Sunday, June 28, 2015

Maybelline New York India's new Baby Lips Spiced Up range - Review & Swatch

Maybelline New York India has added new variants to its popular Baby Lips range - The Spiced up range. Baby Lips has been loved by all girls the world over.  

I love tinted lip balms. There are days when I love to go without makeup. Blame it on my laziness or just my mood, no make up days are quite a regular for me ! :P




As you might be knowing, I have dry lips and look chapped almost all throughout the year ! :( Lip balms then are life savers.They not only cover up dry lips and moisturize them, they give a lovely tint.Imagine a lip balm giving you the flavor and color of a berry and cinnamon ;)

The Baby Lips Spiced Up range has done just that ! It has been introduced in three variants; Berry Sherbet, Tropical Punch and Spicy Cinnamon.The new colours are suited for the Indian skin tone.





Lets take a look at the highlights of the range:

1. The brand claims that it lasts for about 12 hours
2. Deeper shades to suit Indian skin tone and Stronger flavours
3. SPF 20 to provide protection 



Spicy Cinnamon - Brownish shade
Tropical Punch - Plum shade

My take on the product:

I have been a huge fan of Maybelline's Baby Lips range. Not only do they provide intense moisturization to the lips, they also give a nice tint to the lips. the new colours are deeper shades and is a welcome change from the usual peaches and pinks that lip balms of other brands offer.



Thought the brand claims, 12 hours moisturization, it lasts upto 6-7 hours for my dry lips which is not bad for a product priced at Rs.175. Therefore, it is quite easy on the pocket !

Overall, Good product to have in your handbag all day :) 

Here is a look I created using Spicy Cinnamon one:




You can look at their Instagram page :  www.instagram.com/maybellineindia 
and their blog: www.instaglam.in 

#SwipetoSpice :)

Thursday, June 25, 2015

FAME's tribute to the lovely father- daughter bond

Though Father's day come once in a year, the beautiful father daughter relationship is timeless and precious. Every daughter knows she will be this man's princess forever.

However, there is a section of the society that considers a girl child as a burden on the family. With almost no investment in her education, the sole purpose of the family is to get her married off. Sadly then, they do not take any responsibility for their own daughter.

I am blessed to be born into a family who respects and loves a girl child perhaps much more than a boy child.Sadly enough, not all daughters are so lucky. They are ill treated and are reminded of how perhaps marriage will be the only achievement in their lives.

Fathers play a very important role in a daughter's life and defines how she views the men in her life. Apart from teaching her valuable life lessons, he teaches her to stand up against the wrong. 

On the occasion of Father's Day, FAME came up with such a powerful campaign. It tells us that the best gift any dad can give to his young daughter is the assurance of security both before and after marriage. With a simple message that he will always be there for her forever, the dad calms down a scared daughter on the eve of her marriage and lights up her face.



Take a look at the campaign. :)

Beautifully portrayed by Aditi Rao Hydari and Dilip Tahil, it brought a smile to my face in the midst of a busy day ! :)

How powerful and how sweet is that !!



Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Work Wear series: Add the glamour quotient to your regular office outfit (OOTD) with Limeroad.com


I am sure all girls face this problem of picking out the best outfit for the day. It sure is the case with me and it takes up a lot of valuable morning time for me.

Looking your best at work with simple tops and demins/trousers is a challenging task.

I often take a lot of time choosing the best work wear especially on days when I have meetings scheduled. Looking my best definitely ups the confidence factor and makes me feel good about myself. 

However, it is important to be comfortable in whatever you are wearing. Following the latest fashion fads do not always help when it comes to work wear where you have a whole day to go, people to meet, things to deliver and so much pressure to handle. 

Your work wear must be simple yet stylish. I would recommend that you experiment around your usual tops and trousers and add an element of style with the right accessories. Invest in a good neckpiece, which instantly adds to the glamour quotient of any outfit. Scarves and bracelets also adds to the outfit.

The idea is to mix and match. and, Go easy !! If you are wearing a statement neckpiece, ignore the danglers for the day. If you are wearing a blingly top, go for a simple pendant. 

I have worked on a simple work wear look here, with Limeroad.com.


 Combo
Styling your work wear



You will also get more details on the fabric, prices, sizes etc.

#StyleitRight #Workwear #OOTD

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Styling my dad for Father's Day - #DandyDad

Fathers are special to every girl. The first man in her life sets very high examples for her. He becomes her idol..her hero whom she adores all her life.

I have special memories when my dad went out of his way to buy me the best dresses available in the market. The latest fashion launches, the best designs and comfortable fabrics..he ensured that I get it all :) 

So, when Jabong gave me this wonderful opportunity to pick up the best outfits which I would love my dad to wear, I simply couldn't resist :P They asked us to pick up the best outfits from their site to style our fathers :) #Dandydad 


I love styling my dad. Both mom and me have a strong opinion of what my dad wears, and he very sweetly gives in to our choices. I hope he likes the outfits I pick up for this post too !



I have worked on 3 looks for my dad for different occasions - ethnic wear, formal wear and casual wear.

Ethnic wear: When it comes to ethnic wear, what better than a classic white printed kurta. It is an absolute favorite of my dad too ! Ethnic jackets are making quite a splash in the fashion scenes these days. I would love to see him sport one as well. I picked up a dark maroon jacket in to add a zing of colour to his otherwise boring white kurta. The fabric is cotton which will keep him comfortable and stylish. The maroon jacket will complement his complexion and make him look younger ;)





To get this look for your father as well, click on the links : http://www.jabong.com/akkriti-by-pantaloons-Printed-White-Kurta-1440816.html?pos=27
http://www.jabong.com/mr-button-Solid-Maroon-Ethnic-Jacket-1083137.html?pos=24



Formal wear: All men look super handsome in a black formal blazer and I know from experience that he will rock it ! Though he has a brown blazer, having one in black is a must. He can pair it up with any formal shirt - my favorite colour from him would be light pink or light blue and he will be ready for any dinner party !



Click on this link to get this look for your dad: http://www.jabong.com/S.Oliver-Black-Blazer-792199.html?source=pdp_product-prud_3-SO557MA00BXFINDFAS


Casual Wear: I love seeing him in casual wear. He looks relaxed, comfortable and years younger :P
 He can give tough competition to any of my guy friends when he is in shorts and tees ! The thought of seeing him in shorts makes me want to go a beach vacation ;)
I picked up some casual wear for him. 



I picked up this Adidas Navy Blue shorts for him along with a white & blue Levi's Polo T shirt.



To style your dad my way, click on the links: http://www.jabong.com/Adidas-Navy-Blue-Shorts-1125209.html?pos=27

http://www.jabong.com/Levis-White-Polo-T-Shirt-1235517.html?pos=35


Here's wishing all the wonderful fathers out there a very Happy Father's Day ! Continue being our guardian angels all throughout our lives :)



Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Go Natural: #ComeCloser to Radiant skin

We all have tips and tricks regarding skin care and beauty that have been passed on to us by our mothers and grandmothers. And trust me, they are the best advice for your skin and health in general.

Natural, no side effects and cheaper than salon treatments, what else can you ask for ? Yes, its no magic and takes time to show its effects. It might be a little time consuming too. But if you compare the pros and cons, the advantages definitely win.

I am sure all of us have heard stories of how the queens of yesteryears indulging in such natural beauty tricks like taking a bath in milk and rose water and using incest sticks to smell nice. Well there are many such tricks and offcourse, we all know the results - Radiant, glowing skin.

Here are a few natural tips that I try to follow:



Pic Courtesy: in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

1. Use a mix of turmeric and besan for a beautiful skin: This mix is a wonder product for soft, glowing and fresh skin. It has been something which my mom has always insisted that I follow. However, because of my tight schedule, I have been a little lazy to follow it. But whenever, I have followed it for a month or so in between , the results have been wonderful ! Turmeric has terrific skin lightening properties apart from being a natural antiseptic. Besan(gramflour) works very well for oily skin. The combo helps fight pimples and absorbs excess oil while giving you an overall healthy skin. If you have dry skin like me, you add a teaspoon of yoghurt or milk to the mixture. It adds the necessary moisture to the mixture and so you are sorted ! And the best part, you just have to put the mask on for 10-15 mins, which is not a difficult task.


Vicco, a well known name in the ayurvedic skin care range, has come up with Vicco Turmeric Cream with Foam base, which brings the power of turmeric in an easily accessible tube form for you. :)




2. Another very simple trick is to drink lots and lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. This gives you a glowing and well moisturized skin.

3. Orange skin helps you to exfoliate your skin well. Grind the orange peel and mix it with besan (gramn flour) to rub in a circular motion like you do with any scrub. Not only do you best results for your skin with no side effects at all, it fills you room with a superb fragrance that can beat any artificial room freshener :)

4. Now this tip is something which I hate to follow as a not a veggie fan but it gives you superb results for your skin ! Make fruits and vegetables your best friends. Raw or steamed, be creative and try out the recipe that works best for you. But remember, nmo frying. 

5. Always remember to remove all traces of make up before you sleep. Clean skin is a key to healthy skin. I love the smell of rose water on my skin before I sleep. It helps me relax and sleep well :) 

Do try these out and share your secret :) 



Monday, June 15, 2015

Energize your life with #MaxFreshMove

" Music is the strongest form of magic" , said a famous American theater artist. Truly, music spells magic for all of us ! Be it a hard day at work or a beautiful date, music adds that special touch to every situation. From soft romantic numbers to soulful Sufi numbers to classical numbers, music is food for the soul.I am sure music has been a savior for all of us during several occasions.Fusion music has emerged as another powerful form of music in the recent days. It combines the strengths of two different forms and presents the best for us. 

Music and dance is a very strong form of expression. How many times have we moved to the tunes the beats of any music without even being aware that our bodies are swaying to it. I am sure you all must have gone through it.

With dance being one of my most favorite forms of beating stress, I often sway along with the music no matter where I am or who is watching :P . I still remember days when along with my friends, we used to put music in high volume and dance to celebrate every little occasion, be it the end of our terminal exams or our success in any particular exam. I guess the habit has remained with me till now. Though the expression is a little subdued depending on the location I am in, but it still remains.

Being in one of the high pressure jobs, it becomes almost impossible to keep stress away from my life. The pressure of meeting client expectations and deadlines takes up most of your energy yet you have to be pumped up to meet new challenges. How does one cope ?

Well, I resort to my childhood formula - the combo of dance and music. 

There are times when I tune into music while travelling and unknowingly start moving to the tune :P
The fusion of dance and music always works for me. It helps me de-stress and freshens up my clogged mind every time. So I make it a point to tune in to some great soulful yet pumping music before and after every stressful event or meeting so that I can sway a little to it in my own way while still at my desk or while in the cab.The energy that is provides me is unbeatable. It helps me relax and think positive. 

I recently came across Allu Arjun and Anushka Manchanda. While Allu Arjun enthralls with his dance moves, Anushka is creates magic with her vocals. We have heard Anushka's voice in several Bolly songs and we all remember her as the 'Viva girl'. 

“I am blogging for #MaxFreshMove activity atBlogAdda.com. Are you?

Sunday, June 14, 2015

L'oreal Paris : Cannes 2015 collection

Like every year, Loreal Paris has come up with their Cannes 2015 collection. This time their concept was Marvellous Matte vs the Glamorous Gloss Look. We saw campaigns wherein stars swore by either one of the looks ! Rich, matte, bold colors vs super luminous colorful lips - the choice is a tough one to make :)

L'oreal Paris Cannes 2015 collections includes the following :

1. Color Riche L'Extraordinaire Lipsticks
2. Moist Mat Color Riche Lipsticks
3. 36h Super Intenza Gel Liner



Color Riche L' Extraordinaire lipsticks is a new introduction. These liquid lipsticks not only give you super glossy lips but also intense color to your lips. This is a win-win combo for me !! I would recommend this to all who suffer from dry lips like me almost all throughout the year *extremely depressing ! *
But this product saves you the worry of checking on visible dry lines and creases everytime you apply a matte lipstick ! :)
As the brand claims, the lipsticks are formulated by precious micro oils and rich color pigments,it gives nourishing colour.

What I like in the product:
  • Rich colour along with glossy finish
  • Glides easily and is super smooth on the lips
  • Stays on for around 6 hours
  • Perfect solution for dry lips

Packaging: Golden mirrored packaging with a cube that provides a preview of the colour
Price: Rs.950 for a 5.5ml pack



Imagine a lipstick body embellished with Swarovski crystals ! The Cannes 2015 collection of Moist Mat Color Riche Lipsticks brings just that for you. The collection consists of 12 rich bold colors, all of them strikingly beautiful in its own way :) On application it is creamy matte. As the brand claims, it contains jojoba oils which keeps your lips hydrated for about 4 hours. On application, it does not feel dry however, for people with dry lips, your lips might start to feel a little dry in around 3-4 hours time.

What I liked about the product:
Bold, rich colour
Creamy matte finish
Stays on for about 5-6 hours
Lovely packaging

Packaging: The lipsticks comes in a nice velvet box with a golden mirrored packaging. The body has pretty crystals on them.
Price: Rs.1099



The gel liner, SuperLiner Gel Intenza is another superb addition to the Cannes 2015 collection. It comes in a nice cute jar and a brush, which makes it very easy to apply. Once you apply it, you can easily forget about it and it will stay with you comfortably till the end of the day.

What I liked about the product:
Super easy application 
Glides smoothly
Waterproof, smudgeproof ; stays on till the end of the day
Rich color, highly pigmented

Price: Rs.895 for 2.8g

I believe that it is not very difficult to replicate some of the best red carpet looks in your daily life. For every little occasion, experiment a little with your look but also stick to your style and the result will be a wonder on its own :)

 I worked out a few looks with the products: 

I kept my Glamorous Gloss look very simple for a day look. I am wearing L'oreal Paris Color Riche L'Extraordinaire Lipsticks, shade Coral Romance and just the Super Liner Gel Intenza(shade Royal Blue) on my eyes. 


Here is my Marvelous Matte look. I am wearing Color Riche Moist Mat Lipstick, shade Arabian Night which is a bold dark plum shade perfect for evening wear. On my eyes, yet again I am wearing Super Liner Gel Intenza in Royal blue.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

FACES Magneteyes Kajal : Review and Swatch

FACES is making quite a splash in the cosmetics market. After the successful launch of Its Pro Velvet Matte Lipstick range,(You can read the review by clicking here) they are now back with the Magneteyes Kajal.

The classic kohl pencil can also be used an eyeliner and gives you a smudge proof look all throughout the day. The intense black color glides smoothly and feels light on your eyes.Not only does it look good, the brand claims that is loaded with antioxidants and minerals that protects your beautiful eyes. It contains Vitamin E& C derivatives.



I often do not feel confident about using the kajal on my waterline unless its a natural product. However, Magneteyes' super soft texture encouraged me to use it on my waterline. Thankfully to my surprise, there was no irritation at all. Though it is super humid and hot here, I could easily carry the kajal throughout the day. It felt very comfortable all day.Removal of the kajal also wasn't very difficult at the end of the day. 

You can work out various looks with the kajal. Be it the smokey eyes look or just regular kohl pencil look, FACES Magneteyes kajal doesn't disappoint you.

Priced at Rs.175 for a 0.35g pack, it is quite affordable and falls in the same range as the other competitor brands. The retractable pencil comes in a cute red body. The cap fits well and did not open easily. 


What I liked in the product:


  • Glides easily and feels smooth
  • Comes in a retractable pencil packaging so no sharpening required
  • Gives you a smudge proof look almost throughout the day
  • Intense black color
  • Affordable 







Sunday, June 7, 2015

Maybelline New York India's Color Show Go Graffiti range of nail colours

Maybelline New York India's Color Show Go Graffiti range is yet another interesting addition to their Spring Summer collection - Rebel bouquet range.



Like may other girls, if you are crazy on about nail art and is apprehensive to try it out yourself yet, this range is just for you. Though we all love images of quirky nail art, we either are run out of time or patience when it comes to replicating them on our nails. The Color show Go Graffiti range of nail colors is nail art in a bottle for you !



Quick, easy, long lasting and super quick, it helps you get those nail art designs you have craved for so long. You might need to apply a base coat of nail paint for some while you can just apply the Go Graffiti range for some shades. From pretty flowers to shiny stars to the simply dots and hexes, Maybelline gives you a host of choices.








The packaging of the bottle is the same as their Color Show range of nail paints. The gel like consistency of the nail polish makes it easy to apply. However, just like other glittery nail paints, removing them might be a task.

It is priced at Rs.145 for a 6ml bottle.



What I liked in the product:

Nice variety; the stars and the flowers look really pretty. I am looking forward to buy a shade that has the little stars in them :P
Makes nail art easily accessible and easy
You can experiment  with the range and come up with innovative looks for your nails
Gel like texture; can be applied easily

You can buy the product by clicking here: http://www.nykaa.com/brands/maybelline-new-york/maybelline-color-show-go-graffiti-nail-polish.html


You can check out the other products of the Rebel Bouquet range of Maybelline India by clicking here.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Website review : For all things fashionable, check out Jabong.com

We all love shopping :) And when shopping becomes as easy as the flipping through products with the click of a mouse or a swipe of your touch screen, comes with great discounts and doorstep delivery, it just makes you an addict. :P

So here I am an online shopping addict. Most of the time you will find me browsing through products on my phone or laptop. And if you love online shopping, you can't miss Jabong.com.





As the brand claims, Jabong.com is a young and vibrant company that strives to deliver good quality products to you.

They have the widest variety of fashion products. Be it tops, work wear, men's wear,accessories,cosmetics, bottom wear or kids wear you are most likely to get your pick on the site. They feature products from a huge number of brands like UCB, Vero Moda,Mango, AND, Global Desi, Tommy Hifilger, River Island etc. And the best part is the discount that the website offers on most parts of the year. I would suggest do subscribe to their email news letters to avoid missing out on the best deals.

I recently got to review Jabong.com and I was more than happy to write about my experience of the site. You see, the website has left me with me a smile most of the times :)




I was primarily looking out for summer shirts that can work both as formal and casual wear. The best part of the website is that the search can be streamlined to your preference. If you are looking at a black shirt withing say, Rs.1000, the website gives you the option of filters that help you find your perfect choice in a very short time. Though other websites also offer filters, Jabong's filters are highly effective !



I was pleasantly surprised to go through their Summer collection. Bright pastels shades, floral shirts, comfy dresses and shorts, Jabong has the perfect collection for this sultry heat.



I chose a bright floral shirt top for me from Vero Moda and got around 40% discount on the item. Soon after placing the order, I received a text message confirming the order and within 3 working days, I got my product delivered at my doorstep. Thankfully the delivery boy was a friendly one too :)





I would certainly recommend Jabong.com if you are looking to buy anything fashionable.You will great a huge catalog to choose right from the comfort of your home. Also check out the site for regular deals and discounts. I am extremely satisfied with the service and the returns policy also look easy to access.





Thursday, June 4, 2015

Summer Essentials: Forest Essentials launches The Jasmine Cologne

Displaying Jasmine Cologne by Forest Essentials..jpg

Forest Essentials established in the year 2000 continues to stay true to its philosophy advocated by Ayurveda that a holistic approach is necessary for beauty care. Built on the foundations of the past and utilizing the evolving research and technology of the present, Forest Essentials creates the future traditions of beauty.

The new Jasmine cologne from Forest Essentials is an exquisite classic, rich with precious essential oils. This delicate and unmistakable fragrance comes from the most coveted fresh Jasmine flowers from Madurai in South India.

A Perennial plant with delicate snow white flowers, Jasmine was called "moonlight of the fragrant groves" in ancient Hindu poetry. Flowers are harvested at drawn, when they are still covered with dew and their fragrance is at its peak. The flowers are gently handpicked one by one, without bruising the flowers, traditionally by young girls. Our specially distilled fragrance uses this intense strain of the Jasmine flower.

Forest Essentials is an Authentic, traditional Luxury Ayurvedic skin care Brand with its foundations in the ancient science of Ayurveda. A pioneer in the Luxury Ayurvedic segment, today it has become the quintessential Indian Beauty Brand where secrets of ancient Ayurveda have been brought to life through pain-staking research and made available to modern day customers.

It is the only Indian brand which is involved in the conception, formulation, manufacturing, bottling and sale of the products in its own Company owned stores.

Forest Essentials is also the leading supplier to the majority of the Luxury hotel chains in India including the iconic Taj and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Today, since its inception in the year 2001, Forest Essentials retails from 38 Company owned retail stores across the country.




Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Dream Destination - The Exotic Andaman & Nicobar Islands

When we Indians think of dreams destinations, we always fantasize about exotic locations abroad. Be it Venice, Bangkok, Istanbul, Malaysia we always have our wish lists updated. However, we often ignore the amazingly beautiful places India has to offer. 

When we were planning our last vacation, we read about a lot of places both in India and abroad before zeroing in on the very beautiful Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Though we did a thorough research  on the places to visit in the Andamans before travelling, nothing prepared us for the sheer beauty that awaited us there.The unbeatable combination of lush green forests and clear blue waters was simply mesmerizing. 

Earlier popular as the infamous Kala Paani, Andamans has stood witness to our long battle of freedom. The natives there proudly tell you that Andamans was the first place where the Indian tricolor was hoisted before India got its independence.






From sad yet extremely heroic tales of the Cellular Jail to the pristine white Radhanagar Beach to the virgin Neil Islands and the various shades of blue that its waters display to the sheer excitement that Badatang islands offer, Andaman and Nicobar island is a complete package.






Though Havelock islands is pretty popular among the tourists, Neil Islands is relatively lesser known and less crowded. But let me tell you, once you see the beaches of Neil Islands, you will look no further. Bharatpur Beach and its myriad shades of blue is pure ecstasy. It is as if someone has painted it on a canvas. You can also experience the exotic marine world in the Neil Islands as they offer you a lot of adventure options like sea walking, diving, snorkeling at affordable prices.




You can easily spot star fishes and the little nemo fishes swimming around in the little puddles of water in Neil Islands. If you are brave, you can also easily pick up and pose with a star fish. if you are the romantic kinds and like beach walking, you can easily walk along the cool blue shores and sip on coconut water.




There are a lot of beach resorts at Neil Islands. We were lucky enough to stay in one such warm little cottage which was surrounded by the backwaters. The experience of having  my evening tea on the shore of the sea while looking at the vast expanse of water, the moonlit sky and the glittering stars reflected in the blue waters is something that I will remember all my life :) I crave for little moments like this in my busy city life where I mostly do not get time to even enjoy my daily cup of tea.


Another defining moment of the trip was the journey to Baratang islands through the Jarawa Reserve Area. On your way to the Baratang Islands, you can spot the native tribe of Andamans, the Jarawas on your way. Though people criticize the concept of human safari, I found it to be a good reality check. We often forget about how our ecosystem is balanced and how each of its part play an important part to maintain a harmony.






If you are more of a sea person, you will love the journey to and fro from the various islands to Port Blair. My Recommendation is go for the Government ferries rather than the fancy Cruise options that your tour operator will provide. Government ferries allow you to go on the deck and experience the Bay of Bengal in its full force. The lovely sea breeze, the sunset that you might be lucky to experience are things that will stay with you forever.

The people of Andamans are very friendly and warm people. There were instances when the people went out of their way to help us out. One such incident was when our suitcases got exchanged right at the beginning of our trip. Our vacation would have been a nightmare without the support of the locals who ensured that we got back our luggage.

The cost of the trip might be around 30000 per person. The experience is priceless.

You can get more information about the beautiful islands here: http://www.andamans.gov.in/