9 yards is all what it takes to raise your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. Swaddled in the 9 yards of a saree, there would hardly be any Indian lady who would not look resplendent! Given our proclivity for Bollywood actresses and their sense of fashion, why not take a sneak peek into the look book of some of our Tinsel Town ladies who take the gorgeousness of a saree to an altogether different height!
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- The darling of the masses whose body gives one major ‘Body Goals’ seems to have the perfect body for a saree. Curves? Check. Built? Check. And that dimpled smile… Melt! Seen here is Deepika swaddled in a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree which accentuates her enviable frame impeccably. The gajra made up of jasmine flowers is the much-needed finishing touch, isn’t it?
2. SONAM KAPOOR- Touted as the ‘fashionista’ of Tinsel Town, there was no way Sonam couldn’t make an appearance on this list. She’s arrived and how! Keeping the makeup aside for a minute which anyway looks impeccable, she is seen here swaddled in an Anamika Khanna outfit that’s subtle but sizzling. The USP for me is the blouse which highlights one’s back in a way that will leave one drooling. Revealing yet not risqué.
3. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Fondly called the ‘Begum’, Kareena Kapoor Khan compels you to turn back and take a second look with this revealing black saree that she swaddled herself in in the title track of her movie- Heroine. The saree is as simple as it can get but what catches the eyes is the subtle silver kamar-bandh and the pink-bordered bikini blouse that sets temperatures soaring. Not everyone can carry off such a saree. Well, Kareena surely can!
4. KATRINA KAIF- She looks angelic. Period. But when she wears a saree, all you want to do is take her to your mom (of course, boys are being referred to here). Seen here is Katrina Kaif swaddled in a cream-meets- beige coloured heavily embellished saree that is aptly teamed up with a red blouse that adds that much-wanted need of glamour. This was during one of the promotional episodes of her then, impending movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ on the reality show- India’s Got Talent.
5. ANUSHKA SHARMA- And finally both the leading ladies of JTHJ make an appearance on the list. The effervescent livewire Anushka Sharma was seen iin the same episode on the show swaddled in a royal blue Manish Malhotra saree with an ornate border that balances the look.
6. VIDYA BALAN- Vidya ‘Oh La La’ Balan proves that you do not need to be a certain body type to wear a saree. Her body type, is by far the most accurate representation of what an average Indian lady’s. She has donned a saree on multiple occasions and does so in absolute panache. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is responsible for the makeover to a great extent and seen here are two where Vidya glows in the yellow cotton saree with a laced border. There is a very minute pink border that looks in perfect harmony with the colour and border. Understated we say, Vidya! And you look gorgeous.
7. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 is one sure-shot head-turner and for all the right reasons. Arguably the most easily recalled Bollywood face on the red carpet of Cannes, Aishwarya treats our eyes to this green Sabyasachi saree when she arrived for the premiere of her flick ‘Raavan’ in London.The hairdo? Looks elegant to say the least.
I have used the purple eyeshadow crayon as base and the deep purple eyeshadow on top of that. Concentrated the purple on the inner and outer corners to give a halo effect for the duochrome at the center.
Another way to use it would be the duochrome on the entire lid and the deep purple at the outer V and outer half of lower lashline only. That would also be slightly smokey but would have more concentration on the gorgeous duochrome. I would try that next.
I loved how the look turned up, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And also if you try either of the two looks, do tag me, I would love to see it.
Bio Oil had this fun event on Saturday called the Yummilicious Fashion Walk where pregnant mothers were going to ramp walk. They had a contest where they chose 12 pregnant women to walk the show. Carol Gracias and Shveta Salve, both being pregnant too currently, walked along with them.
Carol had choreographed the show and all the ladies wore beautiful outfits by Inaaya By Shivangi Lahoty. They also had floral jewellery, hand harness, armlets, etc. made by Shivangi. From the hair and makeup to the outfit, entire appearance of the mommies-to-be was taken care of, and they all looked beautiful and glowing!
Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life, but a lot of mothers-to-be usually shy away from social events during this phase, as they are mindful of the way their body looks. This initiative of Bio-Oil on the occasion of Mother’s Day was a welcome change.
Bio-Oil aims to be a facilitator for expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions and celebrate this beautiful phase of motherhood. What better way than flaunting their flawless baby bump skin.
Both Carol and Shveta talked about how they have been using Bio Oil religiously. While Carol has been using it from her 3-4th month, Shveta has been using it from the time she came to she is pregnant.
Also present at the event were celebrity gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho and dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty. Dr Coelho mentioned how using anti-stretch marks oils such as Bio Oil certainly makes a huge difference and women do not have to worry about the post-pregnancy sagging skin and stretch marks, which makes them feel under confident, and they can enjoy their motherhood bliss.
The specialists highlighted various concerns related to health and skincare during pregnancy. They shed light on the ideal time after which mothers may start exercising in order to shed their pregnancy weight as well as recommended tips for improving the skin post-pregnancy. Dr. Rashmi Shetty mentioned how the major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary. She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.
Encouraging women to come out of their shell, boosting their morale and making them feel beautiful was the focus of the event. The brand created a platform for expecting mothers, to help them come out of their cocoon and dazzle the ramp. This Mother’s Day, Bio Oil partnered with Yummy Mummies across the country to encourage them to celebrate and enjoy their pregnancy phase rather than shying away from the world.
There were also three winners i.e. the Cutest Bump, Glowing Skin and Yummy Mummy. The Yummy Mummy title was won by Parul.
I loved seeing the happy moms walk the ramp and it was indeed a super cute initiative by Bio Oil.
If you have seen people sharing Kanan Gill and Naveen from TVF’s teaser of #FunWithU all over social media and were wondering what it was about, read on 🙂
The youth of today is always keen on being updated – whether it is about what their friends are up to, or the latest music, or how the PM reacted to a burning issue or what Katy Perry wore. They need to know everything as soon as it happens and their go-to device that keeps them from missing out on all the fun is their smart phones. The more the need to be connected, the more the data required, and more data obviously means spending more on your mobile bills and burning a hole in your pocket!
Keeping in mind the needs of the youth these days, Vodafone can come up Vodafone U, an exciting, first-of-its-kind lifestyle proposition for the youth that promises to keep the fun always on for them. Vodafone U comes with a lot of fun features and benefits
Mr. Sandeep Kataria
Fun Features of Vodafone ‘U’ (for pre-paid users)
Data Allowance: Now keep surfing day and night. Get a separate night allowance so that you don’t have to miss out on single moment of fun.
3 Buddy Lifelines: Share the finer details of every story with your best buds. Not 1, not 2, Call 3 of your best buddies at a special call rate of 20p/min
Data Loan: Run out of pocket money and data? We can help you with one at least. Breathe easy with data loan of 60MB of 3G/4G for 2 days, when you need it most.
Music, always on: Uplift your mood or tend to a broken heart with just the right kind of music. Get unlimited free music downloads* for 2 months.
Staying true to what it stands for, Vodafone U brought FUN to the fore at a super cool launch at Hard Rock Café, Worli on Friday. For the first time ever, youth icons and YouTube celebs, Kanan Gill, The Viral Fever and Raftaar came together to collaborate for a video – CUTE Vol 1 – especially made for Vodafone U. I personally am a huge fan of The Viral Fever and it was amazing to see these guys in person performing on the Cute video. If you follow me on twitter/Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen pics and videos from the event on Friday.
Their entertaining performance had the audience grooving and cheering and asking for more! Kanan Gill and TVF’s humour had the audience in splits and Raftaar’s energetic performance brought the house down. It was a treat to watch the 3 stars in action!
The CUTE Vodafone U song is addictive and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it. Check it out here
I have heard it at least 15-20 times by now already, post the event 😀 Very catchy and love the hook step <3
Clearly, with Vodafone U, fun is always on!
Did you like the song? And the Vodafone U plan? I love the features it offers and definitely looking forward to trying it. Data Loan is what I need all the time 😀
Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit
By Sanchita
Introduction – Singapore, the beauty island which is a global city in Southeast Asia and the world’s only island city-state. Be it a honeymoon trip, bachelor’s party or a simple travel destination – you will love every bit of this mesmerized landmass. From beautiful water to beaches sci-fi architecture, billion-dollar gardens, contemporary art and the wonderful places to visit – Singapore is a must-visit place in Asia for sure. Discover the beauty of this little magical island with us and read on to know more about it in details.
Places to Visit
Singapore indeed has numerous destinations for sure and I have mentioned you the notable few and I am sure you will love them as well. Scroll down for more.
• MARINA BAY – It was a quiet water but now this portion now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations. Having the most iconic hotels in Asia along with the exotic Marina Bay Sands resort, this is a must visit place in Singapore.
• SINGAPORE FLYER – Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest giant observation wheel is something you can’t simply miss out if you are visiting Singapore. An outstanding experience and built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second. It gives a beautiful sight of the city including the as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.
• CHINA TOWN – As the name suggests, the place like a mini-China by culture with all the excitement and hustle. Its main focus is on the Chinese immigrants who lived a hard life and were the main group of people who founded Singapore in earlier times. It has the Chinese Heritage Centre as well as the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and Buddha Tooth Relic temple. It has colourful shop-houses and numerous historical attractions along the walk.
• CLARKE QUAY – An enchanting riverside which is crowded with various bars and restaurants which you just can’t resist trying out. In fact, this is one of the best attractions from the tourists. The place is dotted with alfresco-style dining to be had in an endless number of eateries set around the water’s edge. This place is also a shopper’s heaven and hence if you are a shopping freak, this is a place you must visit
• CLOUD FOREST – The Cloud Forest is a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is flushed with the unique biodiversity. The best thing is to take a stroll a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. The view is like a one-time experience in life.
• MACRITCHIE NATURE TRAIL – MacRitchie provides a calming, reminiscent jungle escape by walking through the water’s edge and snake through the mature secondary rainforest along with the macaques and huge monitor lizards. It has been well highlighted with well-signposted offshoots along with a 250m-long suspension bridge, perched 25m up in the forest canopy. The best time to visit is during October-November.
Singapore has SGD as their currency i.e. Singapore Dollars which are around INR 48-49 per dollar currently. You can get your currency converted/buy forex beforehand or even once you reach there.
Ideal for Honeymoon
Singapore is also one of the best honeymoon destinations as well.
• Take a long romantic walk down holding your lover’s hand down the Changi Point with a spectacular view of the sea, offshore kelongs and boats. The best time is the sunset where you get the enthralling view of the heritage trees, the hilltop chalets and the lush greenery.
• The scenery at Bukit Batok Town Park is as breath-taking as it could be and best place for that wonderful photo sessions for the couples. The serene and peaceful picture-view is something you would love to experience with the love of your life.
• The Jewel box is the best place to take your partner for the lovely dining. It gives a beautiful picturesque view of the whole city including the harbor. Having the romantic dinner mid-air is something you have to experience, at least once!
• The Sentosa Island is famous for the pristine beaches, sea sports and retreats, enjoy a relaxed morning on the white sands with your partner and you indulge in the ‘Spa Two-Gether Day’ at the luxurious Spa Botanica for a lush experience at the end of your perfect day.
• You can also visit the tranquil settings of St John’s Island is the best place to have a quite romantic day out of the newlyweds for sure. And, if you are lucky, you might see some dolphins in the blue lagoons as well.
Shopping to do in Singapore
Yes, we girls look for this element anywhere we visit and Singapore is dotted with branded shops as well as the perky local goods. For the shoes, they have the Charles & Keith stores and the quality is unbelievable. For the street shopping you can surely visit Bugis street or China Town. It has various shopping malls as well like Suntec, Ion mall and Plaza Singapura. Last but not the least, it has Sephora with numerous brands you can’t even fathom!
Singapore Cuisine
Singapore Cuisine is largely affected by Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western influences. There are few notable dishes that you have to try in Singapore. One of them is the Chili Crab which is Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chili base. Then there is Char Kuay TeowBroad which is basically white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, fish cake, bean sprouts, clams and Chinese sausage. You can also try the skewered grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef or mutton) served with rice cake called the Satay.
Conclusion
All in all Singapore is an experience worth having. Be it for the romantic getaway or a serene holiday, Singapore holds a beauty on its own. This place is a melting pot of cultures with fantastic architecture. With English being one of the national languages, travellers find it
So either plan your itinerary on your own, if you have time in mind or check out the numerous Singapore packages online.
This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I so wish to go there, right now, after reading this 😀
Gorgeous, glamorous, ravishing, awe-inspiring… these adjectives are insufficient when used to delineate our fellow South Asian neighbours, particularly, the ladies from our neighbouring country- Pakistan. It will be a lie and a white one at that if we say that we do not drool over these winsome lasses! From their lustrous mane to their piercing eyes, from their porcelain clear skin to their sharp features, Pakistani ladies have it all. All thanks to Zee Zindagi channel now, we can have a sneak- peak into their lives from the confines of our home and hearth. It goes without saying that besides thought-provoking plots presented in the most understated but compelling manner, our eyes have been treated to some jaw-dropping gorgeous faces. Let’s have a look at some Pakistani ladies who on their D-Day made your hearts skip a beat!
1. SANAM BALOCH- She’s blessed with an angelic, cherubic and winsome face. Period. She began her acting career with ‘Kalaq’ on PTV and subsequently went on to carve a niche for herself by doing meaty roles in the hit Dastaan, Akbari Asghari and Noorpur ki Rani. She tied the knot with Abdullah Farhatullah who fell for her simplicity and positive outlook.
2. SANAM JUNG- Beginning her career as a VJ, Sanam Jung soon ventured into the Pakistani drama industry and essayed leading roles in hit dramas like Dil-E- Muztar where her sizzling chemistry with co-star Imran Abbas Naqvi was the talk of the town. She tied the knot with Syed Abdul Qassam who is a pilot by profession.
3. SANAM SAEED- She’s inarguably the first woman crush of my life. Zindagi Gulzar Hai had me smitten to this Britain-born Pakistani lady whose understated portrayal of Kashaf Murtaza struck a chord with me. And it’s no cakewalk to have a girl smitten when you’ve Fawad Khan as your co-star in the same drama 😀 This lady broke a number of hearts (including mine, Yes, I am serious when I say that she’s my crush) when she tied the knot last year with her childhood sweetheart Farhan Hassan who is a banker from Karachi.
4. AYEZA KHAN- She’s the lady whose smile can melt hearts. Gorgeousness-personified! Ayeza Khan got hitched to fellow co-star Danish Taimoor who himself is a celebrated name in the Pakistani drama industry. The couple has been blessed with a baby girl- Hoorain who seems to have inherited her mother’s genes.
5. SYRA YOUSUF- Incepting her career as a VJ, Syra embarked on her acting career with the Sanam Saeed with ‘Mera Naseeb’ in the year 2011. She went on to essay leading roles in successive dramas like Bilqees Kaur and tied the knot with Shehroz Sabzwari- an actor in the same industry. Doesn’t she look like a fresher from a college? :p What will dilate your eyes is the fact that she’s a mother. Yes, a mother. Nurse your broken heart now 😛
Editor’s Note: They all look absolutely gorgeous, dream brides indeed. Thanks for sharing this Nidhal
Hope you are doing great. I am here with my very first review in this space. I am reviewing the Boroline’s SUTHOL. I swear by this product at all times and during summers,this is the solution to all my skin problems. Summer brings with it skin problems such as rashes,itches,skin irritations etc. But with this product you can have a hassle free summer.
I found this amazing product around 3 years back and have been using it since then. I have a sensitive skin so i get rashes during summer. But,thanks to suthol, i have no skin issues now. Boroline is a trusted name in almost every household in India. So,when i got to know about Suthol, i had to give it a try. And I am so glad that i did. It’s a must have product for me now.
The packaging is nice. It comes in a transparent bottle with a green coloured cap. The liquid is also green in colour. It has a mild fragrance. Though it is an antiseptic liquid it doesn’t smell like one. I find its fragrance very refreshing. It gets absorbed in the skin quickly. I like using it after my shower.
What the product claims – Forget prickly heat, rashes and itchy skin. Absorbs fast, deep action and quick skin relief is written in the label. And it does its work pretty well. Forget kirikiri, stay fresh. The product has been manufactured by G. D. Pharmaceuticals.
Main constituents of Suthol- Suthol antiseptic skin liquid contains Cetrimide, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Neem, Turmeric, Marigold and Aloe vera.
Cetrimide
Cetrimide is a quatemary ammonium disinfectant and cationic surfactant. It dissociates in aqueous solution into a relatively large and complex cation and a small anion.Aqueous solutions containing 0.1 to 1% have been used for treatment of wounds and burns, for pre-operative cleansing of skin and for removal of scabs and crusts in skin disease.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is active against Gram positive and Gram negative organisms. Chlorhexidine solutions leave a residue on the skin which gives a persistent anti bacterial effect lasting 1 or 2 days. Its actions are not affected by blood, pus or soap.
Turmeric
Turmeric prevents rashes, infections, itching and redness of skin.Turmeric is also known for its natural antiseptic, antifungal property and healing qualities.It helps in speeding up wound healing and assists in restoring damaged skin.
Neem
Aqueous extract of Neem leaf prevents rashes and itching.Neem is effective against skin infections.
Price- INR 60 for 200ml
Suthol is best for summer season and suits all skin types.
How i use the product:
I use it as an after-bath or pour a few drops into my bathing water. I use Suthol whenever i have minor cuts and wounds,i directly apply Suthol to the affected area with a cotton pad. It really has helped me in getting rid of summer rashes. I also use it after waxing. It has a very soothing effect. I am so glad that i came across this product.??
Pros:
1. Affordable
2. Suited to all skin types.
3. Can be used after bath to keep rashes away and stay fresh.
4. Can be used for relief from itches,summer rashes.
5. Use after shave to disinfect and soothe.
6. Use after waxing.
7. Use it to disinfect, sanitize and cure cuts,minor burns, insect bite irritation.
8. Comes in a spray bottle too.
9. Absorbs really quick.
10. Makes one feel refreshed for hours.
Cons:
None. I couldn’t find a single one. Probably I am obsessed with the product??
My rating- 5/5
Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Rashmi, specially for use post waxing. I will definitely check this out.
Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online
By Archana
With the growing awareness about the harmful effects of chemicals in beauty products, we can see an increased number of ayurvedic and natural brands entering the market. Forest Essentials is one such luxury, ayurvedic brand which is slowly becoming popular. “Make space on your bathroom shelves for a gourmet feast for your skin.” That’s what they claim! And well, I have to say that I have a soft corner for beauty brands & Made in India. Luxury Indian brands on par with international luxury brands! That’s my dream. Coming back to Forest Essentials, there is a lot of debate among beauty bloggers whether the quality justifies the very high prices and also the missing ingredients lists annoys many people, including me. But their unique products and methods of preparation definitely tempts me. Given a chance, I would really wish to visit their factory and watch their preparation process in detail. Anyway, today lets look at the best FE products that you should give a try.
There are brands coming with hand pounded sambar and rasam powders! Well, okay, but that’s boring! How about a hand pounded fruit scrub? 😀 Made with organically grown dates and peaches. Blended with finely ground almonds. Top it with pure apricot kernel oil and honey… And hand pounded to right consistency… Slurp! Sounds delicious. Imagine treating your face to this luxury scrub. It gently exfoliates the dead cells and tan and reveals your natural, glowing complexion. Definitely give this one a try.
The name “Eternal Youth Formula” sounds tempting and yes, it has a lot of good reviews among beauty bloggers. If you are in your late twenties and just beginning an anti-ageing routine, this is a good start. It firms, tones and makes the skin more youthful. FE prepares it by soaking date and litchi fruit in pure rose water in clay pots buried under the ground to ferment. The cream is hand-mixed and FE claims that mantras are chanted while mixing to imbibe positive energy into the product!
FE is most popular for its wide collection of Bath & Shower oils. I would definitely recommend you to try one of these in winters. These are basically water soluble oils made from pure distilled essential oils to leave your skin supple and silky smooth. The delicious aroma of raw honey and vanilla oil instantly rejuvenate your senses and is an excellent way to pamper yourself in your night time bath routine so as to nourish your skin overnight.
Price: Rs.1675 for 200ml.
4. Advanced Soundarya Age Defying Facial Serum With 24K Gold (BUY HERE)
This ayurvedic anti-ageing serum is prepared with purified 24 Karat Gold Bhasma which is infused in a mix of oils, herbs, fresh cow’s milk, pure ghee and root extracts. The infusion is simmered over slow fire and left in copper vats to soak up the benefits of the metal. The final result is a intense, potent serum to make the skin younger, radiant, supple and naturally glowing. A Harry Potter miracle potion! Give it a try and reverse-age magically…
Price: Rs.3395 for 25ml.
5. Body Mist Iced Pomegranate with Fresh Kerala Lime
This was a newly launched body mist last year and it had a good reception due to its unique ingredients list. I mean, for our intense Indian summers, FE has nailed it with this combination of Iced Pomegranate and Fresh Lime. It instantly refreshes and cools the senses while the organic pure aloe vera juice helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
These are clear sugar soaps handmade with pure unprocessed raw cane sugar. The sugar acts as a natural humectant and doesn’t dry out skin. The fresh, tangy scent of bitter oranges along with the warm, aromatic cinnamon stimulates and rejuvenate the senses giving an out of the world experience. Comes in other variants too like Rose & Cardamom, Oudh & Green Tea, Jasmine & Mogra, etc.
This is a luxurious facial massage cream specially formulated with whole cream cow’s ghee and other ayurvedic herbs which help to lighten blemishes and pigmentation. FE claims this particular product takes many months to prepare. Extracting potent ghee from cow’s milk, ageing the ghee with saffron and herbs and burying this mix in earthen pots under banyan trees for 2 months. Finally, it is simmered on fire by adding cow’s milk, virgin coconut oil and fresh rose petals.
We have heard of body butters, lip butters and TBS has even hair butters. But a shower butter! This is the first brand am noticing that’s offering a cleansing shower butter. This is a surely a luxurious creamy bath product to pamper yourself in winters. A blend of kokum butter and shea butter with the light fragrance of Nargis flower. The soft butters melts into a creamy lather which cleanses your skin while also nourishing it.
Sanjeevani is a renowned herb in Ayurveda for its excellent skin rejuvenating properties. It “brings back the skin to life” and gives a luminous glow to dull skin. This is especially suitable for dry, aging skin and helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, plump up, soften and increases the elasticity of skin. FE prepares this using the traditional ayurvedic method of infusing the herbs, soaked in cold water overnight to absorb the rays of the moon. Sounds impressive!
Price: Rs.3175 for 30g.
10. Facial Tonic Mist Panchpushp
This is a water-based floral toner prepared using the purest form, from the condensation collected during steam distillation of flowers. It contains a blend of five flowers – rose, jasmine, kewda, marigold and saffron. This facial mist gives a gentle boost of hydration to the skin after cleansing.
Price: Rs.650 for 100ml.
The above is just a handful of their best products. Also, I would recommend their hair care range of sulphate free, paraben free, silicone free shampoos and conditioners and hair oils. Also their range of masques and ubtans are widely popular. Psst! FE has announced a new product, yet to be launched – Deeply Nourishing Facial Cleansing Paste with Almond, Pistacho & Honey. 😉
Editor’s Note: I absolutely love FE products Archana, have tried only a few though, but each and every product is so effective and works amazingly well. I am quite intrigued with the Tejaswi Emulsion and Nargis Shower Butter. I would also like to add a bonus 11 i.e. Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser, it is excellent! Speaking of price point, I know it’s expensive but some of the FE products are totally justified. I would say the bath & body products can be replaced with similar brands like Iraya and Auravedic but the skincare is excellent and irreplaceable. I would anyway prefer FE skincare over Clinique, etc. 🙂
P.S: All Images from Forest Essentials website
So which FE products have you tried? What are your opinions on it? Do you think the high prices are justifiable? What other Indian brands are your favorites? Share your comments below.
Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review
By Nidhal
One is a saviour for those with dry, patchy, lustreless and dull skin. Another is a potent weapon to fight acne, pimples and blackheads. Their blend is bound to be promising for one’s skin. The first ingredient is Aloe vera (called Ghritkumaari and at times, Kumaari in Hindi) and the second is Neem. Do I need to elaborate even a little on the bounties of these two skin saviours? There would be few who’d not have tried either on their skin. If you are one of those, go grab a few leaves of Aloe vera and a handful of Neem leaves. Mash and treat your skin to their virtues to leave it thanking you.
However, if you are an indolent soul who would choose to watch whatever is being on TV than move a bit to grab the remote and change the channel, then doing the above (preparing the mask ) would surely be the last thing on your mind, right? 😛
So, let’s slather something that is made from these two skin saviours instead? In line with that thought, I zeroed in on NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION one fine evening. Let us prepare its report card today.
PRICE –Rs 85/- for 60 ml
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently apply the moisturiser in right quantity on face and body and welcome your skin to a world of nourishment and optimum care.
KEY/ACTIVE INGREDIENTS- Neem, Aloe vera extracts and aroma oil.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- A handpicked blend of antiseptic neem and nourshing aloevera extracts. Added aroma oils soothe the mind & body and give a nourishing treat to your skin.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a simple plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION is fine. It is spillage-free since the cap is sturdy, hygienic and travel-friendly. I do not have any problem with respect to packaging. It is up to the mark for me.
The texture of the lotion is underwhelming for me. It is predominantly runny which when applied on skin makes it oily/greasy. My skin type is dry and after applying a pea-sized amount of it, my skin felt uncomfortably oily. I have applied oils beforehand on my skin to moisturise them such as- extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, virgin sesame oil, etc. but none of them made me feel like a ‘pakora’ being drawn out from a ‘kadhaai’! I admit, I give ‘Desi’ examples to help people visualise things.
So, if a person with dry skin feels that it makes skin oily, there is little in fact no reason for people with oily/extremely oily skin to invest in it. The staying power too, is underwhelming. It stays for ½-1 hour at max at a stretch in summers. Naturally, during winters, when moisture levels will drop in the atmosphere and our skin’s thirst for hydration will augment by leaps and bounds, this lotion will turn out to be disappointing. The aroma is mild and temporary.
A major limitation is that its ingredients’ list hasn’t been furnished. Only key/active ingredients are mentioned which is highly irresponsible, evasive and negligent on part of Team Nature’s Essence. Rules and regulations regarding production and provision of information about herbal and natural products in our country are very lax. Companies milk this to their advantage by adding merely a few herbal ingredients/their extracts and marketing it as a ‘natural/herbal’ product. In this regard, I am sceptical of Nature’s essence too for it has also abstained from providing the complete list of ingredients.
Even if we keep this aspect aside for a minute, as a product it falls flat on nearly all parameters. Its texture, staying power and after-effects are nowhere commendable. Chuck it away! This one’s not worth your time and hard-earned money.
GOOD-
1. Fine packaging
2. Readily available
3. Available in different sizes
4. Price is budget-friendly
5. Aroma is mild hence, won’t irk those with a sensitive nose
BAD-
1. Complete list of ingredients has not been furnished
2. Runny texture. Lotions should have a thick/creamy texture. If not, at least specify which skin type should opt for it.
3. Makes skin oily/greasy on application. Thus, unsuitable for oily/extremely oily skin type.
4. Does nothing commendable. No glow. No softness. No lustre.
RATING-0.5/5
Editor’s Note: Oh God, what a dud! Never going near it, thanks for the review Nidhal
Have you tried Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion? If not, don’t!
Top 12 Nude Lipsticks for Different Indian Skin Tones, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Nude or neutral lipsticks play a very important role when it comes to deep dark smoky eye makeup. also, while going for formal occasions, office wear or any neutral makeup look, you prefer going for a nude or neutral color which is give a nice look to the lips with a MLBB feel without washing out completely or looking like a pale ghost. Now, choosing such a color like this isn’t very easy and depends a lot on complexions. In the west, a lot of MLBB colors are used but when the same colors are used on Indian skin, it looks completely washed out. Now, Indian skin tones is very comprehensive in terms of shade card (remember the times when we complain about foundation shades) and has a lot of mixed complexions if you see it as a larger picture. Not every light brown come across an MLBB color so you have to choose as per your skin tone. Hence, I have divided the list into three categories – fair, medium to wheatish and dusky to deep. So, let’s look at the lip colors.
FAIR (NW-NC 15-30)
1. MAC Lipstick Honey Love – INR 1450
MAC has an extensive range of nude and neutral lip colors with brown, pink, beige or pale base. Honeylove has a deep yellow-beige base which shall suit the flat fair complexions. The texture is thick and creamy when applied and settles down to matte finish. MAC lipstick has all the quality you can ask for and the price is surely worth. MAC Yash is another gem from the brand which would happily look great on fair complexions. Both the colors has a special appeal when it is paired with dramatic smoky eyes.
I would highly recommend this shade for the warm fair complexions. It is a light beige or milky brown nude kind of color that looks extremely gorgeous. The Super Lustrous is an excellent range with reasonable price tag. The texture of the lipstick is creamy smooth and hydrates the lips like anything. It is also forgiving on chapped lips too. The color is well pigmented and doesn’t need much layering. It gives a crème sheen finish to the lips and stays for a considerable amount of time.
The shade Undressed from the Lasting Finish range is a neutral toned milky peachy-brown shade with no shimmer or frosty touch. It will suit both warm and cool undertones very nicely. The texture is a very creamy and glossy one that has the tendency to melt in summers. The pigmentation is wonderful and single swipe give a complete opaque look to the lips. The staying power is good for a creamy lipstick and doesn’t bleed at all. For the price, it is one of the best budget friendly nude lipstick for fair complexions.
4. Maybelline Color Show Creamy Matte Lipstick – Mysterious Mocha – INR 325 (BUY HERE)
Mysterious Mocha is a very light brown with pink undertones. The color is best suited for cool tones or porcelain fair skin tones. Maybelline Color Show range has a wide range of colors and the quality is great for the price you pay. It comes in a slender cylinder packaging with a regular lipstick-bullet packaging. The texture is thick creamy and settles into a matte finish. It needs not be layered and the pigmentation is good with just 1-2swipes. It requires a well-prepped lips and stays for around 4 hours as well.
MEDIUM TO WHEATISH (NW-NC 35-42)
5. Colorbar Take Me As I Am Bare Dare Pink – INR 900 (BUY HERE for 855) Swatches HERE
This is one of the best MLBB color I have used so far. It is a nude pink shade but has sufficient warm undertones to suit the medium to wheatish Indian complexions. It is in the form of a chubby wooden pencil that requires to be sharpened. The texture is creamy but has a light weight formula that doesn’t go heavy or waxy of the lips. It has a satin finish with a tiny layer of sheen to the lips. The color is richly pigmented and looks fabulous as an office wear too. The price is slightly high but the color is a total winner.
L’Oréal Color Riche is one of the popular range from the brand luxurious color palette with lasting hydration for an ultra-glamorous look. Beige Crème is a nude brown with a strong pink undertones to it. The color looks amazing on medium to wheatish complexions as a neutral one. The creamy texture with an opaque color pay with just a single swipe will make you fall in love with the color. Moreover, it is a great choice if you have dry and chapped lips. The staying power is around 4-5hours.
One of the bestselling colors from the house of Chambor till date. The color Desert Rose is a neutral tea rose pink with slight brown undertones. It is a one-of-a-kind color and is enriched with SPF 15. The texture is smooth yet not entirely creamy and the finish lives up to its name – powder matte. A nice comfortable matte finish that require 1-2swipes to bring out the pigmentation and the price tag is also reasonable for the color and quantity you pay for.
8. MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick – INR 1450
Like I said before, MAC has extensive range and for the medium to wheatish range, I found MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick is the best choice. It is a neutral kind of pink beige with very fade brown undertones which actually compliments the medium skin tones. The lipstick has a lasting matte finish that goes ever smoothly when applied, either directly or with a brush. The staying power is as commendable it gets and so as the wonderful pigmentation which gives brilliant color pay off with just single swipe.
This color Rosy Nude is true to its name as the color looks like a rosy pink neutral color with slight brown undertones and look like a nude sort of color for dusky to deep complexion of Indian skin tones. The packaging is nice and sturdy one with a compact bullet tip. The lipstick is creamy in texture which gives a rich and smooth layer to the lips. The finish is glossy and stays for around 3-4hours on the lips. When it fades off, it gives a natural pink-brown tint to the lips with hydration.
10. Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick in Bare – INR 325 (BUY HERE) Review & Swatches HERE
If you love comfortable matte lipsticks and with a budget friendly price tag, Colorbar Velvet Matte is the range you should go for. The shade Bare is a neutral brown with slight peachy undertones and is a stunning one to be precise. It has a satin smooth texture that glides so well yet gives a semi-matte finish and you won’t have to worry about the dry going all high and dry. The staying power is around 5-6hours and it also leaves behind a pretty stain with going patchy and uneven.
11. Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus – INR 450 (BUY HERE for 360)
The 9 to 5 range of Lakme has around 40+ shades and each one is as stunning as it gets. For the dusky to deep complexion I would highly recommend the lip color Toffee Nexus neutral color with the right balance of pink and brown. The color requires only 2swipes to get that complete opaque look and settles down to a powdery matte finish, very similar to the Chambor Powder Matte range. You also try the color Red Chaos or Coffee Command which has brown undertones to it. The price tag is reasonable and the lipstick is decently long wearing too.
12. Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème – 004 Deep Earth – INR 675 (BUY HERE)
Liquid lipsticks are such a rage now-a-days and Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème has a reasonable price tag too if you compare the quality of it. The color Deep Earth is an earthy peach-brown kind of color which looks nude on deeper skin tones while slightly deeper on fair skin tones. The crème is smooth in texture and spreads well on lips and gives hydrating matte finish which is extremely comfortable to wear for dry lips as well. It gives a fuller pout and doesn’t settle into fine lines at all.
Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I absolutely love it. Colorbar Bare is an old favourite. I also love Maybelline Colorsensational My Mahagony and Crazy for Coffee. I would like to add Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry for Deeper skin tones, Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer Proof Liquid Lipstick in 402 for Fair to Medium skin tones. Also MAC Cosmo is my ultimate favourite and is perfect for fair to medium skintones.
