So I went to the Bata Store at Viviana Mall which is the largest Bata showroom in Asia! Its hugee.
Bata stocks all the brands of shoes outside Bata and Marie Claire too, they had a huge variety in each section. They also have lots of bags now. I wanted to gift mom one bag and I was spoilt for choice, got so many options and ended up confused.
I loved the sunglasses,belts and scarves too. From mirrored to normal aviators to so many different designs.
Love the studded ballerinas
How cute are those small bags!
I wanted to buy flat shoes for I have to walk a lot during my 1st half of the honeymoon. So I got these mint slip ons, they are so so comfortable, I don’t feel like I am wearing any shoes at all coz they just adjust to the shape of my feet. Also I was searching for these floral sneakers and finally found them! I love them! <3
Shoe Making Process
I got this red Celine inspired Marie Claire bag for me. How small and cute is it. Plus I loved the bright red.
The studded ballerinas and the tan studded bag were my favourites. Loved the mirrored sunglasses too. There was a clearance sale size wise. Its an huge store where you will find everything you need related to shoes. Also the formal shoes collection was really good.
Have you checked out any new Bata stores recently or shopped from Bata?
5 Simple Tips That Can Make Online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun
Guest Post
Going Saree Shopping? Wait a minute. Have you decided on the type of saree you would want to pick? If yes, it is within your budget? And above all, where are you planning to buy it from? Answer all of these questions and you still have a few more at the back of your mind.
Online Saree shopping can make things a lot easier. With an extensive range of Sarees in store, you are most likely to end up with one that you have been looking for. Online stores are also known to offer heavy discounts throughout the year.
However, if you have never shopped online before, things might seem a bit tough. Here are 5 simple tips that can make online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun.
Compare them all
Go to Google and simply type in, “Best Online Saree Store”. You will be left with innumerable options to choose from. A slight comparison can help you pick the right one. This is when online testimonials can largely supplement your research.
Browse till you get it
Once you have chosen an online store, it’s time to browse through the collection. It may take a few minutes, or may be an hour if there’s something too precise you are looking for. But, that’s ok. After all, you would not like to pick something that’s not on your list, would you?
Discounts make you happy
Find out if the Saree you have chosen is eligible for a discount. Some online Saree stores let you apply a specific discount coupon code to every purchase you make. Interestingly, a few discounts are capable of saving you up to 40% on your total purchase value, which is truly amazing. While checking out, you will be prompted to use coupon codes, in case you have any. If you do, simply enter them in the space provided, and the discount will be applied to the final cost.
Use your credit card, why not?
Those not fully aware of the online transaction mechanism are of the opinion that online payments are risky. Well, not so. Online stores have highly secured systems in place ensuring complete security of every transaction made over the network.
Don’t worry, get it replaced
If for some reason you are not quite satisfied with the delivered product, you can always apply for a refund. However, it is crucial that you do it within the refund period set by the store.
Online stores nowadays offer wide range of exclusive and designer sarees from leading fashion designers. Hence you have a plethora of collection to choose from. So, when you can shop online sitting right in your couch comfortably and at the same time surf various sites for your desired saree, why to drive miles and hunt for stores outside? However, you also save a huge amount of time and of course a lot more extra bucks. Indeed online Saree shopping was never so easy and fun.
What the Company claims: Kumkumadi Taila in it’s purest form. Ideal for facial massage.
For normal to dry skin
Prescribed in Ayurveda as a ‘Miraculous Elixir’ for the skin, Kumkumadi is an absolute classic! This revered formulation contains pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs that have been relied upon through the ages to lighten and brighten the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimises fine lines and surface imperfections and also helps improve skin’s texture.
Usage: Take a few drops on your fingertips, massage gently into skin using upward, outward movements. Best to use after cleansing and toning. Regular application gives a luminous complexion. Massage is recommended once or twice a week.
Ingredients: Pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs
MRP: Rs.995/- for 10ml
I love using facial oils i.e. a mix of essential oils or herbs,etc. I had heard a lot about Kumkumadi Tailam which is an old ayurvedic preparation and many brands have their own version of it. It is basically sold in almost every store down south.
I tried this Iraya Kumkumadi facial oil and here are my views on it.
It comes in a small blue tinted glass bottle with a dropper packaging. I have been using this every night since a little more than 2 weeks now, around 3 weeks.
It does not have a strong or pungent smell as I had heard with other Kumkumadi oils. Its almost transparent with a slight brown tint. You need just 2-3 drops of it. I warm it well by rubbing on my palms and fingers and massage on my face for about a minute.
After the Parachute Art of Oiling event, we learnt some new facial and head massage techniques. I used to do 1-2 of those for a few seconds every night with this oil.
The oil gets absorbed quickly, there is hardly anything left after the massage. Next morning skin is supple and soft. Not one morning I have seen dry or flaky skin after waking up, even in this winters, thanks to this oil.
I have combination skin and dry cheeks and more so in winters, but this time I got no flaky or dull skin.
I got one pimple just 10 days before the wedding which left a scar, but with regular use of this oil, it faded by 50-60% in a week or so.
I am going to continue using this especially all winters. I think this is the only product I would need at night during winters and I am sorted. No need of any other serums or night creams.
For summers if you live in a humid place, this might be tad bit oily. Also, for day time use, just use a drop, you can use 2-3 drops during night time.
I recommend this for oily skin too, can be used at night. It’s a myth that oily skin should not use facial oils. Facial oils are very very good and beneficial.
Overall, I would say its a must try. Since you need just 2-3 drops, 10 ml would last a long time and justifies the price tag too. Highly recommended! Only Iraya is not available everywhere is an issue. But online shopping has eased our lives.
Rating: 4.75/5
Have you ever tried Kumkumadi Tailam? Your views on it?
Be the show stopper with rich enchanting lips. With True Color Technology, the rich color you see on the lipstick is the same color you see on your lips. Capture attention with a plethora of shades that make you beautiful.
1. Lip-Nourishing formula with Shea Butter, Omega Oil, Arctic Berry & Vitamin E to make lips feel smooth and moisturized instantly.
2. Vivid colors stay true with Self-renewing Pigments formula
3. See the shades instantly through the clear view window
Available in 20 shades
Grammage: 3.8g
MRP: Rs. 375/- (Mostly on discounts)
They also come in a matte range with a similar packaging.
It has a black square tube packaging with a see through cap towards the top. Not that you can see the shade from the top to identify the shade :/
But its shuts tight and does not mess or break easily. Travel friendly. To start with, I love how crazily pigmented these are! Pretty moisturizing and stay for 3-4 hours and leave behind a soft stain.
I am reviewing the shades Buttered Rum, Lava Love and WineBerry. I absolutely love WineBerry, followed by Lava Love. I am not a fans of browns, so do not like Buttered Rum much.
Buttered Rum is a soft brick brown
Lava Love is a bright coral red
WineBerry is actually a mauve rose brown, very flattering shade.
L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry
Here are the swatches..
L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry
And here is how they look on moi..
L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry
I would love to check out more from this range. These are very moisturizing, pigmented, have SPF15, stays for 3-4 hours and all the qualities a good lipstick should have. Highly recommended. Only availability is an issue with Avon since you need a representative.
Also I would love to try the Matte range in this next.
Rating: 4/5
Have you tried the new Avon Ultra Color Lipsticks SPF15 ?
Last giveaway of the year 2014. A lot will change now, I will be married 😀 So tom is the mehendi and this is probably the last post for now. I have quite a few scheduled posts for you guys.
I am doing this small giveaway where we will have 2 winners. One winner will win the makeup by day look stuff and one will win the makeup by night stuff.
Prizes for each winner:
Lakme Absolute Colour Illusion Limited Edition Nail Paint worth Rs.200/-
Lakme Absolute Illusion Eyeshadow worth Rs.750/-
Lakme Absolute Gloss Stylist worth Rs.700/-
This time it’s open internationally. It starts today and ends on 31st December i.e. last day of the year. All the rules in the Rafflecopter widget. Please complete all the mandatory entries to qualify for the giveaway.
Good Luck 🙂 See you all soon. I would be updating my social media with pictures from my wedding and honeymoon, so do follow me there 🙂
P.S: This giveaway is NOT sponsored by Lakme.
Update: I am really very sorry as I could not announce the giveaway as this got over when I had met with an accident and was hospitalized. I was caught up with other things later on. The winners have been announced and they are Simar Chugh and Praseena.
Simar wins the Makeup by Day set and Praseena wins the Makeup by Night set.
So I had ordered for a beautiful beige lace maxi dress with a deep V back for my DJ function which is on 4th Dec but it has still not arrived :/
Hence,my 2nd option is this pretty black lace dress. This dress is perfect for a party, including a formal party, or a late night event, etc. Its formal and pretty at the same time.
The length needs some altering I believe, would check.
I paired it with my favourite Colorbar Darkened Summer Lipstick in Wild Mauve and gold dangling earrings with hair on one side. I intend to go for side swept curls for the function.
I don’t usually like cap sleeves coz it makes the arms look fatter which is also my problem area.
A gold cuff in one hand and black gold studded gladiator heels to finish the look. I might go for my Dune London shoes, still thinking. I plan to change into my red polka dots Wills Lifestyle knee length dress (which I had shared on my Instagram and twitter) later while dancing 😀
It’s time to announce the winners. Few points I would like to mention here:
1. I know of people who had unfollowed after giveaways in the past and now followed again. Unfollowing after a giveaway leads to disqualification from participating in future giveaways. So they won’t be considered.
2. Those who have already won the Ziveg giveaway on other blog would not be considered for the Ziveg prize since everyone deserves a fair chance to win! But if they have participated in Silvette giveaway too separately, they would surely be considered for that.
Congrats all of you! Please mail me your details to bhumika_thakkar@yahoo.co.uk and only mail. Do not send me your details on the facebook page, twitter DM, instagram DM as I have no time to sit and compile different winners’ details.
I have another giveaway coming up which would last a long time and I would be announcing it tom! See you 🙂
Update: Since one winner did not reply, we have chosen a new winner in her place.
DR. JAMUNA PAI OF BLUSH CLINICS SHARES ESSENTIAL TIPS AND QUICK FIXES TO GET A RADIANT GLOW FOR THE PARTY SEASON
P.S: I don’t generally publish press releases unless I feel it is helpful and informative. This I felt was. 2-3 tips is what I myself loved and surely going to try out. Hope it helps some of you.
Skincare and grooming expert, cosmetic physician, Dr. Jamuna Pai of Blush Clinics is sharing essential tips and quick fixes to get a radiant glow for the winter party season.
Providing state of the art facilities for the first time in India to its clients, Blush Clinics by Dr. Jamuna Pai became an instant success right since its inception. The pioneering spirit in educating the layman about the various services and technology that cater to skincare has been their claim to fame.
Try these quick fix tips shared by the expert to avoid some minor beauty mishaps, from ruining the party fun.
HOME REMEDIES:
1) Dark circles: To conceal the dark circles quickly make a paste of 1 tsp milk powder, 1⁄2 tsp curd, 2 drops of lemon juice and 2 drops of honey. Apply the paste on the dark circles. Wait for 10- 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
2) Puffiness around the eyes : The major reasons for puffiness around the eyes are fluid retention, inadequate sleep, allergies and of course heredity. But it can be reduced considerably. As a quick fix for it wrap an ice cube in a soft cloth and apply to the under eye area for 5 minutes to reduce the swelling. You will see an immediate improvement. The other things that help in reducing the swelling are chilled gel masks, cucumber slices and cool damp cloth.
3) Dry lips: Put a thin film of moisturizer before applying the gloss. And apply a thick coat of gloss to hide the chapped lips.
4) Frizzy hair: Before washing your hair apply coconut milk, made from fresh grated coconut and leave it on your hair for 2 hours. This acts as a conditioner. Oiling the hair often also helps in making the hair less frizzy. Use anti- frizz serum on the hair just before you leave home.
5) Open pores or to tighten the skin: Use 2 egg whites. Whisk them till you get peaks. Add 2 drops of honey to this and spread over face and neck. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off.
6) Ageing hands: Remember to use a thin film of a foundation or concealer on the hands after doing your face. Hands always give the age.
7) Dry skin on the hands, around the nail cuticles and feet: Dry skin is a condition where skin loses its oiliness and it can be because of soaps, weather , heredity etc. It is very important to take care of the dryness because it can turn into deep cuts and hurt especially on the heels. The quick fix that you can try is mixing some milk cream with honey and massage for 20 minutes on all the dry areas. And after massaging wash it off with a mild soap.
MEDICAL QUICK FIXES:
Before we begin, do remember to only visit a trained and experienced doctor. It is of utmost importance that the medical practioner that you choose be well trained and adept in his/her field of work.
1) Acne scars: Under the advice of a doctor a mild microdermabrasion (skin polishing) or a very mild lactic acid peel done just once can lighten the marks. The marks can then be concealed with a concealer. Always use a concealer which is water resistant.
2) Brittle nails: If you have brittle or short nails you can experiment with acrylic nails or gel nails.
3) Fillers: A little dermal ( skin) filler in the laugh lines and the droop of the mouth will freshen it immediately giving you a much younger look.
4) Botox: Again by a trained doctor, does wonders in eliminating lines and freshening your looks.
5) Skin Boosters: Skin boosters like Restylane Vital work wonders in nourishing and hydrating tired, parched skin from within. It also minimizes the effects of photo damage. It is a clear gel that is injected just under the skin in small quantities to help it regain any lost volume, moisture and structure.
6) Skin tightening: Treatments like thermage ( heat being used to repair collagen and promote its growth). Non- surgical facelifts also show instant results.
7) Peels : Certain non- peeling peels like lactic acid peel give a fresh look in no time and as they are non-peeling they do not require any downtime either.
8) Microdermabrasion ( skin polishing) : Helps in removing dead skin cells and minimizing pore size.
9) In case of a sudden break out of small pimples or rash post a treatment or waxing– Don’t panic. Use a soothing lotion like calamine. If the rash has no pus, use desonide lotion on it just for one night. Take an allergy tablet like Allegra once a day. If there is pus in the pimple, use a dot of ‘multani mitti’ (fuller’s earth) on it overnight.
The Mumbai Bride Diaries: 5 Days to go,Bridal MUA,etc
Hey guys,
This would probably be my last bridal update for now 😀 Only 5 days left. Nervous/Excited/Sad/Happy. I have no idea, its a mixed bag. I just hope everything goes smooth and well.
On 4th Thursday is the DJ cum mehendi function and on 6th Saturday is the final D Day. I won’t be too active on the blog after 1-2 days, though I have some scheduled posts for you all. I would be updating my social media in between. So, do follow me on Facebook , twitter and Instagram. Also another exciting giveaway coming up.
Coming to my Bridal Makeup Artist, well it was a thing I had not revealed since a long time, but now the time is perfect!
Yes, it is none other than the Bridal Makeup Expert Cory Walia!!! I think everyone knows who Cory Walia is and he needs no introduction. Still if you do, read on :p
About Cory Walia: Having been in the industry for 25 years now, Cory is a name much renown in the bridal makeup space and is hence on board for one of India’s leading make up brands – Lakmé. Having styled Kareena Kapoor for the recently concluded Lakmé fashion week Winter/Festive Grand Finale, he is a part of Lakme’s conceptualized team of experts popularly called as ‘The Absolute Bridal Dream Team’ that creates the most exquisite and sort after bridal looks this wedding season. the club comprises two of the best names in couture and makeup – Manish Malhotra and Cory Walia.
I am of course excited and can’t wait to see what Cory has in store for me and how the final look would turn out to be. I am sure it would be good. This bridal season ‘Gloss’ is in,so let’s see what he comes up with.
Also if you are a bride to be, participate in the Bridal Dream Team Contest HERE, so that you too can get a chance to get your bridal makeup by the Celebrity Makeup Artist Cory Walia, or maybe win an outfit byManish Malhotra!
P.S: Services of Cory Walia are provided by Lakme but that does not in any way affect my opinion on the service,brand or the products.
What’s up with you guys ? 😀 I still can’t believe I would be married in 5 days O_o
Kaya Intense White Dry Scrub Facial Review,Experience
Kaya Skin Clinic recently launched 4 new facials: Derma-Regen 4 layer Therapy,Intense White Dry Scrub,Antox-UltraSheen Therapy,Antox-UltraSheen Therapy,Pure Pore Clear Skin
Facials like Intense White Dry Scrub, AntOx-UltraSheen Therapy and Pure Pore Clear Skin are internationally acclaimed facials that are exclusively designed and customised for various skin types which help in exfoliation, hydration and rejuvenation.
Loaded with high efficacy and an experience of pure rejuvenation, you don’t want to miss out on these scientifically advanced facials which refresh from your senses from deep within! Step into Kaya Skin Clinic and redefine your facial experience with us:
Derma-Regen 4 layer Therapy – Experience layer upon layer of pure, fresh European seaweed to rejuvenate, tone and help firm the skin. This efficacious yet pampering experience is administered across 4 steps that aim to deep-moisturize, relax and hydrate the skin leaving the skin extraordinarily refreshed. It is highly recommended facial for to-be brides and helps restore the radiant glow to your face which you so dearly covet
Intense White Dry Scrub – Undo years of damage of intense sun exposure to reveal brighter facial skin. This facial works from within to reduce tanning and pigmentation marks with a peeling cream that exfoliates the skin with its dry chafing action. This is followed by using a highly potent skin brightening cream & Vitamin C brightening peel-off mask that gives the skin an even tone that makes you marvel at its suppleness.
Antox-UltraSheen Therapy – Experience multi-stage exfoliation and thermal therapy in the form of a heating mask through a variety of massage creams, serums and complexion masks replete with Vitamin C. This facial therapy addresses skin impurities from within with its unique ‘Refresh-Renew-Reduce’ regime.
Pure Pore Clear Skin – Rid your skin of the grime accumulated during all that time spent outdoors with this treatment that cleanses your skin deep from the root. It also has a soothing and healing effect on lesions, leaving the skin with renewed freshness and glow. It treats oily and acne-prone skin with effective skincare process that target the stubborn bacteria that reside deep in skin pores. Consequently, skin is purified of toxins as it is conditioned to feel calm and soothing from within.
I had decided of trying out the Derma-Regen 4 layer Therapy. I went for a facial just few days back.Last week I and my fiancee travelled on bike for 5-6 hours straight from morning to evening as went furniture shopping for the new home. Even though I had used a scarf but you know how it is in Mumbai. Result, tanned skin. Hence I chose the Intense White Dry Scrub which is targeted at tan removal.
About the Facial: (Also known as Intense White Luxe)
KAYA INTENSE WHITE LUXE THERAPY
Prolonged exposure to sun can seriously damage the facial skin – like cause tanning or affect the sensitive pigmentation cells to make your face look darker and affect its appearance in the long term.
Presenting Kaya Intense White Luxe Therapy – to give your facial skin the pampering and care it needs. It works in 2 stages to give the desired benefits
Stage 1: REDUCE the tanning and pigmentation that constant exposure to UV rays leave behind on skin. This uses the Remy Laure Peeling Cream that exfoliates to reduce tanning with its dry chaffing action. Arbutin extracts relieves the skin off the damage to create a visible (subject to consumer trials) lightening difference.
Stage 2: CONTROL the impact of melanin production. The application of highly potent skin brightening cream & Vitamin C brightening peel-off mask in multiple stages helps achieve this by imparting a uniform skin tone throughout the skin.
Rediscover brighter and moisturized skin minus the effects of the sun. Say goodbye to sun-affected skin with the Kaya Intense White Luxe Therapy*.
I was attended by the practitioner Moli. They use Remy Laure products for this facial.
Steps:
1. At first, the skin is cleansed with Remy Laure Cleansing Foam.
2. Next a toner is applied.
3. It is followed by the Remy Laure Peeling Cream which is the main product of this facial. It is kept for 3 minutes and it dries within 2-3 minutes, then it is scraped off with fingers part by part. (Hence the name Dry Scrub)
4. It is followed by a serum and a brightening cream.
5. Then the skin is massaged with a massage balm for about 15 minutes. (The best part. It was really relaxing)
6. Massage is followed with the Vitamin C brightening peel-off mask. A thick layer of the mask is applied which peels off completely in the exact shape of the mask when dried. (I hope you are getting it)
7. Followed by the serum and brightening cream again.
8. At last, a sunscreen is applied.
Cost: Rs.4500/-
Duration: 1 hour
Precautions:
Avoid splashing hot water for 12 hours
Wear a sunscreen regularly for 3-4 days
Result: I saw instant reduction in my tanning and my skin was back to normal tone. After 2-3 days I saw more obvious and visible difference. Also the skin felt soft and smooth, the dead skin cells and dry patches were gone. I won’t say I saw magical results but skin definitely felt amazing.
Overall I would say its the perfect facial if you want to get rid of your tan and do not have the time for herbal and natural remedies to work (as they take their own sweet time) I get tanned very very easily and it takes ages for me to get rid of my tan the natural way. Since I am getting married in 8 days and do not have the time to wait for the skin to detan, this was just perfect! I know its on the expensive side,but if its an important event/function, this is worth investing. Recommended!
Have you tried any facial at Kaya? What facial is your favourite and where?
P.S: Services were offered by the brand but that has not affected my review.
