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March MSM Express Box Review

March MSM Express Box Review

About MSMBox (My Style Mile Box):  MSMbox.com was finally launched in Oct 2014.

Simply put, MSMbox.com is a discovery e-commerce platform that offers consumers the opportunity to buy, try and enjoy beauty brands in the market.

For a nominal subscription of either Rs 495/- for the MSM Express Box or Rs 995/- for the MSM Select Box, every month, you get a surprise goodie box containing beauty, grooming and lifestyle products from new and established beauty brands, and then some!

Our motto – ‘a lot in a little’- sets us apart from any other beauty box currently in the market.

For starters, the box contains full size products along with carefully curated samples. Besides that, to really delight the consumer, we don’t just take care of your beauty and grooming needs. We go the extra mile and offer something more through our collaborations and associations with leading salons/spas, cafe’s and shopping.

Msmbox.com brings it all together, on an exciting online platform of rich content on trends, updates on the beauty world, and weekly blogs from our in-house team, and of course feedback and participation from our consumers.

So there are basically two options in MSM Box, ‘Express’ for all normal drugstore brands and ‘Select’ for premium brands like The Body Shop,Soap and Glory,Innisfree,etc.. Also both boxes every month include 1-2 surprise goodies/samples from new brands that are just IN, in the market.

March MSM Express Box Review, Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog

Express box is pink in colour while the Select box is mango yellow in colour

I got MSM Express Box which retails at Rs.495/-. Even though its a March box, I somehow couldn’t review it then, sorry for the delay. It looks like a small compact box but is very very heavy with a lot of stuff inside.

Let’s unravel the mystery of what’s inside the box..

I received 5 products, 2 from Kronokare, 2 from Biotique and 1 from Just Herbs.

Kronokare Provencial Lavender Glycerine Soap

Kronokare Provencial Lavender Body Lotion (Deluxe Sample)

Biotique Bio AloeVera SPF30+ Suncreen

Biotique Bio Kajal

Just Herbs SilkSplash Neem-Bitter Orange Rehydrant Face Wash

Except the Body Lotion, I got rest 4 full sized samples which is quite a good deal for a box priced at Rs.495/-! But I would have liked all 5 different brands rather than 2 products from the same brand. Also I have tried Kronokare before and I am not really a fan of the Body Lotion, its not moisturizing enough.

Looking forward to try the Biotique and Just Herbs products.

Overall I would say, price wise, it is one of the best subscription box out there which actually offers a good value for money. I only hope they can maintain the price and number of products offered in the same way in future too. I would love to try the ‘Select’ Box next.

Have you tried the MSM Box yet?

Cute Accessories from Krafftwork

Cute Accessories from Krafftwork

Krafftwork is a Mumbai based jewellery brand, owned by the 19 year old Kavisha Doshi. Her brand Krafftwork has the best collection of accessories and jewellery curated fabulously by her.

Not only are her accessories fab,she also makes sure she packs them well. You get everything from floral crowns,statement head bands, statement necklaces and rings, cute earrings, hand harness, body chains,etc..

She sent me some lovely pieces in this super cute polka dot box with a bow on top 😀 Let me show you the contents..

Three pairs of earrings..pearl and diamante studded bows, small diamond studs and pearl studs..loved this <3

Bronze double trouble earrings..wanted to try these since a long time!

Black and gold gothic choker necklace

Cross cut out gold adjustable ring

Super cute stuff..check all of her collection on Instagram HERE. Also you can buy it directly from Jabong HERE

Cannot wait to style some of these in my next outfit posts. Hope you liked them, which is your favourite?

Sale Alert: ShopBop Friends & Family Sale 25% Off

Sale Alert: ShopBop Friends & Family Sale 25% Off

Oh yes, you read that right! Flat 25% off on all the items at ShopBop.com ,including the ‘New Arrivals’ and the ‘Sale’ items (There are some brand exclusions though)

It starts right now and ends on Friday,10th April at 1.30 pm IST (13.30) and that of EastDane.com on Sunday 12th April at 1.30pm IST. So all the men out there, get 2 days extra to shop your heart out 😀 Use the promo code ‘SPRING25’ to apply the 25% discount.

I don’t think you should miss this at all! Especially if you were eyeing that ‘IT’ bag or shoes, this is the time to grab it.

Some of my suggestions to grab..

1. Marc Jacobs Sally Sling Bag

This is already on sale offering a discount of 30%. And after 25% off, this would cost you $103 which is a fabulous price.

2. Plush Faux Leather Jogger Pants

They are at 60% off currently, so these would cost you $29 only!

3. Superga Cotu Glitter Sneakers

On my wishlist! These are so so gorgeous, you can get them for $63 after the discount 😀

4. Jeffrey Campbell In Love Mesh d’Orsay Flats

These pretty mesh Jeffrey Campbell flats will cost you $41

5. Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Amy Watch

This piece of rose gold gorgeous sophistication will cost you $150 after the discount!

They have free shipping above $100 and a minimal $10 below $100 orders.

Ok bye, I am off to shopping! Stocks are running out pretty pretty fast. Go,shop at ShopBop 🙂

Live Your Now (LYN) Nail Lacquer Review,NOTD

Live Your Now (LYN) Nail Lacquer Review,NOTD

What the Company claims: The Live Your Now team has worked closely with an expert formulator based in France to create a revolutionary high definition nail lacquer that promises to give you nothing less than pure color perfection.

  • The LYN nail colours are revolutionary High Definition nail lacquers that promise to give you nothing less than colour perfection
  • LYN’s brilliantly curated palette of sheers, shimmers, crèmes and glitters are formulated to provide a high gloss finish for manicures that will really last
  • Furthermore LYN’s innovative flat brush technology delivers precision colour, for a smoother, faster and streak free professional finish
  • The LYN lacquers are formulated with pigments that reveal their true brightness and vividness for ultimate wear
  • These salon quality nail lacquers glide on like satin, dry fast and are available in 100 gorgeous shades

Check out the LYN nails site HERE

MRP: Rs.350/- for 12ml

Live Your Now (LYN) come in a square shaped bottle with black cap. It has different collections like Reds,Greens,Corals bifurcated on the basis of colors and also Glitters,Sugar Rush,Sheers on the basis of finish and texture.

The formula is France based and it is indeed nice. 2 coats are all you need for a perfect,opaque coverage and it gives a super,smooth finish. Pigmentation wise its quite bright and the glossy finish and coverage is perfect.

It goes on smooth without any streaks and the best part is, it stays for a good 9-10 days with just a bit of chipping at the tips. Really impressed by the staying power and the color and finish does not get dull too. It has even survived 2 weeks with just a bit of chipping and the finish gets a bit dull later on. But no nail enamel has stayed that long on me!

It comes in 100 shades with all possible finishes and different textures. I am really keen on trying out the Glitters and Sugar Rush next.

I have tried the shades ‘No Morning Blues‘ and ‘Didya Vinka At Me’ untill now. All the 100 shades have such fun,quirky names 😀 No Morning Blues was a part of the February My Envy Box.

No Morning Blues is a creamy bright pastel blue

Didya Vinka At Me is a super creamy bright deep raspberry pink. Lot of people asked me about this shade :p

I absolutely love the finish and quality. Though its slightly higher priced, but the quantity of 12ml is good and also the quality is fab, maybe we can have a smaller size at a lesser price. I like that idea in nail enamels of having a lesser quantity so that we can use it completely and also have more colors.

Its available online on My Envy Box,Purplle and Nykaa. I hope it is more easily available soon both online and offline.

I highly recommend trying these, you can thank me later 🙂

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you tried LYN Nail Lacquers yet?

P.S: One is PR Sample.

Beautiful Jewellery from Confusion Fashion Accessories

Beautiful Jewellery from Confusion Fashion Accessories

About Confusion Fashion Accessories: Borne in 2006, Confusion Fashion Accessories is growing rapidly. We are now present in Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ecommerce and Exhibitions across India. We create unique designs to match the season and on going trends. Our designs are almost never repeated with distribution through a selective network and clientele. We strive to change the accessories industry from retail to one-on-one service. Our range of beautiful, stylish neckpieces make plain tees and denims a complete outfit. Just one signature piece can enhance your look for any occassion. Be it a cuff, an elegant brooch, stylish DIVA earrings or a simple neckpiece. The combination of rings, hoops, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, beads interwoven together gives the accessories a different perspective. We work with you to customize our products and cater them to your needs, which includes creating gifts & giveaways for your weddings, festivals, parties and more. Confusion Fashion Accessories is an offspring of Chaiti and Minal, who have been in the Fashion Jewellery industry for the last 20 years as wholesalers across India.

Check more at confusionfa.com

Confusion FA stocks everything from necklaces,earrings,bracelets,anklets,brooches,rings, maang tikkas, waist belts, pashas,hair bands, tic tac pins, etc..and also home decor stuff like trays,coffee mugs, napkin rings, torans, etc.

They sent me these items..lets take a look at them one by one.

This super pretty turquoise and black hand harness

Kundan plate gold mesh kada

This gorgeous three-layered pearl statement necklace..it would work well with both Indian and western wear

Beautiful side saree challa/kamar patta (waist belt). It has intricate pearl and kundan work and is perfect for brides too..Love it.

Kundan and pearl side pasha. Pashas are very IN these days and you do not need any other accessory and let your pasha stand out with Indian wear,especially palazzos or Pakistani style suits

Pearl and stone brooch..wear it with your shirts,jackets,tunics,kurtis or whatever you like. This will surely glam up your outfit.

Multi coloured double brooch..this is the best accessory for your white shirt, or even on a tunic or salwar at the shoulders or a gown with deep U back.

Black and gold statement earrings..again would work well with both Indian and western wear

Golden dangling anklet with red and green beads..these are so pretty and unique.

Can’t wait to style all of these, I already styled the brooch and hand harness with my pink flowing kurti here..

Also, they have a 10% off for every new registration for a month, so register today and shop on!

 Did you like the accessories? Which is your favourite piece?

Veg & Non Veg Delicacies at South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai

Veg & Non Veg Delicacies at South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai

South Indian cuisine is what you will find anywhere and everywhere from a local small udipi to a nice restaurant. One can always find the idlis and dosas at the start of the menu mostly. Also coz they are light enough to work as snacks in between, whenever one is hungry.

Some of my favourite South Indian restaurants in Mumbai are Mani’s Lunch Home and Hotel Ramashray at Matunga, Cafe Madras at King’s Circle (yes the entire area had majority South Indian crowd before and hence more restaurants here) Being a Podarite, I have been a frequent at all these places, like every week or even everyday when we studied at the library in college.

Some other good restaurants in Matunga itself are Anand Bhavan,Sharda Bhavan, Idli House, Ramanayak, Shree Sundars. There is Vishwa Bharti and Kirti Mahal at Mulund, Gora Gandhi at Borivali, Babulnath Dosa Centre at Marine Lines. Few chain of restaurants all over Mumbai which are also pretty decent are The Banana Leaf,Sankalp, Tambi,etc..

When it comes to favourite delicacies, I have quite a lot of favourites..

1. Mysore Masala at Mani’s Lunch Home

You have to try this, delicious, super filling and easy on the pockets. Though finding a seat at Mani’s is difficult and all the restaurants in Matunga are closed on Mondays is what you need to remember :p

2. Sheera, Butter Idli and Filter Coffee at Ramashray

So there is no fixed menu here for sheera and when you place the order for sheera, you get the flavour of the day. It can be pineapple,apple or plain or some other flavour. But its super yumm and a must try. Butter idli here is melt in your mouth, you will not be required to chew it. And the filter coffee is the authentic South Indian filter coffee.

3. Cheese Chilli Uttapam at Sankalp

If you are like me who loves spicy food, this uttapam is going to make you cry 😀 A perfect combination of cheese and chillies on your very own uttapam

4. Kanchipuram Idli at Gora Gandhi

I love this masala idli with peas and cashews on top, coconut and hint of masalas..for those who don’t like their idlis bland 😀

Though I am a vegetarian and have not tried any non veg. dishes obviously, some of my friends love their Chicken Chettinad, Kheema in Coconut Curry, Squid Fry and Prawns. But most of these small udipis and restaurants serve only veg. food, though there are quite a few Konkani restaurants where you get all of these sea food and many more options.

What is your favourite South Indian delicacy? And favourite South Indian restaurant in Mumbai?

P.S: Images from Google

My Experience at the L’Occitane Spa La Vie,Mumbai

My Experience at the L’Occitane Spa La Vie,Mumbai

About: Live the Spa Life.. live Spa Vie by L’OCCITANE.

Welcome to an 8000 sqft Mediterranean Wellness Sanctuary in a magnificent standalone building hidden away but yet right in the heart of the hustle bustle of South Mumbai. Come escape to our Water ensconced Lounge before or after your treatment, indulge in Provencal inspired rituals on a heated stone Hammam bed, pamper the body and the face with our Shea from Burkina Faso and Immortelle from Corsia, enjoy well-being soaking ceremonies in free standing Bathtubs in every treatment room, feel refreshed in your private steam chamber after a revitalizing signature aromachologie massage, spend soulful moments in the VIP Couple’s Suites, host an intimate Spa Soiree with your friends and embrace freshness with the 20 feet living Green Wall in the Spa courtyard.

This post is long long due, I had been to L’Occitane Spa La Vie at Lodha Bellissimo in Jan. The entrance of the spa itself is beautiful and the entire area so quiet and nice.

Just after the reception area, there is this long sofa and comfortable chairs, a fabulous seating area. An artificial small pond Faux De Provence created on the side. Opposite to the seating area are all L’Occitane products which you can check out and/or buy.

Services and Rates

I filled up a questionnaire which had basic questions about my health and my problem areas. My problem areas were the back and neck mostly coz of working whole day on the computer. I was suggested the Relaxing Aromachologie Massage which is a mix of Swedish, Accupressure and Balinese techniques.

MRP: Rs.3250/-

Duration: 60mins

I was offered ginger tulsi green tea and a hot compress. My shoes were changed and I was given a pair of osho slippers. I visited the entire spa and all the different rooms. L’Occitane Spa La Vie is the only spa in Mumbai to have hammam too. They also have a separate room for a spa party where 6 people can enjoy being pampered at a time..perfect idea for a bride and her bridesmaids.

The couples’ room is also amazing and spacious with a bath tub and the option of a common bathroom too.

I was given a white bathrobe to change and my feet and legs were washed at first. Then the massage started with the hands and then the therapist moved towards the legs. After which I had to turn around and she concentrated on the back and neck. I can’t even describe how relaxing and nice it was. I had dozed off to sleep, though she was asking in between if the pressure was fine and bearable. She had also sprayed a pillow mist which smelled so awesome, that it immediately relaxes and induces one to sleep.

Hammam- See the showers at the top

RELAXING PILLOW MIST: Associating the tranquilizing virtues of essential oils natural 100% (lavender, tea tree and geranium) and an extract of flower of linden tree, this pillow mist calms tensions and soothe nerves. Its aromatic fragrance helps ease away stress and anxiety and promotes a peaceful, repairing sleep! (Surely buying it next!)

 

I have no idea when the 60 minutes passed and I was like why 🙁 I wanted it to go on and on 😀 I was given the option of having a bath but the therapist suggested to let the oils stay on the skin for them to get absorbed and hence I kept them.

It was a serene and calming experience. Highly recommend it to everyone. Book an appointment today at LoveOfSpa.com

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you been to L’Occitane Spa La Vie? Share your experience below.

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

Summer Sunglasses Trends 2015

Summer Sunglasses Trends 2015

Come summers, sunglasses become an essential. It is very important to protect our eyes and the skin around from the sun’s harsh rays. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest in our body, so proper protection and care for the eyes are a MUST. While these days, there are so many different styles and designs doing the rounds, you can choose what suits your fancy.

Some trends still continue from 2014, while some styles are new additions in 2015. Lets see some sunglasses trends in 2015.

2014 was all high on cat eye, animal print and geeky glasses. Some trends we see right now and would see more of, in 2015 are:

1. Mirror glasses

Be it round frames,aviators or wayfarers, its all about mirror glasses and high reflecting mirror in blue,green,gray that is 😀 Its all about eye catching statement you see

2. Round frames

Yes, those Gandhi/John Lennon frames are all IN. From geeky to mirrored to the fancy designs, anything in round frames is trendy. and round + mirror is the bomb!

3. Soft Cat Eye

Cat eye glasses are still trendy this season but not the elongated cat eye as before, a soft,slight cat eye.

4. Elegant Details

Gold mesh detailing,swarovski, gold studs, etc,.are all the elegant details added by the designers to vary the look of the glasses.

5. Retro

Thicker rims and metal frames give the glasses a retro look which is also quite trendy nowadays.

6. Wooden and Denim frames

The latest trend just IN is wooden and denim frames..I think they look pretty cool. From light to dark and round to square, all kinds of wooden frames. And so in denim too. Check out this round denim frames, how amazing do they look!

If you don’t like to experiment much, stick to aviators and wayfarers according to your face shape. Check out some elite sunglasses easily available online these days and make a fashion statement this summers!

What is your favourite summer sunglasses trend?

P.S: Images from Google

OOTD: Geek Chic

OOTD: Geek Chic

Hey guys,

An OOTD again, the last one from Hong Kong. We went for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car at Lantau Islands in Hong Kong. Its a 5.7km long bi-cable car system which connects from Tung Chung MTR station to Ngong Ping Village. Ngong Ping Village is home to Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha which is an 112 ft bronze seated Buddha Statue.

The cable car experience was fun, it seemed never ending and was on a huge huge height with a lake in between, and a small station halt.

I wore this ‘Geek’ tee with my black skirt and my trusted favourite blazer.

Pairing it with my Daniel Wellington watch,Ray Bans and 2-3 bracelets stacked together. And of course, my super comfortable Bata slip ons.

Tee: Romwe
Shoes: Bata (Also seen HERE)
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Sunglasses: Ray Ban (Also seen HERE)

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

Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Wow,that’s quite a mouthful 😀 Remember I told you about this new launch by Lakme HERE

What the Company claims: Lakme Absolute’s latest range of high definition Sculpt lipsticks has arrived! One stroke of contoured perfection is all you need to get a chiseled, long wear experience with a rich matte finish. Available in 15 dramatic shades (the brightest shades so far in the Absolute range), Lakmé Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipstick is your go-to professional product that provides nothing less than an expert finish.

Key Features:

  • High colour pay-off in one stroke
  • Matte texture and finish
  • Long lasting formula
  • Highly recommended by Lakmé makeup experts
  • Most vibrant matte collection from Lakmé Absolute

HOW TO APPLY:

Step 1: Pull out the cap.
Step 2: Start applying from the centre of your upper lip.
Step 3: Work from the centre towards the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth.
Step 4: Glide across the entire bottom lip.

Price: Rs. 700 for 3.7g

Shades Available:

  • Peach Out
  • Maroon Magic
  • Pink Caress
  • Mauve Fix
  • Pink Me Up
  • Plum Shell
  • Coco Shot
  • Red Flames
  • Crimson Touch
  • Red Rush
  • Coral Flare
  • Burgundy Affair
  • Tangerine Lush
  • Rose Bloom
  • Pink Glam

I am reviewing the shade Pink Caress and Tangerine Lush today. The packaging is same as the Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict Lipsticks, silver body  with a transparent cap.

It is sturdy and travel friendly, while I was swatching the lipsticks, I thought maybe the lipstick bullet may come off since I was going over it quite a few times, but it is sturdy enough and stayed put 😀

It has a slight sweet artificial smell which I did not like, but it goes away in a minute or two, and does not hamper.

Coming to the finish and texture, I would say I LOVE it! Perfect matte finish,goes on smooth, does not dry out the lips and feels very very light on the lips.

Only thing is you need to swipe 2-3 times to get the perfect opaque coverage. It stays on for 6-7 hours with minimal fading and survives tea and light snacks. It is not completely transfer proof, but I guess that’s ok.

L-Pink Caress, R- Tangerine Lush

While the Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict Lipsticks were priced at Rs.800, I feel these are amazing comparatively at Rs.700. And with the quality these come with, I don’t mind the price at all since most of the new launches currently have been priced quite high by all the brands. (You know what I am talking about :D)

Up-Pink Caress, Down- Tangerine Lush

It is not as bright as it appears in the tube and swatches a bit different..both the shades are candy like and pretty young and vibrant

L-Pink Caress, R- Tangerine Lush

Pink Caress is a beautiful matte candy pink. My favourite of the two

Tangerine Lush is a medium orange,not to bright or neon or in your face. Quite wearable

Overall, I would say these are quite fabulous and I am in love with them! My current new love <3 Highly recommended!

Rating: 4.5/5

Also loving the shades Pink Me Up and Plum Shell.

Have you checked out the new Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipsticks?

P.S: PR Samples.Honest Review.