Happily, there are many ways to combat the causes of dry skin and keep yourself and your skin moist in this season. With this, you can enjoy winter wonderlands and bonfires. Just avoid hot showers because that strips the natural oil from your skin. Rather use lukewarm water for bathing.

Listing my top 10 essential skincare products you need to retain that moisture and get soft, supple skin.

1. BIOTIQUE Carrot Seed Oil

After Bath Body Oil

This after-bath oil is blended with pure carrot seed, almond and groundnut oil, mixed with walnut and Mustard oil. It keeps skin soft, supple and free from dry skin and wrinkles. Leaves your body skin lustrous and younger looking. Carrot seed oil fights common skin bacteria, blocks sunlight and gives even skin tone.

Buy it from here.

2.  Zayn & Myza Tea tree & Salicylic acid foaming facewash

This is pure love for acne-prone skin. It reduces acne & pimples and controls excess oil. Contains the goodness of aloe vera that hydrates and softens skin & Neem extract that prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting pores. They claim to be alcohol-free, 100% vegetarian, have no skin irritants, no animal ingredients and are dermatologically tested. Easy to use packaging, comes with a brush attached to the bottle for gentle cleansing.

Buy it here.

3.  Nivea Shea Smooth Body Milk

This is the deep moisture serum you can’t do without in winter. This body milk by Nivea is best for dry skin and keeps the skin hydrated for the whole day. Use it all over your body to keep your skin healthy and soft. This has the goodness of shea butter which gets absorbed into your skin and gives silky smooth skin that you feel to touch again and again.

Buy it here.

4.   Ponds Superlight Gel

This super light gel is best for acne-prone skin and is infused with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerine. This absorbs faster than regular creams and gives 24 hours moisture lock. Ponds super light gel leaves your skin soft with water fresh-like glow.  It’s very affordable, good quality and good for every season.

Buy it here.

5.   Zayn & Myza- Iceland Aqua Bomb Moisturiser

This Korean product is a bomb in a jar for your skin! Made with Glacial Natural Spring Water found in Olfus Spring in Iceland, this lightweight formula naturally hydrates your skin from within. Its quick-absorbing, non-sticky formula contains 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid of different molecular weights that penetrate the skin to infuse and lock in moisture. This gives a natural dewy glow to your skin.

Buy it here.

6.  Love Earth Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50

Vitamin C sunscreen SPF 50 from Love Earth is a matte finish that protects you from any kind of sunburn. It feels like a primer and also evens out the complexion and improves skin luminosity. This can be used on all skin types and with all age groups. Vitamin C sunscreens have been proven to protect well against UVA rays as they tend to be more effective at neutralizing free radical damage from sun exposure.

Buy it here.

7.  Vit C 10% Face Serum by Minimalist

This is a magical glow booster for your skin. This serum ensures high delivery of vit C directly into your skin. Vit C reduces melanin production resulting in glowing skin. This serum is suitable for all skin types. With anti-inflammatory Centella water, it is suitable for even sensitive skin. It is beginner friendly formula. This serum is made with a stable Vitamin C derivative, 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid that is closest to pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) in molecular size and weight. This helps in delivering maximum benefits of vit C without getting losing efficiency till the last drop. Don’t forget to top it up with moisturiser and sunscreen.

Buy it here.

8.  Niacinamide 10% From The Ordinary

This is a water-based serum that boosts skin brightness, improves skin smoothness and reinforces the skin barrier over time. It has Niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% which helps in reducing the appearance of acne as well as diminishing fine lines, and wrinkles, minimizing pores and fading dark spots with long usage. You can use this in your AM and PM routine. Top it up with a good moisturizer.

But it here.

9.  Retinol Face Serum from The Derma Co

Retinol increases skin cell production. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance. And Retinol face serum by Derma Co does the same for you.  0.3% Retinol Serum is beginner-friendly, together, Retinol and Vitamin C help refine skin texture, alter aged cells, and enhance skin radiance for younger-looking spotless skin. People with oily and normal skin can use it. It is to be used in PM (night time) followed up by good moisturiser.

Buy it here.

10.  Salicylic Acid Face Serum from The Derma Co

2% salicylic acid face serum has witch hazel and willow bark which can be used day and night time. Salicylic Acid is to be used when you have active acne or acne marks. People with acne-prone skin, dry or oily skin doesn’t matter tend to get acne even in winter too. This is your best investment to tackle those tiny bumps on your face. It unclogs pores, removes blackheads, and whiteheads. This allows it to easily penetrate deep within pores and clear sebum clogs that also cause acne.

Buy it here.

The best is to incorporate products with ingredients like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, essential oils and retinol for skin that helps moisturise the skin and helps in retaining natural moisture. Don’t forget to moisturise your lips with Vaseline petroleum jelly to protect your lips from harsh weather.

Happy Skin = Happy You.

The post 10 Essential Skincare Products For Winters appeared first on The Pink Journey.

Namrata HempCo. has been an active and prominent member of the Hemp Industry in India since 2016. The enterprise dives deep into research, manufacturing, and product development, with a mission to acquire excellence and emerge as an industry leader in all three sectors. Following extensive and relentless research, Namrata HempCo. launched its first consumer brands; Satliva & Satliva Foods, in 2017, and 2021 respectively.

‘Satliva,’ their personal care subsidiary, adheres to a zero inventory process. The pure Hemp Seed Oil used in their personal care range is extracted freshly every single day, using an ingenious cold-press machine developed by the team in-house to exclusively extract high-grade Hemp Seed Oil. Following the extraction; the products are made, packed, and dispatched the very same day. The company prides itself on consistently developing products that are 100% natural, contain no additives, artificial fragrances, alcohol, or aqua. Satliva chooses to follow a ‘minimal ingredient and maximum effect’ concept; hence, their creams and oils have a short-lived shelf life of 6 months, and their soaps have a shelf life of 4 months.

Innovation is embedded deep into the soul of Namrata HempCo. leading them to their next innovative creation with their subsidiary; Satliva Foods. Observing the need to include and  normalise hemp based nutrition in the Indian diet; together, they launched India’s first ‘Instant Hemp Dosa Batter.’ The batter is made freshly from scratch every day, without the addition of any preservatives. The team chooses to grind the batter using an authentic grindstone, in order to hold on to their traditional values, and also the nutritional values from the vegan, gluten-free dosa batter. In the following weeks; Satliva Foods is expected to launch 3 new products: Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Protein Powder, and an energy boosting Hemp Berry Trail Mix.

Their innovative streak does not end here; previously, Hemp Fibres would have to be hand processed using a time-consuming and tedious method, whereas now, they are easily processed due to India’s first decorticator, used to process long length hemp fibres, developed by Namrata HempCo. and installed in the state of Uttarakhand. Their ingenuity further led them towards the creation of their patented technology, which enables them to convert raw hemp fibres into usable textile fibres, using bio-waste that is entirely free from harmful chemicals and toxins. They continually strive to reduce their carbon footprint, and become a 100% eco-friendly company

The enterprise also works intimately with farmers, and the farmer producing organisations (FPO’s), and is effectively working with Uttarakhand farmer groups to launch a hemp agriculture program in the state during the approaching monsoon season. Additionally, it is introducing smart farming technologies to ensure standardization and traceability of high quality hemp raw materials. They provide a 100% buy-back guarantee to the farmers they work with, in order to ensure consistent work opportunities and betterment in the lives of farmers.

The enterprise has engaged in mutually beneficial partnerships with various state horticultural and agricultural universities, to conduct comprehensive research with regards to cannabis landraces, in order to develop viable strains for seed, fibre, and medicinal crops. Namrata HempCo. is biodiversity board complaint, which allows them to conduct research and development without compromising on the safety of the environment.

At its core, Namrata HempCo. is a company striving to make the world a better place with its high standards for sustainability in terms of the environment, quality in terms of its products, and ingenuity in terms of its progress towards a better tomorrow.

The post Namrata HempCo. – At the forefront of the Indian hemp revolution appeared first on Startup Reporter.

Source: Women Entrepreneur

The post Namrata HempCo. – At the forefront of the Indian Hemp Revolution appeared first on The Pink Journey.

To begin with, you need to choose the base for the color. It could be besan, maida or corn flour. First experiment with one colour, once you are sure it’s coming out the way you want make rest of the colours.

Yellow

Add turmeric powder to besan, and mix it nicely, till they are mixed together well. The ratio of turmeric powder to besan is 20:80. After this, sieve it using a very fine strainer.

Red

Spread out the turmeric powder and squeeze lime juice on it. The acidic lemon will react with turmeric and turn it red in colour. Spread it out to dry in a well-ventilated room but away from the sun, which can bleach it. Once it is dry, rub it again between the palms of your hands and sieve it a few times.

Pink

Follow the same process as in the case of making red, only use lesser quantity of lemon.

Green

Add mehendi to maida (equal ratio), mix and sieve a few times to get green colour. You can also use edible food colours but make sure the brand makes them naturally.

Brown

Boil 200 gm of coffee powder in water till it turns brown. Once it cools down mix it with corn flour (1.5 kg) with your hands and leave it to dry for a day. Then, sieve it. You can add rose water for nice fragrance.

Grey

This colour can be made using amla (Indian gooseberry). Take out the seeds and grind it in the mixer grinder. Add the juice to corn flour. Allow it to dry and sieve it a few times.

Happy Holi!!!

The post How To Make Natural Colours For Holi appeared first on The Pink Journey.

1. What made you step into the beauty space and start Foxtale?

I quit my much-loved VC job to start my own entrepreneurial journey. COVID-19 was an unusual time for all. There were two emotions that kept the world going – empathy and compassion. I have understood the meaning of these two words through the years from women in my life. Self-care should be a right and I will do my part by offering products that are affordable, accessible, and the absolute best. Empathy will be the driving force of each of my endeavors through a community of empowered women who will help perpetuate this message further.

2. Tell us more about Foxtale products. (Products and benefits)

The Daily Duet Cleanser is a dual-acting face wash that can be used twice – first to remove makeup and sunscreen and then to cleanse thoroughly. Ceramide Super Cream is loaded with ceramides and Sodium Hyaluronate cross polymer that form a strong and resilient barrier over the skin. C For Yourself Serum contains 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. This formula is exceptionally stable, extremely efficacious and reduces the appearance of spots, fine lines, and photodamage drastically with continued use. Cover up SPF 50+ is a strong and hydrating shield that protects from the sun as well as screen damage. Includes the benefits of actives like niacinamide, vitamin b5, and vitamin E for brighter skin and diminishes signs of aging and photodamage.

3. What makes Foxtale products unique and fit from the rest?

Foxtale products were created to provide simple yet efficacious solutions to several skin concerns faced specifically by Indian women and largely also women of color. While we have been influenced by Western standards of beauty for centuries, it is hard to find products that fit us and help us in a realistic way. To create these products we had to find the perfect balance of ingredients to suit the 200+ skin types within our country. Foxtale is held up by three pillars: simplicity, efficacy, and affordability. Our products are formulated to deliver just that.

4. What unique branding strategy are you planning to build Foxtale as a strong community first skincare brand? (Lab trial)

As a community first brand, Foxtale includes experts from the beauty and skincare community in our product development, content and in creating awareness. Our investment in educating aspiring beauty enthusiasts and the improvement we have brought to their content and reach has helped us create a loyalist base.

5. Acne and aging due to stress are one of the growing problems among women. How can regular skincare effectively prevent that?

A solid skincare routine can not only combat this but sometimes change your mood as well. Daily use products such as sunscreen and cleansers contribute more to reducing signs of aging and breakouts than one would think. Routines don’t have to be complicated but it is important to have basics in place.

The post In Conversation With Romita Mazumdar, Founder Of Skin Care Brand-Foxtale appeared first on The Pink Journey.

Salons or Beauty Parlours traditionally have been run by Women. It is only in the recent times that large chains like Lakme Salon and Enrich have entered into the market.  The Beauty industry is growing at a rate of 28% per annum and is estimated at 1.89lakh crore by 2025. We women are more inclined towards beauty. And the Salon business seems to be the easiest and safest business to be in.

But here the main point is to treat it like a business. So, what are the things one should focus on?

Just because you have done the required beauty certification does not allow you to start a business. Getting started with something new is the hardest thing, but with the right preparation and planning, we can do it easily.

Do the followings:

1. Before doing anything sit down and think why you want to start your business. Who is your target audience and what problem are you going to solve for you client?
2. Have a robust business plan for your salon. With the help of a business plan, you can create a roadmap and understand how you will move further with it. Include important factors while creating your salon business plan: your available funds, monthly charges for rent and other expenses, products to use, target customers, and how to reach them.
3. The next part is your location. Don’t start it in your house because it is convenient. Find location where people will be able to see your Salon, like in a market place or anywhere there is good foot fall. It should also have a good parking arrangement as well.

4. If you are going to run the Salon alone then you will be stuck. So, I suggest you have at least one assistant who will run the Salon when you are unable to attend.
5. One of the most important features of having a profitable business is that you need a constant supply of new clients. You must look at marketing as a expense but an investment in your business. You must have a good marketing plan and good plan to retain your clients because at any given point of time 20% of your clients leave you.
6. Always have an exit plan. How much money do you want to retire with? It is a must because if that is in place we know the road we are taking and follow the path.

The modern salon industry offers considerable opportunity to generate real wealth for Women and Investors. The idea is to develop your business on the talents of your team and not depend on one person.

-Ratna Kulkarni, Profitability Coach for Salon and Spa Owners

The post ‘Beauty Salon: A Profitable Business for Women’ By Ratna Kulkarni – Profitability Coach for Salon and Spa Owners appeared first on The Pink Journey.

As a mother and in her 30’s skin care tops her priorities. For her, it’s more like meditation and self care. As an ex flight attendant makeup was a part of her every day routine. However, it took a long time to realize how important is skin care. Even if you are not a makeup enthusiast, taking care of your skin is like taking care of your mental health.

So, let’s get to understand the first basic misunderstandings we have.

1. Use fairness cream every day to change your skin color.

Regardless to say, skin complexion is the first on the list. For ages, we have tried to be fair complexioned, however, it’s impossible to change your skin tone. You can medically treat tan, dark spots and post acne pigmentation but can’t change your skin color entirely.

2. Too much makeup will age your skin.

Your skin automatically starts to age when you turn 27-28 old. There are a lot of professions where makeup is a necessity, so no makeup doesn’t age your skin. However, a skin care regime and adding anti ageing products to it will do the trick .

3. SPF / sunscreen  should be applied when and if you step out in the sun .

It doesn’t matter what your skin tone or color is, wearing sunscreen year-round will prevent skin damage from UV rays, thus minimizing your risk of skin cancers and premature aging.

UVA rays can penetrate glass windows too so application of an SPF is a must indoors or outdoors, bright sunny days or a cloudy days.

4. Home remedies or “naani ke nuskhe” will sort all your issues. 

As much as she would love to agree with it. But she can’t. She does try home made packs and oil but it doesn’t always help. Open pores, acne’s, wrinkles, fine lines etc. are a number of issues that only a good dermatologist can help you with so if you are facing one such issue, save yourselves some trouble and visit a dermatologist first.

5. I have tried all cosmetics and products but I keep getting breakouts, acne’s and they are leaving marks.

     First of all, if you are prone to acne and pimples, you probably are an oily skin person so get your products accordingly. Second, there could be a number of reasons for these. It could be a lifestyle issue, food habits, hormonal imbalance or even an allergy you are unaware of. So, again if it’s a recurring issue, please visit a dermatologist and get yourself checked before jumping to any conclusions.

There are plenty more myths that we don’t necessarily pay heed to. Skin care is self care. No matter if you are a busy mother or a teenager struggling with your education, give yourself some 10 mins in the day and 10 mins at night to your skin, you would definitely see a change. And start in your early 20’s so that you don’t repent in 40’s.

The post 5 Of The Biggest Skincare Myths, Debunked! appeared first on The Pink Journey.