Indian Summer Makeup Tutorial | Gold Eyes and Blue Liner
Hi guys,
I created this summer makeup tutorial apt for casual outings or even summer weddings, especially if you have blue and gold in your outfit.
I used cushion foundation and very little highlighter as you don’t want a heavy base for summers and too much shimmer on the face, coz you sweat anyway.
Products used:
PAC Cosmetics Pore Primer
MAC Conceal & Correct Palette Medium Deep
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Cushion Foundation Malawi Beach
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Light
Wet N Wild Mega Glo Contouring Powder- Yellow
NYX Ombre Blush Feel The Heat
Makeup Geek Contouring Powder Complicated
NYX Refine & Define Powder Foundation
Becca Champagne Pop
NYX Dream Catcher Palette in Golden Horizons
NYX Gel Liner & Smudger in Cobalt Blue
MAC Modern Twist Kajal Cat’s Meow
Colourpop Honeydude Eyeliner
PAC Retro Matte Gloss 36 and 36
NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
YBP Makeup Perfector
The gold gives a nice warmth to the summer look and the pop of blue liner adds come colour. For the lips, I didn’t want something too bright or light, so mixed the two pinks to get the perfect rosy pink.
I hope you liked the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
10 Best Sunscreens for Different Skin Types in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Sunscreen and summer go hand in hand. Applying any base makeup is really tedious but you just can’t step outside the house without applying a generous amount of sunscreen. Also, make sure you apply 15-20 mins before stepping into the sun. Summer is already here and the heat is becoming unbearable day by day. Therefore, no matter what is your skin type or complexion, apply the sunscreen before stepping out and reapply whenever required. Here’s the list of the best sunscreens in India for all skin types.
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock comes in a white and blue tube with a decent price tag. It is stabilized with Helioplexâ which provides superior balanced broad spectrum protection against skin aging UVA and burning UVB rays. The SPF 50 (PA +++) is the perfect thing for Indian summers and the product imparts a fresh smell too. It blends into the skin really good without any white cast and gives a true matte finish.
2. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 – Price Rs. 395 (BUY HERE for 308)
This is one sunscreen I have been using for years and I have no intention to shift to any other product. It comes in a bright orange tube with a flip open cap. It has a thick vicious gel texture and blends into the skin so quickly, leaving a fresh trail of bloom and matte touch. It is a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and works like a charming for skin protection and tanning. It is priced at a budget friendly tag. This is one of the best selling sunscreen for oily skin in India.
3. Lakme 9 to 5 Mattifying Super Sunscreen SPF 50 – Price Rs. 525 (Review HERE) (BUY HERE for 394)
The Lakme 9 to 5 Mattifying Super Sunscreen has a broad spectrum protection from UV rays with SPF 50. The sunscreen comes in a beautiful rose gold packaging with a convenient pump. It’s a non tinted light weight sunscreen which glides easily on the skin due to the presence of silicones. It doesn’t leave any whitish cast and gives a decent matte finish. The sunscreen is non-comedogenic and hypo-allergic and will not break you out. It also prevents tanning, sunburn and helps to even out the skin.
The Suncros Soft Matte Finish Sunscreen has a broad spectrum UV protection with SPF50. It has a convenient tube packaging and the texture of the product is thick and creamy. It is completely waterproof and sweat-proof and hence perfect pick for sultry summers. It has silicones and act as a decent primer as well. It gives a soft matte finish and is completely free from chemical sunscreen agents. The micronized zinc oxide is Suncros’ USP which penetrates through the skin and protects the skin from UV rays. Overall, all this is another great pick for oily and acne prone skin.
The Kaya Skin Clinic Daily Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30 is a two-in one sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays which also hydrates the skin and thus a perfect pick for dry and sensitive skin. It prevents from tanning and skin ageing due to sun exposure. The formula is approved by dermatologists and safe for skin. It is creamy, light weight and white in color but doenst leave any whitish cast. The skin remains hydrated and radiant with looking unnecessarily oily.
6. Lakme Sun Expert Fairness UV Lotion (SPF 30) – Price Rs.400 (BUY HERE for 287)
The Lakme Sun Expert Fairness UV Lotion has broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB and has SPF30. The product comes in a bright yellow tube with a thick white creamy texture. It does leave a white cast but after 5-10mins it vanishes. It is best suitable for dry skin and gives a light hydrated look. It protects he skin from harmful sunrays and prevents tanning. It also evens out the skin tone and is enriched with the goodness of lemongrass, cucumber and lactic acid.
7. Lakmé 9 to 5 Hydrating Super Sunscreen + SPF 50 – Price Rs. 525 (BUY HERE for 368)
The Lakmé 9 to 5 Hydrating Super Sunscreen is the right pick normal to dry skin. It has SPF 50 and helps to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. The product has a light lotion like texture and very creamy. It blends well and since it has silicones, it acts as a primer for skin as well. The sunscreen is hydrating and feels very light on the skin with a mild cooling sensation. It is enriched with the goodness of Vitamin B3 and Pro vitamin C and helps the skin to protect against tan and sunburns. Thus, it nourishes and maintains an even tone.
FOR COMBINATION AND NORMAL SKIN
8. Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50 – Price Rs. 1375 (Review HERE) (BUY HERE)
It is slightly expensive but works like a charm for hyper sensitive skin. The product comes in a sturdy, hygienic, and travel friendly manner and the product is absolutely free from oil, parabens, alcohol, and silicones. It is has a mild fragrance and gets absorbed into skin easily enough. It will make the skin neither greasy nor dry and there is no whitish cast as well. It doesn’t clog pores, break you out and gives a broad spectrum sun protection. The ingredients list is impressive.
9. L’Oreal UV Perfect 12H Longlasting UV Protector – Price Rs. 550 (BUY HERE for 368)
The L’Oreal UV Perfect 12H Longlasting UV Protector comes in a slim pearly white tube with a twist-y cap. The texture is medium and blends into the skin very well. The high SPF50 with optimal UVB and UVA protection is worth mentioning. It has Detoxyl that protects skin against free radicals and pollutants and mexoryl SX and XL. The product gives ultra fine and non greasy and non sticky texture and doubles up as a daily moisturizing make up base as well. This is a good pick for combination skin.
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Xl Dry Touch Gel-Cream has SPF 50 with optimal protection reinforced against UVA rays. It is further enriched with Mexoplex combined with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, which is antioxidant and refreshing on the skin. The formula is gel-cream, blends well and great for sensitive, combination to oily skin. It is water resistant and formula is free from parabens, fragrance and non-comedogenic. It gives no white cast or greasiness and prevents tanning and hyper pigmentation.
Editor’s Note: That’s a nice list Sanchita. I love the Lotus, Neutrogena and Avene sunscreens. Suncros is also quite good.
So PAC revamped their retro matte gloss formula and now we have a new packaging too. Also they introduced 20 more shades, so now there are in total 40 shades.
All the shades 1 to 40 are now sold in the new formula and packaging, and are available on Amazon.
It comes in this new ombre black and the shade colour packaging i.e. red, pink, nude at the bottom as per the shade. All the shades have numbers though, there are no names.
It has a flat tip applicator, I do prefer this applicator in liquid lipsticks as the broader applicators smear on the edges and corners of lips and give no control.
21 to 25
As per the claims, it is indeed very light weight and opaque in one swipe. These are very pigmented, you will need a good solid oil based makeup remover to take these off. But they don’t feel heavy on the lips, in fact I was testing these at home and I didn’t feel like I had anything on my lips.
26 to 30
They don’t have any smell/fragrance which is good. They take about 1-2 minutes to dry down completely and once set, they are smudge proof and transfer proof. So be careful while applying, because you won’t be able to correct mistakes later.
31 to 35
They stay for about 4-5 hours and the deeper colours for 6-7 hours, the only problem is they fade away quickly from the center in about 1-2 hours, so you will need to reapply at the center.
36 to 40
They are not very drying, but you will need to use a lip balm beneath because it will emphasize fine lines on the lips like all matte liquid lipsticks.
I love the new shades they have introduced, especially 36 to 40. There are no Indian brands which have shades like 36 to 40, a good true nude brown, and an orangey brown.
36, 37 and 38 I feel are quite similar to Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks in Double Dare, Lolita and Lolita II respectively.
There are good berries/wines and chocolate brown too. Rest of them are reds, pinks and peaches.
Overall, I would say the new formula, packaging, shades are really good. I like the price and quantity too. I do recommend them.
If you are in Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore, here are the PAC store details..
Stubborn acne? Avoid these 5 foods! Results in a month!
By Ankita
Let’s start with a scenario today. It’s a beautiful morning and your alarm goes off. You wake up to a fresh new beautiful day, get off the bed, go to your bathroom, look at the mirror. And, there it is another tiny little bump on your face. Darn it!!! Not now! Not today! You got your big meeting at 11 and date at 8! You have tried every little thing. Serums, treatments even the dermats know you by name now.
Frustrating isn’t it? Been there, done that. Although my acne story was much different, as I never (touchwood) faced severe acne, but one of my closest cousins did. Last month she got married and we haven’t had been in touch for about a year lately. I don’t exactly know what magic potion worked for her but, there she was on her marriage day, without a bump on her face (before makeup) and glowing. I couldn’t help but ask her, what really worked for her.
Me: Hey, like…what did you eat? I mean you look gorgeous girl, not that you didn’t before but your acne problem..?
She: Haha..Nope ask me what I DID NOT eat.
Me: Okay, go on!! I am all ears.
And the conversation went on…
However me being the curious little Nancy Drew that I am, did a little bit of my own research to testify her words, and guess what? She was right
So, my lovelies here is my list of top 5 baddie food you should avoid when going through bouts of acne.
WOAAH WAIT WAIT!! HOW DOES THIS EXACTLY WORK??
Well, this is called the process off elimination. If you can’t find out what is causing your acne outbursts, try eliminating some food items from your diet that have a bad reputation of triggering acne. Otherwise healthy, these 5 foods can worsen existing acne.
1. Fast Food
I bet you love your plate of ‘Gol gappa’ and ‘Aloo tikka chaat’ with extra Mirchi. But hold on their sweetheart. Did you know greasy fast foods will leads to body inflammation that causes pimples appear?
We all have our sweet tooth, and sometimes it’s too hard to resist. Excessive sugar intake shoots up your blood sugar level causing pimples. Try to avoid candy bars, sugary drinks as well as other sweets saturated with sugar. Follow this with dedication and you will soon see a major difference.
Cow’s milk not only shoots up blood sugar levels leading to pimples, it also leads to growth in hormones resulting in overgrowth of skin cell that leads to blocked pores. So, you might just want to avoid dairy products for a while and check if it does any good for your skin condition.
Includes: milk, cheese, yogurt, other cultured dairy foods, ice cream etc.
4. Coffee
Nothing wakes you up better than a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Ahh, the smell! But hold that thought. Science has shown that an organic acid inside coffee beans that raises cortisol levels.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can act like an androgen. It stimulates sebaceous glands and inflammation, a.k.a PIMPLES. You might want to skip that and check for some results
Includes: Expresso, mocha, latte, cappuccino, even the decaf versions
5. Soy:
Soy is one of the richest sources of protein you can lay your hands on. The natural plant oestrogen is found in soybeans. “Phytoestrogens” which are otherwise good, mimic natural oestrogen levels and play around with our hormones. Result? Acne and more acne. So if you are experiencing any bumps around your mouth and chin, the culprit MIGHT be soy.
Includes: Soybeans, soy milk, soy sauce, soybean oil, tofu etc.
SO YOU ARE BASICALLY TRYING TO STARVE ME TO DEATH.RIGHT??!!!
Not at all. All I am saying is, eating in moderation never hurts. Once you find out what triggers your acne, yes you definitely have to cut it out from your diet sweet heart.
A FEW TIPS FOR THOSE HORRIBLE PHASES OF ACNE:
1. Visit a good dermatologist, home remedies and DIYs do work, however, common guys those guys have sweated their brains out in med school for 5 years. Let’s give them some credit.
2. Keep your skin as well as belongings clean. Do not let any product build up on your face, neck as well as other affected areas. It is equally important to keep your sheets and phone germ-free.
3. Avoid using a lot of makeup ( I recommend no makeup at all!!!) for the time being. Although a lot of companies claim to be safe to use on any skin type, it is always better to let your skin breathe. Give it time to heal.
4. Check your stress levels. Now this one is the most difficult, at least for me. You all must be thinking “better said than done”. This one is coming from a person who has years of history of anxiety and depression on her sleeves. What helped? Yoga, meditation, and good life practices. Before I was a Life Coach, I used to be a wacko. If I can do it, you can too.
5. Keep your scalp clean and dandruff free.
6. Finally, have patience. I get it. I totally do. Dealing with acne can be a lot irritating, but don’t let that put you down. It might be difficult, not irreversible. And you cares if you have acne or not, you are gorgeous anyway!!
Hakuna Matata baby!!!
Any comments, suggestions and ideas are always welcome 🙂
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” – Marilyn Monroe
Editor’s Note: That’s a nice and informative post Ankita
Do you suffer from stubborn acne? Try eliminating these from your diet, I am sure you see a difference!
I went to Bangkok in December and since I was there only for a day and got just few hours to shop, here are the things I bought..
Daiso Brown Mat Tray
Daiso Pink Jewellery Organiser
Daiso Eyebrow Pencil
Daiso Brown Eyeliner Pen
Daiso Eyelash Glue
3 pairs of False Lashes
Set of 3 Facial Razors
Daiso Makeup Brush Cleanser
Mini Tripod
All the things from Daiso were 60 THB (i.e. Rs.112/-) In terms of organisation stuff, it was heaven! They had so much and I didn’t have space, so had to restrict myself. It’s like a dollar store, so everything is flat 60 bahts mostly, and then in denomination of 60. It’s a Japanese 100 yen brand/store, I so wish they come to India and have the flat 99 price, that would be amazing. They are in talks with Reliance Retail to enter India and I hope that happens soon.
Then I got two Mistine products from Beauty Station..
Mistine 3D Brows Secret Eyebrow Set – Around Rs.500
Mistine Eye & Lip Makeup Remover- Around Rs.400-450/-
There was a Wet N Wild Kiosk and I got 4 things from Wet N Wild, which was very reasonably priced.
Wet N Wild Mega Glo Contouring Face Palette Rs.560
Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Single Brass- Rs.185
Wet N Wild Megalast Lip Colour Bare It All- Rs.260
Wet N Wild Eye Pencil in Calling Your Buff Naturel- Rs.223
And lastly I got the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I have heard so much about this and I am glad I finally found it. It’s a much raved product and deep cleanses your pores and removes makeup, dirt, grime, everything from your pores. This was a little on the expensive side, costing around Rs.850-900 but the quantity is pretty good. They also gave a few samples.
That’s it for beauty and makeup part. I got a lot of food items i.e. candies and knick-knacks which I will do a separate food tasting video for, on my YouTube channel.
I hope you liked the haul, do let me know your favourite item in the comments below 🙂
#MACxMickeyContractor Indian Beauty Essentials Natural Makeup Look, Tips & Tricks
Hi guys,
So towards the end of March, I attended a session with MAC Cosmetics where Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, MAC India and celebrity Bollywood Makeup Artist, taught us to create a flawless base and a step by step Natural Indian Look!
I was so stoked and happy, I had no idea till I reached the venue that we had to do it step by step with him and he would be teaching us. I thought it was a regular event where the video will be unveiled, etc., but no, we saw the video and we created the whole look on ourselves with Mickey checking each step and teaching us how to do it correctly.
The video came out today and hence I wrote this post half way through earlier and saved in my drafts, because many of you asked me to share the tips and tricks and I thought I should jot them down quickly.
Here is the video..
So here are few tips and tricks Mickey taught us:
Always moisturise your face and undereyes before starting with your base. Mickey recommends MAC Studio Moisture Cream. He even mixes it later with the foundation when he needs a sheer look.
Spray MAC Fix Plus after the Moisture Cream and then start with concealer/corrector.
Everyone has dark circles and that is completely natural. If you try to layer too much of concealer and powder, it will only look ashy and settle in fine lines and crease. So correct and conceal once, go over the concealed area with a foundation and set with powder.
We used the MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette and he made us mix the concealer and both correctors on our hands to get the perfect match first. And then apply it on the dark circles. It made world of a difference. I mixed the corrector and concealer directly on the under eye area and applied it on one half and it was still looking ashy. I used the Medium palette which had shades close to and lighter to my skin tone. And the lighter concealer was making the dark circles look ashy. He made me take the yellow and orange corrector and the concealer shade on the back of my hand from the Medium Deep Palette, mix it in and add more untill I got the perfect peach. And then I applied it to cover dark circles, it was a perfect match!
He usually goes for the same color or a darker concealer for the under eye area and then covers that area with foundation for a seamless, even toned base.
Always match the foundation to your neck and body and in natural light only. Wear it through the day to check if it oxidizes and then go ahead and buy your perfect match.
Dab powder with a sponge on the under eye area and the T zone and take excess off with a brush. Never swipe concealer/powder. Always dab!
Take your eyelash curler till the base of the lashes and press and release the curler till count of 10, hold for 3-4 seconds and leave. Voila, you get amazing well curled lashes.
To define your cheekbones, apply blush in a slight slanted upward motion and just for a flush of colour, on the apples of your cheeks.
Dab the sponge on your highlighter to blend it in with the skin and take it slightly around the under eye area as it should not be a stark slanted highlighted line on top of your cheekbones and look seamless.
Always apply foundation on the neck if you are doing your whole face or just apply foundation partially like only on T zone and problem areas. There shouldn’t be a stark/visible difference between face and neck.
Clean and natural base using minimal products is his USP. He doesn’t like sharp contouring and highlighting, bold brows and all that you see on YouTube and Instagram these days.
He has done numerous Bollywood movies and magazine covers especially Aishwarya Rai, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee’s makeup and you can see how he loves a clean base, natural look and dark kohled eyes. He is a master of the Bollywood Smokey Eye.
In this video, he teaches a Natural Indian Look with a light smoke of kohl which is perfect for summers.
I used these products to create the look, as shown in the video..
MAC Pro Conceal & Correct Palette in Medium Deep
MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC37
MAC Cream Colour Base Hush
MAC Eyeshadow Embark
MAC Modern Twist Kajal Cat’s Meow
MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara Volume
MAC Mocha Blush
MAC Lipstick in Half n Half
MAC Brushes 217 and 168
The Conceal & Correct Palette helps you mix and match the exact amount of concealer and corrector till you get your perfect shade. This palette is also a must have if you are a makeup artist or do your friends and family’s makeup.
MAC Conceal & Correct Palette Medium Deep
Embark is a matte deep brown eyeshadow with red undertones. It is a perfect shade for a wash of colour like we have done here or for a soft smokey day time look, smudging it with a black kohl pencil underneath. We have used the Modern Twist Kajal in Cat’s Meow, which is the black shade as kohl on the waterline. If you like jet carbon black kohl, you can go for Squid. Gently smudge Embark on the lower lash line to merge the kohl and shadow. Flick the kohl slightly to create a wing like effect. Tightline with Cat’s Meow
Mocha, Hush, Embark
MAC Blush in Mocha is a matte soft peach colour which is very flattering on Indian skin tones, fair to medium especially. MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush gives a very soft and subtle highlight and can also be used all over eyes as a base or to highlight brow bone and inner corners.
MAC Half n Half Lipstick is a satin finish nude brown, I absolutely love this shade. It reminded me of Maybelline My Mahagony which was my favourite nude and was discontinued later on. But I highly recommend Half N Half if you are looking for a good, everyday wear nude shade.
MAC Half N Half
I love how simple this look is, and yet pretty and polished. Clean base, neutral tones and kohl rimmed eyes, suitable for any occasion and works for everyone.
I hope you liked this post and found it helpful. Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Maldives Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do
By Sanchita
Introduction – Maldives or the Maldive Islands (known as the ‘The Pearl Necklace’ of the Indian Ocean) is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 ring-shaped atolls and has over 1,000 coral islands. This is a tranquil haven for wanderlust lovers who crave the exotic islands, mesmerizing sea, white sands, coral reefs and a journey to remember. This one of the best tourist destinations of Asia. It is a paradise for lovers who wish to spend their honeymoon in serene and calm environment. It is dotted with incredible beauty and splendid nature. The destination is extremely enthralling and the best time to visit Maldives is during the month of December to April.
Places to see in Maldives
Utheemu Ganduvaru – Situated in the north of Maldives, this is one of the tourist attractions in Maldives. It is a historical place which is the house of the Sultan Mohammad Thankurufaan. This is indeed a great historical site known for the heroic actions of Maldivians who saved the common folk from the cruel Portuguese conquerors.
HP Reef – This is the place of stunning corals and vibrant marine life. Needless to say, this is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. The place is situated at the North Male Atoll and dotted with colorful fishes and other marine animals. The place is a protected marine site and perfect for diving. The divine blue sea and vivacity of marine life is surely going to lift your mood.
Biyadhoo Island Resort – It is situated in South Malé Atoll and has a fascinating site of Maldives. It is one of the most serene places to visit and counted among one of the best resorts all over world. It offers various activities like diving, snorkeling and many other water sports. In fact, it is often called the ‘Scuba-diving Island’. There are various luxurious hotels here but the major attraction of this place is snorkeling, scuba diving and canoe-paddling.
Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque – The Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque is also known as the Old Friday Mosque in Maldives and one of the best place to witness the Islamic culture. It is one of the oldest mosque named after the Emperor of the same name. The interior of the mosque offers outstanding architectural designs with carvings of different kinds of patterns and Arabic scripts, which is simply extraordinary. The place is extremely calm and peaceful.
Fihalhohi Island – This is the ideal place for romantic destination. It is located at the South Kaafu Atoll in Malé and offers a gorgeous place for lovers and ideal for your romantic getaway or honeymoon. The beauty and serenity of white sands, coconut palm trees and clear blue water, it is surely going to win your heart. The major attractions are Fihalhohi Island Resort, Rannalhi and Rihiveli beaches.
Things to do in Maldives –
Take a bike ride and explore the beauty of the city and especially, Malé which is the largest and liveliest city in Maldives. The roads are perfect for bike rides and you can explore various places as well.
Maldives has various local artisans in their workshops and various local arts and crafts are available. Therefore, go for shopping for the local and traditional items.
Since this is an island, you can also go for fishing. Take a fishing trip on a speedboat and catch fishes like tuna, sail fish, etc. There are provisions for barbecue as well.
There are provisions for water sports like diving, windsurfing and snorkeling, relaxation at sauna and spa, island hopping and many more.
The view of sea and pristine sand is serene so you can also relax on the various beaches.
There are provisions for spa and massages and other relaxation therapies and pampering. There is a spa at every resort in Maldives.
Cuisine
Maldives is famous for sea food for obvious reasons. Fish (tuna) is one of the important staple of the Maldivian diet. The cuisine of Maldives is a great mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental influences. Coconuts are a key part of many dishes in Maldives. Dishes like Garudhiya, Keemia, Gulha, Mas Huni, Bajiya and Masroshi are very popular in Maldives.
Currency conversion
Currency conversion for Maldives is very easy, there are many reliable currency convertors who will convert your currency to their Maldivian rufiyaa. You can also check the rates using online currency convertor. It helps you with real time figures based on current market or bank foreign exchange rates, it would be of an excellent help while travelling.
Maldives Tourism has a lot to offer, so plan your Maldives trip soon 🙂
TRY THIS OVERNIGHT DIY SERUM FOR A TRANSLUCENT GLOW
By Ankita
With the changing environment and lifestyle, there is no escaping from skin issues. The good old CTM works, no doubt. However is it good enough? I won't agree to that. Hence, serums came into being. The usual cleansing-toning- moisturizing regime is now better replaced by cleansing-toning- TREATing-moisturizing. This is where the serums come into action. You can pretty much say in an Army of soldiers, they are the marines, employed for specific target oriented operations. Let’s have a look at them,
WHAT IS A SERUM
Face serums are lightweight moisturizers with a gel or light lotion consistency and have a higher concentration of ingredients meant to provide more effective and focused results.
HOW TO USE
These are used after cleaning and toning then face. Pat on the serum on with the help of your finger, gently dabbing and pushing it into the skin
SO…I CAN SKIP MY MOISTURIZER RIGHT?
Absolutely not. Serums are an addition to your CTM (Cleansing-Toning- Moisturizing) and no way substitute a moisturizer. They have targeted action and address a specific skin issue such as acne, hyper-pigmentation, aging etc.
There are tons and thousands of serum available in the market, and I won’t deny they don’t work. They definitely do. But, wait for it!!!What if I told you, you can make one in a jiffy, that won’t cost you gazillion bucks and works just as fine as any other serum? Actually more than fine. Shall I say….works BRILLIANT.
Ready? Ladies and Ladies, I give you my magic potion
DIY OVERNIGHT GLOW SERUM
YOU WILL NEED:
-4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil
-4 drops of pure rose water
-a pea sized amount of pure aloe vera gel
PROCEDURE:
1. You do not need a bowl for this as it is better to use it fresh every day. Take 4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil on your palm.
2. Add in a pea sized amount of aloe vera gel
3. Now finally add in 4 drops of rose water and mix all the ingredients with your fingers till they become an emulsion.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Dot it all over your face and neck and massage with very light hands in upward-outward motions, till you are satisfied that the skin has completely soaked in the product.
2. Follow up with a very light weight moisturizer and have off you go to bed Sleeping Beauty.
IS IT EFFECTIVE?
1. This serum works greatly towards brightening the skin and especially fading away dark spots.
2. Gives you healthy illuminating glow.
WHY THESE INGREDIENTS??
Virgin Coconut Oil: Cold pressed Virgin Coconut is a boon for the skin as it helps to improve certain skin conditions by healing wounds and reducing rashes. Its anti-inflammatory effect works wonders for soothing skin ailments. VCO contains Lauric Acid that helps to combat acne and even is a great whitening agent.
Rose Water: With its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties, rose water is the life saver for irritated skin. Apart from being an excellent skin toner, it also brightens up the complexion and makes the skin more radiant and even.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. Application of aloe vera speeds up the process of healing of burns, lightens blemishes, reduces acne and also prevents wrinkles. It even acts as a great natural moisturizer.
Use it once a day, before you go to bed. You have to be consistent with the use to see great results, in less than a month.
IS IT SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
It is 100% safe for any skin type, however, it is always wise to go for a patch test first. In case you experience any irritation (which most probably you won’t), do not use it further.
Here is a little after picture of me. Unfortunately, I don’t have any before picture as I had never planned to write this piece. After a month of usage, it has reduced my marks and scars to a good extent.
In this image, I have washed my face with cold water, put on some lip gloss and tight-lined my upper lash line.
Why spend a portion of your kidney, if you can have it done at the comfort of your kitchen? Without a question of doubt, I honestly ask my dear readers to give this DIY serum a try and see the results for yourself.
However, you must not forget these few pointers:
1. Cut out processed food as much as possible from your diet.
2. Stay hydrated and stay away from aerated drinks
3. Nothing!!!!!can substitute a good beauty sleep of 6-7 hours.
Please come back and let me know your experience with this serum. Any suggestions, comments, and ideas are always welcome 🙂
Editor’s Note: You have amazing and flawless skin Ankita. I love DIY’s and would be surely trying this too.
When she gyrates, she holds you transfixed. When she shows off her curves, she holds you transfixed. When she sets her foot on the red carpet, she holds you transfixed. The lady may not rank high on the charts of film connoisseurs and critics but she surely knows how to be the talk of the town thanks to her high-octane dance moves, angelic visage and enviable body/curves. She’s none other than the statuesque Katrina Kaif. Let us have a rundown of her Best Off-screen looks now.
1. IN REBECCA TAYLOR- Bringing a boho vibe to her off-screen avatars, Katrina opted for a printed block print maxi dress by Rebecca Taylor that had sheer mesh inserts as well as cut out sleeves during one of the promotional events of Fitoor opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor. With her luscious locks let loose and nude makeup, she was an out-and- out head-turner at the event.
2. IN DOLCE AND GABBANA- Clad in a lemon print off shoulder dress from Dolce and Gabbana, Katrina set out to promote Fitoor. Accessorising it with embellished beige pumps from Charles and Keith, she added a pair of gold earrings from Loupe Kat looked like a diva. Not to forget red lips complement her look very well.
3. IN BODICE- Giving everyone a peak-a- boo to her chiselled and absolutely enviable abs, Katrina draped herself in polka printed culottes from Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva. She teamed it up with a white crop top by Dhruv Kapoor and matching sneakers. The look delineates comfort, chicness and ease, doesn’t it? Sassy without even trying, that’s what bursts upon my mind on seeing this look of hers.
4. IN MSGM- Swathed in a knitted bandage dress from MSGM‘s resort 2016 collection paired with Eytys white sneakers styled by Tanya Ghavri, the statuesque lass looked drop-dead gorgeous during one of the promotional events for Fitoor.
5. IN AN AZZEDINE ALAIA DRESS- Clad in a blush pink fit and flare dress by Azzedine Alaia, Katrina was spotted at the Mehboob Studios in Mumbai where she shot for a TV commercial. This lady takes minimalism to a whole new level and makes sure that it looks mesmeric too.
6. IN ROKSANDA- The sultry Katrina Kaif unleashed her chirpy and effervescent facet as she swaddled herself in a Roksanda cutout jumpsuit and black leather sneakers during one of the promotional legs of Baar Baar Dekho in the capital with her co-star Siddharth Malhotra. Simple, subtle and sizzling… this look is the exemplar of comfort.
7. IN JILL STUART- Going all out with bright vivid colours, Katrina looks easy on one’s eyes in a Jill Stuart outfit. Despite sporting colours which when teamed up may look gaudy or garish, the lady sashays in aplomb. A special mention goes to her Isharya earrings that are the perfect cherry on the cake.
Editor’s Note: Loved each of the seven, I can’t pick one! I absolutely love her style, very minimal and effortless.
The Event of the Season Sale will begin Tuesday 4/11 at 7:18AM Eastern Time (New York) i.e. at 4.30PMtoday afternoon. Please note- the sale begins for the general public on 4/12, but as a Shopbop insider, I (and you all) are given the green light to start shopping the sale on the 11th.
End time:
For Shopbop, the sale will last through 11:59PM Pacific Time (Los Angeles) Friday 4/14.
There will be some brands excluded from this sale, some of the notable ones: Veronica Beard, Jonathan Simkhai, Acne Studios, Tumi, Michael Michael Kors, Michael Kors, Ray Ban, Gucci, What Goes Around Come Around, Canada Goose, Birkenstocks, Stuart Weitzman, Hanky Panky, Z Zegna, La Vie by Rebecca Taylor.
Get flat 20% off on orders below $500 and 25% off on all orders above $500. Also valid on full price and sale items. Use the code ‘EVENT17’, I always buy from sale items and also use the discount code, which gets me some amazingly fabulous deals! I have my cart ready this time too, what about you?
