A monthly favourites video, I have way too many favourites this time and also I realised I went on and on, I had to edit a lot of stuff coz the original video was about 25 minutes :/
Here is the video:
List of products:
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub & Body Butter (Review HERE)
Bioderma Photoderm Max Mineral Compact SPF50+ (Review HERE)
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Compact – Rs.1000
Bioderma Sebium Purifying Foaming Cleansing Gel – Rs.1350
Za Total Hydration Amino Mineral Gel (Review HERE)
Dove Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner– Rs.83 for 80ml, Rs.91 for 80ml respectively
Today I am talking about the hair concerns/problems most of us face. From dryness, greying, hair fall, split ends to dandruff, itchiness, oily scalp, etc. there are so many different hair issues one faces at every different point of time.
If you have dry scalp and hair, it is mostly itchy, flaky scalp, dandruff and frizz that one faces usually. If you have oily scalp and hair, then hair looks weighed down, greasy and dull. Greying of hair, dandruff and hair fall is like very common for all hair types, those are some common hair problems.
This is my natural hair which is curled..no extensions
I have talked about hair fall and how to grow long, healthy hair before HERE and HERE.
Chemical treatments like coloring and straightening/rebonding are the main culprits when it comes to dry or damaged hair. Coloring especially using a light color/bleaching rips off the moisture from your hair strands and makes it very thin. When you compare it to your natural hair, the colored strands are half in thickness and look dry, dull and frizzy. Rebonding is again chemically changing your hair structure while leads to terrible hair fall! Avoid chemical treatments and coloring as much as you can.
Straight Hair
Heat styling is again something that causes hair to become dry and frizzy, you should avoid using heat especially if you have dry hair. Keep it occasional and if you cannot avoid it, then use a very good heat protectant before heat styling.
A good healthy diet and proper sleep can change the way your skin and hair looks and feels completely. Hair needs iron, zinc, protein, etc. and if it is not getting those nutrients from the diet, it will start falling as they won’t be strong enough and not grow at a rate they should. Proper sleep can help reduce your stress and also some amount of exercise/yoga helps manage stress and keep it in check.
Pollution and sun exposure are other culprits which damage your hair. Always carry a scarf/umbrella to protect your hair. Tie and cover your hair when you are swimming or working out, so as to protect it from chlorine or sweat respectively.
Dry hair which does not get enough nutrients also leads to split ends since the ends of the hair are not getting nourishment. And heat styling ,etc further dries out the ends.
Apart from a proper diet and managing your stress, you need to avoid coloring/chemical treatments/heat styling, etc. and nourish your hair with the right products.
Hair oils/serums/heat protectants, etc. are here to help your hair and keep them hydrated and nourished. Oil your hair twice a week and shampoo 2-3 times a week to keep dirt and dandruff at bay.
Oiling helps you in many ways as it is something that goes within your scalp and nourish your hair from the roots. Hair oils are the only hair care product that actually work from within and go onto the scalp. Don’t worry about using excess oil as the scalp will absorb only as much as is needed. I am currently using the Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil once/twice a week. Even if I forget to oil it overnight, I use it at least one hour before shampooing. Whenever I oil my hair, the hair is smoother, shinier and tangle free post shampooing, even without a conditioner.
Also, deep conditioning helps me keep dandruff and split ends at bay. For dandruff, the best thing is not let your scalp dry and if you are suffering from too much dandruff which just doesn’t leave you, try a few home remedies. For me, soaking methi/fenugreek seeds overnight in water and blending them with curd and applying half an hour before washing my hair works. Also lemon juice works at some times.
So these were some of the hair concerns, causes of it and how to avoid/cure them.
What do you think of hair problems? How do you manage them?
ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel Review
Last month, Za launched their Total Hydration Range in India. The Fresh Foamy Cleanser and the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel are released till now.
I have been using the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel since quite some time now and here is my review.
What the Company claims: This Award Winning Gel minimizes stickiness and thoroughly replenishes skin’s moisture giving it clarified glow and vibrancy. Spreads effortlessly forming a water veil that instantly restores skin, reduces flakiness and roughness in dry skin and sebum induced stickiness in oily skin. Makes skin Bouncy Fresh and Dewy Radiant all day long! Moisture charge in just 10 seconds!
How to use: Dab an appropriate amount (approx. 0.6 g) on several spots over face with the fingertip and smooth over from the center of the face outwards.
I have always liked water based moisturizers and makeup products and I am glad that now more brands are coming with water based products, few years down the line it was all about heavy creamy moisturizers and then only Fabindia had a Vitamin E moisturizer for oily skin which was water based and super light. That was my Holy Grail then and now I got so many options.
To start with the packaging, it is pink in color! I mean how many girls can resist pink packaging, tell me 😀 It has a tube dispensor and a swivel cap. I like that the dispensor is tiny and you can dispense only the required quantity and you don’t need much per use.
I take a tiny pea sized amount for my face and it’s like enough. It looks like a thick serum and is milky white in color and gel like in texture. It blends completely into the skin in a minute and settles down.
It leaves no trace of oiliness or stickiness. It is hydrating, moisturizing and yet very light. It does control oil too for some hours. My T-zone is oily and it remains oily free for a few hours even without setting with a compact.
Since you need very tiny amount, the 50g tube will last me quite long and the price comes out to be pretty economical. I think this is one moisturizer that will be suitable for all skin types since it takes care of both dryness and sebum/oil.
I haven’t broken out with this and I have been using it daily, I think this is my new HG. I absolutely recommend it.
Za Cosmetics is available online on Nykaa, Amazon.in, etc. and also in most of the Shoppers Stop outlets.
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Have you tried any water based moisturizers? Which is your favourite?
Review: Reliance Trends Tarun Tahiliani Collection at LFW W/F 2015
Hi guys,
I attended the Reliance Trends Tarun Tahiliani show yesterday evening at the Lakme Fashion Week.
Tarun Tahiliani’s “Easy Glamour” collection was an eclectic line of ready-to-wear pieces presented by Reliance Trends at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.
The ramp had a full length mirror on stage and a rack of clothes as the backdrop, a very stylish video featuring the hot Lisa Haydon modelling Tarun’s collection was playing in the background.
Ujjwala Raut opened the show wearing a looped black midi. The collection was predominantly black with some red and other colors popped in between. A lot of tribal prints and stripes were seen with some leheriya print.
Dolman sleeve top, poncho draped skirt, corset dress, lungi dress and many such interesting silhouettes were seen on the ramp.
Asymmetric kurta with leggings, the black dhoti sari and choli, maroon jumpsuit with embroidered printed belt created a perfect Indo – western fusion.
Dramatic borders were used on most pieces in rust, blue and mostly gold. The velvet bustier belts brought whole looks together. Models wore a nose ring through the middle of the nose and super huge round earrings which added to the tribal element.
He also created the ‘jumpsuit-sari’ with the pleats and draped dupatta which looked quite interesting. Peplum quilted gilets, satin draped lungi cowl gowns, saris with velvet obe belts and printed tees with satin dhotis were quite unique. The kedia style blouses, attached capes and caplets were seen in majority of the pieces.
Kalidaar jackets, 3D floral motifs, bright gold embroidery and velvet hemlines took the basic pieces to a whole new level adding glamour to the outfits.
Overall a lot of luxe separates were seen with endless mix and match possibilities.
The super hot Chitrangada Singh was the perfect showstopper, she wore a black draped gown with a velvet cape which had gold embellishments.
Tarun Tahiliani being the “Czar of Couture” did manage to create a super amazing prét-a-porter/ready-to-wear collection for women! I cannot wait to check out more pieces from the Reliance Trends Tarun Tahiliani collection.
Did you like the Reliance Trends Tarun Tahiliani collection? Your favourite piece?
L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Extreme Splash Review
What the Company claims: L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Extreme Splash is a wet-look gel that provides long-lasting hold
Suitable for all hair types, the lightweight gel leaves a visible shine without excess residue
Create a range of hair styles with definition and ultimate precision
Inspired by the explosion of wet looks on runways and red carpets, L’Oréal Professionnel creates Extreme Splash– an elastic-hold, wet look gelée for an ultra-sleek, yet supple effect that lasts, even in extreme conditions. Its revolutionary unbreakable technology includes a mix of high-fixing, texturizing polymers and glycerin. It can be used on dry or damp and on any length. Extreme Splash is ideal to create wet looks – from a slicked back, after-pool look to the wet look ballerina bun, or even dual-textured styling effects.
The New Limited Edition Extreme Splash Gelée from L’Oréal Professionnel is a pliable, flexible and high-shine gelée , ideal for creating an extreme wet, slicked-back look, for all hair lengths and types.
•Strong hold gelée – Force 4
•Extreme shine finish
•Pliable and flexible formula
•Completely re-workable
•Non-greasy finish
Provocative shine with elastic hold that lasts even under hot backstage lighting. No visible residue. Non-greasy. Washes away easily.
How To Use: Apply from roots to mid-lengths.For a side-swept wet-look: Bring hair over to one side and comb the gel through from roots to mid-lengths.
MRP: Rs.700/- for 150ml
Ingredients:
It comes in a black and blue packaging with a black pump dispensor. It is a thick gel with a blue tint, be careful of the quantity you take as you need very little of the gel.
You know how Preity Zinta has her signature wet looking curls all the time? And the sleek tight hair buns and side swept hairstyles on the runways..well it is all thanks to a product like this one.
Hair sprays stiffen your hair, so when you want to keep your hairstyle in place but still don’t want that super stiff look of a hair spray, the L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Extreme Splash will come to your rescue.
There are days when I want my hair parting and pouf to stay in a certain place, is when I take a bit of this product and set the hair in place and then it doesn’t budge and the pouf and parting stays throughout the day. The hair do take the shape but are not as stiff as with a hair spray and you can still move them with ease.
It is not something I would use on an everyday basis, only when I want to create a particular look. If you are a guy who loves using gels and creating spikes, this is the product for you!
It is not very expensive as 150ml is a super huge quantity and this will last forever as you need just a bit of the product every time.
Overall, I would say if you are someone who experiments a lot with hair and creates different hair styles, then you can try this. Not something for regular use or if you keep your hair open or tied in a full or half pony everyday. Definitely recommend it to guys! And if you are a girl with curly hair who likes Preity Zinta like wet curls.
I am not much into sleek hair styles, so not something I use much and I would not repurchase it.
Rating:
Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Have you tried any hair styling product that gives a wet look?
Today I am reviewing a brand that has been around since ages, it was the very first face wash for most of us, ‘Clean & Clear’. Also the first to have come in a small bottle packaging which then became its trademark.
Today, it has launched so many different variants of face washes and also scrubs and moisturizers. One such range is the ‘Morning Energy’. I had read a lot about it and also seen them, but never really tried them untill now.
I am so glad I did! They come in their trademark bottle packaging and different variants and sizes.
Variants:
Brightening Berry (brighten dull skin)
Energizing Lemon (energize tired looking skin)
Purifying Apple (purify oily skin)
What it claims: Morning energy Face washes are specifically designed to wake up your dull looking skin in the morning.
Benefits of the product
The gentle face wash contains natural extracts of Strawberry, Lemon or Apple and its unique formula is enriched with soft BURSTING BEADS® that gently burst with an energizing fragrance on your skin and let you experience a new wave of freshness every morning.
Recommended for
Those who want to freshen and energise their tired skin.
How it works
This gentle face wash works like a charm to transform your dull skin. If you’re looking for a burst of morning energy at any time of the day, look no further!
The rich foam thoroughly removes oil and dirt. Its special ingredients help prevent common skin problems, without drying out your skin. The natural berry extract leaves your skin looking fresh and glowing.
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 it twice daily for skin that’s beautifully clean and clear! Follow with the CLEAN & CLEAR® OIL FREE MOISTURISER for best results.
Ingredients of Berry:
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Petrolatum, Red 30 Lake, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Ferric Ferrocyanide, CI 16035, Cl 42090
Brightening Berry IngredientsEnergizing Lemon IngredientsPurifying Apple Ingredients
Lemon has Lemon Fruit & Passionflower extracts, Apple has kiwi, orange, grapefruit & apple extracts.
MRP: Rs.110/- for 100ml
I love the transparent bottle packaging, it lets you see the exact quantity plus the colorful beads that can be seen through the bottle look really nice. It has a flip cap and you can control the exact quantity you need per wash. Also the small tiny bottles that come in smaller size are perfect for your handbag or travel.
Lemon has golden yellow and white beads, Berry has pink and white beads and Apple has green beads in it.
Clean & Clear has come up with this beautiful #seetherealme campaign with this Morning Energy range which basically tells the teenage girls to show the world their real self and not be judged by looks, shape, size, colour, clothes, etc. I think it is a fabulous initiative coz the teens is when we are most conscious of the way we look and what people comment, etc. and it is very important for us to stay confident through that age.
Coming to the face wash again, it has small tiny beads which don’t melt, they just wash off and exfoliate a bit gently. I like gel based face washes, they are easy to use and wash off. It foams well, smells amazing, and is actually great to lift your sleepy head in the mornings!
It won’t remove your waterproof makeup, etc. but it is not even meant for that. It is a basic, regular face wash that refreshes you and removes oil and dirt. It is targeted towards the college girls and works perfect for them.
I love the Brightening Berry, smells so yumm! These are affordable, easy to carry and come in a range of sizes and variants. Absolutely recommend this to the college going girls, the smallest bottle is perfect for your handbag.
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub, Body Butter Review
Hi guys,
A few weeks ago The Body Shop launched their new Fuji Green Tea Range with Miss Malini & Jacqueline Fernandez at The Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai. I have created this short vlog from the event for you guys..
The Body Shop India also sent us this lovely hamper which had their new Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub & Body Butter, Green Tea Bags, a glass brewer and a mug, also a cute Japanese hand fan.
I have been using the Body Scrub & Body Butter since quite a few days now, and here is my review 🙂
FUJI GREEN TEA™ BODY SCRUB
What the Company claims: Perfect for cleansing and exfoliating, the crisp and refreshing scent of Fuji Green Tea™ Body Scrub helps to lift away dead skin cells, detox the body, and prepare skin for moisture. Discover more about the Green Tea Ceremony → • Lifts away dead skin cells • Infused with replenishing green tea from Japan • For healthy looking skin • Enriched with Community Fair Trade Honey from Ethiopia
MRP: Rs.1295/- for 250ml
How to use: Apply to damp skin in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly for refreshingly smooth skin. For best results, use two to three times a week.
Ingredients:
Now I have tried many body scrubs from coffee to sea salt and sugar, etc., but mostly all the body scrubs are oil based i.e. the have almond oil or olive oil, etc as their base. Though the base oil leaves the skin moisturized but sometimes it is difficult to get rid of and when it is humid, I prefer a light, non greasy feeling on my skin.
The Body Shop always makes gel based body scrubs which are easy to use and do not leave a heavy oily feeling on the skin, the Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub was one such scrub. And coming to this Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub, it is even more light and smells very refreshing.
It is a transparent gel base with small white particles and green beads. I am not a fan of green tea smell but this actually smells very light and refreshing and not at all of strong green tea which I had thought it would.
I like the slightly curved top packaging with a steel cap and a transparent see through tub.It is very gentle when it comes to exfoliating and leaves my skin squeaky clean with a hint of the refreshing smell.
I quite like the body scrub, and it is one of my favourite body scrubs now.
FUJI GREEN TEA™ BODY BUTTER
Smooth on replenishing hydration, while detoxing body and soul, with the crisp and refreshing scent of Mini Fuji Green Tea™ Body Butter. Discover more about the Green Tea Ceremony. • Intense hydration for all skin types • 24-hr hydration • Lightweight texture • With revitalizing green tea from Japan • For healthier feeling skin • Enriched with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter from Ghana
MRP: Rs.1095/- for 200ml
How to use: Massage into skin. Be generous! It works even better when applied straight after a bath or shower. Insider’s tip: Massage into skin after using the Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub to help your moisturizer penetrate better.
Ingredients:
Now I have never been into body butters, I prefer body lotions always, coz I find body butters very rich on my skin. I do use them in winters when my skin is very dry but for rest of the time, I like body lotions which are light and absorb easily.
This is the first Body Butter from The Body Shop which I absolutely loved coz it is super light in texture and does not at all feel rich like butter.
It comes in a round tub packaging like all other The Body Shop Body Butters. It is light green in color and though butter like in texture, blends really well and gets absorbed instantly with no greasiness left behind.
Again has a light, refreshing smell and when the body scrub and body butter are used together, the smell lingers on for quite some time.
The skin stays hydrated and moisturized throughout the day, I don’t really reapply but if you have very dry skin, you can always reapply at night.
The entire range consists of Exfoliating Soap, Eau De Cologne, Body Sorbet, Body Scrub, Body Lotion, Body Wash and Body Butter. I absolutely love the Eau De Cologne, it is so refreshing and smells amazing.
They have a 20% off when you buy 3 products from this range offer going on currently on their site. I absolutely recommend trying this range and especially the body scrub and body butter if you are already into scrubbing and using body butters. Even if you are someone who prefers lotions, do check out the body butter tester if you have a Body Shop store around coz this is their lightest body butter. You can always get the body lotion otherwise. I am eyeing the Exfoliating Soap and the Eau De Cologne from this range next.
Rating:
Quality: 4.25/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Have you tried the new Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Range yet?
Bioderma Photoderm MAX Mineral Compact SPF 50+ Review
What the Company claims: 100% mineral and compact MAXimum photoprotection
For: Sensitive or sun-intolerant skin
Very fair skin with freckles
Skin allergic to chemical filters
Weakened skin, sensitive to UV rays (after a dermatological procedure)
Pigmentation problems
Benefits: Guarantees optimum UVA/UVB protection against the harmful effects of the sun (sunburn, etc.)
Combats premature cutaneous ageing and prevents the appearance of brown spots
Evens out the complexion and reduces blemishes for an immediate healthy glow effect
Soft, non-greasy, non-sticky texture, easy to apply. Powdery finish
Excellent tolerance.
Product + :
Case fit with a mirror and a sponge: CONVENIENT and COMPACT
SPF 50+/UVA 24
Fragrance-free
Paraben-free
Preservative-free
Resists water and perspiration
Photostable
Non-comedogenic
Hypoallergenic
The combination of mineral anti-UVA/anti-UVB screens in Photoderm MAX Compact offers both optimum protection against the harmful effects of the sun (sunburn, sun intolerance, etc.) and excellent skin tolerance.
Instructions: Several times a day – When exposed to the sun
Apply evenly and liberally before exposure (a smaller amount of product reduces the level of photoprotection). Re-apply frequently, before and after swimming, rubbing and playing sports.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.2500/- for 10g
I have been using this mineral compact sunscreen since quite some time now. This one is in the shade ‘Teint Claire- Light Colour’. I have only seen the other shade ‘Gold’ in white packaging but I am not sure of the shade.
I love the bright yellow packaging, appropriate for a sunscreen! It comes in a compact form with mirror on one side and a white sponge in the compartment down.
It is in cream form and you need to take the product on the sponge and apply it liberously covering your entire face, remember the less product you use, the less sun protection you would be getting. It is very easy to apply and blend. It settles on the face in sometime and does not leave any greasiness. Also, a few sunscreens make me sweat a lot, this did not! If you have oily skin, you will need to powder it of course coz this is cream based.
The only problem is the shade, it is very light and has a pink/grey undertone, so I need to use my skin shade compact powder on top to balance and match the color. But using a compact works and it does not look stark white later one. It will even out your skin tone and redness and the compact will mattify and give some coverage. So the combination of this sunscreen and a compact powder can be a perfect everyday combination which is what I have been using every single day.
I love the fact that it is Fragrance-free, Paraben-free and Preservative-free, and also water and sweat proof. It gives a very high sun protection of SPF 50+ and also protects from UVA rays. It also protects from sun burn and tanning. I haven’t tanned ever since I am using it.
Overall I would say, I absolutely love it and recommend it. It is slightly pricey but then it will also last a long time since it is 10g. It is available online on Nykaa and Purplle. The only problem is the shade, a compact is required to match it to skin and oily skin will definitely need a powder to set it.
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.75/5
If you read the previous post, you know we went to Trident BKC yesterday for lunch as it was Mr. Husband’s birthday.
I wore this pretty pastel blue floral off shoulder dress. I loved the dress but it is actually a bit loose and the sleeves were dropping, so kind of uncomfortable. I will have to find a way to alter it or fix it somehow. I love the pastel blue color and the floral print though, off shoulder is very IN trend these days.
I paired it with my new silver Forever 21 loafers and kept it minimal and silver in terms of accessories too. I wore this layered silver infinity necklace and a silver hamsa hand harness, my first hamsa 🙂
Dress, Necklace: HERE
Hand Harness: HERE
Shoes: Forever 21
Food Review: Lunch Buffet & Cocktails at O22, Trident BKC
Hi guys,
It was my husband’s birthday yesterday and we went to O22 at Trident BKC. We had buffet and there was a special cocktails promotion going on, so I tried one cocktail too, hubby did not since he had a doctor’s appointment later on.
I loved how the lunch buffet was a good mix from Indian to continental to a hint of street food. A perfect balance of veg and non veg dishes when it came to main course. Only when it came to desserts, there were just 2 options in eggless and there was ice cream, where as rest 10 options were all with egg 🙁
I made this small vlog, I hope you like it..
The veg and non veg salad options were equal and both had a separate dedicated table. One table was just all types of cheese and crackers.
I loved the salads. We were served Paneer Tikka and some Kebabs as appetizers, but they went cold by the time we went to get the salads. We did not get it exchanged though, hubby did not want to have the appetizers, I had one of each to try. I liked the Paneer Tikka but not the kebab.
There was a live Pav Bhaji counter where the chef made it fresh for everyone. And it was the best and yummiest Pav Bhaji I had ever had!! I had that twice, couldn’t resist 😀
Yummiest Pav Bhaji
The main course was ok, I did not have much of it. I liked the tomato rice.
I had this ‘Red Arrow’ cocktail which was a blend of strawberries, cranberry and basil with a hint of white balsamic in Ciroc vodka. It was refreshing with the perfect hint of vodka blended in the flavours.
Red Arrow
When it came to desserts, there was Fresh Fruit Cake and Lychee Baked Yogurt in eggless. I tried those and Honey Crunch ice cream. Loved the Lychee Baked Yogurt, cake was light and fluffy but I would have loved more fruits in it. Ice cream was very creamy with perfect sugar, not being over sweet.
Lychee Pista Baked Yogurt, Fresh Fruit Cake
They got me Tiramisu and Gelato in eggless option. I have had it before and it tasted exactly the same.The best Tiramisu I have ever had. (had it only here before :D) Coffee and mascarpone was balanced, again not over sweet, light and fluffy, just the way it should be. And with the perfect presentation of course.
Tiramisu & Gelato
Overall, an amazing lunch and I would definitely recommend the lunch buffet at O22 whenever you are around and searching a buffet option. I would love to try their Sunday brunch the next time.
Lunch Buffet Price: Rs.2050/- + taxes per person
Timings: 12.30 to 3.30pm
Cocktails: Rs.900/- excluding taxes
What are your favourite lunch buffet options in Mumbai? Do let me know.
P.S: I was invited for the lunch but it has not affected my opinion.
