difficult for acne prone skin is finding non-comedogenic sunscreen. It’s unsurprising that this oil-free sunscreen is in Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreen list.
Lotus Herbals make cheap sunscreens. Having reviewed over 80% of Lotus Herbals’ sunscreen range last year, I am intrigued to see if absolutely anything about this sunscreen brand has changed.
This is a revised formulation of Lakme’s sunscreen and it does merit a separate review. Its also in Nykaa’s top 20 best selling sunscreens.
If you are wondering what this is doing on Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreen list – don’t worry, you are not the only one!
I reviewed this sunscreen last year and given its on Nykaa’s bestseller list I do feel compelled to revisit this product.
This sunscreen is one of the most expensive sunscreens on Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreen list. Should you fork out additional cash for this?
The price of this sunscreen is INR 350 for 200ml, which makes this one of the cheapest sunscreens on Nykaa’s bestselling sunscreen list.
This is an expensive sunscreen but it is still within Nykaa’s bestseller list. This indicates to me, that Indians are willing to pay a high price if they believe a sunscreen works and/or is branded.
This product is a whitening cream that is also a sunscreen. In fact its a top-selling sunscreen on Nykaa. Does its dual function make a difference?
Clarins Anti-Pollution sunscreen is a best-selling sunscreen on Nykaa. If you are as baffled as I am, keep reading.
This is a best-selling sunscreen on Nykaa’s website. Pricewise, it is an absolute bargain. Should you rush online and purchase it now?
Never heard of Methylisothiazolinone? Don’t worry after reading today’s blog, you’ll be able to spell it backward.
Thalgo’s sun lotion appears to be in the top 20 bestselling sunscreens on Nykaa. Find out if you should buy it.
Find out how I will decide which sunscreen to use from Nykaa and Sephora.
Understanding how melanin is made in our bodies forms the foundation of figuring out how good the ingredients are in your skin lightening product. But it starts with this super-geeky blog
Do you think that foundations and CC creams provide sufficient SPF coverage? Do you use a separate standalone sunscreen every day?
The foundation of any skin lightening or brightening product is the reduction of melanin in our skin. Does melanin play a photoprotective effect on our skin?
I am not at all using my lock-down to learn a new skill. I’m spending most of it window shopping. Find out what is on my list.
This is a Made in the UK brand that my mother has been using for a decade now. Should you rush out to buy it?
This is a 30 day product review of Shiseido’s Vital Perfection skin brightening and anti-aging product line.
This is the final instalment in the product review of Forest Essential’s eyecream. Find out if our test subject will be repurchasing this product.
Product review of Forest Essentials’ sun fluid. Will this be a Forest Essential product that delivers?
COVID-19 throws in sharp focus the things that we do not need. These are a few that I definitely never need.
I don’t like fashion magazines. They feed into my deep-seated insecurities, most notably that I am overweight (which I am) and that everything I own indisputably belongs to a museum. Irrespective of the season, I always come away thinking this
This post brings to your attention the work of a wound care practitioner on how to protect wounds for frontline workers. I’ve followed up with barrier repair cream suggestions.
This blog outlines the benefits of using Gluconolactone
This blog outlines the benefits and side effects of using Mandelic Acid
This blog outlines benefits and side effects of using Salicylic Acid
In this blog I outline the benefits of using Lactic Acid and its side effects.
This blog addresses major benefits and side effects of using Glycolic Acid
If there is one blog you read on this subject, it should be this…
(All references supporting the acid series are available at this LINK) Introduction I am starting a new series on exfoliating acids, which I will admit, is a topic that’s been written to death by researchers, beauty influencers, product manufacturers and
What do you most need from a luxury shop? Find out what’s on my bucket list and why this is changing.
This is an organic calming/cleansing balm that has under ten ingredients, including unusually, yarrow.
Kama Ayurveda is one of the few Ayurvedic brands that lists all of its ingredients. Is this product worth buying?
The lockdown will be hard on everyone. You and me included. However, small businesses will only survive with our support.
Here are a few suggestions of treatments to try at home during the lockdown
This product is marketed as suitable for Indian skin tones. Should you buy it?
So many acids, so little time to apply all of them (unless its a lockdown). Which acids should you understand
Dear Peeps, Apologies for the radio silence and thank you for your concern. Contrary to the unmitigated desire of my life’s equivalent of Lady Voldemort, I do not have Covid-19, but I have been working on my coursework for my
It’s not always easy figuring out why certain products contain sunscreen filters, when evidently they are not sunscreens…
I am road-testing Shiseido’s Vital Perfection skincare range over a 30 day period.
This is the first product I am using from Biotherm, containing its Life Plankton™ ingredient. It promises perfectly smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.
This month I am very overwhelmed by factors that are outside my control (I will write a blog on that too!) And its at times like this, that I find solace in shopping for make-up. With the coronavirus in full
This is the second face mask I am using from fresh. Will I be impressed or disappointed?
This is the third set of face masks that I am reviewing from the same brand. Buy?
What does it mean to me to be British? What does it mean to be Indian?
Until recently I questioned the utility of marriage or just generally relationships. It may also have something to do with the fact that ONLY (a) married men who are of (b) Indian origin, were hitting on me. Unsurprisingly, my frame
My obligatory words on Women’s Day. #EachForEqual
This year, revisit your priorities before you attend a Holi party….
The second face mask from Skyn Iceland is a blue clay mask. Find out if it fairs better than the first mask.
This is the first “natural” product that I’ve used outside Forest Essential’s range. You’ll be pleased to hear that I paid the full retail price of GBP 21 for 30ml for this product. I purchased it from Space NK (and
Let’s find out if this is shockingly purple liquid removes eye make-up or not…
I love the vivid blue colour of this product. Is that enough to ensure it takes up permanent residency in my cleansing routine?
This is an oil free eye make up remover. In the absence of a solvent, this will always be a formulation that may not deliver results. Is this true here?
I’ve tested the normal (or I guess, completely oily version) of No 7’s eye make up remover. Does this live up to the high standards set by the original product?
Is this beautifully fragrant product any good?
I subject this to the forearm test. Find out if I’ll repurchase this product or not.
While I respect every readers decision to choose paraben containing cosmetics, I’m still going to inform you on latest scientific developments.
I unashamedly bought this in the winter sale at a discount – US$ 20 for 3 masks or US$ 7/mask. It retails at US$ 12/mask. This is a DIY rubber mask – its not literally made of rubber (because that’d
Find out if you should donate your money to charity or like me, buy this cleanser/face wash in the sale
This is the year’s first significant skincare launch, sold out within hours on cultbeauty…is it worth your attention?
This is an affordable favourite of Delhi dermatologists. Does it live up to the hype?
This is the seemingly endless sunscreen aisle of a CVS pharmacy in Manhattan. Sprays, sticks, aerosols in a ridiculous number of SPFs. It was as if I had landed in sunscreen heaven, or was it? Today’s blog has two parts.
There may be regulatory changes in sunscreen regulation in the USA and Australia. This brings to attention much focus on the question of whether or not the benefits of using sunscreen outweigh its disadvantages. Well you know what, let’s find out
This is a 30 day update of the Forest Essentials eye cream
Which micellar water should you pass on and which should you take home in a big truck?
Avene, a high street French brand, make excellent products, especially their sunscreen. Are they able to work the same magic for micellar waters?
Forest Essentials have made a 15 ingredient containing “Ayurvedic” micellar water that takes off make-up. Does it live up to its promise?
Bioderma is a popular French pharmacy brand and their micellar water populates every single drugstore I have been to in the past month. Is the product any good?
The rose fragranced micellar water is another French pharmacy brand. Is it any good?
Garnier products are everywhere and they are hard to avoid. Does the micellar water deserve space on your bathroom shelf?
I was excited to use Vichy, as its not always been as commonly available as it is now. Was I disappointed?
This is the first time I have seen a brightening micellar water and I am excited by it. But does it remove make-up?
The great thing about buying products in Dubai, is there so much choice and I normally wouldn’t use Uriage…But is it a worthy addition to my test group?
The first Uriage micellar water I tested was a resounding success. Is this the same?
Nivea was a staple of my childhood and let’s find out if it makes a re-entry into my adult hood/life (?) via this micellar water
This is the first British pharmacy micellar water that I have tested. On my mind is how it compares with its French counterparts.
The distinct oily layer above the water made me think of a cleaning oil and not a micellar water…
No assessment of micellar water would be complete without La Roche-Posay’s offering.
This is a British pharmacy brand – in fact, its a Boot’s brand as its made for them. Is it better than No 7 or Boot’s own label?
No 7 is Boot’s hugely popular brand, mainly because it has a kick-ass anti-aging cream. Does it bring the same level of excellence to this micellar water?
After 10 days of using the Forest Essential’s men’s range, we have had to put the brakes on our test….Find out why
I have used all 10 ampoules of the Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Radiance Skin Recharge system. Expectations are high and find out if the product delivered or not.
How does your facial cleanser work? Why does your skin feel tight or dry after you’ve washed it?
Happy Lunar new year! I’m sure many of you’d prefer to read just about the Coronavirus . Here is the WHO’s guidance. And now back to me. This month, I imagine that I’m in the top 0.01% wealthy elite, a
I am road-testing a 10 day radiance boosting system by Sarah Chapman
How do Forest Essentials’ blood orange hand products compare with La Roche-Posay’s skin barrier repairing cream?
In today’s blog, I’ll explain why you should ignore PA labels on Made in India sunscreens.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But it helps if you have been using a great eye cream
Thinking your skin is a complete lost case during the winter? You are not alone.
Should you change your cleanser in response to harsh winter conditions? Does your skin extra help during the blistering cold?
An unrelenting cold and harsh winter takes its toll on your skin. Find out what products to add to give your skin a fighting chance.
Welcome to 2020! The curated self-partner guide for January includes fragrances and books!
I’ve physically tested Forest Essential and Clinique products for several months. I’m uniquely qualified to tell you which products to invest in or avoid.
This is the 60 day update on the Clinique Vitamin C regime. Find out if its been worth my time or dime.
What am I buying in the sale now? Find out.
My much younger friend has immaculate skin but has recently had a baby. She feels as her skin is becoming “droppy” and has new brown spots. She desperately wants an eye cream too… In an ideal world, I would suggest
Arbutin is a skin whitener /lightener/brightener, depending on your political sensibilities. It comes in three forms: Beta, Alpa and Deoxy (the latter is not used in cosmetics). Beta Arbutin is found naturally in leaves and barks of plants and is
I am about to tackle skin lightening products and this is a controversial area. Here is my twopence.
Be kind to yourself and then think of jewellery. Happy shopping….
Have a break, have a giggle at my expensive. See how many of the same nonsensical beauty items you bought this year!
This is a hands on guide to buying and using your FIRST Vitamin C serum.
I present to you in the simplest manner that I know how, the 101 of Vitamin C derivatives. Not all the derivatives, just the most prevalent ones
Should you always look and pay for the highest percentage Vitamin C serum? Is there really a difference between 10% and 30%?
I have been using a 10% Vitamin C serum and Ascorbic Acid cleanser for the past month. Here are the interim results of the product test.
Out of six, I favour only 3 serums, as they’re backed by clinical data and a patent.
Celebrate your self-partner status, whether you are in or out of a relationship. Happy November!
If I have a ton of Vitamin C in my diet, is there any point to a topical treatment?
The purpose of today’s blog is to help you make minor changes to your diet to increase your Vitamin C content.
Have I survived Diwali to lose any weight at all?
Tips for looking after your skin during Diwali’s endless party season
60 day product test of Clinique only products. Excited about their 10% Vitamin C? So am I.
Looking for last minute Diwali gifts that show you care? Look no further.
This blog explains in the most basic terms why Vitamin C is still an oldie but goldie when it comes to skincare. Its nothing short of the Holy Grail of skincare
There are 70 days to the end of this decade. I will be honest. I haven’t fared as well as I thought I would at the start of this decade. In fact, that is the understatement of the century. The
Quick reference guide for sunscreens that everyone should have on their shelf.
This is a very reasonably priced, “Made in India” sunscreen, which has attractive packaging. Despite being Rs 599 for 100ml, I urge you to leave it in the shop.
At Rs 445 for 50g, this is a reasonably priced sunscreen. Should you buy it?
A “Made in India” sunscreen that comes so close to the finish line. At Rs 870 for 75ml, do I suggest you use it?
Made in India sunscreens claiming to be Boot’s 4 star rated. Priced at Rs 700 and Rs 900 for identical ingredients. Are they worth the price?
In this blog I explain exactly why I suggest Indians use an SPF 30 every day of the year. Is it much different to SPF 15?
Converting our knowledge of photoprotection into useful labelling on sunscreens in the US, EU and India.
Understanding country regulations and the claims that manufacturers can make on sunscreen labels, will help you buy the best sunscreen
As I approach my six month party, I could not help but notice how often I am asked about sunscreen. This blog is part of one of three in the Sunscreen reboot.
Neutrogena’s sunscreens use a combination, called Helioplex, to give broadspectrum coverage. The only problem is Helioplex contains Oxybenzone…
After looking at over 50 kid’s products in CVS pharmacy (a US pharmacy chain), I can happily slap on 3 products onto my imaginary child.
With so much choice in an American pharmacy, how do you choose the lowest cost sunscreen? Its not how you think.
Zinc Oxide is a broadspectrum filter that you should look for in your sunscreen. Its photostable and isn’t going to make its way through your dermal barrier.
Women, more so than any man I have met, doubt their own self-worth. I explore this issue with two recent incidents that I came home to.
In this blog, I share my key insights in using Forest Essential products for 4 months. Do you really need a physical exfoliator? How should you buy a new skincare regime?
This is part one of the final product review of the Forest Essentials products that I have been road testing.
Invited to a destination wedding this summer? Planning it for months? I speak from experience: you haven’t planned enough
Travelling for the summer? Read what I have been saving up to buy!
My next set of blogs will be on cleansers. Find out as much (or as little) as you want about surfactants!
This post outlines characteristics of different skin types. Find out how you can decide on your skin type.
High heels in the workplace are so common that no-one really thinks twice about them. Should we?
This is a one month review of Forest Essentials products. Find out if these products are worth your time or dime.
What is your skin barrier? Why is it important to product selection and is it really “golden?”
How should we cover the current achievements of successful women? Should glamorous professions be all we aspire to?
The retail price is £29 for 50ml.
It works out at INR 2,600 plus shipping to India. Give it a miss and save the shipping and taxes worthwhile
The retail price (at the time of writing) is INR 455 for 100g. This is at the low end for a surprisingly not hideous product.
Not a fan of this product. Contains Oxybenzone, which is a “no,no” for me. Priced very reasonably at INR750 for 100ml
This product is cheap at INR 265 for 50g. Its so tempting to buy this fancy sounding “YouthBoost” sunscreen gel creme. Trust me, just don’t.
This is a sunscreen that does not get the sunscreen 101 formulation correct. You don’t need to use it.
Retail price: INR 295 for 100g so is it really a bargain?
VLCC’s body lotion with SPF 25 is regularly sold as a buy 1 get 1 free, indicating the brand’s push into the market. Even at INR 399 for 400ml, please skip this product.
Household name L’Oreal Paris offers a blockbuster sunscreen. Does it tick all the correct boxes to be worthy of your shelf-space?
This is an SPF 30, PA+++ rated product. Retail price is INR 999 for 90ml, so at the mid-high end for Indian sunscreens. My verdict: Give this product a wide berth.
Banana Boat sunscreens are found in every supermarket and mom & pop store. Does the ubiquity of the product make it worth buying?
Avon Solutions sunscreen is a high price bracket sunscreen. Is it packed with quality ingredients or does it have other features that justify its price?
At INR 975 for 60ml, this is one of the pricier sunscreens. Price is not per se an issue if the product passes the sunscreen test.
Identical formulation of “baby” and “kid” sunscreens. Find out if ingredients are safe enough to use this formulation on your kid.
Infant and child sun protection is vital for kids in countries with intense UVR. Retail price is GBP 6.50 for 75ml. Despite being M&S its a “NO BUY” for me
My view: Give it a miss Retail price: Rs 335 for 100g or (USD 4.84 for 100g) Please also see Infant And Kids: A Short Guide To Sunscreen The product contains parabens and I would “give it a miss.” (Personally,
Guide to sunscreen protection for kids. Ingredients to look for on labels and from what age sunscreen should be applied
Product review of Lotus Herbals SPF 40 PA+++ (3-in-1 matte look daily sunblock), focussing on ingredient list. My view is give the product a miss
Should you ever buy a product that claims to be a UV screen and not a sunscreen? Should you buy such a product with NO UVA filters? No and no
Retail price is Rs 315 for 50g or USD 4.54 for 50g.
My view: Give it a miss
Does this sun screen provide you with adequate UVA and UVB protection? At Rs 300 for 50ml it is a steal.
Is this SPF 100+ PA+++ product worth buying?
MRP: Rs 795 for 30ml
My view: Give it a miss
Outline of new Forest Essentials regime (again), which I will road-test over an 8 week period. A bona fide FE Ayurvedic doctor recommended changes to my regime.
Review of Lotus Herbals Sun Block SPF 30 PA++
MRP: Rs 345 for 100g
My view: Give it a miss
Short guide on make up mistakes to avoid at an Indian wedding
An extremely popular Made in India sunscreen, that is reasonably priced (MRP: Rs 699 for 50ml), does not make the cut. My view: Give it a miss
Review of Lotus Herbals Sun Block Cream SPF 20 PA+
Retail price: Rs 299 for 100ml
My view: Give it a miss
Indian weddings are a melting pot of rituals, which reinforce a “status” based hierarchy of women, placing married women at the top and relegating single, widows, divorced to the bottom of the heap.
Update on the last fortnight of using Forest Essential products.
Probably the best ingredient list I have seen in a Made in India sunscreen. At Rs 749 it also is reasonably priced. Does it make the cut?
I will be honest, this is an expensive sunscreen at MRP 1,550 for 40ml. But it is one of the best sunscreens out there. Give it a try.
Could this be the first budget friendly sunscreen (MRP 650 for 50ml) that I have found?
Product review of dermalogica super sensitive shield SPF 30.
Retail price: Rs 3,800 for 50ml
My view: Give it a try BUT only if it also replaces your day cream.
Product review of VLCC De-Tan Sunscren Gel Creme SPF 50 PA+++.
Retail price: Rs 395 for 100g
My view: Give it a miss
Product review of innisfree daily UV protection cream SPF 35 PA++.
Retail price: Rs 700 for 50ml.
My view: Give it a miss.
Review of O3+ Dermal zone soothing gel cream SPF 30.
Retail price: Rs 650 for 50ml.
My view: Give it a miss.
Review of O3+ Dermal zone soothing gel cream SPF 30.
Retail price: Rs 1,050 for 50gm.
My view: Give it a miss.
This product is at the pricier end of the spectrum. It doesn’t matter. You should forgo those extra Starbuck lattes and invest in this product. (Retail price: Rs 1,447 for 50ml)
Retail price: Rs 2,400 for 30ml.
My view: Give it a miss.
Product review of seba med Multi-Protect Sun Lotion SPF 50+.
Retail price (revised): Rs 1,382 for 150ml
My view: Give it a try, as worth the investment.
European sunscreen – guide to understanding the gibberish
My sister pointed out that I may be too tunnel visioned in my approach to sun protection – I assume everyone is on the same page as I am. She has a point. We all heard others say, “skin cancer
21 day skin update. Using Forest Essentials’s skincare products.
In the introduction to this series (Chemicals to Avoid – Parabens), I wrote I’d periodically highlight chemicals we should avoid based on these guidelines: What is the primary use of the substance? How is the substance used in cosmetics/skincare/personal care
14 day update on using Forest Essentials’ skincare products
Need to remove every trace of Holi colours? Look no further then this post.
Parabens: this post outlines what their uses are and why you should avoid using cosmetic products containing them.
Short update on how my skin has fared with using Forest Essentials’ products. Were there any major breakouts or allergic reactions?
On Women’s Day, my thoughts on whether the narrative for women is genuinely changing. Is there always hope?
Are expensive skincare ranges worth your time or dime? To find out, join me on a 60 day routine using Forest Essentials’ products.
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