Instagram is so much fun! I love browsing through stories and posts of my favourite people and brands. I’m always on a look out for inspirational posts, fitness, travel stories, fashion, beauty and the usual. 

I was just swiping through Insta stories and that’s when I came across VJ Anusha Dandekar #DivaOnDuty sharing her current beauty favourites during her shoot for Love School Goa.

Now, I’ve been following our girl Anusha and her fashions tips since high school… a major flashback to MTV in 2008 and remember to always “Keep It Stylish!” days.  Her sense of style has obviously evolved since then and so has mine. Given her beautiful skin and fun fashion choices, I was intrigued to look into her beauty products stash and get inspired to check out some new brands.

She’s Australian-Indian/Maharashtrian and her lifestyle as a VJ presumably includes a lot of travelling and over nights at work. And that’s exactly what interests me. I want to see the new and cool multi-purpose beauty products, which do the trick even in such extreme conditions/situations (not to mention the pollution in India).  Great products that work wonders and brands that are actually recommended by industry beauty experts is what I’m always on a look out for.

So lets crack on and explore her favourite skin care products through – “A day in the life of Love School Goa” – 

A-Derma Épithéliale AH Duo Ultra Repair Cream

Product Claim:It repairs skin damage after dermatological superficial acts and epidermis alterations that can lead to cutaneous marks. For the face and body of the whole family, the cream acts on two levels thanks to its patented active ingredient cicahyalumide that accelerates the reparation of the skin and helps reduce cutaneous. Enriched in moisturising agents, its invisible non-sticky texture is easy to apply. It leaves the skin soft and moisturised. The skin is immediately soothed, the reparation is accelerated and the marks are reduced. The rhealba oat plants present in the formula are known for their soothing and anti-irritant properties. From 100% natural origin, they are cultivated in the south of FRANCE and from organic farming. 

• Fragrance and paraben-free
• Dermatologically tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Non comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

Ingredients:  Water (Aqua);Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride;Glycerin;Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter);Dimethicone;Glyceryl Stearate;Cetearyl Alcohol;Palmitic Acid;Stearic Acid;Alanylglutamine;Avena Sativa (Oat) Leaf/Stem Extract (Avena Sativa Leaf/Stem;Extract);Batyl Alcohol;Benzoic Acid;Caprylyl Glycol;Cetearylglucoside;Dimethiconol;Polyacrylate13;Polyisobutene;Polysorbate 20;Sodium Hyaluronate;Sodium Hydroxide;Sorbitan Isostearate;Tocopheryl Acetate;Xanthan Gum

Recommended For: 
Face & Body
Children > 2 years and Adults
Fragile skin

Approximate Price: ₹660 /- for 40 ml

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 45

Product Claim:Ultra Sheer® line provides powerful sun protection you will love to wear. It goes on easily and absorbs quickly for an invisible, light-weight feel on your skin. Formulated with Helioplex® Technology, it offers superior broad spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays.

• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• PABA-free
• Lightweight, non-greasy feel
• Fast absorbing Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB
• water resistant (80min)

Ingredients: 

Active ingredients –
Avobenzone 3% (Sunscreen) Homosalate 10% (Sunscreen) Octisalate 5% (Sunscreen) Octocrylene 2.8% (Sunscreen) Oxybenzone 6% (Sunscreen)

Inactive ingredients –
Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate, Vp/hexadecene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Methylparaben, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Recommended For: 
Face & Body
Do not use on damaged or broken skin
Keep out of reach of children
All skin type

Approximate Price: ₹2409 /- for 88 ml

GlamGlow FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment (Face Mask)

Product Cliam:Flashmud is a multi-sensorial quick result brightening treatment. Powerful & innovative multi-brightening complexes help to create the brightest, lightest & luminous perfect skin!

Free from –

• Parabens
• Sulphates
• Phthalates

Ingredients: Water, Silica, Kaolin, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Pumice, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Diamond Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Betula Pendula Wood Powder, Salicylic Acid, Lilium Candidum (White Lily) Bulb Extract, Glycerin, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrent) Seed Oil, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Octyldodecanol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Geraniol, Disodium Edta, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Recommended For:
Face
Adults
Suits Normal, Oily, Combination and Dry skin type (especially to combat dark spots and uneven skin tone+ dullness and uneven texture)

Approximate Price: ₹1600 /- for 15 gms

GlamGlow GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment (Face Mask)

Product Claim: The GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment is an innovative formula that changes color from white to a brilliant chrome and peels off to leave skin feeling tighter and more lifted. Mega-Targeted ingredients work together to help skin’s contour feel more firmer and look more defined. Powered by TEAOXI™ Marshmallow + Licorice Leaf, this Peel Off Mud treatment instantly leaves skin radiant and feeling firmer and more lifted.

Free from –

• Parabens
• Sulphates
• Phthalates

Ingredients: Water\\Aqua\\Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Montmorillonite, Pentylene Glycol, Illite, Polysorbate 20, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Caprylyl Glycol, Althaea Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tapioca Starch, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Colloidal Platinum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Alcohol, Ascophyllum Nodosum Powder, Polysorbate 80, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Pullulan, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Coumarin, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163)

Recommended For: 
Face
Adults
Suits Normal, Oily, Combination and Dry skin type (especially for combatting loss of firmness and elasticity)

Approximate Price: ₹1600 /- for 15 gms

GlamGlow SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Face Mask)

Product Claim: The SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment was developed to address common skin concerns, which include blemishes, redness, scars, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. The potent mud formula supports skin’s natural oil balance, while a proprietary blend of six acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid) works to help minimize pores and create clearer skin. Activated-X charcoal lifts away dirt and other skin congestions, resulting in a refined, healthy-looking complexion.

Free from –

• Parabens
• Sulphates
• Phthalates

Ingredients:  Water, Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Mandelic Acid, Carbon, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Tartaric Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Powder, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Hectorite, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Maltodextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499)

Recommended For:
Face
Adults
Suits Normal, Oily, Combination and Dry skin type (especially for combatting Pores, Acne and blemishes + Oiliness)

Approximate Price: ₹1750 /- for 15 gms

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover

Product Claim: Remove eye makeup the right way with this gentle dual phase, oil-free formula. It activates when shaken to gently whisk away eye makeup—even waterproof mascara—without any greasy residue. 

• Dual-action formula removes even waterproof makeup
• Oil-free, non-greasy
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Poloxamer 182, Allantoin, Tripotassium Edta, Benzalkonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate.

Recommended For:
Face
Adults
Suits Normal, Oily, Combination and Dry skin type

Approximate Price: ₹374 /- for 162 ml

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Product Claim: Lightweight makeup remover quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeups, sunscreens. Transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely. Gently helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer. 

• Non-greasy
• Non-drying 
• Ophthalmologist Tested
• No parabens
• No phthalates
• No fragrance

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate , Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate , Polyethylene , Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate , Water\\Aqua\\Eau , Tocopherol , Phenoxyethanol

Recommended For: 
Face
Adult
All Skin Type

Approximate Price: ₹2950 /- for 125 ml

Truth be told, I’ve only tried one product from this entire lot – Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It is one of my ride or die products. Definitely worth the buy as you only need a pea sized amount to cleanse your face and the tub lasts you for months and months. Never broke out. Never had any issues. Makes my skin feel soft and supple, not dehydrated or rough after double cleanse. 

Am I going to go ahead and buy these products that Anusha uses for herself? Maybe. Yes!

Some of these products have been going around for a long time and they are beauty guru favourites. Once I’m done using my current beauty products I’m going to go shopping and get these babies. I’m especially curious to see how well do A-Derma Épithéliale AH Duo Ultra Repair Cream and Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover perform. Their ingredients seem good and they are free of all the toxic-chemicals which usually go unnoticed when we buy products off the counter.

Research is key. Skincare and cosmetics do include a lot of toxic chemicals which directly seep into our skin and body. So that’s NOT good!

Coming through industry experts, I’m excited to try these products. Given that they are working their magic through the scorching heat of Goa, I’m sure these products will be good to go anywhere else in the world in any season.

Note: Please refer to the ingredients list on the product packaging for the most accurate list of ingredients.

*Images used for representative purpose, contact for credits.*