Tag Archives: Indian makeup and beauty blog

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge Update

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge Final Update

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge Final Update

Hi guys,

Time for the last and final update of the Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge. Read more about the event and the challenge HERE and the first update HERE, 2nd update HERE and the 3rd update HERE

I have been shaving my legs for more than a month now. I was always into waxing but things have changed since my marriage, I hardly get the time to go to a salon and also since it’s a new place, I was not very comfortable going to any salon. (Since I used to go to a particular salon only pre marriage near my parents’ place)

This shaving challenge came at the perfect time for me and I readily took it up, and I am so glad I did. I am a convert now and I guess the ease of shaving and how quick it is, has made me a shaving girl now 😀

Today I will bust the myths ‘Shaving causes harm to the skin’ and ‘Shaving causes nicks and cuts’. Well, shaving can cause nicks and cuts if a proper razor is not used and one is not careful while shaving. That was one of the reasons I never shaved before, coz I was always scared of nicks and cuts. But with the adjusting head of Gillette Venus razor, it goes on like super smooth even in the edges and corners of the legs and there has not been a single cut or nick ever with it. I don’t think I am trying out any other razor ever. And as far as causing harm to the skin is concerned, absolutely not! Shaving does not cause any harm to the skin, in fact it removes the dead skin cells and exfoliates in a way.

Benefits of Shaving:

  • Does not damage or darken the skin like hair removing creams
  • Saves a lot of time as no salon visits and can be done anytime,anywhere in minutes
  • Can be carried along anywhere, even on your long holidays
  • One razor lasts 3 months, so it saves a lot of money compared to other hair removal methods!
  • A total value for money
  • Ease of use, you just need a few extra minutes in your bathroom to shave and you are sorted

I have shared the correct method and some tips for shaving HERE and HERE

Its been a boon for me and now I can wear all my dresses without a second thought. I totally love the idea of shaving now and I don’t think I am going back towards waxing anytime soon 😀 From a girl who never shaved to one who does not want to go back,it’s quite a leap,don’t you think? Definitely give it a try, if you haven’t yet!

Read the Gillette Venus Razor Review HERE

You can check out Gillette Venus’ facebook app to know more about shaving or follow them on twitter. You can buy the Gillette Venus Razor HERE, the set of cartridges HERE or the combo pack of all with the Satin Care Gel HERE

Happy Shaving 

Kawar Dead Sea Facial Mask Review

Kawar Dead Sea Facial Mask Review

What the Company claims: Kawar dead sea facial mask
Kawar Dead Sea Facial Mask is one of the best Dead Sea cosmetics, prepared and purified mechanically. Aloe Vera, a natural ingredient, is added to keep your skin’s elasticity. This mask helps clean and open pores, and purifies and tightens the skin to feed the cells with many nutrients

Qty: 150ml
Finish: Handmade
Inspiration: Dead sea

With the increase in salinity and potash Dead Sea is not just famous for its uniqueness of not harbouring any lives but it is also known for its soil which is full of many minerals present in nature. Years and years of research have shown Dead Sea minerals to cure diseases and aches and the huge salt mixture present in the water has created a by product that does wonders to the skin

Origin: Dead Sea, Jordan

MRP: Rs.1434/-

Available HERE on Tjori.com

Ingredients:

To start with, I know the tube has a big spelling error ‘Daed Sea’ but it is all natural and manmade and I guess it is made in a smaller batch and through small time artisans for packing,etc.

The Dead Sea of Jordan is supposed to be very good for skin with all the minerals and salts present in it. The main base ingredient in this mask is the dead sea soil. It is infused with the goodness of aloe vera and clay.

Now clay helps clean and tighten pores and controls oil production on the skin. Aloe Vera of course soothes and moisturises the skin.

It comes in a tube form and is a large tube. The mask is ash grey in color and clay like in texture but is a bit runny. Even though you shake the tube well before dispensing, it is runny and you have to be careful to not get excess product which usually happens with this one.

It is smooth to apply and does not tug since it is quite runny. I keep the mask for 15-20 minutes, though it dries completely in 10 minutes.

Me with the Mask :p

And while washing off, like I do with all face masks, I scrub the skin a bit with the mask. My skin feels fresh,renewed and tight. I even saw a difference in break outs with its regular usage, though when you stop using this for a long time in between, break outs start again.

I agree it is on the expensive side, but then it is all natural and made with dead sea. And also this tube is like huge and it will last a good time.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Have you tried any Dead Sea skincare? Do let me know about it, in the comments below.

Sculpt Is The New Cult: Lakme Salon

Sculpt Is The New Cult: Lakme Salon

Sculpt is the New Cult!
Lakmé Salon presents a collection of sculpted hair and makeup looks

Ever wondered how to get the chiseled look and perfectly styled hair as seen on celebrities and models at the Lakmé Fashion Week? Lakmé Salon makes this desire a reality with the latest Sculpt Collection- right off the runway. Marsala- a colour that provides a captivating pop of colour in both hair and makeup is one the highlights of this trendiest collection.

Bold and effortlessly glamorous, the Sculpt looks are inspired by the unique combination of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, architecture of Antoni Gaudi and the 50’s Art Deco. The unique Sculpt collection includes a variety of never-seen-before fashion forward looks that promises to make you look your stylish best.

The Marsala Stairs
The Pixel Bob

Hair

· The Baroque Empress– Stately elegance with a classic touch, this up-style with delicate twirls can life any ensemble or occasion.
· Double Hat Chignon– Uber-chic, playful yet majestic, make a grand entrance with this up-style that redefines grace.
· The Pixel Bob– Flamboyant and full bangs, the Marasla blended with razor sharp layers turn heads wherever you go.
· The Marsala Stairs– This experimental style of global Marsala blended with razor sharp layers brings to life the grandeur of the opera house.

Victorian Matte
The Champagne Shimmer

Makeup

· Victorian Matte – Elegant, understated and in vogue, this muted angelic look has been adorned by the most coveted faces in the fashion world.
· Chiseled Pout – Arched and defined, the dual toned fuschia-cherry pink lip tint is doing its rounds on runways world-over.
· Burgundy Blush– Stunning, exquisite and full of drama, this look is all about contouring the focal features of your face with bold shades and strokes.
· The Champagne Shimmer– Hypnotizing and glamorous, the eyes can transform your look, while highlighting your most beautiful feature.

Sushma Khan, National Creative Director – Makeup at Lakmé Salon says-“The Sculpt Collections’ clean, high definition makeup accentuates facial features transforming your look entirely. This will help you achieve a perfectly chiseled look- colours like Marsala and two toned lips are the latest trends that can be seen in this collection.”

Shailesh Moolya, National Creative Director – Hair at Lakmé Salon comments on the looks “Sculpt is an expression of fashion through hair. The sculpted hairstyles borrow from different structures and geometries that span across cascading waves, baroque curvatures and celestial crimps. These looks are making waves this season, as seen at the grand finale of Lakmé Fashion Week!”

If the Sculpt trend hasn’t caught your eye already, it is definitely one you want to keep an eye out for, as beauty and fashion forecasts suggest it is the next big thing! These wearable looks and hairstyles are available at Lakmé Salons across the country. What’s more – they can be personalized by Lakmé Salon experts to complement your facial features and overall look.

So ladies, get the Sculpted look from Rs. 750 onwards at a Lakmé Salon near you. Opt for the entire look that includes hair and makeup, and get a 15% discount and be prepared to watch jaws drop and heads turn!

I tried the new Sculpt Makeup and Hair at the Lakme Absolute Salon a few days back..I would be showing you guys the complete look in few days, and also there is a surprise for you guys 🙂 Stay tuned..

Aren’t these looks pretty interesting? Which one is your favourite?

June ‘Take Charge’ Fab Bag Review

June ‘Take Charge’ Fab Bag Review

Hi guys,

A new month and new bags and boxes start pouring in. Also the most exciting part is the unboxing,isn’t it?!

This month’s Fab Bag theme is ‘Take Charge’. It’s a deep purple loose bag which can stock a lot of things, perfect to carry along your makeup or toiletries during travel. I loved the color and material..its quite soft but sturdy and not something that would tear easily.

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Offers on 6 months and 12 months subscription. Go HERE)

Read my previous March Fab Bag Review HERE, April one HERE and May one HERE

Let’s see what all I received in this month’s Fab Bag..

  • Cuccio Colour Nail Enamel in Shaking My Morocco- Full size (Rs.675/- for 13ml)
  • Cuccio Naturale Butter Blend- Milk & Honey- 9.24g tube (Rs.2970/- for 240g)
  • Votre Fresh Cooling Sun Protection Mist SPF25 50ml bottle (Rs.980/- for 100ml)
  • Ananda Spa Light Moisturiser For Normal to Dry Skin, small jar (I guess 8-9g) (Rs.1350/- for 50g)
  • All Good Scents Arise (For Men) Perfume vial- Father’s Day Bonus

This time we have one full sized product i.e. the 13ml Cuccio nail enamel, I am happy with the bright coral colour which is perfect for summers. The Ananda Spa Light Moisturiser is rose and sandalwood based and smells nice, would love to try this out.

We have half the sized bottle of Votre Fresh Cooling Sun Protection Mist SPF25 which will be worth Rs. 490/- and the small tube of Cuccio Butter for hand,feet and body. Lastly, a small perfume vial bonus from All Good Scents for Father’s Day.

Overall, a nice bag considering value for money as the nail enamel and sun protection mist itself total to more than Rs.1000, but I have seen better Fab Bags in previous months. I feel next month’s bag would be amazing though, let’s wait and watch 😀

Have you tried the Fab Bag yet? What did you get in your June Fab Bag?

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge: 3rd Update

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge: 3rd Update

Hi guys,

Time for another update of the Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge. Read more about the event and the challenge HERE and the first update HERE and 2nd update HERE.

Its been almost a little more than a month that I have only shaved my legs and not gone for any other method of hair removal.

In this post I will bust the myths that ‘Shaving causes itchiness’ and ‘Shaving changes hair texture or hair growth’. Well shaving does not at all change the hair texture in any way. As I explained in the first post, it is just the top part of the hair we cut when we shave, so the hair that grows and comes out later is the inside part which is in the roots of the skin,which is a little darker as it has more melanin and hence we feel that the hair is growing thicker and darker. It is just that the hair that was within comes out and we feel it is different when actually it isn’t and it is a part of the same hair. So there is no change in hair texture or color or thickness in anyway due to shaving.

Also I was the one who used to feel very itchy after shaving and that was always my concern, but with the tips I mentioned in the previous post, it has been breeze and I haven’t experienced any itchiness whatsoever. So it is not shaving that caused itchiness, but not following the necessary steps that caused the itchiness.

If compared to other hair removal methods, waxing is something I can’t and won’t prefer doing at home coz of the messiness it involves and always lack the time and patience to visit a salon for the same. I have also tried hair removal creams long back when I was in high school and junior college as doctor had advised me not to wax as my sensitive skin reacted to it then. The biggest disadvantage of hair removal creams is it darkens the skin, I have experienced that personally, with time and regular usage, it did darken the skin slowly. Also, I completely hated the smell of those hair removal creams.

And the biggest advantage of shaving for me currently is,I can do it quickly within a few minutes and anywhere. I just need to carry my small razor with me. What do you guys feel?

Read the Gillette Venus Razor Review HERE

You can check out Gillette Venus’ facebook app to know more about shaving or follow them on twitter. You can buy the Gillette Venus Razor HERE, the set of cartridges HERE or the combo pack of all with the Satin Care Gel HERE

Happy Shaving 

Oriflame The One Colour Unlimited Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Oriflame The One Colour Unlimited Lipsticks Review,Swatches

What the Company claims:

MRP: Rs.499/-  for 1.7g

Shades Available:8

  • Violet Extreme
  • Pink Unlimited
  • Mocha Intensity
  • Fuchsia Excess
  • Forever Plum
  • Endless Red
  • Always Cranberry
  • Absolute Blush

I am reviewing the shades Fuchsia Excess and Endless Red today.

It comes in a sleek and slender grey and black packaging..only disadvantage of this packaging is you always get lipstick on the edges when you swivel it up and down. Also, this type of packaging mostly has less qty of lipstick like this one has only 1.7g

These are very moisturising, you don’t need any lip balm of any sort with these. They have sheer to medium coverage and you will need 2-3 swipes for opaque coverage especially for pigmented lips.

These are very glossy and shiny and mostly all the shades are pink and plum based, so I assume this range is targeted more towards the younger category.

It stays for 2-3 hours and I am a bit disappointed with the staying power,reading the 10 hour claim, but very easy to use and touch up. It does not bleed or stain teeth and you can quickly apply it anywhere.

Fuchsia Excess is a pretty blue based fuchsia pink,no neon here,pure fuchsia pink

Endless Red is a wearable,not too bright, light apple red with some fine shimmer

Top- Fuchsia Excess, Bottom- Endless Red

Here is it on me..

Left- Fuchsia Excess, Right- Endless Red

Overall I would say these are nice lipsticks to try,very moisturising,glossy and comes in some lovely shades. If you are looking for something matte or long staying, these are not meant for you. Also, Oriflame lipsticks are mostly on discounts, so do keep a check on the catalog and buy them on discount as they are a bit expensive at Rs.499/- for the quantity of 1.7g

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money : 3.25/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Have you tried the Oriflame The One Colour Unlimited Lipsticks?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

June My Envy Box Review

June My Envy Box Review

Hi guys,

This month’s My Envy Box is the bomb! I just love it..

Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

This time its a bright coral box, I love the color <3 I like the revised packaging since April where there is only one card with all the product details and not 5 different cards. This month’s box has two full sized products!

Let’s see what all I got..

  • Catrice Smokey Eye Pencil in Petroling In The Deep which is a deep sea green (Full size– Rs.365/-)
  • Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil (2 x 3ml each)
  • Hedonista Chocolate Face Soufflé- Full size (Rs.1650/- for 115g)
  • Estee Lauder Pleasures EDT sample vial
  • Natio Meditate Hand Cream– Deluxe Sample 20ml

I am in love with every product this time which is a part of the box, there have always been 1-2 products in My Envy Box every month which have been my favourites, but I like all the 5 products the first time :p

A full sized Catrice Eye Pencil, I love smokey eye pencils which are perfect for those 2 minute makeup days. I am quite excited to try this and might review this soon 🙂

I am currently using the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil and Beautifying Cream. Though the original bottle is not that big to carry, but these 3ml vials are perfect for travel. I am loving the oil and these vials are definitely coming along with me, on my next trip 😀

Hedonista Chocolate Face Souffle is a chocolate and clay based mask, now who doesn’t love chocolate. Never tried this brand but the packaging and the mask look super yummy and nice.

Estee Lauder Pleasures is a classic, and I absolutely love its smell.

And lastly the Natio Meditate Pink Lotus Hand Cream which smells divine and works pretty well as a hand cream <3

Overall I would say this month’s My Envy Box is a total paisa vasool and I quite like it. Highly recommended! Get the June box now, if you haven’t yet placed the order. I received the box today and reviewing it today itself, so that you guys can place your orders 🙂

You can buy the My Envy Box HERE. Use the code ‘NEWLOVEMAKEUP’ to enjoy 15% off on all our website, subscriptions & products

Did you like the June My Envy Box?

OOTD: Red Lips Embroidered Dress

OOTD: Red Lips Embroidered Dress

Hi guys,

A new OOTD today..I wore this pretty red lips embroidered dress last Saturday when we went to Prime Time Sports Bar and also it was my niece’s 2nd birthday 🙂

I love how simple and effortless this dress is,yet glams you up instantly. I paired it with a simple gold choker necklace and a simple Daniel Wellington watch and a set of rings.

Completed the look with this black fringes bag and studded black ballerinas.

Since it was quite dark and the lighting was not that good, some pics look a bit harsh. Also, I am wearing the L’Oreal Paris 24H Powder Foundation and hence the whitish cast, see I told you.

Dress: HERE
Bag: StalkBuyLove
Necklace,Rings: Shop Miss A
Shoes: Steppings (Fashion & You)
Watch: Daniel Wellington

On Lips: L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipstick in Raspberry Syrup

Location: Prime Time Sports Bar

I hope you liked the outfit..do let me know in the comments below 🙂

SP Luxe Oil Hair Spa Review & Experience

SP Luxe Oil Hair Spa Review & Experience

Hi guys,

Last week I went for the SP Luxe Oil Hair Spa Experiental at the Tesoura Salon at Bandra. A much needed hair pampering after a long,long time.

I was greeted with Lemon Iced Tea and the attendant explained me the entire hair spa process.

Steps:

1. She washed my hair at first with the System Professional Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo.

2. The she combined the System Professional Luxe Oil Keratin Restore Mask and System Professional Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir in 80:20 proportion and applied it all over my hair strand by strand.

3. She massaged my scalp and hair for 4-5 minutes.

4. Then hair was given a steam,towards the ends for 3-4 minutes.

5. Hair was washed again,only with cold water this time.

6. Then she blow dried my hair on medium blast and applied a few drops of the System Professional Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir.

About the products used:

1.System Professional LuxeOil Keratin Protect Shampoo: Gives light-weight, luxurious cleansing, also sets the foundation and gives shine + keratin protection. It provides lightweight luxurious cleansing that sets the foundation for a transforming hair service. The shampoo contains a special system of surfactants and boosting polymers that create creamy, long-lasting foam allowing even distribution of key ingredients on hair.
200 ml for Rs 995

2.System Professional LuxeOil Keratin Restore Mask: Instantly reconstructs hair fiber to improve hair texture and leave it soft to touch. With a special combination of three specially design polymers, and the luxurious oils, the mask provides a luxurious lightness that creates a “lubricating film” that is thin, even and elastic on hair surface and provides super low surface & inter fiber friction without greasiness.
150 ml for Rs.1095

3.System Professional LuxeOil Reconstructive Elixir: Luxurious hair oil which protects hair keratin and provides light-weight, long lasting smoothness. It protects the hair from drying out and gives additional shine. The fusion of oils infuses into the hair structure to transform hair from inside and out and protects the keratin, leaving instant and long lasting smoothness.
100 ml for Rs 2300

Duration: 45-50 minutes

Here is my before-after 😀

Before-After

My hair felt super soft and smooth,frizz free and stayed that way for 3 days. I think it was an easy process and a deep conditioning hair spa like this can be even tried in the comfort of your home. You just need the shampoo,mask and serum. I am planning on splurging on these products, I already have the Reconstructive Elixir, would be trying the shampoo and mask soon.

What do you think of a hair spa? Do you do anything special for your hair?

P.S: Services were provided by the brand but that has not affected my opinion.

World Ethnic Day by Craftsvilla.com

World Ethnic Day by Craftsvilla.com

About the World Ethnic Day: World Ethnic Day is a day to celebrate the cultures of different countries together on a single day. In the digital world, “World is One” yet we all carry different identities represented by what we wear, eat, believe and celebrate. Lets come together and celebrate our diversity as “One World”. World Ethnic Day is a day of fun, dance, music, food and party in ethnic way. Lets go back to our roots and share with others our uniqueness. Lets be One. Lets be Ethnic.

Every country and culture has its own ethnicity and uniqueness. When it comes to India, its all colorful, pretty and larger than life, coz it is again not just one culture, but a mix of so many different cultures in one country. We have such diverse cultures but yet have some common nuances.

If we talk about a saree, most of the cultures in India have a saree but each have a different type,work, style of wearing or calling it. There is a Bengali way and a Gujurati way of wearing a saree. Then we have a Maharastrian navari, South Indian Kanjeevaram sarees, Banarasi Brocade sarees, etc.

It’s more of lehengas in the Northern India.

And these days, we all love our kurtis, churidars and salwars, and of course everyone’s favourite anarkali. It is easy and convenient to wear and be around with these and yet gives an ethnic and traditional touch and feel.

Not only clothing, we have diverse arts and crafts too. We have minakari and marble work, gemstones, tie and dye, crochet, wooden and brass handicrafts, block prints, chikankari,clay and pottery,etc.

Craftsvilla.com is celebrating 19th June as ‘World Ethnic Day’. I love the site and the amazing ethnic and traditional items it stocks,also I am happy that a website is actually celebrating Ethnic Day and it anyway helps a lot of local artisans to sell the products on Craftsvilla and gives them an easy,global platform. A nice way for the local people to reach globally and also gives them a new source of income.

Vidya Balan is the brand ambassador for World Ethnic Day and rightly so, she was the first in Bollywood of late to have adopted the saree trend and she wears all the traditional kanjeevarams, from her own wedding to award functions to the Cannes Film Festival, she took the Indian ethnic nine yards everywhere.

“By celebrating World Ethnic Day, we get an opportunity to go back to our roots. I feel strongly about the dying art of handlooms in the country, and also about the plight of artisans who are struggling for livelihood. I am delighted with the opportunity to spread awareness about it,” Vidya said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to have Vidya Balan endorse World Ethnic Day. There is tremendous synergy between her vision and ours. Vidya is a living ambassador for everyday ethnic. Her remarkable success and body of work stand testimony to ethnic is cool,” said Manoj Gupta, founder of Craftsvilla.com.

What do you think of the World Ethnic Day?