Tag Archives: mumbai lifestyle blog

Sleek MakeUP Blush By 3 Californ.I.A, Pink Lemonade Review, Swatches

Sleek MakeUP Blush By 3 Californ.I.A and Pink Lemonade Review, Swatches
 
So, after the Garden of Eden i-Divine Palette, its time for the Blush by 3 now.
 
What the Company claims: The ultimate cheeky palette offering you three times the impact. Includes three complementary shades, each designed with its own distinctive finish, from rich shimmers to intense cream and matte shades.
 
Available in six unique colour combinations designed to suit all skin tones
Each shade can be used alone, or layered for a unique look
Each palette has a versatile selection of shades to take your makeup from day to night and keep it on trend from season to season
Set in a mirrored compact, ideal for touch-ups throughout the day
 
Weight – 20g/ 0.68oz
 
About: Blush by 3 in Californ.I.A and Pink Lemonade! Californ.I.A is inspired by the sun, sand and surf of Californian beach life. Whilst the inspiration behind Pink Lemonade is the traditional, old fashioned English tea party with three decadent pinks.
 
MRP: £9.99/$14.99
 
Don’t they look gorgeous ? Californ.I.A has all 3 cream blushes and Pink Lemonade has 2 powder and one cream..
 
They have this regular black Sleek MakeUP packaging..and come with a mirror inside..all three individual shades inside have names too.
 
Pink Lemonade:
 
Icing Sugar : Cool toned pink with silver shimmer
Macaroon : Cool toned medium pink..quite creamy and wears good
Pink Mint : Medium rusty orange..fab shade !
 
Swatches- Unblended- Pink Mint, Macaroon, Icing Sugar (L-R)
Swatches- Blended- Pink Mint, Macaroon, Icing Sugar (L-R)
Californ.I.A :
 
Newport Peach: Medium Coral Pink
The Surf: Light Peach with gold shimmer..good for lighter skin tones
OC: Medium Coral Orange
 
Newport Peach, The Surf, OC (L-R)
The shades in Pink Lemonade are more suited for lighter skin tones..though Pink Mint looks great on our skin tones too. Icing Sugar is kind of ok..a little powdery too as you can see from the swatches.
 
The shades in Californ.I.A would suit medium skin tones..except The Surf..which is a light peach.
 
They have amazing pigmentation and a great wear time too..comes with a mirror..and cream blush I prefer using my hands to apply..only need a brush for the powder ones..
 
Coral lovers jump on Californ.I.A !
 
Both these are love at first sight..Highly recommend them.
 
Have you tried the Sleek MakeUP Blush by 3 ??
 
P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Faces Neon Matte Nail Enamel Fire Stick Review, NOTD

Faces Neon Matte Nail Enamel Fire Stick Review, NOTD
 
By now, all of you must be knowing about these super gorgeous bright neon matte nail enamels launched by Faces.
 
I have reviewed 75 Ibiza HERE and 76 Bubblepop HERE
 
MRP: Rs.229/- for 9ml
                                      
They come in normal Faces Nail Enamels packaging..the brush is awesome..no streaking or spreading out..dries quickly..and it stays and stays !
 
This shade is wrongly named as Bubblepop..as you can see Bubblepop is a bubblegum pink and Ibiza is a bright coral..
 
This shade is brighter then Ibiza..a mix of orangey coral and pink..I was thinking it might not be as bright as Fire Stick..but then there are no other shades left out of the 5 neon shades launched..
 
Goes opaque in 2-3 coats and stays for a long time..more than a week.
 
The brush is super easy to use and gives a nice, smooth streak free finish. It dries super quick..no hassles of waiting..its TOLUENE & DBP, Camphor and Formaldéhyde free. 

Perfect quality and good enough quantity..justified price..I have all 3 brights..Ibiza, Bubblepop and this..
 

Highly recommended !


Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Availability: 3.75/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Faces Neon Matte Nail Enamels ?
 

Kerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Serum Review

Kerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Serum Review
What the Company claims: Kerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte seals and repairs damaged hair so you can enjoy beautifully smooth hair and shine, with renewed health and vitality
  • Kerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Level 3+4 is an icon in the making
  • Specially formulated for brittle hair with extremely damaged lengths and split ends, this reparative serum is the perfect way to finish your look and add a healthy, long lasting shine
  • The weightless formula seals and repairs damaged hair so you can enjoy beautifully smooth hair and shine, with renewed health and vitality]
Additional Information
Apply Kérastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Level 3+4 to dry hair. 

MRP: Rs.1500/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

It comes in a green and white half and half bottle..one side has a light green colored gel and one side some oil..it has a sideways pump dispensor..and both the sides dispense the product together..it is supposed to be combined together and then applied to the hair..like any normal serum..

My hair have turned pretty dry in the last few months..and so I thought of trying this out..it has helped my hair stay hydrated and glossy and shiny..and the most important frizz free..

I use it after my shampooing on half dried hair..and the best part is..it keeps my hair amazingly soft and shiny the next day too ! And it smells amazing..

I am completely in love with it..

Only issue being..I read that one side i.e the gel side of it gets over sooner than the oil one..and hence then only the oil does not give a similar effect..I wish they both came up in equal quantities and finish up together..

Pros:

1. Leaves hair super shiny and glossy.
2. Hair feels softer and hydrated.
3. Stays frizz free.
4. Effect stays on next day too.
5. Easy to use and carry around.

Cons:

1. A little expensive.
2. One side finishes up sooner than the other.

Overall I would say its perfect for dry hair..and gives that required shine and softness..and keeps hair frizz free..this serum is definitely a must try !

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5  

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Kerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Serum ?

Maybelline Baby Lips Neon Rose Review, Swatches

Maybelline Baby Lips Color Bright Collection Neon Rose Review, Swatches

Remember the Maybelline Baby Lips..see HERE. It came in 7 variants..5 tinted and 2 non tinted.

Pink Lolita
Coral Flush
Rose Addict
Cherry Kiss
Berry Crush

and two non tinted are Mango Pie and Anti Oxidant Berry.

And now they have launched 3 new Neon shades ! Which are

Neon Rose
Pink Peony
Tangerine Pop

Maybelline Baby Lips Brights Limited Edition description and price in India – Rs. 150.00

Introducing Maybelline Baby Lips New Bright Collection. Pamper your lips with bright colors and continuous moisture. Available in 3 attractive shades. No more basic lip balm
Visibly renewed lips and 8-hr hydration
The secret: Exclusive lip renew formula with SPF 16
Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours
After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn.

MRP: Rs.150/- for 4.5g

It comes in the same packaging,etc..as other Baby lips..

I am reviewing the shade Neon Rose..

Neon Rose is a bright neon blue based pink..they have the same texture, etc as all Baby Lips..and are quite moisturising..I have one Baby Lips in each of my clutches and bags 😀 You can see how obsessed I am with these..my winter staple !


I only wished Neon Rose was a bit brighter..and so were the other colors in the Color Brights Collection..they are not so bright and pigmented as expected.

But, other than that..a pretty everyday lip balm..with a slight brighter pink touch..read the whole review HERE

Rating: 

Quality: 3.75/5 
Value for money: 3.5/5 
Availability: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Maybelline new Color Brights Collection Baby Lips ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Gloss Plum Luster Review, Swatches

Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Gloss 120 Plum Luster Review, Swatches
 
I had mentioned about the Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Gloss launch HERE. I have also reviewed Gleaming Grenadine HERE
 
What the Company claims : What the Company claims: Maybelline’s Color Sensational High Shine Gloss is the perfect product to add a pop of shine and color to your lips this summer. With its wax free formula, the product gives you a crystal clear base that provides the purest colour and an untouched shine that is never hazy or muddy. The lip gloss is comfortable on the lips and contours them beautifully without any difficulty. If you’re not at ease wearing a gloss because they are sticky, the sassy Shine in Maybelline’s Color Sensational High Shine Gloss will give you many reasons to wear one.

Don’t just go for it because we’re telling you! Buy it because you will love it! 
• More Vibrant Color from pure liquid pigments 
• Cleaner Shine from Maybelline’s 100% wax-free gloss 
• Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar 
• Go gutsy with 8 arresting shades 
• Easily contours around lips 

For Best Results 
Step 1: Use the wand to apply starting in the center of your upper lip 
Step 2: Work from the center to outer edges of your lips, following the contour 
Step 3: Then glide across the entire bottom lip 

Get desirous for stunning colours embellishing your lips because the Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Glosses what you want to wear when you pout this summer!

MRP: Rs.350/- for 5ml
 

Shades Available:

  • Gleaming Grenadine
  • Raspberry Reflections
  • Captivating Coral
  • Mirrored Mauve
  • Glisten up Pink
  • Plum Luster
  • Electric Shock
  • One Shine Day

Plum Luster is a deep pigmented plum shade with silver shimmer..its more pigmented  and opaque than Gleaming Grenadine which was a red without shimmer..

Here is it on me..

Pros:

1. Super glossy and shiny.
2. Quiet pigmented. 
3. Non Sticky. 
4. Economically priced. 
5. Travel friendly. 
6. A mix of shimmer and non shimmer shades. 
7. Stays well for a gloss. 8. Creamy and moisturising. 

Cons: 

1. I would like more shades..esp non shimmer.

Check out the review of  Gleaming Grenadine HERE

Overall I quiet like these..and these are easily available, well priced with good pigmentation and high shine as claimed..I have one non shimmer and one shimmer shade..would review that too..I like the non shimmer more..and would have loved more of those shades in this range. I am trying the Mirrored Mauve next.. 

Rating: 

Quality: 4/5 
Value for money: 4/5 
Availability: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 4/5 

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Gloss ? Which is your favorite ?

Kaya launches 15 new products to celebrate 10 years of skin brilliance

Kaya launches 15 new products to celebrate 10 years of skin brilliance

Introduces five specialized skincare ranges providing advanced and complete beauty solutions

Kaya Skin Clinic, India’s largest chain of skincare clinics, completes 10 years of beautiful transformations in the country and celebrates this landmark achievement with the launch of 15 new specialized products under 5 new skincare ranges. Catering to face, body and hair for both men and women, these specialized Kaya products are designed to address specific skin concerns such as acne, dull skin, anti-ageing and dryness, along with a daily skin care range. The launch of these specific ranges is in line with Kaya’s commitment of providing total skin care solutions to the discerning Indian consumer.

Designed to be personal skincare guide to consumers for various skin types, the new products are categorized under 5 new specialized ranges. Hydra Surge 360 degree, Super Orange Bloom, Intense Clarify HD, White Resilience and Youth ExCell are the new ranges which will address every skin type’s beauty needs while working synergistically with Kaya’s beauty services. Each product has been researched and developed by dermatologists and made using the finest proven active ingredients for lasting results.

Hydra Surge 360º

The new Hydra Surge 3600 range provides total essential hydration for dry and sensitive skin. The unique products under this range are enriched by ‘White Lily’, which is grown organically in Switzerland and known for its hydrating and soothing skin benefits from the ancient times. This revolutionary range helps replenish NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) and restore the balance between water and lipids of skin, to keep it looking plump, radiant and beautiful for longer. The Hydra Surge 360º range consists of the following products: –

 

Balancing Cleansing Gel is an instantly refreshing mild cleanser that effectively cleanses dry and sensitive skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The moisture complex of hydrating White Lily, Vitamin B5 and Phospholipd (derived from natural Safflower oil with anti-irritant properties) nourishes skin and maintains its moisture balance, leaving it clean, soft and supple.

Priced at Rs. 450 for 100 ml  

Rebalancing Mist is a non-alcoholic toner which is enriched with botanical extracts of hydrating White Lily, cool cucumber and soothing witch hazel. It helps reduce the pore size and soothes red skin caused by exposure to UV rays and dry weather, leaving it relaxed, soft and delicately scented.

Priced at Rs. 400 for 100 ml

Calming Moisturiser is a light textured, non-greasy cream that offers an extra dose of nutrients and hydration to dry, itchy and sensitive skin. It is enriched with refreshing, soothing and calming extracts of White Lily and Rose, along with sweet almond oil to replenish and nourish skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Priced at Rs. 850 for 50 ml

Recharging Moisture Concentrate is an excellent formula for intense and long-lasting moisturisation for skin which is dry, irritated and sensitive. Due to the extracts of White Lily and Mourera fluviatilis – an aquatic plant found in Amazonian rivers, this Serum carries a distinctive soothing effect for healthy and silky smooth skin Priced at Rs. 950 for 50 ml

Super Orange Bloom:

Busy lifestyle, constant application of make-up and the weather conditions can really play havoc on your perfect complexion and make your skin look dull and lifeless! To rejuvenate and reinvigorate your skin, Kaya has launched the Super Orange Bloom range, a special skin care line consisting of multi-vitamin complex that revives dull and lifeless skin, effectively making it bright and radiant. This unique and revolutionary formula awakens and purifies the skin with a refreshing feel of orange bloom, anti-oxidant and moisturizing benefits. The Super Orange Bloom comprises of the following products: –

 

Skin Awakening Rinse is a multi-vitamin shimmering cleanser that is designed to wash away make-up and impurities without altering skin’s natural moisture balance. The perfect combination of Multi-Vitamin Skin Awakening Complex like Vitamins B3, B5, C and E helps in enhancing dull and tired skin thereby giving it a fresh bloom

Priced at Rs. 490 for 100ml

Overnight Skin Replenisher is a light, rich-textured night cream that contains effective Skin Awakening elements like Vitamins B3, B5, A, C & E suitable for all skin types. This specially formulated cream offers anti-oxidant and skin renewal benefits that work best during night time. It not only helps to revive and revitalize dull skin but also boosts skin texture and gives clarity.

Priced at Rs. 890 for 50 ml

Skin Awakening gel provides a pleasant cooling sensation and moisturizes your skin without any greasy after feel. Designed for all skin types, this complexion booster is formulated with encapsulated vitamins B3, B5, A, C, E and F, which instantly get absorbed into the skin, thereby returning it to its natural fresh, smooth and healthy state.

Priced at Rs. 1490 for 50ml

Intense Clarify HD

The Intense Clarify HD range from Kaya is the ultimate solution for uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. This advanced product range comprises highly effective active ingredients which are popularly used by dermatologists to treat pigmentation. The exceptional blend of active ingredients in the products brighten skin, treat cellular discoloration and improve skin clarity. The Intense Clarify HD comprises of three expert products as follows: –

 

Brightening Serum by Kaya helps in reducing freckles and age spots, thereby giving you a luminous, healthy and even-toned complexion. This cutting-edge formula contains Ferulic acid and Waltheria indica extracts that target spots at every process of melanin formation and prevent future pigmentation.

Priced at Rs. 1490 for 30 ml

Brightening and Firming Eye Serum is a synergetic combination of soy & rice peptides, yeast protein, Hyaluronic Acid and Seaweed Extract. This breakthrough product helps in reducing the appearance of puffiness and discoloration of skin around the eyes. When used daily, this preventive product will help in enhancing firmness and combat signs of fatigue to restore a fresh, vibrant appearance around the eyes.

Priced at Rs. 990 for 10 ml

Youth ExCell

Inspired by breakthrough research in plant stem cells, Youth ExCell is designed to fight the signs of ageing on your skin right from the root. This advanced skincare line uses the extract of stem cells from the Argan tree, which is one of the oldest and rarest plant species in the world. Selected for it exceptional ability to protect and reinforce the regenerative capacity of skin cells, it helps to give you tighter, firmer and deeply rejuvenated skin that glows with a youthful radiance.

Derma Stemness Benefactor is developed with the help of breakthrough research in Plant Stem Cells and the understanding of their unique ability to regenerate and renew. This rich, velvety cream contains plant stem cells and oil of Argan tree, one of the oldest tree species in the world that helps to stimulate human stem cell growth and offer healthier and younger looking skin.

Priced at Rs. 1990 for 50 ml  

Derma Stemness Reviving Serum helps in protecting the skin’s regenerative cells. This intense oil-free formula contains Argan Plant Stem cells with advanced liposome technology. This world-class formulation penetrates deep into the skin layers, thereby resulting in cleaner, deeply rejuvenated and youthful radiant skin from within.

Priced at Rs. 2490 for 30 ml

Derma Collagen Intense Solution contains highly concentrated collagen to lift and tighten the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity, to keep skin moisturized, bright and smooth.

Priced at Rs. 1990 for 15ml

White Resilience

Kaya’s White Resilience skincare range combines the exotic youth renewing extracts from two of the most beautiful flowers found in nature – Purple Orchid and Japanese Cherry. The potent whitening actives found in these flowers render a flawless, fairer and a younger look to your skin. The unique ingredients polish away dead skin cells and smoothen the skin texture by reducing dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a spotless complexion. The White Resilience range comprises of four exquisitely designed products as follows:

Refining Mist is an alcohol free toner that refreshes skin without stripping its natural pH balance. Enriched with a unique combination of Purple Orchid and Japanese Cherry extracts, it gently removes impurities and reconditions skin for a healthy and natural glow.

Priced at Rs. 490 for 100 ml

Overnight Brightening Nourisher combines skin whitening, youth renewing actives and extracts of Purple Orchid & Japanese Cherry to repair and rapidly help reduce the appearance of uneven and dull skin tone. Enriched with extracts of Imperata Cylindrica root (a subtropical plant containing natural osmo-protective compounds), this light nourisher penetrates deeply into the skin, improving skin elasticity and revealing radiant, firm, smooth and toned skin.

Priced at Rs. 1590 for 50 ml

All Day Brightening Cream is a perfect blend of whitening and youth renewing actives that repair and renew the skin. The distinctive features of each and every ingredient in the cream offer boundless protection against harsh external elements and deliver a luminescent, smooth and flawless complexion.

Priced at Rs. 1590 for 50ml

Also as part of the brand’s 10 year celebrations, Kaya announced the launch of ‘Kaya Skin Bar’ – a new retail format offering a wider array of products, backed by select beauty services. The ‘Kaya Skin Bar’ is a product forward store, backed by highly trained and certified skin counselors, to provide customers with a customized and effective offering.

The 5 newly launched specialized skincare ranges will be part of the newly launched Kaya Skin Bars as well as all Kaya Skin Clinics across India.

So gear-up to celebrate 10 years of beauty with Kaya, pamper and surprise yourself with the new revolutionary product range, and love what you see!

What/Whom Bollywood brides wore

What/Whom Bollywood brides wore
Regardless of the scale of the wedding, the star couples, especially the brides of Bollywood, have never failed to wow us. Here’s a look at the beautiful ladies in their wedding couture.
1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan:

Aishwarya looked ravishing in a golden colour Saree designed by Neeta Lulla on her wedding day. The bride was decked in gold, kundan, precious gems and diamond jewellery from head to toe.

2. Esha Deol:

Dressed in a lovely pink lehenga by Rocky S, Esha looked resplendent at the event. Make-up, jewellery, hair were perfectly done keeping subtlety in mind.

3. Kareena Kapoor:

For her D-day Kareena, wore a green punjabi suit, while Saif chose to dress up in a grey kurta-pyjama since they had a simple registered marriage, for the nikaah ceremony she wore her mom in law Sharmila’s old red gharara..restored by Manish Malhotra..and for the reception or Dawaat E Waalima she again wore a Manish Malhotra “old-world” pink gharara

4. Lara Dutta:

Lara picked a gown by Lebanese-born Elie Saab for her wedding which took place in Christian style. Her gown also had a lot of lace, silk taffeta, and organza and a neckline studded with gemstones. What more!

5. Lisa Ray:

Recently married Lisa wore a crystal-encrusted gown by close friend and designer Wendell Rodricks, while for the reception she was seen in an exquisite custom-made Satya Paul sari. That sari sure is gorgeous..georgette sari highlighted with beige and traditional ‘gota patti’ work !!
6. Shilpa Shetty:
Shilpa looked stunning in the shimmering golden coloured dress, designed by Tarun Tahiliani. Complementing her dress was the jewellery which she picked from Anmol jewels.
7. Genelia:
Genelia wore a red lehenga-choli ensemble and net dupatta heavily decorated with golden embroidery and sequins, exuding classic elegance. The red and gold stunning lehenga was designed by Shane and Falguni Peacock. The fitted choli and flairs of the lehenga suited her slim figure.
I loved Lisa Ray’s Satya Paul sari and Genelia’s Lehenga Choli..
Which outfit you liked the most ??
 
Source: 1, Image Source: Google

Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos

Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos

Ok..when I got the opportunity to try the Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) at Lakme Salons, I was a little wary since its semi permanent..and I have never colored, treated or done anything to my hair..in fact blow drying and straightening is also very rare..as I find that a little torturous for the hair..so I had to do my small little research..

I had shared about Hair Serenity before here and the difference between this and Keratin treatments..

I found out more and sharing with you guys here..

Why is Formaldehyde Dangerous?

Understanding the Reasoning
The danger comes when formaldehyde comes in contact with our bodies. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, but it’s so much more than that. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to skin, eye, nasal and throat irritation, respiratory illnesses and severe allergic reactions, even from small, unspecified amounts found in products like a keratin treatment. This can lead to headaches, fertility problems in women, lesions on the body, abdominal aches, vomiting and even death. Obviously, a chemical that in small to moderate quantities can lead to a variety of health issues is bound to create some controversy. That’s why there are regulations on formaldehyde in everything from building materials to your everyday hair products.

Why You Should Go Formaldehyde-Free

Be simply inhaling formaldehyde fumes, both you and your stylist are exposed to higher risks of lung cancer.
While formaldehyde treatments had ecstatic customers singing its praises, plenty of women experienced dramatic hair loss from the treatment.
Formaldehyde is a dangerous, carcinogenic substance and should not be used lightly.

About Cysteine: Luckily, a new generation of hair straightening treatments have come along that are safer and more cost effective than previous keratin treatments. One treatment, known as cysteine Brazilian therapy came out fairly recently in the middle of 2011.

As the name implies, this straightening treatment is also from Brazil, but it is not a keratin straightening treatment. Instead, the treatment uses a naturally occurring, essential amino acid called cysteine to straighten the hair, making it a safer treatment than formaldehyde based straighteners. Cysteine is also more naturally absorbent, eliminating the need for a formaldehyde coating to seal the product in. As a result, this hair straightening treatment doesn’t contain any complicated chemical formulas that keratin treatments require.

How It Works: Cysteine & Its Effects
As far as treatment goes, cysteine Brazilian therapy is considered semi-permanent at best. However, several professionals state that treatments containing cysteine instead of keratin can, in fact, last between two and three months minimum.

Overall, cysteine provides a safer options for those looking for straighter tresses. Everyone, from type 3s and 4s to pregnant women, can use this formaldehyde-free hair straightening treatment.

So after being convinced that it won’t affect my hair (I am a little finicky about my hair), I tried to give it a shot..so I went to Lakme Salon in Mulund..

The first step being consultation with the expert..I bombarded him with questions..the usual me still having some doubts :p My biggest concern was whether the new hair that grows would be normal..and would the huge difference show up..I don’t like that half curly half straight look..and he said this does not go inside the roots of hair..and is just used over the hair..and the effect fades away slowly and the whole hair is normal as before again in around 3 months..so I was relieved..this is not straightening..its just smoothening hair and relaxing the frizz..the overall effect is very natural..since my hair is naturally straight with some waviness at the ends..it was not a dramatic difference for me..or such that someone would point out that I have got my hair straightened..

Step 1: Hair is washed thrice with a clarifying shampoo..

Step 2: Hair is blow dried and the Cysteine Complex is applied on each strand on 80% dry hair.

Step 3: The hair is wrapped with thin cling and kept for 35-40 minutes.

Step 4: Each strand is then blow dried..and then ironed with a flat iron..there are some fumes..but not much..

Step 5: Hair is supposed to be relaxed for 20 minutes. And then they are again washed..and a conditioner and serum are applied.

Step 6: Hair is then blow dried again without the heat..just to style and the acai oil is applied.

And tadaa..its done !!

Here is a short video to show the procedure:

The whole process takes around 3-4 hours depending on the length and thickness of hair as each strand is to be worked on individually.

They use the Amazon Series Range for the whole procedure..It was called Cysteine Infusion before..and they have named it Hair Serenity now..

The cost: Rs. 6499/- for below shoulder hair
Rs. 7499/- for above shoulder hair
Both excluding 12.36% service tax..

Ya its expensive..but the effect stays for 2 months..and it all safe and natural plus does not damage the hair during or after in any which ways..

Post treatment care: I have been told to use Sulfate Free Shampoos..so here goes my SLS shampoos for the time being..I am going to use Vedantika and Neev..thinking of getting the Lass Naturals Range..

I did surely recommend the hair serenity service for people who want natural looking, frizz free, straighter manageable hair without the side effects or after effects of formaldehyde..

Source: 1

P.S: Services were offered by the brand but it has not affected my opinion. My hair are more precious to me than anything :p

Jennifer Aniston’s Beauty Secrets

Jennifer Aniston’s Beauty Secrets
Jennifer Aniston revealed some of her top skincare secrets in a recent interview, and we’re surprised to hear how beautifully basic they are!

Though eternally sporting a youthful golden glow, Jen confessed that her most effective wrinkle-fighting regime consists of little more than ice water and Vaseline.

Rather than splashing out on fancy creams, Jen apparently prefers to dab some of the classic jelly below her eyes before bed instead.

Then to keep her skin firm and pores under control, the Friends actress is said to dunk her face into a sink full of cold water and ice cubes. Eeish!

While we get the idea – the cold water reduces puffiness, tightens up skin and shrinks pores – an icy dip first thing in the morning sounds a bit intense.

Source: 1

Do you use Petroleum Jelly or ice cold water ?

Merck India Event- All About Pigments

Merck India Event- All About Pigments

I attended the Merck Event last week at Amadeus, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Merck is a company basically from Germany and has its collaboration in India from the time Rabindranath Tagore went there and had good relations with the Merck family..Performance Materials is one division of Merck out of the many divisions..and pigments form one part of Performance Materials..and not only the colored pigments we use for our eyes..but everything from mattifying powders in pressed powders to the shimmery highlighting powders..the pretty looking body washes and face washes..each and every thing has these pigments..even the paints on the walls and the outer packaging..everything..

Read more in this note:

Event: “An afternoon of shimmer and shine”, where Merck [India] revealed the latest trends in beauty and skincare with renowned experts Samantha Kochhar, Ojas Rajani and Dr. Soma Sarkar

When: Friday, 8th June 2012

Where: Amadeus, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai

What happened: Even a humid day in the over-cast weather of Mumbai could not break the excitement resonated around the conclave hosted by The Performance Materials division of Merck [India] to discuss and showcase the latest trends, movements, technology and innovations in the world of beauty and design. Merck is the pioneer and global leader in pearl effect pigments and a key player in setting global trends in beauty, skincare and design. Combining expertise with experience, this exclusive preview also featured the likes of Samantha Kochhar – MD Blossom Kochhar Companies, Ojas Rajani – Ace Bollywood make-up stylist and Dr. Soma Sarkar – renowned cosmetologist and dermatologist, who threw light on the latest advances and inventions in beauty and the importance of effect pigments in the colour cosmetics and skin-care products that we use.

Merck [India] also shared its latest initiative ‘Project effexX’, a first of its kind co-creation platform in the world of product design, architectural design, interior design, aesthetic design, package design, cosmetics and skin care. Through Project effexX, Merck India intends to communicate the value, benefits, and the need for special effect pigments in people’s lives and businesses, along with serving as a knowledge resource for trends, technology, new design and innovation. It’s the perfect destination for aspiring beauty and design professionals to engage with industry experts and seed new concepts and ideas.

It was an afternoon full of shimmer and shine, with Ojas Rajani showcasing the latest looks for Colour Forecast of Autumn/Winter, 2012. This was also followed by an interactive experiential session, where participants got to custom make their own skincare and colour cosmetic formulations using a variety of Merck pigments and actives.

What the Speakers had to say:

· Sharing his views on this initiative Siddhartha Sengupta, Head of Performance Materials, Merck Limited [India] said, “At Merck it is our constant endeavour to educate consumers about the relevance of effect pigments in their day-to-day lives. It is with this objective that we created ‘Project effexX’, an online and offline engagement programme to enlighten, inspire and empower consumers through influencers. This initiative will also help consumers understand the latest trends in the effect pigments space and give them a platform to network within their lines of work.”

· Talking on the occasion, Samantha Kochhar, Managing Director, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies said, “I’m very pleased to support Project effexX, which I think is a great knowledge sharing platform for budding professionals and other industry players who want to raise the bar in the Hair and Beauty Industry. Companies can benefit from in-depth researched solutions with regards to pigments and ingredients in order to enable them to produce internal quality products and packaging, which do not harm people and the environment. We believe that as a company we are absolutely dedicated to providing natural, honest, credible and effective products. I personally have great faith in Merck products on account of their high quality and focus on safety, and have used their pigments in our latest skincare range, ‘Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic’.”

· Dr. Soma Sarkar was vocal in advocating the need for better skin care, “In today’s fast paced life, it’s important that both, women and men, pay greater attention to their skin care needs. This begins with using quality products which are appropriate for their skin type. I have high regard for a brand like Merck, which has managed to constantly stay on top of the skin care and beauty trends. Merck products not only deliver value for money but also organic world-class formulations that do not damage the skin. Each ingredient is backed by global certifications which are testimonial to their claims of efficacy. I am delighted to be part of Project effexX, which is a great platform for influencers and consumers alike to keep abreast of the latest developments in beauty and skin care, and also network with experts across principles.”

· Praising Merck [India]’s efforts in creating this dynamic knowledge sharing platform for young practitioners through Project effexX, Ojas Rajani said, “Merck has some really innovative pigments, actives and functional fillers, which provide superior quality textures and benefits to many of the colour cosmetic and skincare brands that we use. Project effexX is a great platform to educate consumers on the ingredients that they should seek in their beauty products and help them to take more calculated and informed purchase decisions.”

Ojas Rajani explained two looks on the models..a day time and a night time..the day time look was more sublte where pistachio and pastel shades were used and the night time look was smokey.

Samantha Kocchar was herself a makeup artist before..if you are a follower of Band Bajaa Bride on NDTV Good Times, you must have seen both Samantha and Ojas on the first season..She tookover as the MD of Aroma Magic a year and a half back after her dad expired and she heads it now. She also told us about the new launches of Aroma Magic..a new line of face washes..which have Merck Pigments..and new innovative packaging..and also that they have worked on the smell of Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub which is their hot seller..but smells blah..

Ojas Rajani uses cosmetics which have Merck Pigments in them. I have got a lilac eye-shadow which has Merck pigments in it ..would review soon..

Merck also has Titanium Dioxide used in Suncreens and many other pigments related to skin care and pearl effect pigments used in makeup..the whole pigments thing was kind of an eye opener..I knew the ingredients used in stuff..but not about how these pigments are sourced from different companies and used in manufacturing and the process, etc..we were also shown a demo of different pigments mixed together..

Have you heard about the Merck Pigments before ?