Cheers To Water

The ‘It’ ingredient this season is the world’s bestknown beauty secret. Yes, we’re talking about water. From basics to skin-savers, water—spring, mineral, plant-based—is everywhere. And makeup is not far behind either—the recently-launched Marc Jacobs Beauty line has coconut water as a key ingredient. Needless to say, the popularity of water as a base for beauty products stems from it being hypoallergenic. “Water-based products are usually light in texture and weight, spread easily, are non-greasy and do not clog pores,” elaborates Dr Varun Katyal, New Delhi-based dermatologist. “That there is no oil, and that water doesn’t irritate the skin, yet hydrates, makes it a good makeup base, too.” But of course, products built on water are on the top of our must-haves list at the moment. Skin type, no bar!

Asfresh as it gets Fresh, spring water calms and soothes the skin, and is also therapeutic by nature. L’Occitane Verdon Fresh Water Shower Gel for Body and Hair (`990) makes for the perfect start to the day with its cooling and gentle cleansing properties. Its stimulating blend of peppermint, citrus and aquatic notes leaves skin soft, fresh and comfortable, and the hair shiny, radiant and healthy. “Spring waters that contain sodium chloride, bromide, iodide and sulphur help in stimulating the microcirculation of the skin,” says Dr Katyal. “Thermal spring water, especially, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, keratolytic (peeling) and vascular is at i on benefits.” Avene Ystheal+ Emulsion (`1,900) prevents and treats fine lines and wrinkles with its combination of thermal spring water, ret in aldehyde and pre-tocopheryl, which stimulate cell metabolism and neutralise free radicals, leading to a healthier dermis and better skin elasticity.

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Offr u its andflowers Plant extracts, typically, are known to balance the skin’s pH and are oh-so-good for both very dry as well as very oily, acne-prone skin. From refreshing floral waters to hydrating fruits, each of these plant waters—obtained through distillation—have their own pec ular i ties, besides all of them being soothing and calming with an extra advantage if you have sensitive or irritated skin. Forest Essentials Facial Toner Panchpushp (`1,125) uses the hydrosol of five flowers: rose for hydration, bela to help retain moisture, marigold for toning, kewda for softening and saffron for glow. Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate (`3,950) uses the shiso leaf extract to intensely moisturise and plump up dehydrated skin and stimulate collagen production.Bobbi Brown Eye Make up Remover (`1,890) makes for a double dose! It uses superstars aloe vera and rosewater to calm the delicate under eye area, while it cleanses out even the strongest makeup without hurting the eyes. “Rosewater also reduces thread veins and broken capillaries,taking care of under-eye dark circles,” adds Dr Katyal. Organic Harvest Green Cucumber Toner (`445) uses the water from cucumber to hydrate and cool your skin and minimise open pores. Mineral ma n tras Mineral waters are rich in skin-friendly silicates. “Silica keeps the collagen and the elastin fibres in the skin flexible and strong,” says Dr Katyal. “It also detoxifies the skin and helps reduce acne and breakouts.” We suggest you try it as a soothing spray. Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist soothes and hydrates the skin while reducing redness. It even helps set makeup in place. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream(`2,450)uses the brand’ss ig nature Enriched Mineral Water Blend with aloe vera, witch hazel extract, jojoba seed, avocado oil and Squalane to hydrate, balance and revive skin. Clinique Moisture Surge (`3,550) uses mineral water to hydrate parched skin. While Givenchy’s Hydra Sparkling Lip and Cheek Balm Moisturising Glow (`2,645) uses a mineral water complex with hyaluronic acid and luffa oils to plump up the lips and skin, and lend a tint, too, with the option of Pearly Glow for luminescent skin and Peachy Glow for rosy cheeks and pink lips. Sit back and let the waters work their wonders on you!