I have been meaning to do this post since a while and each time it gets delayed due to something. Finally sat down to post this.
I love colours, I am sure you know already. Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, all bright coloured dresses/tops are my favourites! I get instantly attracted to sunshine yellow, bright orange, deep purple and many a times in online shopping, the end product doesn’t turn out to be as bright as you expected it to be and saw on screen.
I saw this deep purple lace dress and loved it. I ordered it and was hoping for it be shown. Thankfully it was 🙂
I paired it with a gold layered choker neck piece and nude Steve Madden pumps. Since the outfit is bright, I kept rest of the things neutral. I am majorly into tan/nude/black when it comes to shoes and bags because I know I go for bright outfits mostly and the balance is always maintained.
I also wore the nerdy geek aviators that are quite IN and everywhere these days. I just wanted to give it a try and loved them on me. I usually don’t like sunglasses on my face, hence you don’t see me wearing them often even though I have quite a few.
The highlight of this look along with the dress is the new LakmexMasaba Lip Pout in Role-A-Cola, the purple lips went perfectly with the dress.
I hope you liked the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
MAKEUP MELTDOWN SOS!! 10 PRODUCTS THAT CAN SAVE YOU A DRAG FACE
By Ankita
It is creepy. I am 24 years old and I can’t help watching Mulan just over and over again, just to have a good laugh at the ‘match maker scene’.
Sadly it was not so funny in real life when I faced a similar scenario at a cousins wedding when a little kid decided it would be very funny to splash soft drinks on aunty’s face. Or that day when I went out with my crush on your first date. I was wondering why he wouldn’t stop staring at my eyes all through the day. It wasn’t until I reached home and realized I was looking more like a tired sleep deprived Zombie Bride.
With rain, heat, and humidity always at your tail, how are you ever supposed to put on makeup, without a hint of self-consciousness?
Worry not Cupcakes. I have built an army of ‘Anti-Makeup- Meltdown’ products that are sure to leave you stunning through out your day
1. Lakme Absolute Pore Fix Toner
Prepping your skin is as important as the process. Using a pore tightening toner helps shrink the size of pores and makes sure the skin does not sag. This is an alcohol-free toner that I can swear by any day. If used religiously, it actually diminishes the size of pores and gives a fresh faced look.
This brand has never failed to impress us with its silicone and paraben free products. In addition to providing a matte finish, it also combats acne and cleans up the face. A pea sized amount is just enough for the entire face. It claims to be best for oily skin, however, my personal experience would say, it’s suited for all skin types.
3. L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
Speaking of primers, hands down this is the best of the class, I have used till date. It does a fantastic job of smoothening out pores and creates an even surface for foundation application. It has a thick creamy consistency with a hint of a pink undertone, that balances out any imperfections. The only con with this, I would say, is the tub packaging.
Voila! The ultimate goof proof foundation! This foundation offers you a great coverage along with a matte, yet not so flaky finish. It is transfer proof and doesn’t melt down even in hot and humid weather. The best part is, it doesn’t cling on to your pores and fine lines. I am not sure if the 24 hours claims are true, but it does stay put from 10 to 5.
All the rave about these little angels is true!! This concealer provides a matte finish and has strong orange/yellow undertones to it, a thumbs up for Indian skin tone. It DOES NOT crease or sink into fine lines, hence ‘the holy grail’ product for dark circles. Water resistant and transfer proof, no doubt this has been an all time favorite amongst beauty enthusiasts. The shades range is also quite remarkable.
A better option, than going for a full fledged contour and highlight would be- Draping. This newbie fits perfectly for the job. The earth tone color beautifully brings out your cheek bones and adds a hint of flush to the face. All you need to do is take some of it on your brush and swirl it along the sides of your face in shape of a "3" ie from the temples, to cheek bone down to your lower jaw line.
Concealers can sometimes give an ashy look and corrector would just add up another layer to the face. An elegant solution to this problem would be opting for a yellow powder to dust your t-zone, instead of the entire face.This is balance the under eyes, help prevent creasing and also add a subtle yet natural highlight to the face. Freedom HD Pro Finish Pressed Powder- Banana is definitely a great option for this, without burning a hole in your pocket.
8. Makeup Revolution My Sign Complete Eye Base – Aquarius
Now that we are done with the face, let us move on to the eyes. It is always better to avoid a lot of jazz when it comes to eye makeup during the monsoons. But what about the quirk quotient! Rains are all about fun right? Worry not my daisies. This palette offers you the perfect shades you need for rains.
Take the darkest color in the palette and push it gently along your upper lash line, going a bit thicker around the outer corner. Using the next darkest shade, smudge the color along your lower lash line (only the outer half), as close as possible. Then taking the taupe shade, dab it gently along your lid. Feeling a little dramatic? Take some of the darkest shades and mix it with some of the turquoises. Gently built it on the outer edges of your edges. There you go, Goddess of the Seven Seas!
Instead of going for the traditional lipstick, try a lip stain this season. The Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stains are ABSOLUTELY nontransferable, provide a matte yet comfortable finish (do not crease into lines of lips) and have a GREAT shade range!!! They do not feel dry at all and feel weightless on application. These are some serious ‘you-don’t- mess-with- the-lips’ kind of lip stains!
Try dabbing the product with your fingers, in place of going, over and over with the applicator. That would give a more natural finish.
Uh-oh! Not yet. Just a ‘spritz’ of makeup setting spray and you are good to go for the day. A setting spray ensures your makeup doesn’t melt down and stays put. It also provides a dewy glow to the entire look and tones it down for a more subtle, natural appearance. Although there are tons of makeup setting sprays available in the market, ‘e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Set’ works best for me. It ensures the makeup stays un-budged and also prevents a cake-face. What is your favorite, by the way?
Makeup is all about experimenting and fun. A little drip over here and little smudge over there doesn’t really matter. But, the rains are never an excuse, not to look gorgeous!
What is your go to product in the monsoons? Let us know:-)
Any suggestions, comments and ideas are always welcome.
So last month I visited Lodha Belmondo which is off Mumbai-Pune Expressway with my husband. It’s right opposite the new MCA Cricket Stadium
Lodha Belmondo is India’s finest luxury weekend home, a riverside golf development spread across 100+ Acres. Only a 2 hour drive from South Bombay
It has 90 acres of open greens, out of which 45 acres is the huge golf course designed by Greg Norman himself. Interestingly, there are only 2 Golf Courses designed by Greg Norman in India. It has turf imported from USA, which conforms to the global standards.
My favourite part is the 1 km long riverside promenade, where you can go for boating or try fishing by the edge of the Pavana river or just sit in the deck and enjoy the peaceful view.
Another favourite is the 50,000 sq.ft. Designer Club House, It’s huge and spacious and has all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities. You can go cycling, swimming, play cricket or relax in the spa.
It has a hi tech Gymnasium with Olympic standard equipment from Techno gym (which are used by Top English Premier League Clubs). The gym is huge and spacious and has all the necessary equipment, so that you don’t miss out on your workout even on a holiday. Eat without guilt 😉
A private theatre to enjoy your private family movie screenings. Watch a live match or any movie of your choice with your bunch of friends or the entire family together in your private theatre, isn’t that cool?!
World Class Evason Spa by Six Senses – the international luxury hospitality group. Indulge in a relaxing spa session, a nice massage or body scrub, no holiday is complete without a good spa. And you get it right at your weekend home every week 😉
Gourmet Restaurant Managed by Six Senses. Have a different cuisine of your choice for each meal.
Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi
Natural Juice Bar for freshly pressed, pure & healthy juices, post your spa or workout, or just as a part of breakfast.
Indoor Games Room with table tennis, football, carrom, etc. Bond with your family indoors over a board game.
Dual Level Crèche for kids. Your kids can enjoy at the crèche while you workout or enjoy your spa session.
Full size cricket ground, family matches every week 😀
Tennis and badminton courts
Lodha Belmondo offers you a unique balance of fitness, healing, leisure and culture, which ensures you will never run out of things to do.
The large open green spaces and the natural view with the ponds in between, stole my heart. All you can see is lush greenery as far as your eyes can see. The air quality was also pure and better than Lonavala too.
We saw the Luxury Golf Villa and the Four Bed Luxe Sky Apartment. You can see the entire lush green open golf area and the lake from the villa.
The villas are mind blowing, I am sure it is everyone’s #HouseGoals. Here are a few pictures..
Villas have a basement, first floor and second floor, third floor is an open terrace. All the bedrooms have a mini terrace too. The basement living area has a bedroom, kitchen, dining area followed by the small private infinity pool and a deck to relax.
First floor has two bedrooms, an entertainment room, a study and a pooja room.
Second floor has the master bedroom which has it’s own living area, terrace and outdoor shower. It also has a gym, pantry and mini office area.
The villas have a private elevator.
The Four Bed Luxe Sky Apartment also has a beautiful living room and spacious bedrooms.
I am pretty sure you will fall in love 🙂 It’s one of the most beautiful properties I have seen, without a doubt.
How many of you are addicted to using hand sanitizers and always carry one in your handbag? :raises hand high: Hand sanitizers have made our life very convenient when there is no water or soap/liquid hand wash available. And especially when you are travelling or outside whole day and touching 100’s of things and eating/drinking, etc.,
Himalaya Herbals has it’s PureHands hand sanitizers range and they are available in 5 different variants:
Green Apple
Litchi
Lemon
Orange
Strawberry
And also come in 3 different sizes:
50ml
100ml
250ml
MRP: Rs.175/- for 250ml, Rs.90/- for 100ml, Rs.55/- for 50ml
What it does: The first of its kind, Himalaya’s PureHands is an effective, herbal, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which kills 99.9% of germs, prevents infection, and ensures total hand hygiene.
PureHands contains extracts of herbs like Coriander, which have potent antimicrobial properties and Lime, which is a natural bactericidal. In addition, the active ingredients of Neem, which are antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral, safely keep viruses, bacteria and fungi at bay.
Key ingredients:
Hrivera is a strongly aromatic herb, which has antibacterial, deodorizing and cooling properties. It also softens hands.
Coriander is derived from the oil of a herb called Oil Coriandrol. The fruits of the herb possess antimicrobial and astringent properties.
Lime is a rich source of vitamin C. It protects the skin from oxidative damage and helps prevent itching. The oil of lemon warms the skin when applied externally. The juice also has bactericidal and astringent properties.
Ushira is an astringent and antibacterial herb. When applied externally, it removes excess heat from the body and provides a cooling effect.
Neem extracts possess antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The tree stem, root and bark have astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties. Neem is used to treat skin diseases.
Directions for use: Squeeze approximately 0.5 ml (coin-sized drop) of the gel on your palms. Rub well over the palms, back of hands, fingernails and grooves briskly, until dry. No water is required after use.
PureHands is absolutely safe for regular use. It contains moisturizers that prevent skin irritation and dryness. The product has been clinically tested, and its safety and efficacy is proven.
Why PureHands: A series of clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals in India shows that Himalaya’s PureHands significantly reduces microbial germs that can cause a variety of illnesses.
Frequently asked questions:
Washing hands is the age-old method to keep contagious diseases, from the common cold to swine flu, at bay. Health experts agree that a simple measure like frequent hand washing can be very effective in protecting against all types of infections.
While viruses spread through coughs and sneezes, recent evidence has shown that some germs linger on surfaces like door knobs, desks and phones, and are transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.
Washing hands frequently can protect you from the germs that may have been transferred from direct contact with an infected person (through shaking hands, for example) or indirect contact by touching objects and surfaces.
Is there a ‘right way’ to wash hands?
Believe it or not, there is a right way to wash your hands! Just some water and a drop of soap is not enough!
To clean hands properly:
Use warm water (not cold or hot).
Use soap.
Rub your hands together and make sure you have scrubbed all surfaces including both sides of your hands, wrists, between the fingers and around the nails.
Rinse well under warm, running water and pat dry with a clean towel.
If you suspect that your hands have come into contact with someone with an infection, consider using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
What if I don’t have immediate access to water?
In the absence of water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in destroying viruses and bacteria.
The World Health Organization states that one should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not accessible.
In fact, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fast drying alcohol gels over soap and water to kill germs and thereby cut infection rates by half! The CDC has advised using a hand sanitizer to prevent against swine flu infection, for example.
When do I use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
Routine hand cleansing.
Before touching or eating food.
Before and after attending to a sick person.
Before touching a baby or infant.
During travel or after using public transport.
After contact with surfaces in public places.
After using the washroom or public toilet.
After handling pets or animals.
After visiting a hospital or nursing home.
After doing household work like cleaning, dusting, handling garbage, etc.
I would always recommend using water and soap if available, to clean the dirt properly. But if not available, then hand sanitizer is the best option as it at least kills the germs and not spread them.
Now we have different variants/flavours/sizes and all sorts of sanitizers available in the market. The small 50ml ones are perfect to carry in your handbag and use through the day.
I love the different fragrance options Himalaya has, Green Apple and Lemon are my favourites.
It also helps get rid of any smell e.g. cutting onions, etc., from the hands and leaves the particular variant’s fragrance behind.
Sanitizers can also be used to clean makeup brushes handles, makeup compacts and outside packaging,etc., to keep them clean and bacteria free, in general.
I also love the texture, it’s quite thick so you need very little product. But it’s not at all greasy or sticky, it evaporates instantly and leaves the hand moisturized. It does not dry out the skin or leave them parched.
Few sanitizers have a strong alcohol smell but this one doesn’t. As mentioned, each variant has a distinct and strong smell of it’s fragrance and is quite refreshing.
Hand sanitizers are the need of the hour and I absolutely love and recommend the Himalaya Pure Hands. The bigger bottle is perfect for in house use and the smaller 50ml one for your bags.
Have you tried Himalaya Pure Hands Sanitizers yet?
PAC Cosmetics launched a bunch of new makeup blending sponges last month. Different shapes of blenders and also Sili Sponge which became quite a rage on Instagram.
I tried these and here are my thoughts..
Starting with the PAC Silicon Beauty Blender,
Claims: PAC Silicon Sponge is ideal for people who don’t like messy fingers during makeup. I bet you can imagine cleaning. This applicator will literally take no more effort than rubbing it with a little soap and rinsing with some lukewarm water. If you are a professional makeup artist, can you imagine how exciting it is that you can use it on one client/model, clean it with a makeup remover and sanitizing spray, and then you can use it on another client/model immediately just like that?
How to clean: To clean, use mild soap and rinse it with lukewarm water, pad dry and store. Caution: Keep away from sharp objects like your tweezers or brow scissors, and it will last for a very long time!
Ok to be honest, I initially thought it would give a streaky finish and won’t work that well. But I was surprised when it blended the foundation pretty evenly without any streaks.
Best part about this is you need lesser product as this does not soak up any foundation unlike sponges, so you get a heavier coverage if you use same quantity as with sponges. Or you can layer up thin twice, it won’t look cakey. It is very easy to clean and is longer lasting than sponges. So it is basically value for money, considering all of that points. But if you are used to the softer, blended look of sponges/beauty blender, you might not like the end finish as much.
It’s definitely worth trying, especially if you need something which is easy to clean and saves time and is also hygienic that way. It is perfect for makeup artists and for travel.
Coming to the PAC 2D Blender,
Claims: PAC 2D blender pushes the boundaries with our new innovative design. Constructed with 2 dimensions for blending and one flat side for sculpting! Inspired by our best-selling latex free sponge technology, this blender reaches every contour of the face with ease. Prime, conceal, sculpt and highlight with liquids, creams and powders for a flawless yet natural finish! The softest of all our sponges!
I love the cute tin outer packaging of both 2D Blender and Diamond Blender
This is super soft and squishy (as claimed!), it is rounded on one side and has a flat end on one side, quite similar to the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge but Real Techniques has a flat end at base and a pointy tip on one side where as this one has flat end with the tip and rounded towards the other end. I think the PAC 2D blender is better shape wise as the rounder base helps in blending throughout the face and the flat shape is perfect for concealers and baking under eyes/sides of face.
PAC Diamond Blender
Claims: This multi-faceted diamond sponge is uniquely designed to work with multiple products on different areas of your face.The pointed tip covers small imperfections. Larger flat sides function as a wedge to apply makeup to larger areas like your forehead and cheeks. Smaller flat sides are great for precision contouring around your eyes, mouth, and brow bone. Top works great to buff and blend out your makeup for a flawless finish. Latex free. Tip: Use wet for dewy application and dry for full coverage powders!
Again comes in a cute outer packaging, the diamond shape is also quite cute and the marble print is love. The different edges help in blending different parts of the face and corners. But it pretty much does the same job as other blenders here, I like the 2D one more in terms of blending and softness.
Finally the PAC Ultimate Blending Ball
Claims: A round shaped latex free sponge. The softest we ever created. Once wet the ball blender will help you to achieve a flawless finish. Reaching every corner where you always wished to as it would get moulded by your pressure. These ball blenders are unique and are ultra-soft when wet. The unique shape will change the way blending happens. Include 3 sizes – Small, Medium and Large.
Now they come in 3 colours black, white and yellow and 3 different sizes. You can either get the big one in 3 colours or a set of 3 in 3 different colours and sizes. I would recommend the set as you get all three options.
Also each of these come in a protective black mesh case, which has a magnetic closure and is perfect for travel and storage.
The big size is of course perfect for foundation and smaller one for concealer, the mid one can be used to blend your cream contour and highlight or the sides of the nose/forehead. You can press the sponge and make it flat or take any shape.
Overall I would say PAC has done a great job in launching a variety of blenders. I would recommend the Silicone Blender, 2D Blender and the Blending Ball trio set.
Have you tried the new PAC Blenders yet? What do you think?
New MUFE Aqua Matic Eyeshadow, Pro Sculpting Brow Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
Today I am reviewing two new Make Up For Ever launches in India, the Aqua Matic eye shadow crayon and the Pro Sculpting Brow Pen.
Aqua Matic Eyeshadow
Claims: A long-lasting, ultra gliding eye shadow pencil from mat to diamond finishes.
Available in 15 shades
MRP: Rs. 1600 for 1.4g
I have the shade ME-50 which is described as a metallic golden taupe. The packaging is quite nice, it has a matching shade cap and base. It is retractable and also comes with a sharpener at the other end to get a fine tip.
I love the shade, as described it’s a mix of gold and taupe. It’s very neutral and perfect for everyday as it is. If you want more colour on your lids, you can use it as an eyeshadow base since just this on it’s own, gives a sheer wash of colour.
The biggest con would be that it dries super quick! You have to do one eye at a time and blend it immediately. If you wait, it will set and then it won’t budge at all. It does mean that it’s smudge proof and water resistant and would stay put whole day!
Coming to the Pro Sculpting Brow
Claims: Become a brow expert with new Make Up For Ever PRO SCULPTING BROW. This 3-in-1 tool works to define, contour and highlight brows for a perfectly sculpted, transformed look.
MRP: Rs. 1975 for 1.9g
Available in 5 shades
I have the shade 50 which is Brown Black. It’s a retractable pencil with a spoolie on one end and white powder in between to clean the edges and highlight the brow bone.
Convenient and travel friendly, I really the pencil side. It’s super pigmented and defines and fills in the eye brows super quick. The spoolie helps smooth and blend out the colour with the natural eyebrow hair.
Not a fan of the highlighting powder, it didn’t do much. But the pencil is definitely amazing.
Here I have used both of these..
Overall I do like the Aqua Matic eyeshadow and the pencil side of the Pro Sculpting Brow. I do personally prefer eyebrow pencils as they are much more convenient. Givenchy Eyebrow Pencil is my absolute favourite, though it has to be sharpened. But I feel the MUFE one is soon going to be a new favourite!
Make Up For Ever is available at Sephora stores in India.
Oriflame The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
I had clicked these and recorded the video quite some time back, never got around posting this. So here it is..
I have all the 7 shades of the Oriflame The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel.
Claims: Super-light liquid lipstick goes on like a gel, with an ultra-smooth plexigloss finish in 7 intense shades. Non-sticky, extreme colour coverage. Glides on easily for super-slick lips with perfect colour clarity. Conditioning formula keeps lips feeling soft. A definite head-turner.
MRP: Rs.699/- for 5ml
These come in a clear tube packaging and look exactly like a gloss. These are glossy liquid lipsticks but the lighter shades are not very pigmented and on the sheer side, hence work more like lip glosses.
The deeper shades though can be worn on their own like a glossy liquid lipstick. These can be worn on their own or over a lip liner/lipstick for more coverage, especially if you have pigmented lips.
They are super moisturizing and very light weight and comfortable on the lips. They are easy to carry around and reapply. They stay for about 2-3 hours without eating or drinking and fade evenly.
Definitely pricey, but worth buying during offers.
ShopBop has a designer boutique sale going on for 2 days. All items marked down in the Designer Boutique section will get an additional 25% off using the code ‘SOLUXE’
Offer ends Jul 12 11.59 pm PT
Starting: 7/11/17 7:30AM U.S. Eastern Time (New York)
Ending: 7/12/17 11:59PM U.S. Pacific Time (Los Angeles)
OOTD: Black & Fuchsia Pink Ombre Maxi Dress with Embellished Cape
Hi guys,
Time for an OOTD post. I had this dress since quite some time now, but I had to get few alterations done and hence the delay.
But finally I managed to shoot in this. It’s a stunning dress by the designer Mithi Kalra, she has also showcased at the India Runway Week.
The black and fuchsia pink ombre is gorgeous and the best part is it comes with an embellished cape with the same ombre.
My dream is to fly over the rainbow so high..
So you can wear it two ways, either just the maxi casually or with the cape for a cocktail or reception or any special occasion. I love such dresses which can be worn in different ways, you can make good use out of them.
I love the layers and the dress is quite heavy. The strapless ombre maxi can be worn in so many ways, with a denim jacket, leather jacket or even on it’s own.
Since the cape covers the neck and sleeves and is embellished, you do not need any accessories with this dress. I just paired it with my strappy black block heels and a fuchsia pink Kate Spade sling.
I highly recommend checking out Mithi Kalra, her facebook page HERE
I hope you liked the pics and the dress, I got so many compliments from random strangers on the dress while we were shooting 🙂
Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Sugar Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick Viola – Full size with sharpener: Rs.799/-
Kronokare Hydrate The Hair Shampoo: Rs.165 for 55ml
Just Herbs Herb Enriched Skin Tint: Rs.385/- for 15g
Tvakh Fruit Enzyme Alcohol Free Toner: Rs.160/- for 50ml
I have got Tvakh products before and I really like them. This toner is alcohol free and enzyme based, hence it will have a light all natural AHA/BHA exfoliation (coz of all the fruit enzymes). I am really looking forward to trying this out.
The Just Herbs tint does look good for daily use, it has a light coverage which evens out the skin tone. But it is quite expensive for the qty and it’s just 15g
Kronokare is again all parabens and chemicals free, a good travel size bottle.
Most excited for the Sugar Matte As Hell Lip Crayon, I had the option of picking one lipstick from all the 11 new Sugar lipstick launches i.e. the Matte As Hell Lip Crayon and the It’s A Pout Time Vivid Lipsticks. I have swatched all of them HERE and HERE.
Since I already had them, I picked the shade Viola for one of you, as most of you loved this shade! And it’s my favourite shade too.
I am giving it away on my YouTube in the video above, so do participate 🙂
The total value of the products in this month’s bag is around Rs.1500/-
Overall I would say if you anyway planning to get one of the new Sugar lipsticks, then at the price of Rs.599/-, you get the lipstick plus thee other things and the bag. Pretty good deal! I do recommend it.
Did you get your July Fab Bag? Which lipstick did you pick? Do let me know in the comments below.
