We are all always worried about our hair health and blindly follow any tip we find across the board to keep them healthy & strong. Little do we know that these homemade hair care tips are filled with misconceptions and wrong information that can do more harm than benefit if followed without care.
Here are few hair care myths that we need to totally stop believing
#1 FREQUENT HAIR CUTS INCREASE LENGTH
Since our childhood, we keep hearing this old wives tale about how frequent hair cut can help increase the hair length. In reality, many hair experts have busted this myth stating that hair growth totally depends on the health of hair follicles, which is located in the roots in the skin and have nothing to do with the shafts. Regular trimming does help in warding off split ends and unhealthy strands but do not help in faster hair growth.
If long hair is your dream, try this natural homemade hair mask:
EGG & OLIVE OIL HAIR MASK: Eggs have protein that is required for thick & quality hair growth.
Ingredients:
-2 whole eggs
-2 tbsp olive oil
Method:
-Mix both the ingredients
-Massage the head with it and leave it to dry for 30-40 minutes
-Wash it off with cold water followed by a mild shampoo
-Repeat at least once a week
#2 COLD WATER PROMOTES HEALTHY HAIR
Cold water showers are said to be very good for the skin, but nothing has been proved to link them with hair health. Cold water is said to provide stimulatory effects on the scalp, helping in blood circulation but does not affect the luster and shine of the strands. One must keep a balanced diet, along with regular hair oil application and conditioning to make hair shine.
To make your own hair oil, mix 2 tbsp of Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil along with 2 tablespoon of olive oil and few drops of lemon. Massage the mix gently into the scalp and cover the head with warm towel for about 3 minutes. Wash the oil off with a mild shampoo and repeat the process at least twice a week for thick, shiny and problem-free hair.
#3 COLORING DAMAGES HAIR
Another common myth we hear all the time is that coloring damages hair beyond repairs. While coloring hair, it is very important to take care of the brand one is using. Since, local and low-priced brands tend to use contemptible dyes than can harm the hair texture permanently. Very strong dyes that are loaded with chemicals can burn and dry hair, damaging the quality. So opt for well-known brands that promote ammonia free colours. Also hair care post colouring is important and one should always oil their hair frequently and use conditioners that would aid in locking the moisture without damaging the health of the hair.
#4 SOFT TEXTURED HAIR DO NOT NEED CONDITIONING
It is a common myth that those with soft and fine textured hair do not need conditioners. In fact, all kinds of hair should be shampooed and conditioned at regular intervals to maintain hair health. Most of us are wondering how to stop hair fall most of the times, and when proper care, including conditioning is not done, hair strands become weak and start falling off.
#5 DANDRUFF MEANS DRY SCALP:
It is not only the dry scalp but also the oily scalp that can get dandruff. Dandruff is basically a kind of a scalp infection that is caused due to excess of sebum. Infact people with oily scalp are most likely to suffer from the problem of dandruff that those with dry. The accumulation of dirt, excessive use of harmful chemicals and unhygienic scalp are some of the other reasons why dandruff occurs.
To keep dandruff at bay and get rid of the problems of itchy scalp, hair fall and hair breakage, always use mild shampoo, condition the hair properly, wash off any chemical or residue from the scalp, oil your hair regularly, use natural ingredients as often as possible and cover the hair when stepping out to keep the scalp clean and clear of any dirt. Follow our blog to read on how to remove dandruff naturally.
Makeup is expensive and it breaks my heart to save for a lip colour only to realize after purchasing that it doesnt suit me at all. To help all you newbies with adding everyday wearable shades to your collection I am sharing this compilation of 7 stunning lip colours which are amazing shades and you must own atleast one of these.
All these lip colours are my favorites which I keep going back too and they are easily available in India. I will also be sharing mini reviews of these stunning shades which will suit most Indian complexions.
Favourite Orange Lip colour for Indian skin Tones: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Rendezvous
Packaged in retractable chubby lip craon this orange lip colour isnt an absolute must have in your stash but I suggest you try atleast one orange lip colour and let it be this. Orange is a fun shade to own for a nice young summer look and this lip colour from revlon in rendezvous is a glossy bright orange with a smooth texture and moisturizing formula. These balm stains are long lasting and the pigmentation is very build able so you can go for a single swipe if you have never worn an orange lip colour before for a natural coral flush on lips. You can even wear deep dark colours over this crayon for your own custom shade.
Price: 700 INR
Favourite Matte Red lip colour for Indian Skin tones: Lakme Absolute Raving Red Lip Tint Matte
Another chubby lip crayon (I just love them) but this one is matte red colour which brightens up face instantly. The texture is rubbery and it doesnt really glide smoothly on lips but it gives a matte finish without feeling heavy on lips. Initially I found the texture very off putting but I got used to it as lakme got the pricing right for this crayon range. The staying power is also pretty good and I totally recommend this for matte lip colour lovers. Also the shade victorian rose from this lip tint range is super pretty . Try even that if you like matte reds.
Price: 650 INR
Favourite glossy plum for Indian skin tones: L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine Lip Crayon in Pomegranate Punch
If you dont like dark or matte lip colours then this balmy gloss from LOreal is perfect for you. Glam shine lip crayon in Pomegranate punch is a pinkish maroon which is sure to suit all Indian skin tones. The texture is smooth and the formula is very moisturizing almost like a lip balm and the finish is glossy. I hate that this lip colour has shimmer in it but the shimmer doesnt show up much so Iam kind of okay with it. I wear this colour a lot in summer like a pigmented lip balm and it stays for around 3-4 hours on my lips without meals or snacks.
Price: 400 INR
Favourite everyday nude lip colour for Indian skin tones: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Rosy Nude
Rosy nude from revlon colourburst range is a beautiful pinkish brown lip colour which gives a naturally pretty look without washing out Indian skin tones. The texture is buttery smooth and the pigmentation is amazing giving a satin finish in single swipe. I love how moisturizing it is on lips and it lasts a decent 4 hours too but my main problem with this lipstick is the buttery texture which makes the bullet melt in summer. If you are looking for an everyday shade for work or even for home this is a good shade to invest in.
Price: 599
Favourite MLBB lip colour for Indian skin tones: L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick in Maple Mocha
Loreal lipstick in maple mocha is a gorgeous brick brown lip colour which is matte but doesnt dry out lips. This shade is a brightening brown which can easily pass off as a MLBB for most Indian complexions. I love the classy metallic packaging of this lipstik and the pigmentation is also amazing giving a nice satiny matte finish which lasts for 4-5 hours. If there is one thing i dont like about this lipstick , it is the price, 900+ almost MAC level pricing! But since this shade is an everyday wear and you will be using it a lot you can actually go ahead and splurge a bit on this gorgeous brown Price: 990 INR
Favourite pink lip colour for Indian skin tones: Miss Claire soft matte lip cream shade 08
Miss Claire lip creams are affordable dupes of NYX lip creams and they are just the most gorgeous matte lip colours . The shade no 08 from miss claire is a nice peachy pink which will look great on Indian skin tones. The finish is perfect matte and the staying power is also decent but availability is an issue as you can find them easily in stores. But you can ofcourse buy these lip creams online as I have spotted them on ebay and amazon india too. I find these lip creams a wee bit drying on my dry lips so I suggest you use a lip balm underneath before application. Price: 195 INR
Favourite red for Indian skin tones: NYX soft matte lip cream in Amsterdam
I have already included a red in this list but I just couldnt resist putting my all time favourite red lip cream too. This is one of the best lip colours I have ever tried with a soft texture and fabulous pigmentation. The shade Amsterdam is a true bright red which looks gorgeous on Indian skin tones. It can be worn to parties and can even be your bridal red with dramatic eye look. Availability was an issue years back but now NYX is in India and you can easily find this lip colour online on Amazon and nykaa. Price: 600
Do you own any lip colours from this stunning list?
If you know me, you already know about my love for herbal and organic personal care products which have natural ingredients in abundance. I am always looking to try new cruelty free and nature based brands which stay away from harmful chemicals like parabens, silicones and mineral oil. Today I thought I would talk about my favorite natural personal care brand that I’ve actually used and loved. To know more about this brand read on.
Banjara's is an Indian brand which has been around for about 10 years and I first came to know about them when I stumbled onto their Face Wash (Multani + Orange) . I had a pleasant experience with this affordable and refreshing face wash after which I have tried many products from Banjaras and majority of times this brand hasnt failed me.
The brand Banjara's believes that nature’s beauty is everlasting and if you take care of Nature, Nature will take care of you. The ingredients in Banjaras personal care products have goodness of nature, its herbs, fruits and flowers as they aim to deliver beauty without the harsh chemicals to their customers.
Banjaras not only avoids harmful chemicals they also stay away from animal ingredients and they are a cruelty free brand listed on PETA for not testing on animals. This brands love for nature can be clearing seen in their latest TVC embedded in my post below.
Banjara's beauty products are easily available online and offline especially in south India and they cater to the needs of the entire family. I love using Banjaras multani + orange face wash and my sister cant stop the glow on her face after using the Multani + Papaya Banjaras face pack. My mom who loves oiling her hair uses Banjaras samvridhi hair oil. If anyone of you or someone in your family wants to colour the grey strands of hair I would suggest you go the natural route and try brazilian black hair dye from this brand which wont cause damage to your hair in the long run and still give you jet black hair colour.
I havent used all products from the brand banjaras but I sure hope to try more from their range in future as I have read mostly positive reviews about their stuff. The best part about Banjaras is that they have got their pricing right making it affordable for all income ranges. If you are intruiged and want to try their products before buying then you can order free samples from Banjaras website here
Do you also love beauty products with natural ingredients? Have you tried anything from Banjaras yet? Tell me in comments below
Winter isnt easy on skin and lips especially for me as I have dry skin but my dull skin isnt my only problem. My hair also becomes dry and looses its shine becoming frizzy and unmanageable. To rejuvenate and nourish my hair I decided to try hair oil and hair pack from Banjaras Samvridhi range. I will be reviewing the same here
Banjaras Samvridhi Hair Oil Review
Price: 299 INR for 125 ml Buy on Flipkart Here
More details here
Ingredients:
I was very impressed with the ingredient list which has coconut oil, seasame oil and olive oil which is all very good for hair. This oil is free from silicones and mineral oil which is found in abundance in most hair oils these days.
Directions to use Fragrance: The hair oil from Banjaras has a very strong herbal smell which I dont really like but natural and ayurvedic products hardly ever smell good because they are free from chemicals.
Color: This hair oil has a faint green tint to it
Texture: With heavy oils like seasame oil and coconut oil in its ingredient list I expected Banjaras hair oil to be sticky and thick. but I was pleasantly surprised as this hair oil is light with runny consistency and doesn't feel very greasy on my hair. Since it is light it also spreads easily in my hair.
Packaging: Banjaras Samvridhi Hair Oil comes in a transparent cylindrical plastic bottle with a green screw cap.There is also an additional blocker on which you have to pin a hole to remove oil. The product is housed in a green cardboard box with all necessary details printed on it. There is also a small pamphlet of sorts with detailed information about ingredients printed on it. Overall I would say the packaging is nothing fancy but it is definitely simple and travel friendly.
Efficacy:
I oil my hair with Banjaras Samvridhi hair oil two times a week taking the required amount on my palm and massaging it into my hair scalp and ends for about 5 minutes. After massaging my hair I brush my hair lightly for oil to spread evenly and leave it for about 30-60 minutes before having a bath .When I have time on my hand, I leave the hair oil rest longer on my hair for like 6 hours or even overnight as I find it very relaxing helping me destress.
After using Banjaras Hair oil I can say it promotes hair growth and controls hairfall too but the 8 cm in 8 weeks claim is taking it a bit too far. It does make my hair soft, manageable and adds a nice shine to my tresses. Being light this hair oil also gets washed off easily and since it is a mixture of hair oils it doesnt freeze when weather gets cold like coconut oil which makes this hair oil perfect addition to my winter hair care.
Pros of Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil
*Travel friendly packaging
*Herbal formulation
* Light and non greasy
*Nourishes hair and scalp
*Makes hair soft and shiny
*Gets washed easily
Cons of Banjara's Samvridhi Hair Oil
*Strong scent
*A bit pricey
Overall #BanjarasSamvridhiHairOil is a lovely chemical free hair oil with good combination of ayurvedic herbs and oils. If you are looking for a natural light weight, non greasy hair oil to promote hair growth then do give this oil from Banjaras a try.
Banjaras Samvridhi Hair Pack Review
Price: 99 INR for 100g
Banjaras also has a hair pack in their samvridhi range. This ready to use hair pack from Banjaras comes in a flip cap tube packaging which makes it simple and easy to use and travel around with. The product itself is thick grainy dark green-black paste which has a pleasant herbal smell.
I directly take the paste out on my hand and apply it on my hair 15 minutes before bath. this hair packs gets washed easily without much effort and lathers mildly so I dont feel the need to use a separate cleanser for hair. After hair wash my hair has a nice lingering henna scent and I get smooth, manageable hair.
I was afraid to use this hair pack because it has henna in it and I did not want my hair to get any sort of colour. But after using this my hair looked shiny black and there was no sign of colour or frizz on my hair and this effect lasts for about 3 days. Overall the ease of application of this hair pack has me impressed and the results are also fabulous for the price paid.
Recommended to all.
Eyeliner has always been the most tricky part of makeup for me. Most makeup beginners struggle with applying blush and foundations but for me it is a struggle to properly line my eyes with my forever shaky hands. With practice I have perfected the liner art and the Maybelline colossal pen liner has simplified things a lot. So now it is time to experiment with eye liner styles and get creative.
I have already discussed about my makeup rut and how I got out of it . A bright new lip colour is the easiest way to change your look but even a little bit of tweaking with your eyeliner styles can help you get a makeover. Want inspiration? Here I list to you 10 fun eyeliner styles to try
Different and Fun Eyeliner styles and designs
#1 Add a bit of colour pop dual liner style
Make your winged liner more dramatic by adding a pop of colour. The first blue -black look is a bit too bold and daring for me but the second look of gold with black is totally doable and I have already tried it once at home. I just cant wait for a wedding in my family to flaunt it. If you want to try this look then use Maybelline hyper glossy liner in black and maybelline electrics gold liner. They also have a laser green which can help you create the first look. I used Jordana liquid liner and Maybelline gold liner and the result was glossy party makeup look
#2 Chic winged bow eyeliner style
I cant really do a perfect winged eyeliner but this ribbon or bow liner has me obsessed. I am so in love with this chic liner style. If you have a steady hand this one is a must try, do your normal wing liner and then draw a bow at the edge. This cute bow liner look is best for parties and will look great for Christmas.
See detailed tutorial here
#3 Fun confetti eyeliner style
I have met many nail art lovers who have done some super delish arts on nails but art on your upper lash line is also a reality. Confetti liner is the new beauty trend and is the perfect party makeup idea. It looks like glitter sprinkled on your lash line but it actually isnt. Like in nail art you use your coloured liners to dot on your lash line to create a playful confetti effect. Cool na? It is a bit difficult but with practice you actually make a fun look with existing coloured liners.
See tutorial above
#4 Line your eyes with an offbeat color
For a more simple but fun eye look try a very off beat hatke colour to line your eye lids. Greens, blues and browns are pretty common but how about using red or pink eye liner? Inglot has liners in a variety of colours and even maybelline hyper glossy electrics range has some fun colours you can try. Before spending on a liner see if the colour looks good on you by creating you own custom eyeliner with eye shadows. Use a wet liner brush with an eyeshadow and line your lashes.
#5 Egyptian Inspired eyeliner style
If you like playing with black liner then try this bold egyptian inspired liner style. Line your water line and do a normal wing liner and then go about working on your lower lashline to create a slant lower wing. Complete this look with loads of mascara or you can even use fake lashed for a more defined look. You can try liner style for festive looks but go easy on the other make up and help your eyes grab all the attention. A glossy pink or soft brown lips with peach blush best complements this look.
#6 Rainbow eyeliner liner
If you love colours dont stick to just one for your eye liner try the all new rainbow eye liner trend. This is super bright and vibrant so it is best suited for summer . It can look very complicated but if you have a steady hand and a colourful eye shadow pallet this is completely doable.
#7 The triple flick liner
If black is what you prefer when it comes to liners why not experiment just with it? Try more than one flicks. Start off with simple double flicks and then move on to creating more bold triple flics and add some dots here and there for more artistic look
#8 Daring Gothic eyeliner style
This Gothic eye look is strictly for the experimental women. You can use a gel liner with different liner brushes to achieve this look or try a temporary eye liner tattoo set which you can buy here
#9 Black liner with a heart
Can an eyeliner get any cuter? This heart liner will be perfect for a date or for valentines day but ofourse you need lots of liner skills to get it right. You can outline the heart and then fill your wing or use a heart sticker to make things a bit more easier.
#10 Unique graphic eyeliner style
Dramatic and quirky this eyeliner style is not everyones cup of tea. A graphic liner isnt something you can wear everyday but you are allowed to experiment crazy with your makeup so try this super funky look . If this liner style looks very elaborate to you then try just half of it, skip the curves on the upper eyelid also the flicks from the inner corner can also be skipped. Go crazy and create your own grahic liner styles and grab eye balls on instagram
Additional eyeliner application Tips
- Make your liner last all day by setting it with a matching eye shadow. Use a firm eye shadow brush for this
- If you dont have a very steady hand with liners then keep a skin-colored eyeliner pencil handy to fix minor smudges. You can even use a concealer in pen form for this or just dip a Q tip in makeup remover and correct your mistake.
-For the perfect winged liner flick use the edge of a business card or a spoon. You can also use a cellotape for this.
- Always apply eyeliner after application of eye shadow but before your apply mascara. With more funky eye liner styles it is better to skip eye shadows or you can just apply a neutral brown shade.
- Line only half of your lower lashline if you have small eye. This will make them look bigger. You can also use a white liner on your waterline to make them look bigger
- It is good to connect your top and bottom liner at the outer corner but avoid going all the way to your tear duct as it waters easily and can cause smudging.
Post pregnancy and child birth I was always in short of time which limited my makeup experiments to a great extent. To save time and play safe I stuck to a makeup routine carving out a signature look . It was easy and worked great too, putting liner, kajal, a peach blush and MLBB lipstick and BAM ! I looked good but after a point it got boring . It was official I was stuck in a makeup rut.
I am a beauty enthusiast and I love indulging in makeup . Experimenting with looks comes naturally to me and so once I put my mind into breaking free of the beauty rut I actually succeeded and here I bring to you tips to freshen up your look without spending much.
How to get out of a Makeup rut and Keep it fresh this festive season
Make coloured liners your new best friend:
I used to stick to kajal on eyes and black liner occasionally. But a year back I tried my sisters electric blue liquid liner and was shocked by how my eyes popped giving me a complete makeover of sorts. Coloured liners are super hot in trend and possess the ability to brighten up eyes and give them a sexy look. If you want to try new makeup looks try coloured liners as they dont involve any practice in application . If you are not comfortable with bold bright colours then start off safe with browns, dark blue or olive greens which suit most Indian complexions. I recently brought coloured liners from coloressence which are total value for money. They are creamy, stay long and priced right. I recommend you start off with this range.
Invest in makeup pallets:
The easiest way to get yourself to experiment with makeup is to invest in pallets. Lip and eye pallets offer you more options to try, sparking your creative cells in the process making you test a variety of colours helping you create new looks
Experiment with liner styles
If coloured liners really isnt your thing then get creative with your normal basic black liner. Try winged liner, double flicks, cat eye, angled liner, graphic liner and more. A differently applied black liner also has power to transform your look by huge leaps.
Explore new makeup techniques
How do you apply your makeup products? If you use a flat or stippling brush to apply a foundation then try a sponge for a change which give a more dewy finish. If you apply lipstick right from the bullet try using a lip brush for a more painted lips effect. This little change in technique will make a lot of difference on your overall look.
Look for inspiration and try new looks
You should be open to trying new ideas and looks to really break out of a makeup rut. You may stick to certain styles and colours because it suits your face type and complexion but when at home experiment a bit and you never know maybe something totally crazy can actually work for you. I thought the idea of an orange lip colour ridiculous but when I tested it out at a beauty store I HAD to get it. It looked fun and fresh. Also look for inspiration to create new looks, like from bollywood divas . I always use Cannes red carpet looks of Sonam and Aishwarya as inspiration with dramatic new looks.
Mix up lip colours:
This trick has been a game changer for me off late. I had so many lip colours in my collection but reached out only for 2-3 colours which I thought was just perfect shades for me. Most of my makeup products are purchased online and when I received them I wish they were a shade lighter or darker and then they got stashed away to be used very rarely. Last week I tried this super mix of two lip colours and it worked like charm giving me a MLBB shade of my dreams.
I had purchased Loreal moist matte lipstick in Maple Mocha but it was a bit too deep and looked mature on me. I applied a coat of Revlon just bitten balm rendezvous on my lips and topped it with Maple mocha for a beautiful hue of brown. Now I cant stop wearing these two lip colours together. You can try something like this , try blending in two lip colours with a lip brush on your lips or just apply coats of two or three different lipsticks to create your own unique shade
Use lipsticks like a cream blush
I have just two cream blushes in my vanity and when I wanted to apply a peachy brown blush and ended up using my creamy lipstick as a cream blush. For dry skin cream blushes are best especially in summer to last all day and you can use your lipsticks to make your own cream blushes. For detailed information on doing this see this video
Try new finishes
I was stuck in a 'love everything matte' phase and hates everything glossy especially on lips. Infact the number of lip glosses in my collection is super low but it is important to change the finishes for breaking out of a makeup rut. I started topping up my matte lipsticks with a clear gloss for a glossy sheen and it dramatically changed and brightened up my look. After this successful experiment I also went on tried new finishes in eye liners and blushes. Glossy black liner, shimmery blushes, metallic liners all help you change things up a bit easily.
Have fun and experiment crazy:
You really need to enjoy playing with beauty products . Have fun and experiment your heart out with your existing makeup. I went on to try ombre lips with my existing red and pink lipsticks and the result was pretty amazing. Next I tried two different green liners on my eyes for a dramatic hue and double line effect. I even used Maybelline hyper glossy gold liner like a creamy eyeshadow and it stayed all day long without creasing. When trying such bizarre experiments try sticking to one colour family and also keeping rest of your makeup and accessories simple.
You can even scout the internet or beauty magazines for latest beauty trends and try new makeup techniques like strobing, clown contouring, sandbagging etc. If you still dont use highlighters and bronzers, then start right away as they can change the look and give you a sculpted face.
More tips to break out of the makeup rut
- The most important part of getting out of a rut is to prepare yourself mentally. Decide and plan your new makeup routine in advance and prepare yourself to move out of your comfort zone.
- Dont go around altering evrything in your beauty routine . Over experimenting will most probably land you in a hot patchy mess. Change one thing at a time and gradually get out of your regular routine.
- Inspire yourself to try new looks and get creative with colour play. For inspiration you can turn to you favourite celebrities, pinterest or even stuff around you. Like try a peacock inspired eye make up look or your ombre anarkali inspired lips.
- For changing thing you dont necessarily have to try new things , you can even try skipping some things from your normal routine. I skipped kohl and it turned out different and by the end of the day I dint even have panda kind of eyes. This proved to be game changer as I relaized kajal isnt really an essential and I can make do without it. You can also go about skipping eye brow filling, lip pencil or mascara.
- Experimenting with new formulas and textures is also a nice idea to change things up while still playing safe. If you want to wear simple black liner try it in a gel form instead or liquid. Even for blushes and shadows try cream versions in the same clour you like.
- Dont ignore your nails . Go all out and experiment with new shades and finishes. Induge in nail art stickers, glitter paints and metallics.
Your current routine beauty look maybe amazing but that doesn't mean you shouldn't experiment in fresh ideas. Try these simple tricks and break out of your shell . Dig out of that makeup rut just like I did. Go now!
I restricted myself from shopping for the past couple of months because I wanted to save while I shop. Diwali is the season when there are discounts and deals galore and shopping gets more fun. Flipkart and amazon had grand Diwali sales early in october and I splurged crazy.
Flipkart has disappointed with its service and discounts this year but in its 2016 edition of Big Billion days sale they had fabulous offers and the best offers were actually on beauty and personal care products making me dizzy with happiness and my Bank balance slimmer by the moment.
This is not my complete haul.. I actually shopped for more beauty products but the products arrived in batches so I couldnt photograph them together.
Here is a peek into my haul
VLCC loveable lips Orange:
VLCC products never work for me. This lip balm is an epic fail. The packaging is the only good thing about it. The texture is waxy and they arent very hydrating . The bigger problem is the peachy tint they leave on my lips which washes me out making me look pale and accentuating fine lines on my flaky lips. To make matters worse I brought 2 of these * Head bang* Price: 99 INR
Maybelline Baby Lips electro pop Berry Bomb:
Baby lips have nice fun and vibrant packaging and the Berry bomb variant has purple with black combination. I love this lip balm as it has pleasant fruity smell and is very hydrating on my lips. It heals my dry lips and can be used even in winter for moisturized soft lips. There is a light berry tint on lips when this lip balm is applied but it will not show much on pigmented lips. Overall this has become my top favourite lip balm at present and I cant stop applying it. A must buy , this one Price: 165 INR for 3.5gm
Garnier white complete multi action fairness cream (Night):
I love the Garnier white complete day cream , so I decided to give the night cream from this range a try. I love the lemony fragrance of this garnier cream and it hydrates my dry skin nicely and I wake up to soft supple skin in the morning. I have been using this cream for 3 weeks now and there are also visible dark spot reduction which is probably because presence of lemon which has natural bleaching properties. All in all it is a nice budget friendly night cream for women in their early 20's but women in late twenties and thirtie should look for a more moisturizing and nourishing night cream. Price : 105 INR for 18g
Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation:
This is the best budget foundation in Indian market and I have this 3 years back also but later switched to more expensive foundations for more coverage. These days my skin tone has changed and I dont require much coverage so I decided to give a shade from the invisible finish range a try. This foundation blends easily and has yellow undertones which suits Indian skin tones and gives a natural finish. The staying power is pretty average but for the price I totally love this foundation. This is a good range for beginners to start experimenting with foundations. Price: 225 INR for 25ml
Maybelline Colorshow blush in peach sweetie
I love blushes and Maybelline cheeky glow was my go to everyday wear blush which I broke a couple of months back. I wanted to repurchase cheeky glow but spotted this new colorshow range and brought it instead. The colorshow blush packaging is similar to cheeky glow but this comes in a black pan. The shade peach sweetie is a beautiful pink with coral hints and micro shimmer which will suit most Indian skin tones giving a natural finish in 2-3 swipes. The staying power is also good staying on my cheeks for about 4 hours and the pigmentation is also nice. Overall this blush is similar to cheeky glow and is a value for money product. Price: INR 299 for 7 g
Lotus Herbals colorstylo chubby lip color French Rose:
I love Chubby lip crayons and wanted to add more to my stash . This Chubby lip colour from Lotus Herbals is creamy and nicely pigmented. The shade french rose is a bright red with pink undertones and gives a very glossy finish. I like the shade but hate that this lipcolor transfers so much. It stays for 3-4 hours and cannot survive meals. This is a good pocket friendly lip crayon range for women who like lip colours with a glossy finish. Price: 495 INR for 3.7g
Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate:
I love my kajals but I wasnt wearing them much becuas ethey intesified my dark circles after smudging so I wanted a Kohl which doesnt smudge much. my colossal and eyeconic gave me panda eye eventually after about 5 hours so I decided i needed to splurge if I wanted quality. This kohl is worth the price and the intensity of the colour really surprised me. This kohl stays longer than other kajals on my waterline and smudges less too . If you really love kajals you should definitely splurge on this and if you have dark circles this is a must have. Try it, expensive but worth it.
Price 725
Lakme Rose Powder:
I am pampering my skin a lot these days and so I have flawless well behaved skin which is helping mego foundation free. But I need to apply powder on my T zone and also under my eyes to keep kajal from smudging . I usually use compact powder but now I wanted to use a loose powder and this works nicely. The powder glides smoothly on skin, the quantity is huge and the price is pocket friendly. This is a good option for oily skinned beauties to keep oil in control and it also provide light coverage for everyday use.
Price: 150 INR for 40g
VLCC Skin Defense Rose Face Scrub
Another disappointment from VLCC. This face scrub has an extremely pleasant rose smell which I love but the exfoliating particles in this scrub are too mild and dont scrub at all. I actually wanted a scrub to exfoliate dry skin for winter but this is definitely not going to help me do that. This face scrub has gel like texture which doesnt even lather much for me to use it like a face wash on an everyday basis. In short I regret buying this !
Price: Rs.150/- for 80 g
Ponds Deep Cleansing Facial Foam with Activated Carbon
I have heard a lot about activated carbon deep cleansing and wanted to try this face wash which has activated carbon in it. There is a nice fresh smell and the face wash leaves my face squeaky clean even removing my everyday makeup but it leaves my dry skin drier and i need to apply a moisturizer immediately. This facewash lathers well and I need just a small amount of it but I dont use it as an everyday cleanser because it is drying. i feel this is a good face wash for oily skinned beauties or when you are back from a long trip and want to clean all the grime and dirt away . Definitely worth the price and one of the best face washes form Ponds
Price: 192 INR for 100g
For detailed reviews keep an eye on blingsparkle blog.
What do you think about My beauty haul? Did you also shop from Flipkart during big billion day sale? Tell me in comments below.
The holy month of Ramadan has begun. Fasting during the month of Ramadan coupled with summer heat can be very harsh on your skin making it dull, dry and damaged. Less intake of water and dietary changes impact skin but a little care and pampering is all you need to maintain the radiance of your skin even during Ramzan.
Follow these simple tips and watch your skin glow in the month of abundant blessings
#1 Increase your fluid intake between dusk and dawn when you are allowed to eat. You should drink not less than 6 glasses of water. Water helps skin stay hydrated thereby retaining its glow. Try drinking 2 glasses an hour or eat your water by having water rich fresh fruits like watermelon.
#2 Avoid consumption of carbonated drink, caffiene or canned juices. These are unhealthy and also absorb minerals and fluids from body causing dryness. Opt for fresh juices and plain water instead.
Moisturize your lips to prevent them from getting dry and chapped. Use a good lip balm like baby lips of EOS balm.
#3 Let your skin breathe by avoiding makeup. Cosmetic have abundance of chemicals which isnt good for your skin especially when you are fasting because they make skin produce oil which causes dehydration. Just stick to kohl and lip balm during the holy month .
#4 Indulge your body in yogurt. It is not only good for digestion and quenching thirst, it also is amazing for your skin . Yogurt is rich in proteins helping you stay nourishes and ful for longer time.
#5 Since fasting can lead to dryness of skin it becomes compulsory to apply moisturizer especially if you have dry skin. Before hitting the bed pamper your skin with a nourishing night cream which will keep your skin hydrated all day.
#6 Skipping sehri is the worst thing to do. You maybe super sleepy or still feel full at 4 AM but you definitely need to get up and have something and never avoid sehri. A glass of juice, some rice and yogurt will keep you energized and your skin nourished.
#7 Eating to hydrate your skin isnt an option while fasting but you can still pamper your skin with face packs. Apply a mix of milk , lemon and honey on face or just stick to simple plain yogurt as a facial mask.
#8 In Ramadan even your sleep patterns change as you have to read taraweeh and get up for sehri. Make sure you get adequate sleep as not getting enough sleep can make your skin look dull and tired
#9 Sun Causes maximum damage to skin so make sure to stay sun protected. Avoid going out in the sun as much as possible and when you do have to go out use a sunscreen and carry umbrella and sunglasses.
#10 Your under eye area shows signs of skin dullness first so take extra care of area around your eyes. Use an eye cream or sleep with slices of cucumber and potato on your eyes. Also getting good sleep is important.
Follow these tips and you will have amazing skin on eid .
Having just delivered a baby girl means I have a lot of baby products scattered around my home and these days I am trying new hacks and using my babies stuff in my beauty routine.
Using baby shampoo for cleaning my makeup brushes and baby oil as makeup remover is something common for me but here I will tell you some genius ways to use baby products.
Why use baby products?
They are formulated keeping the gentle baby skin in mind and so it is safe to use by people of all ages. Baby products dont have harsh chemicals so it can be used by beauties of all skin types, even sensitive skin
1. Clean your make up brushes with Baby Shampoo:
Makeup brushes need to be cleaned from time to time to get rid of product build up and bacteria. These brushes need to be given special care while cleansing or you end up damaging them. Use a mild baby shampoo to properly clean your expensive makeup brushes , clean them like you clean your hair and then pat then gently and dry on a newspaper or a towel. Say hi to softer and cleaner brushes without having to invest on expensive brush cleansers
2. Shampoo your hair with baby shampoo
It is quiet difficult to find a SLS free shampoo in India and if you are looking for one the best option for you is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Baby shampoos dont have harsh cleansing agents and are very mild making it ideal for use if you are having a head bath daily. It is best to use baby shampoo in summers when you will have a bath daily which will keep you fresh without stripping your scalp of natural oils.
3. Baby powder as dry shampoo
Dry shampoos are very popular these days. A dry shampoo basically absorbs oil from your hair and makes it non greasy without you having to get under the shower. When you are in a hurry and having a shower isnt an option sprinkle baby powder on your hair and comb nicely so it reaches your roots and all oil is absorbed. Comb a bit more so the baby powder completely vanishes off from your hair and TADA .. cheapest dry shampoo! Pro Tip: Use Baby powder with cornstarch not talc for best results.
4. Baby oil as makeup remover:
These days I am using a deep pore cleanser from lakme which easily removes makeup but earlier I used baby oil to remove makeup. On a cotton ball put some baby oil and wipe your water proof makeup away. Even these days i use baby oil to remove makeup when Iam wearing water proof mascara. This is inexpensive and gentle way to get rid of makeup as many makeup removers I have used are drying and harsh. If you are a beginner or want something gentle to remove eye makeup try baby oil.
5. Healing cracked feet with baby oil:
In winters I massage baby oil on my feet to get rid of dryness and keep cracked heels at bay. You can follow this routine by wearing socks to bed for added impact but I dont do this because winters in Bangalore are rarely that cold. If you have rashes on feet because of tight footwear or wearing heels for long time also you can do a baby oil massage for healing.
6. Long lasting lipstick with Baby powder:
I hate lipsticks which transfer and I use this trick to make the gorgeous red rose shade from lotus herbals transfer proof and long lasting. Just swipe lipstick the normal way and put a thin tissue paper on and dust some baby powder with a blush brush on the tissue paper. Apply another coat of lipstick and follow the same tissue trick and your lip colour should budge all day. This also makes your lip colour look more matte bring down the shine.
Do you use any baby product in your beauty routine? share with me in comments below.
Everyone dreams of fabulous radiant skin which is a dream these days because our skin is subjected to so much damage from sunlight , pollution and ageing . This doesn't mean you cant achieve healthy glowing skin. With some simple skin care routines you can achieve flawless perfection and bid bye to pimples , tan and black heads .
Drink plenty of water : If you want your skin to look healthy you need to hydrate it from within.Drinking 8- 10 glasses of water does loads of good for your skin
Cleanse Tone Moisturize: The CTM routine is stressed by all skin care experts and it is important to follow it if you are serious about having radiant skin. Cleansing twice a day with a mild cleanser is important. Do not use a soap or over cleanse your face which may lead to loss of moisture. Use products suitable for your skin type or something natural like Vicco turmeric cream with a foam base. Most people dont cleanse in the evening and just use a wet wipe to remove make up which is a big no.
After cleansing toning is important because cleaning disturbs the pH balance of skin and toner restores this quickly. Toner is also known to close or shrink pores in your skin and this is a reason why people with oily skin should not avoid this step . I dont take toning seriously as i have dry skin and i dont feel the need to tone my skin everyday . Most brands have toners but i suggest you use pure rose water as a toner .
Moisturizing is the most essential part of your skin care to restore lost moisture to your skin.Even if you have oily skin this step shouldn't be skipped and you should moisturize at least once a day or you can just use a moisturizing face wash. People with dry skin should opt for an intense moisturizing cream.
Exfoliate : Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin but you should never over do this. Once a week is fine. For a natural exfoliater mix baking soda in water .
Use Sunscreen: Sun rays cause a lot of damage to your skin and it is absolutely essential to use sunscreen when you step out. Most people skin sunscreen in winters which is a big no as even the light winter sun can damage skin. Choose a good sunscreen with an SPF of around 30 to keep your skin protected. You can also skip this step byu opting for a moisturizer with a SPF . Make sure you reapply sunscreen every 3 hours. It is best to use a powder compact with SPF which makes reapplication easy. I use Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Two Way Cake Powder to do this .
Remove Makeup before sleep: This is one mistake which can cost your skin dearly. Never ever sleep with make up on and by removing makeup i dont mean wiping it off with wet wipes. You should thoroughly remove every trace of make up from the mascara to the blush with an oil based make up remover. I use babuy oil as a make up remover and it removes even the toughest of my make up . After removing make up ypu may need to wash your face and indulge your skin in intense repair therapy with a moisturizer or a night cream.
Aniti ageing routine : No one can stop ageing but you can definitely delay it . Ageing of skin means your skin begins to sag and looses its smooth and softness. Reversing skin ageing is impossible so i recommend you take ageing seriously and start early . 25 should be the right time to start with anti ageing routine but with proper sunscreen and moisturization you can skip anti ageing routine till 30 -35 .
Price: $2.29 (about 150 INR for 4.5ml) (+ international shipping ) Shade Reviewed : Endless Black
This semi-permanent liner from jordana was part of my beauty Joint haul from amazon.com. The liner is Jet black and comes in a cute black bottle. This has become my HG liner these days all thanks to its highly water Proof formula.
The liner is of great consistency no too runny or too thick, just perfect for a liner and it dries fast after application which is great. It is highly pigmented and one stroke is enough for a jet black line which dries to a shiny finish.
The semi-permanent tag is kind of untrue because this liner will just not smudge or budge until you use a make up remover to remove it.I tried rubbing the swatch off even with water and it dint just go. You definitely need an oil based makeup remover if you are using this. The liners quality is on par with high end brands and for its price this is a great buy.
The only bad thing about this product is that it isnt easily available in India. You will have to order it from international websites and pay heavy shipping.
The brush of the liner is very thin making it ideal for drawing thin lines whereas drawing thick lines can be bit of an issue. This liner is ideal for beginners who struggle with drawing precise lines. People who love matte finish liners will not like this dries to pearly shiny finish which I really love.
Yays:
Stays put for about 8 hours easily
Gives Jet Black Glossy Finish
Super waterproof
Very Affordable
Thin applicator brush making it easy for drawing thin lines
Nice travel friendly packaging
Nays:
Availability is an issue
Requires oil based make up remover to remove off
Rating: ****/5 ( Minus one for availability)
Verdict: This is a fabulous liner, if you get hands on one just grab it. It really is a great buy, trust me. Ive already recommended this to all my friends offline.
Stay beautiful -Kamar Jahan Connect with me : Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | For Queries mail me : Kamar.jahan01 [at] gmail [dot] com
I have had dry flaky skin all my life, dark circles and chapped lips are the
only skin problems ive had to worry for . But in my late teens i had a worst
break out of sorts .
It was around my seventeenth birthday when i woke up and pulled the curtains
away taking the warmth of new sun , welcoming a fresh new day i entered the
bathroom picked up my toothbrush to start brushing as i carelessly peeked into
the mirror all hell broke loose as a bunch of unwelcome guests (Inflamed
whiteheads ) on my forehead stared back smirking and wishing me a bad morning.
It was a nightmare , i pinched myself to confirm this wasnt real, that i was
still sleeping and dreaming a bad dream , but no these pimples were for real and
from my sisters expeditions with oily acne plus pimple prone skin i new these
stubborn little white heads were here to stay . Thus began my mission Pimple
Bhagao before birthday.
Problem: 4 little pinkish white bulges on forehead threaten to ruin flawless
clear skin and may soon conquer pretty dimpled cheeks too . Please send in an
army to fight these uninvited guests as soon as possible.
Threats posed:
Increased cosmetic spending: Already i spend like a majority of my money on
make up and pimples mean more spending on make up like concealers and pimple
care creams
Photographs may come out looking ugly meaning more time will have to be
spent photo shopping them
selfies may be ruined and even instagram filters may not be able to hide
them
Boyfriend may dump me. Oh no who will pay my bills?
The Army:
-Honey : Known to have antibiotic properties helps in killing bacteria and
curing pimples. Apply honey , wait for and hour wash off.
-Toothpaste : Yes a toothpaste which isnt gel based can help with pimples.
Apply the white toothpaste on pimples and leave overnight for best results.
-Baking Soda: make a paste with lemon juice + baking soda+ water and apply on
pimple and wash off after 5 minutes. Ouch this paste stings but flawless skin ke
liye kuch bhi karegi ye ladki!
-Garlic: Uh what? yes rub garlic on pimple. eeks, burns , stings, stinks.
Iam not going to do that ever again.
-Argan oil : works like magic they but where should i buy that from?
- Eat right: A healthy diet, excess of water and regular exercises. Umm okay
iam a foodie but i will try my best to avoid sugars and oils
- Stay Stress Free : How the hell am i supposed to relax when those white
heads are giving me nightmare in daylight ?
I realized pimples are caused due to bacterial growth, stress or hormonal
changes and fighting them requires patience and internal and external lifestyle
changes. Garnier Pure Active Neem facewash has helped me a lot in my mission to
flawless pimple free skin.
Munere veritus fierent cu sed, congue altera mea te, ex clita eripuit evertitur duo. Legendos tractatos honestatis ad mel. Legendos tractatos honestatis ad mel.
, click here →
