Sunday 22 December 2013

Street Wear Color rich Nail Enamel-Black Passion

Happy sunday!
I have a sort of love-hate relationship with the weekends.Love because it's a holiday and dad is home-it's always fun when dad is around and hate because dad is home!sounds dumb isn't it?It's that dad and I are completely loggerheads when it comes to cleanliness and discipline.While I am as messy as messy can be,he is the epitome of discipline.I can't sleep late in the morning or stay awake too late at nights,I have to clean my room and specially study table which is a real pain as I dump a whole week's junk there.I can't sit idle or kill time but study or always do something or the other worthwhile but still apart from this the weekend is so thoroughly lively just because of him.Also I can use his net-connection and save mine! :P
You might be wondering why I am chattering non-sense?Well,it's just my way of expressing happiness and I am damn happy because I am getting the chance of exploiting my dad's internet connection again.Today's post is a review(yes,again!) on a black nail-polish from street wear-Black Passion.Black dress to nail polish,the color has been a rage among girls and ladies since time immemorial.It is my favorite color but I have always avoided it on the nails because I have a habit of biting my nails and so they are almost always through out the year out of condition for so bold a color.But Recently(actually after starting the blog)I have forced myself to quit the habit which had almost become ingrained in me like smoking or other addictions.I had earlier in class 10(about 3years back) had tried elle 18 black nail color but hated it-partly because my half-eaten nails looked horrible in it and partly because it was not really a true black color.
Picking up this particular shade was a whimsical choice(a result of a very personal event).I got this along with another color-Romantic Pink.The choices were real contrast.I ended up loving this black shade so much that I finished the bottle way before it started thickening.
So now lets plung into the detailed review:
Description:
You all do know how a street wear nail enamel bottle looks?I won't insult your knowledge describing the bottle over again.This one was a 5ml bottle and costs 50INR(I got it for 45INR).
My take:
The colour is just WOW!It is super pigmented but bit streaky at times while applying.You can see the nail bed through the colour at places if a single coat is applied.But a double coat give full opaque coverage and the darkest,shiniest black finish.It is so goth and a damn sexy colour!Unlike other colours,the black polish retains its shine for maximum days(for me,about 3-4 days) and also the longest surviving one without chipping(around 9days-after that the nail bed show up as the nail grows and so appears like the polish has chipped at the tips).It looks best with a top clear coat.It dries fast on nails too.Here are the pictures:



Doesn't it shines like diamond in sunlight?I am definitely going to buy it again.It made me fall madly in love with black nail polish.
The review at a glance:
Pros:
  • very cheap
  • 5ml bottle-very convenient size to finish up before it start drying out in the bottle
  • survives best on nails(comapared to other street wear colours)
  • easily available
  • highly pigmented true black
Cons:
  • sometimes the brushes are awfully damaged so always check yours before buying(I got one in magic brick shade-going to post the photos soon)
  • nothing more!

Friday 20 December 2013

12th International Trade Fair-Kolkata

Hi beauties!
After a series of reviews,I am getting a bit tired of them so just thought of sharing this little information that I am sure at least the Calcuttan Divas are aware of-12th International trade fair is on since 12th December and ends on 25th December.I am bit late about informing given that it's midway through the fair but it's weekend and it's never late for a trip to the fair.
Venue-Science City Ground,beside the Space theatre.
Time-11am to 9pm
Entry fees-Rs.20 per head
The easiest way to reach this place is a taxi or private car.It's damn hard to get a comfortable public transport to E.M.Bypass.The buses are almost always overcrowded(except the rare few A.C. Volvos like VS-2) and a caged-in-a-suffocating-bus experience is a must even if you are lucky to get a seat.It is bit more easier to reach the place if you live in north Calcutta or regions along the Bypass.Any bus that go via VIP road to places like Mukundapur,Baruipur even Jadavpur,Ruby hospital can take you there.
Now about the fair.There are 14 Pavilions this year-namely A-N each dedicated to a seperate section such as lifestyle,furniture,interior decoration,electronic gadgets,handlooms,cafeteria,processed food,and two pavillion entirely to Bangladesh exhibition.Other foreign countries include Myanmar,Thailand,Pakistan,Ghana,Egypt,and few more.
Pavilion A-handlooms and textiles from cottage industries of West Bengal.
This one comprised mainly of sarees and salwar suits and dress materials but the real attractions were the sarees.The assemble of so many different sarees under the same roof  was mind blowing for any saree lover(not my love though).For me,they were beautiful to look at but scary to wear.
Pavilion B-Lifestyle products from myanmar,thailand,Indonasia etc.
This is one of my favorite pavilion.The range of product is huge-from textiles to jewellery to cosmetics to decorative lanterns and interior decorative items.It is the cheapest,affordable pavilion and also there are offers.All the products-specially the jewelleries,and cosmetics are fashionable and cheap.I have heard that cosmetics in Singapore is cheap but really didn't believe that until seeing this pavilion.
Pavilion C-Furnitures
Pavilion D-Electronics
Pavilion E-Stationaries,paper,mable statues
Pavilion F-Interior decoration Items-THe first stall of fountains is beautiful
Pavilion G-Lifestyle products-Gym and sports equipments,leather items
Pavilion H-Cafeteria
Pavilion I and J-Processed Food
Pavilion K and L-Bangladesh
Pavilion M and N-International-Pakistan,Ghana,Egypt
After visiting the fair for the fourth time I had to conclude that it is a tempting place(As you can well guess given I endured a 30minutes bus ride and yet visited the place four times).My favorite one (and also tempting ones) were the whole pavilion B,The stationary product pavilion,Gym equipment pavilion and the fountains and asian art gallery stores(sorry I don't remeber the pavilion name for these).On the other hand side of the field I liked the processed food pavilion-there were pickles of every flavour you could think of and signature snacks of different states.
There were also beauty products,perfumes but I wasn't very interested in them.Partly because I am scared to try out new beauty products and of the sales agents who nag us like hell and also because they won't allow testing of the perfumes.My favorite stops are a cosmetics and jewellery stall in Pavillion B and another in pavilion G.The cosmetic stalls were negotiable-I don't know how that was possible unless the products were duplicate.But I couldn't resist picking up an eye-shadow palette and a combo pack of Eye-liner and Mascara.And guess what the palette was?The oh-so-crazed Urban Decay Naked 2!I was sure that it is a duplicate given that I got it for 700INR but still I couldn't resist it.But after trying it at home I don't care even if it is a fake because it performs far better than those palettes available in Indian brands or any brand found in India.I always hated picking up individual eye shadows and searched and searched for a decent eye-shadow palette at stores(I find ordering online and paying in dollars too complicated and then there is always a question of security).My next pick was Miss Five Collosal 2-in-1 Eye liner and mascara-A combo containing an eyeliner and a mascara for 250INR.The eyeliner is really good-waterproof,quick-dry,smudge-proof and doesn't crack but the mascara is not that great-not waterproof and the brush is also not upto the mark.I got the Urban decay palette at the store in pavilion B and the eyeliner-mascara in pavilion G.The best part is that I even got a goat-milk soap for free with the palette and even that one is great.Apart from these I got two pairs of studs which looked so bright and antique.Here are the pictures of the things I bought but I couldn't get pictures of the fair as I was too busy ogling around and forgot all about taking pictures. :P






  The detailed reviews will soon Follow,till then stay tuned and keep reading!
And have a nice day ahead!

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Nature's Aloe Vera Gel

An advanced Merry Christmas!
I have already went into that festive mood of the year-ending celebrations that is I am living up to that mood by bunking college,sleeping off at home and doing everything except important and productive works.Such a nice change isn't it??
Anyways,enough commentary on my life, let's get going with the post-A review(again!)on an aloe vera gel I have been using often for the past 4-5months and now it is high time I review it for all of you beauties who are searching for one.Aloe Vera gels are my first love when I need a moisturizer for my so very oily skin.It's seconded by my new crush from Ayur reviewed here.
I don't think I really need to go into the details of goodness of Aloe Vera gel-all I can say is my very own opinion of the miracle plant-It's really a multi-dimensionally helpful plant.The gel extracted from the plant is very much concentrated but after processing,it is an anti-septic,suncreen,anti-ageing and removing scar beauty gel all-in-one.So far I have tried using three Aloe Vera gels from three seperate brands-Patanjali,Nature's and another one, that was my first Aloe Vera gel,called Venizen's Aloe Vera Gel.It only taught me(rather my mom),never to trust any brand promoting their products through teleshopping.I really don't know what was wrong with it but it broke all the places I had applied it on into ugly rashes.It completely spoilt my Durga Puja outings that year-I looked like a hideous clown with big red blotches all over my face and hands!
My next attempt with a aloe vera gel came about 2years ago with Patanjali Aloe Vera gel and I thoroughly love that product now and wish I hadn't changed brand out of sheer boredom just because the tube was so very large.I had no complaint against it other than the packaging which was huge and the gel never-ending.It lasted me 1 1/2 years!It's really not a problem is it??
And then came in Nature's.It is also very good but the Patanjali one was better,now I realize that after using both the products.
The quantity,and outlook: 
The product comes in a tub shaped like a pot,transparent with a leaf-green screw cap carrying the logo of the brand.I don't remember whether it came in a carton or not because I didn't really spare much attention to it and I didn't know that I'd soon be contributing as a beauty blogger ever.The price is 120INR for 100ml.The product is chlorophyll green in colour and there is no ingredients list on the tub.The gel is called actually,"Nature's Aloe Vera Gel-moisturizing beauty gel".
My take:
The product is in gel form and very light.A very small quantity is required to spread evenly through out the area.Though it says "moisturizing gel" and seems to be essentially a face-product I use it for my whole body-as moisturizer for face and de-tanning and scar-treatment for the rest of the body as Aloe Vera gel is known for these properties as well.The fragrance is good and very mild-just the sort I like.I can't really describe it,,but it is a very unusual yet sweet smell.As a moisturizer it is excellent but I would recommend it only for summer season for normal to dry skin while it suits my oily skin well even in winter(winter in Kolkata is very pleasant so consider it accordingly).The best part is that it is not at all oily and very soothing though compared to the patanjali gel it takes little more time to get absorbed in the skin.But as I mentioned earlier I am not a great fan of screw-cap tubs where you have to dip your fingers everytime you want to take out the cream.Another con is if you keep the tub upside-down the cream falls down on the cap.Underneath are pictures for your assistance:
the tub

the cap

the cream got transfered on the cap as i had toppled it upside-down
Summary:
Pros:
  • mild moisturizer-very suitable for daily use in summer
  • soothing
  • not oily
  • easily absorbed in the skin
  • very affordable
  • lasts long as little product is required everytime you use
  • can be used anywhere in the body
  • can even be used as after-shave for it's healing and anti-septic properties
Cons:
  • not travel friendly-though the cap is very secure I still hesitate taking it in a bag if in case it spills somehow.
  • not easily available-Nature's is not a very widely distributed brand
  • Needs some time to get well absorbed
  • dip-and-dab system of application-not hygenic specially if you are sharing the tub with other like me(my mom,sister and me share this single tub and even rarely my father who use it as an after-shave lotion in emergency)

Thursday 12 December 2013

Ombre lips Tutorial

HI buddies!
I am so very lazy when it comes to work and so the result is irregular updates!Sorry about that but I really can't get over the temptation of sleeping off looong hours and just doing nothing.It would have been so much fun if there was no studies,no work-just idling all through the day,isn't it?Nay! I don't really believe so.Sometime I get bored of idling as well.Anyways,let's just forget my chattering because it will just go on and on,if I don't stop myself,and come to the point.
An ideally beautiful face is defined by perfect features but hardly there is anyone who is so perfect.Perfection again doesn't always have a perfect definition or attributes to follow.What is perfection to one maybe flawed to another.But beauty is about the eyes-anything that catches out eyes in a good light is beautiful to us.So we all strive to achieve that attractiveness somehow-while some are god-gifted lucky ones the rest strive for make-up to get that flawless beauty.Concept of make-up and fashion has evolved through ages and is always experimented with.This in turn give rise to new trends and today I am going to write about one such new trend-the ombre lips.
The eyes and lips are the most dominating and expressive features of our face.Beautiful lips can work wonders(and so can a sharp tongue! :D).Be it a twitch or a pucker we ladies surely know our secrets of beauty and "expressions".But why not intensify your already beautiful lips?Looking even more special and fashionable on any day is such a mood-lifter specially if you enjoy and dare experimenting with your looks.
As the name suggests,the ombre lips can be defined as a gradual blending of colours to achieve a more 3D effect thereby standing out in a crowd.It is a bold look and requires quite a bit of confidence to be carried but then almost all looks need that.If created perfectly,ombre lips can be enough to finish off a look because it is such a bold look when done perfectly that no one can keep there eyes off your lips!Ombre lips can be of many types-blending of two colours on both the lips,colouring each lips with different shades but each lips has a single colour-no mixing,while one lip sports a single colour the other one has blends of colour etc.Wear it your way-anyway that you feel comfortable and nice. After-all at the end of the day it is all about the fun of experimenting and feeling good.The combinations can be so vibrant that they instantly lifts your mood.A perfect wear for the grey winter months-just jazz up your whole look with a dash of colours and you are good to go anywhere and everywhere though I feel this look is too loud for formal parties or regular college days.It is better to wear this look in more extravagant occasions but then again it all depend on the colours you choose to combine.The look unfolds at it's best when created in combinations of vibrant colours and with well pigmented lipsticks so invest on quality lipsticks with good pigmentations to achieve perfection in the look.
Since I am not much of a make-up person and even more not much a lipstick-lover I don't really care about experimenting with my lips and another reason is that I am not very confident about my lips so i prefer drawing more attention to my eyes but this new trend is so cute and fun to try out and I started practicing with whatever lippies I own.I don't invest in high-end lipsticks-300bucks is enough as most of them just get wasted lying around and even getting trodden and smashed under my feet.The following looks are created mostly with Elle 18,Colorbar,Lakme satin enrich and Avon simply pretty lipsticks.Now that I have explained all that I know about ombre lips,let's plunge into the tutorial.

Things required:
(Rather the things I used):


  • Elle 18 27 Rosy Blush
  • Colorbar Obsessed Orange 60
  • Elle 18 16 mousse melt
  • Elle 18 29 Rusty
  • neutral Lip Liner
  • A good lip brush
  • tissues(optional)
Procedure:
 Its as simple as painting on canvas-all you need to do is choose the shades that go together really well and blend them with a lip brush.The trick lies in blending the colours well and filling in every corner of your lips.First I outlined the lips with a neutral lip liner so that the colour don't stand out to harshly or clash with the lipsticks-I have fuller lips and so avoid lip liners because they make them look even thicker.But the lipstick stays on longer without bleeding with it.After outlining I began with colouring the outer rim of the lips with elle 18 rosy blush which is a bright carmein red.Check the camlin shade card if you have doubts about which is carmein colour.I left the inside portion empty.Then I filled the inner part with Colorbar obsessed orange which is a true orange shade.After that with a lip brush I started blending the two colours.My lip brush is not so good-just another stray Chinese brand so I had some problems as the lipstick won't spread well but rather got picked up on the bristles instead.I managed this problem by repeatedly picking up colour from the lipsticks and applying it till I achieved the desired blend.The idea is to mix the colours but make sure that the original colours still remain distinguishable.Underneath are the pictures-in normal light and flash light-
without flash-combination of elle 18 rosy blush
and colorbar obsessed orange
with flash-same combination












I used the same technique but with another combination-elle 18 29 rusty as fillers(inside half of the lips) and elle18 mousse melt 16 at the outer rims.The pictures are as follows:
in tubelight
in daylight








I only tried out the blending techniques.The 2nd popular technique is even easier.Just suppose the first combination of rosy blush and obsessed orange.Just fill the upper lips with rosy blush and the lower one with obsessed orange-finished.This one is easier to create but harder to pull off and can be disastrous if the colours don't compliment each other well.It is always safer to colour the upper lips with a darker shade and the lower one with a lighter one of the same colour family.How do you find them?Sorry about the pictures-they don't do justice to the actual look at all.I find the 2nd combination more sober and wearable at the daytime.It is safe to keep the eye makeup minimum while wearing this lips.I opted for a well defined slightly winged eye liner lined eyes on the upper lids,kajal at the outer 1/3rd of the lower lid and mascara with the red-orange lips.You can try slight contouring of your cheeks but I left it out(too lazy!).I went bit more bolder with the brown-rust combination-Slight smokey brown eye by smudging Avon brown kohl and a hint of moss-green shadow at the corners of the upper lid.make sure the green is barely visible or it will be too overpowering.Then highlighting the inner corner of the eyes with golden liner and mascara,slight hint of coral coloured blush or any blush suitable for your complexion and you are ready to flaunt your look anywhere.The red lip is more versatile and goes well with both traditional and western outfits while the rust lip is more complimenting with western,specially formals.I am going to try out new combinations and techniques and upload them soon.Till then good night and enjoy winter!

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Ayur Non-sticky Moisturizer

Hey friends!
It's December along with it's entire package of celebrations,winter,and as well as skin problems!But despite all hazards I love this season and winter in Kolkata is quite pleasant specially during beginning of December.The cold is not as biting and yet its chilly enough to wear all my cute colourful sweaters!I love my collection of pullovers,sweaters etc.But the only thing that I hate(and I am sure all of you do as well) about winter is the huge amount of hair and skin problems that accompany this lovely season.This is the only season when I feel really blessed about my oily skin.My skin don't flake off as easily and I can easily go on without a moisturizer for couple of days or more.I am really lazy when it comes to daily skin care regime.
As you have already guessed-my today's post is a review on a moisturizer that is quite easily available throughout India from a well trusted Indian Brand-Ayur.
The cream is called Ayur Herbal Cold Cream with Aloe Vera.
PACKAGING,PRICE AND QUANTITY:
The product comes in white flat cylindrical pot,white in colour and screw-cap which is sky blue.The cream is white in colour.The label says that the cream is herbal and non-sticky.80 ml of the product costs Rs.60.
What Ayur claims about the product?
"Prevents Ageing and Dehydration of Skin
made from Natural Moisturizers.extra Rich formula for winter care.High concentration of natural moisturizers protect your skin against winter dryness,keep it satin soft and increases the blood circulation."
There's a ingredient list as well but it is way too long to type in.However among the ingredients notable one worth mentioning are Aloe vera,rose,Cucumber extract among herbal ones while on the other hand there is silicone oil,Methyl paraben and Propyl paraben as well.
Ayur Aloe vera moisturizer
My take:
I am not a ardent moisturizer user partly because I never found one that suits my oily skin without making it dark and greasy and partly because I forget to routinely apply moisturizer even when I need it.My mom and sister lately are much taken to Ayur products and so replaced our usual staple ponds cold cream with this one.What attracted me to using this cream is the non-oily and non-sticky label on it.I never liked Ponds anyways because it irritated my skin  if it was broken.This cream is not completely oil free but enough to suit my skin as well as my sister's normal to dry skin type.THis can be used by almost all skin types if your skin is not extremely sensitive or oily.It feels little sticky soon after application but that feel goes away within few minutes as the cream gets absorbed in the skin.Overall it is a nice product and dirt cheap.
the cap
the cream


















At a glance:
Pros:
  • Travel friendly
  • non sticky,non-oily(almost)
  • Prevents ageing(? as per claim but not really sure about this feature)
  • does not irritate broken skin
  • very cheap
Cons:
  • Hate the smell
  • open tub container-not very hygienic(it might be a pros for you but con to me)
  • not always available easily
Will I recommend?
Yeah,give it a try if you find it in your area.
So have you tried this one yet?if so,how was your experience?do share your view and comment.I heart your lovely comments and will surely reply back to each and everyone of them.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

StreetWear Color rich Nail Enamel-Romantic Pink

Hello Beauties!
Sorry about my timings-being a night owl,I cannot help but work at night.Hope you all had a great day.It has also been a big day for me with my results coming out at last-Something that I wanted to get over with as soon as possible!from today I am full-fledged back to work that is reach out to you divas with lot new surprises.
Today's post is a review on Streetwear Color Rich Nail Enamel-Yeah,yeah I know-It is not a new name to any beauty-novice even but then, each time we come across these cuties we can't help falling in love with them over again,can we??With there huge array of colors,and good quality at quite cheap rate,Streetwear makes sure that these nail polish remain eternally a classic choice among girls and women alike.The shade that I am going to review for you all today is a really flirty color with a great name-Romantic Pink,no.52.The brand do knows how to attract our eyes and mind.While in my proper senses I would never have bought such a shocking pink color but then,I was really attracted by the name that hinted a flirtatious side that I couldn't resist picking it up and I really don't regret my choice at all.Sometimes indulging in madness is healthy.Yes,you read right.To me shocking fluorescent pink is a mad woman's choice(no offence pink-lovers) and I used to simply hate that color and avoid it throughout my life in any form(even in marker-pens!) but now I really love my nail polish but I want to limit that colour to my nails only.Anyways,I muat have already irritated you all to death with my chatter so let's get straight to the point.

QUANTITY,APPEARANCE,PRICE:
You all are familiar with the classy bottles I assume but for those who are not,the bottle is a tiny square one with a long black matted cap.The quantity it can hold is 5ml  and it costs Rs.50.There are 9ml bottles available as well at some stores which are flat rectangular in shape with the same type of cap and costs Rs.90 perhaps.I never buy the larger one as they tend to dry up in the bottle.5ml is a great quantity that we can finish up before it starts drying in the bottle.
the bottle
My take:
What to say?I am so in love with the brand!Ever since I laid my hands on them and they are available at the next-door departmental store,I have almost forgotten my elle18 bottles which were my first love.I am not being baised and I am sure many of you will agree with me that these are one of the best budget nail enamels there is in the Indian cosmetics market.
  • Now,about this particular shade-it is a shockingly bright pink-almost fluorescent but not truly so.Under some light,it appears to be a true neon pink while at other times it is more of a bright,eye-stinging pink but not neon.
  • The lacquer is neither too runny nor very tight-a very appropriate density for hassle-free application.
  • The brush bristles are not very spread apart or rounded but rather thin and straight.But I find this brush type very convenientBut after a comparative study to bit more costly brands(in this case,Maybelline color show and Lakme Absolute speed dry,Lotus Herbals nail enamel and the Rs.150 Lakme nail colors-forgot their names! :( ) I felt the bristles are less flexible and harder but really that's too much of an expectation from a nail polish priced so less.But the brush felt more comfortable compared to elle 18 color bombs.
  • It dries pretty quickly-1st coat hardly 3-4minutes and 2nd coat 4-5minutes.This is a real plus point for me as I am very impateint.So in average 8 to 9 mins in total.
  • Another interesting thing that I observed for myself is that while most nail enamels tends to peel off completely from my nails if I try and pull them(elle 18,Lakme and Lotus herbal does so for me),this won't budge at all.
  • Chipping is minimum even after 5-6days!Isn't that great?I usually change my nail color every 7days at the most so in this case there won't be any problem of ugly semi-chipped nail laquer stains on the nails.
  • Pity there is no base coat available of the brand but overall it has the qualities to give many high-end brand a run for there money.
  • The colour is highly pigmented-Perhaps one of the most pigmented nail polish I have seen so far(My first choice would be colorlife 202-scarlet.You can check its review here).While 1 coat is sufficient,but I apply two coats mainly because the brush does not pick up enough color to cover the whole nail sufficiently without any see-through gaps.
Here are some pictures that I took on my way back home from college in the bus.I was getting bored by the traffic and had nothing better to do but later when I saw the pictures I felt the sunlight is the best complimentary light to show off the colour at it's truest hue.The colour has a great quirky quality about it and can lift an ordinary look to the status of extraordinary.I personally felt it compliments casual,rock-chic outfits best and also turns sober toned-down formal look to a very time-to-party look.It does have a flirty side.The instant effect of the colour is that lively!The swatches are of two coats of colour without base coat or top coat and was worn 2-3days back before the photo was taken:
Pardon the black marks around the nail-bed-those are the remainings of Black nail polish that I was wearing earlier from the same brand which just won't budge with a remover even.Its another quality shade whose review I will do later.
In a gist:
Pros:
  • Affordable(5ml rs.50)
  • good brush
  • quick drying(8-9mins appox)
  • This particular shade is extremely pigmented
  • great colour
  • perfect density for good application
  • does not peel off even if peeked at.
  • does not chip easily(5-6days withour chipping)
  • easily available
Cons:
  • No base coat available
  • sometimes few bottles can come with defected brush(I got only one so far which I was stupid enough not to open and check in the colour Magic brick,no.43.Will come up with the review soon)
  • Cannot remove it completely even with a remover specially at the corners.
So have you ever owned this color??how do you find it?
Do share your views and keep reading and commenting-they are the inspirers that boost me to write more.This is all for today.Good night,sleep tight.

Saturday 30 November 2013

Almost natural eye make-up tutorial

Hi friends!
This is the first time ever I am doing a tutorial,feels weird actually.Even a couple of months back,I never thought I would end up tutoring about make-up someday.But anyways,I have tried it here and hope it is up to the mark.
Products used to achieve the look:
the products used

  • Lakme Eyeconic eyes kajal
  • Streetwear Mascara
  • Oumeidie 24 Shades Eye Shadow pallette
  • Garnier Fructis BB cream
  • Golden Eye Pencil(it's called 'Bourjois Paris' but I am sure its a duplicate but nevertheless the pencil is really good.I think its fake because of the price-35INR!)
  • brushes(obviously!)


Steps to create the look:


  • Prepare the face:
The face was thoroughly cleansed( Himalaya daily Exfoliating Face Wash) and then a mask was applied(Everyouth Golden Glow Peel Off Mask).After the mask was thoroughly dry,it was peeled off.One have to be careful to peel it off completely.A light moisturizer was applied(Nature's Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel) and topped with Garnier Fructis BB cream.Pat on lightly with face powder to tone down the shine(optional).
  • The eyes:
First fill in the eyebrows with eye pencil.Brush over half the eyelids with shade no.1(or any light peach colour) from the pallete.I used the wet brush technique.Its simply wetting the bristles of the brush under running water,blotting off excess water and applying the shadow.Then blend in the shade no. 2(or any copper-golden colour) as marked in the pallette along the outer half of the eyelids.Using a angled brush apply the shade no.3(or any dark champagne colour) along the crease of the eyes.Blend it well with shade no.2.Now with shade no.4(black shadow) lightly trace along the crease and blend well.Do the same along the outer corner of the lower lid but not along the full rim-just the outer 1/3rd.Now with a brown kohl line the rim of the upper lid lightly,it should be sheer,not overpowering.With black kolh pencil fill in between the eye lashes just on the upper eyelid.Coat the eye lashes with marcara to add volume.Highlight the inner corners with golden eye pencil.

  • The lips:
Line it with any neutral lip pencil and fill in with your desired shade of lipstick.These eyes will go with any lip color.I have used Colorbar Obsessed Orange.
  • Outfit:
Preferably ethenic or indo-western dress.I paired the look with a white kurti and dark blue jeans.
Here are the pictures taken from different angles and different lights:




So,was this post helpful?I hope so.If you have any queries and suggestions I will always be glad to here them and try my best to answer all of them.For today,this is all.Have a nice day!Take care.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Lakme CC Creame-Bronze

Hey friends!
The winter season is almost at our doorstep and so is the beauty hazards related to it.Dry lips,scaly skin,dandruff and what not!But still it is a favorite season of mine.Just imagining sleeping late in the morning under the blankets makes me long for my bed.Poor bed!it must be lonely without me since I haven't laid down for 48hrs at a stretch..Yeah,I am super-lazy but sometimes I do like taking a break from laziness. :P
And that's when I write for those wise beauties who always run a background check for everything ranging from lip balms to boyfriends and husbands!Yeah,those living two-legged "things" too required to be selected carefully after a good background check.No offence guys!You too have your share of fun at our expense..
Well,enough of bantering and beating around the bush-lets's get straight to the point.Today's post is again a review-I know this won't disappoint anyone as reviews are the most useful thing when it comes to selecting cosmetics and I have got to many in stock yet to be reviewed so lets get over with them.Then I can buy a new stack of things!(LOL!I hope my father doesn't read this) Today my porst is about as you have already seen the heading-Lakme CC creams.
When the Indian cosmetic market is flooded with a new trend of BB creams,Lakme came up with yet another new addition and innovation-The CC creams.This creams have been in trend for quite some times so I suppose none of you will require a lecture on what are BB creams.For those who do require it follow this link and read up the first two paras. And as for CC creams this is what Lakme says about their new addition.You can read it up directly from their website,here. Sorry,I am lazy-Didn't feel like writing this extra part.
I wasn't at all interested in trying this out because I never use any creams even in winter and really don't give a damn about "complexion correction".I am a very self satisfied person when it comes to my looks and styling.Also I did not want to throw away 250 bucks just like that in case the cream did not suit me.So instead I opted for a cheaper BB cream just to give this things a try-going with the trend you know.And fortunately I have quite fair a complexion so I did not need to worry about the limited shade choice of garnier BB cream and so far I am very happy with its performance.This CC cream got into the household through my sister who got inspired by the glowy effect of bb creams but couldn't find a match for her dusky complexion and I was naughty enough not to mention that since garnier bb is quite sheer it won't be a problem to be used on her Bacause I wanted her to buy something different so I can try that out as well.She did her own research to find her match and zeroed for CC cream in bronze shade.I must say she did make a wise choice.
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
The CC cream comes in two shade-'beige' for fair skin and 'bronze' for dusky complexion.I am going to review the bronze one.The tube is 30ml and the price INR 250.It come in a sturdy matte yet slightly shiny maroon carton.The tube is a warm beige colour and quite slim with a silver cap.It is a normal tube(doesn't have a nozzle)But the opening is minuscle so there is no chance of over-leaking of the product.The design is very eye-catching and sleek.The 'beige' shade costs less-30ml costs Rs.199.But I think the 'bronze' shade is the ideal one for 70% of Indian women.

MY TAKE ON THE PRODUCT:
Since it belongs to my sister,I did not get many chances of trying this on myself and the colour is bit too warm for my complexion.So most of my views I am penning are actually my sister's observations.I will add few of my own observations from the couple of time I used it at the end of the post.
First,the formulation-it cream is quite thick in consistency,little less than foundations but by far more than BB creams and tinted moisturizers.So the coverage is quite good.But it is required to massage well to evenly spread it all over the face.Initially it seem overwhemlingly illuminating the complexion which can be intimidating and look like you tried too hard to look fair but eventually within a few minutes it smooths out and give the face a more perfect yet natural look.
Second,suitability in different skin types-it will work ideally for normal to dry skin but a moisturizer is a must underneath in case of dry skin.It comes with SPF 20 which is a plus and you can skip a separate sunscreen.
Its staying power is really good-6 to 7 hours on normal skin and my sister never complained of the cream transferring anywhere.But as for oily skin,which is my type,I did not find it as satisfactory.The worst part is that the only time I used it,it smeared my cellphone after about 4hours of application as I received a call.It also feels heavy on my skin.Another problem is its availability-while the 'beige' shade is easily available and always in stock,this one is always out of stock.Underneath are two images of my sister before and after application:
before application
after application


















A SUMMARY:
PROS:

  • thicker coverage compared to BB creams but lesser than foundations
  • SPF 24
  • Comes in two shades so can be availed by beauties of different complexions
  • does not transfer/rub off/fades on normal to dry skin.stays put for as long as 8hrs
  • very sleek packaging
  • travel friendly
  • mild fragrance- non-lingering and not overpowering
CONS:

  • not so suitable for oily skin
  • must use a moisturizer underneath specially during winter for dry skin
  • sticks to flaky skin if any
  • does not spread easily if applied lightly
  • transfers if used on oily skin
Will I purchase?
Not sure really-I might try it out in beige shade once my BB cream gets over.
Will I recommend?
Yes of course-If you have normal/dry/combination/and mildly oily skin this one will really work great for you and you might even forget about your foundations and compacts!
Anyways this is all for today,stay tuned fot my next updates and till then take care and stay pretty!
Also if you have already used this product do drop in your opinions as comments.I try my level best to answer each and everyone of them and love reading your ideas.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Garnier Fructis 24/7 strengthening Hair Serum

Hey beautifuls!How are you all doing?
My days are so monotonous.Home-college-tuition and back to home.And I am getting pretty addicted to my new found hobby-blogging.I always enjoyed writing and beauty blogging is fun.I can share all that I feel about anything I am using and also get to know what others think about them.I have become a way more conscious and matured fashion shopper than I was a couple of months ago and all credit goes to this new addiction.Anyways,lets get back to the point of my blog-providing mu readers with as clear an impression about products as I can. So today I am back with a review again!
Today's review is about a hair product-A hair serum.As you all might have guessed by now that I am not a great believer of expensive=quality.I always strive for quality within realistic prices and believe it or not there are really great products at very affordable prices out there.The product I am reviewing today is a garnier fructis hair serum-Garnier Fructis 24/7 Strengthening Hair Serum.
I have never been a great fan of Garnier because of  their high chemical concentration but I really wanted to try out a hair serum and this one seem to be the only affordable option.I was actually looking for a tiny bottle at a 'normal' price because in case I hated the product I can easily throw it away without feeling guilty about the wasted money.This cutie bright and transparent green bottle caught my eyes as I was browsing through the cosmetics section of Big Bazaar for a new tube of face wash.The packaging caught my eyes and so did the price and amount-Rs.80 or 90 for 40ml of the serum. Quite reasonable.But I did not instantly buy it but instead researched a bit online.There were very few reviews about the product but all were positive so I plucked my courage and bought it and I was not disappointed!It really is worth the money-both in terms of quantity and quality(if you can ignore the chemical factor).
PACKAGING:
The product comes in two sizes-40ml and 100ml bottle.The 40ml bottle as mentioned earlier costs Rs.40 and the 100ml bottle costs Rs.199.Both a bottles look similar except for the sizes.The shape is sleek and tough bottle green plastic transparent bottle.The front is marked by a transparent label with the name of the product while the backside contains direction of use etc. But their is no mention of ingredient list.the back label at right bottom corner reads-peel over for the ingredient list but I didn't find any.the cap is flip top and green and very secured.But I suffered little spilling the first day I carried it in my bag but after that never again once a liberal amount of the bottle was emptied.So I suppose it is travel friendly once you have used enough of it so that even if it is titled within the bag it won't leak.Shelf life-2years.
MY TAKE ON THE PRODUCT:
The product claims:
  • Smoothens hair to make it silky- Yes.It does this job pretty well.My hair is averagely frizzy and doesn't really get tamed in any manner.The serum do not guarantee that my hair would be plastered flat to my scalp(and I do not want that much taming honestly) but it flattens frizzes comparatively better than I experienced with only a conditioner.Even without conditioning it works equally well.
  • Detangles unmanageable hair- I am not so sure of this.When used along with conditioner(I use silk n shine leave in conditioner) the detangling effect is smoother.But without it I don't really feel much difference.
  • Gives radiant shine- Not radiant but hair do appear comparatively shiny after application but need to be re-touched evry now and then to retain the shiny effect.
It is not greasy which is why I love this serum.Application is usual-just take a coin sized amount-rub in between palms and apply the end 1/3rd of your hair.Since my hair style is layered.I take the pain of rubbing it on individual lock specially the little ones over my forehead which are most inclined to getting frizzy.The product do not make the hands oily.But one must be careful not to rub it in the scalp.The smell do not linger and is light.Some don't like the smell but I don't have a problem-it is the usual chemically yet fruity signature garnier cosmetics smell.Earlier I had used livon "I love my hair" potion and I must confess this one is the better of the two.I don't regularly use it-just in case of parties or occasions and I haven't noticed any damage or reaction from my hair unlike the livon serum which triggered huge hairfall even with occasional use.
The only con I can think about is that it contains silicone extract and silicon is harmful on the long run.
AT A GLANCE:
Pros:
  •  non-sticky/non-oily.
  • easily spreads so a small amount is more than enough for my shoulder lenght hair.
  • 40ml bottle is sufficient(my bottle is just half used yet and its 7months since I bought it)
  • cute bottle
  • travel friendly
  • inexpensive(Rs.80 for 40ml)
  • can be applied on hair as well as wet hair.
  • does not make hair appear weighed down
  • ok-ok smell-does not linger.
Cons:
  • no ingredients list
  • contains silicone extract(found this information online)
  • smell can be offensive to few.
  • bottle leaks if kept upside down when almost full.
  • high chemical concentration.
This is all for today.Do share your experiences with hair serums.Till then good night and keep reading for my new posts!take care...below are the some pictures of the product-
front view

back side


flip-top cap

Monday 11 November 2013

Nail Art Ideas-Gradient nails

Colour used-elle18 69
and street wear-11,barely nude

Colour used-elle 18 69,Street wear no.11 barely nude,Lotus herbal-peach perfect

colour used- w7 white,elle18 69,elle 18 65,lotus herbal peach perfect,colour life 222(scarlet)

street wear romantic pink and elle 18 65

Himalaya herbals protein hair cream

Hi friends!
Today I am back with a review on a product from one of my most trusted brands-Himalaya herbals.I have always been a fan of their face washes but did not try out other products.I am not at all experimental with my skin or hair so I never use anything on them unless I am quite confident of the result.Similarly I did not want to try out a new product anticipating disasters.I was introduced to this product by my sister who in turn came to know of this from her classmate.It worked wonders for my sister and so I tried it out a few times and the results were instantaneous.
This miracle cream ,for me, is called Himalaya herbals Protein Hair Cream.We all are quite familiar to oils for hair but a cream is something quite different.I never really imagined rubbing in cream on my scalp.Lets come to the composition and content of the cream:
"A unique herbal formulation with extra nourishment of natural proteins derived from chickpea and Wheatgerm.Enriched with Eclipta and Amla that promote hair growth." 
That's all that is said about the ingredients on the container.
"Each ml contains: Exts.Amalika(Emblica officinalis)*6mg,Chanaka(Cicer arietinum)*6mg,Gpdhuma(triticum sativum)*4mg,Bhringraja(Eclipta prostrata)*4mg
Ref,: * API #Bhava Prakasha
Inactives:methylparaben IP,Propylparaben IP"
As written below the pot.
The product comes in a flat cylindrical plastic pot white in colour with a screw-cap that is green.Both the cap and the pot has a "himalya" label with the product name so it is easy to locate when kept among similar pots.
It's net weight is 175 ml and costs Rs.100.
himalaya herbals hair protein cream
 The cream is white in colour.It smells like medicine-I really don't have a better description for the smell.I suppose most people will find the smell quite repulsive.The cream is oil-based.Application procedure is quite simple.Just massage it into your scalp with your fingertips.A small amount spread as a thin layer all over the scalp is sufficient.You can apply it at night before going to sleep or half an hour before bathing.


MY TAKE ON THE PRODUCT
I have oily scalp and dry hair.Using this cream is quite an substitute for oil for me.In fact it makes my hair quite oily.I always apply it at night before the day I shampoo-About three nights per week.But if you have normal to dry hair you can use it every day without the hazard of greasy hair.In fact,it works as a good conditioner for my sister who has dry scalp and dry hair that is quite thick.As for the claims it make-it fulfills almost each and everyone of them.I had suffered from daily hairfall but after using this cream a couple of days I had noticed visible reduction of hairfall.I have already finished using a whole pot and felt quite a difference in my hair's health.It has become more strong at the roots,the strands are thicker and it seems to appear more voluminous.But however I am not very sure about hair regrowth.I have heard from other users that it truly stimulates hair regrowth but perhaps that is further slower process.But overal it has changed the quality of my hair for the best.However,I do not like the smell and the worst part is that it is quite strong and lingers as long as I don't shampoo my hair.Another problem is that,it makes my hair greasy which I absolutely hate!But after trying many things this cream has worked wonders for me so I can somehow overlook these cons.And it is dirt cheap compared to its quality.I really can't demand more for 100 bucks!And one pot lasts me nearly 1.5months even if my sister and I share it.Another problem that I personally feel can be changed is the container.The flat pot container is quite unhygienic as we repeatedly have to dab our fingers in it transferring dirt in the whole lot of the cream.But overall it is quite good product.
AT A GLANCE:
PROS:
  • Hair cream and not oil
  • can be applied according to your leisure(but not really so for oily scalp)
  • very cheap-175ml for Rs.100;shelf life-2yrs
  • herbal formulation
  • easily available
  • travel friendly container
  • can be substituted for a conditioner if hair is thick and dry to normal type.
  • small quantity is sufficient
  • fulfills most of the claims succesfully-i.e. adds health,shine,volume,thickens hair strands,reduces hair fall,strengthens roots. 

CONS:

  • smells like medicine-quite repulsive and worst case since it lingers strongly till the nest wash.
  • one has to dab their fingers repetitively in the cream hence quite unhygienic
  • makes the hair quite greasy if you have oily hair/scalp
Will I repurchase?
Yes,I am already at the verge of finishing the 2nd tub.But I am going to try their anti-drandruff cream or oil next for the winters.
Recommendations:
Sure,if you haven't tried it yet give it a try.It is really effective as far as my observation on myself and two other people.

So have you used it yet?hoe did you find it?
Do share your opinions as comments.
Good night and take care..

Thursday 7 November 2013

Colorlife Nail Colour 202

Hey buddies!
Today I am back with another nail polish review from a new and a less popular brand-Colorlife.I stumbled upon this brand at my local gift and cosmetic shop and was attracted mainly by the beautiful bottle and the vibrancy and variety of the shades.There were perfect metallic shades like golden and even a matte white.I so much want to try them all but resisted because my room has become quite a nail polish go-down with different tiny bottles peeping from most unusual corners.I had finally settled on the classic and eternal red nail polish.
I find even high end branded nail lacquers like lakme,maybelline etc. peeling off my nail like dry fevicol and they take ages to completely dry on my nails.Less popular brands simply don't work for me so I was bit in a dilemma before getting this one.Firstly,because I have never before hard of this brand,and couldn't really believe a nail polish of Rs.40 can be of any good.But then I just love this shade and have been looking for a true scarlet for ages.Most of the "classis reds" I have tried so far proved to be actually a borderline shade between carmein(never heard of this shade?check a camlin watercolour/acrylic/oil/ colour set) and scarlet.This include a blue heaven nail polish in red,lakme absolute range fast and fabulous nail enamel in red,and elle 18 60,70 and 34.Though beautiful in their own way they did not satisfy me in terms of what I was looking for.But this color is simply gorgeous and exactly the shade I wanted.Surprisingly I did not find much about this brand online.The few reviews that I came across were mostly negative complaining of poor pigmentation,very runny and bad brush.But I did not find all this completely true on trying it myself.

THE PACKAGING:
The product comes in two quantities-6ml for Rs.30 and 9 ml for Rs.40.I got the 9 ml bottle.The bottle is similar to Lakme true colour nail polishes but the cap is silver in colour and larger compared to the bottle.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS:
The nail polish is quite thin and runny but not so much that it will settle at the corner of the nails.The brush is however not so good.My one has a bristle that pokes out longer than the others.But the pigmentation is superb.A single coat cover the nail completely and a second coat provides a shinier effect like a top coat.The drying time is average,but once completely dry it do not peel off like other nail polishes I have used so far.It dries faster when used together with a good top coat.(I use lotus herbals 901 Transparent.)
THE COLOUR:
It is a true scarlet red.The colour looks like carmein at night but is a perfect scarlet at day.It colour looks at its best and true self under sunlight.A perfect and bold companion as a party colour as well as ofice,this colour simply works with almost any look.But I think it is best suitable as a bridal wear.As mentioned earlier,it is a superbly pigmented colour and works even with a single coat for me but better id a double coat is applied.Given below are some of the snapshots that I took at different times of the day to capture the possible colours.
night time-under tubelight-with flash-without top coat


shade no. 202




midday(cloudy)-by the window side-without flash and with topcoat

A short overview:
PROS:
  • Very cheap
  • gorgeous colour
  • does not peel or cheap off easily once completely dried up
  • formulation not too thick so does not easily dries up in bottle.My bottle was opened about 2.5 months ado and the enamel is still quite thin.
  • less bubble formation.
  • highly pigmented.
CONS:
  • brush not up to the mark.
  • does not dry easily(about half an hour at the least even when used with a top coat and nails kept immersed in cold water)
  • not easily available all the time
  • some of the colours of this brand are accused of poor pigmentation.
Will I repurchase it?
yes but this time I would love to try out some different shades.I have an eye out for their white,a sparkly navy blue and a orangey-golden shade(cannot remember their nos.)

So have you tried out this product?if so how did you find it?Do read and leave your valuable comments and ideas to share.This is all for today.Good night and take care!

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Lush-Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar

Hi friends!
I am back after quite a long break and do hope everyone had a great time throughout the festivities despite the dark scowl of clouds and rain.Piling couldn't dampen the spirit of Durga puja even if it used its full force!
Today my update is going to be about a quite high-end brand's product-Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar.Even a couple of months back I didn't know a syllable about the availability of solid shampoos.I came to know of this particular shampoo in my desperate search for a shampoo that will exactly suit my requirements.

Lets first begin with my hair and scalp type.I have an oily scalp type but my hair specially at the ends is dry and tends to get frizzy.But it is quite oily at the roots.Though now I face minor drandruff during monsoon and winter and if I am not able to wash my hair properly for 4-5days,but earliers in my early teens I suffered from severe problem of oily drandruff.My hair feels greasy to touch and looks like a haystack if I don't shampoo every alternate days or daily(during summer season).I have hair fall problem since very early childhood and had tried(actually my mother tried)every possible means ranging from parlour treatments,aromatherapy,to medical treatments to combat hair fall in vain.for the past couple of years I have been using a homeopathic oil which did wonders for me along with a homeopathic shampoo of the same brand.they both worked quite well for me but I hate the shampoo.Previously I had been using sunsilk pink shampoo and conditioner which worked well for me but nothing extraordinary.At least it imparted a bounce and volume to my hair for at least a day which was lost as I started using this homeo shampoo but my hairfall became almost zero/day(but i think it was the effect of the oil more than the shampoo).So I decided to quit the shampoo and looked for something herbal that exclusively works for oily scalp.I searched through the net and came across this product which almost every site claimed to be the best among the bests for oily hair and scalp.It is quite an expensive product so I was apprehensive about buying it lest it didn't work for me because beside hundreds of positive reviews I had also come across a dozen of negative comments that included symptoms like rash breakout in the forehead and cheeks of the user.But finally I made up my mind to take the risk and voila!It is by far the best shampoo I have used!I just fell in love with it.
 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
It is a small,unevenly round shaped shampoo bar of lavender blue colour.The bar has an approx diameter of 4inch and width about 1cm when I bought it.It does not come in a container and one has to buy a special steel container seperately or can use ther own container.The sales girl at the counter just weighed the bar and it read 58.6g and then wrapped it in a paper with the lush logo printed all over it.The surface of the bar felt quite powdery first time after I bought it,but with 2-3washes the bar even outs and feels slightly velvety to touch.since it doesn't had any packaging there was no ingredient list but you can get it online here.
Method of application:
Just wet your hair well and also the bar slightly.Then lightly swipe the bar along the length of your hair as much required.I swipe it thrice-once on my locks along the sides and once from my forehead to back.It will produce enough dense foam for a sufficient single wash.Another way you can use it is wet your hands and bar,rub your palms lightly on it and rub your hands to work up the lather.Then use this lather to wash your hair.Rinse thoroughly with lots of water.
My take on the product:
The first time I used it,I was quite disappointed as it didn't give a squeaky clean feel and the surface was quite powdery and I was afraid to wet the bar too much because I was worried that it might get wasted just by dissolving unnecessarily.But my second wash felt like heaven.I used the swiping on hand method.I rub my palms twice and the amount I get from that is enough for my shoulder-length hair.The lather created is also quite dense ans a single wash is enough to give me that squeaky clean feelings.No other shampoo I used so long made my hair this clean that to in a single wash.Earlier I used to rinse my hair at least twice with shampoo in a single shower.It claims to clean the hair thoroughly and strip it of any little amount of oil and it does that job excellently.Moreover it reduced my hair fall while shampooing,I don't find a single hair between my fingers while rinsing it.I have some across online reviews of users claiming added volumn but I didn't notice any such difference but now I can go on without shampooing my hair 2-3days at a row which was unimaginable earlier.A very negligible amount is required in every wash so the bar lasts quite long.The brand claims average 60 washes but after 48washes my bar still looks like it will last another 4 months at the least.On the downside,since it stripes the hair of all oils,my hair looks frizzy the day after shampooing if I don't wash my hair.Since my hair is dry unlike my scalp so I have to deep condition it ritually everytime I shampoo.Another problem is that it is too pricey for the quantity.I got it for 600INR and was told by the sales girl that the price will be going up by at least 60INR by the next month.Availability is also a problem in India.It is only available in metropolitan cities and that to at very few places.In Kolkata there is only one Lush store at Elgin Road,Forum mall,ground floor which is miles away from my home and an extremely difficult area to reach.But despite all the drawbacks I love this shampoo as now I can go on without shampooing my hair a couple of days.
top view and my self made container(a empty pot of himalaya's protein hair creame actually)

the side view
A short Summary:
Quantity: 58.6 g
Price: 10$ or 600 INR
PROS:

  • squeaky cleans hair.
  • reduce hairfall
  • removes dandruff
  • reduce oil secretion.
  • the smell is spicy but its not overpowering.
  • negligible amount of shampoo required per wash hence the bar lasts very long.
  • completely herbal.
  • the bar is cute! :P
CONS:

  • extremely pricey compared to Indian brands.
  • in case of oily scalp dry hair,hair have to be deep conditioned.
  • lack of availability in India.
  • contains SLS though in a very negligible amount but its best to avoid using this shampoo if you are too sensitive.
  • melts and become jelly like if left on water.Sticks to the container if not dried before putting it in the container.I usually make it stand upright on a glass dish and dry it out a bit under fan before putting it in the container.I have also made a sponge bed in the container and put the bar on it.even if it melts a bit and get soaked in the sponge,I can still use it by wetting the sponge itself.
  • some user complain of skin irritation though I experienced none.But it does stings the eye much if it enters.
Well,this is all for today.Keep reading for more upcoming articles and this time I promise to be regular with my updates.Take care!

Friday 4 October 2013

DIY Ideas and Durga Puja(2)

Today is Mahalaya-the beginning of the pujas.I know my fellow beauties are busy with their last moment grooming and are almost obsessed about looking the best.But as per the conventional notions of a beautiful body,it remains incomplete without a satin like smoothness and so it is almost a mandatory ritual for us to run to the parlour in the last moment for waxing or sugaring whatever you wish to call it.The result of the rush is a huge conjunction at the last moment at the parlours.Often this results in burns and incomplete work on the part of the beauticians.Believe me,I've had my share in this situations and innumerable burns!
So I had been looking for a substitute that is void the side effects of chemical hair removers and at the same time as effective as parlour treatment.Then I came across the term "body sugaring".It is an ancient technique that was first started being practiced in Egypt and soon made its way into the middle east countries where it is popular even today and is a part of pre-marital rituals for the bride.Compared to waxing though it might appear to be quite similar but there are subtle differences between waxing and sugaring.The major difference is in the technique of both the processes-the direction of application and ripping off,the use of different textiles(or using the hands in case of sugaring) as the ripping material and obviously the pain factor.If performed correctly by an expert the sugaring process is by far less painful compared to waxing.However while preparing the solution I found that sugaring solution is more difficult in making than waxing solution because the whole lot of ingredient gets wasted if the preparation goes wrong.But waxing solution can be corrected to some extent.Underneath is the recipe of the waxing solution I have been using like my life saver for the past few months.I hope you find it useful.Ignoring the hard work and time required it is totally worth it. :)
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2cups sugar(sugar granules,and not powder.According to the cup I used 2cups=250g sugar)
  • 1/4th cup lemon juice(use the same cup that was used to measure the sugar.approx 1 ans 1/2 a lemon)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • A heavy bottomed alluminium saucepan
  • wooden spoon
  • spatula
  • a white china dish
  • microwave gloves
  • kitchen thermometer(if available)

    ingredients
PROCEDURE:
place the saucepan on flame and stir slowly.
2mins after placing on the the flame.
  • After measuring all the ingredients,place them in the saucepan.Light on the gas burner at the lowest possible flame.
  • place the saucepan on the flame and start stirring slowly.Stir till all the sugar gets dissolved.
  • The solution will start boiling and froth will  be formed.In case the froth comes to the brim just stir bit faster while taking the solution off the flame.Once the froth has vanished,place the pan on the flame again.
  • Continue this process for 15mins.After about 10mins from the time of placing the pan on the flame,the solution will start thickening but the colour would still be transperant.After 15mins the  colour would change to very light amber but the solution would still be bit watery.this is going to be the exact solution you need.
    froth forms as the solution boils.colour changes gradually as well.approx-6mins after placing it on the flame
  • let it cool completely or at least to the extent when the heat is bearable and surely won't burn you.You will notice that the more it cools down the more it thickens and become jelly like.pour it in a air tight microwave safe container.This is the perfect solution required actually.you could have achieved the same by boiling some more but that would have been unbearable on the skin and on cooling that solution will become rock hard.
  • Apply talc powder/baking soda on the region to be waxed.with the help of a spatula,take a little of the solution and spread it on the desired part of your body in the direction of hair growth.
  • place a piece if old demin on it.Rub it in the direction of the hair growth for a minute to warm it up and rip it off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
  • Continue the same process till all the required hair is removed.You can do this a couple of times on the same area to remove any residue hair but it is advisable not to do so more than that.
  • It is always helpful if you have someone to do it for you because their are areas that are hard to reach and also the result is more accurate when you can hold the skin taut.
SOME HANDY TIPS:
    the final solution after cooling.this is enough for full hands and a little will still be left over.
  • While preparing the solution,with the help of a spatula,take a small drop of the solution and place it on a white china dish to check the colour.
    gradual colour change as observed on a white dish
  • the trick is to make sure that the sugar do not caramalize.once it breaks down the solution is a total waste.
  • measure the lemon ans water holding the cup parallel to your eye level(remember your chemistry classes na??)
  • if you have a kitchen thermometer,then the solution must precisely measure 250 F.
  • always keep ice cubes and wet towel near your hand in case of any unwanted accidents.
  • do not apply any type of moisturizer at least for 24hrs before waxing.
  • make sure the denim strips are thoroughly cleaned.
  • In case,the solution becomes bit too hard than required,add 1tbsp water and microwave it for 2mins stirring once after 1minute in between.
  • keep the excess in an air tight microwave safe jar and store in fridge.It will last approx 2 months. DO NOT KEEP IN A OPEN CONTAINER.this is because the next time you will try to use it,the solution will be watery and won't stick well because of condensed water droplets.
How did you find this recipe?Do share your experiences after trying it and leave your valuable comments.I am really sorry that I cannot often update for the last few days as I was quite busy myself with the upcoming puja plannings.But I hope to be regular with my updates again.Subha Mahalaya and an advanced happy Durga Puja to all my friends!