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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Manna Kadar Lip Locked Priming Lip Wand Merlot- Rs.1799 MondSub Collagen Eye Mask- Rs.200 Nirvana Pure Aloe Vera Gel Lemon- Rs.50 Bliscent Lip Scrub Pineapple Kiss- Rs.200/-
Total value of the products comes to Rs.2250/-
Manna Kadar was an option I got to pick, one makeup product out of the few. All were lipsticks I believe. Merlot is a beautiful colour, here is a swatch.
The qty is 2.5g and it’s retractable, I would say a semi matte finish. Though the price mentioned here is too high!
The lip scrub smells refreshing and I would definitely be using that. The aloe vera gel is also perfect for summers.
Overall I would say get this bag only if you would want to try these products or else skip. I would have preferred one more product, at least 5 in the bag.
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These days we have the pleasure of online shopping, be it clothes, makeup or anything essential can be easily delivered to your doorstep within few days. Shoes are also one of the most important parts of your outfit and thus women also look for shoes online. Online shopping in India for shoes will save you the hassle and time. However, a lot of people hesitate to buy shoes online. This is because shoe shopping feels like a ‘touch and try kind of an experience’. If the shoes are not comfortable, you can’t wear them on any occasion and the whole purpose of buying those shoes you loved is down the drain. However, here are some quick tips and tricks to follow to buy shoes for women in India.
• The perfect size – Sizing in shoe shopping matters a lot and especially while purchasing shoes online. Every website provides you with a chart and one should try to follow that. But before you move forward, I want to tell you that the size varies from brand to brand. For e.g. If you are size 34 in one brand, you may be size 35 in another. Also, it varies from design to design. To have the perfect fit, take a blank sheet of paper, pencil and ruler measure the feet wearing a sock. Place the foot down on the sheet and get the perfect shape by outlining with the pencil and then measure accordingly with the rule. Keep this sheet with you every time you are shopping for shoes. This is very helpful in purchasing shoes online.
• Shopping Website – Always choose a website you feel is trustworthy and reliable. There are various websites online for shoes but most of them do not deliver what they promise. Look for the reviews and decide accordingly. Also, if your favourite shoe brand has its own website, then definitely go for that. This guarantees the perfect fit because you have already tried the shoes, own them and know your size.
• Look for the return policy – Every shopping website for clothes and shoes should have a proper return policy because size matters in these cases. If the shoes do not have the perfect fit, they are useless. Therefore, before purchasing shoes online, always check the return policy of the website, the terms and conditions attached and the number of days within which you have to return.
• Shoe material – We are often disillusioned by the amazing look of a pair of shoes and we forget to check the material. Not every pretty shoe is going to have the most amazing and comfortable material. Sometimes, a particular material irritates the skin or causes extreme shoe bites which makes it very uncomfortable to wear. Therefore, always check the material before purchasing online. If it is not listed, you can call up the customer service to ensure the same.
• Images – The more the images enlisted on the website, the better it is. While shopping online, choose a website where different images of the particular shoe are presented with various perspectives so that you can choose easily. It also helps you to evaluate the material and fit better.
• Reviews – Reviews and ratings are extremely important. If you have any doubts regarding a product, then try reading extensive reviews and ratings. This enables you to judge the product or in fact check the credibility of the online brand. This is also very helpful if you are purchasing shoes online for the first time from a specific brand. People often mention if it runs larger, smaller or are true to size.
• Try it on – It is advisable to try the shoe right away when you receive the order. While trying, wear socks so that the fit can be checked perfectly. Even when you are shopping at stores physically, try wearing socks for shoe trial for comfort and fit.
• Indoor trial – While you are trying the shoes purchased online, try walking indoors to avoid any damage. Although most websites provide a return policy, it comes with a clause that the shoes must not be damaged, soiled or the tags torn. Therefore, do not pull up the sticker or tear apart the tags and always try indoors.
So these are some tips for shopping shoes for women online in India without any hassle. Next time you see an amazing deal or a chic pair of shoes, follow these tips to purchase without any hesitation.
We all desire flawless skin. While some beauty products do give us temporary results , I for one tend to stay away from chemicals. I prefer to use enzymes and chemicals present in natural foods to address my skin skin care needs.
One such holy grail product in my vanity is potatoes.
Since potatoes grow easily they are cheap as well as most likely to be organically grown. Potatoes are also packed with nourishing nutrients which can help address skin care needs if used in the proper way. Following is why potatoes are beneficial for the skin.
Potatoes contain potassium which helps to add moisture and hydrate the skin
They contain calcium which helps in healing dry skin
Calcium also helps to protect and renew the top layer of the skin
They contain an enzyme called catecholase which is responsible for reducing acne scars, blemishes and dark spots
They also contain magnesium which helps to fight free radicals which are responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines
Topical application of potatoes provides some mild bleaching by reducing melanine production.
Below I have mentioned ways in which you can incorporate potatoes in your skin care routine-
1. For removing tan and achieving an even complexion
Cut a potato wedge and rub it in a circular motion all over the face. Let the juice sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Alternatively, one can grate the potato and squeeze the juice. Apply this juice on the face and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing away with cold water.
The best time to do this is when using potatoes for cooking. This way you do not need to remember and prepare specially.
2. For treating dark circles
Grate about 1 tablespoon of potato. Apply the grated potato on the under eye area. Lay back and relax for 10 minutes. Wash with cold water. Regular application of this helps in lightening the dark circles significantly
3. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (dry skin)
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of honey to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
4. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (oily skin)
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth and 1 tablespoon of potato pulp to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
5. Face mask for hyper pigmentation and tan removal
Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of tomato juice to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.
6. Face mask for glowing skin
Mix one tablespoon of potato pulp with one tablespoon of cucumber pulp. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add in a few drops of rose water for toning. Apply this mask for a maximum 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
One important point to keep in mind- After using any treatment with potatoes, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3-4 hours and always apply sunscreen. ( This is because topical application of potatoes leads to mild bleaching of the skin)
I came across this website Jivaana.com which has amazing ethnic wear, accessories, footwear, bags, etc. If you are a bride-to-be or have a close friend’s or a family friend’s wedding to attend, then you should definitely check out this website.
You will find everything you need here, they have fabulous designs and everything is elegant and pretty, not over the top.
They have easy returns and exchanges, COD, worldwide shipping and PayPal for international customers.
Brands on Jivaana.com: We decode all your festive fashion and ethnic dresses online and make it accessible to you without pinching your pocket. Get the latest trends from upcoming and established designers and wow all at your festive celebrations and parties. Whether you are looking for juttis, mojaris, kohlapuris, potlis,clutch bags, maang tikkas, jhumkas, sarees, anarkalis, dhoti pants and much much more – there is something for everybody on here. Upcoming designers and established designers work with us to bring affordable designs made from the best quality materials. Designers like Roopa Vohra, Kavita Bharita, Priti Sahni, Rossoyuki, to name a few ensure you get to buy the latest designs.
They have something for everyone, as per your budget and needs. From designer labels to their in house brand.
These gold heels are made of patented leather and embellished with zari & beadwork By Designer Fuchsia. They look super comfortable as the heels are not too high and are absolutely perfect for both day time and night time. Since these are mules, they look pretty from the front and are airy and comfortable from the back.
2. Kolhapuri Wedges
These gold wedges are made of faux leather and embellished with tassel work by designer The Shoe Tales. Every girl needs a pair of Kolhapuri wedges in her collection. You can literally pair kolhapuris with all your ethnic outfits from simple to heavy, and the wedges give added height and comfort.
3. Gold Pearl Earrings
These gold earrings are made of metal alloy and embellished with pearl work by Designer Label Amara. Choose a statement piece from our collection of dangler earrings which is easy enough to build an outfit around. How stunning is this pair! The perfect size, so that it doesn’t hide behind your hair and is still visible. You can pair it with both Indian and western wear. I love the pearl and gold combination!
4. Green Peacock Dangling Earrings
These green sia dangler earrings are made of copper alloy and embellished with kundan work & stone work & pearl Work By Designer Paisley Pop. The work and embellishment on this pair is beautiful. It would match well with most of your Indian outfits.
Overall there are many such stunning pieces, and they even have a wide range of potli bags, clutches, etc. I definitely recommend checking out the footwear, bags and accessories, even if you are someone who gets their own designs stitched.
What is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.
Sugar Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks 6 New Shades, Swatches
Hi guys,
I had reviewed the Sugar Cosmetics Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks HERE.
It was launched in 5 shades, and they have added 6 new shades in this range.
Claims: If you want the best of both worlds and love to have it all, then the SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick is made just for you! Intensely pigmented and long-wearing with a baby-soft finish, its creamy texture effortlessly straddles the line between glossy and matte for an easy, everyday look. The high-colour payoff formula is loaded with Vitamin E that locks in both colour and moisture. A roll-on wonder that saves you from the hassle of prepping, priming and lining your lips – it’s all you need to quickly go from ‘Goddamn’ to ‘Goddess’. Free of mineral oil, lanoline and parabens. Full of vibrant colour that you’re sure to swoon over – try it out, today!
How to Apply: Starting from the center of your upper lip, gently slide the lipstick outward towards the corners while paying attention to fill in the arches carefully. On the lower lip, start at one edge and follow the natural curve. Use a tissue to blot out any excess product. Reapply for a smoother and longer-lasting finish.
Benefits: The SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick has a creamy, feather-light texture that spreads evenly on the lips. It glides on smoothly to create full lips with intense colour and rich coverage. Available in 5 vibrant, highly pigmented shades that are sure to become your everyday favourites.
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These are super pigmented, buttery, moisturizing and very comfortable on the lips. These are not transfer proof and they will transfer, but the pigment doesn’t go away completely. It leaves behind a stain, even after 4-5 hours and a little fading.
Shades launched:
Raisin Helen, Mauve Actually, Jack PeacherA Christmas Carol, The Plum Diary, Red Poet’s Society
· 06 RAISIN HELEN (Rose Brown)
· 07 MAUVE ACTUALLY (Deep Mauve)
· 08 JACK PEACHER (Peachy-Apricot Pink)
· 09 A CHRISTMAS CORAL (Deep Coral with Pink Undertone)
· 10 THE PLUM DIARY (Vibrant Deep Berry)
· 11 RED POET’S SOCIETY (Classic Red)
Here are the swatches, these are just one swipe each.
Raisin Helen, Mauve Actually, Jack Peacher, A Christmas Carol, The Plum Diary, Red Poet’s Society
And the lip swatch video..
My favourite shades are Raisin Helen, Jack Peacher and A Christmas Coral. Let me know your favourite shade in the comments below.
Have you tried the new Sugar Never Say Dry Creme Lipsticks?
ShopBop has their Sale on Sale offer going on again, although on selected Sale items. You need to checkout pieces with ‘SOEXTRA’ written beneath HERE, they are on offer.
You get 25% off over and above the sale price, I picked 4-5 items and 3 of it are on ‘SO EXTRA’ Sale 😀
Take anAdditional 25% off select markdowns on Shopbop
· Date: Tuesday, March 20th-Thursday, March 22nd
· Description: Customers will get an additional 25% off of select markdown items. Customers must type SOEXTRA during checkout to receive the discount.
The sale starts right now and is ON for 3 days, you can get upto 75% on a few items with this offer.
Maybelline has launched 10 shades of Inti-Matte Nudes Lipsticks, this range has some beautiful nudes.
Claims: Warm up to the perfect matte nude lip with Maybelline New York Inti-Matte Nude Lipstick. This range comprises of warmer, more sensational nudes for every skin tone. Inti-Matte Nude lipstick features warm, golden pigments that enrich your natural lip color. Pucker up to radiant, confident color that highlights one’s natural beauty with this amazing offering!
Features :
Creamiest matte nude lipsticks.
Features warm, golden pigments to enhance natural lips.
Enriched with sweet Honey nectar.
Available in beautiful warm shades for all skin tones.
Formula of Powder Matte is very comfortable. These are creamy, pigmented and long staying. They don’t transfer much, and stay for about 4-5 hours. You will need to touch up after a full meal, but these are pretty easy to touch up.
Almond Pink is a beautiful pink brown shade, slightly cool toned.
Raw Cocoa is a cool toned milk chocolate brown
Toasted Brown is a peachy brown shade, a good nude for Indian skin tones
Just A Teaser is a light peachy nude, good for pale/fair skin tones
Walnut is a deep cocoa brown
My favourites are Almond Pink, Raw Cocoa and Toasted Brown. Let me know your favourites in the comments below.
I am giving away Almond Pink and Raw Cocoa to one of you on my Youtube, so participate 🙂
Benefit Ready, Set, Brow Gel Review & Drugstore Dupe
By Divi
Hi guys,
As you might know that eyebrows are the most important feature of one’s face. It totally changes your looks and has the most dominant impact. So,today I’m going to review Benefit Ready, Set, Brow! It is a clear brow gel which helps your eyebrow hair to stay in place. Continue reading to know how the product is!
Price: MRP 1800 (approx)/ $24
How To Use: Brush on to brows. Wear alone or to set other brow products.
Claims: Get set for budge-proof brows. This invisible shaping and setting gel holds brow hairs in place and locks on makeup so brows don’t pull a disappearing act. 24-hour staying power,flexible,flake-free formula.Easy to apply,quick to dry. It has custom-molded wand coats from root to tip, shapes and defines.
Ingredients:
Packaging & Texture:
The packaging of the product is really quirky. The carton in which the product comes is peachish-pink in colour and has an animated design and a quirky character is drawn on it which attracts everyone’s attention. The actual product has a silver body which is of plastic. I would have appreciated if it was of metal as it is a high-end brand but nonetheless it is easy to use and convenient. The texture of this product is gooey and gel like. It is not too thick which means it doesn’t feel heavy on the brows. All in all, the texture is pretty good.
Experience:
I’ve had a good time with this product. Although, I do not have much stray brow hair but I use this occasionally to set me brows or when I’m going for a really glam party. I really like the shape of the wand. It helps me in coating the brows properly and I can shape the tail of my brows perfectly. The gel dries quickly after applying and doesn’t flake off. It doesn’t make your eyebrow hair hard or stiff which many other eyebrow gels tend to do. When it comes to its staying power, I have to say that it’s quite good. It does make your eyebrow hair stay in place for 24 hours.
Although, the product does disappear a little bit as time passes by but it does a pretty good job and make the hair stay in place. The gel also comes off easily with a makeup remover, so do not worry about that. I’ll prefer a waterproof makeup remover so there is no damage to the brows while removing the product and also the product doesn’t pluck out your eyebrows or make them shed
Pros:
● Stays for 24 hrs ● Doesn't flake off ● Dries quickly ● Doesn’t damage eyebrows ● Doesn’t make eyebrows hard or stiff ● Eyebrows can be easily shaped ● Easy to use ● Travel friendly ● Shape of wand helps in shaping brows
Cons: ● Expensive ● Available only on sephora
Rating: 4/5
DUPE ALERT: Pixi Beauty Brow Tamer does the exact same job, and is $10. Available at Target and on pixibeauty.com
I reviewed the first part of the Gigi and Maybelline collection before HERE. The collection was launched in two phases in India, the second part came during Valentine’s Day.
I have been using these since quite some time now and here are my thoughts..
Starting with the Tinted Primers,
Claims: Gigi Hadid Tinted Primer gives skin a hint of color and preps your skin for makeup. One of Gigi’s most trusted beauty essentials. Get your face ready for a flawless finish with this limited edition makeup primer – a celeb makeup must have!
How to use: Before applying your foundation, apply primer to the skin using your fingers or a cushioned sponge.
Shades: Light to Medium, Medium to Deep
MRP: Rs.499/-
Now there are varied opinions on how to use this product. It clearly claims to be used as a primer but many Youtubers have found it too dark to use as a primer all over the face and prefer using it as a contouring base. A full coverage foundation would completely hide this contour and nothing would show up. You can use this over the foundation like a cream contour, but again this is actually a primer.
It is very creamy and blends easily though. I agree she definitely had to launch more shades in this primer to cater to all skin tones, from light to dark. At least 2-3 more shades. But from what I believe, this would be the perfect base for paler girls who tan their body and not their face, it would give a natural tan to the face, beneath the foundation.
For people in India, the Light Medium shade would be perfect for NC40-42 and above, the Medium to Dark would be deep for most people in India too.
I do use the Light Medium and it is dark for me, but the foundation balances it. Now this primer is not very pore filling, but it definitely made my makeup last whole day!
I wore this makeup for 11 hours for a wedding, and only touched up once before the reception. The foundation did not fade or settle in fine lines. I was pretty impressed, I feel it helps in controlling the excess oil on the face giving a natural tint to the skin. Even if you don’t wear a liquid foundation on an everyday basis, you can use this primer for an even base.
Claims: Gigi Hadid Liquid Strobe is a cream highlighter that adds radiance and dimension to the face for the ultimate glow. One product, 4 ways! Delivers a gorgeous glow and a luminous effect that looks as if skin is lit from within. Look to strobing makeup for an illuminating effect in an instant.
How to use: Four Ways to glow: Wear alone, mix with primer, mix with foundation or spotlight high points of the face. Step 1. Apply to desired areas of the face. Step 2. Blend with fingertips.
MRP: Rs.650/-
Shades: Gold, Iridescent
These can be MAC Strobe cream dupes, though the tint is different. You can pick Gold if you have yellow undertones and Iridescent if you have pink undertones.These are not highlighting enough, just on it’s own. You can use it as a base for powder highlighter on top.
My favourite way of using this is mixing with foundation, it gives a beautiful glow to your skin. You can also use it all over your face as a base after primer and before foundation, or mixing with your primer. (if you want more glow)
Or mixing with your foundation is the safest bet.
I like mixing a tiny bit of both Gold and Iridescent. These are not very pigmented or shimmery kinds, so even if you add a little extra, there would be nothing obvious on the skin. It just gives a healthy, glowing look to your skin.
Liquid Strobes in Gold, Iridescent, Tinted Primers in Medium to Deep, Light to Medium
I do feel these are a little pricey though, these should also have been priced the same as primers, around 499.
I like the fact that they are not oily or greasy and don’t make your foundation slip or break apart. It blends and merges really well.
I definitely recommend these, especially for days when you feel your skin is looking dull. You can even mix a bit with your tinted moisturizer on a daily basis.
Eye Contour Palettes
Claims: A must have eye contouring palette available in cooler (light skin) and warmer (deep skin) tones. In 4 easy steps you can create a natural contour that defines, deepens and widens to make your eyes look dramatically bigger and brighter.
HOW TO USE :
Step 1. LID: Apply a neutral base all over the eyelid.
Step 2. CREASE: Define the eye crease with a medium tone shade.
Step 3 CONTOUR: Add depth to the outer eye corner and lash line.
Step 4 HIGHLIGHT: Illuminate the brow bone and inner eye corner to create the look of wider eyes.
MRP: Rs.799/-
Eye Contour Palettes are a combination of all matte shades, one cool and one warm. These are one of the best matte eye shadows available in drugstore brands in India. Creating a pigmented shimmer/metallic shadow is pretty easy and most drugstore brands have good metallic shades.
Matte shadows with most drugstore brands are not pigmented enough, powdery, chalky, dry.
These are powdery and have kick back, but they are also super creamy and quite pigmented. The swatches you see are all one swipe each.I love the combination of colours, and I like the concept of having a warm and cool separately. I love both of these, I would say the Cool one is a little more pigmented though. But both are pretty good to work with and blend well.
The only other brand available in India, that makes good matte shadows is PAC Cosmetics.
Warm Eye Contour PaletteCool Eye Contour Palette
I don’t like the sizing of the shadows though, the straight vertical line is tiny for dipping the brush :/ Maybe the qty is decent, but they could have made each shadow broader.
I am not sure if they would be available on discount, since it’s a LE collection but if you see them on discount, then definitely grab them.
Eyeshadow Palettes
Claims: A beautiful six shades palette that is perfect for creating custom eye makeup looks. Has both matte and shimmery shades to easily take you from day to night. Cool Palette : Mauves, Pinks, Golds and Rose Golds. Warm Palette: Nudes, browns and champagne golds.
HOW TO USE :
Step 1. Color the entire eye area.
Step 2. Shade the lid.
Step 3. Contour the crease.
Step 4. Line around eye.
MRP: Rs.799/-
Again beautiful combination of shades. Super creamy, buttery and pigmented. The metallic shades are gorgeous, I didn’t even use a damp brush for it, and yet the pigmentation came out so well.
Warm Eyeshadow PaletteCool Eyeshadow Palette
I love the fact that there are three matte and three metallic shades, you can create a whole look with this palette. It’s very important for an eyeshadow palette to have shades to create one whole look, and it’s very rare to have all the shades for a look in one palette. Usually if it’s all matte or all metallic, or there is no deep shade for smoking out or highlight shade. Both these warm and cool palettes have all shades to create one complete eye look.
The warm one is perfect for creating a look for Indian weddings, which I have done here. Cool one will work for everything, from your brunch to after parties. Cool is slightly more pigmented than Warm, in this too.
I definitely recommend these too.
Here is the look I created using the collection..
My favourite has to be the four eyeshadow palettes, followed by Liquid Strobes.
I got the March Fab Bag today, I didn’t do a detailed video because I am unwell. My nose and eyes are watering continously, I did a quick unboxing video but it is getting stuck on Youtube. I reuploaded, cross checked, it works fine in private mode too, as soon as I made it public, even the 2nd upload is getting stuck. I am sorry, I have no idea what’s wrong :/
I love the cocoa brown eyeliner color, but the swatch just wiped off my hand completely, without any color or pigment behind. It doesn’t set or stay put at all!
I only liked the Sugar product in this month’s bag, I picked the Tweed Taupe shade, there were options to pick one product from multiple Sugar makeup products. I had 9 shades in the 2nd batch of Suede Secret which I am giving away HERE.
So, this shade was missing and now we have all 10, 5 each for one winner.
Overall, the bag is ok. Not that good, only good part is Sugar product of your choice. Honestly I don’t think there is anything game changing in this month’s bag, wish Fab Bag brings good products like it used to earlier. With new subscription boxes coming in almost daily, it’s tough competition out there at the same price.
Let me know what you think of this month’s Fab Bag
