Aura Spa @The Park Hotels brings New year’s beauty resolutions

January 5, 2012UncategorizedAura spa treatments, new launches, New Year Spa, Random, spa treatmentsBhumika

Aura Spa @The Park Hotels brings New year’s beauty resolutions

Time to make a beauty resolution at Aura Spa – The Park Hotels

Aura Spa @ The Park Hotels welcomes 2012 with some of the best healing therapies. Combining intense relieving rituals with nourishing ingredients and indulging massages with chic manicures, we have a set up an encounter with sheer relaxation.

Healing Hot Gems Body Massage

The ancient Japanese massage art form, Anma, is coupled with a heated gemstone therapy that harnesses the mystical properties of precious stones such as Jasper for self preservation and Obsidian to ward against negative energy. This intense treatment relieves tension in your muscles and eases lower back aches and stiff shoulders.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Price: Rs 3200 + taxes

The Aroma of Abha

Inspired by Ayurvedic massage techniques, this treatment blends Indian healing properties with aromatic essential oils to relax and relieve your body from all stresses and pain. To begin, warm essential oil, known for its pain relieving properties, is allowed to settle on your lower back for 15 minutes whilst the therapists work on your shoulders and neck. Following this is an hour of liberal oil application techniques to loosen and lubricate your stiff joints, which then continues into a blissful hour of Mukh Lepam, a facial using Indian Beauty recipes consisting of sandalwood, rose, saffron and lotus to restore “Abha” your facial luster.

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Price: Rs. 5800 + taxes

The Royal Island Manicure & Pedicure

In cold winter months your hands and feet are especially in need of tropical indulgence. Following a smooth stone foot bath with herbal water and coconut milk, a nail shaping and buffing prepares feet for a coconut sugar scrub. A leg and foot massage follows the scrub, and feet are then covered in rehydrating mask and wrapped with foil. A nail polish completes this service.

Duration: 90 minutes

Price: Rs.2200 + taxes

For Aura Kolkata in place of Royal Island Manicure & pedicure the guests could

Complex Collagene Skin Facial

Say goodbye to wrinkles with this facial treatment, which prevents the deterioration of skin and the appearance of lines. This facial treatment provides the epidermis with nourishing elements necessary to help slow down the ageing process, by using a hydrating aqueous concentrate that smoothes the fine lines and fights against skin slackening and improves elasticity. Stay forever young with this facial.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: Rs. 3200 + taxes

Beauty tip of the month

Add freshly mashed boiled carrot and avocado to milk cream. Leave it on cleansed face for 10 mins for a smooth, silky skin. Carrot is highly rich in anti-oxidants and beta carotene which increases skin longevity. Avocado is highly rich in vitamin A, D & E and sulphur aids in skin renewal.

P.S: PR Info

Natural Kitchen Remedies for Skin and Hair

January 4, 2012Hair Care, Skin careBeauty Blogs, Beauty Blogs India, Hair care, Herbal, Home remedies, indian beauty blog, indian makeup blog, Kitchen Remedies, Natural Kitchen Remedies for skin and hair, Natural Remedies, Skin CareBhumika

Natural Skin and Hair Care Products in your Kitchen

Guest Post by Kate

Women tend to do anything to look beautiful and gorgeous. Hence they don’t mind putting lots of their money in getting home costly cosmetic products for their beauty care. However, most of these cosmetic products are chemical based and at times can be lethal to your skin regardless of the small and big brand they come from. You might be lured and attracted to massive ads pertaining to beauty and cosmetic products promising you instant and good result. However, at the end of the day you hardly get anything trying them day in and day out. At such junctures, switching over to natural products can be a wise decision to make. Moreover, if you get beauty solutions in your kitchen only, what more would you want in life.

For your Hair and Scalp

For dealing with dandruff, using the juice made up of tomato can give good results. You can rid of scales by soothing dry and itchy scalp and reinstates its pH balance. People with dry hair can use Mayonnaise. It’s your treatment mask for deep conditioning. Mayonnaise contains egg yolks which caters your hair with vinegar, protein helping you in normalizing the pH balance of your hair. Use it along with vegetable oil it helps in lubricating the hair follicles. The dull hair can be given life and proper color using pure fruit juices. For best shining effect you can try out pure lemon juice, while apply highlighting cranberry juice in case you have dark brown hair.

For Eyes

If you have dark circles under your eyes or you find your eyes with some puffiness, make sure you try applying cold water, ice cubes, wet tea bags, tea, milk or try out the slices of potatoes or cucumber. By trying any of these options for around 10 minutes, you can make your delicate and soft tissues normal from being tight and shrink. If you see your eyes pretty tired especially when you return from a hectic day at work, try using the saturated cotton piece along with cold or chilled milk and lie down for around 15 minutes. Then rinse to get the good feel. Or you can use ice cube based chamomile tea along with water instead of milk to get the necessary cool effects.

For Face and Skin care

You can get rid of the aging signs like lines and wrinkles over your forehead by using oils. Oil comprises of fatty acids similar to the one you see in your skin fat and hence competent to complement your face skin. If you have a small surface blackheads, you can exfoliate them using oatmeal or cornmeal or sea salt. And for people with deep seated blackheads, try applying a blend of two teaspoons of sesame oil, cornmeal along with yoghurt. Try applying them for seven days to get the best result.

Final Word

Trying these homemade kitchen based solutions can work wonder and that too without any side effect or fatal result. And above all you get them all at pretty minimal cost or no cost as most of these ingredients you use, you often find in your kitchen or your refrigerator. So what are you waiting for?

About the author: Kate is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Besides this, she is fond of watches. She recently bought a watch from Skagen Watches latest collection. These days she is busy in witting an article on Bulimia nervosa for her blog DIY health.

Images Source: 1

Chunky Bling Bracelet Giveaway Winner

January 3, 2012UncategorizedBracelet Giveaway, Giveaway, Giveaway WinnerBhumika

Chunky Bling Bracelet Giveaway Winner

So finally after compiling and verifying all the entries..here we have the winner for the Chunky Bling Bracelet Giveaway.

I got 345 entries in total..and using random.org I got..285

And the winner is…

Rekha

Congrats Rekha..I have mailed your name and email id..you would receive a mail soon for the instructions to receive your prize..

And Thank you everyone for participating 🙂

My Experience with MedPlusBeauty.com

January 3, 2012UncategorizedBuying online, e commerce sites, MedPlusBeauty.com, My Experience with MedPlusBeauty.com, shopping, site reviewBhumika

My Experience with MedPlusBeauty.com

About MedPlusBeauty: MedPlus is India’s leading independent pharmacy chain with 1000+ stores in 6 states. Launched in 2006, it is India’s fastest growing health network with a CAGR ( Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 130%. The company offers genuine drugs, quality storage, wide availability and free home delivery. MedPlus pioneered value pricing in pharmaceutical retail industry and offers 10% discount on medicines and 5% on general products to all consumers. The company has 5000 employees and serves more than 1,30,000 customers daily.

MedplusBeauty.com is India’s preeminent online beauty retailer offering a wide and diverse selection of over 15000 beauty and personal care products across various categories and hundreds of brands. It is part of MedPlus, India’s fastest growing healthcare retail chain.

At MedplusBeauty.com, our goal is to provide you a convenient, hassle free destination for all your beauty and personal care needs. You can choose from your everyday staples to some of the most luxurious beauty brands worldwide. Since all our products are sourced from reputed companies, we guarantee that all our products are original, whether domestic or imported.

Whether you choose to have the product conveniently shipped to your home or pick it up from your nearest MedPlus store, we offer same day or next day delivery in all major metros, so you do not have to wait long for your shipment.

We bring you the best prices, and with our daily promotions and free gifts, you can be rest assured that no one provides you a better value for your money. ValuePlus, our one of a kind rewards programme. provides you the opportunity to accrue points for purchases across various MedPlus businesses, both offline and online, and exchange the points for invaluable gifts translating to an additional discount of 20-30% off of our already competitive prices.

With multiple and secure payment options, a worry free returns policy & friendly customer service, we are committed to provide you an unparalleled shopping experience.

Medplus only catered to medicines and related stuff before..they have expanded to the beauty section now..and how ! They cover everything from makeup,skin care, hair care to fragrances.

They have almost all the brands with them and over 15,000 products..from The Body Shop, Givenchy, H20, Vichy, Avene, Clarins, La Roche Posay, Organic Surge to Bourjois, Chambor, Faces, L’oreal, Maybelline, Cetaphil, Biotique, Gatsby, Giovanni to smaller brands like Brihans, Hip Hop, Purederm, Banjara’s and also accessories..plus they offer quite high discounts too..from 7% to 32% !! Its very difficult to resist stuff on their site !

They have Free shipping on orders above Rs. 300/- and Cash on Delivery option for amount exceeding Rs. 250/-. Currently they have COD option only for Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The Shipping Charges are Rs.50/- below Rs.300/-

They are the first site to even have a virtual makeover section where there is an option to see how the shades would look..if one is confused before buying them..like so..

The best part is their ValuePlus rewards program..where you get some points for anything you purchase from the site..which can be collected and later redeemed for gifts. I think thats a very nice concept and they have some quite useful things like bags, suitcases, rechargeable torch lights,etc..

They have an introductory offer going on..to purchase any fragrance worth Rs. 2500/- and above and get a backpack worth Rs.1500/- free..

The delivery is super fast too..I received the stuff in a day ! And their customer service is also nice..if there is a thing which is out of stock or not available they would contact you and let you know the time by which it would be available..plus I noticed a few things were out of stock a day..and where available the next day..means the stock replenishment is super fast too.. (Ok I know I added technical jargon..signs of a CA :/ )

It comes decently packed in their trademark wrapping with lots of thermocol sheets around..and each item is individually wrapped too..

Here is what I ordered..

I would suggest extending Cash on Delivery to all the places, some small freebies with all the purchases..and continuing this friendly customer service and super fast delivery.

Overall it was a very good experience shopping from MedPlusBeauty…and I would recommend you to check it out..I am sure you would get tempted..and many of the stuff would be like..I was searching this from so long..and either was never able to find it or it was always out of stock everywhere..finally I can have it..

P.S: I got a voucher to shop from the site but it has not affected my opinion about the site.

Maybelline Watershine Liquid Diamonds Gloss Beige Sensation Swatches

January 2, 2012UncategorizedGloss, Maybelline, maybelline watershine gloss beige sensation, maybelline watershine glosses, Nude shades for lips, Reviews, SwatchesBhumika

Maybelline Watershine Liquid Diamonds Gloss Beige Sensation Swatches

What the Company claims: Hi Shine Liquid Gloss

Size: 3 ml
Glosses to give you the voluptuous dazzling lips you’ve always wanted
Hi-shine liquid format for perfectly supple brilliantly shiny lips
Available in 15 glamorous shades

MRP: Rs. 180/-

I had reviewed the Maybelline Watershine Gloss in Naked Brown here. Today I am reviewing the shade Beige Sensation and would compare the both.

Naked Brown is 521 and Beige Sensation is 520…both are numbered in line and sound like nice neutral shades too.

Naked Brown is a nude brown matte shade..with slight pink undertones but more veering towards brown where as Beige Sensation is a nude pink with some silver shimmer.

T-B: Beige Sensation, Naked Brown

Beige Sensation stays longer than Naked Brown on lips..so the only con is gone too..I am so loving it..I loved Naked Brown and now loving Beige Sensation too.

And here it is on me..

Naked Brown

Beige Sensation

Overall I quite like these Watershine glosses..non sticky, glossy, everyday shades and a total value for money.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried Naked Brown or Beige Sensation? Which did you like more ?

Maybelline BB Cream Finally in India !!

January 2, 2012Uncategorizedbb cream, BB creams in India, Maybelline, Maybelline BB Cream, Maybelline BB cream in India, what is a BB creamBhumika

Maybelline New York introduces the new Clear Glow BB Cream in India

GET WITH THE NEW BB IN TOWN ….. LOOK GREAT WITH THE POWER OF 8

Discover a Brighter Flawless Natural Look with the New Clear Glow BB Cream from Maybelline New York

It’s the new rage in town …Everybody wants it… Everybody needs it! Once you have it, you can’t do without it! This New Year Maybelline New York, the Number 1 Color Cosmetics Brand in the world, is changing the rules and daring all women to go nude with the launch of the Maybelline New York Clear Glow BB Cream.

The BB cream or the Bright Benefit cream is a revolutionary product that provides the benefits of a foundation, sun block and a moisturizer minus the problems of each! It gives you a brighter flawless look giving you the confidence to Go Nude, the way nature intended it. A dab of kajal and lip gloss or balm and you’re ready to go. Revolutionizing your skincare regime, this wonder product is an all-in-one revolution with 8 benefits to instantly brighten, even tone, hydrate, conceal, smooth, mattify, freshen and protect with SPF 21/ PA+++.

Called the 8-in-1 skin perfector – Just a minute of effortless application and you are set to turn heads!

No wonder it’s the hottest new trend in the world. Originally formulated in South Korea to be used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post-laser scars, acne and other blemishes, this wonder product has created frenzy across the world. Regular use of this product improves skin’s texture (skin becomes smoother & softer), hydration level and over-all condition of the skin with continuous use (clinically proven).

Available in three easy blend shades perfect for the Indian skin tone, the BB Cream transforms your skin effortlessly, affordably and beautifully. Just the thing for the Girl on the go; contains healthy minerals for 8 in 1 skin benefits. The oil-free formula keeps skin hydrated for up to 24 hours and the SPF21/PA+++ protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It covers like a foundation and hides flaws and imperfections without feeling heavy on the skin.

This instant skin perfecting cream comes in a compact, travel-friendly 18 ml squeeze tube and is available in 3 unique earth shades – Nude, Radiance and Natural.

MRP: Rs.199

So this new year look great… Get the power of 8!!!

Availability: All MNY counters across the country

For more information call on toll free number: 1800 22 3000

To win one..enter my contest here

P.S: PR Info

Uses of Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly

January 2, 2012UncategorizedUses of Vaseline, VaselineBhumika

Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly Ek, Istamal Anek

Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly, the humble jar of petroleum jelly that was discovered over 150 years ago has become an integral part of our daily lives today. It was originally discovered to be of medicinal use during World War II, when it was used to treat minor cuts and burns. This wonder product has today become a household, medicinal and even beauty staple with multiple uses!

Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly undergoes a three step purification process which involves hydrogenation and double filtration, thus resulting in the purest form of petroleum jelly. Over time, this versatile product has become widely known for its excellent skin moisturization properties, as it forms a protective layer on the skin and traps in all the skin’s natural moisture.

It’s amazing how many things you can do with one little jar of Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly! Consumers have discovered unique and innumerable uses for this marvelous product! It’s most commonly known to treat chapped lips, cracked heels, dull and dry elbows, rough and ashy knees, minor scratches, amongst many other uses.

Well known for its anti-bacterial properties, this little jar of magic also has many more innovative personal uses such as treating nappy rashes and healing scabs. Surprisingly Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly has also become a beauty staple with many cosmetic uses. It can be mixed with leftover lipstick to create a brand new lip gloss and cream blusher and can also be used as the cheapest and most efficient make-up remover.

Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly
Variants Prices
Vaseline Pure Skin Jelly 8g – Rs 5/-, 25g – Rs 23/-
50g – Rs 36/-, 100g – Rs 65/-
Vaseline Hydrating Jelly Aloe Fresh
17g – Rs 26/-
43g – Rs 44/-
Vaseline Gentle Protective Jelly Baby
17g for Rs 26/-

Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is available in 3 variants at affordable sizes and prices:

So rush out and buy your favorite Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly and enjoy its multiple uses!!

Best of 2011- Makeup

December 31, 2011UncategorizedBest of 2011, best of makeup and beauty, Best of Makeup in 2011, Best products of 2011Bhumika

Best of 2011- Makeup

So continuing with the second part i.e Makeup…Go here to read Best of Skin and Hair.

Click on the links to read reviews or see swatches..

Face:

Foundation:

Cream: The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Cream Compact

Liquid: The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation, Adorn Minerals Cosmetics Liquid Foundation

Powder: The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Loose Powder Foundation, Monave Mineral Foundation

BB Cream: Iloje Flobu Konad BB Cream

Tinted Moisturiser: Pond’s Tinted Moisturiser

Concealer:

Cream: theBalm timeBalm Concealer

Liquid: Living Nature Concealer, Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On

Pressed Powder/Compact: Living Nature Luminous Finish Pressed Powder, Streetwear All Day Wear Compact

Blush:

Cream: NYX Rouge Cream Blush

Powder: Deborah Milano Hi Tech Blush, Lakme Earth Rose Trio, Jordana Powder Blush. Illamasqua Powder Blush

Contouring and Highlighting: Motives Shape and Sculpt Duo

Bronzer: Mattify Cosmetics Bronzer

Highlighter: Lakme Absolute Moon Lit Highlighter

Eyes:

Eye Shadow: 88 Colors Warm Pro Palette, Jordana Color Effects Duo Eye Shadow, Maybelline Chai Latte Quad, Mattify Cosmetics Eye Shadows, Monave Mineral Powders

Eye Liners:

Gel: Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner

Pencil: Colorbar I Glide, Lakme Glide On, Chambor Dazzle Eyeliners, Lakme Forever Silk Eyeliners, Faces Long Wear Pencils

Jumbo Liners: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils

Liquid: Tips and Toes Black Liquid Liner

Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Volume, Motives Lustrafy High Definition, Illamasqua Raven

Kohl/Kajal: Maybelline Colossal Kajal, Lotus Herbals Natural Kajal

Lips:

Lip Balm: Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Bloom, Lakme Lip Love Conditioner

Lip Liner: Jordana Pencil Lip Liners, Miss Claire Lip Liners, Bourjois Levres Contour Lip Liner

Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color, Lakme Lip Love, Revlon Colorburst, Lotus Floral Glam, Lotus Moist Petals, Deborah Milano MilanoRed, Etude Aqua Rouge, Faces Moisture Rich, Maybelline Colorsensational, NYX Round Lipsticks

Lip Matte Creams: NYX Lip Matte Cream, Bourjois So Delicate Lip Cream, Diana of London 2000 Kisses

Lip Tint: Bourjois Rouge Hi Tech, The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint

Lip Gloss:

Sheer: Maybelline Fruit Jelly, Deborah Milano Euphoric Shine, Jordana Super Shiny Tasty Lip Gloss, Maybelline Water Shine Liquid Diamonds, Lakme Absolute Plump and Shine

Pigmented: Revlon Colorburst, Maybelline Colorsensational

Nails:

Illamasqua Nail Varnishes, Picture Polish Nail Paints

So thats for the year…My last post of 2011…Wish you guys a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.. 🙂

And let me know your favorites too..

Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow Review

December 30, 2011UncategorizedBody Lotion, Cocoa Body Lotion, Cocoa Butter, Dry skin, Reviews, Skin Care, VaselineBhumika

Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow Review

I had mentioned about the new Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow launch here.

What the Company claims: New Vaseline Total Moisture with Stratys-3 technology infused with Cocoa Butter not only works from within to give you an inner glow but also nourishes every layer of your skin. It gives your skin the multilayer moisture therapy infusing moisture at the top, core and deep down layers of your skin leaving your skin feeling healthy and glowing.

Ingredients:

MRP: 300ml for Rs 150, 100ml for Rs 65 & 40ml for Rs 30

I liked the fact that it comes in 3 sizes and one can buy it according to one’s convenience..I love the small packs whenever I am travelling for a few days as they are perfect to carry and do not occupy too much space too.

What better than the warm cocoa butter smell in winters ! Plus a whole day of moisturisation. It does stay on the whole day and skin does not feel dry or stretchy at all even at the end of the day.

Its a cream colored lotion..not too thick..spreads and absorbs super quick and does not leave the skin greasy.
Pros:

1. Texture is perfect..not too thick..not too runny.
2. Gets absorbed in seconds.
3. Skin does not feel greasy at all.
4. Comes in 3 sizes.
5. Smells awesome..well who can resist the cocoa smell.
6. Economically priced.
7. Travel friendly.
8. Keeps skin moisturised the whole day..even in harsh winters.

Cons:

1. Contains methyl paraben.
2. It has a hint of coconuty smell..I am not much of a coconut smell fan..I would have liked it more if it had pure cocoa smell.

No other cons as such…This is perfect for winters and a must try. I surely recommend this..whether you have dry skin or not..you will love using this.

By the way..tomorrow is the last day to enter the Chunky Bling Bracelet Giveaway..so if you have not yet entered..go here.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

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