For those who are unaware of the Coachella festival, it is a music and art festival held annually in California and is one of the coolest concert to attend at the moment, every year many stars are spotted which made this festival so popular and WANTED! It has definitely increased the fashion standards ofcourse have inspired us with their fresh and unique style statement! Keep reading to know more.
1. Over accessorising is in : Over accessorising is a myth, wearing all of your wardrobe jewellery is the new trend, don’t believe me? Have a look at these moments stolen from coachella fest! I am amazed that wearing so many jewellery doesn't make them appear tacky or loud but unquestionably fashionable.
2. Vintage glasses : These sun glasses definitely reminded me of Gandhi ji’s eye glasses, it was a geeky piece or regular glasses back then, but who knew it will be on of the hottest glasses to buy at the moment. They are definitely a must have.
3. Crop tops : I am some where forced to believe that crop top was started from this fest, they look so fabulous and is now a THING in the entire world, the best part it’s comfortable as crop tops are usually loose, this is also the coolest fashion trend to follow in hot summers
4. Eyebrow art : During the 90’s in Indian weddings the bride use to apply white sticker/painted bindi over the eyebrows, I guess Bengali bride follow this ritual even today, if you love this I have a good news! You don’t need to be a bride to get that look, many people are getting that bindi look all over their eyebrows I feel it’s stolen from India’s ancient tradition, but is the new trend to follow!
5. Floral Head bands : This is one is my favourite! This look is feminine and delicate, again this is stolen from the brides, usually Christian brides are seen wearing a flowers head band or flowery hair do. In many images floral head band in paired with braids to get that bohemian look.
6. Long Cardigan with shorts : Cardigans are usually paired with jeans, wearing shorts along with a long cardigan is the new look, they make a perfect pair and definitely attract eye balls.
7. Hair chains : This is so fancy, ever since I was a child I wanted to do this! This makes me feel like I am a princess of Persia!! I really want to thank the person who came up with this very idea, this is so fashionably unique and looks so feminine, again this was traditionally used by Indian brides, usually it’s worn in silver colour and looks fabulous with women with black-brown hair. Haven’t own one? You should really consider it.
Editor’s Note: I totally agree with all these points Shailja, and loved the images.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Mega Gloss Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
L’Oreal Paris has launched the new Infallible Range for Cannes 2016, if you follow me on twitter or Snapchat, you must have seen the images and videos of Aishwarya Rai from the launch event. The range has the Infallible Liquid Foundation (Review HERE), Infallible Powder (Review HERE), Infallible Lipsticks (Review HERE) and Infallible Lip Gloss, Lip Liners and Silkissisme Eye Liners.
I got this kit which has lipsticks, lip glosses and eye liners. I will be reviewing the eyeliners next, and the lipsticks are already reviewed on the blog.
So I have 5 lip glosses from the new L’Oreal Paris Le Mega Gloss Range. I have been using these since few days and here is my review..
What the Company claims: High level of pro-shine, 2x compared to classic gloss
Unique lip shaper-applicator that contours lips precisely and gives an impeccable deposit
Delicate texture glides onto lips creating a veil of color with a luminous, non-sticky shine
Available in 3 unique finishes – cream, dazzle and extreme resist
Each finish has it’s own addictive fragrance – praline, disco fruit and powder fresh
Available in 3 unique finishes cream, dazzle and extreme resist, infallible le gloss lets you change your look for different occasions. From subtle to bold, simple to sophisticated, now create your signature lip color in just one step. Each finish has its own addictive fragrance.
ZERO COMPROMISE GLOSS. MEGA SHINE ALL DAY.
Treat your pout to the bold lip gloss shade it deserves. The Mega Gloss formula is a highly tinted shade with mirror-like shine and no stickiness. The efficiently designed lip-hugging applicator fits lip contours for a perfectly glossy pout.
3 Unique Gloss Finishes:
DAZZLE FINISH– For sparkly party ready lips CREAM FINISH– For daily flawless lips XTREME RESIST FINISH– For impeccably glossy lips
A great synergy of elements creating a perfect balance. 5 hours of fresh hydration, adds 2X more volume to the lips with no stickiness. Certified 6X for zero dirty colour and 2X payoff versus a classic gloss.
How to Layer your gloss:
FILL: Fill the applicator with the mega gloss infallible texture. Thanks to its unique design, this incredibly accurate applicator extracts the right amount of gloss.
APPLY: Apply the gloss first onto the lower lip, from the center to the corners. Repeat the movement on the upper lip. This application ensures a perfectly shaded effect: denser and shinier in the middle of the lips.
LAYER: For an even glossier effect, feel free to add more product, this time only to the heart of the lips (top and bottom), with a slight emphasis on the top part.
I have 3 from Cream Finish and 2 from Xtreme Resist Finish. To start with the packaging, I quite like the clear packaging with the black top and the square shape. Also clear packaging is quite convenient to find out the shade. Also, I would mention that the names are pretty interesting, I love them. Who’s The Boss, I Got The Power, etc. 😀
The wand is pretty interesting with a lip shape, one side works well on the lower lip and the other side on the upper lip i.e. the cupid’s bow. It was very easy to apply and with this wand, you just need one swipe for full, opaque coverage.
I did not have to dip my brush the 2nd time and all these swatches are with the first swipe itself.
Pigmentation wise, these are pretty good, being a lip gloss. Especially the Cream Finish ones are super pigmented and give opaque coverage, so people with pigmented lips too can wear these on it’s own, without a base lipstick. The Xtreme Resist ones are on the sheer side though. These are completely non sticky and stay put for a long time, if you do not eat or drink, they will stay on for 3-4 hours. It would survive light snacks and drinks and still be there, with slight fading. But would go away completely after a proper meal. The darker, deeper shades leave behind a nice, pink tint though. They are quite moisturizing and won’t bother even if you haven’t used a lip balm.
I love the fresh and fruity smell of both the cream and xtreme resist finish. Each finish has different smell. The cream finish ones are numbered from 100, xtreme resist from 500 and Dazzle Finish from 200.
Shades:
Cream 110 I Got The Power – An everyday pinky nude shade, something good for office wear or college wear.
Cream 106 Alerte Rouge – A matte neutral red
Xtreme Resist 504 My Sky Is The Limit– Sheer cool toned pink, this looks really good on it’s own and even layered over a lipstick.
Xtreme Resist 503 All Night Long– Bright Coral with a lot of gold shimmer
Cream 107 Who’s The Boss- Beautiful deep berry, this is perfect for night time. It instantly brightens the face.
Here are the lip swatches..
L-R Top: I Got The Power, Alerte Rouge, My Sky Is The Limit Bottom: All Night Long, Who’s The Boss
I have shared the FOTD’s with each on my Snapchat today, so if you are following me, you must have seen them. And if not, add me bhumika_t to see them till tom 3 pm 😀
These are on the expensive side at Rs.850/- but the quantity is 8ml. I believe L’Oreal Paris should have kept the qty 5-6 ml and reduced the price to Rs.500-600 which would have been ideal. But nonetheless, you are paying for the quantity and quality here. These being so pigmented and the qty being 8ml, it will last you months easily!
I absolutely love the shades Who’s The Boss and I Got The Power, one if perfect for night time and the other for day time. Also like My Sky is The Limit. Definitely recommend these three!
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Would I buy it again: Yes, these three shades, I might.
Have you checked out the new L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Mega Glosses yet?
9 yards is all what it takes to raise your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. Swaddled in the 9 yards of a saree, there would hardly be any Indian lady who would not look resplendent! Given our proclivity for Bollywood actresses and their sense of fashion, why not take a sneak peek into the look book of some of our Tinsel Town ladies who take the gorgeousness of a saree to an altogether different height!
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- The darling of the masses whose body gives one major ‘Body Goals’ seems to have the perfect body for a saree. Curves? Check. Built? Check. And that dimpled smile… Melt! Seen here is Deepika swaddled in a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree which accentuates her enviable frame impeccably. The gajra made up of jasmine flowers is the much-needed finishing touch, isn’t it?
2. SONAM KAPOOR- Touted as the ‘fashionista’ of Tinsel Town, there was no way Sonam couldn’t make an appearance on this list. She’s arrived and how! Keeping the makeup aside for a minute which anyway looks impeccable, she is seen here swaddled in an Anamika Khanna outfit that’s subtle but sizzling. The USP for me is the blouse which highlights one’s back in a way that will leave one drooling. Revealing yet not risqué.
3. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Fondly called the ‘Begum’, Kareena Kapoor Khan compels you to turn back and take a second look with this revealing black saree that she swaddled herself in in the title track of her movie- Heroine. The saree is as simple as it can get but what catches the eyes is the subtle silver kamar-bandh and the pink-bordered bikini blouse that sets temperatures soaring. Not everyone can carry off such a saree. Well, Kareena surely can!
4. KATRINA KAIF- She looks angelic. Period. But when she wears a saree, all you want to do is take her to your mom (of course, boys are being referred to here). Seen here is Katrina Kaif swaddled in a cream-meets- beige coloured heavily embellished saree that is aptly teamed up with a red blouse that adds that much-wanted need of glamour. This was during one of the promotional episodes of her then, impending movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ on the reality show- India’s Got Talent.
5. ANUSHKA SHARMA- And finally both the leading ladies of JTHJ make an appearance on the list. The effervescent livewire Anushka Sharma was seen iin the same episode on the show swaddled in a royal blue Manish Malhotra saree with an ornate border that balances the look.
6. VIDYA BALAN- Vidya ‘Oh La La’ Balan proves that you do not need to be a certain body type to wear a saree. Her body type, is by far the most accurate representation of what an average Indian lady’s. She has donned a saree on multiple occasions and does so in absolute panache. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is responsible for the makeover to a great extent and seen here are two where Vidya glows in the yellow cotton saree with a laced border. There is a very minute pink border that looks in perfect harmony with the colour and border. Understated we say, Vidya! And you look gorgeous.
7. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 is one sure-shot head-turner and for all the right reasons. Arguably the most easily recalled Bollywood face on the red carpet of Cannes, Aishwarya treats our eyes to this green Sabyasachi saree when she arrived for the premiere of her flick ‘Raavan’ in London.The hairdo? Looks elegant to say the least.
I have used the purple eyeshadow crayon as base and the deep purple eyeshadow on top of that. Concentrated the purple on the inner and outer corners to give a halo effect for the duochrome at the center.
Another way to use it would be the duochrome on the entire lid and the deep purple at the outer V and outer half of lower lashline only. That would also be slightly smokey but would have more concentration on the gorgeous duochrome. I would try that next.
I loved how the look turned up, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And also if you try either of the two looks, do tag me, I would love to see it.
Bio Oil had this fun event on Saturday called the Yummilicious Fashion Walk where pregnant mothers were going to ramp walk. They had a contest where they chose 12 pregnant women to walk the show. Carol Gracias and Shveta Salve, both being pregnant too currently, walked along with them.
Carol had choreographed the show and all the ladies wore beautiful outfits by Inaaya By Shivangi Lahoty. They also had floral jewellery, hand harness, armlets, etc. made by Shivangi. From the hair and makeup to the outfit, entire appearance of the mommies-to-be was taken care of, and they all looked beautiful and glowing!
Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life, but a lot of mothers-to-be usually shy away from social events during this phase, as they are mindful of the way their body looks. This initiative of Bio-Oil on the occasion of Mother’s Day was a welcome change.
Bio-Oil aims to be a facilitator for expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions and celebrate this beautiful phase of motherhood. What better way than flaunting their flawless baby bump skin.
Both Carol and Shveta talked about how they have been using Bio Oil religiously. While Carol has been using it from her 3-4th month, Shveta has been using it from the time she came to she is pregnant.
Also present at the event were celebrity gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho and dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty. Dr Coelho mentioned how using anti-stretch marks oils such as Bio Oil certainly makes a huge difference and women do not have to worry about the post-pregnancy sagging skin and stretch marks, which makes them feel under confident, and they can enjoy their motherhood bliss.
The specialists highlighted various concerns related to health and skincare during pregnancy. They shed light on the ideal time after which mothers may start exercising in order to shed their pregnancy weight as well as recommended tips for improving the skin post-pregnancy. Dr. Rashmi Shetty mentioned how the major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary. She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.
Encouraging women to come out of their shell, boosting their morale and making them feel beautiful was the focus of the event. The brand created a platform for expecting mothers, to help them come out of their cocoon and dazzle the ramp. This Mother’s Day, Bio Oil partnered with Yummy Mummies across the country to encourage them to celebrate and enjoy their pregnancy phase rather than shying away from the world.
There were also three winners i.e. the Cutest Bump, Glowing Skin and Yummy Mummy. The Yummy Mummy title was won by Parul.
I loved seeing the happy moms walk the ramp and it was indeed a super cute initiative by Bio Oil.
If you have seen people sharing Kanan Gill and Naveen from TVF’s teaser of #FunWithU all over social media and were wondering what it was about, read on 🙂
The youth of today is always keen on being updated – whether it is about what their friends are up to, or the latest music, or how the PM reacted to a burning issue or what Katy Perry wore. They need to know everything as soon as it happens and their go-to device that keeps them from missing out on all the fun is their smart phones. The more the need to be connected, the more the data required, and more data obviously means spending more on your mobile bills and burning a hole in your pocket!
Keeping in mind the needs of the youth these days, Vodafone can come up Vodafone U, an exciting, first-of-its-kind lifestyle proposition for the youth that promises to keep the fun always on for them. Vodafone U comes with a lot of fun features and benefits
Mr. Sandeep Kataria
Fun Features of Vodafone ‘U’ (for pre-paid users)
Data Allowance: Now keep surfing day and night. Get a separate night allowance so that you don’t have to miss out on single moment of fun.
3 Buddy Lifelines: Share the finer details of every story with your best buds. Not 1, not 2, Call 3 of your best buddies at a special call rate of 20p/min
Data Loan: Run out of pocket money and data? We can help you with one at least. Breathe easy with data loan of 60MB of 3G/4G for 2 days, when you need it most.
Music, always on: Uplift your mood or tend to a broken heart with just the right kind of music. Get unlimited free music downloads* for 2 months.
Staying true to what it stands for, Vodafone U brought FUN to the fore at a super cool launch at Hard Rock Café, Worli on Friday. For the first time ever, youth icons and YouTube celebs, Kanan Gill, The Viral Fever and Raftaar came together to collaborate for a video – CUTE Vol 1 – especially made for Vodafone U. I personally am a huge fan of The Viral Fever and it was amazing to see these guys in person performing on the Cute video. If you follow me on twitter/Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen pics and videos from the event on Friday.
Their entertaining performance had the audience grooving and cheering and asking for more! Kanan Gill and TVF’s humour had the audience in splits and Raftaar’s energetic performance brought the house down. It was a treat to watch the 3 stars in action!
The CUTE Vodafone U song is addictive and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it. Check it out here
I have heard it at least 15-20 times by now already, post the event 😀 Very catchy and love the hook step <3
Clearly, with Vodafone U, fun is always on!
Did you like the song? And the Vodafone U plan? I love the features it offers and definitely looking forward to trying it. Data Loan is what I need all the time 😀
Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit
By Sanchita
Introduction – Singapore, the beauty island which is a global city in Southeast Asia and the world’s only island city-state. Be it a honeymoon trip, bachelor’s party or a simple travel destination – you will love every bit of this mesmerized landmass. From beautiful water to beaches sci-fi architecture, billion-dollar gardens, contemporary art and the wonderful places to visit – Singapore is a must-visit place in Asia for sure. Discover the beauty of this little magical island with us and read on to know more about it in details.
Places to Visit
Singapore indeed has numerous destinations for sure and I have mentioned you the notable few and I am sure you will love them as well. Scroll down for more.
• MARINA BAY – It was a quiet water but now this portion now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations. Having the most iconic hotels in Asia along with the exotic Marina Bay Sands resort, this is a must visit place in Singapore.
• SINGAPORE FLYER – Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest giant observation wheel is something you can’t simply miss out if you are visiting Singapore. An outstanding experience and built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second. It gives a beautiful sight of the city including the as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.
• CHINA TOWN – As the name suggests, the place like a mini-China by culture with all the excitement and hustle. Its main focus is on the Chinese immigrants who lived a hard life and were the main group of people who founded Singapore in earlier times. It has the Chinese Heritage Centre as well as the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and Buddha Tooth Relic temple. It has colourful shop-houses and numerous historical attractions along the walk.
• CLARKE QUAY – An enchanting riverside which is crowded with various bars and restaurants which you just can’t resist trying out. In fact, this is one of the best attractions from the tourists. The place is dotted with alfresco-style dining to be had in an endless number of eateries set around the water’s edge. This place is also a shopper’s heaven and hence if you are a shopping freak, this is a place you must visit
• CLOUD FOREST – The Cloud Forest is a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is flushed with the unique biodiversity. The best thing is to take a stroll a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. The view is like a one-time experience in life.
• MACRITCHIE NATURE TRAIL – MacRitchie provides a calming, reminiscent jungle escape by walking through the water’s edge and snake through the mature secondary rainforest along with the macaques and huge monitor lizards. It has been well highlighted with well-signposted offshoots along with a 250m-long suspension bridge, perched 25m up in the forest canopy. The best time to visit is during October-November.
Singapore has SGD as their currency i.e. Singapore Dollars which are around INR 48-49 per dollar currently. You can get your currency converted/buy forex beforehand or even once you reach there.
Ideal for Honeymoon
Singapore is also one of the best honeymoon destinations as well.
• Take a long romantic walk down holding your lover’s hand down the Changi Point with a spectacular view of the sea, offshore kelongs and boats. The best time is the sunset where you get the enthralling view of the heritage trees, the hilltop chalets and the lush greenery.
• The scenery at Bukit Batok Town Park is as breath-taking as it could be and best place for that wonderful photo sessions for the couples. The serene and peaceful picture-view is something you would love to experience with the love of your life.
• The Jewel box is the best place to take your partner for the lovely dining. It gives a beautiful picturesque view of the whole city including the harbor. Having the romantic dinner mid-air is something you have to experience, at least once!
• The Sentosa Island is famous for the pristine beaches, sea sports and retreats, enjoy a relaxed morning on the white sands with your partner and you indulge in the ‘Spa Two-Gether Day’ at the luxurious Spa Botanica for a lush experience at the end of your perfect day.
• You can also visit the tranquil settings of St John’s Island is the best place to have a quite romantic day out of the newlyweds for sure. And, if you are lucky, you might see some dolphins in the blue lagoons as well.
Shopping to do in Singapore
Yes, we girls look for this element anywhere we visit and Singapore is dotted with branded shops as well as the perky local goods. For the shoes, they have the Charles & Keith stores and the quality is unbelievable. For the street shopping you can surely visit Bugis street or China Town. It has various shopping malls as well like Suntec, Ion mall and Plaza Singapura. Last but not the least, it has Sephora with numerous brands you can’t even fathom!
Singapore Cuisine
Singapore Cuisine is largely affected by Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western influences. There are few notable dishes that you have to try in Singapore. One of them is the Chili Crab which is Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chili base. Then there is Char Kuay TeowBroad which is basically white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, fish cake, bean sprouts, clams and Chinese sausage. You can also try the skewered grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef or mutton) served with rice cake called the Satay.
Conclusion
All in all Singapore is an experience worth having. Be it for the romantic getaway or a serene holiday, Singapore holds a beauty on its own. This place is a melting pot of cultures with fantastic architecture. With English being one of the national languages, travellers find it
So either plan your itinerary on your own, if you have time in mind or check out the numerous Singapore packages online.
This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I so wish to go there, right now, after reading this 😀
Hope you are doing great. I am here with my very first review in this space. I am reviewing the Boroline’s SUTHOL. I swear by this product at all times and during summers,this is the solution to all my skin problems. Summer brings with it skin problems such as rashes,itches,skin irritations etc. But with this product you can have a hassle free summer.
I found this amazing product around 3 years back and have been using it since then. I have a sensitive skin so i get rashes during summer. But,thanks to suthol, i have no skin issues now. Boroline is a trusted name in almost every household in India. So,when i got to know about Suthol, i had to give it a try. And I am so glad that i did. It’s a must have product for me now.
The packaging is nice. It comes in a transparent bottle with a green coloured cap. The liquid is also green in colour. It has a mild fragrance. Though it is an antiseptic liquid it doesn’t smell like one. I find its fragrance very refreshing. It gets absorbed in the skin quickly. I like using it after my shower.
What the product claims – Forget prickly heat, rashes and itchy skin. Absorbs fast, deep action and quick skin relief is written in the label. And it does its work pretty well. Forget kirikiri, stay fresh. The product has been manufactured by G. D. Pharmaceuticals.
Main constituents of Suthol- Suthol antiseptic skin liquid contains Cetrimide, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Neem, Turmeric, Marigold and Aloe vera.
Cetrimide
Cetrimide is a quatemary ammonium disinfectant and cationic surfactant. It dissociates in aqueous solution into a relatively large and complex cation and a small anion.Aqueous solutions containing 0.1 to 1% have been used for treatment of wounds and burns, for pre-operative cleansing of skin and for removal of scabs and crusts in skin disease.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is active against Gram positive and Gram negative organisms. Chlorhexidine solutions leave a residue on the skin which gives a persistent anti bacterial effect lasting 1 or 2 days. Its actions are not affected by blood, pus or soap.
Turmeric
Turmeric prevents rashes, infections, itching and redness of skin.Turmeric is also known for its natural antiseptic, antifungal property and healing qualities.It helps in speeding up wound healing and assists in restoring damaged skin.
Neem
Aqueous extract of Neem leaf prevents rashes and itching.Neem is effective against skin infections.
Price- INR 60 for 200ml
Suthol is best for summer season and suits all skin types.
How i use the product:
I use it as an after-bath or pour a few drops into my bathing water. I use Suthol whenever i have minor cuts and wounds,i directly apply Suthol to the affected area with a cotton pad. It really has helped me in getting rid of summer rashes. I also use it after waxing. It has a very soothing effect. I am so glad that i came across this product.??
Pros:
1. Affordable
2. Suited to all skin types.
3. Can be used after bath to keep rashes away and stay fresh.
4. Can be used for relief from itches,summer rashes.
5. Use after shave to disinfect and soothe.
6. Use after waxing.
7. Use it to disinfect, sanitize and cure cuts,minor burns, insect bite irritation.
8. Comes in a spray bottle too.
9. Absorbs really quick.
10. Makes one feel refreshed for hours.
Cons:
None. I couldn’t find a single one. Probably I am obsessed with the product??
My rating- 5/5
Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Rashmi, specially for use post waxing. I will definitely check this out.
One can never run short of ways or ideas to pamper their crowning glory. There is a hairstyle or hair cut that you’d been thinking of getting at any point of time. There’d be those accessories that you’d be dying to experiment with. There would be hair products that you would have played with to give your tresses that bounce of life. But amidst all this, being Indians, we cannot never turn a blind eye to our Good Ol’ home remedies, can we?
So, why not treat our hair to the bountifulness of natural ingredients today and drool over them all over again? March straight to the pantry for there lies your paraphernalia for this DIY recipe.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED-
1. CURD- Enriched with the bountifulness of lactic acid, curd/yoghurt (called Dahi in Hindi) helps to eliminate dandruff, foul smell and dullness. It adds unprecedented gloss and softness that you just can’t get over.
2. TULSI POWDER- Being a plant that has been revered in Hinduism for centuries, Tulsi has benefits galore for your mane. It treats lice, dandruff, itchiness and scalp infections. Yes, your granny was right when she said that Tulsi is a miraculous plant. No questions asked anymore!
3. ALMOND OIL- Being a storehouse of Vitamin E, almond oil helps in locking moisture and adding that enviable sheen to your locks. Prefer organic/cold-pressed almond oil and not the ones that are laden with mineral oil. In my opinion, Almendrop 100% pure almond oil is a wise choice.
4. METHI/FENUGREEK POWDER- Now comes the wonder ingredient which cannot be done without. Methi helps to add shine in addition to imparting softness. It also accelerates the rate of growth of hair which spells cheer for those ladies waiting anxiously to flaunt long luscious locks. Opt for methi powder for grinding is a tad cumbersome and finely grinding takes patience (which sadly, today is a lost virtue).
PROCEDURE-
1. In a clean and dry bowl, add 5-6 tbsp of curd. This is the amount for shoulder length hair. Increase if you have longer hair.
2. Add 3 tbsp each of methi and tulsi powder.
3. Add half a tbsp. of almond oil
4. Mix well thoroughly to form a smooth and consistent paste.
5. Apply generously all over your scalp as well as length (of hair).
6. Wash off after 45 minutes with a mild herbal/organic shampoo. Condition if you feel the need to do so.
7. Repeat twice a week to expedite the results and acclimatise your scalp to these natural ingredients.
That is all for now, folks. Feel free to post your queries and results with me through the ‘comments section’ and try this DIY recipe to get locks which you cannot stop drooling over.
Pssst… It compels you to keep stroking your fingers down your mane intermittently!
Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Nidhal and methi and tulsi are very good for dandruff too. I am definitely trying this, have to get methi and tulsi powder now.
Have you tried this DIY before? If not, do so and let us know how you find it.
Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online
By Archana
With the growing awareness about the harmful effects of chemicals in beauty products, we can see an increased number of ayurvedic and natural brands entering the market. Forest Essentials is one such luxury, ayurvedic brand which is slowly becoming popular. “Make space on your bathroom shelves for a gourmet feast for your skin.” That’s what they claim! And well, I have to say that I have a soft corner for beauty brands & Made in India. Luxury Indian brands on par with international luxury brands! That’s my dream. Coming back to Forest Essentials, there is a lot of debate among beauty bloggers whether the quality justifies the very high prices and also the missing ingredients lists annoys many people, including me. But their unique products and methods of preparation definitely tempts me. Given a chance, I would really wish to visit their factory and watch their preparation process in detail. Anyway, today lets look at the best FE products that you should give a try.
There are brands coming with hand pounded sambar and rasam powders! Well, okay, but that’s boring! How about a hand pounded fruit scrub? 😀 Made with organically grown dates and peaches. Blended with finely ground almonds. Top it with pure apricot kernel oil and honey… And hand pounded to right consistency… Slurp! Sounds delicious. Imagine treating your face to this luxury scrub. It gently exfoliates the dead cells and tan and reveals your natural, glowing complexion. Definitely give this one a try.
The name “Eternal Youth Formula” sounds tempting and yes, it has a lot of good reviews among beauty bloggers. If you are in your late twenties and just beginning an anti-ageing routine, this is a good start. It firms, tones and makes the skin more youthful. FE prepares it by soaking date and litchi fruit in pure rose water in clay pots buried under the ground to ferment. The cream is hand-mixed and FE claims that mantras are chanted while mixing to imbibe positive energy into the product!
FE is most popular for its wide collection of Bath & Shower oils. I would definitely recommend you to try one of these in winters. These are basically water soluble oils made from pure distilled essential oils to leave your skin supple and silky smooth. The delicious aroma of raw honey and vanilla oil instantly rejuvenate your senses and is an excellent way to pamper yourself in your night time bath routine so as to nourish your skin overnight.
Price: Rs.1675 for 200ml.
4. Advanced Soundarya Age Defying Facial Serum With 24K Gold (BUY HERE)
This ayurvedic anti-ageing serum is prepared with purified 24 Karat Gold Bhasma which is infused in a mix of oils, herbs, fresh cow’s milk, pure ghee and root extracts. The infusion is simmered over slow fire and left in copper vats to soak up the benefits of the metal. The final result is a intense, potent serum to make the skin younger, radiant, supple and naturally glowing. A Harry Potter miracle potion! Give it a try and reverse-age magically…
Price: Rs.3395 for 25ml.
5. Body Mist Iced Pomegranate with Fresh Kerala Lime
This was a newly launched body mist last year and it had a good reception due to its unique ingredients list. I mean, for our intense Indian summers, FE has nailed it with this combination of Iced Pomegranate and Fresh Lime. It instantly refreshes and cools the senses while the organic pure aloe vera juice helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
These are clear sugar soaps handmade with pure unprocessed raw cane sugar. The sugar acts as a natural humectant and doesn’t dry out skin. The fresh, tangy scent of bitter oranges along with the warm, aromatic cinnamon stimulates and rejuvenate the senses giving an out of the world experience. Comes in other variants too like Rose & Cardamom, Oudh & Green Tea, Jasmine & Mogra, etc.
This is a luxurious facial massage cream specially formulated with whole cream cow’s ghee and other ayurvedic herbs which help to lighten blemishes and pigmentation. FE claims this particular product takes many months to prepare. Extracting potent ghee from cow’s milk, ageing the ghee with saffron and herbs and burying this mix in earthen pots under banyan trees for 2 months. Finally, it is simmered on fire by adding cow’s milk, virgin coconut oil and fresh rose petals.
We have heard of body butters, lip butters and TBS has even hair butters. But a shower butter! This is the first brand am noticing that’s offering a cleansing shower butter. This is a surely a luxurious creamy bath product to pamper yourself in winters. A blend of kokum butter and shea butter with the light fragrance of Nargis flower. The soft butters melts into a creamy lather which cleanses your skin while also nourishing it.
Sanjeevani is a renowned herb in Ayurveda for its excellent skin rejuvenating properties. It “brings back the skin to life” and gives a luminous glow to dull skin. This is especially suitable for dry, aging skin and helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, plump up, soften and increases the elasticity of skin. FE prepares this using the traditional ayurvedic method of infusing the herbs, soaked in cold water overnight to absorb the rays of the moon. Sounds impressive!
Price: Rs.3175 for 30g.
10. Facial Tonic Mist Panchpushp
This is a water-based floral toner prepared using the purest form, from the condensation collected during steam distillation of flowers. It contains a blend of five flowers – rose, jasmine, kewda, marigold and saffron. This facial mist gives a gentle boost of hydration to the skin after cleansing.
Price: Rs.650 for 100ml.
The above is just a handful of their best products. Also, I would recommend their hair care range of sulphate free, paraben free, silicone free shampoos and conditioners and hair oils. Also their range of masques and ubtans are widely popular. Psst! FE has announced a new product, yet to be launched – Deeply Nourishing Facial Cleansing Paste with Almond, Pistacho & Honey. 😉
Editor’s Note: I absolutely love FE products Archana, have tried only a few though, but each and every product is so effective and works amazingly well. I am quite intrigued with the Tejaswi Emulsion and Nargis Shower Butter. I would also like to add a bonus 11 i.e. Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser, it is excellent! Speaking of price point, I know it’s expensive but some of the FE products are totally justified. I would say the bath & body products can be replaced with similar brands like Iraya and Auravedic but the skincare is excellent and irreplaceable. I would anyway prefer FE skincare over Clinique, etc. 🙂
P.S: All Images from Forest Essentials website
So which FE products have you tried? What are your opinions on it? Do you think the high prices are justifiable? What other Indian brands are your favorites? Share your comments below.
