Hello my weirdo fam 🙂
I have had the best weekend at the Good Food and Wine Show Cape Town which I will write about soon. I really needed a break from school and it was so much fun! Just to update you guys I started watching “Jane the virgin” last week as I ran out of things to watch. Let me just say this is not something I would usually watch but it is hilarious and full of drama. If you have  watched it let me know what you think of it.
Today I am going to review a brand that I think is far too underated with regards to skin care, Himalaya Herbals which started in 1930. I tried to keep it short and sweet but a cup of tea is necessary for this lengthy read.

Himalaya Herbals products do not use any animal related materials and are all vegan friendly. (Y’all know I am trying to go vegan at some point). With a history spanning eight decades in the area of herbal research, Himalaya shares a close relationship with nature. They are in the business of not only promoting good health but also safeguarding the health of our planet. Ever since their inception, they have taken great care to protect biodiversity, collect herbs in a sustainable way and promote good agricultural practices. Himalaya Herbals is a natural herbal solution, with many of the herbal active ingredients having organic origin.
Before I get into the review, I just want to commend their great delivery service. I ordered one of the mornings last year on their site: http://himalayaherbals.co.za/ and it was delivered the same afternoon! It came in cute little box with two free products and some information pamphlets. When I purchase again it will definitely be from their site. I love getting deliveries, who doesn’t?

Himalaya Purifying Neem Foaming Face Wash – Normal to Oily Skin
This is my favourite of the 3 products I am going to review.
Product description(website): Specially formulated to give you clear, problem-free skin, a soap-free, daily use foaming face wash that spreads smoothly over your face and removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying. Neem, well-known for its purifying and antibacterial properties, kills problem-causing bacteria. Combines with Turmeric, it helps control acne and pimples, leaving your skin, soft clear, refreshed and problem-free.

Packaging: It comes in a transparent bottle with a white dispenser pump. I really love the packaging and the pump is secure so its good for travel. The face wash is green in colour and it smells of neem. It’s in liquid form but when pumped the texture is foam.
Size: 150 ml
Price: R62 on their website
Thoughts: I love this face wash, I have been using it for more than 6 months and I alternate it with this one here. The key ingredients are neem and tumeric. It leaves the face feeling clean, refreshed and doesn’t leave it feeling dry. I have not had many pimples since using this except the hormonal odd one or two. It leaves the skin soft and glowy. It is good for normal/oily/combination skin. People with dry skin people may find this a bit too drying. The only downside is how quick it finishes. But I will be refilling!
 
 

Clarifying Mud mask
 
 

Product description(website):  The Clarifying Mud Mask is a mineral –rich mask that absorbs excess oil, clears clogged pores and removes blackheads and deeply embedded impurities. It firms the skin, helps restore its natural elasticity, improves skin texture and helps minimize wrinkle formation. Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) deep cleanses the skin and has cooling properties. Walnut removes skin impurities, blackheads and dead cells. Mineral Clay improves circulation, leaving your skin soft and glowing.
Packaging: It comes in a tube which keeps the product from drying and it is easy to dispense the required amount. It is a white tube with a green cap.
Size: 75 ml
Price: R62
Thoughts: This mask truly does deeply clean the skin from impurities, blackheads and unclogs pores. I apply it thinly with a brush as I found with my finger I applied too much and this caused my skin to burn a bit. This is my go to when I need to purify my skin especially if I haven’t masked in a while. It leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean, refreshed, soft and really smooth.
 
 

Fairness cream 

This was included free in my order along with a toothpaste(I did not really like). The fairness cream was my least favourite other than the toothpaste.
Product description(website): An advanced skin lightening formula. Its unique formulation ensures five visible actions: lightening and evening of skin tone, reducing blemishes and dark spots, helping reduce under-eye dark circles, nourishing skin and moisturizing skin without making it greasy.
The unique Phyto –Vitamin Complex in Natural Glow Fairness Cream comes from a complex of Alfalfa, Saffron, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin E. Vitamin B3 is an effective skin lightening compound while Vitamin E helps protect the skin against oxidative damage.
Key ingredients:
• Alfalfa is a source of Vitamins A, K and D, polyphenols and flavonoids. It is also high in calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and essential enzymes.
• Saffron (Kesar) is a luxurious herb that has been used in skin care for centuries for a fairer, brighter complexion. Saffron keeps the skin moisturized and smooth. The crocin and crocetin present in Saffron help to enhance the complexion and lighten skin.
Packaging: It comes in a soft pinkish coloured tube with a green lid. It looks cute and is travel sized.
Size: 25 g
Price: R16. There is a buy one get one free for the month of June here.
Thoughts: The fairness cream is a very pale pink in colour. It is a smooth texture and consistency. It does apply evenly and does not make the face oily. It gets absorbed on the skin quite nicely. It has the smell of saffron aside from the “fairness cream” smell. I find my skin dry soon after applying. It does not even out skin tone or do half of what it claims to. It has a temporary glow and I am not too certain about it being moisturising enough for my face. I know some people love this product but it just did not do it for me. There is no SPF in it either.

This is affordable skincare that works really well especially for a student on a budget.
I have previously used the Neem Face Wash and mask when I purchased it in India. I loved those. Next on my wish list is the Almond & Cucumber Peel off mask as well as the Energizing gel cream.
What do you think of Himalaya Herbal products? Which is your favourite?
Tuesday feel: “Do a face mask and get over it”
By the way for those of you Cape Town please be careful in the storm tomorrow.

xoxo Miss Dhanusha