Diamond in the Rough

Finding good skincare is about as thrilling as doing the laundry. It's a task to find the right products, and if you use the wrong ones, you end up with spots and issues that you only pray can be reversed. Recently, I was sent a bundle of items from the highly esteemed Shahnaz Husain line. Shahnaz Husain is well known for her application of Ayurvedic technique to skincare. Not sure if that's ringing a bell? Well, you're probably familiar with her kajal stick, that has inspired many copycat look-alikes over the years.

I received the Diamond Range, and I have to admit--as beautiful as it looked in the packaging, I was a bit hesitant to forego my normal skincare routine and give it a go. As my skin tends to be dry and finicky, I didn't want to risk breakouts and blemishes within such close proximity of the wedding date. However, as any good beauty fanatic would do, I knew that I had to go forward. After what's been about a month of use (I really couldn't make a fair assessment any earlier, as I have a habit of liking something only to find out that two weeks later my skin is flaring and irritated), I am pleased to report that I am thoroughly impressed with this line of products. I think Shahnaz may just have a secret or two up her sleeve!

Diamond Exfoliating Scrub: grainy as many exfoliators tend to be, this scrub really does a polish on the skin. I didn't feel as though it was abrasive, but after washing, my skin feels a bit more supple and moisturized than with typical scrubs (which is a common theme with this line).

Diamond Skin Rejuvenating Mask: I was very impressed with the consistency of this mask. It goes on very smoothly (it was as though I were using a facial brush, but there was no brush in sight), and doesn't dry right away. The instructions say to wash only once it dries--and there is no confusion as to when this occurs. However, once the product comes in contact with water again, it melts away almost instantly. No dry residual product around the hairline or jaw.

Diamond Skin Nourishing Cream: This at first was the hardest product to understand, but can be likened to a moisturizing cold cream. It's to be applied prior to moisturizing, and is to be massaged into the skin for about a minute's time before removing. I found that after using this, my moisturizer seemed to sink in a bit deeper--proving for great results the morning after. It contains date and vetiver which are very soothing.

Diamond Skin Rehydrant Lotion: Easily the most-used product of the bunch. I use moisturizer like a crazy woman. Morning, night, immediately after the steam room, again prior to makeup. The final effect is non-greasy moisture, and a decent starting point for makeup.

Typically I mix and match my skin care--facial cleanser from one brand, a moisturizer from another--but using this entire line did not bother me one bit. I was surprised to find how well my skin reacted to all of it. The scent is very floral but pleasant, and I received many a compliment from the Mr. about it. It has a fresh note about it that seems to linger throughout the day. As the main active ingredient in all of the products is diamond ash, I feel as though it lives up to its claims of regenerating the top layers of skin, while eliminating toxins and wastes. These were all taken with me on a vacation in the desert, where my skin left in desperate need of a small revival. The only thing that I believe could make the line even more promising, would be to add a cleanser and eye cream (my other saving grace).

The final judgement: Would I repurchase? You bet!