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Top 10 Beauty & Fashion Trends of 2016, Indian Makeup Blog, Indian Beauty Blog, Indian Fashion Blog,newlovemakeup,bhumika thakkar

Top 10 Beauty & Fashion Trends of 2016

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Top 10 Beauty & Fashion Trends of 2016

Guest Post

The year 2016 is half gone. Yes we’re past June! So today I’m sharing some latest beauty and fashion trends of the year so far. Let’s begin. 😀

1. Bubble Eyeliner – Still trying to ace winged eyes? You better not! As bubble eyeliner is the newest funky makeup trend. It is a sort of bumpy eyeliner which was discovered by the beauty Youtuber, Jenny Gonzalez. Since then it has been spreading wide on Instagram.

2. Choker – The choker is back and with a bang. You must have already spotted it as they’re literally everywhere, from Bollywood to neighborhood. 😉

It’s quite easy to carry a choker and you must give it a shot, if haven’t already.

3. Cold Shoulder – Also known as off shoulder, this popular trend from the 90’s is back. It has become a must to have an off shoulder top.

It goes well with the choker, a perfect pairing with which you can never go wrong.

4. Bold Brows – It’s time for going bold with thick eyebrows. Ditch those thin arched regular look and experiment something different and quirky.

Bollywood stars such as Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra among others have been spotted rocking this trend. Here Sonam is sporting another new makeup trend i.e. Reverse Winged Eyeliner or also known as Upside Down Cat Eye Look.

5. Liquid Lipstick – Haven’t heard of them yet? Then let me tell you, it is the new kid on the block which has garnered much of acclaim recently.

Liquid lipstick has a great staying power and offers pigmentation of a lipstick and shine of a lip gloss. You can always blot it out to achieve a matte look, if it is glossy. You get matte liquid lipsticks too.

6. Ombre Lips – It’s a Korean beauty trend where you’re combine two tones of colors. Ombre lips look absolute gorgeous and is often sported by models on runways. I would suggest you to initially begin with more wearable colors rather than the darker shades.

7. Peel off Lipstick – You love makeup and then you love tattoos. So do you love makeup tattoos? It’s a peel off and apply concept originally from South Korea. It’s quite long lasting, upto 12 hours. Though it must be used with a bit of care as it may hurt your pretty pout.

8. Rainbow Highlighter – All thanks to an Etsy shop Bitter Lace Beauty for bringing out Prism, the rainbow highlighter. This highlighter does the perfect job to highlight your cheekbones with rainbow colors. Exciting right? But if you can’t wait to own one, then you can DIY one as the net is flooded with quite creative ideas.

9. Clown Contouring – As the name suggests, clown contouring means to make a clown of yourself by oozing lots of makeup on your face. Only to arrive at a perfectly blended and contoured look. YouTube beauty vlogger, Esther who came up with this beauty trend remarks it as a fun approach to contouring.

10. Sheer Trend – It’s one of the biggest summer fashion trend. It’s quite common among the celebs but not easy to carry as it can lead to over exposure too. But the effortless way to add it to your wardrobe is a sheer back crop top or sheer neckline blouse with a saree. If you’re really in awe of this trend then you can also go for the skirts which look quite fabulous.

That’s all about the top 10 beauty and fashion trends of 2016. Have you tried any of these? Do share in the comments below.

About Me – I’m Aisha, 19. I’ve a personal blog, Jhalli Diva where I share my love for beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Blog URL – www.jhallidiva.com

Editor’s Note: Very well compiled post Aisha! Do check out her blog guys, she has an interesting mix of beauty & fashion.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,Instagram,Pinterest

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash Review

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Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to the sun can irritate the skin and also lead to free- radical damage that can cause age spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and much else. Soothing chamomile, rejuvenating white tea and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts: just perfect to relax, refresh and revive skin that’s exposed to the sun and the elements. Soap-free, gentle foaming face wash that will make your skin smile!

  • Great for regular use before and after sun exposure
  • Gentle foaming, soap-free base
  • Cleanses effectively without drying the skin
  • Chamomile flower extracts help calm and soothe sun-burned skin
  • Antioxidant-rich white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage
  • Very lightly sprinkled with gentle cellulose beads, great for everyday gentle scrubbing action
  • Soothing fragrance that calms your senses (phthalate-free)
  • You only need a little amount for each use – thanks to the smart formula
  • Hygienic flip-top tube packaging
  • Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – as always

PRICE – INR 350 for 75ml

INGREDIENTS:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile &  White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash is packed inside a white glossy cardboard box with every information written on it. It houses a sturdy white tube with a translucent flip open cap which shuts properly. The opening from where the product is dispenses has the right size and there is no chance of being wasted. Additionally, the tube packaging is also hygienic. The tube is light weight and efficient enough to travel with without being any spilling mess at all. Overall, the packaging was neat and proper.

The face wash is orangish in color with micro beads in it. It has a mild citrus fragrance to it which does refreshes the skin but the smell simply fades off after patting the skin dry. The consistency of the face wash is of gel based. You require a decent amount of the product for the face and once you massage this onto the dampen face, it also foams well enough.

The face wash, though seems mild works very well on oil, dirt and environmental pollution that clogs the pores on the skin. I have never tried to wash off any layer of makeup but the days when I simply use sunscreen and a layer of powder on top, I skip the cleansing and simply use this face wash. It effectively takes off every layer of impurities and keeps the skin cleansed. I have oily acne prone skin which exaggerates in summer but this face wash has been quite soothing to my skin. It never leaves the skin stretchy or dry but a smooth and light hydration. The beads present are extremely mild and I didn’t find them very effective in exfoliation at all. The product is best suited for oily to combination skin and will never break you out.

It contains the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts which soothes and calms the skin, especially in this scorching summer. The presence of white tea helps fighting the free radicals and thereby provides you with younger and fresher looking skin. Furthermore, the formula is paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – which is something I love about the product. I am not very happy with the price tag as it seems a bit too much for a daily usage one.

OVERALL – The face wash effectively cleanses the skin of dirt and impurities without leaving it dry and also formulate with paraben, SLS and other harmful chemicals.

WHAT I LIKED

I. Hygienic and efficient packaging.

II. Gel based product with mild refreshing smell.

III. Removes dirt and impurities well.

IV. Gives a fresh glow to the skin.

V. Doesn’t make the skin stretchy or dry.

VI. Doesn’t break you out.

VII. Best suited for oily to combination skin.

VIII. Developed with the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts, white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts.

IX. Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

I. The exfoliating beads are of no use.

II. It won’t suit normal to dry skin.

III. Price is high.

RATING

Quality: 3.5/5

Value for money: 2/5

Availability: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The face wash works very well for the oily to combination skin as it cleanses and gives a smoother look to the skin and the paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan is surely worthwhile. Although the price tag is a bit high.

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice and detailed review Sanchita, the pictures are amazing!

Have you tried the new Plum Goodness Chamomile & White Tea Range?

Top 10 Moisturizers for Oily and Combination Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Moisturizers for Oily and Combination Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

As we emphasize on the CTM routine, the application of moisturizer is very well for the oily and combination skin as well. This becomes slightly challenging because the temperature for most of the time is generally hit and humid and too much products on the face will surely clog the pores and make it look oily. Therefore, the oily and combination skin will always have to choose a moisturizer that would control the sebum, gives a matte look and would nourish the skin as well.

Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top 10 moisturizers for oily and combination skin in India for your convenience. Let’s have a look at it.

OILY SKIN TYPE

1. Lacto Calamine Skin Balance Oil Control Lotion: Price – INR 160 for 120 ml (Buy HERE)

This is a quite well known choice of moisturizer for oily and combination skin types for all seasons. Lacto Calamine comprises of Kaolin which has natural minerals, acts as an exfoliator and helps in dead skin removal. It moisturizes the skin thoroughly and then gives a soft matte and shine free look. It also contains Glycerin helps control excess oil, thus reducing acne, making smooth and clear. Further, you can use this as a primer and helps the base to look flawless. It will never cause any irritation and will balance out the pH level of the skin, thereby reducing the oil factor.

2. Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer: Price – INR 50 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)

This is one of the best oil free moisturizer for oily skin in the budget friendly range and personally, I have been using it for the past one year. The Moisturiser is white in color, and has a thin consistency. It may appear to be gel-based, but is actually a cream-based product. It has a light weight texture and gives a soothing effect to the skin. This product moisturizes the skin without any greasiness or shine and does not clog pores. It has Salicylic acid that helps prevent pimples and blackheads. It leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. It is fragrance-free, so it suits even sensitive skin.

3. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser: Price – INR 265 for 80 ml (Buy HERE)

Before Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer, I had used this Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser for quite some time and I have to say it really does the job well. It has a light weight liquid kind of a texture and blends into the skin in no time at all. It is nourished with Aloe Vera which has excellent moisturizing and skin healing properties, anti- inflammatory and soothing properties. It also contains Grape Extract which acts as a natural astringent, antimicrobial and antioxidant moisturizer for oily skin. Thus, the skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated after prolonged usage.

4. L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence: Price- INR 685 for 50ml (Buy HERE)

Essence is one of the most important product in the Korean skincare routine and works excellent as a moisturizer for oily skin. The L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence has been formulated with triple hyaluronic acid technology and by this method the moisture is continuously diffused through the skin and locked at several layers, thereby hydrating the skin on one hand and then keeping it matte on the other. It is also supplemented with the goodness of Vitamin E and protect skin from external aggressions. This is one provides a fresher and younger looking complexion when used twice a day religiously.

5. Forest Essentials Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel: Price – INR 1250 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Aloe Vera gel is the best possible moisturizer for oily skin and the FE Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel has the added benefits of other ingredients that makes the skin glow from within. It is light, cool facial contains Aloe Vera has strong soothing and moisture retaining properties with a soft texture that blends into the skin like a dream. The Genhu Extracts in it prevents premature aging and reduces ultra violet rays induced sun damage to the skin. It further helps in drainage of secretions from the sebaceous glands of the skin and thereby helps in thwarting of black heads.

6. Neutrogena Oil – Free Moisture SPF 15: Price – INR 349 for 115 ml (Buy HERE)

Neutrogena is one brand you can trust blindly when it comes to skin care within budget friendly price tag. This oil free moisturizer comes with a sun protection formula of 15 and prevents skin from darkening. It has a rather lightweight, non-greasy texture with a consistency of a liquid lotion and keeps the skin moisturized for around 7-8hours without getting oily or greasy. The sheer formula absorbs quickly into skin leaving it smoother and softer. This moisturizer has a tested formula that contains no fragrance, no dyes, and no excess ingredients. It is completely non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores that can cause skin to break out.

COMBINATION SKIN TYPE

7. Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer: Price – INR 450 for 60g (Buy HERE)

The Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer is a light weight cream that gets absorbed into the skin and gives a flawless nourished skin without greasiness. This is the perfect pick for combination skin. It is manufactured with the purest natural ingredients, devoid of any chemicals, synthetic colors, PABA, SLS, etc. it repairs dryness, dullness and gives a hydrated skin. This has been formulated with the goodness of organic Aloe juice, which nourishes and heal skin. Further, it has the goodness of vitamin E providing wholesome nourishment.

8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin: Price – INR 299 for 118 ml (Buy HERE)

Neutrogena has specialized moisturizers for every skin type. This has a lightweight, dual-action formula that moisturizes dry areas while it controls oily shine. It is a special oil-absorbing Micro-sponge system controls oil and shine in the T-Zone for combination skin. This moisturizer is non-comedogenic and therefore won’t clog pores or break out even if you have acne prone skin. The skin feels softer and smoother which further adds a natural and matte finish throughout the day.

9. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream: Price – INR 995 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)

TBS is one of the top brands for skin care in India and the Vitamin E Moisture Cream perfectly fits he description for combination skin. it is powerfully enriched with one of the best antioxidants that help protect the skin against damaging environmental elements, such as the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. It also helps to neutralize free radicals, which are destructive molecules that attack cell on the skin. it retains the moisture for a long time, keeping the skin supple and soft without getting greasy and oily. It also contains lanolin which is one of nature’s richest moisturizers.

10. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Protective Care – Combination to Oily Skin – INR 1350 for 40ml (Buy HERE)

La Roche-Posay Toleriane is a non-oily emulsion that blends into the skin like a dream. It gives an instant soothing and hydrating effect to the skin after application and calms the irritated skin. This product has been formulated for oily to combination skin and hydrates the dry areas without making it oily at all. The emulsion penetrates instantaneously and restores skin comfort. It is non-comedogenic and won’t clog the pores at all. Further it is fragrance-free, preservative- free and paraben-free.

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice list Sanchita. I used to swear by Lacto Calamine and still use only that on days when I don’t wish to use anything else on the face.

Have you tried these? Which is your favourite moisturizer for oily-combination skin?

10 Bollywood Celebrities Who Turned Vegetarian

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10 Bollywood Celebrities Who Turned Vegetarian

By Pallavi

Hiii Dearies,

Gradually world is becoming a healthier place to leave in. More and more people are cutting down and leaving Non Veg food permanently to switch over vegetarian food and lead a vegan lifestyle. The idea behind this is that health issues are increasing day by day. And people are looking to lead a healthier life and gradually increase their life expectancy.

Well, in India we Indians are believed to be star struck. So, whatever the celebrities do many of us blindly follow. And today we are presenting with you a list of celebrities who ditched non vegetarian food to adopt a completely vegan lifestyle –

1. Kangana Ranaut – The queen actress turned vegan as soon as she landed into Mumbai. She said that it has brought a lot of positivity in her life.

2. Shahid Kapoor – He got inspired by the book “Life is fair” by Brian Hines. He said in an interview that this book was gifted to him by his father Mr. Pankaj Kapoor. This actor is believed to have inspired a lot of celebs to turn vegetarian

3. Kareena Kapoor – Being from a healthy Punjabi family eating non veg was part of her lifestyle. But she gave up non veg food owing to healthy influence by her ex beau Shahid Kapoor. Even after their love saga ended she continues to remain vegan till date.

4. Aamir Khan – The perfectionist of bollywood is perfectionist here too. Once his present wife Kiran Rao showed her a video of 15 most common diseases which costs life and how they can be prevented after which he got hooked to vegan eating and never turned back.

5. Vidya Balan – She has been following a vegan diet and lifestyle since her birth. Few years ago her dietitian suggested her to have eggs but after some time she left eggs again and turned into a full vegetarian again.

6. Amitabh Bachchan – The mega star of bollywood has been vegetarian since a no. of years. And he has also been nominated by the PETA three times for being the hottest vegan celebrity.

7. Vidyut Jamval – This hot bodied actor has been vegan since he was  14 years old. He even mentioned once how his concentration has improved since he turned vegan

8. Neha Dhupia – The actress was going through health troubles some years ago. Her doctors suggested her to turn vegetarian and she did. She turned a complete vegetarian and was also named by PETA for the Asia Pacific sexiest vegetarian woman 2011.

9. Celina Jatley – In 2013 there was a 21 day vegan kickstart program which she joined with other celebrities. After which she turned vegetarian

10. Alia Bhatt – It seems that her real life inspiration Kareena Kapoor was the one who inspired her to become vegetarian. And looks like the youngest Bhatt daughter is not going back anytime soon.

So, these were some of the celebrities who ditched non veg food and became all vegetarian. Let me know if any of the other celebrities have also done the same in the comments down below.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

What Does Your Clothing Color Say About Your Personality

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What Does Your Clothing Color Say About Your Personality

By Sanchita

Color has a deep connection with the personality of a human being. It has several embedded emotions and plays a very important role when it comes to the attire. Everyone has their favorite color which one is drawn to and some might not even realize unless they actually pay a close heed to it. Well of course, weather and events plays an important role to choose a color as well but responsive factor is one of the most important one.

Color also demonstrates our mood. Since we choose the color subconsciously, a lot of emotional and mental reflections are mirrored through our choices. In fact, several facts have shown that the choice of colors of the clothes we wear can reveal out strength and weakness as they are a part of our personality itself. It has been seen that color helps us to have a confidence boost and such positive and enriching outlook helps us in various situations. Color reveals the subtleness of the mind. We often judge by what they wear and color establishes a strong foot on the judgement. For example, for a party we would prefer sequin gold and strong colors while for a board meeting we would prefer a soft brown or basic black. Thus it helps us to construe the circumstance and is a form of art.

Apart from other occasions, there are some colors which we always stick to or prefer whenever we are picking up clothes for buying. You must have noticed that we are attracted of blue most of the time or pink and this color reveals a lot about the personality you have.

Even while online shopping, we use the ‘Color’ filter and shortlist as per the color quite a lot of times.

So let’s check out which color of your choice of dressing says what about your personality.

Blue – Blue has a hint of elusiveness, delicacy and state of peace in it. It indicates that the person has a sense of loyalty towards the thing which one loves. It also depicts a hint of intenseness and mystery when wore as an attire. This color is best suited for introverts. The color blue also defines a sense of ‘control’ and calmness as well as confidence without any aggressive touch in it.

Red – Red is a very powerful color in itself. It reveals about a personality that the person is extremely extrovert, passionate, energetic as well as bold. Though we can’t call the color loud but it definitely screams some kind of attention and attraction in very possible way. In fact, it resembles of a shining gorgeous ruby. The red color speaks louder than we can’t imagine and thus it is best to stay away from this color especially for formal purpose like interview or meetings.

Pink – We always associate this color with girls or anything feminine. It is a color which shows that the person is very lovable and soft hearted who is loved and liked by all. it also symbolized unconditional love and affection as well. Someone with a sweet, charismatic and cheerful personality with an intuitive mind would be inclined towards this playful color.

White – White illustrates a sign of simplicity, purity, goodness and cleanliness and reflects a positive effect in an overall appearance. People wearing white are mostly open, well-spirited, genuine and confident. It is also one of the best option when you are attending an interview, meeting or anything professional.

Black – A lot of us subconsciously pick up this color whenever they have options or not. It is the most sophisticated, versatile and gracious color for every occasion. It sends out a strong sense of power, control and authority without being loud or garish. It shows that the person is extremely in control, strong willed and self-independent in his or her own way. Further, it also establishes the strength and dignity.

So, which is your favorite color?

Aroma Essentials Bath Bombs Review

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Aroma Essentials Bath Bombs Review

By Nidhal

Picture this- you wake up in the morning cursing your alarm clock to the hilt, subject your teeth to corporal punishment by venting out all the frustration of having to wake up and face the world, have a bath as quickly as possible, grab a bite and rush to your office in the twinkling of an eye. Thanks to the work at place, it is certain that your energy and peace of mind will see a nosedive! (I am such a sadist)

Dog-tired and frazzled as the office time comes to a closing, you battle a sea of humans and vehicles on your way back home. By now your body is screaming for pampering but you are on the verge of collapsing the moment you see you bed. And you conveniently turn a blind eye to the implorations of your body. The cycle repeats. Indefinitely!

What do we end up with? Dull,exhausted and more or less inanimate bodies that reflect our fatigue. But wait, all of this can be put a full stop with. How? You can indulge in a mini at-home spa session which does not even entail running down your pockets. Simply grab a bath bomb crafted by this all- natural, cruelty-free brand from Namma Bangaluru- Aroma Essentials. Having used a number of their products in the past, I was thrilled when I got to know that they were introducing their range of bath bombs. Having used some of their bath bombs- four to be precise, today I will review the one that made to my list of favourites. It is none other than ‘Aroma Essentials Sandalwood bath bomb’.

In the picture, you can see that I tried four of their bath bombs. The purple one is of lavender, the white for tulsi and the light green one for grapefruit

Aroma Essentials Claims: Bath salts and fizzies create a luxurious bath time, helping you to relax, unwind and forget about your troubles.

They can also be used in aromatherapy, a complementary and alternative medicine. Aromatherapy bath bombs uses essential oils to create an aroma, which can aid healing.

These specific bath bombs are used for therapeutic purposes and can bring a sense of calm and well being.

Struggling to sleep?
Why not try a Lavender /jasmin Bath Bomb, this is a classic bath bomb that is used to reduce stress, bring a sense of calm. Use before bedtime for a good nights sleep.

Suffering with a cold and congestion?
Try a lemon and eucalyptus bath bomb to help awaken your senses.

PRICE- 75/- INR for one bath bomb (Can order from their facebook page HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Simply pop a bath bomb in a tub/bucket with ample water (cold/warm/lukewarm- your choice) and let it dissolve within a few seconds. Soak your hands, feet, in fact the entire body and relax for half an hour. Welcome relaxation!

INGREDIENTS- Baking soda, citric acid, sandalwood extracts, menthol crystals and buds.

CLAIMS- Bath salts and fizzies create a luxurious bath time, helping you to relax, unwind and forget about your troubles. They can also be used in aromatherapy, a complementary and alternative medicine. Aromatherapy bath bombs uses essential oils to create an aroma, which can aid healing. These specific bath bombs are used for therapeutic purposes and can bring a sense of calm and well-being.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple plastic cover that is further enclosed in a bubble wrap, the packaging at first may seem underwhelming to anyone but scratch the surface and you won’t be disappointed. Why? The bath bomb is meant for a single use. So, once used, there is nothing to store. So, why go for fancy packings? Just ensure what is needed to safeguard its condition till delivery and be done with it, right? 🙂 Honestly, I support and resonate with this idea. It makes no sense in my opinion to engage in heavy-duty or fancy coverings for products that are meant for single uses. As a result, the packaging of this bath bomb works well for me.

The bath bomb has a grainy texture and when popped into a tub/bucket containing water (I opt for lukewarm), it dissolves within seconds. The concoction turns slightly pink and it does not stain the bucket at all. What is to be done next? Soak your hands/feet/entire body (if you opted for a bath tub), close your eyes, think of Ryan Gosling (highly subjective point, ladies so you can insert any man’s name here. Feel free to disclose in the comments section however) and relax for 30 minutes.

After those 30 minutes, wake up and come back to earth 😛 Step out of the tub and using a pumice stone gently rub the soles of your feet to rid you off the layers of dead skin cells that have accumulated for long on it. Have a shower (in case you opted for the tub method. If not, simply rinse off your feet/hands with cold water) and massage a liberal amount of a deeply hydrating body butter/lotion to seal the moisture. Upon following the above procedure, my skin felt tangibly softer and lighter (as if a lot of grime and muck has been removed). Not only did I feel calm but also refreshed. My skin looked clearer, felt smoother and brighter post the wash. All in all, given the investment, the results were splendid 🙂

GOOD-

1. All natural composition with no cheap fillers/noxious chemicals added

2. Alluring aroma. It gingers one up while imbuing the room with the aroma.

3. Takes away all the tiredness and grime accumulated on the body.

4. Made in India

5. Travel-friendly

6. Softens skin

7. Facilitates removal of dead skin cells’ layers (use a pumice stone for exfoliation)

8. Can be used by all skin types

9. Makes the skin remarkably clear

10. Imparts freshness

BAD-

1. I wish Aroma Essentials comes up with kits/packs of their bath bombs. That way, the per unit cost of each bath bomb will work out to be less as compared to what it is now. Right now, shelling 75/- INR for a single bath bomb seems a bit high because one use and it goes. Other than that, I do not have any problem with the product per se.

RATING- 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: These look really good Nidhal, I wish I had a bath tub here, have one at my parents’ place though but it’s hardly used. Bath bombs and bath tubs compliment each other so well 😀

Have you tried using bath bombs?

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

Ayurvedic, Essential Oils, Health, Reviews, Skin care, Soaps, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

By Nidhal

Remember those days when we used to vacuously smear that colourful bar of soap that smelled heavenly and looked comely on our skin (and sadly, on our faces too) while unleashing the inherent model in us in our bathrooms? 😛 Days would roll by but all what it left was dry, parched skin that felt smothered after the ‘wash’. Quite naturally, it was bound to. Why? Did you care to read the labels? “Ummm… not really”, says a voice in your head right now. So, that is the reason my friend.

Cut to present and markets like always are inundated with soaps of myriad shapes, sizes, colors, flavours (err…chemicals) and packets. One thing is constant and that is our incorrigible habit of ignoring the labels. Having emerged delusional with soaps years ago, I switched over to ubtans (homemade powders for cleansing), however, one fine day, I came across a brand that used 2 words in its name which caught my eyes- Ancient Ayurveda. Intrigued, I began scrolling down their range of products when I came across their soaps. The realisation dwelled upon me that it would be just one of “those brands” that pull wool over consumers’ eyes by printing catchy words like “invigorated with XYZ essential oil”, “handmade” and so on but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The brand is the textbook definition of being ‘ethical’.

While most brand publish what their products contain, Ancient Ayurveda upped its game and went on publish what all their products do not contain IN DETAIL (see the picture for better understanding). Impressed, I zeroed in on ANCIENT AYURVEDA INVIGORATING TAILPATRA WOODASH SOAP to see how far it performs (or flounders). So here goes my review of the same 🙂

PRICE- 238 INR for 116 gm (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Smear on your drenched face and body with a natural luffa. Wash off after scrubbing gently.

INGREDIENTS- Homogenous coconut shell charcoal, coconut tree inflorescece charcoal flaxseed wheat germ oil, Ashwagandha tailam, Ark tailam, black cumin seed oil, bala taimbu, somaraji tailam, chandan bala, lakshadi tailam, jatyadi tailam, karanj tailam, virgin coconut oil, kasisadi tailam, zest of soapnut, kumkumadi tailam, rice bran oil, rice bran wax, nilibringhadi tailam, castor bean meat, whole pscralea corylifolia oil, zest of ‘Koshtum’, castor oil, coconut water, coconut meat, cow’s milk, zest of copra, grapeseed oil and neem oil.

A detailed list of fillers/items not added into the soap is provided as a leaflet once you place an order. And… You will be left speechless on seeing that most of them have been added in even the so-called handmade soaps that you use. Handmade does not mean ‘natural’.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- This soap does not contain Steric Acid (animal derived hardening agent, primarily from butchered pigs and cows) which makes the mainstream handmade and commercial soap melt-less.

MY EXPERIENCE-

GOOD-

Packed in a simple paper packing with the soap enclosed in a plastic cover, the packaging of the soap is quite simplistic. I disliked the plastic cover but realised that in India’s tropical weather, if the soap were packed in a plastic/cloth pack, it would have melted and rumpled the entire product rendering it useless.

As a result, given the product’s composition (which is primarily a blend of oils), the packaging is legit. Though it cannot be carried while travelling yet, I won’t pinpoint to it as a drawback because carrying soaps anyway is inconvenient while travelling. In a nutshell, the packaging is fine 🙂

The soap has a hard texture when stored in the fridge but take it for 5 minutes and witness the magic as it melts (all thanks to Sun God who unleash their fury on us from May to June all the more) 😛

I prolong its use by cutting it into 10 pieces 5 minutes after taking it out from the fridge (so that it softens enough for my knife to work). Each time I step into the shower, I take a piece (1/10 th part of the soap) with me along with a natural loofah/luffa. I smear it on my drenched skin and gently rub a luffa. 1/10 th part is sufficient for a use. I do not overdo or use beyond requirement. I know we Indians have a tendency to slap products in excess if it works but that is what we need to control. Use enough not in excess 🙂

After scrubbing my skin with the luffa for 7-8 minutes, there is a little froth which I rinse off and step out of the shower. My skin feels soft and deeply hydrated. This spells cheer for my skin is dry and this is the first time that my skin’s moisture level has not witnessed a nosedive 🙂 With use overtime, I noted a subtle glow too that looked natural. Besides feeling clean, my skin looked clear and refreshed. My mother who has normal skin used it and has been singing paeans since then. I recommended it to a friend of mine who has oily skin and so far, even she is impressed with its performance. While I can’t vouch for its efficacy for oily skin, I can safely say that it will become the HG soap of those with dry and normal skin 🙂

In one word, it is phenomenal!

1. The most natural soap one can land.

2. Mentions what it contains and what it does not (which is quite informative) clearly. Hence, the epitome of ethics.

3. Works wonders in softening skin.

4. Made in India

5. Associated with the NGO- Prajwala which works to rescue sex-trafficked women. There is a sense of complacency one experiences in contributing to such a noble initiative.

6. Highly impressive ingredients’ list

7. Imparts a subtle glow. No, you won’t glow like an incandescent LED that is shown (read: exaggerated beyond description) in TV adverts. The glow is subtle but noticeable.

8. Works well for all skin types but best for dry skin. It won’t weigh down oily skin but works exceedingly well for dry skin. I wonder how it does so.

9. Easily available. You can place an order on Amazon India.

10. Heals chapped skin overtime.

11. Price is reasonable given its effectiveness.

BAD-

1. Since it a blend of oils, it melts (yes, you read it right M-E- L-T- S) when the temperature rises to 33 degrees or above. In fact, since India is predominantly warm for most part of year, a major bugbear is the storage of this soap. It actually liquefies. To allay this, I let it out at room temperature for a few minutes. It softens somewhat when I cut it into 10-12 pieces with a knife. I use one piece each time I step into the shower and stash all the remnant pieces into the refrigerator 🙂 So, that is the only limitation which too, is taken care of.

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: That sounds fantastic Nidhal and what a detailed review! I am surely trying this. Also I saw a few other soaps they have, all look great!

Have you tried any Ancient Ayurveda Soaps?

New Lakme Enrich Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

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New Lakme Enrich Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

Lakme launched the Enrich Lipsticks in a new Matte formula. Remember the Enrich Satin lipsticks in their classic maroon packaging, then they revamped the packaging to this transparent one. And now they have launched 20 shades in a matte formula.

I have 4 of these and here are my thoughts on it..

Claims: The new Lakmé Enrich Matte will be available in 20 vibrant shades, and come in a spectrum of pinks, browns, light and dark colours, all designed to match every skin tone.

These attractive new matte lipsticks are extremely comfortable to wear thanks to their creamy texture, making it the best of both worlds! Its intense colour delivery has no drag while applying and prevents from drying those luscious lips. It has Vitamin E and olive extracts to replenish the lips while hydrating them.

The transparent containers have a silver matte sleeve that even helps you distinguish between the Enrich Matte and the Enrich Satin, so you don’t mix them up in your make up bag!

MRP: Rs.295/- for 4.7g (Buy HERE)

They have a silver matte sleeve and I absolutely love the packaging. The Enrich Satin lipsticks are priced at Rs.260 and have 4.3g, this is matte formula plus quantity is 4.7g

They smell a little sickly sweet, exactly like the Enrich Satin Lipsticks. And also they don’t have names as usual. They are named PM, OM, WM, RM for Pink Matte, Orange Matte, Wine Matte, Red Matte, etc.

The shades are super pigmented and two swipes will even cover the most pigmented lips. They apply smooth on the lips and do not drag at all. They have a creamy matte finish which is very comfortable. It’s neither glossy nor matte like liquid matte lipsticks. It is just the formula what a matte lipstick can be.

They wear for 3-4 hours and leave behind a tint which stays for a long time, through the day. You need a good makeup remover to remove the strong stain it leaves on lips. With eating, it stays for about 3 hours, it does fade, but doesn’t go away. You will not need immediate reapplication, but once reapplied, it stays put the whole day! It does settle into fine lines though, you need to exfoliate and moisturize lips well before using.

Top: PM11, RM13
Bottom: WM10, OM11

I have the shades PM11, RM13, WM10 and OM11

PM11 is a super pretty neutral pink, this will work for all skin tones. It was slightly patchy though compared to the rest three which were super smooth.

RM13 is a deep maroon/burgundy red, it looks neutral on the lips though. A gorgeous red, must say

WM10 is a deep plum wine. It is the most unique wine shade in my stash, love this color!

OM11 is a deep rust orange, absolutely love this shade! It is super smooth and goes the creamiest.

Here are the shades on me..

Top: PM11, RM13
Bottom: WM10, OM11

Sorry for the Pink Matte swatch, it didn’t look so dry and patchy in person, but as I mentioned this one is not the smoothest.

I love each of the four shades and cannot  pick one favourite. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the 14 shades, especially nudes.

Except the smell, no shade names and the stain being a little difficult to remove, I have no cons.

Overall I would say Lakme killed it with this launch!! So so glad Lakme launched affordable matte lipsticks in a beautiful array of colors, can’t be happier! Kudos Lakme, absolutely highly recommend these, worth every penny.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4.5/5

I would be giving away one of these on my Instagram in 1-2 days, so watch out for that 😀

Have you tried the new Lakme Enrich Matte Lipsticks?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal/Rose Water Review

Patanjali, Reviews, Rose Water, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal/Rose Water Review

By Archana

Rose water is one common product in everyone’s skincare regime, irrespective of skin type or concerns. It is a multi-purpose product with many benefits. There so many brands offering rose water nowadays, right from budget friendly ones like Dabur, Banjaras to high- end luxury brands like Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials. Today’s review is about a budget friendly rose water from Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali. Read on to know whether you should go for it or not.

Product Claims:

Ingredients & Directions to use:

Price and quantity: Rs.25 for 120ml.

Packaging:

It comes in a transparent plastic bottle packaging with a pink screw cap. On opening the cap, there is an inner stopper which closes the mouth of bottle. You need to use a pin to make a hole in the stopper. But carrying it around is not a good idea as I have noticed some spillage while travelling. I now transfer some to my Fabindia spray bottle for travel purposes. One big con I didn’t like in the packaging was that all the details of the product are mentioned in hindi. Considering the fact that Patanjali products are sold all over India, I think they should start printing in English.

Texture and fragrance:

It is just like plain water in color and consistency. The fragrance is very soothing and natural of fresh roses. The ones that I used from Dabur and Banjara’s, I felt were kind of artificial. But this one has a more natural fragrance. But it is very mild and not overpowering and so won’t bother sensitive noses.

My experience:

I have been using Patanjali Rose Water in many different ways. Firstly, I use it as toner after washing my face. It hydrates my face instantly and also helps to blend in the moisturiser easily. After coming home from travelling in the hot sun, I spray some on my face. It instantly refreshes me and soothes and cools the sun-burned skin. I also used this rose water to mix my homemade face packs for extra benefits. For eyes, I soak two cotton pads in this rose water and place over my eyes and relax. It calms down irritated area under the eyes which occurs while scrubbing and also relieves puffy eyes. As I have very sensitive skin under the eyes, most of the eye creams and gels don't suit me. But this has helped to keep my under eye area well-hydrated and healthy. I haven’t faced any breakouts with Patanjali Rose Water and I feel it can be used by sensitive skin types also.

During winters, I mix few drops of glycerin to this rose water and apply all over body to nourish and moisturize dry and parched skin. Since, its very affordable I find it apt to be used on body too, unlike the expensive rose waters from higher end brands. It doesn’t give any miraculous results but then at this price point what can you expect. It is just a daily use product which helps to maintain healthy skin.

Pros:

* Light and hydrating.

* Soothing and natural fragrance.

* Can be used in multiple ways.

* Suitable for all skin types.

* Budget friendly.

Cons:

* Packaging is not travel-friendly.

Rating: 4.1/5

Verdict: Overall, Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal is a budget friendly rose water for everyday use. It can be used in different ways for face, body and even hair. Compared to the other brands like Dabur and Banjara’s which fall under the same price range, I feel Patanjali rose water is more natural from the fragrance. I would definitely recommend all of you to give this a try.

Editor’s Note: Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel and Rose Water are their cult products, very economical and good quality. Nice review Archana

Have you tried the Patanjali Rose Water?

Easy Blue Smokey Eyes Makeup Tutorial | Drugstore | Indian Makeup

Colorbar, Eye Makeup, Eyeshadows, Makeup, Makeup Tutorials, Maybelline, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Easy Blue Smokey Eyes Makeup Tutorial | Drugstore | Indian Makeup

Hi guys,

I created this easy blue smokey eyes using just two products i.e. Maybelline Sapphire Blue Colorsensational 3D Eyeshadow Palette and Colorbar Eyeshadow Crayon in Moss.

I hope you like the look.

Products used:

Sephora Smoothing Primer
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Concealer
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Powder
Revlon Nearly Naked Medium Deep Powder
MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter
Marks & Spencer Blush Damson
Maybelline Colorsensational 3D Eyeshadow Palette Sapphire Blue
Colorbar Eyeshadow Crayon Moss
Maybelline Super Black Colossal Kajal
PAC Eyeliner Pen
Rouge Bunny Rouge Alchemy Eyebrow Pencil
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
MAC Flamingo Park Collection Cremesheen Glass Such Sweeties

I liked this Maybelline Palette but they do need a base eyeshadow/pencil for the colors to show up. The highlight shade was pretty good, black one had a lot of fall out though.

I love this Colorbar eyeshadow crayon and these are fabulous even on their own when you don’t want an all out look but some nice color and definition.

Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂