I have so many outfit posts to share with you guys, at least 2-3 more and I haven’t got around editing, resizing or writing a post.
I didn’t post on the blog in such a long time, this was honestly the longest break I have taken from my blog per se, but I was posting a lot of content on my Instagram and other platforms.
Yesterday I posted about the ShopBop Black Friday Sale, this outfit and all the accessories are also from ShopBop co-incidentally 🙂
I am very conscious of my arms as they are my problem area, all of us have 1 or 2 problem areas in the body which tend to store stubborn fat which doesn’t go away even after you try hard and lose weight all over or do specific exercises for that part. For some, it’s the stomach or hips or thighs, for me my upper arms. I avoid sleeveless outfits for the same reason, because I dress as per my body type and avoid wearing outfits that accentuate my problem area, the first and basic rule 🙂
I do like off shoulder dresses as they hide my arm fat, but this one was a tie up and half backless/shoulder baring dress. Loved the lavender colour and floral print, this dress was overall very cute and fit me perfect like a glove.
Even though it does show my arms, I am ok with it this time 😀 I love the overall look and fit of this dress. I paired it with a simple white lace choker, a white DVF sling and silver Jeffrey Campbell bow slides with a unique and transparent heel.
I loved how it came about overall. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Dress: WAYF Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Bag: DVF
Shot by: Ravishing Focus
P.S.: I am really sick currently, viral fever infected my liver, so resting and trying to be fine ASAP.
I am loving co-ords these days and I have shot three set of co-rds in last month alone, including this one 😀 It’s not just a skirt and crop top, it can be a longer maxi skirt or a pant suit or a pant top too.
Co-ords are basically same colour/print/fabric. Made from the same fabric and colour, just two separates which can be either paired together or separately mixed and matched with different things.
But when paired together, they look amazing. I love the fact that they are versatile and you can create different outfits with co-ords but some look good together only.
I got this co-ords set from Lulu & Sky sale recently and it almost looks like a dress. There is not much gap in between the crop top and skirt here, I find Lulu & Sky sizes very varied. It’s a big issue and I always end up returning 1-2 outfits if I buy like 3-4 at a go.
Last time I had a lot of issues in returns and they didn’t process my refund for a month, hence I have stopped shopping from Lulu & Sky for now 😀
Every outfit of theirs has a different size just like SheIn, so there is no set standard that if you are a M in this, you will always be M. For e.g. I fit in some M and some L from Lulu, and some L were super tight and they look S. It’s that varied literally and hence a hit and miss.
This set is L and the skirt is still slightly tight at the waist as you can see 😀 So it’s high waist and hence there is not much gap in between and it looks like a dress.
But I loved the fine floral print and the skirt is very skater-ish which makes the outfit look very pretty. And on sale, I got this set for around Rs.450 which I thought was a fabulous deal, hence went for it. I did doubt the size though and it fit just above right, like a little adjustment wearing it slightly high but won’t fit if I put on a little weight 😀 Such sizing is always tricky.
I kept the shoes flat and comfy, I am happy slides are back into fashion as they are very comfortable to walk around in and look cute as well.
Anyhoo coming back to co-ords, the fabric is thick and comfortable and the off shoulder top has elastic where it ends, so it fits well. It does bunch up a bit on the top because of the elastic at the bottom, so you have to keep on adjusting that. But at least you know it’s secure unlike some flimsy crop tops which could fly up if windy 😀
There are other fun co-ords OOTD’s coming soon 🙂
Co-ords: Lulu & Sky Shoes: Kendall & Kylie Watch: Daniel Wellington On my Lips: Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain Hollywood
Location: Sahara Star Clicked by: Ravishing Focus
I hope you liked the outfit, do let me know your thoughts 🙂
Top 10 Faces Cosmetics Products in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Hello everyone, I am back with another Top 10 list from a very well-known brand in recent times. Even if you would have asked me 2 years back to do a Top 10 with FACES Canada, I would have found it really difficult. Now, the scenario is totally changed and they have plethora of products to choose from. Over these years, they have really upgraded the quality of products and they are quite reasonable too. I have also noticed that the availability is good and easily accessible from online stores too. There are some of the products from FACES Canada that have become my HG ones.
So, here’s my list of Top 10 products that surely deserves to be included in your list of makeup. Let’s have a look at it.
1. FACES Ultime Pro Metaliglow – (799 INR) Review & Swatches HERE
Starting with this amazing and gorgeous highlighter that I literally use it every time when I am stepping out of the house. It comes in three shades – Opal (fair skin tones), Champagne (fair to medium skin tones) and Topaz (dusky skin tones). It has a gel-like texture that blends into the skin without much effort but you have to do it quickly because it has the tendency to settle down sooner than you can imagine. You can also mix with any foundation to get that luminosity and its looks totally natural. Bhumika has reviewed the shades Opal and Champagne and this one is a highly recommended from her side as well.
2. FACES Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayons – (799 INR) Review & Swatches HERE (BUY HERE for 675)
Chubby lip crayons are new trend and every brand has their own versions. FACES Canada, too, brought forward their versions and the quality is impeccable. It is available in 10 shades for now and the shades Peach Me, Midnight Rose and Sugar Coated has already been reviewed in detail on NLM, so surely check it out. The texture is soft and creamy which glides like a dream and settles down with a matte formula. The shade Midnight Rose is a must have from their collection.
One of the best, creamiest and long wearing kajal in the Indian market today. It comes in a retractable red plastic body and looks very chic and pretty. The texture is soft and creamy and glides on the eyes without tugging or pulling at all. The formula is water proof and smudge proof with a staying power of around 6-7hours easily. The pigmentation is great and makes the product really stand out. It gives a jet black color when applied on the water line as well. Overall, the price makes it great for a daily wear kajal.
4. FACES Canada Ultime Pro Mineral Loose Powder – (699 INR) (BUY HERE)
With an innovative non-comedogenic formulation which offers protection from harmful UV radiation, the FACES Canada Ultime Pro Mineral Loose Powder comes in a very unique and convenient packaging with a sponge attached to the lid. The powder gives a soft blurry effect to the pores and smoothens out the skin tone with its light to medium coverage. The finish is matte but doesn’t clings on to dry patches. The powders are mostly neutral tones and thus doesn’t makes you look whitish or chalky. The oil control is around 4hours and after that you might need touch ups.
5. FACES Hi-Shine Nail Enamel – (199 INR) Review HERE
Available in more than 70 shades, the FACES Hi-Shine Nail Enamels are truly superb in quality. It comes in a thick glass bottle and delivers a glossy and high shine formula to the nails. The nail enamels contain a blend of non-harmful plasticizers which modify the nail enamel film to be flexible, thus resisting chipping and cracking. It also provides proper hardness, gloss and adhesion to the nail. These lacquers are TOLUENE & DBP, Camphor and Formaldehyde free and won’t damage the nails in the long run.
6. FACES Long Wear Eye Pencil – (449 INR) Review HERE
The FACES Long Wear Eye Pencils are considered to be one of the best eye pencil with a reasonable price tag. It is available in 9 shades and each of them has a beauty of its own. The texture is soft and creamy and hence you can easily create smoky eyes with it. It gives a matte finish after setting down within 5-10mins and has a water proof and smudge proof formula. Free of preservatives, dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved, the eye pencil are great for water line too. The shade Black and Navy Blue are the raved ones in the collection.
7. FACES Ultime Pro Velvet Matte Lipstick – (649 INR)
FACES Ultime Pro Velvet Matte Lipstick claims to be an exclusive lipstick with an unbeatable gliding quality and unique satin finish. It comes with a sleek matte black packaging with twist up function. The texture is truly creamy and glides like anything on the lips. It is one of the most comfortable matte finish that doesn’t dry out the lips sucking life out of it. However, do make sure to scrub and prep your lips before you apply the lip color. The staying power is commendable and you are a matte lippy lover, you have to try this out.
8. FACES Ultime Pro Eyeshadow Crayon – (799 INR) Review HERE
The FACES Ultime Pro Eyeshadow Crayons are one of the recent launches from the brand and truly an amazing one. It is available in 6 shades for now with pretty names and comes in a sharpenable chubby pencil packaging along with a free sharpener. The color coded packaging is extremely good and the eye shadows are pretty long wearing. The texture is smooth and creamy which makes it perfect to blend and layer as much as you want. The pigmentation is also great and application is so easy that a beginner can also use these.
9. FACES Prime Perfect Foundation – (699 INR)
The foundation is considered one of the best foundations for the oily to combination skin for the summers. It comes in 5 shades although dusky complexions might not find a good match. It is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid that delivers deep hydration & keeps skin nourished with sun protection and anti-ageing formula. The texture is creamy but it sets very quickly hence needs to be blended fast. The coverage is medium to buildable but gives a great finish of satin matte to the skin. For the price, I would say that this is a great foundation for daily wear with a wear time of 5-6hours.
10. FACES Sparkle Dust Stackable – (899 INR) Review & Swatches HERE (BUY HERE for 722)
The Sparkle Dust Stackable are stack of 6 color sparkles comes in 4 different family of shades. These are fine milled glitters with powdery texture and Bhumika has already shown in her review that these can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner, glitter nail paint, highlighters, blushes, etc. So have your fun and experiment with these amazing glitters for a very reasonable price.
Editor’s Note: I absolutely love some of the Faces Products, and they keep launching something new. Currently they are revamping all the old stuff into new packaging and formula. The Faces Eye Pencils are the best, have been using them since they were priced at 249, they have increased the prices a lot now! Also would like to add their skincare range, new Faces Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayons and their Moisture Rich Lipsticks. Even their blushes are quite good.
So, what is your favorite product from Faces Canada?
To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.
INGREDIENTS:
Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.
STEPS
Step 1
Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
And Voila! You night serum is ready!
TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.
FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.
BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.
Do let me know how you liked the DIY.
Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.
Colorbar is one of the leading cosmetics brand in India and offers an array of makeup products. I love the versatility of their range which consists of budget friendly to high end products and their quality is impeccable. From what Colorbar has started in India, it has come a long way and has some of the best products at reasonable price. One of the main reasons that draws me toward this brand is their availability. Of lately, we witnessed a lot of new launches and they completely kept us on our toes. Each one of them as good as can expect and we couldn’t help but lust them all. Therefore, I decided to do a list on the top 10 favorites or must-haves from Colorbar.
(Click on the links to read reviews or see swatches)
If you are a kohl kind of girl, you would fall head-over-heel on these kajals. It comes in 5 different matte colors and has a smudger sponge at the end. The colors are as rich, intense and pigmented as they can be and glides on the eyes like a dream. The creamy texture gives you enough time to carefully smudge and create a smoky look and then it settle down a clean matte look. It is extremely long lasting, even on oily eyelids and totally smudge proof and water poof all day long.
Colorbar I Glide Eye Pencils comes in 17 different colors. No amount of praise would be enough to define how beautiful these eye pencils are! They glide so smoothly on the eyes and great for everyday wear. It has the intense pigmentation and has both matte and glitter shades. It settles down to a semi-matte finish, extremely long lasting and water proof. They don’t flake or feels uncomfortable at all. Considering the price tag, it is one of the best creamiest eye pencil available in India. (P.S: I have Jaded and Prunella)
3. Colorbar Perfect Match Face Primer – 825 INR
Primer plays an essential role as a base makeup for a long lasting one. Colorbar Perfect Match Face Primer is considered one of the best budget friendly primer for oily skin in skin. It makes the skin smooth and provides a noticeable difference to the pores. It has somewhat a gel like consistency that sets in with a matte look. The smooth base it provides, help the foundation glide effortlessly and controls the unwanted shine. It also tones down certain blemishes and gives a natural radiance to the skin.
My Holy Grail lipsticks! I can literally rattle all day long to describe this beauty. My lip stash is full of Velvet Matte Lipsticks for every occasion. It has 29 shades in total and totally budget friendly. The creamy touch and a matte formula is what make the product stand out and it is quite long lasting on the lips. The colors do not bleed even when they are rich and pigmented. It also nourishes the lips with the presence of Vitamin E and feels comfortable even in winters.
5. Colorbar Zoom and Whoosh Mascara – 650 INR
Colorbar has the Zoom and Whoosh Mascara which not only adds volume and thickness but also lengthens the lashes. The black color is well pigmented and coats the lashes evenly without messing with the eye makeup. Only two coats of the product gives the drama and enhancement you desire for every look. The wand is great to apply the mascara and doesn’t clump at all. It also dries pretty fast without any smudging at all. A great mascara for a intense the eye makeup.
These are chubby wooden lip pencils which offers 17 stunning shades. The shades mostly has pinks and reds and you are sure to find a favorite here. The texture resembles that of a creamy one and it has a wet-matte finish. It is extremely hydrating and forgiving for dry and chapped lips as it has conditioning ingredients like Shea butter and vitamin E. The color pay off exceptional with just single coat and the color doesn’t bleed at all. There is no staining at all and also comes with a sharpener for free.
BB creams are such raving in the beauty industry. It reminds me of the quote ‘less is more’. They are not foundation yet provides such nice and smooth touch to the skin. Colorbar BB cream is one exceptional one which provides 4 different shades for different complexions and undertones. It blends flawlessly and sets onto the skin without looks patchy, ashy or uneven. It is light weight and hence you can easily wear it on summers and also in winter underneath a nice moisturizer.
8. Colorbar Nail Polish Exclusive – 175 INR
The most popular nail polish range of Colorbar and has a mammoth collection of 36 colors. One of the striking thing is that the nail lacquers are toluene and DBP free and does not yellow out nails. Majority of the shades are well pigmented and gives a nice color pay off with just 2 coats. The rich color and high sheen formula strengthens nails and keeps them moisturized. The bottle lasts long and the texture doesn’t thicken over the time. (P.S: They also have small sets of 3 based on a theme, looking forward to try the new French Manicure Kit. They have also launched a Speed Dry Top Coat)
9. Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème – 675 INR
One of the launches of Colorbar in the beginning of 2015 is the matte lip crèmes which are quite a rage. It comes in 10 gorgeous colors and packaging with the doe foot applicator. It settles down to a spotless matte finish with an intensely bright effect. Deep Matte Lip Crèmes are light weight and comfortable to wear. It also has moisturizing ingredients that prevents the lips from drying out and has a super long lasting formula. It survives snacks and drinks and requires very less touch ups. (P.S: I also love the Kiss Proof Lip Stains)
10. Colorbar Definer Lip Liner – 599 INR
These lip liners from Colorbar is very pretty and comes with its own customized sharpener. The overall packaging is very convenient and it has shades. The lip liners are very smooth and glides well on the lips with tug or pull. It has a nice matte texture that can also be worn alone underneath lip balm or on top of a gloss. The color are rich and deep in pigmentation and helps to bring out the best of any lipstick. This is another must-have product for every lipstick lover.
Do let me know your favorite product from Colorbar
Editor’s Note: Colorbar is one of my all time favourite brands especially for lipsticks and eye pencils! They make amazing eye and lip stuff, I also love their skincare. The Colorbar Fresh Start Water Cleanser is an amazing cleanser cum makeup remover and the Colorbar Stay The Day Finishing Mist is what I use to set my makeup all the time. Apart from that I have the Just Smoky Kajal in Green which I love and the Kiss Proof Lip Stains are also amazing! I have Mauve Dusk and eyeing the Haute Latte now. The Colorbar Lip Definer Pencil in Berry Roseis an absolute must have! I have the Jumbo Take Me As I Am in Flirtatious Pink and Sinful Orange. Also love the Matte Touch Lipsticks, have 2 from the Darkened Summer Collection. Colorbar Soft Touch Lipstick in Rougemarie is a deep berry shade which is an old buy but berry is quite IN currently 🙂 Colorbar eyeshadows are pretty decent too, see the swatches HERE. They have just launched the Eye shadow Sticks and I am looking forward to trying them, would review them soon.
January 2016 Fab Bag theme is ‘Beauty Resolutions’ coz we all have New Year resolutions 😀 The makeup print on the bag is super pretty and this is the perfect cosmetic bag for travel or storage, one of my most favourite Fab Bag bags!
Let’s come to the products, so I had an option to select one product in this month’s bag out of all the makeup options, and I had already tried everything else, so I went with the Laqa & Co. Nail Polish Pen coz I have never tried a nail polish pen and it was a nice, summery peach shade which I can’t wait to wear in summers.
Products:
Natural Bath & Body French Red Clay Face Mask 20g (Full size Rs 450/- for 100 ml)
Natural Bath & Body Vitamin E Whipped Cream 15g (Full size Rs 275/- for 50 ml)
Laqa and Co. Nail polish pen (Full size Rs.1000/- for 5ml)
Votre Face Serum Full size (Rs 1670/- for 12 ml)
BBlunt Spotlight Hair Polish mini- Rs.250/-
I love the sound of both the Natural Bath & Body products and also the ingredients are pretty good. The French Red Clay mask has virgin coconut oil, turmeric powder, sandalwood extract, beetroot powder, kaolin clay, fuller’s earth, etc. And the Whipped cream is a blend of Vitamin E and argan oil. The cream is perfect for winters but I would prefer using the clay based mask in summers as clay based masks dry out my skin more though the coconut oil should balance it out, my skin is already super dry these days and I won’t risk it.
The Laqa & Co. Nail polish pen is in the shade Tweedledee is a nice pastel peach shade and also my first nail polish pen, quite happy that it’s a full sized product, can’t wait to try it out.
I love using serums and oils especially at night and in winters, currently I am obsessed with The Body Shop Oils Of Life Revitalizing Facial Oil, and this Votre Face serum sounds amazing with all the blend of essential and cold pressed oils in the ingredients. But my only worry is only active ingredients are mentioned :/ I hope it doesn’t break me out coz the Just Herbs Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir in the previous Fab Bag did break me out. I like the fact that this again is a full sized product.
And last but not the least, the BBlunt spotlight mini hair spray. Now I have 2 of the full sized ones and also one mini of this and I absolutely love it, it is perfect for adding some shine post your hairstyle and it gives slight hold too, though not much. It doesn’t make your hair stiff or hard and gives a nice sheen on the hair. This mini version is perfect for travel and/or handbag.
In all, I would say I loved this month’s Fab Bag and the fact that I got two full sized products, one hair spray mini and 2 deluxe sized samples and all the products are pretty good. Absolutely recommend getting this month’s bag if you still haven’t, also the bag in itself is really cute & quite useful.
Last month’s bag was also quite good, I hope this continues coz the products and bags have been really good from the past 2-3 months (except Nov) Touchwood!
What did you get in your January 2016 Fab Bag? What makeup product did you choose?
What the Company claims: Go Bold Or Graded And Sexy On Your Lips With The New Color Sensational Lip Gradation. It’s time to experiment with your lip makeup. For the sexy, bold and adventurous woman, Maybelline New York brings international trends with the newest Lip Gradation. Available in 8 bright, matte shades, this double-sided lip product will inspire you to experiment with your looks and bring out your unique style and personality. The color stick at one end will give a gorgeous pop of color while the cushion blender tool at the other end will give a sexy, graded look. For a complete trend-on look, apply color on the centre of your upper lip and use the sponge smudger to extend the color to the outer edges till the contours of your lips or use it as a matte lip color or a lip liner.
Here’s why you will love it:
8 bright, matte shades
Easy to apply
Fun, flirty, versatile way to color your lips
Innovative product with cutting edge technology
For Best Results: Apply Lip Gradation in the center of lips and blend outwards using the cushion blender.
Shades Available: 8
Red 1
Red 2
Pink 1
Pink 2
Fuchsia 1
Mauve 1
Orange 1
Coral 1
MRP: Rs.500/- for 1.25g
It comes in shaded twist up crayon form with the crayon on one side and the white sponge on the other side for blending or creating a color gradation or ombre. The pencils match to the shades and hence easily identifiable.
Pigmentation wise, these are quite pigmented and cover even the most pigmented lips in max 2 swipes. It has a super creamy and buttery formula and glides and blends easily.
The finish is matte but it is very moisturizing and not at all drying. It also feels super light on the lips, you won’t feel you have lipstick on. Staying power is ok, it stays for 4-5 hours without eating or drinking, but with whole meal it goes away from the centre and needs to be reapplied.
The full size & the shade Mauve 1
The shade Mauve 1 is not mauve but a rosy brown, more on the brown side with a hint of mauve.
Here is how it looks on me..
Overall I would say I am quite happy with this, but would have preferred a price of Rs.400/- and also the launch of more shades and the wines and burgundies too. I would recommend checking out this Mauve shade and the Coral and Orange.
Today I am talking about a blog which is completely dedicated to eyes. Yes, that’s right. From fashionable eyewear to the latest eyewear trends to eye care tips, new brands, new launches, celebrity favourites, everything. It’s the blog by Lenskart.com.
You will find articles like ‘Glasses for different face shapes’, ‘Winter Eyewear Trends’, Food For your Eyes’, ‘Latest round and mirror sunglasses’, celebrity favourites and interviews like Tisca Chopra, Samir Kochhar, etc.
Also there are separate categories on the blog like Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Celebrity Eyewear and Technology which makes finding relevant posts easier.
Their latest two posts ‘#GrowingUpWithGlasses & still not complaining’ and ‘Eyewear trends of 2016 that’ll grab eyeballs’ are quite interesting and I loved them, do check those out.
So do check out the blog and stay updated with the latest in the eyewear industry 🙂 Share your love for eyewear.
Lifestyles today are more stressful than comfortable, despite the luxuries that we can indulge in. Computers, mobiles, and all the electronic gadgets that we have involved to make our lives simpler have further disturbed our working schedules, that too on the cost of the health of our body. More work, less sleep; and the direct results are clearly visible in the puffiness and dark shadows around our eyes.
Raccoon eyes, under-eye bags, dark circles, shadows, panda eyes; all these are names of the same problem. So what basically causes our eyes to develop such conditions?
Read below to know more.
Causes
Whether you may know it or not, the skin which appears to be bluish black under our eyes is because of the skin in that area being too thin, thus making the blood vessels visible all the more. No, your blood vessels are not exactly blue; but only the wavelengths of blue and purple colors are allowed to be reflected by your under-eye skin, thus giving an impression of bluish-black under eye bags.
1. Genetics
One of the major causes of recurring or prominent dark circles is genetics. If your parents have thin skin around the eyes, or more than average blood vessels, it is almost certain that you will be passed on with the unfortunate trait.
2. Age and Gender
Dark circles under the eyes can begin to be dominantly visible in your 20’s, both in males and females alike; but they are most daunting in the old age. In old age, our skins loose elasticity and do not have the ability to regenerate the skin cells at a steady pace, thus the predominance of raccoon eyes.
3. Fatigue and sleeplessness
In case of fatigue, skin produces a chemical named cortisol, to give your body dynamism when it is working on low levels of energy. It increases the volume of blood in the body, thereby enlarging the blood vessels by creating more pressure in them. As the skin is thin around your delicate eyes, the engorged blood vessels are more prominently visible.
4. Ruptured blood vessels
At times, blood vessels under the eyes can get ruptured and the blood leaking from them starts oxidizing; leading to dim shadows on the lean membrane underneath the eyes. However this is nothing to be much apprehensive about, as in the company of the right type of treatments; this hitch can be easily rectified.
5. Excess of sleep and other lifestyle reasons
Dark under eye circles can even be caused by high sodium intake; which helps in retaining more fluids in body, leading to puffiness; which in turns makes dark circles more visible. Sleeping on your stomach for prolonged periods of time, leads to the accumulation of fluids in the facial area, especially around the eyes, causing freaky dark circles. Or say, when you have been crying uncontrollably, for any reason whatsoever, the salinity of your tears leads to puffiness around your eyes. So forget what happened and just smile 🙂
Remedies
If you are one of those few unlucky ones who have to bear with the problem of dark under eye circles, no matter what, and you do not want to spend on swanky under eye creams or laser surgeries; these home remedies await you.
a) Cucumber apart from acting as a cooling agent, also works as a lightening instrument and an astringent for your skin. Placing cucumber slices on your eyes, or gently rubbing cotton balls dipped in fresh cucumber juice can help to reduce the dark circles. Though the cucumber juice works better if you leave it overnight. Don’t worry; your skin will readily absorb it.
b) Potato juice is great to reduce the puffiness around the eyes, and is often used for treating tan spots and blemishes. Grate a raw potato, extract its juice, and apply the freshly squeezed juice to the affected area. Leave it on overnight if possible.
c) For added goodness, mix both cucumber and potato juice, and with a soft cotton pad, dab the juice gently on to the skin. Leave the juice on for about half an hour, and wash the face with cold water.
ADDITIONAL TIP: To keep the eyes moisturized, follow up by gently massaging olive, coconut or almond oil around the eye area. Remember not to put too much pressure around the eyes.
2. Frozen metal spoons
For instant relief from under eye circles caused by lack of sleep, or sleeping in the wrong posture for prolonged periods of time; all you need is two frozen metal spoons. Make it a habit to keep two metal spoons in your freezer so that you can utilize them any time you want. Just place the rounded edges of the spoon on the eye area and let it rest till the temp of the spoon becomes normal. The cooling effect will help stimulate blood circulation and also decrease the quantity of fluid accumulation around the peepers.
3. Chilled Green tea bags
Green tea is chock full of anti-oxidants, and anti-oxidants are good for your skin. Period. Dip two green tea bags in boiling water, and let them stay immersed for about 3-4 minutes. Take out the tea bags and place them in the freezer, letting them stay till they are chilled. (In the meanwhile, enjoy the goodness of your green tea.) Once the tea bags are chilled enough, place them onto your under eye areas, one bag on each eye, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. You will notice the results for yourself.
4. The goodness of rose water
Pure Rose water is one product which is the answer of almost all skin care problems. Yes it is that good. Dab a pair of cotton balls in cold rose water, and apply it to the eyes. Let the cotton balls stay on the eyes for as long as possible and wash your face off. Do not forget to follow up with a rich moisturizer.
5. The Wonderful Tomato juice
Most of the treatments for dark under eye circles lie in our own kitchen. Tomatoes comprise of lycopene, which is a great anti-oxidant and has the ability to lighten your skin. Squeeze the juice of one ripe tomato, or mash the pulp and mix in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice again acts as a bleaching agent and has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce puffiness. Apply this mixture under the eyes and let it stay for about 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water for better results.
6. Crushed mint leaves
Mint has amazing cooling properties which helps in instantly soothing the skin and reducing the appearance of dark discoloration around the eyes. Crush a few mint leaves using a mortar and pestle and apply the leaves as it is under the eyes. Wait for about 15 minutes and then remove any residue with a damp cotton swab. You can even mix the goodness of cucumber juice to the crushed leaves for better results.
7. Cold compress or ice pack
Cold compress works on the same principal as that of the metal spoons. The chilling effect will help stimulate blood circulation, thereby diminishing puffiness and rectifying the temporary pigmentation under the eyes. Either use a gel based cold compress, or take a few ice cubes wrapped in a thin cloth, and place them under your eyes till the ice melts off completely. Goodbye, raccoon eyes. 😉
8. The efficient milk and fenugreek seed paste
This DIY under eye face mask can work wonders to rectify dark circles. Take a few fenugreek (methi) seeds and soak them overnight. The next day, grind the seeds to form a fine paste. To this paste add a tablespoon of milk and a pinch of turmeric. Mix well, and apply the paste under the eyes.
9. White bread and milk
Milk has both fats and proteins, making it the best moisturizer for our skin. Mix this elixir of goodness with a slice of white bread, mixing it into a fine paste. Apply this paste daily on your under eye area for smoother and even toned under eye skin.
10. Say goodbye to bad habits
Smoking, drinking and stressing a tad bit too much are the main causes which can lead to hyper pigmentation around the eyes and leads to fluid accumulation, causing puffiness. For eyes that do not resemble that of a panda, try bidding goobye to these bad habits of yours.
Till when are you going to hide the dark under eye area with corrective concealers and heavy-duty foundations? It is high time you followed one of these easy tips listed above and bid goodbye to these nasty shadows which never allow you to look your best. But remember that all the points listed above are purely natural and you should not expect instantaneous results; patience is the key.
Editor’s Note: Well written post Ishleen, I am going to try some of the tips myself 😀
Do you have dark circles? Use any of the tips mentioned? Also add your own tips in the comments below which work for you.
Today I am talking about one of my favourite shows on TV. I love lifestyle channels and shows based on fashion, current obsession is Fox Life India. Fox Life has a fashion band from Monday to Friday at 8pm, now you know what I do everyday at 8 😉
Go Style is an amalgamation of different shows which are topically about fashion and style. These shows include Clifton Shores, Style And The City, Life Mein Ek Baar and Styled by June. Every weekday Fox Life India will air one of these shows.
I personally love Style and the City. It shows the real side of fashion, how the shoots take place, what goes behind the shoots, how the sourcing is done and the backstage action behind the fashion shows. Also going to different cities of India from Benaras to Agra for inspiration and sourcing raw materials and how a fashion designer achieves what exactly what his client needs! Basically everything behind-the-scenes.
There is a new ‘Style Expert’, a fashion stylist or designer brought in every week who decodes looks or styles a shoot or fashion show or designs a new collection and we get to see how it is all done. My favourite style expert has to be Anaita Shroff Adajania, I love her styling be it in the movies or shoots or otherwise. And my favourite designer on the show is Ashish N Soni who gets into the minutest details of the fabric and designing.
Their tagline goes ‘Inside Celebrity Fashion Closets’ which is very apt and true for ‘Style And The City’. Apart from this, I also like ‘Life Me Ek Baar’ and all the other shows which air at the Go style band at 8pm everyday.
Now you can get the best of style on Fox Life India on Weekdays at 8 PM on #GoStyle.
