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Top 10 Indian Bridal Hairstyles, Indian Bridal Blog, Wedding Blog, Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog

Top 10 Indian Bridal Hairstyles

Top 10 Indian Bridal Hairstyles

By Sanchita

Indian weddings are generally the typical ‘big fat’ ones and this is the D-Day of the bride. Everything, from makeup to costume and hair has to be on point so that the bride looks nothing less than an angel walking down the aisle. To achieve the desired heavenly look, make sure to choose your hairstyle wisely while decking up. Times have changed since the typical bun and braid hairstyles for wedding and now-a- days, the brides can look equally traditional and beautiful with short hair or long one. Of course there are various hairstyles to choose from but it also confuses us a lot. Therefore, we have narrowed down the top 10 bridal hairstyles from short, medium and long hair to enhance the facial features and make her the center of all attention.

Here goes the list.

For Short Hair

1. Reverse tiara hairstyle – This is a gorgeous hairstyle for short length hair. To achieve this look, first blow dry the hair with big loose curls in the front. Then, middle part the hair and attached the pearly tiara at the back and tugging the front hair. For the back portion, make some tight curls and use a hair spray to keep them in place. And hair reverse tiara hairstyle is done.

2. Side braid hairstyle – Blow dry the hair and do a side Dutch braid along the side till the back. Secure the end with a bobby pin. Now, for the rest of the hair, simply curl and tug them with bobby pins to give an illusion of volume. Make sure all the tugging is on one side to give an impression of side bun. Lastly, put 3-4 floral pins to decorate the look and use a hairspray to make sure the hair is kept safely.

3. Low bun with accessories – Well, you can create low bun with short hair as well! Simply straighten the hair (simple straight and not poker one) and middle part the hair. Give a sleek look and bring all the hair in the back, forming a low pony. Now, divide the pony into several parts. Take a single potion, roll it and tug with a bobby pin. Similarly, follow this up for other parts as well. Now, add the shown accessories from the front to the back side, forming a half crescent on both the sides. Use a hairspray to finish the hairstyle and a pretty bridal hairstyle is done.

For Medium Length Hair

1. Matha patti hairstyle – Matha patti is a very popular hair accessory for bride and has been used in various bridal occasions. Well, you can incorporate a traditional Matha patti and create a gorgeous hairstyle for yourself. This is best for medium hair length. Blow dry the hair well to create a natural volume. Now, middle part the hair slightly and tease the crown area and create a puff there. Secure it nicely with bobby pins. Now, for the rest of the hair, simply curl them and let it be loose. Wear the Matha patti and secure this with bobby pins at the back. Finish off the look with a hairspray to keep the hair in place.

2. Layered bun hairstyle – This one of the most elegant hairstyles for brides in the year 2016. To start off, blow dry the hair and create loose big curls. You can middle part or side part the hair and form a voluminous puff by teasing the crown area and secure it well with bobby pins. Now, take a portion of hair from both the sides, roll them and secure with bobby pins. Keep doing it till you reach the lower end and the hair would form something like a waterfall layered bun as shown in picture.

3. Braid and bun hairstyle – Combine the quintessential braid and bun and create a gorgeous voluminous bridal hairstyle. Blow dry the hair well and form a puff on the crown area. Create a fluffy French braid from the crown to the nape area and secure the end with a black rubber band. Take the rest of the hair and create a voluminous bun and secure it well. Apply hairspray to keep the hair at place and attach a floral pin or any other hair accessory of your choice.

For Long Hair

1. Twist up bun – This is a very detailed and beautiful bridal hairstyle for long hair. Middle part the hair and create two waterfall braid from the front and bringing them together at them back, encircling the crown area. Once done, secure the ends well and seal with a bobby pin. Now for the rest of the hair, comb well and detangle it properly. Take small sections and twist the whole length wrapping around your fingers and make a small bun out of it. Fix the bun properly with a bobby pin. Now, do this for the rest of the hair and eventually it will form a beautiful twist bun. You can decorate it with hair accessories or flowers.

2. Side swept curls – There is nothing more beautiful and heavenly that loose side swept curls for the bridal hairstyle. Deep condition and blow dry the hair well with voluminous spray. Now either middle part or side part the hair according to your preference. Next, bring the side layers (one at a time) towards the back, forming some volume in the front. For the rest of the hair, use a big curling wand to create big loose curls and side swept the hair. When the hair will cascade down, it will look stunning for the bride.

3. Loose braid for the Christian bride – Sometimes it is tough to create a hairstyle on thin hair as it may look a bit weighed down. But this loose braid hairstyle is the perfect pick for the Christian bride walking down the aisle. Firstly, side part the hair and swept it together on one side. Now, take a section of hair and make a fishtail braid. Once down, pull the sides of the braid to create volume. Repeat this procedure for one or more times. Once satisfied, take the front layer and tug it towards the back of the head and put a floral accessory to add some prettiness to it.

4. Traditional decorated braid – This is a very simple traditional long braid hairstyle for the bride. Simply middle part or side part the hair and create a neat braid. You can also opt for French or fishtail braid and decorate it with flowers or hair accessories.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Editor’s Note: I loved all, especially the Medium ones!

So, which is your favorite Bridal Hairstyle?

Best Subscription Boxes in India, Prices, Details

Best Subscription Boxes in India, Prices, Details

By Sanchita

Hello everyone. How does it feel when every month you know you are going to get a bag or box full of goodies delivered safely right at your doorstep? Feels like Christmas, right? Well, subscription boxes are a great gift you can gift someone or yourself. A lot of monthly subscription boxes have come up full of beauty, jewellery, lifestyle and other gourmet items. So let us see the list of 12 subscription boxes in India along with their price list.

Beauty

1. My Envy Box (See all boxes HERE)

It was launched in the year 2013, My Envy Box is the leading luxury sampling platform in India, based out of New Delhi. They are associated with the brands like, Paco, Givenchy, Lancome, Roberto Cavalli, H2O plus, ZA, Benefit, Nina Ricci, Estee Lauder, Clinique Rabanne, Shiseido, Thalgo, Clarins, L’Occitane, Sisley and many more. You generally get 4-5 trial sized beauty products (typically 2ml-10ml) from the top international luxury and prestige brands delivered to your door step every month.

Cost:

  • Rs 850.00 per month
  • 1-month subscription-Rs.850
  • 3-month subscription-Rs.2250
  • 6-month subscription-Rs.4350
  • 12-month subscription-Rs.8500

2. Fab Bag (See all HERE)

Fab Bag was previously known as Velvette Box and it is the most popular and affordable beauty subscription service in India. They provide you with a mix of 3-4 premium makeup and beauty products. The bags they send is designed and consists of a catchy theme and versatile to use.

When you sign up for a Fab Bag, you need to fill a beauty profile and the bag is customized based on your preferences. This is one of the must have subscription for beauty lovers.

They have also started their own line of cosmetics called Sugar Cosmetics and have eyeliners, kohl, matte lipsticks and lip crayons.

Cost:

  • Rs.599 for 1 month
  • Rs.1599 for 3 months
  • Rs.2899 for 6 months
  • Rs.4999 for 1 year

3. MSM Box (Review HERE)

MSM Box involves various luxury, premium and new bea uty and grooming products and brands in a box every month. Thus, every month you get the opportunity to try out new brands and be surprised by the bonus products. It also addresses all the skincare needs by curating ritual/regime boxes to suit every skin and hair type. The box contains full size products along with carefully curated deluxe samples.

Cost:

  • Rs. 495 for 1 month
  • Rs. 995 for the MSM Express.

4. The Nature’s Co Beauty Wish Box (Review HERE)

Another amazing subscription box available in India which is all-natural, cruelty-free, environmental friendly brand and also have an extensive range of products. The name is the Beauty Wish Box subscription from the house of The Nature’s Co. they provide you with 5 deluxe sized and 1 retail sized The Nature’s Co. products with a different theme each month.

Cost:

  • Rs.595 for 1 month
  • Rs.1645 for 3 months
  • Rs.3215 for 6 months
  • Rs.5950 for 1 year.

5. Oh Cute Box

Oh Cute Box is another new launch a beauty subscription box that has 4 to 6 deluxe size of beauty and grooming product samples. Every month, a team of beauty experts selects best- sellers, high-end and trendy beauty products in deluxe travel sizes to be included in the OhCuteBox. A customer’s need is surely kept in mind and the products are something which you don’t easily get in the market. Also, the box is affordable and products are environment friendly.

Cost:

  • Rs.590 for 1 month
  • Rs.1180 for 2months
  • Rs.1770 for 3 months

6. Globox (Review HERE)

GLOBOX is an online subscription service with various beauty and skincare products. They claims to select the best skin care, hair care and makeup products that are carefully chosen by their beauty experts to suit the beauty profile and delivered to the door step each month. The brands they are associated with are Biobloom, LYN, Soul tree, Rustic Art, Skin yoga, etc. it contains 4-6 products, in each box every month.

Cost:

  • Rs.799 for 1 month
  • Rs.2247 for 3 months
  • Rs.4194 for 6 months
  • Rs.7188 for 1 year

Jewellery

7. Bling Bag

It is India’s premium fashion jewellery subscription box which deliver stylish jewellery customized to your style preferences. You may expect to receive a mix of beautifully crafted fashion accessories ranging from earrings, bracelets, anklets, arm candies, finger rings, necklaces, hair accessories, belts, scarfs etc.

Cost:

  • Rs.1499 for 1 month
  • Rs.4199 for 3 months
  • Rs.8099 for 6 months
  • Rs.15599 for 1 year

8. Zotiqq (Review HERE)

Zotiqq is an online fashion & lifestyle portal where they have monthly jewellery subscription boxes and one can also buy the pieces they like individually. They belive to bring you the most carefully selected fashion accessories and jewellery which are totally trendy, perky and suits your style and glamour. Their extensive collection includes headbands to necklaces, bangles to earrings.

Cost:

  • Rs.1500 for 1 month
  • Rs.4100 for 3 months
  • Rs.7700 for 6 months
  • Rs.15000 for 1 year

9. My Envy Jewellery Box (Review HERE)

My Envy Jewellery Box is a surprise box of 2-3 curated items of designer jewelry typically worth well over twice the cost of the box. It includes semi-Precious & Fashion Jewelry from established as well as upcoming Indian Designers and their extensive collection involves earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings etc. Some of the brands they would have are Zariin, Eesha Zaveri, Dang, etc.

Cost:

  • Rs.2450 for 1 month
  • Rs.7050 for 3 months
  • Rs.13800 for 6 months
  • Rs.26400 for 1 year

10. Embellishment Box

Embellishment Box is a monthly subscription box containing a mix of beautiful and in trend fashion jewellery. Every month you can expect an assortment of 4 different fashion jewellery pieces. They also have a “mini embellishment” box for the little girls.

Cost:

  • Rs.1200 for 1 month
  • Rs.3300 for 3 months
  • Rs.6000 for 6 months
  • Rs.12000 for 1 year

Combination of Beauty & Jewellery

11. Lady Raga (See HERE and HERE)

It is one of the newly launched beauty subscription in India which contains a combination of beauty products, jewelry, lifestyle and other fashion accessories at your door step. Every month, they send a box with an assortment of 3-5 sample and/or full-sized products. It is perfect for the women in age group of 18 to 60 and pampers you with every cute little things. Thus, from high- end beauty products varying from beauty care to eye-catching fashion accessories that match your lifestyle – Lady Raga offers everything.

Cost:

  • Rs.666 for 1 month
  • Rs.1849 for 3 months
  • Rs.3595 for 6 months
  • Rs.6666 for 1 year.

Lifestyle

12. Mystery Box

Mystery Box is a monthly subscription box for women which is filled with lifestyle, fashion, beauty and other goodies to make it a fun experience and an amazing thing to gift yourself. Each month they will offer 4 to 5 products based on the theme of the month. Every product is specially curated to fulfill your desire for latest in beauty, fashion, lifestyle personal care and much more.

Cost:

  • Rs.1499 for 1 month
  • Rs.4197 for 3 months
  • Rs.7794 for 6 months
  • Rs.14388 for 1 year.

13. Sugar Box (Review HERE)

Sugarbox is a very different kind of subscription offering in India. It is a subscription box for women a beautiful mix of products for daily use and beauty products and an amazing treat as well. The box is a curated one which is full of exclusive goodies which are handpicked by a team of in-house stylists and epicureans just for the needs of the customer. In this, you will receive the latest international offerings in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and gourmet products at your doorstep, every month.

Cost:

  • Rs.1499 for 1 month
  • Rs.4197 for 3 months
  • Rs.7794 for 6 months
  • Rs.14388 for 1 year

Period Subscription Box

14. Think Frill La Coffer Box (Review HERE)

It is the most unique combination of subscription boxes which deals with ‘that-time- of-the-month’. This company is trying to change the period taboo and pampering you with all your needs and surprises. The box can be customized according to your needs and since there are products from different brands, you can try something different every month without having to buy a whole pack. You can choose a plan according to the heaviness of your flow – Dutchess, Princess and Queen La Coffer box. It contains body products, beauty and grooming supplies from internationally recognized brands be it Maybelline or Urban Decay from their store.

Cost:

  • Duchess – Rs. 150/month
  • Princess – Rs. 300/month
  • Queen – Rs. 600/month

15. Cosset Box (Review HERE)

Cosset Box is another period subscription box. Every month’s Cosset box contains sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners of your choice and an assortment of pampering items, comfort foods and intimate essentials. They also provide a surprise gift or offers very often to make you happy.

Cost:

BASIC- 1 month: 349 INR, 3 months: 897, 6 months: INR 1734 INR, 12 months: 3348 INR

INDULGENCE- 1 month: 799 INR, 3 months: 2097 INR,6 months: 4074 INR, 12 months: 7788 INR

16. Being Juliet

Being Juliet is a period subscription box in India. It includes period essentials like sanitary napkins, wet wipes, tampons, panty liners, pain comforters and other thoughtful gifts. The people over at Being Juliet really do understand women it seems, and to make life simpler during this time of the month they’ve come out with a feel good box that includes various period essentials. Depending on your flow, you can also customize your subscription each month.

They have 3 types of boxes – Be Juliet, Be Jane and Be Jade.

Cost:

Be Juliet: 3 Months : Rs. 1650, 6 Months : Rs. 3300, 1 Year : Rs. 6600

Be Jane: 3 Months : Rs. 900, 6 Months : Rs. 1710, 1 Year : Rs. 3300

Be Jade: 3 Months : Rs. 3200, 6 Months : Rs. 6300, 1 Year : Rs. 12600

FOOD

17. The Gourmet Box (Review HERE)

The Gourmet Box offers delicious treats for you every month from all over the world. From strawberry marshmallows to barbecue almonds, it consists of all kinds of different and interesting foods in this subscription box. The items includes exotic tea, coffee, muesli, healthy granola bars, organic honey, jams, pretzels, chips, dips, pasta, noodles and much more. If you love trying different cuisines, you can get various ones like Mexican, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish, Thai, Moroccan, Lebanese etc from the comfort of your own home.

Cost – Rs 1,500 per month.

18. Tea Box

If you are a tea lover, you have to try this out. The box offers different teas to suit your palate, delivered every month. The best part is that they ship a replacement for you in case you don’t like the one sent to you. Thus simply pick a type you really like, for example: black tea, and have different flavors delivered to you. Experiment with different types of teas and you won’t want to settle on just one again.

Cost – Rs 1,354 per month.

Editor’s Note: That’s an excellent compilation Sanchita! Absolutely loved it. Also Look Fantastic has also launched in India, they have their beauty boxes plus also all international brands being sold directly on the Indian website!

How many Indian subscription boxes have you tried till now?

Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction –

Kerala, is popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’, blessed with a scenic beauty of green landscape, a mélange of beautiful beaches, the serene backwaters and a tradition to speak for. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations in India and truly a beautiful one. Dotted with the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, the amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances, a land of elephants and the unique local cuisine – Kerala has it all. Kerala is a narrow strip of land with Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. This place is gifted to receive the monsoon showers first in the city and thus the growth of lush greenery with its radiance and rich fertile soil has also made the land extremely cultivable. Let us see in details about the must visit places in Kerala as well the things to do when you visit the Gods Own Country.

You can either plan your holiday on your own or go for Kerala Tourism Packages.

10 Best Places to see in Kerala –

1. Backwaters of Kerala – You want a romantic and serene destination with your partner? Or, a quiet and peaceful experience for a holiday with the family? The backwaters of Kerala is the most tranquil and relaxing place that you have to visit. The sunset along with the incandescent changes in the sky and experiencing that from a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals is the best moment one can have. Also, the delicious Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more gratifying.

2. Tea gardens in Munnar – Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Another must visit place in Kerala is the Tea Gardens of Munnar. This place is well-known for its extensive tea plantations where tea is being picked and processed, and you can also try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The land is truly a blessed beauty with winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. If you are an adventurer, try the trekking to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India or go rock climbing and para gliding.

3. Athirapally Falls (Athirapally) – Athirappilly Falls, known as the largest waterfall in Kerala, is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district. It stands tall at 80 feet. And just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to lush green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The wild beauty is just as fascinating as enchanting over there.

4. Varkala Beach – Considered to be one of the best beaches of India, the amazing picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The long stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea is simply breathtaking. There is a paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, dotted by coconut palms, beach shacks, hotels. Do not miss the uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon.

5. Folklore Museum (Kochi) – If you are a history lover, you have to visit the Folklore Museum in Kochi. It has been built in true Keralan style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses. It includes over 4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground-floor, Kochi on the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through its numerous art and dance forms.

6. Kovalam Beach (Kovalam) – this is another top rated beaches in India and one of the prominent feature of the Kerala Tourism. The relaxing sun, the Ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massage on the shacks along with the local cuisine is the best thing to ask for. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from coconut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The rocky formations amalgams with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a special aquarelle on moonlit evenings.

7. Vadakkunnathan Temple – The ancient temple with unique architecture – Vadakkunnathan Temple has been declared as a national monument by the Indian government, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, situated in the heart of Thrissur city and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan temple was built by Parashurama. The temple exhibits the classic architectural style of Kerala. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals depicting the episodes from Mahabharata.

8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) – the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The amazing cenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years and thus considered as one of the must visited place of Kerala. Take a boat trip to Thekkady Lake to experience it like never before.

9. Mattancherry Palace – Built by the Portuguese in the year 1557, Mattancherry Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It is a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the characteristic Kerala style mansion – the Nalukettu – the home of the aristocracy, nobleness and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. It has the view of the panoramic Kochi backwaters and the gorgeous collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. There are some display of royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the richest Hindu temple in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. It is In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults. However it is said that only 5 of the 6 underground vaults had been opened and explored.

Things to do in Kerala –

  • To have a look at the lush green landscape, take a house boat in Alleppey to travel through the tranquil backwaters is just as amazing as it is made out to be.
  • Visit the Eravikulam National Park because of Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years and this rare view is a fascinating experience.
  • You can also having a nice trekking experience to the peak of the hill and get to see the Nigiri Thar, an endangered mountain goat.
  • Go for a Shikara rides in Alappuzha which has to offer some stunning views of the backwaters and the array of beautiful birds along with the nurturing of nature.
  • Watch the Colorful Snake Boat races during Onam festival in Alappuzha, Kerala which is held from July to September particularly during Onam festival.
  • Kerala is famous for spices. Visit the spice plantations or gardens in Munnar, Thekkady or Wayanad and experience some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and explore the farms on a nature walk.
  • Stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and it would include all the activities like trekking, night safaris, camp fire and plantation walks.
  • Watch Theyyam, a dance form staged in various temples of North Kerala, usually in front of the village shrine.

Culture –

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Cuisine –

Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” and have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. The cuisine offers a crowd of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical supplement. Food is customarily served on a banana leaf and almost every dish has coconut and spices added for flavor, giving its cuisine a sharp spiciness that is heightened with the use of tamarind. Seafood is the main diet in coastal Kerala, whereas vegetables are the main diet on the plains. Meat is served as the main course in tribal and northern Kerala. Dishes range from simple ‘kanji’ (rice gruel) to extravagant feasts or ‘sadyas’.

Conclusion –

Thus, there are a million reasons to visit Kerala. From the serene view of beaches to the lush greenery, relaxing backwater and hills amalgamated with rich heritage of the land true makes it God’s own country. Unique culinary experiences combined with Land of Ayurvedha and Spices, Kerala is a must visit for everyone.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this post Sanchita, so detailed! Kerala is also in my bucket list

Image Source: Google

Have you been to Kerala? If not, after reading this, I am sure you want to 😀

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash Review

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to the sun can irritate the skin and also lead to free- radical damage that can cause age spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and much else. Soothing chamomile, rejuvenating white tea and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts: just perfect to relax, refresh and revive skin that’s exposed to the sun and the elements. Soap-free, gentle foaming face wash that will make your skin smile!

  • Great for regular use before and after sun exposure
  • Gentle foaming, soap-free base
  • Cleanses effectively without drying the skin
  • Chamomile flower extracts help calm and soothe sun-burned skin
  • Antioxidant-rich white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage
  • Very lightly sprinkled with gentle cellulose beads, great for everyday gentle scrubbing action
  • Soothing fragrance that calms your senses (phthalate-free)
  • You only need a little amount for each use – thanks to the smart formula
  • Hygienic flip-top tube packaging
  • Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – as always

PRICE – INR 350 for 75ml

INGREDIENTS:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile &  White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash is packed inside a white glossy cardboard box with every information written on it. It houses a sturdy white tube with a translucent flip open cap which shuts properly. The opening from where the product is dispenses has the right size and there is no chance of being wasted. Additionally, the tube packaging is also hygienic. The tube is light weight and efficient enough to travel with without being any spilling mess at all. Overall, the packaging was neat and proper.

The face wash is orangish in color with micro beads in it. It has a mild citrus fragrance to it which does refreshes the skin but the smell simply fades off after patting the skin dry. The consistency of the face wash is of gel based. You require a decent amount of the product for the face and once you massage this onto the dampen face, it also foams well enough.

The face wash, though seems mild works very well on oil, dirt and environmental pollution that clogs the pores on the skin. I have never tried to wash off any layer of makeup but the days when I simply use sunscreen and a layer of powder on top, I skip the cleansing and simply use this face wash. It effectively takes off every layer of impurities and keeps the skin cleansed. I have oily acne prone skin which exaggerates in summer but this face wash has been quite soothing to my skin. It never leaves the skin stretchy or dry but a smooth and light hydration. The beads present are extremely mild and I didn’t find them very effective in exfoliation at all. The product is best suited for oily to combination skin and will never break you out.

It contains the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts which soothes and calms the skin, especially in this scorching summer. The presence of white tea helps fighting the free radicals and thereby provides you with younger and fresher looking skin. Furthermore, the formula is paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – which is something I love about the product. I am not very happy with the price tag as it seems a bit too much for a daily usage one.

OVERALL – The face wash effectively cleanses the skin of dirt and impurities without leaving it dry and also formulate with paraben, SLS and other harmful chemicals.

WHAT I LIKED

I. Hygienic and efficient packaging.

II. Gel based product with mild refreshing smell.

III. Removes dirt and impurities well.

IV. Gives a fresh glow to the skin.

V. Doesn’t make the skin stretchy or dry.

VI. Doesn’t break you out.

VII. Best suited for oily to combination skin.

VIII. Developed with the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts, white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts.

IX. Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

I. The exfoliating beads are of no use.

II. It won’t suit normal to dry skin.

III. Price is high.

RATING

Quality: 3.5/5

Value for money: 2/5

Availability: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The face wash works very well for the oily to combination skin as it cleanses and gives a smoother look to the skin and the paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan is surely worthwhile. Although the price tag is a bit high.

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice and detailed review Sanchita, the pictures are amazing!

Have you tried the new Plum Goodness Chamomile & White Tea Range?

Top 10 Moisturizers for Oily and Combination Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Moisturizers for Oily and Combination Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

As we emphasize on the CTM routine, the application of moisturizer is very well for the oily and combination skin as well. This becomes slightly challenging because the temperature for most of the time is generally hit and humid and too much products on the face will surely clog the pores and make it look oily. Therefore, the oily and combination skin will always have to choose a moisturizer that would control the sebum, gives a matte look and would nourish the skin as well.

Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top 10 moisturizers for oily and combination skin in India for your convenience. Let’s have a look at it.

OILY SKIN TYPE

1. Lacto Calamine Skin Balance Oil Control Lotion: Price – INR 160 for 120 ml (Buy HERE)

This is a quite well known choice of moisturizer for oily and combination skin types for all seasons. Lacto Calamine comprises of Kaolin which has natural minerals, acts as an exfoliator and helps in dead skin removal. It moisturizes the skin thoroughly and then gives a soft matte and shine free look. It also contains Glycerin helps control excess oil, thus reducing acne, making smooth and clear. Further, you can use this as a primer and helps the base to look flawless. It will never cause any irritation and will balance out the pH level of the skin, thereby reducing the oil factor.

2. Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer: Price – INR 50 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)

This is one of the best oil free moisturizer for oily skin in the budget friendly range and personally, I have been using it for the past one year. The Moisturiser is white in color, and has a thin consistency. It may appear to be gel-based, but is actually a cream-based product. It has a light weight texture and gives a soothing effect to the skin. This product moisturizes the skin without any greasiness or shine and does not clog pores. It has Salicylic acid that helps prevent pimples and blackheads. It leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. It is fragrance-free, so it suits even sensitive skin.

3. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser: Price – INR 265 for 80 ml (Buy HERE)

Before Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer, I had used this Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser for quite some time and I have to say it really does the job well. It has a light weight liquid kind of a texture and blends into the skin in no time at all. It is nourished with Aloe Vera which has excellent moisturizing and skin healing properties, anti- inflammatory and soothing properties. It also contains Grape Extract which acts as a natural astringent, antimicrobial and antioxidant moisturizer for oily skin. Thus, the skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated after prolonged usage.

4. L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence: Price- INR 685 for 50ml (Buy HERE)

Essence is one of the most important product in the Korean skincare routine and works excellent as a moisturizer for oily skin. The L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence has been formulated with triple hyaluronic acid technology and by this method the moisture is continuously diffused through the skin and locked at several layers, thereby hydrating the skin on one hand and then keeping it matte on the other. It is also supplemented with the goodness of Vitamin E and protect skin from external aggressions. This is one provides a fresher and younger looking complexion when used twice a day religiously.

5. Forest Essentials Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel: Price – INR 1250 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Aloe Vera gel is the best possible moisturizer for oily skin and the FE Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel has the added benefits of other ingredients that makes the skin glow from within. It is light, cool facial contains Aloe Vera has strong soothing and moisture retaining properties with a soft texture that blends into the skin like a dream. The Genhu Extracts in it prevents premature aging and reduces ultra violet rays induced sun damage to the skin. It further helps in drainage of secretions from the sebaceous glands of the skin and thereby helps in thwarting of black heads.

6. Neutrogena Oil – Free Moisture SPF 15: Price – INR 349 for 115 ml (Buy HERE)

Neutrogena is one brand you can trust blindly when it comes to skin care within budget friendly price tag. This oil free moisturizer comes with a sun protection formula of 15 and prevents skin from darkening. It has a rather lightweight, non-greasy texture with a consistency of a liquid lotion and keeps the skin moisturized for around 7-8hours without getting oily or greasy. The sheer formula absorbs quickly into skin leaving it smoother and softer. This moisturizer has a tested formula that contains no fragrance, no dyes, and no excess ingredients. It is completely non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores that can cause skin to break out.

COMBINATION SKIN TYPE

7. Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer: Price – INR 450 for 60g (Buy HERE)

The Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer is a light weight cream that gets absorbed into the skin and gives a flawless nourished skin without greasiness. This is the perfect pick for combination skin. It is manufactured with the purest natural ingredients, devoid of any chemicals, synthetic colors, PABA, SLS, etc. it repairs dryness, dullness and gives a hydrated skin. This has been formulated with the goodness of organic Aloe juice, which nourishes and heal skin. Further, it has the goodness of vitamin E providing wholesome nourishment.

8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin: Price – INR 299 for 118 ml (Buy HERE)

Neutrogena has specialized moisturizers for every skin type. This has a lightweight, dual-action formula that moisturizes dry areas while it controls oily shine. It is a special oil-absorbing Micro-sponge system controls oil and shine in the T-Zone for combination skin. This moisturizer is non-comedogenic and therefore won’t clog pores or break out even if you have acne prone skin. The skin feels softer and smoother which further adds a natural and matte finish throughout the day.

9. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream: Price – INR 995 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)

TBS is one of the top brands for skin care in India and the Vitamin E Moisture Cream perfectly fits he description for combination skin. it is powerfully enriched with one of the best antioxidants that help protect the skin against damaging environmental elements, such as the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. It also helps to neutralize free radicals, which are destructive molecules that attack cell on the skin. it retains the moisture for a long time, keeping the skin supple and soft without getting greasy and oily. It also contains lanolin which is one of nature’s richest moisturizers.

10. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Protective Care – Combination to Oily Skin – INR 1350 for 40ml (Buy HERE)

La Roche-Posay Toleriane is a non-oily emulsion that blends into the skin like a dream. It gives an instant soothing and hydrating effect to the skin after application and calms the irritated skin. This product has been formulated for oily to combination skin and hydrates the dry areas without making it oily at all. The emulsion penetrates instantaneously and restores skin comfort. It is non-comedogenic and won’t clog the pores at all. Further it is fragrance-free, preservative- free and paraben-free.

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice list Sanchita. I used to swear by Lacto Calamine and still use only that on days when I don’t wish to use anything else on the face.

Have you tried these? Which is your favourite moisturizer for oily-combination skin?

What Does Your Clothing Color Say About Your Personality

What Does Your Clothing Color Say About Your Personality

By Sanchita

Color has a deep connection with the personality of a human being. It has several embedded emotions and plays a very important role when it comes to the attire. Everyone has their favorite color which one is drawn to and some might not even realize unless they actually pay a close heed to it. Well of course, weather and events plays an important role to choose a color as well but responsive factor is one of the most important one.

Color also demonstrates our mood. Since we choose the color subconsciously, a lot of emotional and mental reflections are mirrored through our choices. In fact, several facts have shown that the choice of colors of the clothes we wear can reveal out strength and weakness as they are a part of our personality itself. It has been seen that color helps us to have a confidence boost and such positive and enriching outlook helps us in various situations. Color reveals the subtleness of the mind. We often judge by what they wear and color establishes a strong foot on the judgement. For example, for a party we would prefer sequin gold and strong colors while for a board meeting we would prefer a soft brown or basic black. Thus it helps us to construe the circumstance and is a form of art.

Apart from other occasions, there are some colors which we always stick to or prefer whenever we are picking up clothes for buying. You must have noticed that we are attracted of blue most of the time or pink and this color reveals a lot about the personality you have.

Even while online shopping, we use the ‘Color’ filter and shortlist as per the color quite a lot of times.

So let’s check out which color of your choice of dressing says what about your personality.

Blue – Blue has a hint of elusiveness, delicacy and state of peace in it. It indicates that the person has a sense of loyalty towards the thing which one loves. It also depicts a hint of intenseness and mystery when wore as an attire. This color is best suited for introverts. The color blue also defines a sense of ‘control’ and calmness as well as confidence without any aggressive touch in it.

Red – Red is a very powerful color in itself. It reveals about a personality that the person is extremely extrovert, passionate, energetic as well as bold. Though we can’t call the color loud but it definitely screams some kind of attention and attraction in very possible way. In fact, it resembles of a shining gorgeous ruby. The red color speaks louder than we can’t imagine and thus it is best to stay away from this color especially for formal purpose like interview or meetings.

Pink – We always associate this color with girls or anything feminine. It is a color which shows that the person is very lovable and soft hearted who is loved and liked by all. it also symbolized unconditional love and affection as well. Someone with a sweet, charismatic and cheerful personality with an intuitive mind would be inclined towards this playful color.

White – White illustrates a sign of simplicity, purity, goodness and cleanliness and reflects a positive effect in an overall appearance. People wearing white are mostly open, well-spirited, genuine and confident. It is also one of the best option when you are attending an interview, meeting or anything professional.

Black – A lot of us subconsciously pick up this color whenever they have options or not. It is the most sophisticated, versatile and gracious color for every occasion. It sends out a strong sense of power, control and authority without being loud or garish. It shows that the person is extremely in control, strong willed and self-independent in his or her own way. Further, it also establishes the strength and dignity.

So, which is your favorite color?

Step By Step Description of How to Do Hair Spa At Home

Step By Step Description of How to Do Hair Spa At Home

By Sanchita

The idea behind the hair spa is to rejuvenate and protect the hair. Yes, the good old warm oil massage and mild shampoo followed by conditioner is the regular or weekly routine carried on by us to protect and condition the hair. But, apart from that the hair needs specific care and rejuvenation by the process of hair spa. Now, hair spa is not necessarily done in parlors or hair care institutions and can be easily carried on at home with specific and easy available ingredients at your own volition. So you need not spend valuable money or time at the spa session every time. Let us see the step by step description of how to do hair spa at home.

1. Hair Oil

When you are going to devote yourself to the self-spa session, avoid using the readymade oils from the market which are nothing but merely mineral oils. So it will do no good to the hair. Use a concoction of hair oils like coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil and olive oil. The mixture should be 4parts coconut oil, 1 part castor oil, 2 parts almond oil and 3 parts olive oil. You can add other essential oils like argan, rose, ylang ylang or lavender as per your choice. Warm up the oil in a double boiler (no direct heat) and you can also add various herbs as well. For e.g. dried amla, methi seeds, neem leaves, hibiscus leaves paste, etc. can also be added in the warm oil which will further strengthen the hair. The hair oil is the vital step and best if it is done for.

2. Through massage

While the oil is the most important ingredient, the massage is the process which completes the procedure partly. Simply applying the oil won’t do so make sure you dedicate a good amount of time to massage the scalp well. Do not vigorously rub the scalp but merely run the fingers in a circular motion covering the whole area of the scalp. Massaging is essential as it improves blood circulation in your scalp area. You should massage your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. It helps relax the scalp and increase softness. It further aids in strengthening the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.

3. Warm Towel

If you have applied the oil a night before, then apply the warm towel in the morning and if you have applied the hair oil in the morning, do this at least an hour or two post oil massage. Dip a towel in warm water (just make sure not to burn the hand) and wrap it around the hair. In general, salons use a stream machine but the warm towel will surely do the trick. Warmth open up the pores on the scalp and thus it gets all the benefits of the oil. Also, it cleanses the scalp thoroughly, thereby promoting healthy hair growth.

4. Henna Mask

There are several hair masks available for hair and you can include the ingredients like ripe banana, eggs, curd, mayonnaise, etc. but I would suggest henna. Personally I have benefited a lot from the henna hair packs and it works like wonder. Henna is an age old method widely used in Ayurveda for treating hair and scalp problems. It is one of the best natural remedies for hair growth, helps to prevent dandruff and scalp itching. It acts as a good conditioner for your hair and helps to grow your hair. Mix the henna powder in the form of a paste with the help of curd or lemon and simply apply on the hair.

5. Shampoo

Once the hair mask is dried or after 40-50mins, wash off the mask with plain water. The rinsing will be easy as the hair as already well-nourished with oils. Next, move on to the main process of shampooing the hair. Try and use a SLS and PARABEN free shampoo which is mild and easy on the hair. Using a harsh chemically enriched shampoo means whatever effort you gave would go down the drain and the hair will be frizzy, rough and unmanageable. Shampoo will cleanses off every layer of dirt, grime, dandruff or any other residual substances on the hair, including the hair oil and hair pack. Although, the hair would retain the benefits for sure. One of the most important thing is that, rinsing off the shampoo is very important. A lot of people do apply it correctly and massage onto the scalp but forgets to rinse it out.

6. Conditioner

After the shampoo, apply the conditioner to the length of hair and keep it for around 2-3mins and no longer than that. Make sure the conditioner doesn’t slips onto the scalp and gets rinsed out properly after the shampoo.

7. Leave in Serum

This is the last step but I would call it optional. Since I have curly and dry hair, I always apply a leave in serum to make it manageable and frizz free but it is completely up to you. Also, I would not advise this step if you have thin and flat hair because it may weigh the hair down as the hair has already been conditioned since step 1.

These are the ways you can easily carry on the hair spa at home without shelling big bucks and also at our own convenience.

Editor’s Note: Absolutely loved this post Sanchita. This is the ideal procedure, wish I was not that lazy and time crunched :/ But even once a week or once in 2 weeks, following this routine would be amazing.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Do you do hair spa at home?

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

By Sanchita

When I think of Adele the only two things that crosses my mind are the deepest ballads and feline eyeliner. I mean, that is the thickest, precise and deepest eyeliner I have seen. No matter what product I have used so far, I simply couldn’t get that look. Thankfully, a couple of months back Adele’s Makeup artist Michael Ashton, who has been working on the singer’s hair and makeup for nine years shown in a YouTube channel of MUA Lisa Eldridge. There was so much to learn from him and I loved the way he had shown the makeup tutorial. So, gathering the most important points from there, I have decoded the makeup secrets of Adele and here’s what you need to know.

Preparing the Skin

Makeup artist Michael Ashton starts prepping the skin with a damp facial tissue soaked in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any layer of residual makeup, dirt, grime etc. He advises to use a facial gel or oil kind of product to plump up the skin and hydrate it well enough for the foundation to look flawless. He used a rose facial oil I believe to plump up the skin and which also gives a natural strobing effect without looking greasy, sticky or oily. His favorite product is Aromessence Rose d’Orient Oil Serum for pre foundation technique.

Eye Makeup

He started with a base product which act as a base for eyeshadow as well as primer. He used the MAC Paint Pot Groundwork all over the lid and then soften the crease using a blending brush. He also applied the same pain pot in the lower lash line to give a shadow sort of. Then used the two lightest shade (a golden bronzy light color) from the Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Color Quad all over the lid and smoothened the line as well. This gave a nice reflective kind of pale look to the eyes, you can also call it neutral.

Infamous Feline Eyeliner

The secret behind that gorgeous feline liner are the gel liner, eye liner and fine liner brush. He uses the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink on the back of your hand and then start drawing a line (as close as you can to your lash line) from the middle of your eyes working it outwards, using a very fine liner brush. Then, he makes the feline stroke giving a cat liner effect. He repeated the lines at least 6-7 times which thickened and deepen the color even more. Ashton states that you can use a cotton bud dipped in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any mistakes. After the mascara, he goes back to the eyes, this time with liquid eyeliner, that is, MAC Liquidlast Liner Point Black. He said that he uses a liquid liner with a tar consistency and a fine brush to do a final eyeliner swipe. This builds up intensity and gives a nice depth to the eyes as well.

Dramatic Eyelashes

For the lashes, he used a falsies using Duo lash black glue which gives a well-defined matte charcoal finish. He used a gentle upward lifting motion with the fingers to blend in with the natural lashes. Next, he applied the Diorshow Mascara for the upper lashes. For the lower lashes, he used a small fan brush and started from the roots which would give a better smudged kohl effect. He stated that it won’t matter if the mascara goes a little bit onto the waterline as long as it doesn’t sting.

Strong Brow Game

Before stating the eye makeup, he used a spoolie to brush the eye brows. Then used a soft brow pencil to shape and define them. Clean up the top of your brow using a moisturizer on a small concealer brush and swipe it across the brow. To set the pencil he used a light mix of four brown shades – MAC Concrete, Coquette, Corduroy and Wedge and applied as the brow powder.

Foundation

For the foundation he used Estee Lauder – Double Wear Light and mixed the shades 1.0 and 0.5. He used the lighter shade on the T-zone and inner portion of the face while the darker one in the outer perimeter. He specifically stated that the foundation must be applied on the jaw line and below i.e. towards the neck. This will surely give a nice, smooth and even look. He sets everything with a fine milled compact powder. For the under eyes, he uses the Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen and blends it with a brush.

Contour

For the contour also, he uses a powder palette which is the Smashbox Step by Step Contour Kit and mixes the first two colors for the cheek bones. He basically says that a fish face helps to make the contour precise and smooth. He uses an angled blush brush for the contour and applied for the forehead, sides of the nose and jawline. For the blush, he loves the Maybelline cream blush which works really great for blending.

Lip Trick

For the lips, prep and prime the lips with a nourishing lip balm to hydrate the lips well. Then, he used a neutral lip liner to outline and fill the lips slightly. Use a finger to pat and blend the lip liner with the lip balm to give a nice and even neutral look to the lips. Use a shimmery gloss to apply on the centre of the lower and upper lips and blend well. This would give a nice plump effect to the lips naturally.

These are the secrets of Adele’s flawless feline makeup look and I really hope this would help you guys to recreate her looks easily.

Image Sources: 1,2

Editor’s Note: I love Adele’s makeup, especially her winged liner. Nice post Sanchita

Did you always want to know Adele’s makeup secrets? Well they are not a secret anymore 😀

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION: Plum has recently launched their Chamomile & White Tea range with a toner, moisturizer and day cream. The range is targeted with combination to oily skin with great benefits from the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Today I am going to review the Sheer Matte Day Cream which is an amalgamation of moisturizer and sunscreen and will help the skin a lot in this summer and upcoming monsoon. So, let’s see how the Sheer Matte Day Cream has worked for me after trying it for weeks.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and other oxidative factors can cause premature aging, pigmentation, dullness, and dryness in skin. Antioxidants are an essential part of any skincare regime for younger looking brighter skin. Specially designed with tropical weather in mind, our Chamomile & white tea range combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the potent antioxidant property of white tea. The results: A skincare range that prepares defends and revives skin that’s exposed to the elements.

PRICE – 520 INR for 60ml

Ingredients:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream is housed inside a medium built sleek white cardboard box with all the necessary information printed on it. The Day Cream actually comes in a rather firm white tube with orange accents of the brand name inscribed on it and a translucent flip open cap. Uncapping the tube, you will find an opening to dispense the product and I feel it is perfect to dish out the right amount of product onto the hand. Judging by the packaging, I surely have a strong notion that it will be a great companion while travelling without creating any mess in your pouch or bag. Personally, I have carried it in my handbag for touchups every 2-3hours and it has never failed once. Overall, the packing is well built.

The consistency of the Day Cream is of thick whipped cream with a light texture in it. The flawless bending and application surely owes to this light weight texture despite having thicker consistency. Having said that, you require only a pea sized amount of the cream for the face and neck and you can spare the generous amount for sure. The smell is what surely surprises me with pleasantness and softness. It has a fresh faded smell of artificial flora touch with the blend of Chamomile and after application it disappears, simply leaving behind a trail of freshness.

The color of the Day Cream is white which resembles majority of the sunscreen but I never experienced any whitish layer upon blending. The cream acts both as moisturizer and sunscreen and a lazy girl like me couldn’t ask for more. I happily skip my moisturizer and apply this which generously hydrates and protects my skin from sun. I would say this is a perfect pick for summers and monsoons in a typical tropical climate like in India. Here the humidity rules the day and the lesser quantity of product you slather on the face, better it is for you. Manufactured with a SPF of 50, this is surely an ideal sun protection formula for the skin. However, I am not sure why they didn’t include the PA+ ratings as I am not sure whether it is a broad spectrum or not. The cream needs to be blended thoroughly onto the skin to prevent any whitish layer and surprisingly, if you use the right face wash for you, it will never cling onto the dry patches at all.

Since it claims to be sheer, it won’t contribute much to evening out the skin tone, but surely brighten up the complexion with a radiant glow. I have oily skin which is surely exaggerated in summers. This particular cream is well suited for combination to oily skin but dry skin won’t like it at all. This is because, upon blending the cream settles down and gives a soft matte touch to the skin deprive of any hydration which is ideal for oily skin in summer. I noticed the T-zone getting slightly oily after few hours but the rest of the face stays oil free. Having acne prone skin, I was relieved with the fact that it never broke me out despite applying during hottest and humid temperature. It also doesn’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe on its own.

The best thing about the product is the ingredient list. Firstly it is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes and neutralizes the skin. On the other hand, the White Tea is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin fight oxidative damage that results from sun exposure while Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage. The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan and won’t harm the skin in the long run as well.

The tube will last around 2months approximately when used, so to judge the price tag it is surely a bit high priced but rest assured, it is worth the money due to the versatility and ingredients.

OVERALL – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 comes in a white flip open tube with a light texture that blends well and protects the skin with its SPF 50 and acts as a moisturizer as well as day cream. I loved the brightening part and it is well suited for combination to oily skin while dry skin may skip this.

WHAT I LIKED

  • It is housed in a white opaque flip open tube and great for travelling.
  • The texture is of the cream is light with thick consistency.
  • It blends really well on skin without any whitish layer.
  • Brightens up the skin little bit.
  • It has a very refreshing smell of Chamomile.
  • Acts as a day cream as well as sunscreen.
  • It has SPF 50
  • Keeps the skin soft, matte and shine free.
  • It is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea.
  • The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • The PA+ is missing.
  • Will not suit dry skin.
  • Slightly pricey.

RATING

Quality: 4.5/5

Value for money: 3/5

Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 is well recommended for combination to oily skin which will keep the skin oil free and hydrated even in summers and doesn’t even break you out.

Editor’s Note: This matte day cream with sunscreen sounds really good. Very detailed review Sanchita

Have you tried the new Plum Chamomile & White Tea Day Cream yet?

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction
Wanderlust is our way of escaping the mundane lives and explore of flawless beauty of the world. It is a desire that dries us, takes us to the places where you find yourself lost in the sea of history, the alluring fables, charming sceneries and you experience something like never before. This is the exact experience that would enthrall you to visit one of the Europe’s top travel destinations – Greece.

A land dotted with distinct architecture with a thousand histories, captivating oceanic views and famous islands. So, Greece has it all – from stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes to cultural delights, so, lets an overview of the best places to visit in Greece and discover other things about this beautiful place.

Places to see

1. Meteora –

One of the most awe-inspiring religious sites on earth – the Meteora, which is a Greek word meaning ‘suspended in the air’ is a cliff more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) that rises like apostolic eagles’ nests into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. This place is dotted with monasteries which were built in and around 14th and 16th centuries. In ancient times, the monks pursuing spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution built these monasteries. Even though more than twenty monasteries used to be on the steep rocks, only six remain today.

2. Acropolis of Athens –

Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization as well as the origin of democracy for the human advancement. The city is an astounding blend of historical and modern features in the same fold. Among the other famous archaeological ruins and monuments, the Acropolis stands tall. The Acropolis (Greek word which means highest point or extremity) is an ancient citadel located on an extremely rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus –

When you are walking around the Athens, you would see the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is a huge temple and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). There are a number of Corinthian columns still standing, though so many have fallen. It’s quite an extraordinary sight and counted among the must-visit place of Greece.

4. Delphi –

Delphi, with an unbeatable scenery, has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance and counted amongst the most popular archaeological site after Athens in Greece. It is situated along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once admired by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. It is dedicated to the god, Apollo, who was reached out by Delphi, a significant oracle seeking good fortune. In ancient times, the common people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for guidance on a wide range of topics from farming to politics. Even though the eternal flame no longer burns inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is mandatory.

5. Mount Olympus –

Mount Olympus is the dwelling of ancient gods from believed by the people of Greece. This is the place from where the Immortal Gods would control the control the lives of mortal men. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro. A walk up this mountain will be vigorous and mystical journey as well as experience and you would see why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled.

6. Cape Sounion –

Cape Sounion is positioned at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula which is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times. The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea is a sight you would not want to miss at all! The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea! The sight of the Aegean Sea during the sunset makes it a sought-after spectacle.

7. Santorini –

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E. and consider it to be the most spectacular by many travelers. Aside from the beautiful landscape and volcanic presence, it is a great place for beach side camping, winery tours, scuba diving, and more. The place is all about the beauty of the ruins on the southern part of the island. One can see the clear Aegean and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Currency

Greece’s monetary unit is the Euro. No other currency is accepted and you can either convert your Foreign Exchange there or from here. It is also really convenient to convert the leftover Euro to INR. Greece is comparatively cheap with some travel tips.

Travel Tips

Firstly, go for the Gyros and other street snacks which are delicious and cost a few Euros and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day. For travelling, choose the moped renting rather than cars. Also, avoid Mykonos if you are on a budget, as it is Greece’s most expensive island with hardly any budget accommodation, but if you are a party animal, you will absolutely love Mykonos. It brings world’s most renowned DJ’s at their famous night clubs. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches at Mykonos are also worth a visit, if you happen to go.

Culture 

Existing Greek culture and traditions are very rich and varied, reflecting Greece’s location at the crossing point where the West meets the East and the country’s great and tempestuous history. It has evolved over thousands of years. This rich and tumultuous past greatly influences contemporary lifestyle, the Greek perspective on the world, Greek music, food, customs and traditions, even the way Greeks do business. The locals dress up in traditional costumes during festivals while traditional weddings that start with dressing the bride and bouncing a boy baby on the nuptial bed. One is charmed by their authenticity, the love and pride each group has in its homeland and roots.

Cuisine

The Greek diet is the perfect example of traditional Mediterranean eating. It has some similar characteristics with the traditional cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey and the Levant. Modern-day Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine and meat (white and red, including lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork). The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is used in most dishes. Taramasalata, Dolmades, Fresh fish, Courgette balls are one of the most dishes of Greece.

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So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start exploring this historical place with such enriched culture and traditions along with those intriguing ruins.

P.S: Images from Google

Editor’s Note: I can say, I am in love Sanchita <3 Greece is on my bucket list.

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