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Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review, Indian Beauty Blog, Indian Skincare Blog

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

By Nidhal

Remember those days when we used to vacuously smear that colourful bar of soap that smelled heavenly and looked comely on our skin (and sadly, on our faces too) while unleashing the inherent model in us in our bathrooms? 😛 Days would roll by but all what it left was dry, parched skin that felt smothered after the ‘wash’. Quite naturally, it was bound to. Why? Did you care to read the labels? “Ummm… not really”, says a voice in your head right now. So, that is the reason my friend.

Cut to present and markets like always are inundated with soaps of myriad shapes, sizes, colors, flavours (err…chemicals) and packets. One thing is constant and that is our incorrigible habit of ignoring the labels. Having emerged delusional with soaps years ago, I switched over to ubtans (homemade powders for cleansing), however, one fine day, I came across a brand that used 2 words in its name which caught my eyes- Ancient Ayurveda. Intrigued, I began scrolling down their range of products when I came across their soaps. The realisation dwelled upon me that it would be just one of “those brands” that pull wool over consumers’ eyes by printing catchy words like “invigorated with XYZ essential oil”, “handmade” and so on but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The brand is the textbook definition of being ‘ethical’.

While most brand publish what their products contain, Ancient Ayurveda upped its game and went on publish what all their products do not contain IN DETAIL (see the picture for better understanding). Impressed, I zeroed in on ANCIENT AYURVEDA INVIGORATING TAILPATRA WOODASH SOAP to see how far it performs (or flounders). So here goes my review of the same 🙂

PRICE- 238 INR for 116 gm (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Smear on your drenched face and body with a natural luffa. Wash off after scrubbing gently.

INGREDIENTS- Homogenous coconut shell charcoal, coconut tree inflorescece charcoal flaxseed wheat germ oil, Ashwagandha tailam, Ark tailam, black cumin seed oil, bala taimbu, somaraji tailam, chandan bala, lakshadi tailam, jatyadi tailam, karanj tailam, virgin coconut oil, kasisadi tailam, zest of soapnut, kumkumadi tailam, rice bran oil, rice bran wax, nilibringhadi tailam, castor bean meat, whole pscralea corylifolia oil, zest of ‘Koshtum’, castor oil, coconut water, coconut meat, cow’s milk, zest of copra, grapeseed oil and neem oil.

A detailed list of fillers/items not added into the soap is provided as a leaflet once you place an order. And… You will be left speechless on seeing that most of them have been added in even the so-called handmade soaps that you use. Handmade does not mean ‘natural’.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- This soap does not contain Steric Acid (animal derived hardening agent, primarily from butchered pigs and cows) which makes the mainstream handmade and commercial soap melt-less.

MY EXPERIENCE-

GOOD-

Packed in a simple paper packing with the soap enclosed in a plastic cover, the packaging of the soap is quite simplistic. I disliked the plastic cover but realised that in India’s tropical weather, if the soap were packed in a plastic/cloth pack, it would have melted and rumpled the entire product rendering it useless.

As a result, given the product’s composition (which is primarily a blend of oils), the packaging is legit. Though it cannot be carried while travelling yet, I won’t pinpoint to it as a drawback because carrying soaps anyway is inconvenient while travelling. In a nutshell, the packaging is fine 🙂

The soap has a hard texture when stored in the fridge but take it for 5 minutes and witness the magic as it melts (all thanks to Sun God who unleash their fury on us from May to June all the more) 😛

I prolong its use by cutting it into 10 pieces 5 minutes after taking it out from the fridge (so that it softens enough for my knife to work). Each time I step into the shower, I take a piece (1/10 th part of the soap) with me along with a natural loofah/luffa. I smear it on my drenched skin and gently rub a luffa. 1/10 th part is sufficient for a use. I do not overdo or use beyond requirement. I know we Indians have a tendency to slap products in excess if it works but that is what we need to control. Use enough not in excess 🙂

After scrubbing my skin with the luffa for 7-8 minutes, there is a little froth which I rinse off and step out of the shower. My skin feels soft and deeply hydrated. This spells cheer for my skin is dry and this is the first time that my skin’s moisture level has not witnessed a nosedive 🙂 With use overtime, I noted a subtle glow too that looked natural. Besides feeling clean, my skin looked clear and refreshed. My mother who has normal skin used it and has been singing paeans since then. I recommended it to a friend of mine who has oily skin and so far, even she is impressed with its performance. While I can’t vouch for its efficacy for oily skin, I can safely say that it will become the HG soap of those with dry and normal skin 🙂

In one word, it is phenomenal!

1. The most natural soap one can land.

2. Mentions what it contains and what it does not (which is quite informative) clearly. Hence, the epitome of ethics.

3. Works wonders in softening skin.

4. Made in India

5. Associated with the NGO- Prajwala which works to rescue sex-trafficked women. There is a sense of complacency one experiences in contributing to such a noble initiative.

6. Highly impressive ingredients’ list

7. Imparts a subtle glow. No, you won’t glow like an incandescent LED that is shown (read: exaggerated beyond description) in TV adverts. The glow is subtle but noticeable.

8. Works well for all skin types but best for dry skin. It won’t weigh down oily skin but works exceedingly well for dry skin. I wonder how it does so.

9. Easily available. You can place an order on Amazon India.

10. Heals chapped skin overtime.

11. Price is reasonable given its effectiveness.

BAD-

1. Since it a blend of oils, it melts (yes, you read it right M-E- L-T- S) when the temperature rises to 33 degrees or above. In fact, since India is predominantly warm for most part of year, a major bugbear is the storage of this soap. It actually liquefies. To allay this, I let it out at room temperature for a few minutes. It softens somewhat when I cut it into 10-12 pieces with a knife. I use one piece each time I step into the shower and stash all the remnant pieces into the refrigerator 🙂 So, that is the only limitation which too, is taken care of.

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: That sounds fantastic Nidhal and what a detailed review! I am surely trying this. Also I saw a few other soaps they have, all look great!

Have you tried any Ancient Ayurveda Soaps?

Who Wore What: IIFA 2016 Green Carpet

Who Wore What: IIFA 2016 Green Carpet

Hi guys,

I have been seeing IIFA 2016 updates everywhere, from Instagram to Snapchat to twitter to facebook, so that’s the only thing on my mind right now 😀

I saw all the outfits Bollywood celebs wore yesterday night for the main show and I thought of doing a post on that. So let’s start:

1. Deepika Padukone

Deepika wore this super gorgeous Sabyasachi Mukherjee lace and diamante beige co-ords with a beautiful cape to go with it. The diamond and emerald set matched the outfit perfectly. Makeup wise she had black smokey eyes and a nude pink lip with a slick back ponytail. I believe Daniel Bauer was doing her makeup for IIFA.

2. Neha Dhupia

Neha wore white separates, a white shirt and super flared skirt from H & M. She was styled by Sohaya. The outfit is decent but definitely not for IIFA. Considering how perfect Neha Dhupia always is, I am not impressed!

3. Athiya Shetty

Athiya wore a gorgeous blush pink Ramikadi gown. The roses and thread work detailing on the gown are gorgeous! She wore a Bibhu Mohapatra pant suit for the event a day earlier. The mesh shirt especially looks fabulous, pant suits are perfect for her tall and lean body. She was styled by Ami Patel. Her Ramikadi gown was to die for!

4. Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi wore a green Shantanu & Nikhil gown with Outhouse jewellery. The hairband and earrings were beautiful. Her makeup was something to talk about, absolutely perfect, it was done by Elton J Fernandez. While wearing green on the green carpet is not a good idea, she managed to pull it off well.

5. Bipasha Basu

The newly married Bipasha Basu wore a deep navy Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla gown. The silhouette compliments her body really well and the the flared lower half is also very flattering.

6. Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza wore a mint Nakul Sen gown, it was ok, not something exceptional. Nothing much to say about.

7. Bhumi Pednekar

Bhumi is slaying it, she has transformed completely after her weight loss and has been on fleek in her fashion and makeup game too. I know our very own Neeraj Navare does her makeup quite a lot of times for events, etc. She wore this light lavender Shantanu & Nikhil lace strapless gown. The gown is beautiful and her deep red lips, straight hair and french manicured nails were absolutely perfect. Love!

8. Sonakshi Sinha

Sonakshi wore a beautiful beige Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla princessy gown. Love the silhouette, very flattering on her body and the dress is gorgeous. Hair tied in a sleek bun and deep red lips complete the look. She was styled by Alia Al Rufai

9. Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty wore a white cut out mermaid gown with mesh detailing and gold border, by Shantanu & Nikhil. She did want to show off her toned body which looks like worked really hard on. Not a fan of the dress but she looks fabulous, only she could carry something like this. The tan and bronzed skin looks sun kissed and glowing <3

10. Nargis Fakhri

Nargis wore this black Namrata Joshipura dress which was perfect for her height and body. She was styled by Alia Al Rufai too. She wore a pastel blue pant suit for the event the day before and carried it off amazingly well.

Which outfit did you like the most? I absolutely loved Deepika, Sonakshi, Athiya, Bhumi & Bipasha. Oo..there were many hits this year 🙂

Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal/Rose Water Review

Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal/Rose Water Review

By Archana

Rose water is one common product in everyone’s skincare regime, irrespective of skin type or concerns. It is a multi-purpose product with many benefits. There so many brands offering rose water nowadays, right from budget friendly ones like Dabur, Banjaras to high- end luxury brands like Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials. Today’s review is about a budget friendly rose water from Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali. Read on to know whether you should go for it or not.

Product Claims:

Ingredients & Directions to use:

Price and quantity: Rs.25 for 120ml.

Packaging:

It comes in a transparent plastic bottle packaging with a pink screw cap. On opening the cap, there is an inner stopper which closes the mouth of bottle. You need to use a pin to make a hole in the stopper. But carrying it around is not a good idea as I have noticed some spillage while travelling. I now transfer some to my Fabindia spray bottle for travel purposes. One big con I didn’t like in the packaging was that all the details of the product are mentioned in hindi. Considering the fact that Patanjali products are sold all over India, I think they should start printing in English.

Texture and fragrance:

It is just like plain water in color and consistency. The fragrance is very soothing and natural of fresh roses. The ones that I used from Dabur and Banjara’s, I felt were kind of artificial. But this one has a more natural fragrance. But it is very mild and not overpowering and so won’t bother sensitive noses.

My experience:

I have been using Patanjali Rose Water in many different ways. Firstly, I use it as toner after washing my face. It hydrates my face instantly and also helps to blend in the moisturiser easily. After coming home from travelling in the hot sun, I spray some on my face. It instantly refreshes me and soothes and cools the sun-burned skin. I also used this rose water to mix my homemade face packs for extra benefits. For eyes, I soak two cotton pads in this rose water and place over my eyes and relax. It calms down irritated area under the eyes which occurs while scrubbing and also relieves puffy eyes. As I have very sensitive skin under the eyes, most of the eye creams and gels don&#39;t suit me. But this has helped to keep my under eye area well-hydrated and healthy. I haven’t faced any breakouts with Patanjali Rose Water and I feel it can be used by sensitive skin types also.

During winters, I mix few drops of glycerin to this rose water and apply all over body to nourish and moisturize dry and parched skin. Since, its very affordable I find it apt to be used on body too, unlike the expensive rose waters from higher end brands. It doesn’t give any miraculous results but then at this price point what can you expect. It is just a daily use product which helps to maintain healthy skin.

Pros:

* Light and hydrating.

* Soothing and natural fragrance.

* Can be used in multiple ways.

* Suitable for all skin types.

* Budget friendly.

Cons:

* Packaging is not travel-friendly.

Rating: 4.1/5

Verdict: Overall, Patanjali Divya Gulab Jal is a budget friendly rose water for everyday use. It can be used in different ways for face, body and even hair. Compared to the other brands like Dabur and Banjara’s which fall under the same price range, I feel Patanjali rose water is more natural from the fragrance. I would definitely recommend all of you to give this a try.

Editor’s Note: Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel and Rose Water are their cult products, very economical and good quality. Nice review Archana

Have you tried the Patanjali Rose Water?

Easy Blue Smokey Eyes Makeup Tutorial | Drugstore | Indian Makeup

Easy Blue Smokey Eyes Makeup Tutorial | Drugstore | Indian Makeup

Hi guys,

I created this easy blue smokey eyes using just two products i.e. Maybelline Sapphire Blue Colorsensational 3D Eyeshadow Palette and Colorbar Eyeshadow Crayon in Moss.

I hope you like the look.

Products used:

Sephora Smoothing Primer
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Concealer
Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Powder
Revlon Nearly Naked Medium Deep Powder
MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter
Marks & Spencer Blush Damson
Maybelline Colorsensational 3D Eyeshadow Palette Sapphire Blue
Colorbar Eyeshadow Crayon Moss
Maybelline Super Black Colossal Kajal
PAC Eyeliner Pen
Rouge Bunny Rouge Alchemy Eyebrow Pencil
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
MAC Flamingo Park Collection Cremesheen Glass Such Sweeties

I liked this Maybelline Palette but they do need a base eyeshadow/pencil for the colors to show up. The highlight shade was pretty good, black one had a lot of fall out though.

I love this Colorbar eyeshadow crayon and these are fabulous even on their own when you don’t want an all out look but some nice color and definition.

Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

What’s Your MQ & All About #CityOfMusic

What’s Your MQ & All About #CityOfMusic

Hi guys,

I know all of you have heard about IQ and EQ and you ask what is MQ. Well MQ is Music Quotient. It is a simple 10 questions quiz to evaluate how much you enjoy your music and your knowledge of music.

21st June is World Music Day and City of Music launched MQ quiz to create awareness among people about City Of Music and for them to experience it first hand.

What is City Of Music?

City Of Music is India’s first music inspired township spread over 22 acres, located on Khopoli-Pali Road. It is a collection of apartments and resort which gives residents a chance to bring their passion for music into everything they do.

City of Music is endorsed by legends like sitar maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Indipop icon Shaan and Bollywood singer, Sunidhi Chauhan

Swimming Pool

It is basically for those who are interested in a weekend home (or) a second home not only as lifestyle product but also for investment. The amenities of this township include everything from a guitar shaped swimming pool, a music museum to an instrument zone, landscaped garden with speakers, open air concert area, musical fountains and much more.

Viewing Deck
Recording Studio

Recording Studios, Banquet Halls, Gymnasium, Viewing Deck, Play area and much more.

So you will find each and every element in the City Of Music which is related to obviously music. They have Studio Apartments, 1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK, all different options, not necessarily a villa.

All you have to do is visit www.cityofmusic.in or mq.cityofmusic.in and answer 10+1 questions to derive your MQ, authenticate your details by logging in through Facebook and share your score on Facebook. Selected few will get a chance to discover the City Of Music in a free chauffeur driven ride.

City Of Music is developed by Nirvana Realty & presented by Disha Direct. City Of Music is meticulously designed by the legendary Architect Hafeez Contractor

About Nirvana Realty Group: Headed by father-son duo, Pravin Agarwal and Punit Agarwal, Nirvana Realty have made constructing eco friendly and green second homes their speciality. A point of reference is Wollywood, their Bollywood inspired township in Wada, which guarantees inhabitants a film themed lifestyle.Nirvana Realty have several high profile projects under their belt in locales like Malshej Ghat and Lonavla.

I don’t think there are any music related townships in India yet and this would be the first! Quite an innovative concept, must say! Do try your luck and share your MQ for a chance to visit the City Of Music.

So what’s your MQ?

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliners Review, Swatches

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliners Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So L’Oreal Paris had launched these eyeliners as a part of their Cannes Collection, I had reviewed the Infallible Le Mega lip glosses earlier HERE. I took time to review these coz I was in two minds about these. Read on to know my thoughts..

Claims: Indulge your eyes in silk with Silkissimeby Infallible. Glide on smooth intensity with our first silk inspired liquid pencil. The smudge-proof formula lasts for up to 16-hours of intense color from dusk until dawn. Gives a delicate, silky shiny look with ultimate perfection in a single stroke. Available in 8 vibrant shades.

How to use: Apply along the top and bottom lash line beginning in the inner corner of the eye and working outward. Use a sharpener to sharpen the pencil gently and create a working tip.

MRP: Rs.575/- for 1.10g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

Shades Available:

  • Black
  • Charcoal
  • Pure Purple
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Cobalt Blue
  • True Teal
  • Plum

I have the shades Plum, Purple, Gold and Silver. They come in a pencil form which needs to be sharpened. And that is a major problem, I will tell you why.

They have a transparent cap and matching shade color outer body, so it’s easy to find the shade you need. The texture is more creamy than butter, it is like melted butter. It glides on super smooth but that is the problem, it breaks every time I try to use it.

It goes on smooth on the waterline but it is difficult to use on the upper lashline coz it gets blunt and breaks every time. And when you try to sharpen these, they melt and keep on breaking. The product is like gel liner in pencil form, I have to use it with an eyeliner brush, rubbing the bristles each time on the pencil. It gets a little difficult and time consuming.

Once applied, it stays put through the day. These are very pigmented and long staying. But the product can hardly be used a few times as 50% goes waste in sharpening and you never get a sharp tip for using it on upper lashline.

I would say these are good for waterline. They also make a perfect base for eyeshadows. I like the gel formula but I would have appreciated gel liners in these shades. The quantity of 1.10g is less for the price and half of it goes waste.

Left-Right: Plum, Pure Purple, Gold, Silver

Either the product inside should have been a little more stiff and sturdy or it should have come with it’s own special sharpener that did not waste the product. It does mention in ‘How to use’, to sharpen with L’Oreal Paris Dual Sharpener, but I haven’t seen it anywhere, I am not sure if it’s available separately. It should have come along with the pencil.

As much as I love the shades and formula, I am not happy with these pencils and I do not reach for them often, coz it burns my heart to see so much wastage :/ I saw the exact same issue with the pencils in US coz all the reviews on Amazon. com also mentioned the same thing. It’s an universal formula with these pencils.

I would not recommend these, unless you are ok with using these only for waterline and lower lashline or as an eyeshadow base. You will not get a crisp or sharp line on upper lashline with these unless you use a brush.

I love the shades though, all four are fabulous, especially the Pure Purple.

What do you think of the new L’Oreal Paris Silkissime Eyeliners?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

Must have Bags in Every Girl’s Closet

Must have Bags in Every Girl’s Closet

By Pallavi

Hiii Fashionistas, We all are crazy about accessories, accessories are something that make or break your look. And handbags are something really detrimental for your look.

You need different types of handbags for different occasions. Have a look at some of the MUST have handbags in your stash –

Shoulder Bag

1. Shoulder Bag – These are the most common handbags which you can easily carry on your shoulders. They have to be carried on your shoulders through the straps attached to them. They come in different shapes and sizes and patterns too. This one is perfect for both formal and semi-formal looks.

Sling

2. Cross Body or Sling Bags – These are so trendy and in these days. They are perfect for even outings while you are travelling or a day brunch or night out. They are small in size but are perfect to carry your essential things.

Clutch

 

3. Clutches – These are for those occasions when you want to carry a small bag but you are not comfortable with the shoulder straps thing. You just want to carry your bag in your hands, then clutch is perfect. It comes in different designs and you can pick as per the occasion.

Satchel

4. Jhola or Satchel Bags – The big bags which just need to be loosely held on your shoulders. They have a good space inside it where you can store a number of things. They are perfect for students or for travel enthusiasts.

Tote Bag

5. The Tote Bag – This is so trendy and comfortable to carry. They are made up of soft clothing material which is not only easy and comfortable to carry but also inexpensive. You can carry a lot of stuff in totes.

Weekender Bag

6. Weekender – These are the large bags wherein you can carry your world inside it. they come in different shapes but all of them have huge space inside them. You can use them as gym bags, diaper bags, grocery bags and likewise.

Bucket Bag

7. Bucket Bags – Another trendy and new in market bag. They are in the shape of a bucket as goes the name. They come with adjustable shoulder straps which you need to tighten in order to close it.

Backpack

8. Backpacks – Best bag for travel enthusiasts. They come with a huge space inside wherein you don’t need to arrange your stuff just throw them in. And they come with adjustable straps so you can tighten them as per your choice.

Duffle

9. Duffle Bag – A spacious bag perfect for travelling for short trips. You can also use them as a sports bag too.

Messenger Bag

10. Messenger Bag – This is another roomy bag with very long shoulder straps. You can even style them as a cross body bag or you can wear them loosely hung over shoulders bag.

Envelope Clutch

11. Envelope Clutch – Another trendy bag more like a day time clutch. It comes in the shape of a envelope which is slightly large in shape.

So, that were some of the must have handbags from my side. Hope you like them. Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below.

Image Source: 1,2,3

Editor’s Note: You have covered each and every type Pallavi, nice post.

Which is your favourite? Currently I am loving bucket bags and backpacks. Totes are of course a favourite!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Hi guys,

I am using this sunscreen from the past 2 weeks now, mostly for hands and legs as it’s a body mist sunscreen. Here are my thoughts..

Claims: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 provides powerful protection against sun damage while leaving a weightlessly invisible feeling on your skin. Formulated with clinically-proven Helioplex® Technology, it offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays.

Neutrogena is a non-greasy, oil free fast-absorbing and water resistant sunscreen that uses Dry-Touch Technology to provide an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This weightless formula applies easily to even hard-to-reach areas and works at any angle.

MRP: Rs.675 for 141g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in this bottle with a spray nozzle, I have used spray sunscreens earlier and I thought it would be similar. I have used Avene and it was white liquid just in spray bottle. I expected this to be of the same consistency. But this is actually a watery spray.

Yes, you heard me right. It’s a watery spray just like a mist. Super easy to just spray on and blend. It is the most convenient sunscreen I have ever used. It is completely non greasy as it just like any face mist, perfect for all skin tones.

I love the soft powdery scent which lingers on for a few minutes. It is water resistant for upto 80 minutes and that’s an added bonus.

I use it on both my hands and legs. It is perfect to use for body as spray form is more convenient for body. SPF 30 sun protection might not be enough at times, and that is the only disadvantage it has. I wish they come up with SPF 50 formula in this same watery form soon.

I have no cons for this and nothing more to so, it is absolutely perfect and does what it claims, gives a weightless, clean feeling. Next time you go on a vacation and are searching for a good body sunscreen, look no further.

I highly recommend this!

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried any Spray Sunscreens?

Best Off Screen Looks of Sonam Kapoor

Best Off Screen Looks of Sonam Kapoor

By Nidhal

In the rule book of fashion, if there is one person whose name will be etched in golden alphabets, it will be without any iota of doubt, Sonam Kapoor. Since the day she stepped into B-wood, while many have questioned her acting and PR skills, no one can turn a blind eye to her impeccable sense of style and fashion. She is one sure-shot head-turner 🙂

Be it her casual looks, red carpet appearances, ethnic ensemble or ramp apparel, she keeps one bewitched. A personal favourite of the fashion police, let us have a look at the top 5 off-screen avatars of Sonam Kapoor when she left us gasping for more

1. ON THE STREETS OF MELBOURNE- Strolling the captivating streets of Melbourne and later attending a press conference with her father Anil Kapoor in absolute style, Sonam opted for a black LBD that not only looks casual but also professional. Unique, right? With her luscious brown locks loose and radiant skin, she surely set a lot of hearts fluttering.

2. DAY 2 OF CANNES 2013 – Sashaying down the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival 2013 on Day 2 in a custom made floral Dolce and Gabbana gown at the Jeune et Jolie premiere, Sonam raised the glam quotient of the event without going overboard thanks to her minimal makeup and accessories. The dress has a corset bodice with a voluminous skirt. And the print looks feminine, chic and quirky. It goes without saying that Sonam looked effortlessly drop-dead gorgeous.

3. AIRPORT LOOK- In one word, Sonam looks exquisite. Swaddled in a nude dress and black coat, with poker straight hair, nerdy glasses and black boots, she looks dressed like a French lady. Fashionable but not trying too hard to cast an impression- well, these things surely come naturally to this leggy lass.

4. PRDP PROMOTIONS DESI STYLE- In keeping with the underlying theme of Director Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, Sonam opted for ethnic attire for the promotions of the film. See here is Sonam swaddled in an ethnic attire by Radha Vakil and jewellery by Sunita Kapoor.

5. IIJW 2015 RAMP – With a flair to pull off most attires in the most flattering way, Sonam Kapoor defined regal as she wore an ornate Shyamal and Bhumika lehenga at the IIJW 2015 show for Birdhichand jewellers. And the dupatta that trailed behind her as she sashayed down the ramp, added all the drama a showstopper’s outfit can ask for

6. AT KHOOBSURAT’S TRAILER LAUNCH- Her attire (and co-star) is exactly what the movie’s title is –Khoobsurat 🙂 Opting for a black and white monochrome printed Toni Maticevski at the trailer launch of Khoobsurat, Sonam looked drop-dead gorgeous.

7. IN AN ABU-JANI SANDEEP KHOSLA SAREE- Resplendent – in one word, Sonam’s look during the promotions of Neerja when she swaddled herself in an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla saree was magnificent. In fact, everything about this look is on point be it her hair style, makeup or choice of accessories. That’s how you style a saree.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4

Editor’s Note: She always looks amazing, one person whose wardrobe any girl would want to steal 😀 I loved all the looks

Which look did you like the most?

Studiowest Maaya Crystal Eyeshadow Trio Goldmine Review, Swatches

Studiowest Maaya Crystal Eyeshadow Trio Goldmine Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hola loves!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRICE: INR 425 for 4.2 g

SHELF LIFE Is approx. 2 years

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

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

MY EXPERIENCE

PACKAGING

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

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

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

TEXTURE

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

PIGMENTATION

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

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

SHADES

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

STAYING POWER

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

PROS

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

CONS

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

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

RECOMMENDATION

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

Will I repurchase?

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

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

Have you tried the Studiowest Goldmine Eyeshadow Trio?