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The New Trend: Naked Dresses, Indian Fashion Blog, Red Carpet Gowns, Naked Gown Trend

The New Trend: Naked Dresses

The New Trend: Naked Dresses

By Pallavi

Hii Fashionistas,

You might have heard about the new fashion siren which is also called “NAKED DRESS”. You might be wondering what is this naked dress?? How can they do go together?? Well, naked dress is something which shows maximum part of your body by covering only the private parts. It is not like your entire body is exposed. You will be covered head to toe but it will be a sheer gown only the private parts will be actually covered. Well, you might think that this is a very daring and bold outfit. Well, that it is.

Naked dresses have been worn since long back. The very first celebrity who flaunted naked dress was the Hollywood goddess Marilyn Monroe. But after many years again the Hollywood celebrities began with the trend and recently some bollywood beauties have also worn the same. Read below to know the best naked dresses worn –

1. Jennifer Lopez – The goddess of Hollywood wore this dress at the 2015 AMAs. You can term her as the queen of naked dresses. She herself has worn 5 naked dresses for her shows. And this gown designed by Charbel Zoe is surely a show stealer.

2. Rihanna – Her nearly nude gown worn at 2014 CFDA awards not only was a show stealer at the awards but also was a really hot topic on the internet too. The gown was designed by Adam Selman.

3. Kim Kardashian – She is the queen of controversy and not to forget sexy figure too. And even during her pregnancy when people especially actresses choose to stay indoors she came out wearing a brave enough naked dress.

4. Priyanka Chopra – Our desi girl also rocked the naked dress trend. In this year Oscars she wore the classy white gown with sheer details and a sweetheart neckline. She just stole the show in her diamond hoop earrings and oxblood lipstick.

5. Gwen Stefani – Oscars 2016 was dedicated to a number of naked dresses. The red sheer gown worn by Gwen Stefani was defiantely one of them. She wore a red gown with details only at the correct places. This gown by Yanina Couture definitely was a show stealer for that evening.

6. Freida Pinto – She also have been a talk of the town in terms of fashion. She wore a steel gray naked dress at a film screening. With her red lips and Smokey eyes she rocked the entire outfit.

7. Miley Cyrus – Miley rocked the black naked dress in the AMFAR inspiration gala. She looked very trendy and upbeat with these black gorgeous gown. And she also wore the same outfit in silver colour too.

8. Sophie Choudhary – The MTV goddess looked fabulous here. She rocked a semi naked balck dress designed by Manav Gangwani. And her lower body was entirely covered but she looked equally sexy and breathtakingly beautiful at the IIFA awards.

9. Diane Kruger – Another Hollywood hottie wearing the naked dress. This oxblood colour naked dress simply stole the show at Oscars 2016. The gown was designed by Reem Acra.

10. Sonam Kapoor – Last but not the least, our bollywood Fashionista wore the brave enough naked dress during Neerja promotions. The navy blue midi dress by the brand Self Portrait simply looked stunning.

So, that were the best naked dresses. Let me know how many of you have guts to carry naked dresses. Also, which is your favourite naked dress in the comments down below.

Editor’s Note: Nicely compiled Pallavi, I loved Sonam Kapoor’s dress!

P.S: Images from Google

What do you think of this naked dress trend?

May ‘Summer Romance’ Edition Sugarbox Unboxing

May ‘Summer Romance’ Edition Sugarbox Unboxing

Hi guys,

There have been a number of subscription boxes in India in the past 2-3 years. One such amazing subscription box called ‘Sugar Box’ launched last year.

It’s a mix of beauty, fashion, lifestyle & gourmet items and all full sized, no samples or deluxe samples.

Sugarbox is a curated box full of exclusive goodies which are hand picked by our team of in-house stylists and epicureans just for you. By subscribing to Sugarbox, you will receive the latest international offerings in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and gourmet products at your doorstep, every month. Not to mention the first bragging rights that come with it!

It is priced at Rs.1499/- for 1 month (when unrevealed), Rs.4197/- for 3 months and so on, a little more discount for more no. of months. If you book the annual subscription plan, the box comes to Rs.1199/- per month which is pretty good.

For the month of May, they have the ‘Summer Romance’ Edition theme, and have all summery, beachy stuff.

Let’s see what all I got in my box..

  • A cute coral off shoulder crop top
  • A beige bucket bag with metallic gold chain detailing
  • A stiff brown summer hat
  • Tropical Cocktail flavour Tang
  • Gulnare Pumpskin Face Wash 60ml
  • Floral Gold Headband
  • Double layered Charm bracelet

I am totally digging off shoulder crop tops these days, and I was so glad when I saw this! Plus the coral colour is so bright and summery, can’t wait to wear it. The bag is pretty amazing too, fabulous quality, quite soft in texture. The gold accents go pretty well with the beige colour. Bucket bags are also IN these days, and this makes a perfect beach bag too. It’s quite spacious and huge, reminds me of my orange bucket bag from StalkBuyLove.

I have never tried the Tropical Cocktail flavour in Tang, so I am looking forward to trying this one. A hat is perfect for summers too, whether on beach or otherwise, a good stylish hat, can take your outfit a notch higher. I am not much into diamante on my accessories, but the stars in the double layered bracelet look quite cute.

The floral headband has to be my favourite, wear it like a proper headband or a little lower like Alia Bhatt in Ladki Beautiful Kar Gayi Chull song, with loose beachy waves for that boho vibe.

I am all about organic skincare and I haven’t tried a Pumpkin face wash yet and nothing from Gulnare skincare, so looking forward to trying this one too.

Book you box HERE, I absolutely recommend them! Since this box, theme and contents are revealed, the price is Rs.1899/-. Totally worth the price, you get products worth much more than what you pay for! I also have a special 20% off coupon code for you all, use ‘bhumika20’ at checkout on everything from individual items to previous boxes, limited edition ones and this Summer Romance Box. Coupon code is not valid on subscription plans though, as they are already discounted 🙂

After discount, this month’s box comes to Rs.1519/- Go for it, I say! If I have to see ‘Value For Money’, this is the best subscription box in India currently! Fabulous job done by Niharika Jhunjunwala, the founder.

Have you tried Sugarbox yet? What do you think of it? Your favourite item?

7 Things to learn from Coachella Festival

7 Things to learn from Coachella Festival

By Shelja

For those who are unaware of the Coachella festival, it is a music and art festival held annually in California and is one of the coolest concert to attend at the moment, every year many stars are spotted which made this festival so popular and WANTED! It has definitely increased the fashion standards ofcourse have inspired us with their fresh and unique style statement! Keep reading to know more.

1. Over accessorising is in : Over accessorising is a myth, wearing all of your wardrobe jewellery is the new trend, don’t believe me? Have a look at these moments stolen from coachella fest! I am amazed that wearing so many jewellery doesn't make them appear tacky or loud but unquestionably fashionable.

2. Vintage glasses : These sun glasses definitely reminded me of Gandhi ji’s eye glasses, it was a geeky piece or regular glasses back then, but who knew it will be on of the hottest glasses to buy at the moment. They are definitely a must have.

3. Crop tops : I am some where forced to believe that crop top was started from this fest, they look so fabulous and is now a THING in the entire world, the best part it’s comfortable as crop tops are usually loose, this is also the coolest fashion trend to follow in hot summers

4. Eyebrow art : During the 90’s in Indian weddings the bride use to apply white sticker/painted bindi over the eyebrows, I guess Bengali bride follow this ritual even today, if you love this I have a good news! You don’t need to be a bride to get that look, many people are getting that bindi look all over their eyebrows I feel it’s stolen from India’s ancient tradition, but is the new trend to follow!

5. Floral Head bands : This is one is my favourite! This look is feminine and delicate, again this is stolen from the brides, usually Christian brides are seen wearing a flowers head band or flowery hair do. In many images floral head band in paired with braids to get that bohemian look.

6. Long Cardigan with shorts : Cardigans are usually paired with jeans, wearing shorts along with a long cardigan is the new look, they make a perfect pair and definitely attract eye balls.

7. Hair chains : This is so fancy, ever since I was a child I wanted to do this! This makes me feel like I am a princess of Persia!! I really want to thank the person who came up with this very idea, this is so fashionably unique and looks so feminine, again this was traditionally used by Indian brides, usually it’s worn in silver colour and looks fabulous with women with black-brown hair. Haven’t own one? You should really consider it.

Editor’s Note: I totally agree with all these points Shailja, and loved the images.

Image sources: 1,2,3,4

What do you think of Coachella Festival? I think music festivals are when you can go all out and wear whatever you want 😀

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Mega Gloss Review, Swatches

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Mega Gloss Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

L’Oreal Paris has launched the new Infallible Range for Cannes 2016, if you follow me on twitter or Snapchat, you must have seen the images and videos of Aishwarya Rai from the launch event. The range has the Infallible Liquid Foundation (Review HERE), Infallible Powder (Review HERE), Infallible Lipsticks (Review HERE) and Infallible Lip Gloss, Lip Liners and Silkissisme Eye Liners.

I got this kit which has lipsticks, lip glosses and eye liners. I will be reviewing the eyeliners next, and the lipsticks are already reviewed on the blog.

So I have 5 lip glosses from the new L’Oreal Paris Le Mega Gloss Range. I have been using these since few days and here is my review..

What the Company claims: High level of pro-shine, 2x compared to classic gloss

Unique lip shaper-applicator that contours lips precisely and gives an impeccable deposit
Delicate texture glides onto lips creating a veil of color with a luminous, non-sticky shine
Available in 3 unique finishes – cream, dazzle and extreme resist
Each finish has it’s own addictive fragrance – praline, disco fruit and powder fresh

Available in 3 unique finishes cream, dazzle and extreme resist, infallible le gloss lets you change your look for different occasions. From subtle to bold, simple to sophisticated, now create your signature lip color in just one step. Each finish has its own addictive fragrance.

ZERO COMPROMISE GLOSS. MEGA SHINE ALL DAY.

Treat your pout to the bold lip gloss shade it deserves. The Mega Gloss formula is a highly tinted shade with mirror-like shine and no stickiness. The efficiently designed lip-hugging applicator fits lip contours for a perfectly glossy pout.

3 Unique Gloss Finishes:

DAZZLE FINISH– For sparkly party ready lips
CREAM FINISH– For daily flawless lips
XTREME RESIST FINISH– For impeccably glossy lips

A great synergy of elements creating a perfect balance. 5 hours of fresh hydration, adds 2X more volume to the lips with no stickiness. Certified 6X for zero dirty colour and 2X payoff versus a classic gloss.

How to Layer your gloss:
FILL: Fill the applicator with the mega gloss infallible texture. Thanks to its unique design, this incredibly accurate applicator extracts the right amount of gloss.
APPLY: Apply the gloss first onto the lower lip, from the center to the corners. Repeat the movement on the upper lip. This application ensures a perfectly shaded effect: denser and shinier in the middle of the lips.
LAYER: For an even glossier effect, feel free to add more product, this time only to the heart of the lips (top and bottom), with a slight emphasis on the top part.

MRP: Rs.850/- for 8ml (BUY HERE)

I have 3 from Cream Finish and 2 from Xtreme Resist Finish. To start with the packaging, I quite like the clear packaging with the black top and the square shape. Also clear packaging is quite convenient to find out the shade. Also, I would mention that the names are pretty interesting, I love them. Who’s The Boss, I Got The Power, etc. 😀

The wand is pretty interesting with a lip shape, one side works well on the lower lip and the other side on the upper lip i.e. the cupid’s bow. It was very easy to apply and with this wand, you just need one swipe for full, opaque coverage.

I did not have to dip my brush the 2nd time and all these swatches are with the first swipe itself.

Pigmentation wise, these are pretty good, being a lip gloss. Especially the Cream Finish ones are super pigmented and give opaque coverage, so people with pigmented lips too can wear these on it’s own, without a base lipstick. The Xtreme Resist ones are on the sheer side though. These are completely non sticky and stay put for a long time, if you do not eat or drink, they will stay on for 3-4 hours. It would survive light snacks and drinks and still be there, with slight fading. But would go away completely after a proper meal. The darker, deeper shades leave behind a nice, pink tint though. They are quite moisturizing and won’t bother even if you haven’t used a lip balm.

I love the fresh and fruity smell of both the cream and xtreme resist finish. Each finish has different smell. The cream finish ones are numbered from 100, xtreme resist from 500 and Dazzle Finish from 200.

Shades:

Cream 110 I Got The Power – An everyday pinky nude shade, something good for office wear or college wear.

Cream 106 Alerte Rouge – A matte neutral red

Xtreme Resist 504 My Sky Is The Limit– Sheer cool toned pink, this looks really good on it’s own and even layered over a lipstick.

Xtreme Resist 503 All Night Long– Bright Coral with a lot of gold shimmer

Cream 107 Who’s The Boss- Beautiful deep berry, this is perfect for night time. It instantly brightens the face.

Here are the lip swatches..

L-R
Top: I Got The Power, Alerte Rouge, My Sky Is The Limit
Bottom: All Night Long, Who’s The Boss

I have shared the FOTD’s with each on my Snapchat today, so if you are following me, you must have seen them. And if not, add me bhumika_t to see them till tom 3 pm 😀

These are on the expensive side at Rs.850/- but the quantity is 8ml. I believe L’Oreal Paris should have kept the qty 5-6 ml and reduced the price to Rs.500-600 which would have been ideal. But nonetheless, you are paying for the quantity and quality here. These being so pigmented and the qty being 8ml, it will last you months easily!

I absolutely love the shades Who’s The Boss and I Got The Power, one if perfect for night time and the other for day time. Also like My Sky is The Limit. Definitely recommend these three!

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes, these three shades, I might.

Have you checked out the new L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Mega Glosses yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

By Nidhal

9 yards is all what it takes to raise your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. Swaddled in the 9 yards of a saree, there would hardly be any Indian lady who would not look resplendent! Given our proclivity for Bollywood actresses and their sense of fashion, why not take a sneak peek into the look book of some of our Tinsel Town ladies who take the gorgeousness of a saree to an altogether different height!

1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- The darling of the masses whose body gives one major ‘Body Goals’ seems to have the perfect body for a saree. Curves? Check. Built? Check. And that dimpled smile… Melt! Seen here is Deepika swaddled in a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree which accentuates her enviable frame impeccably. The gajra made up of jasmine flowers is the much-needed finishing touch, isn’t it?

2. SONAM KAPOOR- Touted as the ‘fashionista’ of Tinsel Town, there was no way Sonam couldn’t make an appearance on this list. She’s arrived and how! Keeping the makeup aside for a minute which anyway looks impeccable, she is seen here swaddled in an Anamika Khanna outfit that’s subtle but sizzling. The USP for me is the blouse which highlights one’s back in a way that will leave one drooling. Revealing yet not risqué.

3. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Fondly called the ‘Begum’, Kareena Kapoor Khan compels you to turn back and take a second look with this revealing black saree that she swaddled herself in in the title track of her movie- Heroine. The saree is as simple as it can get but what catches the eyes is the subtle silver kamar-bandh and the pink-bordered bikini blouse that sets temperatures soaring. Not everyone can carry off such a saree. Well, Kareena surely can!

4. KATRINA KAIF- She looks angelic. Period. But when she wears a saree, all you want to do is take her to your mom (of course, boys are being referred to here). Seen here is Katrina Kaif swaddled in a cream-meets- beige coloured heavily embellished saree that is aptly teamed up with a red blouse that adds that much-wanted need of glamour. This was during one of the promotional episodes of her then, impending movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ on the reality show- India’s Got Talent.

5. ANUSHKA SHARMA- And finally both the leading ladies of JTHJ make an appearance on the list. The effervescent livewire Anushka Sharma was seen iin the same episode on the show swaddled in a royal blue Manish Malhotra saree with an ornate border that balances the look.

6. VIDYA BALAN- Vidya ‘Oh La La’ Balan proves that you do not need to be a certain body type to wear a saree. Her body type, is by far the most accurate representation of what an average Indian lady’s. She has donned a saree on multiple occasions and does so in absolute panache. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is responsible for the makeover to a great extent and seen here are two where Vidya glows in the yellow cotton saree with a laced border. There is a very minute pink border that looks in perfect harmony with the colour and border. Understated we say, Vidya! And you look gorgeous.

7. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 is one sure-shot head-turner and for all the right reasons. Arguably the most easily recalled Bollywood face on the red carpet of Cannes, Aishwarya treats our eyes to this green Sabyasachi saree when she arrived for the premiere of her flick ‘Raavan’ in London.The hairdo? Looks elegant to say the least.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, Google, 5

Editor’s Note: Totally agree with each one Nidhal, well compiled.

Who according to you carries the saree the best?

Purple Duochrome Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial

Purple Duochrome Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial

Hey guys,

A lot of you asked me to do a look with the SeaSoul Eyeshadow Duo in Deep Purple that I got in my May Fab Bag, so here it is. I hope you like it 🙂

Products used:

Face:

Sephora Smoothing Primer
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (Buy Online)
Khuraira Orange Corrector
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Concealer (Buy Online)
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Compact
Marks & Spencer Limited Damson Blush
Revlon Nearly Naked Powder in Medium Deep to Contour (Buy Online)
MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter Pink (Buy Online)
Colorbar Stay The Day Finishing Mist (Buy Online)

Eyes:

Faces Ultime Pro Eyeshadow Crayon in Staying Alive (Buy Online)
SeaSoul Eyeshadow Duo Deep Purple
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette (Milk Chocolate to blend and White Chocolate to highlight)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Yogurt
Maybelline Colossal Superblack Kajal (Buy Online)
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
PAC Cosmetics Liquid Liner Pen (Buy Online)
Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Brown

Lips:

Sugar Cosmetics Lip Crayon Holy Golightly
Sigma Lip Vex in Tint

Brushes: Sigma, Sedona Lace, Liz Earle, Colorbar

I have used the purple eyeshadow crayon as base and the deep purple eyeshadow on top of that. Concentrated the purple on the inner and outer corners to give a halo effect for the duochrome at the center.

Another way to use it would be the duochrome on the entire lid and the deep purple at the outer V and outer half of lower lashline only. That would also be slightly smokey but would have more concentration on the gorgeous duochrome. I would try that next.

I loved how the look turned up, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And also if you try either of the two looks, do tag me, I would love to see it.

Bio Oil #YummyMummy Yummilicious Fashion Walk

Bio Oil #YummyMummy Yummilicious Fashion Walk

Hey guys,

Bio Oil had this fun event on Saturday called the Yummilicious Fashion Walk where pregnant mothers were going to ramp walk. They had a contest where they chose 12 pregnant women to walk the show. Carol Gracias and Shveta Salve, both being pregnant too currently, walked along with them.

Carol had choreographed the show and all the ladies wore beautiful outfits by Inaaya By Shivangi Lahoty. They also had floral jewellery, hand harness, armlets, etc. made by Shivangi. From the hair and makeup to the outfit, entire appearance of the mommies-to-be was taken care of, and they all looked beautiful and glowing!

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life, but a lot of mothers-to-be usually shy away from social events during this phase, as they are mindful of the way their body looks. This initiative of Bio-Oil on the occasion of Mother’s Day was a welcome change.

Bio-Oil aims to be a facilitator for expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions and celebrate this beautiful phase of motherhood. What better way than flaunting their flawless baby bump skin.

Both Carol and Shveta talked about how they have been using Bio Oil religiously. While Carol has been using it from her 3-4th month, Shveta has been using it from the time she came to she is pregnant.

Also present at the event were celebrity gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho and dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty. Dr Coelho mentioned how using anti-stretch marks oils such as Bio Oil certainly makes a huge difference and women do not have to worry about the post-pregnancy sagging skin and stretch marks, which makes them feel under confident, and they can enjoy their motherhood bliss.

The specialists highlighted various concerns related to health and skincare during pregnancy. They shed light on the ideal time after which mothers may start exercising in order to shed their pregnancy weight as well as recommended tips for improving the skin post-pregnancy. Dr. Rashmi Shetty mentioned how the major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary. She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.

Encouraging women to come out of their shell, boosting their morale and making them feel beautiful was the focus of the event. The brand created a platform for expecting mothers, to help them come out of their cocoon and dazzle the ramp. This Mother’s Day, Bio Oil partnered with Yummy Mummies across the country to encourage them to celebrate and enjoy their pregnancy phase rather than shying away from the world.

There were also three winners i.e. the Cutest Bump, Glowing Skin and Yummy Mummy. The Yummy Mummy title was won by Parul.

I loved seeing the happy moms walk the ramp and it was indeed a super cute initiative by Bio Oil.

Vodafone #FunWithU Features & CUTE song

Vodafone #FunWithU Features & CUTE song

Hey guys,

If you have seen people sharing Kanan Gill and Naveen from TVF’s teaser of #FunWithU all over social media and were wondering what it was about, read on 🙂

The youth of today is always keen on being updated – whether it is about what their friends are up to, or the latest music, or how the PM reacted to a burning issue or what Katy Perry wore. They need to know everything as soon as it happens and their go-to device that keeps them from missing out on all the fun is their smart phones. The more the need to be connected, the more the data required, and more data obviously means spending more on your mobile bills and burning a hole in your pocket!

Keeping in mind the needs of the youth these days, Vodafone can come up Vodafone U, an exciting, first-of-its-kind lifestyle proposition for the youth that promises to keep the fun always on for them. Vodafone U comes with a lot of fun features and benefits

Mr. Sandeep Kataria

Fun Features of Vodafone ‘U’ (for pre-paid users)

  • Data Allowance: Now keep surfing day and night. Get a separate night allowance so that you don’t have to miss out on single moment of fun.
  •  3 Buddy Lifelines: Share the finer details of every story with your best buds. Not 1, not 2, Call 3 of your best buddies at a special call rate of 20p/min
  • Data Loan: Run out of pocket money and data? We can help you with one at least. Breathe easy with data loan of 60MB of 3G/4G for 2 days, when you need it most.
  • Music, always on: Uplift your mood or tend to a broken heart with just the right kind of music. Get unlimited free music downloads* for 2 months.

For more details about Vodafone U and its fun features, visit https://www.vodafone.in/youth/uhome

Staying true to what it stands for, Vodafone U brought FUN to the fore at a super cool launch at Hard Rock Café, Worli on Friday. For the first time ever, youth icons and YouTube celebs, Kanan Gill, The Viral Fever and Raftaar came together to collaborate for a video – CUTE Vol 1 – especially made for Vodafone U. I personally am a huge fan of The Viral Fever and it was amazing to see these guys in person performing on the Cute video. If you follow me on twitter/Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen pics and videos from the event on Friday.

Their entertaining performance had the audience grooving and cheering and asking for more! Kanan Gill and TVF’s humour had the audience in splits and Raftaar’s energetic performance brought the house down. It was a treat to watch the 3 stars in action!

The CUTE Vodafone U song is addictive and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it. Check it out here

I have heard it at least 15-20 times by now already, post the event 😀 Very catchy and love the hook step <3

Clearly, with Vodafone U, fun is always on!

Did you like the song? And the Vodafone U plan? I love the features it offers and definitely looking forward to trying it. Data Loan is what I need all the time 😀

Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online

By Archana

With the growing awareness about the harmful effects of chemicals in beauty products, we can see an increased number of ayurvedic and natural brands entering the market. Forest Essentials is one such luxury, ayurvedic brand which is slowly becoming popular. “Make space on your bathroom shelves for a gourmet feast for your skin.” That’s what they claim! And well, I have to say that I have a soft corner for beauty brands & Made in India. Luxury Indian brands on par with international luxury brands! That’s my dream. Coming back to Forest Essentials, there is a lot of debate among beauty bloggers whether the quality justifies the very high prices and also the missing ingredients lists annoys many people, including me. But their unique products and methods of preparation definitely tempts me. Given a chance, I would really wish to visit their factory and watch their preparation process in detail. Anyway, today lets look at the best FE products that you should give a try.

1. Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub (BUY HERE)

There are brands coming with hand pounded sambar and rasam powders! Well, okay, but that’s boring! How about a hand pounded fruit scrub? 😀 Made with organically grown dates and peaches. Blended with finely ground almonds. Top it with pure apricot kernel oil and honey… And hand pounded to right consistency… Slurp! Sounds delicious. Imagine treating your face to this luxury scrub. It gently exfoliates the dead cells and tan and reveals your natural, glowing complexion. Definitely give this one a try.

Price: Rs.1675 for 50g.

2. Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi (BUY HERE)

The name “Eternal Youth Formula” sounds tempting and yes, it has a lot of good reviews among beauty bloggers. If you are in your late twenties and just beginning an anti-ageing routine, this is a good start. It firms, tones and makes the skin more youthful. FE prepares it by soaking date and litchi fruit in pure rose water in clay pots buried under the ground to ferment. The cream is hand-mixed and FE claims that mantras are chanted while mixing to imbibe positive energy into the product!

Price: Rs.3600 for 50g

3. Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Honey & Vanilla (BUY HERE)

FE is most popular for its wide collection of Bath &amp; Shower oils. I would definitely recommend you to try one of these in winters. These are basically water soluble oils made from pure distilled essential oils to leave your skin supple and silky smooth. The delicious aroma of raw honey and vanilla oil instantly rejuvenate your senses and is an excellent way to pamper yourself in your night time bath routine so as to nourish your skin overnight.

Price: Rs.1675 for 200ml.

4. Advanced Soundarya Age Defying Facial Serum With 24K Gold (BUY HERE)

This ayurvedic anti-ageing serum is prepared with purified 24 Karat Gold Bhasma which is infused in a mix of oils, herbs, fresh cow’s milk, pure ghee and root extracts. The infusion is simmered over slow fire and left in copper vats to soak up the benefits of the metal. The final result is a intense, potent serum to make the skin younger, radiant, supple and naturally glowing. A Harry Potter miracle potion! Give it a try and reverse-age magically…

Price: Rs.3395 for 25ml.

5. Body Mist Iced Pomegranate with Fresh Kerala Lime

This was a newly launched body mist last year and it had a good reception due to its unique ingredients list. I mean, for our intense Indian summers, FE has nailed it with this combination of Iced Pomegranate and Fresh Lime. It instantly refreshes and cools the senses while the organic pure aloe vera juice helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Price: Rs.1675 for 100g.

6. Luxury Sugar Soap Bitter Orange & Cinnamon (BUY HERE)

These are clear sugar soaps handmade with pure unprocessed raw cane sugar. The sugar acts as a natural humectant and doesn’t dry out skin. The fresh, tangy scent of bitter oranges along with the warm, aromatic cinnamon stimulates and rejuvenate the senses giving an out of the world experience. Comes in other variants too like Rose &amp; Cardamom, Oudh & Green Tea, Jasmine & Mogra, etc.

Price: Rs.395 for 125g.

7. Lightening & Brightening Tejasvi Emulsion (BUY HERE)

This is a luxurious facial massage cream specially formulated with whole cream cow’s ghee and other ayurvedic herbs which help to lighten blemishes and pigmentation. FE claims this particular product takes many months to prepare. Extracting potent ghee from cow’s milk, ageing the ghee with saffron and herbs and burying this mix in earthen pots under banyan trees for 2 months. Finally, it is simmered on fire by adding cow’s milk, virgin coconut oil and fresh rose petals.

Price: Rs.2275 for 50g.

8. Cleansing Shower Butter Nargis (BUY HERE)

We have heard of body butters, lip butters and TBS has even hair butters. But a shower butter! This is the first brand am noticing that’s offering a cleansing shower butter. This is a surely a luxurious creamy bath product to pamper yourself in winters. A blend of kokum butter and shea butter with the light fragrance of Nargis flower. The soft butters melts into a creamy lather which cleanses your skin while also nourishing it.

Price: Rs.1450 for 200ml.

9. Sanjeevani Beauty Elixir (BUY HERE)

Sanjeevani is a renowned herb in Ayurveda for its excellent skin rejuvenating properties. It “brings back the skin to life” and gives a luminous glow to dull skin. This is especially suitable for dry, aging skin and helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, plump up, soften and increases the elasticity of skin. FE prepares this using the traditional ayurvedic method of infusing the herbs, soaked in cold water overnight to absorb the rays of the moon. Sounds impressive!

Price: Rs.3175 for 30g.

10. Facial Tonic Mist Panchpushp

This is a water-based floral toner prepared using the purest form, from the condensation collected during steam distillation of flowers. It contains a blend of five flowers – rose, jasmine, kewda, marigold and saffron. This facial mist gives a gentle boost of hydration to the skin after cleansing.

Price: Rs.650 for 100ml.

The above is just a handful of their best products. Also, I would recommend their hair care range of sulphate free, paraben free, silicone free shampoos and conditioners and hair oils. Also their range of masques and ubtans are widely popular. Psst! FE has announced a new product, yet to be launched – Deeply Nourishing Facial Cleansing Paste with Almond, Pistacho &amp; Honey. 😉

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love FE products Archana, have tried only a few though, but each and every product is so effective and works amazingly well. I am quite intrigued with the Tejaswi Emulsion and Nargis Shower Butter. I would also like to add a bonus 11 i.e. Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser, it is excellent! Speaking of price point, I know it’s expensive but some of the FE products are totally justified. I would say the bath & body products can be replaced with similar brands like Iraya and Auravedic but the skincare is excellent and irreplaceable. I would anyway prefer FE skincare over Clinique, etc. 🙂

P.S: All Images from Forest Essentials website

So which FE products have you tried? What are your opinions on it? Do you think the high prices are justifiable? What other Indian brands are your favorites? Share your comments below.

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams Review, Swatches

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hi guys,

Hope you all are doing great! So today I am going to be reviewing yet another beautiful matte and super affordable Miss Claire Soft Matte lip cream. This season happens to be the season of liquid lipsticks with Indian market overflowing with their sudden arrival ranging from high end brands like Kylie, Sleek Matte Me, Colourpop, Stila, Incolor to Chambor, Colorbar, Aerezia, NYX. Though many of these are still unavailable online, new trend of Instagram stores selling these, has solved the problem somehow .Through these stores I got to know of these Miss Claire ones and when I heard of their price, (Greedy Me), I immediately ordered 6 of them (haven’t owned these many shades of same brand ever). Ordering and delivery was completely hassle-free, thankfully!!!! Miss Claire range is a super affordable dupe for the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream.

Product details – It’s not lipstick nor is it gloss. It’s like nothing that you have experienced before. It’s lipstick that goes on smoothly but looks matte.

Price and availability: No price tag mentioned and varies from the place you are buying from…150 to 300! Depends whether you are buying from instastore or directly from shops. I got mine for 180 INR from instastore (comment below if you wanna know the name of shop).

Ingredients:

Shelf life: 12 months from date of opening

Total weight of product 6.5g

My experience

Packaging: These soft matte slip creams comes in transparent plastic tube bottle with the black screw cap with a wand applicator attached which picks up just the right amount of product and aids in even coverage on lips. The bottle is quite lightweight and easy to carry around. The shades are numbered (and not named) which is written below but one can easily identify the shades from transparent bottle. For the price they come in the packaging is quiet decent and I love it.

Shades – The Miss Claire lip creams come in many shades ranging from Nudes to Pinks to Red. There are 18 shades available. From these I own no. 05, 07, 08, 12, 16A, 17A. No names, just number coded but it isn’t an issue for me as the tubes are transparent.

In detail review of each shade:

Shade 05: This is a coral pink with a peach undertone. Perfect for summer evenings. This shade is a very flattering for fair skin tones but would look washed out on medium to dark skin.

Shade 07: It is a hot pink, bright, more like a fuchsia pink. Nude eyes with this shade is all that’s needed. Would look great across all skin tones.

Shade 08: This is my absolute favorite. It’s a shade darker than no.05 and thus will suit medium skin toned girls too! This is my go-to everyday color.

Shade 12: My 2nd favorite from these, this shade is vibrant magenta and darker variant of shade no. 07 but with purple undertone to it. This would suit all kinds of Indian skin tones. The face looks brightened up on wearing this shade. It’s suitable for both day and night wear.

Shade I6A: Again a bright summer shade, pink with orange undertone to it. Darker than 05 but lighter then 08.This shade I consider as repetitive in my Miss Claire collection though.

Shade 17A:  This is the perfect peach color that would suit fair skinned girls.

Texture / Formula – The texture is so creamy & light. It’s easy to use formula applies as a smooth cream on lips which dries to a matte finish in about 2 minutes. Once dried, it comfortably sits throughout the day. It is nontransferable, tends to fade from center of lips only after heavy oily meals; survives light meals though. These doesn’t settle into fine lines at all. Despite being matte these didn’t dry up my lips at all, but prior exfoliation and moisturizing is must. The formula &amp; texture of these is very similar to the NYX Matt lip creams. It smells of vanilla but not at all overpowering. I love the smell!

Pigmentation- The pigmentation is opaque, medium coverage and it’s buildable. You don’t need multiple swipes to get true color, nor is it so badly pigmented that you can’t correct a mistake. In comparison to NYX ones, the NYX lip creams are a little more pigmented than these. The lighter shades of Miss Claire are less pigmented than the deeper ones, but a second swipe sorts you out & shows the color. You may also apply lip liner of similar color underneath to make the lip cream long lasting. It does not bleed at all.

Staying Power – This lipstick gives you great color for around 5- 6hrs. It sustains light meals but loses color from center of lips following a heavy oily meal. A touch up can fix that easily though. They fade away evenly without being patchy. Impressive staying power! It doesn’t stain the lips post removal and can easily be removed with oil based makeup remover.

Pros:

1) Extremely inexpensive (reason I picked up these many shades)

2) Ease of application

3) Decent sleek packaging, similar to the NYX ones

4) The color does not smudge for 3-4 hours minimum

5) Extremely light weight and travel friendly

6) Efficient applicator for precise application.

7) A variety of shades available to choose from

8) Creamy texture that settles down with a nice matte finish.

9) Doesn’t make the lips uncomfortable with dry matte texture.

10) Non-transferable and doesn’t settles into fine lines.

11) Good pigmentation with just 2 swipes.

12) Long lasting on the lips for 5-6 hours without touch ups.

13) No weird smell

14) All ingredients listed

15) Cruelty free

16) Paraben free

Cons:

1) No testers available

2) Not available online and in most cosmetics stores

3) Requires prior prepping (exfoliation plus moisturisation) of lips.

Overall, I just loved the texture, the color range and the price they come in, is like a total steal. One can never ever go wrong with these lip creams. They did a lot more than what I expected them. I totally recommend these to all as in this price range you can’t expect more!!

Rating 4.8/5

Will I Repurchase – Absolutely yes!!

Editor’s Note: Fabulous review and pictures Devika, I was eyeing these since long. I know they are available at Beauty Center, but I always get lazy to go there, I am definitely getting 12 and 17A.

Have you tried the Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams yet?