Mumbai Bridal Diaries: One Stop Destination for the Brides-to-Be
Hi guys,
If you have been following my bridal series, you would have seen a lot of posts related to my wedding. I complete one year of my wedding exactly in a week 🙂
I know exactly how a bride-to-be feels and the thousands of mixed emotions she goes through. And planning her own perfect wedding is what every bride dreams of.
I myself have gone through numerous blogs and wedding magazines, taking inspirations for hair, makeup, jewellery, different kinds of ethnic wear for trousseau,etc. Every bride wants to be different coz things get repetitive easily with styles getting very common these days.
With just weeks or months left until the wedding, a bride’s heart is filled with excitement and anxiety. With the big-date getting closer, you may find her wishful and enthusiastic one moment and then getting nervous the very next second.
I would be sharing a lot of more bridal posts on fabrics to buy, how to plan your trousseau and engagement makeup, etc. So stay tuned for more on my Mumbai Bridal Diaries 🙂
Maybelline is a drugstore brand and has taken the world of beauty by storm with their incredibly amazing products and super affordable price tag. From college goers to professionals, they cater the need of one and all and much-loved as a budget friendly option. The products are so good that sometimes they are compared to certain high end brands as well. Every season they are bringing out more and more shades and variety to the existing ranges and no wonder we lust on them! It is extremely difficult to choose handful of the products, but if at all needed, I would choose the certain top 10 products listed below.
1. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Review HERE) (INR 600) – Contouring, highlighting and strobing is blooming in the beauty industry and there nothing better you can get than a highlighting concealer. With a special gel-based formula, it conceals the area with a sheer to medium buildable coverage with its smooth creamy texture and also highlights the same making the eyes look bright. It blends like a dream and doesn’t streak or looks cakey at all.
2. Maybelline Baby Lips(INR 165-275)– they say it right, there’s nothing called too many Baby Lips. If you have used one, chances are that you have been blown over by this lip balm and bought few more. There creamy, tinted, hydrating, soft, non-waxy and the amazing list goes on till eternity. Baby lips have many variants that have been launched under the range which are the tinted versions, Spiced Up series, Electro Pop and very recently launched – theCandy Wow.
3. Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer (INR 85-145) – a heaven for nail lovers, the Color show range has numerous shades and textured nail lacquers to jazz up your beautiful hands. They are well pigmented, decently long lasting and also comes in 40shades. The Color Show series also has the Bright Sparks range, Glitter Mania which gives an elegant frosty finish and super long lasting on nails, the Go Graffiti series with hexes and polka dots to bring out the playful little girl inside you and very recently they added the Gold Digger collection with beautiful golden variants.
4. Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder (Review HERE) (INR 150) – a great budget friendly compact option for everyone with an oily skin and disturbing T-zone. A very recent launch in India, White Super Fresh Compact Powder comes in four shades which would happily match and cater the needs to a large number of skin tones and complexions in India. With UV filters that protects the skin from sun damage, the promise of 12h freshness and presence of the mineral – Perlite, it absorbs oil and sweat effectively to make your skin look fresh and glowing throughout the day.
5. Maybelline the Colossal Kajal and Liner(Review HERE and HERE)(INR 200 & 425)– The launch of Colossal Kajal took the beauty world by storm. This was the first budget friendly option and following the footsteps, many other brands came out with their own version. Maybelline was definitely always one step ahead and launched beautiful shade variants of the colossal. The liner from this same series was an equal hit because of the price and quality which gives you the perfect cat eyes and dreamy look.
6. Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (INR 500) – Applying falsies is definitely a dreadsome task and taking it off is another story. Fret on, Maybelline has a solution! They came out with a budget friendly option of mascara that truly gives you the fluttery falsies look for any occasion. It is enriched with Pro-Keratin formula and gives a natural boost to the lashes with the dramatic look you desire. It also comes in washable and waterproof variant according to the need of yours.
7. Maybelline Blush Studio Cheeky Glow(Review HERE)(INR 275) – these cute little pots are adorable to the core. These are the easiest applicable blush I have come across and available in three shades – Creamy Cinnamon, Fresh Coral and Peach Sweetie. They are almost weightless on skin with a silk smooth texture, blends like a dream and makes the cheeks glow like a natural touch. These are also priced very low for a good budget friendly product.
8. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner (Review HERE)(INR 499) – This gel liner has been often compared to MAC by various Bloggers across the world and truly it has its own beauty. The liner, although available in only Black, is the darkest version I have seen it. The creaminess of the liner, the rich and intense color pay off and a cute petite brush that comes with it, makes is a must-have in your vanity. The price is again very negligible compared and the liner is completely smudge proof and waterproof.
9. Maybelline Color Sensational Velvet Matte(INR 450) – Matte is the new black and every brand has come out with their version. Maybelline, with the launch of velvet matte has gained attention as well. These are Velvet Mattes are intensely creamy which settles down to a satin velvety texture without drying out the lips completely and looks fresh. The formula is hydrating and keeps lips non-sticky, non-chalky and hydrated all day long. There are available in 7 beautiful shades.
10. Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette (INR 899) – Maybelline doesn’t have many eye shadow palettes but The Nudes is the ultimate and appropriate launch this season. With a combination of warm basic neutrals and browns, the palette is a wonderful option for everyday wear as well as parties.
Editor’s Note: I pretty much agree with the list, except for the Color Sensational Velvet Matte, I would go with the Color Sensational lipsticks. They have some amazing shades, I love the Bold Matte and Pink Alert Range too. Also the 14H Superstay Lipsticks. Maybelline Colossal Liner is my staple, can’t live without it. Also love the Colossal Volume Mascaraand the Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, one of my favourite drugstore foundations. The new eyebrow pencil Fashion Brow is also my favourite 😀 Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eye shadows are all time favourites, and the shade ‘Bronze’is one of the best and my most loved product. I can’t wait for the Color Blur Lip Pencils to launch here soon! I think we need a top 15 or top 20 when it comes to Maybelline, it is indeed the most loved, economical and innovative brand out there.
Are your Maybelline favourites in the Top 10 list here?
If you remember I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Burst Face Wash before (Read HERE). Clean & Clear has been one of the oldest brands and one of the first to introduce face washes in India and that too in the affordable category. I believe every one of us has used and loved Clean & Clear face washes.
The Foaming Face Wash was one of their very first launches. I loved the Morning Energy range and was eager to try the new Foaming Face Wash.
What the Company claims: Clean & Clear’s improved oil-free Foaming Face Wash helps prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin. The improved Foaming Face Wash promises to leave skin feeling clean, clear and radiant; and, best of all, controls oil for up to 8 hours!
About Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash: Gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.
Recommended for: Those who want to remove excess oil from their skin and prevent pimples.
How it works: CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash is specially designed for young skin – to remove excess oil, while its special ingredients help prevent pimples. Its liquid formula cleans deep without causing dryness, and is gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.
Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s beautiful, clean and clear! Follow with CLEAN & CLEAR® OIL FREE MOISTURISER for best results.
It comes in this clear bottle with blue cap, the standard Clean & Clear face wash packaging. It is runny and transparent with a slight golden hint.
It comes out clear and foams well. It deep cleans the skin and gets rid of all the dirt and clears the pores, you can feel it cleaning from deep within. It also controls the oil secretion for about 6-8 hours. I have combination skin and my T-zone gets oily in 3-4 hours usually but with this, it is well in control for a decent time.
Since it foams a lot, it does dry out the skin a bit and needs to be followed up with a rich moisturizer, especially in winters.
I really like the way it deep cleans, the fact that it can be carried along easily, comes in mini versions too which are perfect for hand bag for use in college, office, etc., is affordable and easily available everywhere. It is perfect for oily and combination skin, but I know friends with dry skin too, who quite like it.
Clean & Clear always comes up with interesting and helpful campaigns time and again, the latest being ‘Ready Face’. Ready Face helps teenage girls find their courage by introducing a ritual to empower girls to face the day head on. (Read more HERE)
Teenage years can be some of the most daunting, as they experience some of the most drastic developments to their emotional, physical and social well-being during these years. Part of these developments include the struggle to control the blemishes and oiliness surfacing on their constantly changing skin.
We have all been through that teen phase where even one pimple feels like our life is terrible and our confidence is at the lowest. We do not even feel like stepping out of the house and God forbid if we have a presentation or college fest or something like that, it’s like the ‘end of the world’ for us!
Research shows that a staggering 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid their daily activities when they feel bad about their looks and that 7 in 10 girls also believe that they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way.
So how does Clean & Clear empower teen girls to be their most courageous self? How do they help them combat their self-judgement?
The experts believe people who smile more frequently or do a power pose feel more confident about themselves.
Clean & Clear believes that beauty comes from being confident, comfortable and secure in your own skin. That is why the brand wants to introduce teenagers around the world to Ready Face, a concept that empowers you to channel your most courageous self– It can be a smile, a look, a gesture, or saying in front of the mirror that provides individuals with the confidence they need to take on everyday challenges. Ready Face motivates young girls to smile, be confident and take on the world. By getting noticeably clearer, more beautiful skin, teens are empowered to take back the mirror, flash their Ready Face, and become their most beautiful self.
So what do you think about the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash? And Ready Face?
What the Company claims: It is the ultimate hydrating treatment based crème with gives a semi matte flawless finish and keeps skin hydrated for long. 10 benefits * Covers Pimples spot * Hides imperfections * Gives even tone * No clogging of Pores * Covers blemishes and dark spots * Instant beautifier * Buildable coverage * Brightening primer * Moisturizes and Hydrates * SPF 25
MRP: Rs.299/- for 30g
Shades Available: 2
Royal Pearl– Fair to Medium
Bright Angel– Medium to Dark
It comes in this pink tube packaging with silver cap and has a nozzle dispensor. The packaging is quite bright and nice, convenient to use and travel friendly.
I have the shade Bright Angel which is the one for medium skin tones. It is nothing but a tinted moisturizer i.e. the blend of skincare plus some makeup. And has SPF25 too.
It is quite rich and needs to be set with a compact powder. Skin gets oily within an hour or so, I would not recommend it for oily skin or for use in summers.
Coverage is ok, it only evens out the skin tone and reduces the redness. It does brighten the skin a but, but does not cover dark circles or any acne spots. It stays for a good 5-6 hours but does need touch up with a compact powder. But it sure is quite moisturizing and skin doesn’t feel tight even in winters for a good few hours.
As you can see in my ‘Before-After’ pic here, it only evened out the skin and brightened it a bit, did not cover any marks or dark circles. This is just using the cream and I haven’t use any compact or anything else here.
Before – After
Only 2 shades are available in this, but thankfully both are warm and yellow and will work for majority skin tones. It does oxidize a bit on the face after 2-3 hours, that might be coz of the sunscreen.
It has licorice and aloe vera extracts. Licorice is anti-inflammatory, helps in reducing redness of the skin, helps absorb ingredients better and also helps in lightening the skin. Aloe vera of course has numerous benefits, key being hydrating, moisturizing, anti-bacterial. Not a fan of licorice coz of it lightening the skin.
Pricing is ok, it’s the same as other BB/CC creams in the market and almost the same qty. Only active ingredients are mentioned on the pack, they should have mentioned a list of all ingredients for people to know what exact skincare benefit they are getting. Except licorice and aloe vera, nothing has been mentioned.
Overall I would say, if you do not have problematic skin and only need something for daily use which can provide sun protection and even out skin tone, you can try this out.
Rating:
Quality: 3.25/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.25/5
Have you checked out the new Lotus Herbals Xpress Glow 10 in 1 Daily Beauty Creme SPF 25 yet?
So today I am reviewing this latest launch by Maybelline India, the Baby Lips Candy Wow in Peach.
What the Company claims: Baby Lips has launched a new range of lip balms called the Baby Lips Candy Wow range to make your winter exciting and fun. Baby Lips has moved beyond the basic lip balm stick and now comes in the form of a crayon pen! Enriched with Vitamin E, this chubby stick will help you wow your lips in 5 candy shades – Raspberry, Mixed Berry, Orange, Cherry and Peach. Now take intense care of your lips this Winter and pop them with a dash of color with the fun and sweetness of a candy.
Here are the reasons why you’ll love the new Baby Lips Candy Wow:
– Available in 5 new shades
– Delicious, candy flavors
– 1st lip balm in a pen
– Enriched with Vitamin E to make your lips look better
– Gives supple and better-looking lips
– Visible results instantly
– Only for Rs. 275/-
It comes in this pen kind crayon twist up form. Packaging is quite cute, but also a little broader and longer if you want to carry it in your wallet or denims. I usually carry my normal Baby lips in my denim pockets, this is a bit longer to carry around easily.
This is the complete quantity and it is just 2g which will not last really long if you reapply lip balms 2-3 times a day.
Peach is a very light pale peach that will only work for fair skin tones, doesn’t work well on me. Also Peach is not that pigmented.
Orange is a light fanta orange shade
Cherry is reddish shade
Raspberry is a beautiful pink
Mixed Berry is a light purply pink
These are quite pigmented, a little more than few of the original Baby lips. Moisturising and hydrating enough, stay for 3-4 hours. It has a faint candy smell, but doesn’t last long, just for a minute or so.
Here is the swatch of the Peach shade..
And on me..
Difference between Baby Lips and Baby Lips Candy Wow:
Price: Baby Lips are Rs.150-175 and this is pricey at Rs.275
Qty: Baby lips is 4g and this is just 2g
Pigmentation: Baby Lips Candy Wow some shades are more pigmented than Baby Lips
Size: Baby lips are more travel friendly and handy
Packaging: Baby Lips Candy Wow look cuter with the bright crayon packaging
Overall I would say, if you need something cute and more pigmented than normal lip balms, Baby Lips Candy Wow is a perfect option. If you want something handy and value for money with good qty and affordable pricing, then stick to Baby Lips.
I have seen the swatches online and I love Raspberry and Cherry. Peach is the least pigmented. I definitely recommend checking out or buying Raspberry and Cherry, I am getting those next!
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5
Have you tried the new Maybelline Baby Lips Candy Wow yet?
The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions
Hi guys,
I have been using the new Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil since a week now and here are my first impressions about it.
What the Company claims: Infused with three precious seed oils and a blend of seven essential oils, we’ve created the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. The lightweight and quickly absorbing texture leaves a non-sticky finish, melting onto the skin, leaving it silky and soft. Instantly, skin appears smoother, more radiant, revived, revitalized and nourished. After 4 weeks, the signs of aging appear reduced, wrinkles appear minimized, and skin feels more elastic and firm.
How to use: This dermatologically tested oil can be applied every morning and evening before applying a cream. Apply 1 to 2 drops maximum (2-3 for very dry skin) onto the face and neck and gently massage into the skin. Follow with one of our Oils of Life moisturizers.
MRP: Rs.3095/- for 30ml
Ingredients:
It comes in a sleek and nice golden yellow glass bottle with a black dropper dispensor. The packaging is very convenient to use, though I am not sure how travel friendly it would be coz of the glass.
I love using oils on my face, using oils and serums at night is something I have been following since years and it really works amazing. Oils can be used even by people with oily skin, what it does it balances the oil secretion of the skin and also has amazing properties for revitalizing, firming and hydration of the skin. Different oils have different properties and this time Body Shop has come up with a combination of three special seed oils i.e Black Cumin, Camellia and Rosehip.Cold pressed seed oils are the purest form of oils and all their properties remain preserved. It also has a lot of other oils like Olive Oil as a base, Lavender Oil, Jojoba oil , Orange Peel Oil, etc.
I use 2-3 drops of it every night and massage it well on the skin, it has a complete dance routine massage video on their youtube channel. The smell is not unpleasing, it is nice, I do smell a hint of lavender and I really like lavender oil.
The oil is super light in texture and absorbs in a jiffy. Skin next day is super moisturised and plump, there is no redness or dryness. My skin was feeling very dry and stretchy as the winters had started, especially in the mornings, also coz of the AC at night. But since the time I have been using this, there are no dry patches and no stretchiness.
It also claims to have firming and anti-ageing properties, I cannot comment on it right now and would do a full review on it, post using it for a month.
It is slightly on the expensive side but all oils and serums in this category are almost in the same range. And since you need just 2-3 drops per use, this will easily last months
Overall I would say, I definitely recommend trying this out, especially if you love serums and oils. This is just a perfect blend of all the goodness of oils.
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
Have you checked out or tried the The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil yet?
I am back with an OOTD, this time it’s this pretty black dress with pinkish red roses on the bottom half. It’s an old dress I had got from Done By None but never untill yet.
I created this case for Asus #Zenfone on their #Zenlooks app here http://bit.ly/1Q1ohRK, it is a galaxy inspired look with deep galaxy colors and some stars in between.
I wanted to create an outfit similar to the case inspiration and I found this dress in my wardrobe which perfectly matched the black and deep pinks and reds in the galaxy.
I kept it very basic and simple and went with a basic rose gold watch and a tan sling. I completed the look with my favourite black and gold block sandals.
I also added this floral pink tiara coz it went beautifully with the dress 🙂
Dress: DonebyNone
Watch, Bag: Michael Kors
Shoes: Shown HERE, HERE and HERE
Have you participated in the Asus India Zenlooks contest yet? You can win Asus Zenfone 2 or the Limited Edition case by CutiepieMarzia every week! Head here now http://bit.ly/1Q1ohRK
Khadi Rose Water vs Fabindia Rose Water vs Lotus Herbals RoseTone Facial Toner
By Archana
Rose water is a favorite beauty product for almost all of us. It has multiple uses, can be used as a toner, for mixing face packs, as a refreshing facial mist, to reduce stress in eyes and even for hair care. It is one product that suits all skin types, oily or dry skin. There are numerous brands rose waters available in the market. Today, I will be comparing three of the best brands’ rose waters – Khadi, Fabindia and Lotus Herbals. Ofcourse, there are more luxury brands offering rose waters like Kama Ayurveda, Forest Essentials, etc. which are undoubtedly superior, but for this post, am comparing the popular budget-friendly ones. Read on to know which one you need to get now.
Packaging:
Khadi rose water comes in a plastic bottle with a flip-flop cap and a small hole to dispense the product. While Fabindia and Lotus Herbals comes in a convenient spray form which is easy and quick to use as you can directly spray on face. Clearly, Khadi’s regular packaging, though good for body lotions and shampoos, is not apt for a rose water.
Texture and color:
Khadi rose water is just like plain water in color and texture. Fabindia rose water, while you spray onto your hands, foams a little. But apart from that, both Khadi and Fabindia feels just like applying water on your face. Gets absorbed quickly, no stickiness, greasiness and they don’t make your face oily. Lotus Herbals, being a toner, has a slightly more denser juice-like consistency due to ingredients like aloe vera juice. It is light pink in color, obviously, artificial color. Khadi and Fabindia rule in this aspect.
Fragrance:
Fabindia rose water has possibly the most natural, soothing and pleasant fragrance among the three. It smells just like fresh roses, though not overpowering. Khadi’s fragrance is good, though it is more artificial, more like the Dabur and Banjara’s ones. Lotus Herbals too has a nice pleasant fragrance which is a little more on the sweeter side compared to Fabindia and is more artificial.
Ingredients:
Fabindia rose water is 100% pure and made from steam distillation of roses. Khadi rose water mentions only rose petals and water in the ingredients list, but it doesn’t say whether it is prepared through steam distillation or conventional method of boiling the petals and filtering. Steam distillation is the more preferred method as just filtering might not exclude all the impurities. Lotus Herbals on the other hand contains not just roses but also tulsi leaves extract, aloe vera gel, vetiver extract, castor oil and parabens and fragrance too. Clearly Fabindia tops in the ingredients and method of preparation. Lotus Herbals is good if you are looking for extra benefits of other ingredients like tulsi, aloevera and vetiver as well.
Efficacy:
In terms of efficacy, I love Fabindia rose water as its made from 100% steam distillation of roses. So I can use it even for sensitive areas like eyes and also hair care without fear. Since its pure, you can also put few drops into your eyes to freshen and cool your eyes. I have combination skin and when I used it in summers it helped to soothe and calm sunburnt skin and also provide light hydration making my skin appear healthy and glowing. With Khadi rose water, the results are normal just like any other rose water. But I feel its not as hydrating as the Fabindia one. Lotus Herbals , being more of a proper toner, offers extra benefits like minimizing pores and smoothing out skin. But after appyling, it gives a little sticky and greasy feeling. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin very well and makes it soft and plumper. I have combination skin which gets dry in winters and this toner has helped my skin stay hydrated throughout. Sometimes, I even skip moisturizer. Though, I don’t think I can use this toner in summers. Also, it won’t be suitable for oily/acne-prone skin people. And unlike, pure rose water, this can’t be used for eyes or hair.
Price:
Fabindia Rose Water comes at Rs.175 for 100ml which is makes it almost 4.5 times costlier than Khadi Rose Water which comes at Rs.80 for 210ml. And what do you get extra in Fabindia rose water for it? Steam distilled pure rose water, soothing natural fragrance, better effects and convenient spray packaging. Lotus Herbals comes at Rs.265 for 100ml, but being a toner, its more concentrated and only little quantity is needed each time compared to the others. So one bottle will last really long.
Final Verdict:
Clearly, the winner among the three is Fabindia Rose Water. It offers the best results, suitable for all skin types, has a soothing and calming fragrance, is made from 100% steam distillation of rose petals and comes in a convenient spray packaging. Those who feel Fabindia Rose Water is costlier, can try Khadi Rose Water, which is definitely far better and pure than the Dabur Gulabari and Banjaras rose waters. Normal – dry skin people who need more hydration and looking for a proper toner, not just plain rose water can go for the Lotus Herbals one.
So I hope you enjoyed reading the post. Which one is your favorite rose water among the three? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: That was a fabulous comparison Archana! I love the Kama Ayurveda Rose Water but yes it is on the costlier side, I would love to try the Fabindia one.
So there is this new sale on Shopbop.com, where you buy more and save more i.e. more the purchases, more the discount. It starts right now and ends after a week on November 30. Use code ‘GOBIG15’ at checkout for the discount, valid even on ‘Sale’ items 🙂
A few days ago I met Ajoy Sengupta, the National Training Head for Givenchy and MUFE. I went for a makeover and he did this peachy and plum soft, night time look on me as I wanted something light. We went with a coral lip which matched my outfit.
I have a complete video on this makeover here..
Products used on me:
Lips
Liner #3
La rouge #302 hibiscus rose
Eyes
Liner couture black
Magic Khol #7 waterline- Nude golden to open up the eyes
Magic khol #3 lash line
Noir couture mascara
Ombré couture #2- Cream eye shadow as a base
Caresse 1- Peach shade and highlighter
Inattendue 3- Plum shade
Face
Hydra sparkling sap serum
Hydra sparkling lotion for combination skin
Hydra sparkling eye gel
