Healing herbs

You may not have heard of her in the UK yet, but Shahnaz Husain – a trend-setter in herbal cosmetics – has been nicknamed the Elizabeth Arden of the Asian world.

I discovered her herbal products while walking around the Kensington Olympia exhibition. She has a wide range of products for every skin type. All are Ayurvedic formulations, not tested on animals. There’s even a line for women who are having chemo, with products for hair and skin.

 Back in the 70s, Shahnaz Husain recognised that chemical treatments have long-lasting detrimental effects. To this day, she firmly believes in the power of nature over chemicals.

 I’ve tested her products and I’ve been amazed at the improvement in my skin.

Check out the range at Lloyds Pharmacy in Selfridges. I’ve heard it’s also available in local Indian shops. If you have a skin or hair problem, Shahnaz Husain has a solution for it.

 

Shamask I Renewing Skin Balm

Rich in almonds, date extracts, balsam and herbs, the original formula for this mask has been used in Ayurvedic healing for centuries to help tighten the pores. It facilitates the softening and removal of dead epithelial cells, leaving the skin revitalised.

Tried and tested

I gently applied the grainy mask to my face, avoiding the eyes. It has an exotic, earthy smell, with a lingering sandalwood scent .

The mask dried rapidly and was rinsed off with water. I’d advise using it in the evening as it left the area between my eyebrows slightly reddened – it could be the elimination process – but this soon wore off.

The mask had a tightening effect on my skin, which appeared ultra-smooth afterwards.

Nourishing cream

At bedtime, I applied Shalife nourishing cream, containing vetiver and jasmine. This, surprisingly, only had to be left on for five minutes before removing with moist cotton wool. I’d recommend this cream for dehydrated skin.

In the morning, I applied Shanaz’s moisturising milk, which has a light texture, which is readily absorbed by the skin. It contains extracts from the almondette tree, which is well known for its healing properties in Ayurvedic medicine.

For more info about products,

www.shahnaz.in

email: contact@shahnaz.in

Sadie’s top tips

A few years ago I was living on benefits, but I feasted like a king on a pauper’s salary because I made a few adjustments to my lifestyle and the way I shopped. I can help you with tips and offers that will save you money in these austere times.

As Mr Woodhouse from the Jane Austen novel Emma puts it: “Young ladies should take care of themselves. Young ladies are delicate plants. They should take care of their health and complexion.”

Rescue Oil

Rescue oil is great for preventing ‘crow’s feet’ lines from appearing on the face. I’ve been using it nightly – and I’m convinced it has helped reduce them.

Rescue oil can be slathered all over stomach if pregnant as it will help with stretch marks, sagging skin around the tummy area and any scars that appear after giving birth.

It’s also good for improving general skin condition, closing pores and improving blemishes and dry skin.

The product retails at 99p for 40ml, £1.69 for 75ml and £2.49 for 150ml.

Available on the high street in Morrisons, Home Bargains, Poundland, Savers, Wilkinson, Bodycare, B&M, Poundworld, Poundmart and 99p Stores.

Bargain beauty secrets

We’ve all heard tales of grannies with beautiful skin who reveal their secret to be nothing other than a basic face cream, writes Sadie.

I would never spend more than £10 on a face cream as I know other elements need to be in harmony in my body for my skin to look good. How you take care of yourself is a key factor.

Over the years I’ve explored cheaper alternatives to costly creams.

Pure range from Waitrose

The Waitrose Pure range, derived from 95% natural ingredients – and no perfume – is a big find.

Natural ingredients in the range include shea butter, olive oil and almond oil.

Waitrose Pure facial oil is the best I’ve ever tried – and I have tried all the expensive brands.

It glides on easily, is not greasy and leaves my skin dewy-fresh. It costs £2.99 in store, but wait for the half-price deals and offers: a real find.

I also found the Pure range beauty balm is a fab alternative to the legendary Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream. All in all, it’s an effective multi-tasking cream for the elbows, lips and cuticles. Loved it and you will too!

Bargain beauty ranges

I tried Aldi’s bargain beauty range when the store first opened in the UK. Then the Daily Mail did a feature on it and it sold out in minutes.

The restorative serum is the best serum I’ve used. It has similar ingredients to the famous brands and it’s worth checking out the entire range.

Argan oil repair serum from Poundland is a good, all-round serum that softens the skin. This really works!

The Superdrug Beautiful range has a fantastic facial oil which is currently on sale at half-price. Marie Clare magazine gave it a 5 star rating recently.

Finally, did you know one of the best creams you can use on your hands at night time is Boots own traditional skin care cold cream?  It’s lanolin-free and dermatologically tested.

Basically it’s very greasy, that’s why I recommend putting it on your hands at night. But it does the trick and only costs £2.42 for 200ml.