Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers

Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers


Ya I know you might think..how can one have fun in this scorching heat..and the skin would burn, tan and we would be dehydrated, etc



Sunshine, heat and humidity can harm the skin. Sun’s rays are particularly strong, so the chances of developing wrinkles, age spots, freckles, etc increase. And higher heat and humidity means more rashes, breakouts, and clogged pores.

Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers

Well fret not..we have Kyra on board..who knows exactly how to have fun in summers !

So here she is to share her summer secrets so that you and I can live it up this summer..

Sunscreens, Light water based moisturiser, Exfoliation scrubs  and Hydration are a must during this season.

1) Hydration: Hydrating your skin is very crucial. Drink atleast 10-12 glasses of water and/or fresh juices. Eat leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.

2) Protection: Always carry an umbrella and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Use stylish scarves to cover your head and hair. Apply a sweat-proof sunscreen lotion with an appropriate SPF and which provides both UVA and UVB protection and PA++ or +++ and reapply as needed.. (a minimum of SPF 30 and SPF 50 for pools and beaches ). Sunscreen should be according to your skin type..i.e the one meant for oily skin or dry skin. Use a lip balm with an SPF.

3) Exfoliation : Exfoliating twice a week would help remove the impurities and dead skin cells collected but use a mild bearable exfoliator..after getting back home, apply cold yogurt on the face to remove tan. Here are some other useful tips helpful in getting rid of the tan. You can also use the Lakme Sun Expert After Sun Range..the after sun face wash, gel and mask would help soothe and cool the skin.

4) Light Make up: Skip the heavy liquid foundation for lighter mineral foundation with a minimum SPF of 15. Use a waterproof mascara and eye pencil..a bronzer where sun kisses the skin, for that amazing glow..and a dab of lip gloss.

5) Clothes: Wear loose fitting cotton clothes, lots of whites, floral summery dresses and bright colors, wear open toed sandals or flip flops.. nothing that would sweat your feet..and you can add bright colorful accessories for that added dash..

6) Night Regime: Cleanse the skin at night to remove all the makeup, dirt, grime and water proof sunscreen..and use a good hydrating, repairing night cream.

Some other tips shared at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012:

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Night cream
  • Healthy diet
  • Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C & Vitamin D supplements
  • Protection with scarves, umbrella and sunglasses.
  • Light neutral make up to let the skin breathe.

So, go on and enjoy this summer…play some volleyball with Kyra and relax at some exotic beach sipping on a cool drink 😉

P.S: This is my entry to the Lakme Diva Blogger Contest at Indiblogger by Lakme www.facebook.com/ilovelakme

All images from Google and Tumblr.

Just Herbs Sanface Skin Tightening Sandal Glow Pack Review

Just Herbs Sanface Skin Tightening Sandal Glow Pack Review

What the Company claims: With fennel and vetiver – skin tightening glow pack made from exotic Ayurvedic herbs to lift and firm the contours of the face and neck.

The lifting and firming mineral mud mask with its powerful age control nutrients is available in a ready to use form to tone and revitalize the skin for a youthful radiant glow. Sandalwood has antioxidant properties and soothes sun burns. The detoxifying and purifying action of the mineral clays coupled with the rejuvenating effects of fennel and trigonella seeds visibly tightens the skin with natural glow.

Ingredients: fennel 5%, vetiver 2%, sandalwood powder 2%, sandalwood oil 0.1%, orange peel 2%, fenugreek seed extract 0.1%, zinc oxide 0.1%, china clay 10%, bentonite and indian volcanic clay.

Hypo-allergenic. 100% natural recipe. Free from animal by-products. No animal testing.

No artificial Fragrances, colours, harmful chemicals.

Certified Ayurvedic by AYUSH, The Ministry of Health, Govt. of India/

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certified

MRP: Rs. 295/- for 150g

Its a brown colored clay mask in a tub packaging..with an evident sandalwood and fuller’s earth smell and mix..

I love the smell and the creamy feel..though its need to be used on moist face..and worked fast..as it starts drying super fast..coz of the clay base.

Pros:

1. Perfect Sandalwood and clay mix with some added beneficial ingredients like orange peel, fenugreek and vetiver.
2. Would suit oily skin the most..but it can be used by all skin types..especially in summers.
3. Skin does feel tightened and rejuvenated.
4. Clay and sandalwood are good to use in summers and for oily skin as with regular use they balance the oil in the skin and keeps sebum and acne at bay too.
5. No parabens or artificial ingredients..its all natural.
6. Good enough quantity.
7. Though its a tub..its not bulky and quite travel friendly..in case you like to use a mask on the go.
8. Dries fast..this is not one of the ‘keep a long time’ mask. Saves time.

Cons:

1. Sandalwood powder, fuller’s earth, orange peel, fenugreek, clay,etc are all easily available..and it can be made at home..since its expensive..but if time is a constraint..or we feel lazy to make it at home, this is surely a must try.
2. Just Herbs is only available online.
3. Not sure of the lift, firm or age control claim.

Overall I quite like it..this is one ‘feel good’ mask…love the effect on the skin, dries fast, added benefits of many ingredients and all natural too..

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.



Cannes Red Carpet 2012- L’oreal Paris

Cannes Red Carpet 2012 Pictures – Freida Pinto, Jane Fonda and Fan Bing Bing for L’Oreal Paris


Freida Pinto, Jane Fonda and Fan Bing Bing walking the red carpet for L’Oreal Paris at the opening ceremony of 65th Cannes Film Festival 2012.
Fan Bing Bing
Freida Pinto

This year the beauty statement is bolder and stronger with L’Oreal Paris make up look –L’Or Electric. Four brand ambassadors who walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony sporting L’Or Electric look were- Eva Longoria, Freida Pinto, Jane Fonda and Fan Bing Bing.

Jane Fonda

Fan Bing Bing’s lippie is catching all the attention..is’nt it..her dress looks quite oriental..I loved Freida’s Natural Dewy Look..and also Jane Fonda’ dress


Whom did you like ?

P.S: PR Info

Colorbar Cosmetics New Launches

Colorbar Cosmetics New Launches ‘Take Me As I Am’ and Quick Finish Nail Lacquer

I’m Bold, Bright and Beautiful : Just ‘Take Me As I Am’

Colorbar Introduces a versatile new lip colour
Melt the heat away this summer with scorching hot pouters, as you sport the bold new lip colour from Colorbar. Take Me As I Am is unconditionally luscious, unconventionally adorable and absolutely different from anything you have ever used on your lips before. All it takes is one application to fall in love with the rich and creamy colour that blends in beautifully, offering the texture of a lipstick with the convenience of a pencil. Take Me As I Am, comes in 8 wickedly decadent shades ofSensuous Red, Flirtatious Pink, Mischievous Wine, Sizzling Berry, Bare Dare Pink, Lip Smacking Cherry, Mysterious Nude and Seductive Tan. Adding to its ease of use, is the versatile jumbo crayon design. Dab it on for all day wear, and use it as a lip liner for some extra sizzle on an eve out.

Take Me As I Am works really hard to make your pretty lips look fabulous as you live life on the go.  The international formulations of Take Me As I Am offer smooth, application for fuller, luscious lips, with every use. What’s more, skin conditioning ingredients like Shea Butter and Vitamin E work keep your lips  soft and supple all day long. Take Me As I Am is the perfect accessory for the  woman of today who demands more from life and from her make-up as well.

Price: Rs 699 , Take Me As I Am comes with its own special sharpener, complimentary with every purchase of the product.

Ooh La La Nails in 60 seconds

Ten trendy new shades in Colorbar Quick Finish Nail Lacquer


It’s time to place your best hands forward, with salon perfect, glossy nails dipped in the hottest colours for the season. Nail the look of a professional manicure, on the go, with no stopping, no waiting and no slowing down. Colorbar’s Quick Finish Nail Lacquer gives international high fashion in a bottle, with a fraction of the fuss and bother.Our extensive R&D, guarantees a fluid formulation, that dries in a flash, and gives you fabulous, lustrous nails in just a minute. The remarkable ease of application, ensures streak and smudge free nails, with remarkable colour coverage.

Quick Finish Nail Lacquer comes in ten bright tones that are universally flattering for all complexions. Inspired by the international trends of bright and bold colours, the palette ranges from Cappuccino Cup, Toast to Pink, Theme for a Dream, Rust Lust, Bubbly, Beautiful Pink, Twisted Peach, Fearless Red, Plumtastic and Mad over Mauve. Each xml is filled with brilliant glossy colour that will make your nails do all the talking.

Quick Finish Nail Lacquer not only gives you flawless colour coverage, but prevents discoloration and yellowing of nails with a formula that is Toluene, DBP and Formaldehyde free. The fast drying formula forms a film over nails making them chip resistant, so that you get magnificent nails every time.

So go ahead, get the most Ooh La La nails this season…and it only takes 60 seconds.

Price: Rs 195 per bottle

Colorbar’s new range will be available at select outlets across India. You can shop for Colorbar online on www.colorbarcosmectics.comand at the Colorbar exclusive brand store is located at Infiniti 2 Mall, Malad, GF042 (next to Westside), Mumbai, 022- 67257647 and Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi, 011-40630206.

P.S: PR Info


The Nature’s Co – Night Regime Kit

The Nature’s Co – Night Regime Kit

The Nature’s Co – Night Regime Kit, it’s a beautiful white jute pouch which consists of all the products essential for a Night Regime. By following this regime one can get a youthful glow at the rise of each day.

The products included in this pouch are:

Mixed Fruit Cleansing Cream (new*)
Rose Hydrating Facial Mist
White Tea Night Cream
White Rose Under Eye Gel

AND a FREE NIGHT PILLOW (Lavender Fragrance also new*)

[MRP of the Kit is: Rs 1675/-]

Buying the products individually would cost Rs 1910 in total. All our online shoppers now get 15% off as they do not get to endure the in-store luxuries. We also now offer Cash On Delivery services, however only applicable in India.

All the four products sound nice..and the night pillow too..!

You like ?

Find your Perfect Match with Pond’s White Beauty

Find your Perfect Match with Pond’s White Beauty

Have you found your Perfect Match? Log on to Pond’s India Facebook page to find out!

You have heard of genetic DNA, but have you heard of social DNA? Pond’s White Beauty presents ‘The Pond’s Perfect Match Contest’, a perfect opportunity for you to find your perfect match from your list of friends on Facebook, win a ‘dream date’ with the charming hunk – Rannvijay Singh & a chance to feature on the cover of one of India’s leading women’s magazine.
What are you waiting for? Participate now by visiting http://on.fb.me/WBPerfectMatch

You are one in a gazillion. All your little charming quirks, interests, likes and dislikes add up to making you who you are, beautifully rare! This is what we call Social DNA. So how can you find your Perfect Match? Just log onto the Pond’s India Facebook page and enter the Pond’s Perfect Match App which scans your Social DNA and finds you with the highest compatible match from your Facebook list of friends.

Make sure you also enter the contest to know if you are the perfect match for Rannvijay Singh! Girls, if you score the highest on compatibility with Rannvijay, you can win an iPod shuffle for the day, every day till 25th May 2012!

Four lucky shortlisted girls with the highest match score with Rannvijay will be groomed by a panel of experts from Pond’s!
And this is not all, the most compatible amongst the four wins a dinner date with the dreamy Rannvijay in a beautiful yacht setting. She will also be given a glamorous makeover and be featured on the cover page of one of India’s leading women’s magazine.
Wait, there’s more! Share the application link with your blog readers and the top 3 blog posts can also win an iPod shuffle!
So log on to http://on.fb.me/WBPerfectMatch , share with your friends and find your Perfect Match right away!

Introducing the new Pond’s white beauty™ Visible Lightening Day Cream SPF 20/ PA++ with GenWhite™ formula

After researching with over 20,000 genes, the Pond’s Institute identified a specific gene that significantly affects melanin production. Through this discovery, our most effective
skin lightening formulation containing the revolutionary GenWhite™ formula has been created. It adapts to your unique skin to successfully lighten and even-out your complexion and prevent discolorations at the source.

What’s amazing about it is that the product works differently on each person. So, if there are areas on your skin that need extra help and contain more melanin, the formula concentrates on lightening and brightening those exact problem spots.

Sizes Available  50g        35g      25g    15g      9g
Price                Rs 249  Rs 140  Rs 80  Rs 49  Rs 10

Did you find your Perfect Match 😉 ?

Illamasqua Stance Nail Varnish- NOTD

Illamasqua Stance Nail Varnish- NOTD

Illamasqua Stance Nail Varnish is a part of the Illamasqua SS12 Human Fundamentalism Collection. Another shade part of this collection is Nomad which is a bright jade green..

What the Company claims: Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colours. Hardwearing and chip-resistant with individual finishes from matt to high gloss. Apply two coats for intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Talk with your hands and make a statement.

Tips
For application, try the 3 line technique: First wipe off the brush at the bottleneck of the nail
varnish bottle; the brush must be covered evenly with product and must not drip. The first line of nail varnish is applied in the middle of the nail, from the cuticle to the nail top, in a long, soft line. The second line goes on one side of the nail and the third line on the other side. This guarantees even distribution of the shade. Additional layers may be applied to suit coverage desired.

MRP: £13.50/15ml (price per 10ml £9.00)

I have already reviewed Illamasqua Nail Varnishes..check out the review here

Stance gives an opaque finish in 2 coats..and is glossy enough..you can add a top coat if you wish too. Goes on smooth and does not chip for a week ! But takes a lot of time to dry 🙁 I always mess up.. :/ I have cut my nails short..

Stance is described as fuchsia violet with a glossy finish.. Its a deep magenta shade..it appears more deep violet in person..and more fuchsia in pictures…it is one of those shades which make hands look pretty ! It has a hint of neon..and the bright hue just grabs the attention…totally loving it !

Check out the shade Taint here and Faux Pas here

Did you like Stance ??

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?
It is common for the hands and the legs to become darker than most of the body parts, this is because they are overexposed to sun rays in daily life. It may be unappealing if only the hands and legs are tanned, leaving rest of the body in lighter shade. The best way is to avoid getting tanned in the first place, by taking preventive measures…like wearing covered clothes and proper sunscreen, etc..UV radiation from sun rays and tanning beds increase the production of melanin (a skin pigment). As a result the skin gets tanned. Even though there is no safe method to lighten the skin cells that are tanned, you can surely boost the renewal process of skin cells that are beneath the layer of tanned skin cells.
Source

There are after sun products too..which can be used immediately after coming from outside..they have anti tan skin soothing ingredients..that might control the tan to a certain extent..

But do not worry; even if it is too late, here are some of the remedies that can give an even complexion with a glowing skin.

Make a paste of one almond, 5 drops of lemon and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on face and leave it on overnight and wash with warm water the next morning. This helps even out complexion and will give you a healthy summer glow! You could also try coconut milk. Leave this too on all night. If you breakout often, then rub on tomato juice all over your face and leave for ten minutes. Do this a few times during the week to get rid of tan.

Potato: one of the natural remedy to remove tan from the hands and legs is use of peeled potato skin. Simply rub the peeled skin of potato on the tanned area of hands and legs as a daily routine. You can also apply raw potato juice instead of peeled skin.

A paste made from turmeric powder, curd and gram flour is effective in changing the darker complexion after tanning. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with two teaspoon of curd and two teaspoon of gram flour. Add one to two teaspoon of water and prepare a paste. Now apply it on your hands and legs half hour before you take bath. Do it regularly and you can see the difference within a week.

Lime juice is a natural beach. Prepare a mixture of lime juice and honey with a pinch of turmeric powder perfectly dissolved in it. Apply it on the darkened hands and legs.

Raw milk: apply milk on the tanned area of your hand regularly. You should apply it half hour before bathing. Slowly but surely, after few days the tanned skin surface of hands will fade out.

Aloe vera gel: Apply aloe vera gel on your hands at least two to three times in a day.

A popular natural remedy for removing tanning is the use of sunflower oil, lemon juice and sugar. Mix all the products equally to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your hands and let it remain for 30 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Make fine powder of dried orange peels. Now mix it in a cup of yogurt. Apply the prepared mixture on the hands and rub it gently with your hands. Let it remain for 10 to 20 minutes, after which you wash your hands with normal tap water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Mix salt (or sugar) and essential oil in a small bowl. Now add a teaspoon of honey and blend till you get a smooth texture. Finally add lemon juice and blend with spoon. Use this scrub with special concentration on the darkest areas of the face. Gently scrub in circular motion to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Do this twice a week to remove tan from the face.

Mix gram flour with water and rub it all over your skin. When you wash it off, tan gets lightened.

Another way to remove sun tan from face is to apply curd as a face pack.

Lemon Glycerine Pack: Mix glycerine and lemon juice in equal ratio. Apply the mixture on the affected area and wash when it dries. This mixture can also be used as night cream to remove tan and get supple skin

Sandal Wood Turmeric Pack: Sandalwood and turmeric are essential part of many beauty enhancement treatments which includes the treatment for removing sun tan. Mix sandal wood and pure turmeric powder in a ration of 1:1. Add rose water to form a paste. Leave for half an hour or till it is dry and the wash using cold water.

Prepare a mixture of oats and buttermilk. This mixture should be rubbed onto the tanned area as the oats will help in exfoliating the skin and on the other hand the butter milk is known to be extremely soothing for the skin.

A regular use of fresh coconut water on the hands and face is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.

A cream with equal parts of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil can be applied and left on for 20 minutes. This will help lighten your tan. You can store this for about a week and use it thrice daily for best results.

Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area. Papaya is excellent for the skin and also helps in anti-aging.

Combining ash gourd juice (Petha or Safed Kaddu as it is called) with multan mitti and applying it all over the face helps reduce the tan considerably.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Soap and Mask are also very helpful to get rid of tan.

So here I gave you so many at home remedies to get rid of your tan…enjoy the summers but use a sunscreen..and if you get tanned then use these remedies 😉

Source: 1, 2

Do share your remedies or products if any, to get rid of tan..

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick Review, Swatches

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick RS 612 Gilded Wine Review, Swatches

Description:

A new formula that provides true intense colour with all day hydration. This ultra-smoothing formula blends effortlessly for a luxurious finish.
DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick fuses powerful skincare with cutting-edge color technologies to create the ultimate lipstick. You will fall in love with the clear, true color and rich, full-looking finish that make these luscious shades unique.

What else you need to know: Driven by the advanced technology of Dual Optimizing Powder, Ultra-Fine Satin Smooth Pearl, and Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE, each radiant shade gives lips lustrous, all-day moisture and a protective veil that actually improves texture.

MRP: 25$ for 4g (Rs. 1550/- here)

Ingredients:

Shades Available: 25

The full tube contains 4g of the product..This small sample size has 2.5g. Its a clover shaped lipstick with steel gray packaging.

Their codes naming is in short like RD is red, PK is pink, BE is beige, OR is orange, RS is rose, etc.

I liked the packaging..its quiet nice..though a little bulky..(i.e the full size). The lipstick has no smell or taste. It is super pigmented and glides on smoothly..just 2 swipes gives a full blown color..these are super moisturising..you do not need a lip balm underneath.

RS 612 Gilded Wine is a muted rosy wine shade..which is not OTT or goth types..but a very wearable wine..would suit all skin tones..especially duskier skin tones.


Here it is on me..

Pros:

1. Super pigmented.
2. Very moisturising..and feels very light.
3. Stays for a good 4-5 hours.
4. The packaging is nice.
5. Available in 25 different shades.
6. Has no taste or smell..so would not bother anyone.
7. The shade Gilded Wine would suit all skin tones.
8. Does not dry out lips or bleed or settle in fine lines..its the perfect finish.

Cons:

1. Expensive.
2. Available only at the Shiseido counters or online. You can buy it on Medplusbeauty here

Overall I have no other cons with this..I love the formula..it is one of the most moisturising, pigmented and super light lipsticks out there ! Though expensive..these are totally worth it.

I wish to try Roseate RD 734 and Fuchsia RS 320

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipsticks ?

My Experience with b2nshop.com

My Experience with b2nshop.com (BlancIINoir)

About: Blanc to Noir – b2nshop.com is an exciting new destination for beauty and fashion dedicated to providing the best prices, selection, and overall experience you’ll find online. To put it simply–we LOVE cosmetics and fashion accessories. We’ve created a unique store that offers our customers the ability to find what they want easily and quickly. we offer our customers a no-risk opportunity to try us out.

Best Site to Shop NYX, Sigma brushes and make up, Facefront Cosmetics, etc

I have bought NYX stuff from Porkdaisy before..and loved the site..but with time they added handling fee, tax and increased the shipping cost too..which made the product cost come to more than what we get here 🙁 Then there is Cherry Culture which has always got mixed reviews..but I have heard so many complaints that the parcels were lost..and they never got the parcel nor the money refunded..And there also is Beauty Joint which did the same..plus even they add handling fee separately.

Finally after discovering BlancIINoir..I am so glad..that here the prices are fine, there is no additional handling fee or tax and the shipping cost is reasonable too..plus it reaches in 2 weeks.

The shipping varies on the no. of products..increasing marginally..1 product- 5.28$, 2 products- 6.22$ but one 9$ Sigma brush has more than 10$ shipping..similar to the Sigma website..I thought it would be cheaper though..and this is the basic shipping option..without tracking..though I surely recommend this site for buying NYX stuff..coz with the discounts and the combined shipping, it still works out cheaper.

They also have additional 10% discount on buying above 50$ and free shipping above 100$ in the US..if you can team up with 2-3 of your friends..you can get NYX stuff at a much cheaper price as there are additional discounts which you can avail !

The package is a cardboard box with lots of white thermocol sponges inside..but the products inside are separate..I think these should have been more securely bubble wrapped..though they were not damaged..but just in case..

They have everything in stock from NYX including the glitter pigments, bronzers, brushes, make up kits to the very latest and newest additions..!

I got my parcel in 14 days time..and here is what I ordered..

Overall I totally recommend this site for buying NYX stuff..I am sure you will get confused as to what to get and what to leave..if you can tie up with your friends and get additional discounts ordering above 50$..that would be a bonanza !

P.S: I got a voucher to shop for but that has not affected my opinion of the site.