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Studiowest Maaya Crystal Eyeshadow Trio Goldmine Review, Swatches, Indian Makeup Blog, Best Eyeshadow India

Studiowest Maaya Crystal Eyeshadow Trio Goldmine Review, Swatches

Studiowest Maaya Crystal Eyeshadow Trio Goldmine Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hola loves!

We all love buying makeup, don’t we? Even those “random” visits and strolls through makeup boutique and counter aisles end up with us eventually buying the stuff we fancy lying at the counters! We can’t help 😀

During such one random visit to Westside I discovered that they actually have a huge makeup and skincare studio, STUDIOWEST. I drove straight into it and the product that fascinated me the most was their eye shadow trio as I was on a hunt to get travel friendly palette to carry along for weddings!

They actually have their range sorted into two lines: (Read more HERE)

The Pure Passion line which is a more wearable, lightweight ranging from nudes to pinks for the woman at work

The Maaya line which is more edgy, has shimmery and bold dazzling shades for festivities, weddings and women who want to look more glamorous.

They have a great range of colors which are designed specifically to flatter the Indian skin tones.

Pure passion has daytime neutrals and black Smokey eye shadow trio. While Maaya has stark shades in Bombay jewels and goldmine trio.

I chose the goldmine for its vibrant color combination. It’s a mix of plum, gold and brown. I tried it at the counter and gosh it blew me off with the pigmentation. I had to pick it up!

So let’s get into reviewing the STUDIOWEST MAAYA CRYSTAL EYESHADOW IN M03 GOLDMINE

PRODUCT CLAIMS: “Hi intensity color, for dramatic eyes. Blends effortlessly to create a complete look”

PRICE: INR 425 for 4.2 g

SHELF LIFE Is approx. 2 years

TO USE: “Combine three shades to experiment with your look! Using the applicator, apply the dark shade to line the eyelid. Next, blend in the medium shade along the crease & highlight under the eyebrow for a stunning result”

AVAILABILITY: The Studio West range is available across most Westside stores in India and is an awesome stop for high quality, reasonable products. How I wish it could be available online too!

MY EXPERIENCE

PACKAGING

Studio West Maaya crystal eye shadow comes enclosed in a black paper box with small cutout window which shows off the product. Inside is a compact plastic case with no mirror attached. Well that doesn’t bother me at least. It has a transparent lid making it easier to see through the shades.

The details are written on the base. Inside the case rests three eye shadow colors in square cases. The double sided sponge applicator it comes with, is of no use and I use my own set of brushes to apply the shadows.

The packaging is simple, nothing fancy or great but not cheap looking either. It is breakable and not sturdy so one needs to be careful while handling it or while travelling.

TEXTURE

The texture is to die for!! Truly speaking I didn’t expect this kind of texture from this palette, since most drugstore brands have those powdery finish with loads of fallout. All three eye shadows are so creamy and satin soft and glide on like a dream!! Application and blending is super easy and seamless. The shimmer present in the formula is very subtle, not like big crystals but are finely milled and I didn’t observe any fall out during application, however I always prefer doing my eye makeup first and base later.

PIGMENTATION

This Goldmine trio is a beautiful palette containing great festive shades: a plum, antique gold and a copper brown. Great color selection and would suit most of our heavy attires.

I can’t really stress enough on how pigmented these eye shadows are. Just have a look at the swatches and this is without a primer (just swatched once). All the three shades are super pigmented and have a reflective, subtle shimmery finish which doesn’t look over the top. The colors blend well without a hassle.

SHADES

The color pay off in a single swipe is exceptional (see swatches). The first shade from the left is so unique. It is a plumy-burgundy shade and looks gorgeous. The middle one is shimmery golden with warm bronze undertone to it. The third one is a gorgeous copper-brown shade. Perfect blend for Indian skin tone.

STAYING POWER

They stayed quite well on my eyes for over 6 hours without any creasing or fading that too without a primer (do prime in case you have oily lids). However with a good base and primer, longevity increases by up to 2 hours. No fallouts whatsoever after application. It can easily be removed with any makeup remover for that matter. Impressive staying power!

PROS

  • Very affordable
  • Gorgeous shade selection
  • Very few fall outs
  • Blends easily
  • Staying power & pigmentation is brilliant
  • Soft creamy texture
  • Super Affordable (3 shades for 425)
  • Primer not required to intensify the colors
  • Works really well with all Indian skin tones
  • Compact and easy to carry around
  • The quantity is good enough for the price

CONS

  • Availability
  • Have a little Fallout (only during application)
  • The Brush is merely useless
  • Packaging could have been sturdier
  • Oily lids need a primer to make it last long
  • No mirror provided

RATING 4.5/5 (-0.5 for not so sturdy packing and a bad applicator)

RECOMMENDATION

Yes! I absolutely recommend this particular trio if you are looking for a palette which would be perfect for festival/ wedding season as it would team perfectly with all your ethnic attires. You can’t ask for better quality at this price. I loved the color selection on the whole, shades are sorted out to work on Indian skin. The formula and shades are absolutely fantastic and it’s very reasonably priced too. If at all you have to pick any one product from this range, this must be it!!!!

Will I repurchase?

Yes I am planning to give Daytime neutrals eye shadow a try!

Editor’s Note: I have the basic daytime neutrals one. These are a total value for money. The centre gold shade is to die for!

Have you tried the Studiowest Goldmine Eyeshadow Trio?

Step By Step Description of How to Do Hair Spa At Home

Step By Step Description of How to Do Hair Spa At Home

By Sanchita

The idea behind the hair spa is to rejuvenate and protect the hair. Yes, the good old warm oil massage and mild shampoo followed by conditioner is the regular or weekly routine carried on by us to protect and condition the hair. But, apart from that the hair needs specific care and rejuvenation by the process of hair spa. Now, hair spa is not necessarily done in parlors or hair care institutions and can be easily carried on at home with specific and easy available ingredients at your own volition. So you need not spend valuable money or time at the spa session every time. Let us see the step by step description of how to do hair spa at home.

1. Hair Oil

When you are going to devote yourself to the self-spa session, avoid using the readymade oils from the market which are nothing but merely mineral oils. So it will do no good to the hair. Use a concoction of hair oils like coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil and olive oil. The mixture should be 4parts coconut oil, 1 part castor oil, 2 parts almond oil and 3 parts olive oil. You can add other essential oils like argan, rose, ylang ylang or lavender as per your choice. Warm up the oil in a double boiler (no direct heat) and you can also add various herbs as well. For e.g. dried amla, methi seeds, neem leaves, hibiscus leaves paste, etc. can also be added in the warm oil which will further strengthen the hair. The hair oil is the vital step and best if it is done for.

2. Through massage

While the oil is the most important ingredient, the massage is the process which completes the procedure partly. Simply applying the oil won’t do so make sure you dedicate a good amount of time to massage the scalp well. Do not vigorously rub the scalp but merely run the fingers in a circular motion covering the whole area of the scalp. Massaging is essential as it improves blood circulation in your scalp area. You should massage your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. It helps relax the scalp and increase softness. It further aids in strengthening the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.

3. Warm Towel

If you have applied the oil a night before, then apply the warm towel in the morning and if you have applied the hair oil in the morning, do this at least an hour or two post oil massage. Dip a towel in warm water (just make sure not to burn the hand) and wrap it around the hair. In general, salons use a stream machine but the warm towel will surely do the trick. Warmth open up the pores on the scalp and thus it gets all the benefits of the oil. Also, it cleanses the scalp thoroughly, thereby promoting healthy hair growth.

4. Henna Mask

There are several hair masks available for hair and you can include the ingredients like ripe banana, eggs, curd, mayonnaise, etc. but I would suggest henna. Personally I have benefited a lot from the henna hair packs and it works like wonder. Henna is an age old method widely used in Ayurveda for treating hair and scalp problems. It is one of the best natural remedies for hair growth, helps to prevent dandruff and scalp itching. It acts as a good conditioner for your hair and helps to grow your hair. Mix the henna powder in the form of a paste with the help of curd or lemon and simply apply on the hair.

5. Shampoo

Once the hair mask is dried or after 40-50mins, wash off the mask with plain water. The rinsing will be easy as the hair as already well-nourished with oils. Next, move on to the main process of shampooing the hair. Try and use a SLS and PARABEN free shampoo which is mild and easy on the hair. Using a harsh chemically enriched shampoo means whatever effort you gave would go down the drain and the hair will be frizzy, rough and unmanageable. Shampoo will cleanses off every layer of dirt, grime, dandruff or any other residual substances on the hair, including the hair oil and hair pack. Although, the hair would retain the benefits for sure. One of the most important thing is that, rinsing off the shampoo is very important. A lot of people do apply it correctly and massage onto the scalp but forgets to rinse it out.

6. Conditioner

After the shampoo, apply the conditioner to the length of hair and keep it for around 2-3mins and no longer than that. Make sure the conditioner doesn’t slips onto the scalp and gets rinsed out properly after the shampoo.

7. Leave in Serum

This is the last step but I would call it optional. Since I have curly and dry hair, I always apply a leave in serum to make it manageable and frizz free but it is completely up to you. Also, I would not advise this step if you have thin and flat hair because it may weigh the hair down as the hair has already been conditioned since step 1.

These are the ways you can easily carry on the hair spa at home without shelling big bucks and also at our own convenience.

Editor’s Note: Absolutely loved this post Sanchita. This is the ideal procedure, wish I was not that lazy and time crunched :/ But even once a week or once in 2 weeks, following this routine would be amazing.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Do you do hair spa at home?

Surprising Reasons Why Your Periods Might Be Late

Surprising Reasons Why Your Periods Might Be Late

By Pallavi

Hii Girlies,

Sometimes I feel life is so tough for us girls. It’s not that I feel we are unlucky and tortured. I feel being a girl makes me strongly blessed and all. But we have to keep track of so many things. Normally what happens with me is that I always forget to note my period dates. I just calculate them on the basis of some or the other events and occasions.

But I am sure once in your lifetime you all might have got worried thinking that your period is late. Well, late periods are not a sign of pregnancy, though that is the first thought usually. A late period can be owing to a number of factors like –

1. Change in your daily routine – If you have switched cities or changed jobs or may be rising and sleeping time has changed then all these factors delays your periods too. And if this timing just matches to your ovulation timing then the delay chances are higher.

2. Stress – Maybe it is because of your exams or you’re some personal issues or some work conflicts. Your stress levels really have a effect on your period cycle. And this results in delayed periods.

3. Weakness – Basically if you are weak inside or your body doesn’t has enough amount of iron then your period will be definitely delayed.

4. Gymming – If you have recently started gymming then your periods are definitely going to be delayed. Because just when you start gym your body weight loss is much more evident. And this in turn will have an effect on your hormones. It will cause hormonal changes as a result of which your periods might be delayed.

5. Travel – Sometimes travelling, changes in time zone, places, water, climate,etc. also cause delay in periods.

6. Dietary changes – If you recently changed your diet pattern, then it is again going to have an effect on both your body weight and hormones. And these both will have an effect on your periods.

7. Hormonal imbalance – Most of the girls suffer from this health issue all their life without even being aware of it. Don’t trust me. Well, how many of you are aware of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It causes hormonal imbalance which alters the level of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in your body. PCOS also causes delay in your periods every month.

8. Sickness – Yes, if you are sick and taking too much of medications then that also hampers your ovulation cycle as a result of which you suffer from delayed periods.

9. New Medication – Sometimes if you have started any new medicine then that also affects your period cycle. Confirm from your doctor that this new medicine is not going to effect your period cycle.

10. A new birth control method – If you have started a new birth control method then that is going to affect your period cycle. It is going to have an effect on your hormones and hormones need time to adjust on that and thus your periods will be delayed.

So, these were some of the reasons of delay in your periods. Let me know if you know something more in the comments down below.

Editor’s Note: That’s an informative post Pallavi, loved it.

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

Did you know of all these reasons?

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION: Plum has recently launched their Chamomile & White Tea range with a toner, moisturizer and day cream. The range is targeted with combination to oily skin with great benefits from the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Today I am going to review the Sheer Matte Day Cream which is an amalgamation of moisturizer and sunscreen and will help the skin a lot in this summer and upcoming monsoon. So, let’s see how the Sheer Matte Day Cream has worked for me after trying it for weeks.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and other oxidative factors can cause premature aging, pigmentation, dullness, and dryness in skin. Antioxidants are an essential part of any skincare regime for younger looking brighter skin. Specially designed with tropical weather in mind, our Chamomile & white tea range combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the potent antioxidant property of white tea. The results: A skincare range that prepares defends and revives skin that’s exposed to the elements.

PRICE – 520 INR for 60ml

Ingredients:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream is housed inside a medium built sleek white cardboard box with all the necessary information printed on it. The Day Cream actually comes in a rather firm white tube with orange accents of the brand name inscribed on it and a translucent flip open cap. Uncapping the tube, you will find an opening to dispense the product and I feel it is perfect to dish out the right amount of product onto the hand. Judging by the packaging, I surely have a strong notion that it will be a great companion while travelling without creating any mess in your pouch or bag. Personally, I have carried it in my handbag for touchups every 2-3hours and it has never failed once. Overall, the packing is well built.

The consistency of the Day Cream is of thick whipped cream with a light texture in it. The flawless bending and application surely owes to this light weight texture despite having thicker consistency. Having said that, you require only a pea sized amount of the cream for the face and neck and you can spare the generous amount for sure. The smell is what surely surprises me with pleasantness and softness. It has a fresh faded smell of artificial flora touch with the blend of Chamomile and after application it disappears, simply leaving behind a trail of freshness.

The color of the Day Cream is white which resembles majority of the sunscreen but I never experienced any whitish layer upon blending. The cream acts both as moisturizer and sunscreen and a lazy girl like me couldn’t ask for more. I happily skip my moisturizer and apply this which generously hydrates and protects my skin from sun. I would say this is a perfect pick for summers and monsoons in a typical tropical climate like in India. Here the humidity rules the day and the lesser quantity of product you slather on the face, better it is for you. Manufactured with a SPF of 50, this is surely an ideal sun protection formula for the skin. However, I am not sure why they didn’t include the PA+ ratings as I am not sure whether it is a broad spectrum or not. The cream needs to be blended thoroughly onto the skin to prevent any whitish layer and surprisingly, if you use the right face wash for you, it will never cling onto the dry patches at all.

Since it claims to be sheer, it won’t contribute much to evening out the skin tone, but surely brighten up the complexion with a radiant glow. I have oily skin which is surely exaggerated in summers. This particular cream is well suited for combination to oily skin but dry skin won’t like it at all. This is because, upon blending the cream settles down and gives a soft matte touch to the skin deprive of any hydration which is ideal for oily skin in summer. I noticed the T-zone getting slightly oily after few hours but the rest of the face stays oil free. Having acne prone skin, I was relieved with the fact that it never broke me out despite applying during hottest and humid temperature. It also doesn’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe on its own.

The best thing about the product is the ingredient list. Firstly it is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes and neutralizes the skin. On the other hand, the White Tea is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin fight oxidative damage that results from sun exposure while Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage. The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan and won’t harm the skin in the long run as well.

The tube will last around 2months approximately when used, so to judge the price tag it is surely a bit high priced but rest assured, it is worth the money due to the versatility and ingredients.

OVERALL – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 comes in a white flip open tube with a light texture that blends well and protects the skin with its SPF 50 and acts as a moisturizer as well as day cream. I loved the brightening part and it is well suited for combination to oily skin while dry skin may skip this.

WHAT I LIKED

  • It is housed in a white opaque flip open tube and great for travelling.
  • The texture is of the cream is light with thick consistency.
  • It blends really well on skin without any whitish layer.
  • Brightens up the skin little bit.
  • It has a very refreshing smell of Chamomile.
  • Acts as a day cream as well as sunscreen.
  • It has SPF 50
  • Keeps the skin soft, matte and shine free.
  • It is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea.
  • The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • The PA+ is missing.
  • Will not suit dry skin.
  • Slightly pricey.

RATING

Quality: 4.5/5

Value for money: 3/5

Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 is well recommended for combination to oily skin which will keep the skin oil free and hydrated even in summers and doesn’t even break you out.

Editor’s Note: This matte day cream with sunscreen sounds really good. Very detailed review Sanchita

Have you tried the new Plum Chamomile & White Tea Day Cream yet?

Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

Get the Best Household Service Experts from UrbanClap

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about one of the household service experts provider UrbanClap, I know there are many out there in the market currently. And also specifically for different sectors like alone for women’s salon services.

As far as the different local services providers I have tried, I can say UrbanClap comes with quality. I have tried their home salon services 1-2 times earlier.

What surprises me is the number of services they have, everything from Wedding Planning to Birthday Party Planning, Fitness, Salon Services, CA Services, Interior Designers, House Cleaning, Repairs,etc. You name it and they have it.

I wish Urbanclap was launched when I got married, booking a mehendi artist, wedding photographer is all super easy now thanks to an app like this. And not only app, even the website is very user friendly, for people who still prefer things the traditional way.

For any service you select, they ask you a few question to shortlist a particular sub-category and then they give you three options: Budget, Experienced and Premium i.e. increasing prices and then it asks for your location and personal details and you can get quotes from various different service providers.

You have the option of whether or not you want to share your phone number with the service providers, in case you do not want to, they can only contact you via the app. I like the fact that they have maintained privacy here.

Also love the fact that you get different budget options and a lot of different service providers within that budget. You can ask for their previous work and also check their ratings on the site/app and then decide which one you would like to go with. Service providers give you the best quote as they are competing with other service providers. So ultimately we get the best price and benefit from it.

I am keen on trying the Health & Wellness category next and would surely update you on how my experience goes 🙂

Overall, I quite like the ease of use of Urbanclap and how convenient it has made to reach the service providers by bridging the gap between service providers and us customers.

Urbanclap is currently present in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. Also they provide a vast range of 90+ services. They are also available on Android and iOS.

I definitely recommend giving Urbanclap a try. Do let me know your experience in the comments below.

Colorbar Perfect Match BB Beauty Balm Review, Swatches

Colorbar Perfect Match BB Beauty Balm Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hi beautyholics!!!

Hope you all are doing well. Summers are here in full swing and carrying a full coverage makeup base such as a foundation and concealer becomes a task especially for everyday go to looks. One just can’t stand by putting on thick layers of base. But we can’t skip it as we do need a sheer flawless look too. As I was facing hard time in sweaty summer days I decided to give a BB cream a shot and I chose COLORBAR PERFECT MATCH BB BEAUTY BALM (vanilla crème)WITH SPF 20 and how it fared for me let’s find out!!

Price 550 INR for 29 gm (BUY HERE)

Shelf life is of 30 months

Availability: Across all colorbar counters and also online at amazon , flipkart ,nykaa, jabong

Ingredients:

Colorbar Claims: Makeup and skincare come together to create a perfect match! This multi-benefit beauty balm hydrates, smoothes , protects, and corrects skin with sheer coverage in one effortless step. Enhanced with a blend of potent botanicals and antioxidants, the fresh and airy formula boosts luminosity, diminishes the signs of aging and repairs uneven skin tone while protecting it with broad-spectrum sun protection.

Description: Created using ‘Perfect Match’ technology which makes the BB cream adapt to your skin tone and blend perfectly. It provides sheer coverage with radiant glow.

  •  Paraben free, safe for all skin type
  • Contains Apple Extract and Aloe Vera for nourshing, protecting and moisturising skin
  • Contains SPF20 with UVA/UVB filters for broad spectrum sun protection
  • Actives from USA

Packaging is quite simple. It comes in a broad, rectangular, flattened, opaque skin colored, squeeze tube packaging (with product claim printed) with a silver colored rectangular twist off lid with shade name and number labelled. It is enclosed in the typical colorbar silver rectangular cardboard packaging with product claims and ingredients written. It is travel friendly and perfect for carrying to work. Packaging definitely is quite big for the small quantity it carries. The nozzle of the tube and the tube itself becomes dirty and looks gross just in a few days of usage

Shades – Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream comes in 3 shades Vanilla Creme, Honey Glaze & Cinnamon Swirl. The shade which I own is 001- Vanilla Crème and it is perfect for my medium to fair skin tone. As far as the color is concerned, the shade looks warm when swatched but once applied, it sets into my perfect shade without giving a white cast.

Texture: The formula is creamy, whippy and a pea sized drop is enough for your entire face and goes on smoothly without settling into fine lines. Blends quite well into the skin without leaving white cast behind and gives a beautiful matte finish. The product is enriched with antioxidants and SPF 20 so it is great for everyday use without having to worry about daily use of foundations and concealers. It gives you near flawless coverage. It does not make the skin appear cakey or blotchy; however it dries quickly so you have to be quick with blending. I use my fingers to push the product into the skin. Formula is non greasy, matte and feels comfortable on my oily to combination acne prone skin but for my dry skin ladies I would suggest to use a good moisturizer beneath. I have been using it for quite a long time now and I haven’t faced any breakouts with it.

Pigmentation and coverage: The coverage is more towards the sheer side, perfect for daily usage. It won’t cover up imperfections, but blur them to a certain degree giving a natural look. Those having dark circles might need to use a concealer but I skip it usually. It gives a very natural, glowing look to my face and feels very light on the face. It doesn’t melt with sweat. Well, this cream claims to repair the skin as well, but I didn’t notice any such change in my skin but yes my acne prone skin hasn’t broken out yet. Though it has a SPF of 20 but I do apply a layer of sunscreen as the sun rays are way too sharp these days. It has a fresh fragrance which faints after a while.

Staying power: It lasts on me for good 5 hours, with the T zone getting shiny after about 3 hours so it slides away from there faster, but I top the BB cream with compact on most days, and then I am set for the whole day. On rest of the face it stays on for good 5+ hours

Pros:

  • Easy, convenient packaging
  • Keeps my face oil free for 5-6 hours.
  • Blends effortlessly
  • No parabens.
  • Doesn’t settle in fine lines or pores.
  • Didn’t break me out.
  • Light texture
  • Hides minor imperfections
  • Enriched with SPF 20 and antioxidants.
  • 3 Shades to choose from
  • Easily available.

Cons

  • Won’t conceal acne, blemishes or under eye circles.
  • Dry skinned ladies need to apply a moisturizer beneath it
  • Didn’t repair my skin, unlike its claims.
  • Packaging acquires an old look very quickly
  • Priced on the higher side
  • SPF should have been more than 20
  • Dries quickly so you have to be careful not to take too long for application of the cream.

Overall

I absolutely love the way this Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream evens out my oily skin and makes it look so matte. This product is suitable for those who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of putting layers of concealers and foundations every day for causal purposes. Just grab it, dab it and rush to work!!SPF 20 is an added advantage and no breakouts with this one so a big thumbs up. Though Price is the only downside as we know how affordable other BB creams are in market.

Will I buy it again? The coverage of this particular BB Cream for daily wear is beautiful and I really like this product so yes, I will definitely pick this one up again. Give it a try and you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 4/5

Editor’s Note: That’s a very nice and detailed review Devika. This sounds quite good.

Have you tried the Colorbar BB Cream yet?

#PatrickCameron & Wella’s Modern Vintage Collection

#PatrickCameron & Wella’s Modern Vintage Collection

Hi guys,

Last week I and a select few bloggers were invited to meet Patrick Cameron, Wella’s Global Ambassador and the world’s leading long hair hairdressing expert. He is called a magician of long hair styling!

Hair styling as a category in India has still not reached its full potential. Styling products are used mainly by stylists at salons and less frequently used at home. Wella Professionals as a brand strives to bridge this gap by providing the consumers and stylists with premium quality products making the art of hairstyling rather convenient.

Wella recently brought down the Global Ambassador Patrick Cameron to educate 1800 hair stylists across three cities in India through grand shows where he exposed them to the various possibilities of hairstyling and his association with Wella. He believes that hairstyling is an expression of individuality and thus cannot take a back seat.

Patrick has spent the last 25 years travelling the world sharing and presenting his show stopping hair styles. During this visit to India, Patrick Cameron showcased his Modern Vintage collection with state of the art styling products from the Wella Professionals portfolio. Modern vintage takes its inspiration from the 1960’s because this era has an enduring influence in fashion, in the balance and the proportions of the way hair is dressed .This legacy is seen across the board from international catwalks to red carpets as well as editorial work.

Acknowledged as a long hair expert, Wella Global Ambassador Patrick Cameron had devised the collection to showcase step-by-step looks and demonstrations to the hairdressers that struggle with styling long hair. These hair shows were held across three major cities in India – Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore where there was a live demonstration of these looks.

We met him a day after his hair show. He was quite happy to see majority of us sport long hair. He also gave us some styling and general hair tips and made us try out some products.

Some things shared by him which I would like to mention here:

  • Indians love oiling the hair, so go ahead and oil your hair. It’s not bad, but you can also use oils/serums/elixirs in between the days when you haven’t oiled.
  • Keep the shampoo a little longer in your hair for it to work and ingredients to penetrate. Don’t wash off immediately.
  • Always use a conditioner/hair mask, that is what will keep the ends/lower half hydrated and shiny
  • One can use a dry shampoo to add some volume/texture to the hair

He is a genius with hair, he looked at few of the bloggers and predicted their personality with the way they carry their hair! He complimented my hair saying they are hydrated and hence shiny. He also explained how if the lower half of the hair is dry, light passes through the hair and they appear dull and rough. And when they are healthy and moisturized, light bounces off the hair and it gives them a shiny appearance.

It was a pleasure meeting him and learning few tips from him, a wonderful experience.

Denim Inspiration from Bollywood Ladies

Denim Inspiration from Bollywood Ladies

By Nidhal

They look trendy. They are available in myriad styles. They can be teamed with practically everything which makes them a ‘go-to’ attire for both the genders. No matter what the occasion (with some exceptions, I agree) they can be worn almost without a second thought. Some of us live in them in the name of clothing. They have eased ‘dressing up’ since the day they flocked markets. Your wardrobe would be filled with (and in some cases, overflowing with) many of them. Able to surmise what I am talking about? No? Shall we let the cat out of the bag then? D-E- N-I- M-S. On that note, let us have a look at those Tinseltown ladies who carry denims like no other 🙂

1. ANUSHKA SHARMA- Inarguably the lady who sports denims the most from amongst all the B-town ladies in the current lot, Anushka shows you how to carry denims of different styles. Be it boyfriend, ripped, coloured, distressed or skinny, she carries them all and how! It makes for perfect clothing for college girls who find denims their second skin.

2. PRIYANKA CHOPRA-The Qauntico star is a head turner. Period. Seen here is Priyanka swaddled in a black and white heart printed shirt from Guess and a pair of blue distressed ankle-length denims. Short wavy tresses, nude makeup and white pumps from Zara make this a comfy casual look.

3. KRITI SANON – She has the trappings of a fashionista given her choice of apparel since the day she stepped into Tinseltown. Seen here is Kriti decked in a pair of simply light blue denims that are teamed up with a sleeveless colored tee at the launch of Tissot watches, the look is as simple as it can get but then, that is what makes it a winner. One does not always has to drown themselves in a pool of makeup/accessories/layers of clothes to make a mark. You can be simple, subtle and still catch eyes. And that is exactly what Kriti does here. And those long legs do justice to the denims really well, don’t they?

4. VAANI KAPOOR- She’s tall. She has an enviable frame. Her smile is heart-warming and those curves are to die for. Her legs did justice to the figure-hugging attire called denims and seen here is Vaani giving us a good view of her long, unending legs that spell desirable. With such chiselled legs, it comes as little wonder that she’d not be able to carry denims like a pro.

5. DEEPIKA PADUKONE – Like I have said before, there is no list on fashion/style that wouldn’t include this leggy lass. Deepika Padukone has a sculpted body that gives one major gym goals and how! Seen here is the dimpled Deepika flaunting her long (read: highly desirable) legs in a pair of ripped denims which are teamed with a light grey tank top and a shimmery black jacket with golden patches. This is a look that I find perfect for college girls who’d be at their wits end while zeroing on the ideal attire during the season of college fests 🙂

6. SHRADDHA KAPOOR – Nailing the art of comfy and chic dressing, Shraddha Kapoor opts for what is every girl’s staple- a pair of blue denims and a white shirt. Leaving her hair loose, makeup minimal and sporting nude flats, one can hardly ever go wrong with this look. Not only does it appear casual but also is stylish. A classic look for all school and college girls.

7. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Looking drop-dead gorgeous in a pair of ripped blue jeans and white tunic for a photo shoot, Kareena Kapoor Khan gives one major fashion goals. Her luscious locks and radiant skin simply add to the beauty of the whole look, don’t they?

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

Editor’s Note: I loved how Anushka and Priyanka have sported the denim looks. Nice compilation Nidhal.

Your favourite looks?

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction
Wanderlust is our way of escaping the mundane lives and explore of flawless beauty of the world. It is a desire that dries us, takes us to the places where you find yourself lost in the sea of history, the alluring fables, charming sceneries and you experience something like never before. This is the exact experience that would enthrall you to visit one of the Europe’s top travel destinations – Greece.

A land dotted with distinct architecture with a thousand histories, captivating oceanic views and famous islands. So, Greece has it all – from stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes to cultural delights, so, lets an overview of the best places to visit in Greece and discover other things about this beautiful place.

Places to see

1. Meteora –

One of the most awe-inspiring religious sites on earth – the Meteora, which is a Greek word meaning ‘suspended in the air’ is a cliff more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) that rises like apostolic eagles’ nests into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. This place is dotted with monasteries which were built in and around 14th and 16th centuries. In ancient times, the monks pursuing spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution built these monasteries. Even though more than twenty monasteries used to be on the steep rocks, only six remain today.

2. Acropolis of Athens –

Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization as well as the origin of democracy for the human advancement. The city is an astounding blend of historical and modern features in the same fold. Among the other famous archaeological ruins and monuments, the Acropolis stands tall. The Acropolis (Greek word which means highest point or extremity) is an ancient citadel located on an extremely rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus –

When you are walking around the Athens, you would see the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is a huge temple and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). There are a number of Corinthian columns still standing, though so many have fallen. It’s quite an extraordinary sight and counted among the must-visit place of Greece.

4. Delphi –

Delphi, with an unbeatable scenery, has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance and counted amongst the most popular archaeological site after Athens in Greece. It is situated along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once admired by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. It is dedicated to the god, Apollo, who was reached out by Delphi, a significant oracle seeking good fortune. In ancient times, the common people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for guidance on a wide range of topics from farming to politics. Even though the eternal flame no longer burns inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is mandatory.

5. Mount Olympus –

Mount Olympus is the dwelling of ancient gods from believed by the people of Greece. This is the place from where the Immortal Gods would control the control the lives of mortal men. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro. A walk up this mountain will be vigorous and mystical journey as well as experience and you would see why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled.

6. Cape Sounion –

Cape Sounion is positioned at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula which is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times. The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea is a sight you would not want to miss at all! The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea! The sight of the Aegean Sea during the sunset makes it a sought-after spectacle.

7. Santorini –

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E. and consider it to be the most spectacular by many travelers. Aside from the beautiful landscape and volcanic presence, it is a great place for beach side camping, winery tours, scuba diving, and more. The place is all about the beauty of the ruins on the southern part of the island. One can see the clear Aegean and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Currency

Greece’s monetary unit is the Euro. No other currency is accepted and you can either convert your Foreign Exchange there or from here. It is also really convenient to convert the leftover Euro to INR. Greece is comparatively cheap with some travel tips.

Travel Tips

Firstly, go for the Gyros and other street snacks which are delicious and cost a few Euros and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day. For travelling, choose the moped renting rather than cars. Also, avoid Mykonos if you are on a budget, as it is Greece’s most expensive island with hardly any budget accommodation, but if you are a party animal, you will absolutely love Mykonos. It brings world’s most renowned DJ’s at their famous night clubs. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches at Mykonos are also worth a visit, if you happen to go.

Culture 

Existing Greek culture and traditions are very rich and varied, reflecting Greece’s location at the crossing point where the West meets the East and the country’s great and tempestuous history. It has evolved over thousands of years. This rich and tumultuous past greatly influences contemporary lifestyle, the Greek perspective on the world, Greek music, food, customs and traditions, even the way Greeks do business. The locals dress up in traditional costumes during festivals while traditional weddings that start with dressing the bride and bouncing a boy baby on the nuptial bed. One is charmed by their authenticity, the love and pride each group has in its homeland and roots.

Cuisine

The Greek diet is the perfect example of traditional Mediterranean eating. It has some similar characteristics with the traditional cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey and the Levant. Modern-day Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine and meat (white and red, including lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork). The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is used in most dishes. Taramasalata, Dolmades, Fresh fish, Courgette balls are one of the most dishes of Greece.

Get well-prepared for your next trip. Our friends at globosurfer.com can help you find some great gear for every outdoor adventure.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start exploring this historical place with such enriched culture and traditions along with those intriguing ruins.

P.S: Images from Google

Editor’s Note: I can say, I am in love Sanchita <3 Greece is on my bucket list.

Have you been to Greece? If not, bookmark this post 😀

Bollywood Ladies Who Rock Skirts

Bollywood Ladies Who Rock Skirts

By Nidhal

They are trendy. They are chic. They are comfy. They can simply never go out of vogue given the myriad ways in which they come be it- long, short or pencil. No matter how old or young you are, there is an innate desire to swaddle oneself into one. It makes one ‘feel’ feminine and unlike most figure-hugging outfits which stick to one’s body and discomfit us especially during sweltering summers, they eliminate this woe altogether thanks to their design. Able to surmise which piece of clothing am I talking about? No? It’s none other than S-K- I-R- T-S 😀

With B-town ladies donning skirts for long in myriad designs, colours and styles, why not have a look at those ladies who nail skirts like no other? 🙂

1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE– The darling Deepika’s body can hardly not do justice to any attire. Be it figure-hugging one-piece dresses or ethnic lehengas, Deepika brings her own charm to the attire she swaddles herself in. Here Deepika is seen wearing a shift skirt by Nimish Shah and Furla heels. She wore a pinkish lip colour and chunky golden studs with the outfit. Her outfit has always been easy-breezy and this look is no different. Impeccable for summers, isn’t it?

2. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- The Begum of Pataudi looks drop-dead gorgeous in this attire. She has donned a Carven top and DVF pencil skirt that accentuate her curves very well. Add to that, her radiant skin and luscious locks and we have a look that is going to be aped for long.

3. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- The stunning Priyanka Chopra sets temperatures soaring with this mini leather skirt and heels paired with a checked tee as she launched the cover of a fashion magazine, which features her. Trendy and sizzling simultaneously, isn’t it?

4. JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ- This Sri Lankan beauty opted for a striped flared Giorgio Armani maxi skirt paired with white top as she promoted her then impending flick- Kick. With her hair let loose and a million dollar smile, Jacqueline stole the show.

5. GENELIA D’SOUZA- If smiles could kill, she’d be accused of a serial-killer. Inarguably the lady with those most dazzling smile in Tinseltown, Genelia looks every guy’s dream girl in this short green miniskirt that she has teamed with a tank top and jacket. Sneakers complete the look that is the epitome of freshness, innocence and cuteness 🙂 Cuteness personified, indeed!

Editor’s Note: Yes Nidhal, all indeed look great. I absolutely loved Jacqueline’s skirt!

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4

Which look is your favourite?