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How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?, Beauty Tips, Dark Circles Cure

How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?

Dark Circles, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?

By Nidhal

Eyes are the windows to one’s heart. So true! But they are a lot more than that. They are also indicators of your health. Given the kind of lifestyles we all are living, we frequently tend to cross paths with dark circles, patchiness, discoloration, puffy eyes and what not. The first stage is of denial when we see signs of these pesky woes. Conveniently and more aptly sceptically we wring up our hands in disbelief brushing aside those signs.

A few more days roll by and then those signs begin drawing unwanted attention for people point it out. That sends the ‘Oh-No- Something’s-Wrong’ flag soaring high. Petrified, we wade across over-the-counter measures and what not to allay them but more often than not, such products do not throw positive results. Disappointed, we fall into a whirlpool of pessimism. But hey, worry not. We have a treasure trove of pocket-friendly recipes-none invasive, painful or costing you an arm and a leg at your disposal that’ll leave you heaving a sigh of respite.

1. MALAI/MILK CREAM- Milk has great lightening abilities for the skin and can be a very affordable option for dealing with dark circles under the eyes, which can have great results. Milk cream is a derivative of milk. Being a powerhouse of fats, malai is what you need if you suffer from under-eye discoloration.

PROCEDURE- Simply dab and massage a tbsp. of fresh milk cream using your ring finger (for it is the gentlest in massaging) carefully on your under-eye area. Do not let it enter your eyes. If it does, wash off immediately. That’s it. Sleep with it. In the morning, you can wash it off. Let it work its magic overnight. Continue every night for at least a week. It shows results and how! I vouch for this method provided it is followed painstakingly and regularly. And yes, it softens the area too. Double-whammy, did I hear you say that?

2. ALMOND OIL- Here comes the weapon that has been relied upon since times immemorial to banish those dark circles- Almond oil. Shouldn’t there have been drumrolls in the background as I introduced it?

Coming to its virtues, almond oil is anti-inflammatory, thus it reduces puffy bags under the eyes and dark circles. It is a good source of vitamin K, which improves clotting, reducing discoloration under the eyes.

PROCEDURE- Application is simple. Simply slather and massage the under-eye area with almond oil (few drops) every night dedicatedly without fail for at least a fortnight. Sleep with it and let your skin repair itself overnight.

3. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL- If almond oil has made an appearance on this list, can EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) stay far behind? EVOO is the best grade of olive oil for it is least processed and contains maximum nutrition. It comes in glass bottles and is higher than all other variants. It works wonders in allaying wrinkles. Ladies approaching their twilight years can still shed a few years of age off their skin with the help of this wonder oil.

PROCEDURE- Massage a few drops of it on your under-eye area. Please note that massaging is important. That is what matters else the oil will merely sit on your skin and not nourish it the way you want to. Do this every night for 5 minutes gently for at least a fortnight. You will be spellbound with the positive turn of events.

4. GREEN TEA BAGS- Packed with a number of antioxidants, green tea helps banish dark circles and keeps them at bay for as long as you continue sipping (or as I do, gulping) it.

PROCEDURE- Put two green tea bags in the refrigerator for at least an hour. After that, keep them on your eyes. It’s alright if it’s not entirely on your under-eyes. It nourishes eyelashes too so, you have the best of both worlds there.

5. CUCUMBER JUICE- Not only is the cool cucumber (you surely would have heard the phrase ‘as cool as a cucumber’) rich in vitamins and minerals which helps to hydrate, nourish and tone skin, but also brighten the under eye area, so that you can say ‘good bye’ to those pesky dark circles permanently. What needs to be done?

PROCEDURE- Mince a cucumber into a few slices. Actually, two would do. Freeze them for half an hour and then, keep them on your eyes. Bid farewell to all those woes pertaining to your under-eye area.

Editor’s Note: Those are fab tips Nidhal. I swear by almond oil, I am currently using the Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil and 3 drops are more than enough! Also just wanted to add, be careful when using the oil, make sure you don’t go too close to the eyes or it doesn’t enter inside, it kind of blurs vision for the entire night :/ Also I recommend the Rogan Badam Shirin, it’s the most economical and easily available option when it comes to purity.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5

Have you tried any of these for under-eye discoloration? What do you swear by?

Bollywood Fashion Faceoff: Who Wore it Better?

Bollywood, Fashion, Fashion Trends, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bollywood Fashion Faceoff: Who Wore it Better?

By Nidhal

Choc-a- bloc schedules with film assignments, dubbing, movie promotions at myriad venues, advert shoots, press conferences, store launches, award ceremonies and frequent outdoor shoots… phew! It would be arduous to swaddle oneself in the trendiest of outfits and showcase one’s sense of style every time a star steps out. The struggle is all the more tedious for a Bollywood actress who is screened from top to toe for her style, while a male celeb may evade the lens of the fashion police, scot-free even after committing the most heinous of fashion faux pas.

In the midst of all this, B-town celebs, particularly the female ones end up crossing each other’s paths swathed in the same outfit! Now, that is not a blunder per se. One may have an idea of what they would wear for a particular event, but how is one supposed to have any inkling of others sartorial choices given one’s hectic schedules? So, while wearing the same attire is admissible and not at all cringe-worthy in my opinion, yet we can surely assess who wore it better – that is, who brought to the outfit their sense of style, individuality and panache? They say- Never let clothes wear you. So, let us check out who did the same. Let it out in the comments section.

1. DEEPIKA OR SONAM- ‘Great minds think alive’ so goes an adage. Certainly, in this case, when two of Bollywood’s leading ladies in the present time and ace fashionistas think alike, we get to treat our eyes to their winsome appearances. Both the ladies decided to wear the same sarees but at different events. While Deepika swaddled herself in a cut sleeve blouse and a high pony at one of the events of Chennai Express’ promotions, Sonam sported a vintage look with three-quarter- sleeved blouse and a loose bun for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag promotions.

2. YAMI, PARINEETI OR ALIA- All belonging to the new crop of Tinsel-town- Yami Gautam, Parineeti Chopra and Alia Bhatt decided to team a see-through black-n- white top with denims to keep the look easy-going and laidback. Although there may emerge a winner amongst Yami and Alia, but Parineeti underwhelmed thanks to the faux pas she suffered.

3. KAREENA OR DEEPIKA- And now that’s what you call an exact replica! The dimpled Deepika stepped out in a mesmeric houndstooth print outfit to promote Ram Leela on the sets of Kapil Sharma’s comedy show. Coincidentally, not long ago, the feisty Kareena Kapoor Khan posed for the cover of a magazine in an exact replica of the outfit.

4. SHILPA OR DEEPIKA- And here come the ladies who have the best bodies in Bollywood without any iota of doubt! Naturally, any dress would complement the two, but what if the two sultry lasses zero in on the same attire? Scroll upwards and decide for yourselves. Baffled, aren’t you? Clearly here, only the skirt of both the divas is common yet, even that is sufficient to draw parallels. While Deepika teamed up her floral print Zara skirt with a bishop sleeved top, Shilpa opted for a loose white top gathered with a belt with the same skirt.

5. DEEPIKA OR PARINEETI- Opting for a blue and red number with psychedelic prints, the statuesque Deepika Padukone and the pert Parineeti Chopra both held court at the respective events they wore it to. While Deepika wore the dress first at a Film Awards announcement conference in January 2016, Parineeti was seen wearing the dress at a photoshoot a few months later.

6. KATRINA OR SONAKSHI- Clad in a short printed dress, both Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi ‘shotgun’ Sinha looked like sisters cut from the same cloth. While Katrina wore the one-piece at the audio launch of Bang Bang, Sonakshi swaddled herself in the same raiment in one of the songs of Action Jackson.

7. KAREENA OR DEEPIKA- And it is Kareena Kapoor Khan versus Deepika Padukone again! Both the A-list actresses of Tinsel-town seem to have a similar taste in fashion, don’t they? This was the second instance when they stepped out wearing the same attire. Kareena walked the green carpet of IIFA 2014 in a black Giorgio Armani gown, a slight variation of which Deepika sported at IIFA 2016. While Kareena added a sheer to cover up her frontal bare, Deepika decided to bare it all and raising the oomph of the apparel by leaps and bounds.

Editor’s Note: 4 out of 7 are Deepika :/ I hope she has better stylists now 😀

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5

So, who do you think should be crowned the better dressed?

L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Masque Review

Hair Care, Hair Mask, L'oreal Paris, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Masque Review

By Monika

Hello to all the NLM readers!!!

L’Oreal is currently one of the leading brands in the market be it for hair care, makeup or skin care. Since I take care of my hair a tad bit more than my skin I was eyeing for a good hair masque after all, some extra care for your hair wouldn’t do any harm. As mentioned earlier L’Oreal is widely known for its hair care range so it only seemed fair that I bought the masque from their Total Repair 5 Range. Continue reading, to know my views on the product and how I use it.

Price and quantity: Rs 369 for 200gms (Buy HERE)

Shelf life: Best before 3 years from the date of packaging

Directions for use: Gently massage into washed and towel dried hair. Leave it on for 2 minutes for intensive treatment.

Product Claims

  • Hair is nourished, smoother, stronger.
  • Helps fight the signs of hair damage.

Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, mineral oil, dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium, methosulfate cetyl estres, lactic acid, phenoxyethanol, tridecth-6,chlorhexidine digluconate, limonene, linalool, benzyl salicylate, amodimethicone, 2-oleamido- 1, 3-octadecanediol, fragrance, cetrimonium chloride, butyl phenyl methylpropional, hexyl cinnamal.

My views on the product

The packaging of the product is somewhat similar to other products of the total repair 5 range apart from the fact that this hair masque comes in a tub. I personally would have preferred a tube or a bottle instead of the tub since, that ensures hygienic application. Otherwise, the packaging would have scored a perfect 10 for; the red colored cap along with the white colored tub which has white and golden detailing is extremely eye catching.

The tub is quite sturdy and leak proof so that you can carry it around while travelling. If you are carrying this in your travel bag or, for that matter if you are using it at home on towel dried hair you can most definitely skip your conditioner since it does condition the hair. There is not one specific way by which I use this product but, multiple ways which include using it as a mask before washing my hair, using it as a conditioner on towel dried hair after washing it. When used as a conditioner I leave it on for a good 5 minutes and then rinse it off with water. At times when my hair is feeling especially dry I take a pea sized amount of the product and use it as a leave-in conditioner. I have an oily scalp with slightly dry ends so I use this mask only at the ends but people with dry hair can go all out and use it onto their scalp as well as the ends. All of this being said, make sure that you use this mask not more than twice a week because the alcohol present in the ingredient list can be a bit drying.

The white colored mask has a pleasant fragrance which stays on the hair for 1-2 days after the wash. The texture as well as the working action is exactly similar to a conditioner and I see no reason why someone should pay extra amount of money for something that is no different from a conditioner. I, in particular had high expectations from the mask but it did nothing extraordinary apart from the general conditioning. The brand claims to help fight 5 signs of hair damage but even with regular usage I did not find any major difference in my hair. It does nothing to improve the hair texture, strength, shine and growth. This is one of the few products that I regret buying since it doesn’t live up to the expectations and is not cost-effective.

Pros:

  • Availability
  • Conditions hair
  • Travel-friendly packaging
  • Can be used in multiple ways
  • Pleasant fragrance

Cons:

  • Doesn’t help fight the 5 signs of hair damage
  • Heavy on the pocket
  • Can a bit drying coz of alcohol

Rating: 2/5

Final word

I wouldn’t recommend this mask to anyone and for the people who really are eager to try out the product can just try the conditioner from this range and that in itself would give similar results in spite of shelling out less money.

Editor’s Note: Sounds ok. Though I feel it’s not very expensive, coz all hair masques in the market are priced around the same.

Have you tried the L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Masque? What do you think?

How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

Himalaya Herbals, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

Hi guys,

I don’t generally go to salons for facials and clean ups, I prefer taking care of my skin at home and follow the basic skin care routine regularly. If you spend even 5-10 minutes on your skin daily and the scrub/mask routine once/twice a week, you won’t need any fancy or expensive salon facials/clean ups.

Now a clean-up is important coz sometimes the blackheads and whiteheads are not really visible but they do develop when the pores are blocked or there is dirt in the pores which is not cleaned regularly.

Here is how I do a mini clean-up at home:

1. Wash your face with a face wash. My Holy Grail is the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem face wash.

2. Cleanse your face with a milk based cleanser. Now there are quite a few options available, you can also try the Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Cleansing Milk. Massage for a minute to two and wipe it off with a damp cotton ball

3. Take steam on the face. If you don’t have a steam machine, just boil some water and bend your face over it covering with a towel. It will do the job equally well.

4. Extract comedones, either use cotton on both of your hands to press the skin and extract it or use a blackhead extractor for deep rooted blackheads. You get it for about 50-60 rupees. Just sanitise and clean it before using and even after using.

5. Scrub your face. I use the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub when I am breaking out or have 1-2 acne or the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub if my skin is a little dry or in winters. Scrub for a good 2-3 minutes concentrating more on nose, forehead, chin, sides of nose, etc. Wipe it all off with a damp cotton ball.

6. Toner. You can either use rose water or cucumber water or any alcohol free toner to close the pores. It is very important to close the pores which have opened with the steam.

7. Follow it up with a face pack. Now again I would go with either the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack if I have acne or the Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Pack if I want to get rid of tan. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and also use cotton balls soaked in rose water over the eyes and just relax. Take it all off with a damp cotton ball. Wash your face with water if you feel like.

8. Moisturize your face with your regular moisturizer.

9. Apply a sunscreen/sunblock

That’s it, you are done. This whole procedure will take about 30 minutes including the face pack. You can do it once a week on a Saturday or Sunday, you can spend at least 30 minutes in a week over your skin, if not, once in two weeks is a must! Also if you do not do it regularly, the whiteheads and blackheads will not be extracted, the skin won’t be exfoliated. Dead skin cells will form a layer and the blackheads will turn to acne.

Regular skin care is important even if you have good skin, to maintain it. Do not take your skin for granted. Your skin gets regenerated every 21 days, so at least follow this simple clean-up at home once every 2 weeks i.e. 14 days.

Few points to remember:

1. Always use products according to your skin type or how your skin is behaving during that time.

2. Do not be harsh on your skin, do not scrub vigorously or over exfoliate.

3. Always end with a sun block/sunscreen even if you are not stepping out

There are a lot of products available in the market if you do not have extra time to DIY at home. I like Himalaya Herbals products and have been using them since my college days. They are affordable and easily available.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE

How do you do a clean-up at home?

What’s in My Makeup Pouch?

Makeup, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What’s in My Makeup Pouch? (Makeup On The Go)

By Linda

Hi everyone,

Today I will be talking about the makeup products I carry everyday along with me. Yes every day!!!!!. As I only prefer to allot 5 mins for a simple and natural makeup. In case of parties / events or other functions obviously the products would be different and it won’t be relevant to today’s post.

As I’m always on a run , be it for work/ meeting with friends, in which case I mostly do my makeup either in my car while I’m commuting or head straight to a decent ladies common room ..yeah that kind of a crazy person I am. Rather than digging into my bag for each product or forgetting it at home I prefer carrying these few products in a pouch, where ever I go. Let’s admit one thing that makeup last for at least 4-5 hours depending on the weather conditions or your skin type. It’s always better to carry this pouch for retouches. And I don’t want load my bag with all unwanted makeup that I don’t use daily.

I did mention it’s a makeup pouch , since a pouch can carry minimal but most important things that serves our purpose. Secondly it’s light weight and travel friendly.

So let’s get to the point and find out what’s in my pouch

1. Mac Studio Fix Foundation plus Powder [Shade: NC 41]

This is a highly recommended product. Firstly it functions as a foundation plus powder. Secondly within the container it has a sponge for easy application of the product and a mirror build in (you need not carry an extra mirror).So now you can imagine how multipurpose this product is . I will be writing a detailed review of this product soon. Keep watching!!!

2. Maybelline Dream Sun Triple Bronzing powder [Shade: 02 Brune]

This is another all-time favorite product of mine. The detailed review of this product is HERE. As I mentioned in the review this a multipurpose product. It can be used as Bronzer, for contouring and highlighting ,and at times as a blush as well. Trust me these 3 shades can do wonders on your skin.

3. A Blush by Rimmel London [Shade 190 Coral]

What I like about this blush it gives you a flushed natural look, as it has tiny amount of shimmer. Also it is light weight and smaller in size.

4. Bourjois Kohl & Contour Eye Pencil (Review HERE)

A water proof and smudge proof eye pencil is all you need. And a sharpner along with it is an add on.

5. Perfume vial (Milano by PRADA)

This vial always comes handy to revive the freshness of your fragrance you already applied. All you need is to invert the vial on your finger tip and dab it behind your ears and wrist, and then you are are all set to go.

6. Lipstick /Lip balm

It’s always advisable to carry a lipstick of a neutral shade (browns) and cool toned (shades of pink and mauve) lipstick of your choice. I carry a neutral lipstick from Mac Shade Whirl which is reviewed HERE

7. Bourjois Volume Glamour MAX definition Mascara

Any look is incomplete without a mascara. The wand has fine and short bristles that coats your eyelashes giving a voluminous look.

8. Essence Eye Pencil & Eyeshadow [Shade 05 Cute Copper]

This is a neutral bronze pencil eye shadow, creamy formula, easy to apply. You don’t even need a brush. Easy to blend with your fingertips.

I carry all my products in a light and small-medium size pouch I picked from H & M.This is a zipper pouch in a metallic color. Easy to carry where ever you go and fits into any size of bags.

Believe me all these items easily fits into a small pouch only try to select items that are multipurpose, light weight and travel friendly.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post…

Editor’s Note: Ya I guess these things are enough, I would just add an eyebrow pencil and highlighter for me 😀

What’s in your makeup pouch?

Benefits of Using a Wooden Comb & Joy by Nature Neem Wooden Comb Review

Hair Care, Joybynature, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benefits of Using a Wooden Comb & Joy by Nature Neem Wooden Comb Review

By Nidhal

For some strange reason I always had a fixation for lustrous hair that is, hair that flows as the wind caresses it, remains tangle-free and adorns one’s curves like an ornament! Stroking one’s fingers down such locks is a ‘thing of beauty’ to borrow Joh Keats. While we have countless weapons at hand to get such gorgeous locks, yet one weapon that I was long oblivious of was a ‘wooden comb’.

One day, I stumbled upon the virtues of using a wooden comb and thrilled by the same, I placed an order for one on Amazon. It was none other than Joy by Nature Neem Wooden Comb for Women. Needless to say, here is my review of the same.

PRICE- 125/- INR for each comb (Rs.85 on Amazon HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Use like a normal comb except when your hair is wet/semi-dry. NEVER use a wooden comb on hair drenched in water.

INGREDIENTS- Made up of wood

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Joybynature wooden pocket combs are made from natural neem wood that has been used since olden days in hair care. Neem bark, leaves, fruits, twigs, flowers are all used in medicinal preparation and are also part of new age products including combs, hair oils, tooth paste, moth balls, disinfectant and skin ointments. It is rightly given the name in Sanskrit as ‘Sarva Roga Nivarani’ in other words ‘Cure for all ailments’.The Joybynature wooden pocket combs are made from this powerful neem wood and designed aesthetically to suit the requirements of today’s generation while matching with the requirements for proper hair care.

Joybynature.com delivers goodness and joy from nature to your home. With over 10,000 Authentic Certified Natural/Organic products, Joybynature.com is the global hub of nature-led well-being.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple (and highly flimsy) plastic pack, this wooden comb screams for a better packaging! Once taken out from the package, you need to find a place/case for the comb to be stored. That aside, I have been using this comb for over two months and it’s worth mentioning that it works wonders to tame frizz and impart softness.

Wooden combs are supposed to have rounded teeth (as compared to regular plastic combs with pointed teeth) that avert hair from developing frizz. Since frizz is taken care of, expecting hair to be softened is natural and that’s what happens.

My hair is dry and within a period of two months of usage, I can assert that it has managed to soften my locks very well. On the downside, the comb is prone to breakage. The dark brown part that you see in the picture has been stuck to the main comb and it is prone to separation. In fact, it would be surprising if it lasts for even two months. Cleaning the comb is another cumbersome affair as you cannot use water on it (it’s wooden after all). So, I clean it by using a cotton swab soused in coconut oil. Moreover, I clean it once in every 3-4 days.

In a nutshell, it benefits your mane only if used regularly and cautiously. It comes with its fair share of “dos and don’ts” when it comes to usage so, weigh them beforehand.

Here are some of the benefits of using wooden comb over plastic combs-

1. Controls and prevents frizz

2. Adds shine and softness

3. Stimulates the scalp thus, accelerating hair growth

4. Boosts blood circulation of the scalp

5. Spreads the natural oils in our tresses uniformly

GOOD-

1. Rounded teeth of the comb ensure that my scalp as well as hair’s follicles aren’t roughened

2. Tames frizz overtime

3. Price is reasonable

4. Readily available (I bought it on Amazon India)

5. Made up of wood

6. Softens hair overtime (personal experience corroborates it)

BAD-

1. Packaging needs improvement. By parting with 125/- INR, a simple flimsy plastic package is what the comb comes packed in.

2. The comb is prone to breakage

3. Cleaning the comb is an arduous affair.

4. Size is small (it’s a pocket comb)

RATING- 3/5

Editor’s Note: This definitely does sound like worth trying, or maybe I will try to find more options. But looking forward to trying a wooden comb

Do you use a wooden comb?

Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick Candy Rose Review, Swatches

Colorbar, Lipsticks, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick Candy Rose Review, Swatches

 By Pallavi

Lipsticks form a very important part of your personality. When you start applying lipsticks then you realize that you need to own not only 1 but at least 4-5 pairs of lipsticks, one for every occasion.

Confused well let me help you out. You need to have a nude lipstick as per your skin tone. This is mostly for offices or any formal occasion. Other than this on numerous occasions when you all dressed up and glammed up then you can apply a nude lipstick in order to tone down your entire look. Next comes the dark red lippy which is a must have for festive looks and special date nights. Next is a fuchsia colour which is perfect for any bright day or days when you want to perk up your mood. And finally comes the time for a light pink colour lipstick which is also perfect for most of the occasions. I believe you should have at least 2-3 pairs of light colour lipsticks so that you can alternatively try them whenever you wish.

So, with similar thought I bought this lipstick from the house of Colorbar. Let’s see how it fared on me.

Product claims: Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick comes with the promise of lips that are eloquent and luscious. It comes with lovely rich colours and rich in moisturizing properties making lips look fuller and creamier all day long. It has sheabutter, Vitamin E and sunscreen agents at SPF 15 level which nourish and protect your lips against UV rays. It glides on effortlessly for flawless, even coverage for that perfect pout. Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick are the perfect way to pamper your lips, not only you will love the rich, lustrous colour, but the lovely creamy texture of the lip colour as well.

Price : Rs. 450 for 4.5 Grams

My Views :

Packaging wise the lipstick is classy. It comes in a medium sized bullet which can fit easily inside your pocket. It has an outer packaging of steel which looks very classy. It has the price and batch name and details inscribed. The shade name of the lipstick is mentioned at the base of the lipstick.

This lipstick from the house of Colorbar comes in crème range and thus it is very creamy and extremely moisturizing. It feels very comfortable on lips. And for dry lips like me this lipstick is a boom. I would love to try others shades from this range. But this range has a big downside. The bullet of the lipstick is more or less flimsy. If you end up twisting a bit more lipstick then there is a fear that it might break down. Also, if by mistake the lipstick falls down then there is a higher chance that the bullet will break.

Coming to the shade of this lipstick from the house of Colorbar it is Candy Rose which is very light pink. It is more of a frosty or cool toned pink colour. This colour will look fab on fairer skin tones. But duskier skin tones like me can also rock this lipstick. This is perfect for regular usage.

But there are some special application tips before you begin with this lipstick. You must clean your lips with a lip scrub or a simple baby tooth brush. Then only apply the lipstick. It is because the lipstick has a crème and slightly messy finish. So, in order to prevent flakes on your lips it’s best to begin with clean lips.

In terms of longevity the lipstick stays for a really long time. I apply it in the morning and till lunch it is very much there. Even after a heavy lunch it fades evenly. After which I re apply a bit and then it is again there till there end of the day.

The bonus with this lipstick is that after drying it never settles into lip lines which I absolutely hate. After the colour fades the lips still feel soft and moisturized.

Pros of Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick Candy Rose

1. Available online and offline

2. Affordably Priced

3. Has a crème finish

4. Universal colour

5. Stays quite long

6. Lips is soft and moisturized

7. Comes with a goodness of SPF 15

Cons of Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick Candy Rose

1. Lipstick bullet can break easily

2. Application can turn nasty

Rating :

Packaging : 4/5

Texture : 4.5/5

Longetivity : 5/5

Shade – 4.5/5

Overall rating – 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: That’s a pretty shade indeed! I hear one of their best selling in this creme touch range.

Have you tried Colobar Lipstick in Candy Rose yet?

Things to Know About Travel & Health Insurance

Health, Lifestyle, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Things to Know About Travel & Health Insurance

Hi guys,

Today’s post is a little different, I wanted to share some things about health and travel insurance as it is still taken for granted and many people are not covered.

One of my dear friends recently got diagnosed with Malaria and had to be admitted to a hospital. Getting admitted in a hospital (without surgery) can set you back by around 20,000/ day. It is here that the importance of health insurance policies comes into the picture.

Health insurance in India, popularly known as Mediclaim, is nothing but an Insurance which covers expenses related to necessary hospitalization due to a sickness or an accident. Health insurance is generally an annual policy, renewable every year. The policy covers hospitalization due to sickness and accidental injury. You can claim health insurance in 2 ways – cashless or reimbursement.

Cashless – You don’t have to pay anything. You go to the insurance company’s website, check out their network of Hospitals & get admitted to the nearest network hospital which gives admittance just by showing the cashless card (which will be processed within 2-3 hours)

Reimbursement – In case you happen to be admitted in a hospital which is not in the network of your insurance company, you will have to make all payments on your own to the hospital, and then claim the same from the insurance company.

Tips for choosing a health insurance plan

Opt for family floater

If a family of three buys a family floater mediclaim of 3 lakhs, the full family covered can make claims of upto Rs. 3 lakh in a year, subject to other terms and conditions in the policy. In most policies self, spouse, and kids are covered in a family floater policy. On the other hand, individual mediclaim is a product where each member is covered under a separate Sum Insured. Taking individual policies turns out to be more expensive than family floater.

Cover pre-existing diseases

Pre-existing ailments or diseases are symptoms, diagnosed ailments, or any existing or past health condition which exist at the time of applying for mediclaim policy. When you apply for a mediclaim, please ensure that you provide a detailed medical background about your family. Ailments which already exist are generally covered by mediclaim after 4 years. In a recent trend, most insurance companies now have started putting permanent exclusions for pre-existing diseases in the policy.

Royal Sundaram Health Insurance has come out with their policies with extended features as listed below:

• No room rent capping (some policies cap hospital room rent at a measly number)

• No Disease specific sub limits.( most policies in the market will restrict the amount payable for defined illness / treatments )

Travelling is something that is enjoyed by everyone. But travelling overseas usually means that one is entering a new and unknown land where the language, culture, people, and conditions are different. If in such a new land, one may face the plight of loss of baggage, robbery, health problems etc. During such difficult times, financial aid is needed, and that’s when travel insurance comes to your rescue. While one is on a trip, it is good to hope that your trip proceeds as expected and planned, but it is not necessary that it will.

Out of India, expenses for hospitalization are higher than those within India. Thus, if one is traveling overseas, purchasing a travel insurance can protect the insured against such unexpected expenses due to ill health or accidents. If one is injured due to the accident or falls ill during the trip then the expenses of the medication as well as for hospitalization or emergency evacuation is paid partly or fully(this will depend on the policy coverage offered) by the travel insurance company and thus less burden on the insured.

Royal Sundaram’s Travel Insurance covers almost everything you can think of;

• Overseas medical covers of up to US$ 150,000.

• Security against unexpected emergency surgeries, diagnostic tests (such as X-Ray, blood tests, scans) and medical aid prescribed by the attending physician

• Covers emergencies and essential dental treatments

• Total coverage for loss of checked-in baggage

• Coverage for delays of checked-in baggage which includes reimbursement for emergency purchase of clothing and toiletries, up to a certain limit

• Coverage for loss of travel documents which includes reimbursements and reissuing duplicate documents

• You can also avail hijack distress allowance under this scheme

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Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner Noir Black Review, Swatches

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Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner Noir Black Review, Swatches

By Linda

Hello ladies…

Today I will be reviewing a liquid eyeliner that I purchased around 3-4 months back from a drugstore, and it is called Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner. I was looking for an easy non messy and glossy application of winged eyeliner and the sales assistant at the counter suggested for this product. Was really impressed after testing it for the first time and decided to go ahead and purchase it. Recently I was going through Maybelline website (India) and noticed there are two products that appear to look almost similar in regards to felt tip application that is Maybelline Colossal Liner and Maybelline Eye studio Hypersharp Liner. I haven’t used either of them so won’t be able to comment on it. So let’s go ahead and find out about Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

Maybelline Website Claims:Master flow with our exclusive ultra-thin 0.4mm brush tip applies continuous flow for smooth, even, perfected lines. No mess or excess.

Master Intensity with our ink technology that keeps pigment saturated.Long wearing, water and smudge-proof eye liner. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. Fragrance free. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers.

Ingredients:

Price: 3.5 Kuwait Dinar (KWD) / Approximately 800 INR

Shelf life of 6 months from opening

My take on this liquid eyeliner

Packaging: Lightweight, Pen shaped with a fine soft felt tip. Travel friendly. The cap fits on tightly due to which the formulation does not dry out easily.

On application this eyeliner enables you to draw precise and defined lines since it glides on smoothly over the eyelids. It is because of the fine soft tip you can achieve a neat defined line of varying thickness. I would say this product is ideal for the beginners who are trying to rock winged eyeliner.

The soft textured formulation gives jet black pigmentation with a glossy finish. On my oily eyelids it did last for 6-7 hours and it definitely did not smudge. For non oily eyelids, trust me it will last even longer. This product is not water proof as it claims; with one splash of water you will end up looking like one melting panda. So due to its fine tip and being non-water proof, it isn’t ideal for your water line.

I always apply this eyeliner over the eyelids and it does not irritate at all.

If you are looking for a quick easy application then definitely go for this product. But if you are looking for something that is really long lasting ,for waterline application and for super oily eyelids then definitely this is not the product you need

Pros:

  • Travel friendly
  • Ideal for beginners
  • A sophisticated look can be easily achieved
  • Reasonable price
  • Did not cause any irritation

Cons:

  • Non water proof
  • Requires multiple swipes
  • Few seconds are required for the formulation to dry after application

Rating: 3.5/5

Would I recommend Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner? Yes for beginners .But for experts there are many other better options available in the market.

Editor’s Note: Sounds ok. My favourite here is the Maybelline Colossal Liner, but I will give this a try if it launches here.

Have you tried the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner yet?

Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Lip Butters in India, Price, Buy Online

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Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Lip Butters in India, Price, Buy Online

By Nidhal

Chances are a great many of you who’d be reading this may be addicts and I mean that cent per cent when I say it. But addicted to…? Ah, no need to strain your brain. You may not be addicted to something you’d NOT receive a lashing from your parents from (Desi kids remain kids after all, no matter their age and size). It is none other than the little delectable pots/tubes of sinful indulgence- LIP BALMS/LIP BUTTERS!

It needs no elaboration that markets are flooded with a wide variety of lip balms/butters today, however, there is something about a hand-crafted lip balm that strikes a chord. The fact that someone invested his/her time, effort and care along with manual dexterity, catches my attention.

So, here is a brief rundown on the Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Butters in India. Let’s rouse the lip-balm addict in ourselves.

1. AROMA ESSENTIALS- Ensconced in the Electronic City of India- Bangalore, Aroma Essentials strives to replace very chemical-laden cocktail off your shelf with its all-natural, preservative and chemical-free products that are handcrafted by trained and skilled individuals. Spearheaded by Mrs. Madhurima Ramakrishna, they offer both lip butters and chapsticks (tube packaged balms) in a wide variety of flavours and fragrances (which are achieved by the virtue of addition of essential oils and NO artificial fragrance). Glance over their lip- smacking lip butters and you’ll find yourself slobbering uncontrollably. The aroma of their lip products is hands down, the BEST I have come across. Many a time, I can make out which essential oil has been added to a product of theirs.

PRICE- 175/- INR for a lip butter, 250/- INR for a ChapStick

AVAILABILITY- Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp Madhurima(+91 7760988272)

2. GREENVIV-A new kid on the block which crafts products to perfection, Greenviv’s lip balms are a treat for sore, chapped lips seeking a quick-fix solution. Not only are they ideal for wearing to school (where usually rules and regulations restrict one from experimenting much with their looks) but also easy on the pocket. Based out of New Delhi, they ship all over India. Their handmade lip butters bear a mild aroma (again, no nasties here) and last for a good 2-3 months which is worth the investment.

PRICE- 169/- INR for each pot/tub (regardless of the flavour) for lip balm, 199/- INR for lip scrub

AVAILABILITY- Amazon India and Facebook

3. BIO ORGANIC AND NATURAL (BON ORGANICS)- Drumrolls please for India’s most eclectic and prolific organic skin care brand that has a USDA Organic certification to boast off, is here on our list. Bio Organic and Natural, BON Organics for short is ensconced in the quaint Auroville, Tamil Nadu. A brainchild of Mr. Ganesh Chandrasekaran, it is helmed by Ms.Nishantainidevi Chandrasekaran now and the lady is leaving no stone unturned to establish it as a leading organic skin care brand in India. Their lip stains, as they call it are handmade with certified organic ingredients and oodles of care by trained women in Auroville. Shipped worldwide and for free in India (perks of being an Indian!), one needs to give their lip stains a shot. Who knows your exorbitant chemical-laden lip-stick may go down the drain after it?

PRICE- 400/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- www.bonorganics.com, Facebook and Instagram

4. STAY WILD CHILD- Handcrafting products sans adulteration, nasty chemicals and preservatives, Stay Wild Child’s policy is simple- Add what can be eaten. Their Shea butter and olive oil enriched lip balm nourishes lips, heels cracks and makes them supple in no time. The USP is that it won’t pinch your pockets too!

PRICE- 60/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- www.staywildchild.com, Amazon and Facebook

5. LAST FOREST- Last Forest takes simplicity to a new high. With not just skin care products to your disposal, you have organic food supplements and health food too as you surf their eye-pleasing website. Their pure beeswax lip balm with soothing and medicinal honey helps to keep one’s lips smooth naturally.

PRICE- 90/- INR for each tub/pot

AVAILABILITY- HERE

6. JUICY CHEMISTRY- Operating from Chennai and spearheaded by Megha and Pritesh Asher, Juicy Chemistry will compel you to ditch those nasty chemical-laden products off your shelf. Not even 0.1% of their products contain any chemicals or preservatives. They furnish all the relevant details on how to use their products which is the need of the hour given how insouciant we are in using skin care products more so organic products. As of now they offered lip ‘butters’ but they are soon going to treat your pucker to soothing lip butters in the form of a stick/tube. Didn’t that get you all agog?

PRICE- 200/- INR for each

AVAILABILITY- www.juicychemistry.com, Facebook and Instagram

7. GIA BATH AND BODY WORKS- Operating from the City of Dreams- Mumbai, Gia Bath & Body Works is helmed by Mrs. Gayatri Acharya Brown and named after her vivacious daughter-Gerogia, Gia for short. The more we say about her all-natural brand, the less it seems because offers nearly everything and packs it to perfection. Her organic cocoa butter lip balms are a treat to the driest of lips.

PRICE- 350/- INR

AVAILABILITY- www.giabathandbodyworks.in, Facebook and Instagram

8. ORGANICMILL- Taking their “no preservatives and chemicals added” mantra to an altogether different high, OrganicMill- the brainchild of Mrs. Dishi Kumar Jain and based out of Noida. With lip balms/butters available in mouth-watering flavours such as- rose, orange, peppermint, lemon and strawberry, you wouldn’t want your lips to miss a chance of wholesome pampering. That their range encapsulates other products catering to one’s beauty needs is a cherry on the cake.

PRICE- 250/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp (+91 9971648091)

9. ISLAND KISS- Mark my words- this brands awakens the hedonist in you! The moment you grab an Island Kiss Lip Moisturiser, all what plays in your mind is you sauntering on a tranquil beach with waves and breeze caressing your feet and hair respectively. And in the midst of all this, you unleash your inherent diva by gliding a decadent Island Kiss Lip Moisturiser.

Currently available in 3 flavours, Island Kiss helmed by Shaili and Siddharth, is about to launch 2 more enticing flavours soon that will spoil you for choice. And not to forget, their lip moisturisers besides being handmade are crafted with certified organic ingredients.

PRICE- 399/- to 499/- (varies as per the flavour)

AVAILABILITY- HERE

10. COSMETIC JUNCTION- Based out of Salem in Tamil Nadu, Cosmetic Junction’s mouth-watering range (yes, mouth-watering because at times you’d forget that you are looking at skin products!) encapsulates cold-processed soaps, lip balms, serums, face packs, scrubs and face scrubs. Spearheaded by Ms. Anshutha Maheshwari, their lip balms (available in stick/tube form too) is hand-crafted with the finest of natural ingredients sourced from far and wide.

PRICE- 100/- for each tube

AVAILABILITY- Facebook and Instagram

Editor’s Note: That’s a well compiled list Nidhal

Have you tried any of these? Or planning to next?