By Shradha Sinha – September 9, 2024
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Note: All product images are owned by Savvy Lifestyle 24.
Disclaimer: None of the products mentioned are sponsored, and the content reflects my honest review based on personal experience and research. I genuinely endorse these products because they have worked well for me. However, I’m not a dermatologist, so it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin and hair are different. I highly recommend conducting a patch test before trying any of these products. For those with sensitivities or specific skin concerns, consulting a dermatologist is always a good idea.
Table of Contents
My Top Affordable Body Care Picks
Hello, lovely readers! Welcome back to another fun blog post. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favourite body care products that will help you glow from head to toe—without needing a shelf full of products.
When it comes to my personal body care routine, I believe in a “less is more” approach. I don’t overload my shelf with countless products; instead, I focus on a few essentials that truly work and suit my hair and skin type perfectly. And since I know you love a good insider tip, I’ve included some pros, cons and tips for each product to help you make the best choice.
So, let’s dive right in!
Hair Care
When it comes to my hair, I’ve got to admit—it’s super thin. Even as a kid, my mum struggled to help my hair grow! Years ago, I made the not-so-wise decision to get a straightening treatment, and it only made things worse. For five long years, I battled with split ends and found myself constantly chopping off my hair just to manage the damage.
Thankfully, I’ve learned my lesson and have finally started taking hair care seriously. Besides my trusty homemade hair packs and toners, I’ve found a few products that I absolutely love and would like to share with you. I also make sure to get a trim every three months, and this simple change has worked wonders. My hair growth has improved, and I’m dealing with far fewer split ends. It’s all about finding what works best for you and I’ve finally found my groove.
Below, I have listed three of my favourite hair care products:
1. Mamaearth Rosemary Hair Growth Oil
I’ve been using this oil for the past ten months. I started using it last year around the autumn season because my hair fall had increased significantly, and I remember Rosemary Oil was all over my social media feed. I watched so many influencers using it, and I thought, why not give it a try?
This oil has some fantastic key ingredients:
- Rosemary Leaf Oil Extract: Known to stimulate hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp.
- Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana): Helps in reducing hair fall and adds shine to your hair.
- Curry Leaves: Rich in antioxidants, they help strengthen hair roots and prevent thinning.
It also has a mild fragrance of Rosemary, which I quite like. However, after applying this oil, I did notice a slight increase in hair fall for about two months. After doing some research, I discovered that Rosemary oil is highly concentrated and can accelerate the hair growth cycle, which may initially lead to increased hair loss.
Pros:
- Cruelty-Free
- No Toxins
- No Colour
- Stimulates hair growth after three months of application
Cons:
- Fragrance might be strong for some and could cause allergies in sensitive individuals
- Can cause hair fall in the first few weeks of application
- Can feel a little too heavy on the scalp
- Hair might feel dry after washing
Tip 1: It’s best to use this oil with other oils. I personally mix it with Castor oil and a Vitamin E capsule for that extra nourishment.
Tip 2: Apply 1-3 hours before washing your hair for the best results.
Tip 3: Don’t use too much of this oil because the high concentration can potentially damage hair follicles.
2. Ktein All in 1 Natural Hair Heat Protection Spray
Like I mentioned earlier about my split ends issue, another major culprit besides the hair straightening treatment was blow-drying my hair without a heat protectant. To be honest, I’m not a pro when it comes to styling my hair with a straightener or curler, but I do love to blow-dry it frequently. So, finding a good, natural and lightweight heat protectant was essential for me.
This Ktein All in 1 Natural Heat Protection Spray is a fantastic find. It’s vegan and can be used both before and after styling. It’s anti-pollution and helps to control frizz, which is perfect for my needs. The spray does have a pretty strong fragrance, but I actually don’t mind.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- No colour
- Free from Sulphates and Parabens
- Anti-pollution
- Controls frizz
Cons:
- Strong fragrance that might cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Contains alcohol (Phenoxyethanol)
Tip 1: A patch test is highly recommended to ensure it’s suitable for your skin.
Tip 2: Since it contains alcohol, avoid applying it directly to your scalp to prevent dryness.
Tip 3: You can also use it as a post-styler to set your hair and add a finishing touch.
3. Streax Hair Serum Vitalized with Walnut Oil
I honestly love Streax! Their hair care products, from dyes to serums, suit my hair type really well and are budget-friendly. This Hair Serum is no exception. It’s packed with Walnut Oil that contains Omega-3 fatty acids and Almond Oil that contains Vitamin E and Omega-9 fatty acids—ingredients that are fantastic for nourishing the ends of our hair.
The serum has a thin consistency, which is great because it doesn’t make my hair feel heavy or greasy. However, I did notice that it doesn’t last all day, especially when I’m out and about. It also has a fragrance, which is quite pleasant and not overpowering.
Pros:
- Vitalised with Walnut Oil
- Thin consistency
- Non greasy
- No colour
- Controls frizz
- Adds shine to the hair
Cons:
- Contains fragrance/perfume that could cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Reapplication is needed if you’re out for extended periods, as frizz can return
Tip 1: Since it contains Light Liquid Paraffin, avoid applying it to your scalp as it can clog pores.
Tip 2: If you have super dry and frizzy hair, make sure to carry it with you for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Skin Care
When it comes to my skin, I’ve definitely had my ups and downs. As a teenager, I never really struggled with severe acne or excessive breakouts, but dryness was a big issue for me. On top of that, I dealt with a lot of discolouration from sun exposure and damage. I wasn’t using a good sunscreen, and you could clearly see the difference in my skin tone between my face, neck and the rest of my body.
I eventually found a sunscreen that helped with the discolouration, but last year, my skin went through another major change. My forehead became super oily and I started breaking out excessively. The culprits? Stress, hormonal shifts and environmental changes, especially with the weather getting hotter day by day.
My skin condition was actually pretty bad last year. I had small red, itchy bumps that spread from my forehead to my cheeks, leaving scars behind. I even tried the dietary supplement syrup, Hamdard Safi, thinking that pimples and acne were related to impure blood, but it turns out that wasn’t the case. After some trial and error, I finally found products that not only suit me best at the moment but have also healed a lot of the scarring as well. I’ve listed them below—check them out!
1. Glyco 12 Cream by Micro Labs Ltd.
This has to be my favourite facial acid—it’s been a game-changer for my breakout issues. I started using it in March this year and over the past six months, I’ve seen significant improvements. Glycolic acid is well-known for its exfoliation, skin-brightening and acne-treating properties. It’s fantastic for treating hyperpigmentation as well and my mom swears by it too. While I don’t have acne-prone skin, this has been a lifesaver for those occasional hormonal breakouts or clogged pores due to excessive oil—something I struggled with last year when my skin type changed.
Pros:
- Great exfoliant
- Helps treat acne and hyperpigmentation
- Helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines to some extent
Cons:
- Can cause skin irritation like burning sensations and itchiness
- May dry out the skin
- Increases sun sensitivity
Tip 1: A patch test is highly recommended.
Tip 2: If it’s your first time trying this facial acid, it’s best to start with a lower concentration like Glyco 6 (non-affiliate link) by the same brand.
Tip 3: If you have dry skin, use it once a week and follow up with a good hydrating moisturiser. Those with oily skin can use it up to three times a week with a moisturiser that suits their skin type.
Tip 4: Apply a small amount directly to the affected area during the night, and be sure to use sunscreen during the day.
Warnings:
- The first few applications might cause a slight burning sensation that lasts a few seconds, but if it persists or causes rashes, stop using it immediately.
- Consult with a dermatologist, especially if you have very sensitive, acne-prone skin or severe acne.
- Do not mix it with Vitamin C or B creams/serums. You can use them in the same skin care routine but at different times.
- If you are under retinol treatment, you should not use glycolic acid.
2. VENUSIA Dr Reddy’s Moisturizing Cream
This is a fantastic moisturiser, especially if you have dry skin. I actually started using it alongside Glyco 12 and they’ve made a great duo for my skin care routine. The key ingredients: Squalene, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E Acetate are all about hydration.
- Squalene helps lock in moisture.
- Aloe Vera soothes and calms the skin.
- Vitamin E Acetate provides antioxidant protection, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
However, it’s worth noting that this cream does contain Sodium Propyl Paraben, Cetyl Alcohol and fragrance. Both Sodium Propyl Paraben and Cetyl Alcohol are FDA-approved and considered safe for the skin, but if you’re someone who prefers to avoid chemicals, this might not be the best choice for you. The good news? There’s an alternative from the same brand that’s free of parabens, alcohol and sulphates. I’ve linked it below under “Tip”.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Not too sticky or greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Great for very dry and combination skin
Cons:
- Strong fragrance that could cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Contains Sodium Propyl Paraben and Cetyl Alcohol
Tip: If you’re not a fan of chemicals, check out VENUSIA Dr. Reddy’s Max Intensive Moisturizing Cream (non-affiliate link). A great alternative that is free of parabens, alcohol and sulphates.
3. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50
Now, the last but certainly the most crucial step in our skin care routine: Sunscreen! Lotus sunscreens are pretty well known, and I’m sure many of you are already familiar with them. This one, in particular, is considered the best in the Safe Sun range. I personally love this product and have been using it for years. The best part? It offers SPF 50 for UVB protection and a PA rating of “+++” for UVA protection. It’s a matte gel formula, free of parabens, but it does have a mild fragrance that I’m not too fond of.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- No white cast
- No parabens
- SPF 50
- PA Rating: +++
- Controls oil
Cons:
- Fragrance that isn’t very pleasant and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Contains Alcohol (Phenoxyethanol)
Tip: Did you know that 95% of the UV rays that reach the ground and cause the most damage are UVA rays, while only 5% are UVB rays? So, the PA rating of a sunscreen is just as important as its SPF. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with both a high SPF and a PA rating of either “+++” or “++++” for maximum protection.
Body Care
Body moisturisation is absolutely essential, whether you prefer a rich body oil or a light lotion. Everyone has their favourites, and I’m no different. I also care deeply about how my body smells, so fragrance plays a big role in my routine too. In this final section, I’m excited to share three of my ultimate favourite body care products that keep my skin soft and smelling amazing. Let’s dive in!
1. NIVEA Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion
Many of you are probably already familiar with Nivea and their range of products, and for good reason. I’m a huge fan of their body lotions, deodorants and moisturising creams. This Nivea Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion is a standout favourite of mine. It’s fantastic for dry skin, especially during the colder months, thanks to its rich blend of cocoa butter and Vitamin E.
While I use sesame oil for deep nourishment, this lotion is my go-to for that extra boost of hydration after shaving or in the winter. The cocoa fragrance is absolutely delightful—it makes me smell great and adds a touch of indulgence to my routine. If you’re looking for a rich, moisturising lotion that does the job and smells amazing, this one’s worth a try!
Pros:
- Offers hydration for up to 48 hours
- Ideal for dry skin, especially for winters
- Infused with Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E
- Lightweight with a smooth finish
- Lovely cocoa scent
Cons:
- May not be suitable for individuals sensitive to fragrances
- Contains alcohol (Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol) and Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Tip: For deep nourishment during the colder and dryer months, apply this lotion on top of any body oil of your choice. It helps lock in moisture and keeps your skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated.
2. NIVEA Fresh Natural Roll-On (Deodorant)
As a devoted fan of Nivea, I couldn’t resist including their Fresh Natural Roll-On Deodorant in my list. If, like me, you struggle with armpit odour, this deodorant is a must try. It lasts all day long, so whether I’m out for a walk or running errands on a hot sunny day, it keeps me feeling fresh and confident. The best part? It contains 0% alcohol, making it a gentle choice for sensitive skin and it’s very budget-friendly.
Pros:
- Long-lasting freshness
- No alcohol
- Fresh floral fragrance
- Antibacterial odour protection
Cons:
- No cons!
3. Bella Vita Luxury Honey Oud Unisex Eau De Parfum
I’m sure many of you have come across Bella Vita Luxury Perfumes, especially with their growing presence on Instagram over the past few years. I first discovered the brand when I gifted a set of four 20 ml Bella Vita Perfumes to a friend for her birthday. Initially, I was a bit sceptical, but I was pleasantly surprised by their impressive range. Among them, Honey Oud quickly became a favourite of mine.
I’ve been wearing this perfume for a while now, and it definitely lives up to its reputation for lasting power. The scent is a delightful blend of honey and vanilla with a hint of spice—perfect for date nights! Initially, it greets you with a floral honey aroma, but as it settles, the vanilla notes come to the forefront.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Subtle, not overpowering
- Unisex fragrance
Cons:
- Contains Alcohol Denat, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Tip 1: A patch test is highly recommended to ensure compatibility with your skin.
Tip 2: For longer-lasting wear and reduced chances of irritation, spray it on your clothes rather than directly on your skin.
Note: Though unisex, it is marketed more towards females
That’s a Wrap!
And there you have it, loves—my top 9 favourite body care products! I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Remember, a solid body care routine is essential for your overall well-being, no matter your gender. However, skin care and hair care can be very personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, it’s important to do your research, try things out and consult a dermatologist when necessary to figure out what suits your skin and hair best.
I can’t wait to share more of my favourites in the future, but only after I’ve done thorough testing and long-term use. Stay tuned for more glowing recommendations and as always, thanks for stopping by!
Shradha Sinha, founder of SL24, is a fresh Zoology graduate and an Emcee from Shillong, Meghalaya – India. Currently, she is enthusiastically exploring the world of digital creation. Through her platform, she warmly invites everyone to join her on this new journey of personal growth and discovery.
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