Skincare – Palakpahwa

Top 10 ingredients in cosmetic products you should know about

September 30, 2024 No Comments

Do you ever read the labels on your skincare and cosmetic products?

Have you ever wondered what goes into them and why they have a certain texture, smell and feel? If you continue buying cosmetic products that don’t give you the desired results, you might think that there’s something wrong with the products.

Well, guess what? In most situations, there is nothing wrong with the cosmetic products but they might just not be right for your skin type.

The formulations of those cosmetic products may not give you the results you are looking for. And, that’s why it’s important to study the ingredients carefully and read every label. I have spent a good amount of time studying the various ingredients that brands today put in their products and the results they have.

I know you’re going to say “So what”? We don’t have to read the label to understand whether a product will work for us or not. If you have dry skin, I am sure you can figure out over time when a product doesn’t give you enough hydration. And if you have oily skin, then you know well which cosmetic products make your skin greasier and provide more than needed hydration. But there are two main reasons why you should start reading labels on your cosmetic products,

To understand what you’re putting on your skin
To layer different cosmetic products effectively on top of each other and optimize their results

That is why makeup is an art. Because we don’t just blindly layer cosmetic products on top of each other. We need to really know what kind of primer goes well with what kind of foundation, concealer and so on. If you really want smooth and long lasting results, then it’s important to know your product’s ingredients and how they will work.

Usually, we only need to look at the first 4-5 ingredients to understand the formulation of our skincare and cosmetic products. In most situations, those are the key ingredients in defining the composition of the products. So, I have curated a list of the top 10 most commonly found ingredients in our skincare and makeup products, and their properties.

1. Water

This is usually the first ingredient in most cosmetic products like foundations. It can also be listed as Aqua or Hydra. It’s usually used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and give the cosmetic products a liquid consistency so that they can easily spread on the skin. If you have an oily skin, then a water-based moisturizer or serum would work best for you as part of your skincare routine because all water-based cosmetic products provide light hydration and don’t make the skin oily or greasy.

2. Glycerin and Glycol

These are humectants, meaning they provide great hydration and lock in moisture. They generally are the key ingredients in hydrating skincare cosmetic products so they’re great for those with dry skin. They also help slow down the evaporation of water from the skin, which can help keep the skin moist and hydrated for a longer duration. So they’re best to use in winters.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, or even combination skin with dry areas, then a skincare product with Glycerin or Glycol as one of the first 3-4 ingredients would be a great source of moisturization.

3. Hyaluronic acid

This also provides good hydration and is found in many moisturizers, serums and primers. It’s also great to improve skin elasticity and make the skin flexible. It doesn’t have a greasy texture like glycerin but provides a lighter hydration, where Glycerin provides a heavier hydration. So, for all those with oily skin, this ingredient would work great.

4. Paraffinum Liquidum and Cera Alba

This ingredient is wax based and is derived from petroleum. Since it is derived from a mineral based oil, it provides heavy hydration. It makes the skin smooth and soft, but it doesn’t get absorbed in the skin. It protects the skin from dehydration. So, if you come across any product with this ingredient in the first 4-5 on the list, then you should know that the product will provide intense hydration and will work best on dry skin.

Cera Alba is also a wax based ingredient but it is derived from beeswax. This ingredient is also intensely hydrating, just like Paraffinum Liquidum. So any product with this as the key ingredient will also work best on dry skin. Another benefit of this ingredient in skincare cosmetic products is that it forms a protective barrier against all external elements so it essentially protects the skin from dirt, pollution etc.

5. PEG/PPG

This ingredient is an emulsifier, meaning it is mainly used to mix different types of ingredients together. Some ingredients like Silicone are hydrophobic so they don’t mix with water. But with the help of an emulsifier, such hydrophobic ingredients can be effectively mixed with water. So, in our silicone based foundations you will likely find this ingredient that is working to mix silicone with water. That is the only function of this ingredient.

6. Polymers

This is one of the most important ingredients and it’s mainly used as a film-former. That means it creates a plastic layer wherever it is applied and prevents the product from moving too much. It is widely used in hair sprays. Most common polymers are Copolymer and PVP. Because of their film forming ability, they are very good to provide a long lasting and transfer-proof finish. They are widely found in makeup fixing sprays. So, if your makeup fixing spray has this ingredient as one of the top 5 then you should know that the spray will provide excellent transfer-proof and long lasting results.

7. Isododecane

This ingredient is usually found in foundation mixers like Inglot Duraline to make the makeup long lasting and waterproof. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in waterproof mascaras or long lasting liquid lipsticks. It is also used in some makeup setting sprays to fix the makeup and make it stay in place. So, if you see this ingredient listed among the top 4-5 in the list, you should know that the product will provide longevity to your makeup. So, when you’re looking for a longer lasting makeup product, you should find one with this as one of the key ingredients.

8. Talc

This ingredient is derived from sand and is used to absorb excess oil on the skin, prevent caking, and give a blurry effect. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in makeup setting powders.

9. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

This ingredient has the same function as Mica, i.e. to increase sparkle or shine of the finished cosmetics. You will mainly find this ingredient in blushes, eyeshadows and highlighters. So if any of your product has this as one of the ingredients, then know that the product will provide a more shiny, dewy effect versus matte.

10. Silicones

There are multiple functions that Silicones serve in our cosmetic products. One of their main functions is to absorb excess oil to leave a matte finish. Also, it sits on the skin and doesn’t get absorbed so it creates a barrier on the skin and prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin. That is why many primers today have silicone because it’s best to prep the skin and absorb excess moisture before layering cosmetic products

Another function of silicones is to smoothen the surface, which is what creates a blurry effect on the skin. There are mainly two types of silicones found in most cosmetic products – Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane. So, if your cosmetic products have any one of these as the key ingredient, then you should know that it is a silicone based product and will serve all the functions mentioned above.

There are many more ingredients that cosmetic products today contain but these 10 are the most used ones. I hope this can be a helpful guide for you in understanding the top ingredients of our favorite cosmetic products. Leave in your comments if you have more insights to share! 🙂

If you’re interested in learning more about skincare and makeup, you can find more blogs here.

Beauty, Product Recommendations

Best skin prep products that you should have in your vanity!

August 4, 2024 No Comments

If you’re a makeup enthusiast like myself, I am sure you know that there’s nothing more satisfying than a flawless and long lasting makeup base. Many a time, we struggle with our makeup coming off, looking patchy or flaky and we think that’s because our technique went wrong somewhere in the process. I have tried changing my makeup application and swapped my beauty blenders for brushes. But, that didn’t always fix the problem. Incorporating the best skin prep products in your makeup regime can definitely address most of the issues we face with makeup today.

Preparing your skin well before starting with your makeup is the most important part to achieving a flawless look. So, never underestimate skin prep and in fact, spend more time on it. If your skin prep is done right, not only will your makeup glide smoothly, but it will also save you from applying extra layers. Because in today’s world, where “less is more” is the trend, who needs three layers of foundation when you can do with just one?

So, this blog is my attempt to share some of the best skin prep products that I have tried and found to be the best so far. Some of these were recommended to me by some professional makeup artists and some were based on my own research. I have tried all of these and I can swear by them.

So, let’s jump right in!

1. Cleansing

The first step, as we all know, is to start with a clean and clear skin. I usually start with a gentle cleanser that is soft and doesn’t irritate my skin. For this, I recommend the cult favorite that’s been recommended by many of the industry’s top artists. It’s the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Although I have a combination skin, I can safely say that this balm works well for all skin types. It melts down impurities and makeup, and really leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

Another used and cult favorite cleanser is Garnier’s Micellar Water. I have used this for the longest time and I still haven’t found a better alternative. This can be used as a makeup remover when you want to take off your makeup or can be used as part of skin prep to give yourself a clean canvas to start your makeup with. So, if you don’t have the time or patience to do the full cleansing ritual, you can just start from this step. This also works well on every skin type. Just be sure to use an oil-free version of this product.

As a general rule of thumb in makeup, all steps before moisturizing should include only oil-free products. Using an oil-based product in cleansing or toning can further clog your pores and interfere with your makeup application.

2. Toning

One toner that I have used since forever and has worked really well for me is Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. It’s a very light weight toner that works really well to prepare your skin to absorb all the serums and moisturizers that you will be layering on in the following steps.

Another great toner that was recommended to me by my dermatologist and has worked well for me so far is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This works very well in the long term in unclogging pores and reducing unevenness. This toner has a bit of a thicker texture so if you have a really oily skin then use it sparingly.

3. Moisturizing

They say that a good moisturizer can make or break your makeup. And I completely agree with that. It’s very important to know your skin type and needs, and accordingly choose the right moisturizer. If you have a combination skin, it’s very important to apply the right moisturizer to the right target areas. For example, my t-zone is oily so I usually apply a very light weight water-based moisturizer on my t-zone. However, my forehead and rest of the face are normal so I sometimes can go in with a heavier moisturizer depending on the coverage I want.

One of my favorite serums to begin with is Tatcha’s Essence. This product is very light weight so it’s not enough on its own as it does not provide enough hydration to the skin. But it lays a good groundwork for your moisturizer to go on smoothly.

I also really like using facial sprays that provide a light hydration and prepare the skin for moisturizer. One of my favorite facial sprays is Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Aloe vera and rosewater are both humectants so they attract and bind water, and help retain moisture.

When it comes to moisturizers under makeup, I have two favorites. For oily or normal skin, I recommend Tatcha’s Water Cream. This cream leaves such a soft and plump texture and also provides a subtle glow. That makes it very easy to apply base products.

Another favorite that I would recommend for people with normal to dry skin is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. I have used this cream on the majority of my clients and the results have been flawless. This moisturizer works well on most of the skin types and it really provides a very long lasting finish. It has beeswax, aloe vera and shea butter. All of these are extremely hydrating ingredients so it’s perfect for dry skin or someone that needs extra hydration for a long lasting and heavy coverage.

4. Lip prep

One of my most favorite lip oils that I have been using religiously since the last few months as part of skin prep is Lyst’s Glossy Lip Treatment Oil. I got my hands on this oil when I was attending a makeup show and it was recommended to me by a makeup artist. I have been using it since then and I just love the moisturization it provides. It has a thick texture so it really plumps the lips and also provides a soft glow.

5. Eye prep

Another favorite skin prep product is Good Molecules Wake Up Eye Gel. It makes for a great eye primer and works well to reduce puffiness, fine lines and smoothen the under eye area. I have been using it on my clients and it has worked really well so far.

6. Priming

I have some favorites when it comes to primers, depending on the look I am going for.

If you have normal to oily skin, and you used a water-based moisturizer, then one of the best water-based primers you can use is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. Since this is a water-based primer, make sure to only use it over water-based moisturizers. Do not try to layer it over oil-based or wax-based moisturizers as it will crack. Its main function is to provide a strong grip to your foundation, as the name suggests. So when you want a long lasting and dewy finish, this is one of the best to use. It’s also very light weight so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and provides a very smooth base for the foundation to glide on.

If you want more of a dewy look, my recommendation is Denessa Myricks Glow Serum Primer. This product went viral on social media when it was launched. And the buzz was worth it because this primer really provides great hydration and glow. It is infused with skincare so it’s not just sitting on your skin but it’s actually going deeper into the skin layers and providing an inner glow and nourishment. It works really well with Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover and provides a flawless look.

My final recommendation when it comes to primers is B3 Astraea Facial Oil. Even though it’s a facial oil, it doesn’t have a very greasy texture so it is suitable for all skin types. So, if after moisturization, your skin still feels thirsty and you feel like you need more hydration, this oil is a great option. It has very nourishing ingredients so it can be used as part of skincare regularly as well. However, the best way I have found to use it is to mix it with my concealers and foundations. That way I can make sure that I lock in the moisture when I layer in my base products. I use it mainly with wax-based makeup like the Graftobian Foundation Palette and it works flawlessly.

And that’s a wrap as far as the best skin prep products go. As we all know, there’s no rulebook when it comes to skincare or makeup and it’s a very personal choice. But with the right products, tools and methods, we can definitely achieve that flawless makeup look that we all strive for.

Hope you liked reading my post. Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts in the comments section below!

For my recommendations on the best makeup products, follow this link.

Beauty, Product Reviews

Sunday Riley Products Review : Wake Up With Me Kit

October 27, 2023 No Comments

Sunday Riley has lately become one of my favorite skincare brands. Their products are so good, especially the CEO Face oil, the CEO Vitamin C serum and the Good Genes serum. I got my hands on these products as part of their Wake Up With Me kit and I have been using these ever since. My skin couldn’t feel any better!

If you’re in the skincare game, then you know that it’s more of a long term routine. It takes time, research and many trials-and-errors to figure out what products work best for you. And from my research, I had found that Sunday Riley is a brand that makes products to make your skin feel healthy, radiant and smooth. And it’s also a cruelty-free brand which means that all of its products are vegetarian and packed with great ingredients. That’s why I decided to give this brand a shot.

The Wake Up With Me kit from this brand is used as part of the morning routine and it comes with 7 products. I bought this kit from Sephora almost 4 months ago and have tried all of the 7 products together and in different combinations to understand what works best for me. From the many online reviews that I have read, it seems like this kit is geared more towards those that have dry skin. If you have oily skin like me, using all these products together can really feel greasy and heavy. And that’s why I didn’t continue their suggested sequence and skipped a few products as part of my daily routine. I have, though, tried all the products in this kit to understand which ones work best for me.

So here’s all the products that come in this kit (in their suggested order of use) and my honest review on each of them. If you have oily skin like me, I hope you will benefit from my review and get a better direction.

Ceramic Slip Cleanser

I like this cleanser because it’s light and soft. It’s a very gentle cleanser so it doesn’t strip the skin and is suitable for all skin types. It’s made with white and green clays, white rice and olive oil. It didn’t irritate my skin or cause any breakouts. However, I haven’t really found this to be super effective on my skin. I prefer exfoliating cleansers that can really work to remove all dirt and makeup effectively so I have better options than this. Plus, for the price that it comes at, there are better and cheaper options that can do the same job. So, I wouldn’t buy this one again.

Pink Drink Essence

This is a skin mist and I really like it. It comes in a very cute baby pink color and is super soothing on the skin. This mist feels very light and refreshing on my skin and has firming properties. It works great under a serum or under makeup. I have tried both ways and it works well. It definitely gives my skin a nice glow and I can see my skin feeling bouncier. Although it’s a bit on the expensive side, I’d recommend giving it a try, especially to those with dry skin.

CEO Glow Face Oil

I have usually stayed away from face oils because as I said, I have oily skin so face oils just make my skin feel more greasy which leads to breakouts. So, I usually only go for lighter serums. And when I bought this, I was a bit skeptical of using the face oil but the ingredients looked so good. With Vitamin C and Turmeric, it is a perfect blend to make the skin look healthier and radiant. It also works well to fight hyperpigmentation, which was one of my concerns. I have seen visible results after using this oil consistently. And to my surprise, the consistency of this oil was so light that even after applying 2-3 drops, my skin didn’t feel greasy and my skin actually has developed a healthy glow. I also didn’t have any breakouts. Plus, I love the smell of this oil.

So, all in all, this face oil is a keeper and I’d highly recommend it no matter your skin type. This face oil is a great addition to your morning routine if your skin goals include having a healthy, glowing, soft and even-toned skin. One mistake to avoid though, if you have oily skin, is to not apply any more products after using this face oil. The instructions on the kit recommend applying the serum and cream over this face oil but the oil is enough to provide you the moisturization you need so you don’t need to use any more products through the day. However, if you have dry skin you can totally mix it with the Vitamin C serum that comes in the kit to get more moisturization.

CEO Vitamin C Serum

I absolutely love the Vitamin C serum as well! This serum pretty much does the same job as the face oil i.e brightening and boosting radiance. The difference is that this has a cream-like consistency and it gives a bit more glow than the face oil. On days when I don’t use the face oil, I use this serum because I really like how it feels on my skin. My skin feels very soft and radiant and the moisturization lasts throughout the day. Plus, Vitamin C is a great ingredient to smoothen the skin complexion. I am already on my second bottle!

So, if you’re looking for a good Vitamin C serum this can be a good but expensive option. If you’re willing to splurge then give this a try. You can always start with the mini bottle and then decide. Even though I have been using this product for 4 months now, I have to say that I have seen small effects. So this serum is slow and won’t have significant impacts in a short time but from my short term experience and the online reviews, it does seem like a promising product.

Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

This is my favorite product in the kit because my skin literally shines after applying it. This serum also has a cream-like consistency so if you have oily skin, you can avoid using it completely on days when you’re using the face oil or Vitamin C serum. Or you can use just 1-2 pumps over the face oil or Vitamin C serum because this serum can feel a little heavy. I sometimes also use it as part of my night routine and mix it with the retinol serum from this brand. And sometimes, I also use it under makeup to get that glow.

According to the fine print, it’s designed to target dark spots, pores, and wrinkles by utilizing a high-potency form of lactic acid to exfoliate away the dead skin cells that make the complexion look dull or congested. So, this serum does a good job at lightly exfoliating and making the skin feel naturally more soft. This is my first lactic acid product so I really didn’t know what to expect but after 4 months of use, I think this serum has done a good job in making my skin look more clear, plump and radiant. I would definitely recommend this serum as well.

CEO Afterglow Moisturizer

I am not a fan of this moisturizer, honestly. Firstly, it feels a bit heavy on my skin and I don’t like layering too many products. So, I prefer using a Vitamin C face oil or serum rather than a moisturizer. Secondly, this moisturizer wasn’t really effective in doing what it said it would do i.e. skin brightening. I have tried using this moisturizer in combination with their serum and also on its own. Either way, I haven’t found it to be as effective. So, I can get better moisturizers for way cheaper and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Auto Correct Eye Cream

This is the last product in this kit and it focuses primarily on brightening the under-eye area. I like the texture of this cream and it has a slightly dewy look when you apply it under your eyes. It is designed to provide brightening and de-puffing under the eyes and I think it does the job well. I haven’t used it religiously as I use the Estee Lauder day eye cream more regularly so I cannot speak to its long term effects. But the few times that I have used this cream, it has provided good hydration. It’s more for people that have visible dark circles or puffiness. I have also used this once or twice under my concealer and it’s done a good job of holding my under eye makeup and making my under eyes look brighter. But I am yet to experience the long term effects.

That’s all as far as my review goes. Since a while now, I have really been giving a lot of attention to my skincare routine and I keep trying different products. And I am glad that I was able to get my hands on this kit because I came across some amazing products. One last piece of advice – If you’re curious to try this brand but don’t want to spend a lot, then buying this kit can be a good option. Because for $95, which is a 50% savings from the actual price of these products individually, you get to try 7 products and get introduced to this brand.

So, I hope you found my review on Sunday Riley product range useful. Let me know what you think in the comments section.

For more product reviews, read on my blog here.

Beauty, Product Recommendations

My morning skincare routine for a healthy and dewy skin

May 1, 2023 1 Comment

Sadly, a skincare routine was never a part of my life growing up. I realized much later in life that I should’ve followed a good skin care routine to reap the benefits such as a glowing and healthy looking skin. I know you won’t believe me if I tell you that I actually realized the importance of skin care on my wedding day. Funny, right?

Nonetheless, since that day five years ago, I have been very particular about my skincare routine and I try to follow it religiously every day. I also try to keep it simple and do it in fewer steps so that it doesn’t take too much effort. Fortunately, I have never had acne problems and my skin has been good for the most part but because I have oily skin, it comes with its own challenges. Once in a while, I get milia which basically is a common condition for those with oily skin because it is formed due to clogging of pores when there’s dust, sweat or makeup residues on the face. So, it’s very important for me to follow a good skincare routine as much as I can.

After a lot of continued research and trials, I am finally in a good place with my skin care products and I have been able to see some very good results after using these for many years consistently. That being said, I also keep trying new products from well known brands because I am always curious of whats out there in the market. So, right here I am going to share my morning skin care routine along with the list of products that I use every day. Some of these products are new additions to my routine and I have used them for a couple of weeks now but have really seen significant results so I will share those as well.

Important Note– I have an oily skin so most of the products I’ve listed in this blog are more suited for the oily skin type. I also have a fairly light skincare routine as I don’t like building too much up on my skin. So, keep that in mind as you read through.

Step 1 – Cleansing

I have been using the Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser for 4 years now and it just keeps getting better. This cleanser is ideal for oily skin and it’s perfect to remove makeup as well. I use it twice a day – once in the morning as part of my morning routine and once in the evening to remove dirt and sweat gathered throughout the day. It’s a cream based cleanser but doesn’t have a thick consistency so its easy to rinse off without leaving any residues on the face. This cleanser works like magic on my skin so I would highly recommend it if your goal is to get a clean and clear skin.

You can buy this cleanser here || $24 for 5 oz

Cleansing is an important step in the skincare routine and this cleanser is one of the best on the market

Step 2 – Toning

I use the Clinique Clarifying lotion 3 toner to remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup residues from my face. This toner is super light and doesn’t leave any stickiness. I use the toner as part of my morning and evening routine so I use it twice a day, specially after a makeup day.

You can buy this toner here || $21 for 6.7 oz

Step 3 – Vitamin C Serum

Because I have hyperpigmentation, I have incorporated Vitamin C serum as part of my routine over the last couple of years. Ever since I have started using it, I have seen noticeable differences in my skin texture and there are days when it actually glows. Yay!

I started my journey with the Clinique Fresh pressed daily booster and saw significant results. However, the bottle is expensive because it only lasts 7 days so you have to keep refilling it every week.

So, recently I found a great alternative in Sunday Riley’s CEO serum and I am addicted to this product. It has 15% Vitamin C, which is a perfect concentration for someone like me who is looking to even out the skin tone and also get a dewy finish. The bottle is as expensive as Clinique but it lasts much longer. A little goes a long way with this serum so you only need 1-2 pumps a day and you will be impressed with the effect it has on your skin. I instantly feel a glow on my skin because of this serum’s dewy texture and it also makes my skin feel soft.

You can buy the Clinique serum here ($86 for a set of 4) and the Sunday Riley CEO serum here ($85 for 1 oz).

One of the best vitamin C serums I have tried so make it a part of your morning skincare routine

Step 4 – Moisturizer

A very important step in the skin care process is moisturizing. I have tried many moisturizers over the last few years and when I say many, I mean MANY! After many trials and errors, my two constant favorites are,

Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum – I started using this serum a few weeks ago. I am really impressed with the effect it has on my skin. The serum has a cream like consistency so if you have oily skin like me, you only need 1-2 pumps as part of your morning routine. It really leaves a bit of a dewy texture and is great for evening out skin tone over time. On days when I use this serum, I skip moisturizer after it because like I said, I don’t like building up too much on my skin. You can buy this serum here ($85 for 1 oz).
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion – As the name suggests, it is dramatically different and leaves a very light and soft texture on your skin. My skin feels so hydrated and moisturized after using this lotion. Since this cream has a very light texture, I sometimes use it over the serum but its usually an optional step for me. You can buy this lotion here ($32.50 for 125ml).

Step 5 – Sunscreen Lotion

I have tried many over the past but my constant favorite here is Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream. If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen that you can wear under makeup or just by itself, then another great option is Clinique Superdefense City Block Face Sunscreen SPF 50.

You can buy the Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream here ($32 for 1.7 oz) and the Clinique Superdefense City Block Face Sunscreen SPF 50 here ($34 for 1.4 oz).

Step 6 – Eye cream

This is not a mandatory step if you have healthy looking eyes and no dark circles, lines or wrinkles around your eyes but its always good to start taking care of your eyes early on. Although, I have heard a lot that dark circles and lines don’t start showing until about late 30s but I think that’s changing these days and a lot depends on your genes, your screen time, sun exposure etc. So, I have started including eye cream as part of my daily skincare routine because healthy eyes means less concealer to hide the dark circles and thats what I am aiming for.

After giving a few eye creams a shot such as Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clinique and Loreal, I have finally found the one that works best for me. I have been using Estee Lauder’s DayWear Eye GelCreme and have been loving the effect it has on my eyes. It is so soothing and moisturizing. And the best part is that you can store it in the refrigerator before and after every use and that way you get a more refreshing and cooling feeling around your eye area. I am telling you, this cream is a keeper!

You can buy it here ($46 for 0.5 oz).

Additional step for deep cleansing

1-2 times a week, I also use the Ayurvedic Face Scrub with herbal ingredients for deep cleansing and unclogging pores. This scrub also helps with tan removal. I use it right after cleansing and before toning.

You can buy it here.

Additional step for evening out skin tone

Once every 2-3 days, I apply Multani Mitti right after cleansing and toning, because it has some great soothing properties. As I mentioned, I have oily skin and that can sometimes lead to pore clogging due to residues on the face. Multani Mitti has some amazing properties that can help unclog pores, soak in all the excess oil and even out skin tone. I have been using this religiously since the last 6-7 years and there has not been a week when I have missed this step.

Additional step for dark circles

I have been using these Aloe Vera and Collagen eye masks on a daily basis for my under eye area. These eye pads are super hydrating and Aloe Vera is great for brightening.

That’s all about my skincare routine and I really hope this was helpful! If you enjoy makeup, then read my blog here on some of my favorite makeup products to try.

Leaving you with an unfiltered video of me. I would love to know more about you skin care routine so feel free to share in the comments below!

Palak Pahwa