Bhumika is a Chartered Accountant by profession but a Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger by passion..blogging since 10 plus years, isn't that a proof enough ? :D
Her love for lipsticks, accessories, shoes and all things pretty comes across in most of her posts.
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Today I am talking about kurtis, how versatile kurtis are and there is one kurti for every occasion.
When it comes to the well-defined ‘Indian wear’, the first thing that comes to our mind while walking towards the closet is Kurti. This fashion trend never goes off and one of the best smart casual wear. In fact, Kurtis are so versatile that you can wear them for college, office, family events, day-out, party wear and literally every way you prefer.
Kurtis can be made adaptable with various styles like short or medium length, from various materials of cloth and the embroidery as well. thus, the exclusive designs, elaborate patterns, various hues and appealing shades blended with western as well as Indian styles has made Kurti so popular as a fashion trend. There are various reason to love them, different ways to pair them up.
I came across this site ‘Rangriti’ and they have such gorgeous kurtis. There is one for each occasion from work to more casual wear to more dressy ethnic. I have picked a few here and highlighted which can be worn for what occasion.
1. Yellow Short Kurti
Now this one is so colorful! I love the yellow and pink combination and the pom pom bead tie-ups. This is more of a casual wear. You can team it with denims or a nice, long, flared skirt. If going for a casual brunch, then with denims and if for some wedding related function like a mehendi, this would look perfect with a flared skirt in pink.
2. Indigo Blue mid length kurti
This will work with a white churidar for work and even a white skirt/palazzos for a more boho look. Team it with feather/beads/colorful accessories for a casual boho chic look.
3. Mustard yellow long kurti
Now this one can be a little dressy. Team it with a black churidar and maybe even a heavy dull gold work dupatta and you can wear it for a wedding.
There are so many ways to wear a kurti and one can dress it up or dress it down on teaming with correct bottoms and accessories. I love kurtis and have so many different styles of them in my wardrobe.
I love online shopping and the variety of kurtis available online these days is amazing. Also at very affordable prices. I would highly recommend to buy kurtis online.
What is your favourite way to wear a kurti? Do you go boho chic with kurtis? Let me know some of your ideas in the comments below.
Soulflower Coldpressed Olive Oil Review, Benefits, How to Use
By Sanchita
INTRODUCTION – Olive oil is a multipurpose oil and a very important part of my skincare and haircare. I have been using this oil for quite a long time now and I am really surprised how beneficial it can be. The brand, Soulflower is a well-known one, for making different carrier and essential oils. I have tried various products from them and was really impressed with the quality.
So let’s get straight into the details.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Olive Carrier Oil – Coldpressed have ability to nourish, moisturize and improve skin elasticity, acts as a deep conditioner & a dandruff controller, giving hair shine & strength.
The Soulflower Coldpressed Olive Carrier Oil comes in a slender plastic bottle with a transparent body. It has a white opaque screw cap with a flip open lid and a small opening that dispenses the right amount oil and controls the flow as well. The packaging is really travel friendly and light weight. I always dreaded carrying oils while travelling but this one causes no spillage at all. It was easy and handy. The olive oil is golden yellow in color with a thicker consistency. It is slight sticky as well due to the consistency and few other addition of ingredients in it. There is no complain regarding the thicker consistency because cold pressed and chemical free olive oils are like that. There is a slight hint of olive aroma and nothing artificial at all. It isn’t a very pleasant smell but it won’t put you off.
Before moving on to the various uses, I would like to discuss the ingredients. This product is Cold pressed (which is purist method of producing oils to retain much more of their valuable nutrients) and hence the olives are pressed and grinded in low temperatures in order to retain its aroma, flavor and nutritional value. You would often use various ‘olive oils’ with a light consistency, non-greasy feel but those oil have mineral oil in them and such products are harmful for the skin. As a result, this product is hexane free. The brand claims to extract this product from the seeds of the Olea Europaea (Olive) plant, which is a great source of Vitamin E and also contains Vitamin K and D3.
HOW TO USE –
1. Makeup remover – Oil is the best makeup remover ever! Be it coconut, olive, castor or any other oil, it is going to remove every trace of waterproof and smudge proof makeup. My eyes are super sensitive and thus I avoid using any makeup remover wipe or chemical near it. I use this olive oil or sometimes make a concoction with castor or coconut oil and soak lightly in a damp cloth or cotton ball. I apply on the eyes for 30-40 secs and then swipe gently to remove the makeup. It comes off easily and effectively.
Also, the eye area feel soft and nourished. For face, you can simply massage the oil in circular motion and you would the makeup coming right off. Swipe off everything in a damp cotton and wash the face as usual.
2. Eyes – Eye area is naturally dry and the skin around it is very thin. It loses moisture easily and thus require extra nourishment. I dip a Q-tip in the oil and apply all over the eyelids and under eyes, along with the lashes and eyebrows. I massage the oil slightly and let it soak overnight. Therefore, whenever I wake up, the area feel nourished and hydrated all day long. This is helped me a lot and prevented the wrinkles around the eyes.
3. Skin – Olive is antiaging and contains various vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin K and D3. It helps to prevent fine lines, crow feet and wrinkles. Olive oil also nourishes and moisturizes the skin. if you have dry skin, simply apply the oil to the dry patches and you will wake up with renew and rejuvenated skin.
4. Body and Aromatherapy – Olive Carrier Oil has the ability to nourish, moisturize and improve skin elasticity. This is why it is an excellent product for body massage and aromatherapy. You can also mix with other essential oils and massage. Initially, it feels slightly sticky but given some time, it gets absorbed well. In fact, you won’t need a body lotion throughout the day. You can also use this for body scrub. Take 2-3tbsp. of crushed almonds, coffee and add olive oil with it. Massage it thoroughly before bath.
5. Nails and Hands – It serves as an excellent hand nourisher and nail cuticle oil. For dry hands, simply massage the oil for 5-6mins and wear a glove for 30mins. Once you open the glove, your hands will be as soft as a baby’s skin. For nails and the dry area around nails, apply olive oil and let it soak for an hour. You would never see dryness if you do this regularly.
6. Hair – My favorite part is to apply a concoction of 3 oils – olive, castor and coconut. This methods works like a charm for me and prevented split ends and dryness. I massage the oil on the scalp and length of the hair and keep it overnight. I wash off in the morning with a mild shampoo and conditioner and the hair feel soft and manageable. I even add the olive oil in my homemade hair masks as well for the extra nourishment.
7. Lips – Lips feel dry and chapped every day and simple lip balms are not good enough to keep them soft and supple. I mix olive, castor, shea butter and coffee grinds and scrub the lips once a day, before hitting the bed. It helps to remove the dry patches and keep the lips soft and pouty.
8. Shaving – Shaving with olive will save you time and money. You won’t have to apply any body lotion or oil post-shaving as the olive oil is enough to nourish and hydrate it. Thus, if you are in a hurry, simply apply the oil generously on the area to be shaved and use the razor.
WHAT I LIKED
1. Well packaged and travel friendly.
2. A golden yellow color with subtle notes of olive.
3. Thick consistency.
4. Hexane free.
5. Extracted from the seeds of the Olea Europaea (Olive) plant, which is a great source of Vitamin E and also contains Vitamin K and D3.
6. It has versatile uses.
7. Affordable.
8. Easily available.
WHAT I DISLIKED
1. None!
RATING – 5/5
OVERALL – Soulflower Coldpressed Olive Carrier Oil is one of the best and affordable oil that that versatile uses and an essential part of the skincare and haircare. It is authentic and has no side effects whatsoever. Moreover the oil will last you a long time. I would highly recommend this one.
Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo Review
By Ria
Hii Girls,
Presently I am on a “Detox Mode” for my stash. I have a bad habit of buying lots of stuff and hoarding them for life long. And recently when I had to shift my place then it became hell lot of a task. So, I pledged to first empty my stash and get done with all the present stock I have and then only I will buy new stuff.
Recently I was done with my shampoo stash and then I headed for a new shampoo for my very fine and dry hair. I have seen shampoos from Organix brand and most of them had good reviews. So, I thought why not finally buy a shampoo from this brand and make my very own impression. So, I went ahead with the online hunt and finally zeroed in on Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo.
Product description – A high performance blend of powerful ProVitamin B7 biotin infuses nutrients into every strand, while plumping collagen adds volume and dimension, and hydrolyzed wheat protein strengthens, for thicker, fuller, healthier looking hair.
Why you want it…
After just one use, strands feel thicker and look fuller and more abundant! Helps to thicken and texturize any hair type. Immerse your skinny looking strands in this super volumizing formula to create fuller looking, shiny hair after just one use.
What you do…
Apply organix shampoo generously to wet hair, massage the lather through ends. Then rinse hair thoroughly. After shampooing, follow with organix conditioner.
Packaging – Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo comes in a huge purple sized bottle with matte golden cap. The shampoo comes in size variants and I bought the bottle of size 385 ml. I like my shampoo bottles a bit bigger as I shampoo every alternate day so I need a good amount of shampoo every month. The bottle has entire product and price details. The bottle is round and the cap is tightly enclosed to prevent any spillage.
My Take on Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo
The shampoo is medium in consistency and purple in colour. This is first time in my life that I saw a shampoo of purple colour and I was really excited when I had the first look of the shampoo. Shampoo is diluted with water to get the desired consistency. After which you can easily spread the shampoo on your palms and finally on your hair.
When it comes to the performance of any shampoo I judge it mostly by two factors. First and foremost is how good the shampoo lathers. And this one didn’t lather that well. So, I was a bit skeptical at the beginning that will it cleanse my heavily oiled hair. But yes the shampoo cleaned it. My scalp felt squeaky clean and the oil was completely removed with this shampoo.
This is a thickening shampoo though, and it is widely known that Voluminizing and thickening shampoo dry out your hair texture. But I have read good reviews that this one locks the moisture in your hair. And once my hair dried I also felt the same. My hair was very soft without even an inch of dryness or roughness in it. Plus as far as the thickening effect is concerned it created beautiful waves on my hair. There was no sudden or dramatic increase in volume but my hair had beautiful waves which I absolutely loved. The effect stayed on till the second day after which I washed off my hair.
Also, economy wise on my medium length hair and on thrice usage every week the shampoo lasted me 2.5 months which is perfectly fine for me. So, there you get huge quantity inside the huge bottle.
Pros –
1. Easily available – online and offline
2. Huge quantity for the price
3. Gives nice bounce and volume.
4. Smells nice
5. SLS free
Cons –
None
Rating – 5/5
Would I recommend Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo – In a nutshell, I finally found a shampoo which my hair and I both love. It is great and one of the best and affordable shampoo I have used till date. I have tried a number of shampoos even from high-end brands but this one by far remains the best.
Editor’s Note: This sounds really good. I will give this a try.
Have you tried the Organix Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo?
Marilyn Monroe is not only a celebrity in Hollywood but the most talked about and worshiped diva in the beauty circles too. Right from her seven inch dress, pouty lips, gorgeous eye lashes and sexy legs everything was talk of the town. She is known to be one of the most beautiful women of her time and till date. She is truly a legend in the glamour world.
But in spite of all her controversies, she is known to be the mother of beauty and makeup tips. So, here we are listing down some of the eternal and ever glowing beauty and makeup secrets of the diva herself –
1. Use Vaseline as a Highlighter – Yes, Vaseline the regular petroleum jelly which all of us have in our house. We use only on lips that too in bed time. But the light sheen which Vaseline gives has always been used by Marilyn as her highlighter. The light healthy glow will give you just the finish of a radiant skin and nothing else.
2. Use Five Different Shades for Her Pouty Lips – She used to begin by applying a nude shade just to prep her lips. Then she used to apply a regular matte lipstick and top it with a darker shade. The darkest shade was applied on the outer corners and then the cupid bow was highlighted.
3. Use Oils for Shiny Eyelids – Marilyn was a firm believer of shiny eye lids. So, she always used to finish her look by applying a face oil or Vaseline to get her shiny eyelids.
4. Use White Eye Shadow as a Base – The white eye shadows trend was started by Marilyn Monroe herself. Her makeup artists used to apply white eye shadow all over her eye brow area and even in the inner corners of her eyes. This provided much more depth and colour to her eye area.
5. Mixed Eyeliner – We all used to apply either black or brown eyeliners. Even if we apply any coloured eyeliners, we tend to go with a single colour only. But Marilyn used to apply a combination of white, brown, black and blue eyeliners to get that super dramatic look.
6. Blush for Contouring – Yes, you heard it right. We all use blush to highlight but the talented makeup artists of marlin Monroe used to apply blush on her nose for contouring. They used to apply a bit of blush in the area where nose ends to give it a shorter nose look.
7. Half Falsie Eyelashes – Marilyn Monroe used to love her eyelashes. She loved the long dramatic falsies too. But no doubt they looked over dramatic. So, she used to cut her falsies in half and then apply them on her eyes. They used to give a dramatic but still natural look.
8. Arching Eyebrows – Well, arched eyebrows are a trend now even. But what Monroe used to do at that time was that she used to use a white eyeliner to drag it up. But not make the end too pointed else it looked fake.
9. Beauty Sleep – She had a secret recipe of her beauty sleep. She used to steam her face every night before sleeping. And used to sleep naked in a big bed with completely dark room. She used to have at least 10 hours of sleep every day.
10. Moisturisation is the Key – She used to love her moisturisers and always carried one in her bag. She used to have different moisturisers for different parts of the day and even for different body parts.
So, these were some of the top beauty and makeup secrets by Marilyn Monroe. Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below.
Within a span of merely two years, Kriti Sanon has catapulted herself to the status of the ‘Next Big Thing’ in Tinsel-town. A model-turned- actress who ventured into the glamorous and glitzy world of movies, Kriti began her career with modelling initially and then, signed some flicks down South.
Making inroads into Tinsel-town with Heropanti opposite Tiger Shroff and then, starring in the commercial potboiler ‘Dilwale’ with superstars SRK and Kajol, opposite Varun Dhawan, Kriti has her kitty full with many flicks. A towering height with porcelain skin and slender frame, she has all the trappings of a Hindi film heroine. Making her presence felt every now and then thanks to her impeccable fashion sense, let us treat our eyes to the Best Off-screen looks of Kriti Sanon 🙂
1. TRAVELLING IN STYLE- Airports aren’t ramps. So, one does not have to style themselves in an overly dramatic way to create a statement. Comfort should preside over anything here. And who better than Kriti to prove it? Swaddled in a pair of jet black denims with a casual plaid shirt and hair lustrous locks let loose, Kriti gives us major style goals with her sartorial sense.
2. AT THE LAUNCH OF ‘MANMA EMOTION’ SONG- Opting for an H & M shirt, Zara dress, VANS shoes and rings by KOOVS, Kriti dazzled at the song launch of ‘Manma Emotion’ from Dilwale. With minimal makeup and her hair done up neatly, she posed for a pretty picture.
3. DURING HEROPANTI PROMOTIONS- Opting for a bodycon dress from Bebe for the promotion of Heropanti in Chandigarh, Kriti goes simple and looks exquisite. The attire surely complements her slender frame and skin tone.
4. SHOWCASING HER STREET STYLE- Looking chic in a grey tank and ankle-length ripped jeans, Kriti left for Hyderabad to shoot for the final schedule of her then impending movie- Dilwale. She accessorised her look with black sunglasses, white sneakers, tan belt and a shoulder bag.
5. IN ‘NOT SO SERIOUS’ BY PALLAVI MOHAN- Sporting a multi-print dress by Pallavi Mohan for another promotional event of Dilwale, Kriti looked poised and pert. With a pair of metallic oxfords from Aldo and her poker-straight tresses let loose, she completed her look.
6. KEEPING THINGS CASUAL- With a heart patterned sweatshirt from Shahin Mannan that was styled with denims and metallic sneakers, Kriti posed for a picture. Certainly, not going overboard is her mantra and we see her keeping things casual but chic.
7. IN A ‘FALGUNI AND SHANE PEACOCK’ DRESS- Kriti opted for a gorgeous feathery long black dress by Falguni and Shane peacock during one of the promotional events of Dilwale. The accessorised her look with a pair of diamond studs while going minimal in the makeup department.
Editor’s Note: I loved all her casual looks, especially the Pallavi Mohan dress.
The long summer is gone and it is getting pretty much cold day-by-day. Even though winter is for a very short time in India, it is about time to pack up those light weight cotton and linen clothing and bring out the jackets, scarfs and hoodies. If you thought women are the only ones who are interested in seasonal clothing and men don’t care at all, you are absolutely wrong. Men are more conscious of their attire and they like to be well quipped as well. Thus, we are going to going through the bang on-trends for 2016 to start working on a guy’s winter fashion game.
The only thing that comes to our mind when we think of winter is – jackets. From leather to shearling – it is a style statement in itself and a must have clothing item in the wardrobe of every man. The key to nailing winter style is to layer pieces of various fabrics to keep you warm without the bulk. Thus, layering can make you look stylish and impressive at the same time. Some winter jackets for men available include hooded, leather, long woolen ones, trench coat and others.
• Hooded Jackets –
A black hooded down jacket is a must have for a man’s wardrobe. It must be light weight jacket but should protect you from winter and keep the look trendy as well. The jacket is also a versatile one and works seamlessly with a number of outfits as well. You can layer over a shirt, t-shirt, etc. For jackets, you can also opt for the colours like Black, Brown and Blue. It will give you the perfect style statements for those winter treks, hike and outdoor sport and adventure activities.
• Duffle Bags –
How convenient are the convertible duffle bags? Yes, it is another must-have as well. Winter is the perfect time for trekking and other adventures. Men prefer to keep multitaskers at hand and hate to carry several elaborate things. So, a convertible duffle bag to a backpack is a versatile option to look out for. These are extremely sturdy and makes it easier to stash away all your essentials.
• Check pattern –
Check pattern is another savvy style stamen for the men. Mostly they prefer them over prints and patterns. Thus, subtle checks patterned shirts are extremely popular and can be easily own as a formal wear as well. The trend to the street with grunge-inspired checked outerwear and block color are also some style to look out for.
• Shearling coats –
Shearling coats is a cult classic for men. This is the perfect pick for winters and various brands have come up with their own style and cut. Also, Shearling coats are available in different models, styles and fabric combinations. Shearling is basically made from sheared sheep or lamb or from synthetic fibre. It is affordable and there’s nothing softer and cozier than wool in the colder months.
• Leather jackets –
How can your wardrobe be complete without leather jackets? It has become a symbol of a symbol of rebel culture and ruggedness. Leather jackets are a wardrobe essential that every man can pull off. These are perfect for transitional weather as well as colder months. It has such amazing versatility which allows you to use them in a casual outfit or to smart up your style with just a few simple twists.
• Cardigan –
Whoever said cardigans aren’t manly, haven’t seen a man style it well. The style of cardigan has come a long way since the 1850’s. Various fashion designers have been trying out this style and makes it look brilliantly smart and casual. . This multi-purpose piece of fashion apparel can be worn with a suit and tie, and will look as stylish when worn with either a smart polo shirt – buttoned up of course – or a plain t-shirt on a warm summer evening.
• Scarfs –
Scarf is another fashion statement for men and the best way to deck up for the fall and winter time. Whether a man wears a scarf with casual jeans or a suit, it adds a stylish element and charm to the personality. There are various ways to tie a scarf and you can wear it for both formal and casual occasions. It’s also a good rule of thumb to keep the rest of the outfit simple so it isn’t competing with the scarf for attention.
So, how do you think you are going to carry out the winter look this year?
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review, Price, Buy Online
By Sanchita
INTRODUCTION – Hello everyone. Hope you all are doing well. The Miracle Complexion Sponge of RT family was a part of my haul and I have been waiting to use it for a long time. I have already reviewed the Real Techniques Core Collection Set and love the brand. Beauty Blender wasn’t available and thus I had to go with this one. I have used the PAC Beauty Blender before but it wasn’t long lasting and started tearing apart with few months and I had to buy another one. After using this one for 2 months, here’s my review on it.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Optimize your beauty routine with the #1 branded makeup sponge*! This versatile beauty tool was designed with a revolutionary foam technology to evenly blend makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish. Use damp for a dewy glow or dry for a full coverage.
Rounded sides blend large areas of the face with a dabbing motion.
Precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections.
Flat edge for contouring around the eyes and nose.
Ideal for liquid foundation.
Latex-free.
For best results, replace your makeup sponge every 1-3 months.
The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge comes in a thick synthetic plastic sort of a material which is sturdy but not good enough for storing the sponge. So I believe you have to use proper storage for the sponge. The sponge is bright orange in color but with passage of time and regular usage, I have seen the color fading but it never deposits any chemical on the face. Coming to the most important part of the sponge, the shape. It has a unique shape of conical end with flat top edge. The RT sponge is considered to be a step-sister of the Beauty Blender which works pretty much same like this. The sponge is bigger is shape (compared to my PAC Beauty Blender) and I feel this one is much easier to work with.
When first touched the sponge as soon as I opened the box, it felt small but the moment you run it under tap water and squeeze it, it increases in size, almost 40 to 50% of the original size. It also feels firm yet soft enough to gentle on the skin. I have used it under eyes and it has never been hard and irritating to blend. The firmness ensure that the sponge isn’t easily going to tear down while using and washing and the softness is great enough to blend. The sponge also doesn’t absorb too much product even if it is a liquid foundation or liquid concealer. In this way, it doesn’t sheer out the coverage of the product as well and deposit and blend the color on the skin.
Also, I apply the foundation on the skin with the help of fingers and then blend with the sponge well. The pointy end of the sponge is great for under eyes. It reaches out to the difficult portions like inner corners and sides well and blend beautifully. The dome shaped body is great for dabbing the color on the skin and blend them. The flat edge is ideal for covering the larger areas easily. The sponge is also a good one for apply mineral powder foundations and even compacts! I have applied powders for baking and also blended strobing cream on the highest points. It works as good as brushes and sometimes even better than brushes.
The cleaning of the sponge is also easy. In a small bowl, I fill in with baby shampoo or any gentle shampoo and mix water with it to form a solution. I soak the sponge for some time and gentle rub the sides to clean off. It easily washes off and doesn’t tear out. The takes some time to dry out completely but never loses the shape at all. This is why it is durable and it is going to last preferably a very long time for me even though I use it twice or thrice a week. The RT sponge has been compared with the stepsister Beauty Blender numerous times and since I don’t have the latter I can’t comment on it. But one thing I would say that RT Sponge is easily available on discount but Beauty Blender is way too expensive for a sponge.
OVERALL – Thus, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a makeup sponge which would give you a flawless finish for the base and coverage as well. it takes very less time and makes the application as easy as it can be. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, this is surely a must have tool for you.
WHAT I LIKED
Good quality.
Proper and innovative size.
Doesn’t absorb too much product.
Gives a seamless base.
Makes the application easy.
Less time consuming.
Great for every product – foundation, concealer, powder, highlighter and contour.
Easily washable.
WHAT I DISLIKED
None
RATING – 9/10
Editor’s Note: I have never tried this, my PAC one also tore in the first 1-2 washes itself. I absolutely love the YBP Makeup Perfector, it’s my favourite and makes blending everything super easy and seamless. I might try this sometime, have heard a lot about it.
Have you tried the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge?
Best Exercises To Get Rid of Love Handles/Muffin Tops
By Nidhal
Flaunting a flat and chiseled tummy not only looks winsome but also manifests one’s dedication, assiduousness and attention towards one’s health. And it is tacit that such a frame complements almost all types of apparel be it ethnic or Western. However, thanks to our fast-paced lives, we cross paths with insalubrious food items, commonly known as junk food, and ingestion of which leaves us with myriad health woes.
Love handles/muffin tops are excess abdominal fat that accumulate near the waist and without any iota of doubt look unprepossessing but wait, do not fret. There are easy ways which help you get rid of them. So, jot down these points and bid farewell to those pesky love handles that are holding you back from flaunting a figure-hugging outfit!
1. KNEE DROP EXERCISE- Lie flat on the ground, abs pulled in tight to your spine, back flat on the floor. Lift legs off the floor and into a table-top position. Squeeze a ball between your legs, engaging the inner thigh muscles and lower abs the entire time. Drop your knees over to the right. Continue for 15 minutes in a set.
2. BICYCLE CRUNCH EXERCISE- Bicycle crunches utilize all of your major abdominal muscles more than any other ab exercise. This all-inclusive exercise helps tone up one’s belly and love handle areas. To do a bicycle crunch, lie on the floor and clasp your hands behind your head. Slightly raise your legs a few inches off the floor. Bend your knees at a 45-degree angle. Direct your legs in a bicycle motion while bringing your left elbow to right knee, then right elbow to left knee.
3. RUSSIAN TWIST EXERCISE- Sit on your bottom with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. You should be leaning back at 45 degrees angle. You can hold a weight in your hands, or you can choose not to. That is your discretion. You have legroom to do so! Lift your feet off the ground and cross them at the ankles. Twist to the right and touch the ground next to your hip with the weight or your hand. Twist back to the left and do the same.
4. BURPEES- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, squat down putting your weight in your butt and reach your hands towards the floor. Jump with your legs and extend your feet to one side, land with both feet while keeping your core tight and one leg stacked on top of the other, jump back to centre, and then jump straight up bringing your hands overhead. With this exercise, kiss goodbye to those pesky and abashing love handles in no time.
5. THE SUPERMAN EXERCISE- The most frolicsome of all exercise- the superman exercise helps you unleash the superman (or should I say superwomen?) in you. How? All you need to do is stretch yourself on the ground by keeping your hands and legs straight. You need to lift your chest and thighs of the ground at the same time by balancing yourself on your stomach. Maintain the posture for 30 seconds and relax. That’s one rep! And you have aced it.
6. SKIPPING- Not only does skipping improves one’s agility, but also it kicks excess fat off one’s body. All you need to do is invest in a skipping rope and get started. There’s no ‘tutorial’ per se on how to skip. The key is to keep an eye on the rope and jump as it approaches your feet. 20 jumps for a beginner is fine starting point. So, go and grab a skipping rope.
7. LUNGES- Lunges not only tone and strengthen legs, but also develop muscles of the abdomen. Stand straight with your right leg placed forward. Now, bend both the knees to lower your body to a lunge pose. It is as cushy as that! Incorporate it in your daily fitness regimen and you’ll have not only toned legs to flaunt but also zero love handles.
Editor’s Note: I think we all need this 😀 Thanks for this post Nidhal
Hello everyone. Hope you all are doing well. Mehendi is a big part of bridal makeup and grooming. Without it, it will always look empty and incomplete. Continuing the bridal series, we have assembled the best bridal henna or mehendi designs for feet as well. On the D-Day, the bridal is the centre of attention and thus, while you deck with all the beautiful jewellery and outfits, mehendi will add a different charm to the look for sure. If reflects a rich traditional. It also makes the bride look from simple to breathtakingly beautiful. There are various designs available but choosing the one for yourself is surely one hell of a task.
There are various designs for feet available. From floral intricate to geometric patterns – all you have to do is choose what you want for the wedding look. There are also regional designs like Pakistani, Arabic, Punjabi, Marwari, etc. not only on weddings, women also apply mehendi for other festivals like Karva Chauth, Ganesh Puja, Baisakhi, etc. Henna or mehendi designs for feet looks extremely elegant, beautiful and exotic adornment to the female body symbolizing a point of divine contact, where a human being and the earth meet. The sole of the feet have a thicker layer of skin enabling a rich deep burgundy color and will stand out. Thus, it look extremely gorgeous. So let us see the mehendi designs for feet.
1. Bhumika posted this beautiful design on feet from her wedding day and it is splendid to start off the list with it. Not the perfect mehendi design but the beautiful traditional foot harness she wore was surely a great inspiration and something that would make you look beautiful and complete. Thus, choose a designs and custom make your own foot harness to get this look.
2. This traditional intricate design along with the accentuating beautiful patterns are surely gorgeous to look at. The design look elaborate and beautiful.
3. This contemporary floral pattern is for the one who prefer simple and stylish designs for the wedding day.
4. An extremely elaborative design with intricate, motifs, floral and bordering designs. This is surly to make the bride look drop dead stunning. The peacock-designed ending is truly wonderful.
5. Another elaborate design with peacock patterns and motifs. Simple borders and patterns will just not do, the fine workmanship to truly going to make you feel indulged and pampered.
6. A contemporary design that cleverly uses gaps to create an astounding piece of art. This is simple yet attractive.
7. The floral and leaf design isn’t something new but the way it has been beautifully portrait along the edge of the feet is truly gorgeous and extremely visually appealing.
8. A rich design with varied usage of floral, geometric and intricate patterns for a detailed mehendi look.
9. A simple design with curved motifs and good use of the whole feet as a canvas.
10. The designs involves the use of peacock and floral patterns to create something magical and appealing.
11. Simple floral designs with an elaborate border.
12. A minimum design with a beautiful floral pattern and looks exquisite.
13. A breathtaking mehendi design for legs which involves wrapped floral ensemble and the feet has intricate motifs and peacock decorations.
14. A very simple mehendi art as a feet harness.
15. Traditional extravagant patterns with minimum art.
So, which is your favorite mehendi design for feet?
So The Himalaya Drug Company launched a new FOR Moms range dedicated to mothers.
The Himalaya Drug Company is proud to dedicate ‘Himalaya FOR Moms’, a specialized herbal skin care product range to mothers and to be mothers that is completely safe and is enriched with aroma benefits.
The range comprises of Soothing Body Butter (Rose, Lavender, Jasmine), Toning Massage Oil, Anti-Rash Cream and Nipple Care Butter.
Since this range is meant for moms, one of my friends delivered a baby few months ago and I gave the Toning Massage Oil and the Nipple Care Butter to her for using and sharing her experience. While I tested the Soothing Body Butters and Anti-Rash Cream
Soothing Body Butters
Claims: Why Body Butter?
The skin, after expanding and shrinking during and after pregnancy, tends to get dry and itchy. Body butters have soothing and moisturizing elements which are effective in relieving itching. Body butters which contain soothing and healing fragrances are especially effective in helping de-stress too!
What Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter Does:
Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter is a daily-use cream that intensively moisturizes and nourishes your skin, making it soft, supple and glowing. Cocoa Butter soothes dry, irritated skin, and Glycerin keeps skin hydrated for a longer time. Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter contains Vitamin E which protects the skin from damage and irritation and comes in the three calming fragrances of Lavender, Rose and Jasmine.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter is a natural antioxidant which soothes, hydrates, and balances the skin. Glycerin is a humectant that locks in moisture and keeps skin hydrated for longer.
MRP: Rs.200/- for 100ml, Rs.320/- for 200ml (Buy HERE)
Variants: Rose, Jasmine, Lavender
It comes in a flat tub with the usual white and green Himalaya packaging. It has a white separator in between to avoid spillage.
It is quite thick in texture and very rich. It is perfect for the body skin, especially for moms who have dry skin or who experience more dryness on the body during pregnancy because of the stretching. But it does blend in the skin well and gets absorbed, does not leave stickiness or greasiness.
All three scents are really soft and nice, lavender is my favourite but surprisingly I loved Rose & Jasmine too equally.
This will be perfect to use post shower on the moist skin, and especially around the tummy area.
Toning Massage Oil
Claims: Why is Massage Important?
Massage is proven to be effective for faster postpartum recovery and better health as it increases flexibility while also toning muscles. An effective massage can stimulate blood circulation, thus reducing pain and swelling. Massage also helps with improved milk secretion, relieves stress and promotes sound sleep.
What Himalaya for Moms Toning Massage Oil does:
A daily massage with Himalaya for Moms Toning Massage Oil helps in strengthening and firming the skin. The soothing Lavender aroma moderates your mood, stimulates your senses and leaves you rejuvenated and relaxed.
Key Ingredients: Sesame Oil is considered the most superior oil in Ayurveda for its skin firming properties. It moisturizes and soothes the skin, thus preventing it from dryness and infections. Its natural Vitamin E content is an emollient and antioxidant. Country Mallow, also known as Bala in Ayurveda, helps to improve muscle and joint strength. Winter Cherry soothes and calms the skin and reduces stress with its rejuvenating and skin-conditioning properties. Aloe Vera heals wounds and soothes the skin.
MRP: Rs.200/- for 200ml, Rs.400/- for 500ml (Buy HERE)
Ingredients:
This one was tested by my friend. It is perfect for new moms who still have their massage going on everyday, with the baby. I would recommend using this on yourself, even after the regular massage sessions are done.
Massaging anyway helps a lot, but with the right product, it works even better.
Also not just stomach, it can be used on thighs, on the cellulite, on the breasts for better milk secretion, etc. And the lavender scent is like a cherry on the cake. It smells really good.
Anti-Rash Cream
Claims: Why do Rashes Occur?
Rashes can occur due to sweat, rubbing together of folded skin, or irritation caused by normal skin germs. The deeper the folds are, the more likely the chances of a rash. The most prone areas are between and under the breast, under the stomach, in the arm pits and between the thighs.
What Himalaya for Moms Anti-Rash Cream Does:
Himalaya for Moms Anti-Rash Cream is an herbal formulation that effectively reduces itching and rashes, and gently soothes the skin. It is very useful in relieving rashes during pregnancy, as well as other dermal cuts and scratches which cause minor itching. The comforting Lavender aroma will not only calm the rash but also distract your mind from the irritation.
Key Ingredients: Yashad Bhasma is known to lock in moisture and have antiseptic and astringent properties. It is helpful in treating eczema, itching and other skin disorders.
Aloe Vera helps to heal wounds and soothe skin.
Almond Oil, which is rich in Vitamins A, B and E, is easily absorbed, and helps to maintain skin moisture. It is known to nourish the skin and make it soft and supple.
Manjishtha has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to provide blemish-free, clear skin.
Now I do keep getting rashes at times. I loved using this anti-rash cream as it was very soothing and calming. The redness reduced in a day and the bump or itchiness, if any, also went down.
The aloe vera and almond oil calm down the redness and irritation and the Manjistha and Yashad Bhasma help in reducing itchiness and since antiseptic, does not spread the bacteria and doesn’t leave a scar.
Nipple Care Butter
Claims: Why do nipples get dry and sore?
Nipple care is usually done the traditional way. A cloth dipped in warm water is used to wipe away excess milk and saliva. Sometimes, harsh soap is used to clean nipples. Enzymes from baby’s saliva, water or even soap residue can remove moisture from sensitive nipple skin, thus making it sore and cracked.
What Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter Does?
Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter is an herbal formulation with the goodness of 100% natural oils. Ideal for both expecting and lactating mothers, it helps prepare nipples for effective nursing and also helps in the prevention and management of sore and cracked nipples.
Key ingredients:
Kokum Butter is used for ulcerations, fissured lips, chapped skin and skin disorders. It exhibits excellent emollient properties and deeply moisturizes and promotes healthy, supple skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil has cooling properties and helps in strengthening muscle and tissue. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and cleansing properties. The natural Vitamin E present in Virgin Coconut Oil promotes healthy skin, and helps in smoothening and protecting skin from cracks and fissures.
Directions for use: Apply Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter to the nipple and areola and massage gently, or as directed by your physician.
Safe during nursing, however it is advisable to clean nipples before breastfeeding.
MRP: Rs.75/- for 20g, Rs.150/- for 50g
Nipples usually become dry because of baby’s saliva. Also cleaning it several times in a day takes away the natural oils on the skin and nipples which keep them moisturized. So we need to add the moisture back by using an appropriate cream/moisturizer.
This nipple care butter is specifically made for the sensitive skin on the nipples. Kokum butter and virgin coconut oil keep the nipples moisturized and coconut oil is also anti bacterial. The dryness on nipples causes itching and sore, cracked nipples at times. This would help prevent that too.
My friend has been testing this and she really likes it so far. She had not heard about nipple care butter earlier, but is definitely going to repurchase this.
I am glad Himalaya has launched a special range FOR Moms and I hope they introduce more products to this range. Many of my friends are moms and some are to-be-moms, I would definitely recommend this range to them and recommend to you all if you have been looking for some specific products meant for moms.
