Tag Archives: Indian Lifestyle Blog

5 Make-up Must Haves For The 'Summer Goddess' Look

5 Make-up Must Haves For The ‘Summer Goddess’ Look

5 Make-up Must Haves For The ‘Summer Goddess’ Look

By Ankita

Hello everyone,

I was watching Gods of Egypt a couple of months back and it did not take me long before I got totally obsessed with Élodie Yung’s ‘Hathor’ look in the movie. Sporting slight tan-ish bronze look, she looked absolutely stunning! So, I began my own little research ‘how to get that bronze goddess glow’, but, to be frank, it was a little over the top in real life.

It wasn’t until a few days back, that I hit the gold! So here I am with 5 makeup absolutes to get the bronze gold, goddess of the sands look with affordable drugstore products.

For the convenience of my readers, I have made a few product suggestions that are quite easily available and are a perfect dupe for high-end drugstore items, with a few application tips to nail it.

Want to get that sun-kissed look without actually getting out in the sun? Stay tuned till the end 🙂

Face It!!

1. Liquid Illuminators

Liquid Illuminators are a rage this season. They give you that bronzy-under the skin glow that looks almost effortless.

Application Tip: Take a pea-sized amount on your stippling brush and stipple it all over your face with light hands.

What I recommend

Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in the shade Bare Lights is perfect for this look. It imparts a decent glow to the face without going overboard.

Priced at: 995 INR

2. Flesh toned Concealer

Remember girls, the focus of this look is on bringing your natural facial highlights and features. So it is better to stay away from concealers that are way too lighter than your skin tone. The idea here is to get a flawless base.

Application Tip: Take your concealer and dot it on areas that need a bit of touch-up. Say for example, under the eyes, around the mouth and any other blemished area. Lightly dab it with your ring finger first and then blend it with a beauty blender.

What I recommend

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD is my absolute favourite when it comes to concealing. It doesn’t crease at all and blends like a dream. The brush tip applicator lets you control the amount of product coming out of the tube. Best thing, they have a shade for every skin tone, but medium beige works just fine for me.

Priced at: 535 INR

3. Highlight

Now comes the most important part of this look, ‘The Highlight’. A champagne gold colour highlighter would give you that goddess glow without making it too dramatic.

Application Tip: Take a small amount of highlighter and brush it with the lightest hands on all high points of your face including cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose, cupids bow, inner corners of eyes and a little on your collar bone.

What I recommend

Makeup Revolution Pro Highlighter – Illuminate has just the right amount of light reflecting particles to light up your face, never making it look like a disco ball. It has beautiful gold champagne colour and is sure to make some heads turn when you put it on.

Priced at: 725 INR

4. The eyes have it all

Application: Keep the eyes neat and clean with a rose-gold eye shadow all over the lid and a dark brown kohl on the upper lash line, lightly smudged and slightly winged to give that doe-y eyed appearance.

What I recommend

– Eye Shadow: Faces Glam on Color Perfect eye shadow Quad Captive

This palette has the four most beautiful colours with rosy gold and bronze undertones and is a must for all those looking for a subtly shimmer based eye shadow palate. The colour payoff is excellent, with least fall out.

Priced at : 599 INR

– Kohl: Lakme Eyeconic Brown Kajal

A dark brown kohl pencil would definitely compliment the entire look instead a black one. Lakme Iconic Brown Kajal glides on smoothly to give you that intense sensual gaze that is sure to steal many hearts.

Priced at: 275 INR

Now pucker up

5. Lip Gloss

Application: Nothing more sensual than a nude lip. Dab your beauty blender with a little bit of concealer/foundation on your lips and top it off with a nude pink lip gloss just on the centre of your lips.

What I recommend

Colorbar True Gloss Lip-gloss Natural Tan ( 550 INR)

This look is very much wearable and would suit almost all skin tones. As Indians, we are blessed with a beautiful yellow-olive undertone. So why not flaunt it. Try this look and do let me know your thoughts and experience.

Editor’s Note: These are the perfect products for the ‘glow’ in summers 😀 Nice compilation Ankita, welcome to NLM

Do you like the summer goddess glowy look?

Benefits of Papaya for Skin and Hair

Benefits of Papaya for Skin and Hair

By Sanchita

Papaya is called the “The Fruit of the Angels” and it is a native to the tropical areas of Central America and Southern Mexico. Today, it is a popular fruit and often known as ‘papita’ in Hindi.

This amazing fruit is enriched in vitamins A, C, E and K and has various other antioxidant properties. Consuming the fruit will not only give you amazing skin and hair but it has various beauty benefits as well. It is applied on the skin and hair for natural beauty.

The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Skin are as follows –

Removal of sun tan – This is a common problem for summer. Our skin is prone to tanning and looks dull. The papaya has vitamins A and C in abundance along with a enzyme called ‘papain’. This helps to lighten the complexion, removing sun tan and dark spots with the passage of time. Simply make a thick paste of papaya and add honey and turmeric to it. Apply this face pack every day in a week and see how it improves the skin.

Skin hydration – Papaya is rich in water content and has various other elements as well which helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and moisturized. The hydration is smooth and will not clog the pores or make the skin look oily. Simply, blend ½ cup of ripe papaya into a fine paste, add honey and apply evenly on skin. Wash off after 20-25mins.

Anti-ageing – Papaya is anti-ageing in nature. It has vitamins C and E to rejuvenate the skin and the papaya skin has various enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, the age spots and wrinkles are prevented and removed. It also contains Retin-A which help reduce the signs of aging. Overall, you get younger looking skin with bright and radiant skin tone. Mash ½ cup of overripe papaya, add honey and yogurt and apply as a face mask. Wash off after 20-25 mins. You can also rub the skin of papaya for better results.

Prevention of acne and pimples – Papaya has an enzyme called papain that has natural skin- cleansing properties, which helps to get rid of clogged pores and greasiness. The exfoliating effect helps in preventing blackheads. The enzyme helps in preventing acne and improving the skin as well. It also helps to soothe the inflamed skin. Simply, apply a thin layer of ripe papaya pulp as face mask and leave on for 20mins. Wash off with cold water and pat the skin dry.

Brighten complexion and removal of dark spots – This is one of the most effective beauty benefits of papaya. The papain helps to lighten the dark spots, giving a bright and radiant complexion. It is known that papaya contains natural bleaching properties. The vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties and also helps in clearing the skin of impurities. Rub a fleshy part of ripe papaya every alternative days and wash off with cold water.

The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Hair are as follows –

Soft and healthy hair – The papaya is also very helpful for lustrous, healthy hair. It is enriched in several minerals, vitamins and enzymes that can improve hair growth and strength. Along with that, it will also help to thicken the hair and the protein in papaya reduces split ends. To prepare a papaya hair mask, blend a ripe papaya according to your hair length and mix with olive oil or almond oil. Apply this all over the hair, from root to tip and keep it for 30-40mins. Wash off with mild shampoo.

Reduces dandruff – Papaya helps in reducing dandruff and prevents dry scalp. It has various antifungal properties. Even the seeds of papaya prevents fungal infection. Blend ½ papaya with the seeds intact and apply the paste generously on the scalp. Leave it on for one hour and then shampoo as usual.

Caution –

  • Always do a patch test before using it on skin and hair.
  • Papaya can cause allergic reactions in some people, which might due to papain or the latex.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using excessive papaya.

Editor’s Note: Loved the DIY and tips Sanchita

Do you use papaya for your skin and hair?

March 2017 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

March 2017 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

So as it’s 1st of the month, I got my March Fab Bag today. I know all of you are always excited about the Fab Bag unboxing, so I try and do it as soon as possible.

The theme for this month is ‘Go Get It, Girl’

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s a dusty purple/burgundy colored bag, they had given an option to choose the bag too this month, out of this March bag and two previous Fab Bags, I went with this as I already had those and wanted something new. I love the color and the criss cross textured pattern

Products I got:

  • Seduction Las Vegas Lipstick 06 Nude Love- (Full size) : Rs.180/-
  • Sugar Tip Tap Toe Nail Lacquer 003 Burn Your Beiges (Full size) : Rs.199/-
  • Kronokare Flower Powder Face Toner – 55ml
  • Moha Herbal Shower Gel- 30ml
  • Ayorma SPF 40 Sun Block- 10g
  • Natural Bath & Body Beautiful Day Body Mist- 50ml

Though there are 6 products this time, the Ayorma one is a small sample, but I am glad they didn’t include that and give only 5 products.

I had the option to choose the shade in the Seduction Lipstick out of 4 shades, and I went with this Nude Love. I love this pinky brown color, perfect for everyday wear. There were reds too in the options, if you would like that.

Seduction Nude Love

I have tried Moha Herbal products before and quite like them, looking forward to this shower gel. It smells very citrusy and refreshing, perfect for summers.

I am glad they included the new Sugar launch i.e. the nail paint in this month’s box. I wasn’t expecting it, though would have loved a color option in that. I would have preferred a brighter, fun summer color.

The Kronokare Face Toner looks the most interesting to me, I like the spray bottle, would be using it from today. Kronokare makes chemical free, natural products and some of them are pretty unique and nice. I have some high expectations from this toner.

The Ayorma Sun Block is SPF 40 and has a herbal smell, let’s see how this one works. But a pretty tiny sample though, 20-30g would have been nice.

And lastly, the Natural Body Mist. Absolutely love the smell of this! It’s floral and summery, a lily-jasmine like mix.

The total value of the products comes to around Rs.700-725

Overall I would say it’s an ok bag comparing the prices of the products as none of the products/samples are expensive. You can go for it if you would like to try these.

What did you get in your March Fab Bag?

Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village Experiential, Vlog

Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village Experiential, Vlog

Hi guys,

So last to last weekend I was in Palakkad in Kerala at The Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village. Those of you who follow me on social media already know that and have been seeing the live updates.

Since there was no network and WiFi there, I couldn’t update much, but of course I captured everything for the vlog.

About Kairali: Kairali Ayurvedic Group’s signature resort ‘The Ayurvedic Healing Village’ is situated int Palakkad, just a few kilometers from the world’s biggest mountain pass between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There is no better place to get inside nature and rejuvenate with natural medicine than the sweet scented forests of Kerala’s Pala trees. Time spent at this unique jungle paradise will allow you to experience the authentic healing practices of ancient India, while relaxing in the lap of modern holistic luxury.

They have different packages for different treatments, yoga therapy, yoga training, ayurveda training, etc. They get patients from all around the world for hypertension, anxiety, nervous breakdown, facial paralysis, weight loss, etc.

You can of course also go there to detox, relax and rejuvenate. A break like this is very refreshing.

We were welcomed with the sandalwood tikka, small white shawl like silk cloth and fresh coconut water. Once you check in, the first thing is consultation with the doctor as your stay, food and everything that will follow will be according to the doctor’s guidelines. The doctor checks your blood pressure, weight and asks for your entire medical history and specific concerns and issues.

Treatment/Massage room

She also prescribes ayurvedic medicines, if required. Apart from that, there are 1-2 massages/treatments everyday as per your package and medical requirement.

We had two massages and we tried Abhyangam on Day 1 and Shirodhara on Day 2. I absolutely loved the massages, they use warm oil very generously and each patient has two attendants and they both do it in perfect sync.

Abhyangam is massaging each and every body part with a lot of warm oil, from head to toe. Shirodhara as the name suggests is flow of oil on your head. They do start with the body massage at first, which is followed by Shirodhara. After the massage, we have to sit in the steam chamber for about 5-6 minutes, followed by the bath. They give a special ubtan (which has green gram powder) to bath with, it gets rid of all the oil without stripping any moisture from the skin. I did not require any moisturiser while I was staying there, because of the generous oil during the massage on both the days.

Outside my villa

There are 30 villas in the Kairali property right now, I loved how each villa was at a distance and each villa had a nice verandah outside to relax and admire the surroundings. The entire property is lush green with a lot of different trees and waterfalls around. You can also find a lot of rare birds and butterflies.

Breakfast (Wheat Upma)

Food is all organic made with very little oil and less salt and spices. There is no sugar used in anything, you can get palm sugar if needed. All desserts had jaggery in it. You get fixed portions if you are here for weight loss program. But you get everything from soup, salad, roti, 2 veggies and one dal and rice, followed by dessert. They grow all fruits and vegetables in their own organic farm behind the property. Morning breakfast starts with a plate full of fresh fruits and fresh fruit juice, followed by one main dish and toast/butter.

The water served here is special herbal water. There is red sandalwood based pink water which everyone can drink, it tastes just like regular water. And there is Niranjal (not sure if this is the correct spelling :/) which is light yellow in color and meant for weight loss and increasing metabolism, it has a slight jeera water taste.

They also have a herbal garden which has one herb plant each, it is only for training purpose. Their main property where they grown all the herbs is near their factory. We also visited the factory where they make all Kairali products and saw the entire process how each product is made. We were allowed to click only in two rooms, hence the part you see in the vlog is only half of the process.

We also met the founders Mrs. Gita Ramesh and Mr. K.V Ramesh, it was so good meeting them. They were very warm and down to earth. We chatted for about 45 minutes with them. There was also a cooking demo by the main chef and an astrology session later on.

While you are staying there, each day 6.30 to 7.30 is yoga practice and 6 to 7 in the evening is meditation. In between you can have your breakfast, lunch, relax and get your massage treatments done. They also have an entertainment room where you can play a few games and a gym.

You get WiFi access only at the reception area and not in the rooms, so you have to come to the reception to use WiFi. I had no network, so was almost without internet the 3 days. I actually liked this small little break/detox. I am online 24/7, so it was difficult at the start but I was liking it after a day.

The only thing I would have liked better are the rooms. The interiors could have been much better, and same goes for the bathroom. Bathroom didn’t have proper drainage system. Since we were occupied on both the days and were out the whole time, it didn’t bother me much but if someone comes for the 7 days/14 days package, they have to be comfortable. I wish they work on the interiors and bathrooms, because everything else is just perfect!

Overall, I loved the experience and highly recommend going there for a treatment if you are suffering from something specific or just for a detox. Also for elders who are suffering from arthritis, diabetes, blood pressure, etc, it’s an ideal place to visit.

See more/book the place here www.ayurvedichealingvillage.com

We also got a few products during the factory visit. I have been using them since quite some days and I really like them. This Grapeseed and Almond body lotion was a part of the toiletries in the bathroom and had used it during the stay too. I absolutely love the smell. It looks rich but is water based and gets absorbed instantly.

I have used the Kairoil hair oil and the Kairkare body massage oil just once, so will update on that later. I absolutely loved the sandal soap, it smells really good and doesn’t dry the skin at all because of the glycerin in it.

Also the herbal powder for body wash is really good. It exfoliates the skin gently and does not strip the natural oils from the skin. The lemon anti-dandruff shampoo is refreshing and works on keeping the scalp clean and dandruff free.

The products are slightly expensive I would say, but since they are all herbal and natural and if they work, all up for it. Since I saw the factory and how the products are made, I would really love trying more of Kairali products and definitely will. Highly recommend them. I am looking forward to try Kaircin which is a facial oil for glowing skin 🙂

Products/Medicines/Oils can be bought here: www.kairaliproducts.in

P.S: I went to Kairali Healing Village as a part of Ayurveda Sutra Wellness Bloggers meet Edition 2

Have you been to an ayurvedic/health resort before? How was your experience?

How to Select The Best Planner: Weddings in India

How to Select The Best Planner: Weddings in India

Since, every person is quite sure his or her wedding must be the best, much time and efforts are paid to make a wedding ceremony perfect. The amount of the efforts is so huge, that it takes months to arrange a wedding. Definitely, wedding is an exact day that cannot be planned and arranged without a help of professionals. Moreover, when you want to spend one of the best days of your like abroad, you should take care of it every detail in advance.

Where to Find a Skilled Planner

In case you want to perform your ceremony in India, you should always look for the wedding planner, who will be aware of traditions and customs of citizens of India. For sure, no one is forced to hold own wedding in Indian style, but staying in the country it is also important to follow certain rules. If you have chosen to spend your wedding day in India, the first thing you should do is to find the best wedding planners in Delhi NCR. This is definitely not an easy task; still you can find a great wedding planner quite quickly.

If you want to find expert planner, follow the next stages:

– Try to ask your friend and family about the planner that they have used to work with in past or cooperate currently.

– Use the Internet to find the list of the best planners in India.

– Look for a feedback and responses on the Internet and at local media.

– Contact the couples, who used the services of certain planners.

– Make your choice.

Where and How to Arrange a Wedding

The landscapes of India will make every wedding a real fairytale, no matter whether you have been expecting it or not.

When you have a chance to arrange a wedding in such a country, there must be no doubts you are making a great choice. Living or staying in India for a while gives you an additional opportunity to plan your wedding in details, in advance. In the same time, services of an expert planner is always of a high importance. It is all because only such a skilled specialist will make sure nothing extraordinary will happen during a wedding day. Everyone likes surprises, but not on the day that must be held perfectly and according to the plan.

There is also a great rule never to expect other person to do something for you, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Here is the exact day, when other professionally trained person will help you to fully enjoy your wedding day, and forget about responsibilities and other wedding details.

All Nykaa So Matte Nudes Collection Lipsticks Review, Swatches

All Nykaa So Matte Nudes Collection Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So many of you wanted the new Nykaa Nude Collection Review, so here it is..

Claims: Meet your new favorite nude lipstick! The creamy, long-lasting texture gives you pout-worthy lips in one stroke. It effortlessly glides on your lips, giving you a gorgeous soft matte finish. Nykaa brings you a collection that offers you eight stunning nude shades that you won’t be able to keep your hands off! Pucker up and party with our delectable nude mattes!

Plush, pigment-rich formula.
Intense colour pay-off.
Smooth texture.
One stroke application.
Luxurious, effortless glide.
Soft matte finish.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick Nudes Collection Includes :

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Caramel Mocha 21M : Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Caramel Mocha is all you need to start your day right! This delicious light nude hue is as delicious as its name. Swipe it on and conquer the day girl!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Royal Honey 22M : All you’ll do win, no matter what with the Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick- Royal Honey. This warm toned nude shade is as majestic as it gets! We promise you won’t be able to get enough of this lovely light nude!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Hot Cocoa 23M : Girl, all we are saying is that simple is better! Show off your true self with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Hot Cocao. This pinkish toned nude shade will ensure you are summer-time fine even in December!

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick- Praline Cookie 24M : Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Praline Cookie is the sugar rush to your sweet tooth! Go, ahead and give in to this beautiful brown toned shade. Let your lips look absolutely delish in this stunning hue. If this shade doesn’t excite you, we don’t know what will

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Haute Fudge 25M : Baby, you are the It girl with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Haute Fudge. Rock it all night and all day with this brown hue. We promise, this shade is sure to put you in the middle of spotlight! Who’s complaining about that, right?!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Bon Bon 26M : Leave your lipstick stains of the passport and conquer the whole world with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Bon Bon. This rich, chocolate brown shade is sure to make you look like an international diva!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Coffee Mousse 27M : Coffee plus dessert, who can say no to that! Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Coffee Mousse is what dreams are made of! This light brown-toned nude hue is sure to fashionably kick-start your day! Go ahead, swipe this baby on, we know you can’t resist it!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick – Chocolate Truffle 28M : Disturb the peace and run your hands all over him, take him to the other side with the irresistible Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Chocolate Truffle. This rich, dark brown hue is as fun as it gets! So, what are you waiting for? Take the wheel in your hands!

MRP: Rs.399 /- (Buy HERE)

The packaging is same as all other Nykaa lipsticks, black and magnetic with the matching shade name cover on the bottom.

The formula, staying power all being same, let me quickly talk about the shades.

They have numbers 21 to 28 from lighter to darkest nudes. 21 to 24 will work for lighter skin tones and 25 to 28 for deeper skin tones. Though the shades 25 to 28 work well on medium to fair skin tones giving it a deep lip look and not a nude lip colour look.

I have swatched them in 2 parts, 21 to 24 and 25 to 28

L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie
L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie
L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie

Caramel Mocha is a light nude brown

Royal Honey is warmer than Caramel Mocha and has more brown

Hot Cocoa is a nude mauve

Praline Cookie is the darkest from first four, this is where the darker shades start, as the first three are lighter nudes. It is a nude warm brown, deeper than Caramel Mocha and Royal Honey.

L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle
L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle
L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle

Haute Fudge is a light chocolate brown

Bon Bon is a perfect pink brown mix

Coffee Mousse is a brick brown, with a slight reddish tint

Chocolate Truffle is a deep, dark cool toned chocolate brown

Here are all the swatches on me..

The first three lighter shades last a little less than rest of the deeper shades.

I absolutely love Hot Cocoa, Haute Fudge, Coffee Mousse and Chocolate Truffle.

See the Nykaa Lipsticks detailed review and the first 12 shades swatched HERE, the Fall/Winter Collection swatched HERE

Which are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below.

Feb 2017 My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

Feb 2017 My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

I got the Feb My Envy Box today, the product card which as the theme name was missing in my box. But I saw it online, it’s the Indo-French Edition theme, so there are Indian and French brands in here.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

Products I got:

  • L’Oreal Paris Magique Bold Kajal
  • Avene Micellar Water sample
  • Gulnare Gold Dust Highlighter
  • Votre Face Serum

There are 2 Indian and 2 French brands (Considering L’Oreal as a French brand)

I have already tried the Votre Face Serum, I had received it in one of my Fab Bag last year. I have two full sized Avene Micellar Water bottles and it’s pretty good. This though is a small sample size, good enough to travel with.

Gulnare Gold Dust Highlighter is a jar full of gold wax kind of thing. I can’t understand the base, but it gives a soft, gold glow. It’s very sheer though. Good for the body.

I do not expect L’Oreal Paris kajal in My Envy Box as it’s supposed to be a luxury box with luxury brands, also this is something which is available anywhere and everywhere, it is not even an international brand.

I did not like this month’s My Envy Box, even though there are three full sized products, none is interesting. I don’t recommend it.

Last month’s box was so good! I had really high expectations :/

What did you get? Did you get something different?

Trendy Suit Sets for Everyday Wear

Trendy Suit Sets for Everyday Wear

Hi guys,

Suit sets look pretty good whether in office or just casual everyday wear and some even for family get-togethers and light functions.

Also the best part about suit sets is that you can mix and match them and wear the bottom and dupatta with your other kurtis too.

I think suit sets are amazing for office as they look formal but are yet comfortable and pretty. I found some pretty good suits for women online.

Here are my picks..

1. Off White Cotton Kalidar Suit Set

I absolutely love this! White always looks pretty, more so with florals. This red floral print on the white dress with the white net palazzos and red geomtric print dupatta makes for a perfect combination.

2. Peach Cotton Kalidar Suit

I love the color peach, this one is perfect for summers. Kalis look elegant and feminine and the matching churidar and crushed dupatta go well with it. The kurti has gold work towards the bottom, and this is something which you can wear for family functions too.

3. Turquoise Straight Pant Suit

Again a beautiful pastel turquoise color with bursts of other pastels in it, perfect for summer. The straight fit style gives it a Pakistani suit look. Makes for great office wear.

4. Orange/Pink Cotton Kurta Set

Orange cotton voile printed kalidar kurta with embroidery on the placket, paired with solid churidar and printed pink dupatta. I love orange and pink combination. The geometric print in pink on the orange kurta overall with the mirror work on the border of the dupatta and the neckline of kurti merges really well.

5. Blue Cotton Leheriya Churidar

Leheriya printed straight fit blue kurta in cotton voile paired with white churidar and printed dupatta bordered in pink. Leheriya is evergreen, something that will never go out of trend. The crushed white and blue dupatta with the pink border looks very pretty.

These were some of my picks, as you saw some had basic color churidhars and dupattas too which you can combine with your other kurtis. I feel 2-3 of these suit sets are must have in our wardrobes.

What do you think? Do you like suit sets?

Make Up For Ever Star Powder, Diamond Powder Review, Swatches

Make Up For Ever Star Powder, Diamond Powder Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I have the Make Up For Ever Star Powder and Diamond Powder with me, I have heard so much about them, especially the Diamond Powder. Read on to know more..

Star Powder

Claims: The Star Powder is a silky powder that catches the light and gives the skin an intense sparkle and unparalleled shine. Its extremely fine, yet dense texture makes it easy to apply. Only a small amount is needed for visible results. The Star Powders can be used alone or blended together, applied over eyeshadow or mixed with any texture to highlight areas of the face.

How to use: Apply with a brush or sponge applicator. Moisten the brush slightly for enhanced shine and hold. For a pearly yet light makeup, apply the Star Powder to your face using a large powder brush. To highlight areas of the face and add a twinkle to your eyes, lips or cheeks, apply small hints of Star Powder.

Pro tip: use a damp brush to increase shine and hold. Use a damp brush to increase shine and hold. To highlight areas of the face or the decolletage, mix foundation with the Star Powder for added shimmers. For longer lasting results and more sparkles on the eyelids, apply a small amount of primer first. For a personalized and intense look, layer several Star Powders, dry or moistened, using a sponge applicator. Bring harmony and shimmers to your look by using the same shade of Star Powder on the eyelids, blended with lipstick, and added to nail varnish.

Shades Available: 35

MRP: Rs.1900/- for 2.8g

It comes in a small jar with punched holes to dispense the product. It’s a standard pigment packaging and quantity.

The shade range is  gorgeous, they have everything from Black Gold to Iridescent Pale Peach and Metallic Rosewood, Yellow Gold, etc.

The shade I have here is called 955 Plum with Blue Highlights. It’s a gorgeous duochrome shade, with hint of blue, brown and plum, reminds me a lot of MAC Blue Brown pigment which I own and is one of my favourites.

Some of the shades like gold, silver, rosewood, etc. would be ideal for Indian brides.

Diamond Powder

Claims: An ultra-fine mineral powder with an intense sparkling effect. Diamond Powder combines the pearly iridescence of Star Powder with the brilliance of glitter. It is composed almost entirely of pure synthetic mother-of-pearl with particles that are finer and literally radiate extreme brilliance as soon as they are applied. It can be used wet or dry on the face or body.

How to use: Diamond Powder can be applied to the eyes, cheeks, lips or body. Diamond Powder can be mixed with any liquid or powdery texture, including foundations, make up bases and lipsticks. For longer lasting results, mix with Aqua Seal or Mist & Fix then apply.

Shades Available: 10

MRP: Rs.2460/- for 2g

It has the same small jar packaging, except the jar is slightly diamond shaped with the edges. I have seen so many makeup artists especially bridal makeup artists use the MUFE Diamond Powder. Even Cory Walia had used it on me on my wedding day.

Diamond Powder Blanc Mauve, Star Powder Plum with Blue Highlights

You can use this on it’s own or top it for added shine at the end of your eye makeup. Every makeup artist has 2-3 shades of MUFE Diamond Powder in their collection. It is one of the finest shimmer available in the market. Even if you hate shimmer/glitter, you cannot stop falling in love with the Diamond Powder.

It gives that iridescent glow without the chunky glitter look. The pearl base is extremely fine and the pink shimmer is only what reflects on the skin on movement. If you use just a tiny bit on the centre of your eyelids, it gleams in sunlight.

I have the shade Blanc Mauve which is fine white mother of pearl pigment with pink-mauve shimmer.

Here is Star Powder on my eyes..

I like the fact that they come in smaller sizes because with pigments, you just need to touch your brush in them and even after using them well, they will last you a lifetime.

The camera did not catch the duochrome effect of the Star Powder and the pink shimmer of the Diamond Powder, it is something you can see under the sun or in light with movement. It’s beautiful!

Pigmentation is amazing, shade range is amazing. Plus they are multi use and work wet and dry for face/body/nails/hair.

They also have Star Lit Power and Metal Powder. If you are looking for a good quality pigment something like Diamond Powder which can be used for a multiple things, I highly recommend checking out Make Up For Ever pigments.

Have you tried the MUFE Star and Diamond Powder?

New Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks India Review, Swatches

New Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks India Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I have two shades from the new Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks and you already saw me using one in the previous Valentine’s Day Tutorial post.

I have been testing these out and here are my thoughts..

Claims: Maybelline New York introduces Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color, a burst of statement-making color meets a surge of creamy texture. Achieve beautiful-looking lips and statement-making color with this supremely sensational matte lipstick. These hydrating lip colors glide smoothly and evenly on lips keeping them moisturized all day long. Now flaunt your pout in bright, vibrant and creamy matte shades for bold impact!

  • Precious oils leave a sensuous finish.
  • Available in 12 gorgeous hues.
  • It is extremely light weight.
  • Does not bleed or set into the lip lines.

Shades Available: 12

  • Faint for Fuchsia
  • Ravishing Rose
  • All Fired Up
  • Nude Nuance
  • Touch of Spice
  • Craving Coral
  • Mesmerizing Magenta
  • Burgundy Blush
  • Siren in Scarlet
  • Vibrant Violet
  • Divine Wine
  • Rich Ruby

MRP: Rs.575/- for 4.2g

To start with, the sheer grey purple case and steel body packaging is quite nice. I always liked the Color Sensational range packaging, they change the outer case color for different ranges.

Although I am not happy with the increase in prices, the Color Sensational range started with Rs.299/- in India and then it increased to 399, 425, 500 and now 575. I feel 575 is a little too steep for Maybelline as we always associate it with affordable prices.

The formula is creamy matte as per the name. It is very comfortable and glides on the lips easily, and gives an opaque finish in two swipes. They are quite moisturizing and feel light weight on the lips.

These are quite pigmented and stay for around 5-6 hours. Since I have both deeper, brighter shades, they definitely stay longer and leave behind a strong tint. I had to finally take them off after 6 hours and scrub my lips well to remove the tint. The lighter nude shades won’t last that long.

These are slightly glossy, and not a flat matte or powder matte finish. Also they do transfer on everything, but don’t go away completely and fade off quite evenly.

I like the fact that they have a good variety of shades, but I still see more of reds. Only two nudes and one violet, would have loved more shades in this range, at least about 20-25.

Faint for Fuchsia is a barbie fuchsia pink. Slightly cool toned but not neonish.

Craving Coral is a bright coral orange.

These swatches are two swipes, I love the pigmentation.

I do recommend the new Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks, I only wish it was priced below Rs.500

I am going to try both the nude shades Nude Nuance and Touch of Spice and also the Vibrant Violet.

They have recently launched the Intimatte Nudes collection in the US and I absolutely love few shades like Raw Chocolate, Beige Babe, etc. I hope they launch that range in India soon!

This Creamy Matte range is available online on Nykaa.

Your favourite shade? Are you going to try the new Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks?