Top 10 MAC Eye shadows for Indian Skin Tones | Indian Bridal Makeup Kit
Hi guys,
I have been planning to write this post since a long time. I wanted to jot down my favourite and best MAC eye shadows, which are an absolute must have in your kit. If you a bride-to-be or just a new makeup artist, I would definitely recommend starting with these 10 at first as they are a must have!
1. MAC Bronze eye shadow
This is my favourite eye shadow in MAC. I believe they had discontinued it in between for some time, now they have launched it again as a part of the MACxMickeyContractor collection and now it should remain permanent I guess. It is one shadow that can help you create a bronze smokey eye in a minute. You won’t need any other shadow except this and your kohl. That’s it. It works for weddings, parties, everywhere. Highly recommend this!
2. MAC Expensive pink eye shadow
Now this shade works really well on Indian skin tones. It’s a perfect peachy pink mixed with gold. It goes with every Indian ethnic outfit, especially day time functions. It gives a nice wash of colour on the lids, you can just blend it with a basic brown in the crease and you are good to go. Love this shade!
3. MAC Goldmine
Goldmine is a true warm yellow gold. If you have a lot of gold in your outfits, then this one is great to pair them with.
4. MAC Antiqued
Antiqued is a medium reddish brown with warm undertones. Again a shade you can do an entire look with on it’s own. And perfect for Indian ethnic wear.
5. MAC Embark
It is a deep matte brown. It’s a perfect outer V colour to create that smokey effect and define the eyes. It can also be used to fill in eyebrows for Indian skin tones.
6. MAC Sketch eye shadow
This is a deep burgundy plum shade, perfect for night time and receptions/wedding parties. You can create a gorgeous plum smokey eye with this one.
7. MAC Woodwinked eye shadow
Woodwinked is another light gold bronze that is a must have, and perfect for brides/bridal kit/weddings. A soft wash of colour on entire lid or as a center colour for halo effect with Fix+. This one is light compared to Bronze and you can pull it off easily, even if you are new to eye shadows.
8. MAC Satin Taupe eye shadow
It’s an everyday taupe shade with a satin finish. A perfect day time colour, you can wear it for work too if you like a wash of taupe on the eyes. A basic, everyday wear shade, that’s too not OTT.
9. MAC Amber Lights eye shadow
Again a gold copper with orange undertones. A beautiful shade to pair with Indian ethnic wear and perfect for brides/weddings.
10. MAC Ricepaper eye shadow
This is one highlight colour that you need in your kit. Whether highlighting the brow bone or inner corners of the eyes, this one will work with all eye shadow looks
I will cheat and add one more, MAC Soft Brown. You need this for blending in shadows in the crease as a transitional shade.
I hope you liked this list, if you are looking for investing in MAC eye shadows, I would definitely recommend starting with these. Also let me know if you would like a similar list for Inglot, as Inglot has many dupes of MAC 😉
Best of Bulletproof makeup: 8 Water Proof Foundations Perfect for Monsoons
By Ankita
Let’s imagine a scenario. It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and it’s drizzling. You just got out of the shower and got dressed in your best clothes. God, a day of fun after that long dragging week. What could possibly go wrong? You walk up to your dresses and there it is that nasty little zit, you reach for your favourite foundation but wait a minute, should you? or… better not! What if you turn up as the matchmaker from ‘Mulan’ !!!
Scared for a makeup melt down?? Here are a few foundations to your rescue, tried and tested.
1. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
The biggest pro with this foundation that would beat any con is its shade range. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser. It gives a medium coverage, which can be buildable to a certain extent and provides a dewy finish to the skin, without making it look cakey
If you are up for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look, this is your bae. It claims to be a 5-in- 1 product that acts as a primer, foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen, and concealer. I would say it is somewhere between a BB Cream and foundation. It gives a matte finish and decent coverage. Just perfect for an everyday glam look!
This one has a whipped mousse consistency and is NOT so runny. It does provide medium to full coverage and is MATTE!! However, too much of it can look cakey. It has got a breathable texture and does not feel heavy on the skin. The staying power is quite long, say 6-8 hours.
4. NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation
Usually, matte foundations tend to get a little chalky and flaky at the end of the day, not this one. The ‘NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation’ gives a luminous finish to the skin and is full coverage. It has an oil free formula and comes in a tube packaging that fits perfectly in your handbag.
5. L.A Girl Pro Coverage Illuminating Liquid Foundation
If you are heading to crash a party, this one is best for you. It has got an illuminating property that gives the skin just the right amount of polished sheen.If you are wise enough with the shade selection, believe me, you have found your go-to party foundation. The finish falls more on the dewy side. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser.
6. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Dont we all love this one!! The ‘Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation’ is one heck of a foundation. It ACTUALLY mimics and smoothens the texture of skin to provide a seamless coverage. With this foundation, you can go from low to high coverage without ever looking cakey. It blurs out the pores to provide a flawless canvas. The consistency is quite runny and is oh so matte! A yay for oily skinned beauties.
7. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In- 1 Foundation + Concealer
Now, this is some heavy duty foundation. It claims to act as both a concealer and a foundation (let’s not fall for that one!)
It is water resistant and is FULL COVERAGE. The packaging is quite sturdy as it comes in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser. The consistency of the product is quite creamy and blends effortlessly into the skin. The most notable feature is, however, the staying power, which is quite long.
Saving the BEST for the last, this one is a darling in terms of coverage and color. It blurs our imperfections and blends very easily into the skin. With a decent-full coverage, it makes the perfect companion for office and even party wear. It won’t look cakey unless you decide to go over board with this one. The consistency is not exactly runny, a little thicker than that I would say. This is one product I would highly recommend to all my buttercups!
All Swatches – Lakme Absolute Luxe Matte Lip Colour with Argan Oil
Hi guys,
So I attended Lakme Fashion Week today and saw the new Lakme Absolute launches: Lakme Absolute Oil-in-Serum, Oil-in-Cream and Serum Foundation. Also the new Luxe Matte Lip Colours, I have swatched them all for you guys.
Claims: Lakme Absolute brings you the miracle beauty ingredient Moroccan Argan Oil, now in a luxurious matte slimstick called the Lakme Absolute Luxe Matte Lip Color with Argan Oil. The luxurious silky formula of the Lakme Absolute Luxe Matte Lip Color with Argan Oil nourishes lips, while delivering rich and intense color.
Lakme presents the first ever lipstick infused with the miracle beauty ingredient Moroccan Argan oil for rich color with a smooth finish.
Key Features & Benefits :
Enriched with Moroccan Argan Oil
Intense color payoff in a matte finish
Luxurious formula for a smooth, silky finish
Available in 15 shades and 3 exclusive shades for Nykaa
Dual benefit of color and nourishment
Rich color nourished with care
How to use product: Start in the middle of your upper lip and glide the lipstick along the contours of your mouth. Repeat the same for the lower lip.
Pro Tip : Start with a fine lip brush to carefully draw the outline of the lips, making sure to get the corners of the mouth. Then use it to fill in the middle for a deeper, more precise.
Shades: 15
Mauveness
Royal Plum
Rouge Love
Freshly Pinked
Almost Red
Smooth Marsala
Royal Flame
Dewy Spring
Mauve Silk
Grand Fuchsia
Red Velvet
Rosy Lips
Peachy Carnation
Crimson Town
Rich Cocoa
MRP: Rs.800/- for 2g
First of all, the sleek and slim gold packaging is really pretty! The lipsticks are sheer in one swipe but are buildable for more intensity. They are not completely matte but have a creamy matte finish. Some shades are more matte though.
L-R: Mauveness, Royal Plum, Rouge Love, Freshly Pinked, Almost Red, Smooth Marsala, Royal Flame, Dewy Spring
L-R: Mauve Silk, Grand Fuchsia, Red Velvet, Rosy Lips, Peachy Carnation, Crimson Town, Rich Cocoa
The qty is what I am disappointed with, 2g is half of what usual lipsticks are. For the price of 800, I definitely expect 3.5g if not 4g.
I have not tried them, so can’t comment on the argan oil formula but I love the shades Mauveness, Royal Plum and Rosy Lips.
Let me know your favourites in the comments below.
Decoding the Korean Skin care: 8 Steps to flawless skin!!
By Ankita
When it comes to modern day skin care, Koreans are a step ahead. Korean skin care lines are flooding the Indian Market and NOT for no reason. Skin care is not just a regime for them, it is more of a ritual. They stick to their age old rule and result? Flawless, translucent skin.
Disclaimer!!! Of course, genetics and geography play an important role in determining skin condition, but hey! how you treat your skin has an equal impact on how it feels and looks.
So, here are the 8 essential steps that are basic to any Korean skin care regimen, broken down and simplified just for you.
1. Oil Cleansing:
Sounds scary? Oil cleansing has proven extremely beneficial all skin types when it comes to cleansing. The idea is to break down the dirt and impurities stuck in pores and wipe them off easily with a warm damp cloth. All you need to do is take a few drops of cleansing oil and massage it into your skin in upward and circular motion. Take a few minutes of steam or put a damp warm cloth on your face. Then wipe it off using the same cloth and you are all ready for the next step.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil
Oil cleansing removes all traces of makeup and other product built up. Using a foam based cleanser post oil cleansing ensures that all the residues impurities are stripped off and you get a clean canvas to work on. The added advantage is that your face won’t feel oily.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam-Aloe
Exfoliation is the key to a smoother skin. Using an exfoliator removes the surface layer of dead skin cells and reveals a fresh skin. It is however very important to remember not to use an abrasive scrub. A gentle foam based exfoliator would do the trick. I stick to the rule of 2 times exfoliation per week, you can, however, increase the frequency with prior consultation with your dermatologist.
Tired of open pores? DO NOT skip on your toner. Toning balances the pH level of skin and helps in shrinking the size of pores. Some toners even have the added advantage of reducing inflammation and fighting acne. To get the maximum benefit out of it, take a cotton ball and gently dab it on your skin (not swipe) for a couple of times. Koreans even use these moisturizing toners for 7 times, as it adds the required hydration to the skin.
Product Recommendation: The Faceshop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner
Although essence and serum are confused to be the same, they have some points of differences. An essence is traditionally a light weight, almost watery formula, with hoards of benefits. They target an overall skin condition, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. Dab it gently into the skin. Leave it for some time, for the skin to soak in all the goodness.
Product Recommendation: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
Now, I believe I do not need to say tons about sheet masks. They are in a rave, convenient, efficient and all the blah. But trust all the blah is true! Sheet masks are cotton masks soaked in goodness and target a specific skin condition. All you need to do is, put them on for 15-20 minutes and wait for the magic to happen! Korean women swear by using one mask a day.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree Its Real Squeeze Mask Sheet Aloe
Now a serum, is somewhat, a first cousin of an essence. They are however thicker in consistency and address a specific concern such as anti-aging, skin brightening, and the sort. Serums are power houses and are more concentrated in nature. A pea size amount would be enough for the entire face.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisture Recharge Serum
So, we have arrived at the final step: Moisturization. A light weight cream ensures that the moisture stays locked up and gives the skin a final touch of glow. Again, there are a lot of moisturizers to choose from. But I would suggest going for something that is light weight and non comedogenic. This kind of cream ensures your face does not turn into a grease ball.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Cream
I have been meaning to do this post since a while and each time it gets delayed due to something. Finally sat down to post this.
I love colours, I am sure you know already. Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, all bright coloured dresses/tops are my favourites! I get instantly attracted to sunshine yellow, bright orange, deep purple and many a times in online shopping, the end product doesn’t turn out to be as bright as you expected it to be and saw on screen.
I saw this deep purple lace dress and loved it. I ordered it and was hoping for it be shown. Thankfully it was 🙂
I paired it with a gold layered choker neck piece and nude Steve Madden pumps. Since the outfit is bright, I kept rest of the things neutral. I am majorly into tan/nude/black when it comes to shoes and bags because I know I go for bright outfits mostly and the balance is always maintained.
I also wore the nerdy geek aviators that are quite IN and everywhere these days. I just wanted to give it a try and loved them on me. I usually don’t like sunglasses on my face, hence you don’t see me wearing them often even though I have quite a few.
The highlight of this look along with the dress is the new LakmexMasaba Lip Pout in Role-A-Cola, the purple lips went perfectly with the dress.
I hope you liked the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
MAKEUP MELTDOWN SOS!! 10 PRODUCTS THAT CAN SAVE YOU A DRAG FACE
By Ankita
It is creepy. I am 24 years old and I can’t help watching Mulan just over and over again, just to have a good laugh at the ‘match maker scene’.
Sadly it was not so funny in real life when I faced a similar scenario at a cousins wedding when a little kid decided it would be very funny to splash soft drinks on aunty’s face. Or that day when I went out with my crush on your first date. I was wondering why he wouldn’t stop staring at my eyes all through the day. It wasn’t until I reached home and realized I was looking more like a tired sleep deprived Zombie Bride.
With rain, heat, and humidity always at your tail, how are you ever supposed to put on makeup, without a hint of self-consciousness?
Worry not Cupcakes. I have built an army of ‘Anti-Makeup- Meltdown’ products that are sure to leave you stunning through out your day
1. Lakme Absolute Pore Fix Toner
Prepping your skin is as important as the process. Using a pore tightening toner helps shrink the size of pores and makes sure the skin does not sag. This is an alcohol-free toner that I can swear by any day. If used religiously, it actually diminishes the size of pores and gives a fresh faced look.
This brand has never failed to impress us with its silicone and paraben free products. In addition to providing a matte finish, it also combats acne and cleans up the face. A pea sized amount is just enough for the entire face. It claims to be best for oily skin, however, my personal experience would say, it’s suited for all skin types.
3. L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
Speaking of primers, hands down this is the best of the class, I have used till date. It does a fantastic job of smoothening out pores and creates an even surface for foundation application. It has a thick creamy consistency with a hint of a pink undertone, that balances out any imperfections. The only con with this, I would say, is the tub packaging.
Voila! The ultimate goof proof foundation! This foundation offers you a great coverage along with a matte, yet not so flaky finish. It is transfer proof and doesn’t melt down even in hot and humid weather. The best part is, it doesn’t cling on to your pores and fine lines. I am not sure if the 24 hours claims are true, but it does stay put from 10 to 5.
All the rave about these little angels is true!! This concealer provides a matte finish and has strong orange/yellow undertones to it, a thumbs up for Indian skin tone. It DOES NOT crease or sink into fine lines, hence ‘the holy grail’ product for dark circles. Water resistant and transfer proof, no doubt this has been an all time favorite amongst beauty enthusiasts. The shades range is also quite remarkable.
A better option, than going for a full fledged contour and highlight would be- Draping. This newbie fits perfectly for the job. The earth tone color beautifully brings out your cheek bones and adds a hint of flush to the face. All you need to do is take some of it on your brush and swirl it along the sides of your face in shape of a "3" ie from the temples, to cheek bone down to your lower jaw line.
Concealers can sometimes give an ashy look and corrector would just add up another layer to the face. An elegant solution to this problem would be opting for a yellow powder to dust your t-zone, instead of the entire face.This is balance the under eyes, help prevent creasing and also add a subtle yet natural highlight to the face. Freedom HD Pro Finish Pressed Powder- Banana is definitely a great option for this, without burning a hole in your pocket.
8. Makeup Revolution My Sign Complete Eye Base – Aquarius
Now that we are done with the face, let us move on to the eyes. It is always better to avoid a lot of jazz when it comes to eye makeup during the monsoons. But what about the quirk quotient! Rains are all about fun right? Worry not my daisies. This palette offers you the perfect shades you need for rains.
Take the darkest color in the palette and push it gently along your upper lash line, going a bit thicker around the outer corner. Using the next darkest shade, smudge the color along your lower lash line (only the outer half), as close as possible. Then taking the taupe shade, dab it gently along your lid. Feeling a little dramatic? Take some of the darkest shades and mix it with some of the turquoises. Gently built it on the outer edges of your edges. There you go, Goddess of the Seven Seas!
Instead of going for the traditional lipstick, try a lip stain this season. The Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stains are ABSOLUTELY nontransferable, provide a matte yet comfortable finish (do not crease into lines of lips) and have a GREAT shade range!!! They do not feel dry at all and feel weightless on application. These are some serious ‘you-don’t- mess-with- the-lips’ kind of lip stains!
Try dabbing the product with your fingers, in place of going, over and over with the applicator. That would give a more natural finish.
Uh-oh! Not yet. Just a ‘spritz’ of makeup setting spray and you are good to go for the day. A setting spray ensures your makeup doesn’t melt down and stays put. It also provides a dewy glow to the entire look and tones it down for a more subtle, natural appearance. Although there are tons of makeup setting sprays available in the market, ‘e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Set’ works best for me. It ensures the makeup stays un-budged and also prevents a cake-face. What is your favorite, by the way?
Makeup is all about experimenting and fun. A little drip over here and little smudge over there doesn’t really matter. But, the rains are never an excuse, not to look gorgeous!
What is your go to product in the monsoons? Let us know:-)
Any suggestions, comments and ideas are always welcome.
Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
Today I am reviewing the new Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation, it’s a new addition to their 9 to 5 Primer + Matte range after the lipsticks. If you have not seen the lipsticks review, see HERE.
Claims: Introducing the new Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation, the brand’s first ever powder foundation that comes with an in-built primer. The product gives you the best of not both, but three worlds, with benefits of a primer, foundation and compact all in one to give you that flawless matte finish on your face.
The Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation is the ultimate product for today’s multitasking woman, with its ability to eliminate elaborate make up routines. The in-built primer gives you a strong base that blends effortlessly and conceals fine lines, while allowing you to get even and buildable coverage, all while giving you the picture-perfect long lasting matte finish.
The best part? It comes in six new shades, made to suit every Indian woman. What’s different about these shades, is that there 2 New Shades for the 1st time in the Lakme face rage, that are best suited for deeper skin tones. It’s ‘THE’ product you need to add in your everyday beauty bag! Whether it’s work or travel, this is your ideal beauty buddy.
MRP: Rs.600/- for 9g
Shades Available: 6
Rose Silk
Ivory Cream
Silky Golden
Natural Light
Honey Dew
Natural Almond
First of all, I absolutely love the rose gold compact. The packaging is very pretty. It has a mirror and a puff, the base has small holes for the air to circulate and puff to breathe and not catch any bacteria.
The only thing I would say is it doesn’t close tight and the powder is very, very soft, so it would break easily. I am not sure how travel friendly it is, also make sure you handle it well. It would break if dropped even once.
The texture is very, very creamy and silky. The powder is very finely milled and gives a decent coverage. It needs building up for more coverage, but doesn’t look heavy or cakey at all. Also doesn’t give a white cast or cling to patches or make the skin completely flat matte! Which I often notice in other powders.
I am in love with the texture and formula. It is definitely long lasting, coz of the primer part in it. It stayed put through the day, only touched up T-zone once during the day. It did not fill in the lines and pores though, that can be done only with a liquid primer + liquid foundation.
But I love how comfortable it feels on the skin, I definitely recommend it! Also loving the variety in shades launched this time. Usually Lakme has just 3-4 shades in compacts, they have launched 6 shades with 2 specifically for deeper skin tones. And 2 have pink undertones while 2 have yellow undertones, so they have taken care of all skin tones majorly.
I do have a giveaway on my Twitter where you can win this powder foundation, you can follow me on twitter HERE, if in case you would be interested 🙂
Let me know your thoughts on this powder foundation, in the comments below.
So last month I visited Lodha Belmondo which is off Mumbai-Pune Expressway with my husband. It’s right opposite the new MCA Cricket Stadium
Lodha Belmondo is India’s finest luxury weekend home, a riverside golf development spread across 100+ Acres. Only a 2 hour drive from South Bombay
It has 90 acres of open greens, out of which 45 acres is the huge golf course designed by Greg Norman himself. Interestingly, there are only 2 Golf Courses designed by Greg Norman in India. It has turf imported from USA, which conforms to the global standards.
My favourite part is the 1 km long riverside promenade, where you can go for boating or try fishing by the edge of the Pavana river or just sit in the deck and enjoy the peaceful view.
Another favourite is the 50,000 sq.ft. Designer Club House, It’s huge and spacious and has all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities. You can go cycling, swimming, play cricket or relax in the spa.
It has a hi tech Gymnasium with Olympic standard equipment from Techno gym (which are used by Top English Premier League Clubs). The gym is huge and spacious and has all the necessary equipment, so that you don’t miss out on your workout even on a holiday. Eat without guilt 😉
A private theatre to enjoy your private family movie screenings. Watch a live match or any movie of your choice with your bunch of friends or the entire family together in your private theatre, isn’t that cool?!
World Class Evason Spa by Six Senses – the international luxury hospitality group. Indulge in a relaxing spa session, a nice massage or body scrub, no holiday is complete without a good spa. And you get it right at your weekend home every week 😉
Gourmet Restaurant Managed by Six Senses. Have a different cuisine of your choice for each meal.
Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi
Natural Juice Bar for freshly pressed, pure & healthy juices, post your spa or workout, or just as a part of breakfast.
Indoor Games Room with table tennis, football, carrom, etc. Bond with your family indoors over a board game.
Dual Level Crèche for kids. Your kids can enjoy at the crèche while you workout or enjoy your spa session.
Full size cricket ground, family matches every week 😀
Tennis and badminton courts
Lodha Belmondo offers you a unique balance of fitness, healing, leisure and culture, which ensures you will never run out of things to do.
The large open green spaces and the natural view with the ponds in between, stole my heart. All you can see is lush greenery as far as your eyes can see. The air quality was also pure and better than Lonavala too.
We saw the Luxury Golf Villa and the Four Bed Luxe Sky Apartment. You can see the entire lush green open golf area and the lake from the villa.
The villas are mind blowing, I am sure it is everyone’s #HouseGoals. Here are a few pictures..
Villas have a basement, first floor and second floor, third floor is an open terrace. All the bedrooms have a mini terrace too. The basement living area has a bedroom, kitchen, dining area followed by the small private infinity pool and a deck to relax.
First floor has two bedrooms, an entertainment room, a study and a pooja room.
Second floor has the master bedroom which has it’s own living area, terrace and outdoor shower. It also has a gym, pantry and mini office area.
The villas have a private elevator.
The Four Bed Luxe Sky Apartment also has a beautiful living room and spacious bedrooms.
I am pretty sure you will fall in love 🙂 It’s one of the most beautiful properties I have seen, without a doubt.
How many of you are addicted to using hand sanitizers and always carry one in your handbag? :raises hand high: Hand sanitizers have made our life very convenient when there is no water or soap/liquid hand wash available. And especially when you are travelling or outside whole day and touching 100’s of things and eating/drinking, etc.,
Himalaya Herbals has it’s PureHands hand sanitizers range and they are available in 5 different variants:
Green Apple
Litchi
Lemon
Orange
Strawberry
And also come in 3 different sizes:
50ml
100ml
250ml
MRP: Rs.175/- for 250ml, Rs.90/- for 100ml, Rs.55/- for 50ml
What it does: The first of its kind, Himalaya’s PureHands is an effective, herbal, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which kills 99.9% of germs, prevents infection, and ensures total hand hygiene.
PureHands contains extracts of herbs like Coriander, which have potent antimicrobial properties and Lime, which is a natural bactericidal. In addition, the active ingredients of Neem, which are antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral, safely keep viruses, bacteria and fungi at bay.
Key ingredients:
Hrivera is a strongly aromatic herb, which has antibacterial, deodorizing and cooling properties. It also softens hands.
Coriander is derived from the oil of a herb called Oil Coriandrol. The fruits of the herb possess antimicrobial and astringent properties.
Lime is a rich source of vitamin C. It protects the skin from oxidative damage and helps prevent itching. The oil of lemon warms the skin when applied externally. The juice also has bactericidal and astringent properties.
Ushira is an astringent and antibacterial herb. When applied externally, it removes excess heat from the body and provides a cooling effect.
Neem extracts possess antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The tree stem, root and bark have astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties. Neem is used to treat skin diseases.
Directions for use: Squeeze approximately 0.5 ml (coin-sized drop) of the gel on your palms. Rub well over the palms, back of hands, fingernails and grooves briskly, until dry. No water is required after use.
PureHands is absolutely safe for regular use. It contains moisturizers that prevent skin irritation and dryness. The product has been clinically tested, and its safety and efficacy is proven.
Why PureHands: A series of clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals in India shows that Himalaya’s PureHands significantly reduces microbial germs that can cause a variety of illnesses.
Frequently asked questions:
Washing hands is the age-old method to keep contagious diseases, from the common cold to swine flu, at bay. Health experts agree that a simple measure like frequent hand washing can be very effective in protecting against all types of infections.
While viruses spread through coughs and sneezes, recent evidence has shown that some germs linger on surfaces like door knobs, desks and phones, and are transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.
Washing hands frequently can protect you from the germs that may have been transferred from direct contact with an infected person (through shaking hands, for example) or indirect contact by touching objects and surfaces.
Is there a ‘right way’ to wash hands?
Believe it or not, there is a right way to wash your hands! Just some water and a drop of soap is not enough!
To clean hands properly:
Use warm water (not cold or hot).
Use soap.
Rub your hands together and make sure you have scrubbed all surfaces including both sides of your hands, wrists, between the fingers and around the nails.
Rinse well under warm, running water and pat dry with a clean towel.
If you suspect that your hands have come into contact with someone with an infection, consider using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
What if I don’t have immediate access to water?
In the absence of water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in destroying viruses and bacteria.
The World Health Organization states that one should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not accessible.
In fact, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fast drying alcohol gels over soap and water to kill germs and thereby cut infection rates by half! The CDC has advised using a hand sanitizer to prevent against swine flu infection, for example.
When do I use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
Routine hand cleansing.
Before touching or eating food.
Before and after attending to a sick person.
Before touching a baby or infant.
During travel or after using public transport.
After contact with surfaces in public places.
After using the washroom or public toilet.
After handling pets or animals.
After visiting a hospital or nursing home.
After doing household work like cleaning, dusting, handling garbage, etc.
I would always recommend using water and soap if available, to clean the dirt properly. But if not available, then hand sanitizer is the best option as it at least kills the germs and not spread them.
Now we have different variants/flavours/sizes and all sorts of sanitizers available in the market. The small 50ml ones are perfect to carry in your handbag and use through the day.
I love the different fragrance options Himalaya has, Green Apple and Lemon are my favourites.
It also helps get rid of any smell e.g. cutting onions, etc., from the hands and leaves the particular variant’s fragrance behind.
Sanitizers can also be used to clean makeup brushes handles, makeup compacts and outside packaging,etc., to keep them clean and bacteria free, in general.
I also love the texture, it’s quite thick so you need very little product. But it’s not at all greasy or sticky, it evaporates instantly and leaves the hand moisturized. It does not dry out the skin or leave them parched.
Few sanitizers have a strong alcohol smell but this one doesn’t. As mentioned, each variant has a distinct and strong smell of it’s fragrance and is quite refreshing.
Hand sanitizers are the need of the hour and I absolutely love and recommend the Himalaya Pure Hands. The bigger bottle is perfect for in house use and the smaller 50ml one for your bags.
Have you tried Himalaya Pure Hands Sanitizers yet?
PAC Cosmetics launched a bunch of new makeup blending sponges last month. Different shapes of blenders and also Sili Sponge which became quite a rage on Instagram.
I tried these and here are my thoughts..
Starting with the PAC Silicon Beauty Blender,
Claims: PAC Silicon Sponge is ideal for people who don’t like messy fingers during makeup. I bet you can imagine cleaning. This applicator will literally take no more effort than rubbing it with a little soap and rinsing with some lukewarm water. If you are a professional makeup artist, can you imagine how exciting it is that you can use it on one client/model, clean it with a makeup remover and sanitizing spray, and then you can use it on another client/model immediately just like that?
How to clean: To clean, use mild soap and rinse it with lukewarm water, pad dry and store. Caution: Keep away from sharp objects like your tweezers or brow scissors, and it will last for a very long time!
Ok to be honest, I initially thought it would give a streaky finish and won’t work that well. But I was surprised when it blended the foundation pretty evenly without any streaks.
Best part about this is you need lesser product as this does not soak up any foundation unlike sponges, so you get a heavier coverage if you use same quantity as with sponges. Or you can layer up thin twice, it won’t look cakey. It is very easy to clean and is longer lasting than sponges. So it is basically value for money, considering all of that points. But if you are used to the softer, blended look of sponges/beauty blender, you might not like the end finish as much.
It’s definitely worth trying, especially if you need something which is easy to clean and saves time and is also hygienic that way. It is perfect for makeup artists and for travel.
Coming to the PAC 2D Blender,
Claims: PAC 2D blender pushes the boundaries with our new innovative design. Constructed with 2 dimensions for blending and one flat side for sculpting! Inspired by our best-selling latex free sponge technology, this blender reaches every contour of the face with ease. Prime, conceal, sculpt and highlight with liquids, creams and powders for a flawless yet natural finish! The softest of all our sponges!
I love the cute tin outer packaging of both 2D Blender and Diamond Blender
This is super soft and squishy (as claimed!), it is rounded on one side and has a flat end on one side, quite similar to the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge but Real Techniques has a flat end at base and a pointy tip on one side where as this one has flat end with the tip and rounded towards the other end. I think the PAC 2D blender is better shape wise as the rounder base helps in blending throughout the face and the flat shape is perfect for concealers and baking under eyes/sides of face.
PAC Diamond Blender
Claims: This multi-faceted diamond sponge is uniquely designed to work with multiple products on different areas of your face.The pointed tip covers small imperfections. Larger flat sides function as a wedge to apply makeup to larger areas like your forehead and cheeks. Smaller flat sides are great for precision contouring around your eyes, mouth, and brow bone. Top works great to buff and blend out your makeup for a flawless finish. Latex free. Tip: Use wet for dewy application and dry for full coverage powders!
Again comes in a cute outer packaging, the diamond shape is also quite cute and the marble print is love. The different edges help in blending different parts of the face and corners. But it pretty much does the same job as other blenders here, I like the 2D one more in terms of blending and softness.
Finally the PAC Ultimate Blending Ball
Claims: A round shaped latex free sponge. The softest we ever created. Once wet the ball blender will help you to achieve a flawless finish. Reaching every corner where you always wished to as it would get moulded by your pressure. These ball blenders are unique and are ultra-soft when wet. The unique shape will change the way blending happens. Include 3 sizes – Small, Medium and Large.
Now they come in 3 colours black, white and yellow and 3 different sizes. You can either get the big one in 3 colours or a set of 3 in 3 different colours and sizes. I would recommend the set as you get all three options.
Also each of these come in a protective black mesh case, which has a magnetic closure and is perfect for travel and storage.
The big size is of course perfect for foundation and smaller one for concealer, the mid one can be used to blend your cream contour and highlight or the sides of the nose/forehead. You can press the sponge and make it flat or take any shape.
Overall I would say PAC has done a great job in launching a variety of blenders. I would recommend the Silicone Blender, 2D Blender and the Blending Ball trio set.
Have you tried the new PAC Blenders yet? What do you think?
