Gloss and Magic

5 Must-Watch YouTube Beauty Vloggers

2013-04-28T10:00:00.000+05:30

I've a confession to make: I'm one of those people that loves tutorials. Whether it's a makeup how-to or a DIY project, I can't get enough…and I know many of you feel the same.

As you probably know, one of the best tutorial sources on the web is YouTube's How To & Style section, thanks to the 'beauty experts' that reside there. I've covered my 7 favorite YouTube beauty vloggers in the past, but today I wanted to share 5 more amazing YouTube beauty vloggers that you need to check out.

Each of these gals has such awesome ways of making your appearance more beautiful: I hope you enjoy their videos. Check them out below!!!

1. Makeup Geek TV

From tutorials on her own looks, to how to achieve a celebrity's beauty look, Marlena has spread her brand across multiple platforms. Besides her YouTube channel, she provides more in-depth information on products & techniques on her site, Makeup Geek.

She pulls makeup inspiration from everything from the red carpet to her favorite cocktails. I ♥ a female entrepreneur as much as the next empowered woman & Marlena represents a new type of beauty pro that is both branded & accessible.

2. Makeup Doll

I ♥ behind-the-scenes peeks into web-celebrity lives as much as anyone & besides being a stellar makeup artist, Keisha is quite the vlog host. She's constantly pumping out tutorials, reviews & each month, a look into her closet of favorite things.

Even Keisha is amazed by her success. She's extremely gracious to fans & followers, without whom she may have never had the chance to live out her dream & work freelance full-time.

3. Promise Phan

She may be sisters-in-law with Michelle, but Promise has made her own way to the top through her amazing artistry. And that's just what she is, an artist. She literally transforms herself into jaw-dropping replicas of famous celebs, Disney princesses & even male musicians.

I appreciate great art as much as the next gal & Promise's talent is undeniable. I'm mesmerized by her transformations & find it hard not to be inspired by her passion & accuracy.

4. MMandL Show

Before Michelle Money's Bachelor fame, she was workin' that infamous curl in salons & she & BFF Laura have taken their expertise to the Web. These two have a way of making their beauty tutorials, reviews & even dieting tips hilariously addictive.

When you're watching the MMandL Show, it's kind of like getting ready with your besties, except these gals really know what's up when it comes to the best in products & it shows in their own impeccable makeup routines.

5. Nitraa B

Anitra is a vlogger of make-up, accessories, hair & beauty. Not only is she fantastic with a makeup brush but her personality really brings her videos to life & makes them extremely enjoyable to watch.

Her tutorials are easy to follow & she always shares great makeup looks & tips. Another great reason to subscribe is because she always has her finger on the pulse of the latest promotions & discounts.

Now I want to hear from you: do you've any favorite beauty masters I haven't mentioned on G&M yet?? Have you heard of these beauty vloggers before?? Which of their videos would you recommend to G&M readers???

Product Review: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo

2013-04-25T19:00:00.000+05:30

From TRESemmé's website:

'Want hair that's smoother, straighter & easier to style?? Use the shampoo specifically formulated to leave your hair gorgeously sleek & manageable. The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner system transforms your hair, making your hair gorgeously sleek with less frizz, smooth & easy to style.'

I was sorting out my stash recently when I came across a generous sample of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo lying in a drawer. It was given to me a few weeks ago but I had quickly forgotten all about it. That should tell you how little I care about shampoo. I've just never found them particularly interesting so when I find a good one, I stick with it for ages.

Still, I thought I'd better try the sample now before forgetting all about it again lol. Packaged in a sleek, red wine coloured bottle, this white shampoo has a thick texture that spreads easily through the hair & lathers well. It contains a gentle blend of surfactants that effectively cleanses hair, removing all traces of dirt & product buildup, making hair smoother. Once done, it's easy to rinse out.

TRESemmé says 'infused with keratin, the shampoo, with lower sulfates, gently cleanses to leave hair clean, shiny & manageable'. According to WebMD, even if you've a good hair type, keratin still strengthens the hair shaft & makes your hair more resilient.

Honestly, I wouldn't buy TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo solely because of the keratin, but because, it's a nice shampoo that does it's job well. It cleanses hair, smooths it & won't break the bank either.

Weight: 225 ml

Price: Rs.160

Pros

1. Cleanses hair well.

2. Gentle, smooths the hair.

3. The packaging.

Cons

1. Formula not very lightweight.

My Overall Rating

I give TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo a 4.5/5. It gently cleanses hair well, removing all traces of product buildup & dirt, while smoothing it. It foams well & is cheap.

Disclaimer: The item was sent by PR for consideration. The review is based on my own personal & honest experience with the product.

The 5 Most Wearable Summer 2013 Makeup Trends

2013-04-23T17:00:00.000+05:30

Summer is always my favorite time for experimenting with makeup: there're always so many fun runway trends to try!! Unfortunately, many of the looks we see on the runways aren't exactly real life-wearable unless you're Lady Gaga or Niki Minaj.

Below, I'll go over the 5 most wearable runway makeup trends of Summer 2013 & give you some tips which will help you get that runway look!!

1. Look-at-me Eyes

Look-at-me Eyes at Chanel & Christian Dior S/S 2013

Thought molten metallic & bold, brave eyes were just for party season??? Think again. The SS13 catwalks were awash with silky silver shadows & bright, block colours.

For the Chanel look, fan your shimmering silver shadow outwards into a winged shape & finish with plenty of eyeliner. Keep hair simple & lips nude to balance out a strong look like this.

For the Christian Dior look, pick a block colour & add some sparkle. Contrast colors with jewels for a sure-fire hit.

2. Go Nude

Nude skin at Versace & Alexander McQueen at S/S 2013

There's no better time to let your natural beauty shine through than the fresh summer months. Matte, velvety textures replace dewy, glowing looks for SS13.

For the Versace look, take the aid of a little concealer, tinted moisturiser & powder to achieve your desired finish & you're ready to go.

For the Alexander McQueen look, be pale & interesting with bronze & blush-free skin & a powdered, velvet finish.

3. Grunge is my Goal

Grunge look at Diane von Furstenberg & Marni at S/S 2013

This year's grunge-inspired looks were all about shading on the lower lash line. From pretty subtle bronze to bold & broken blacks, find your comfort zone & go grunge.

For the Diane von Furstenberg look, leave hair loose & voluminous for a too-cool-to-care look.

For the Marni look, use just a hint of pink blush to warm your complexion.

4. Neon!! Neon!!

Neon lips at Giles & Dries van Noten at S/S 2013

Basically my favourite trend of the season: tell the world you're not afraid of colour with one of SS13's colour pop statements. This Giles lip is absolute perfection. No eye makeup required...

Fed up of the fade in the middle of your lips after a few hours?? Don't be: it's fashionable now, darling.

5. Swinging 60s Swagger

60s makeup at Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton at S/S 2013

Bring back retro glamour for SS13 with one of these cool catwalk looks. They're all party perfect: so get practising for vacation season. You'll fit right in on the Upper East Side. Or, you know, at the Prince's arms.

For the Marc Jacobs look, team your bold brows & retro liner with a side-swept fully-loaded beehive up-do.

For the Louis Vuitton look, a well-powdered velvety finish is best.

Do you like the beauty trends this season?? Would you rock any of them?? What's your favorite makeup look??? Have you seen any runway looks you would never wear in public??

Play it Straight With new Tresemme Keratin Smooth

2013-04-22T16:00:00.001+05:30

From its origins in salons back in 1974, TRESemmé has always been driven by a simple truth; every woman deserves to look fabulous, like she may have just stepped out of a salon. Used by top hair stylists all over the world, TRESemmé is dedicated to creating salon-inspired, products to help women create their own style & get salon like gorgeous hair at home.

In India, regardless of their hair type, women may often experience frizzy hair. While most women think that hair frizz only happens to those with naturally wavy or curly hair, the fact remains that frizz is caused by moisture-zapped tresses & can affect any hair type. When hair is straight the cuticle lies flat; however hair experiences frizz when the outer cuticle lifts up, looking like a shingled roof. Natural Keratin protein moisturizes & rejuvenates hair making it more manageable & less frizzy.

TRESemmé understands women's intrinsic desire for salon gorgeous hair at home. Especially designed for women seeking healthy looking hair & a sleek & shiny style, new TRESemmé Keratin Smooth transforms your hair to be smoother & easier to style. Infused with Keratin it rescues hair from the brink of unruly despair. Containing lower sulphates compared to other TRESemmé products, TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo leaves hair clean, shiny & manageable. The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner helps nourish each strand to leave hair gorgeously straighter and shinier than before. In comparison to other non-conditioning shampoos, TRESemmé Keratin Smooth controls frizz for up to 48 hours & transforms hair to be shinier & more manageable.

As the brand ambassador of TRESemmé, acclaimed model turned actor Diana Penty shared how TRESemmé Keratin Smooth is the perfect hair solution for her. "When I was approached by TRESemmé to partner with the brand, I was sure that I would only endorse TRESemmé if I was convinced: the brand now has a new addition to its long list of fans!!! For me, the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth range worked perfectly. I ♥ my straight hair & therefore frizz can be an absolute nightmare. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth is a quick & easy solution to achieving salon gorgeous hair no matter your hair type."

Speaking at the launch of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth, Srinandan Sundaram, General Manager, Haircare, Hindustan Unilever Limited said "TRESemmé recognizes the intrinsic aspiration of Indian women to have salon like smooth & manageable hair. TRESemmé is dedicated to address the growing consumer need & bring professional salon like transformation for women at home. Since its launch in India, TRESemmé products have been consistently well received & have successfully carved a niche in the market with its cutting edge salon innovations.”

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo:

Keratin Smooth Shampoo, 100ml Rs.80/-
Keratin Smooth Shampoo, 225ml Rs.160/-
Keratin Smooth Shampoo, 600ml Rs.325/-

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner:

Keratin Smooth Conditioner, 100ml Rs.80/-
Keratin Smooth Conditioner, 225ml Rs.160/-

DIY Nail art Tutorial: Runway-Inspired French Mani + News

2013-04-21T18:59:00.003+05:30

{Photo: Style Me India}

While 3D nail art has been my thing lately, the other day I came across photos of the Surendri LFW Summer/Resort 2013 couture show & it inspired me to switch gears; I've always wanted to try translating a runway look into nail art.

The orange sari above was my favorite in the entire collection, so I decided to try to recreate the look of the sari on my nails. It was actually pretty simple: here's my attempt at a runway-inspired manicure & how you can pull it off yourself with just polish!

What You Need:

Base coat- I used my trusty Avon Base Coat.
An orange & a gold nail polish- I used 2 that were inspired by the colors in the dress: Maybelline Colorama in Laranja Citrico & Avon Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel in Gleaming Gold.
Top coat- I used Avon Top Coat.
Optional- Tape

As always, start off with clean, unpolished fingers & a flat surface to work on. Now you're ready to arrange a sari on your fingernails!!

Nailing the Look

Paint your nails as you normally would, starting with a base coat & following with 1 or 2 coats of polish. As you can see in the picture, I started off with a bright orange.
Take your golden color & (if you've steady hands) swipe it along the tip of your nail like you would to make French tips. If you have a hard time painting straight lines on your nails, take a piece of sellotape & place it just below the tip before adding color to create a perfect line. Another option is to do it freehand & not worry about making it perfect & to then go back & clean it up with a Q-tip dipped in polish remover.
Repeat step 2 on all your nails.
You're done!! Finish if off with a shiny top coat & let the flow of compliments begin.

The End Result

I was actually very happy with how these turned out. They're nothing too flashy or head-turning, but they have a cute & playful feel. These nails are giving me summer fever!!!

Would you put a sari look on your nails?? If you were to get nail inspiration from a designer, who would it be? Is there a particular runway look you'd like to see turned into nail art?

News

Gloss & Magic is going to New York City!!!

It's true. I'll be leaving at the end of this week. I'm frickin' excited. I haven't ever been to NYC. It's just a 3 month visit, but still, it's NYC.

After my visa got approved, of course, I blanked. For all these years, when I've talked about going to NYC, I've been able to list all things I wanted to do while being in the city. And now, NOTHING IS COMING TO MIND. I actually had to Google things to do in NYC before I could come up with anything. And I still am not sure what I want to do. I need to learn to write these things down.

What this means for you: great new products, tips & trends from NYC, baby!!!

5 Multi-use Beauty Ingredients That Won't Break the Bank

2013-04-15T18:00:00.000+05:30

I don't know about all of you, but I'm definitely not made of money. If I was, I'd be buying every fabulous beauty product on the market!

Fortunately, it's easier than you think to get gorgeous on the cheap: here're 5 DIY beauty ingredients that I believe can take the place of any expensive beauty product you own. The best part??? All 5 are probably in your kitchen right now!

1. Tea Tree oil

I feel like this is obvious, but for those of you who don't know, tea tree oil is fantastic for you!

1) I'm sure those with acne problems have already tried some products that contain tea tree oil: if not, you should give it a try. Have any of you tried it out??

2) It was demonstrated that this natural remedy can relieve many skin disorders as bruises, acne & redness.

3) Tea tree oil will change the chemical compositions in our skin making it more resistant to infections.

4) Tea tree oil can do miracles with our hair. Both dry & oily hair can find its advantage in this essential oil. Pouring some in your favorite shampoo will make your dry hair moisturized.

5) It enhances the blood circulation in your scalp generating the natural oil flow that will hydrate your hair. For oily hair it can be used similarly to dry hair, mixed with shampoo, however in this case it'll eliminate dead cells from the surface of the scalp.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is definitely a powerhouse ingredient!!

1) Quickie hair cleaner: Remove product buildup from all that stuff you slather on your hair with baking soda. Simply wash your hair with about ½ cup of baking soda & warm water once every 2 weeks. If your hair feels too dry after using this method, add ½ cup vinegar to the concoction. It might not smell as good as your shampoo, but this mixture's bubbling power will easily get rid of grimy buildup.

2) Natural dry shampoo: On those days when you just don't have time to shower, baking soda can remove grime & oil from your hair in a snap. Sprinkle 1-2 tbs of the powdery lifesaver into your greasy roots. Scrunch it in & then use a fine bristled brush to comb the powder out. Instant freshness.

3) Face wash & makeup remover: Slough off the day's griminess & what's left of your morning makeup with baking soda. Simply shake a small amount of the powder into your cupped palm. Add a few drops of water & then scrub away. Be careful around your eyes, as it'll sting if you get any of the mixture in them. Rinse thoroughly when you're done.

4) Baking soda bath: Skip the bubbles & fancy bath salts- all you need is baking soda. Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into a tub filled with warm bath water. Soak away the day's stresses for 15-30 mins. The baking soda will leave your skin refreshed & silky smooth.

5) Pedicure: No need to pay for a fancy-schmancy pedicure. Pamper yourself with a homemade pedicure starring baking soda. Immerse your tired tootsies in 2-3 tbs of baking soda in a tub of warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make the mixture smell nice. Soak your feet for 15-20 mins. Next, scrub trouble spots, such as the heels & balls of the feet, with a mixture of baking soda & just enough water to form a paste. This paste will remove rough areas & dead skin.

3. Coconut oil

My favorite multi-use product is definitely coconut oil!!!! It's good, natural & does a lot of great things for your skin & body.

1) To soothe dry hands: This won't work for dry digits when you're on the go, but at home, coconut oil can work wonders on your dishwashing-parched hands. I keep a jar of coconut oil by the kitchen sink & put a little on after washing my hands to keep them soft and moist.

2) As a cheekbone highlighter: Nothing perks up a tired face like a little highlighter, but you don't need store-bought products to achieve the same effect. Simply sweep a small amount of coconut oil on top of makeup & leave it alone. It looks like your skin but glowier, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas.

3) As a deep-conditioner: There's a reason many conditioners contain coconut oil- it's better able to penetrate hair than mineral & sunflower oil, according to research. I use it in my hair and on my skin for deep conditioning. Apply a coin-size dollop to your hair, comb it & then pile it into a loose bun. You'll want to place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, shampoo as usual with a gentle cleanser.

4) To remove eye makeup: Yes, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara!! Put a little on a cotton ball & gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup & leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you're done, wash your face as usual.

5) As a body moisturizer: A recent study found that when applied topically, coconut oil can speed up wound healing & another study found it to be effective in increasing hydration & reducing water loss in seriously dry skin. Sounds like a recipe for a really good lotion to me!! It smells delicious, is very affordable, & leaves my skin feeling nourished & smooth.

4. Green tea

Here're some ways for you to use tea tree oil in your beauty routine.

1) Soothing spritzer: Simply steep 100g of green tea in half a litre of still mineral water at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Strain the liquor & it's ready to use!!!! It's better to make small quantities & use it fresh but surplus liquid can be poured into clean, sterilised bottles & refrigerated. The liquid can be used as a spritzer, to freshen up the face or cotton pads soaked in it can be particularly soothing for tired or strained eyes. It has antiseptic properties, so can be used to treat minor cuts & rashes & is surprisingly effective when applied to spots & blemishes.

2) Mighty mouth: Green tea is also known for its ability to prevent bad breath & it has the added advantage of tasting good if it's inadvertently swallowed. Try making your own toothpaste to test it out. Pour one cup of boiling water over 100g of Green Tea & leave to infuse for at least 30 minutes. Make a paste using this liquid & 1 teaspoon of baking soda & use this to brush your teeth as usual. The natural properties in the tea will curb mouth odor & help prevent plaque-forming microbes from attaching to the teeth.

3) Refreshing face mask This gentle face mask will help remove toxins from your skin, as well as leaving it silky smooth. Mix 3 tbs of mayonnaise with 1 heaped teaspoon of organic green tea leaves. Apply evenly to the face, avoiding the delicate eye area & leave for 20 mins. Rinse the mask off, then dry & moisturize your face.

4) Lose weight: Drink as much toxin-flushing green tea as possible. Claims are that it raises the metabolic rate & speeds up fat oxidation. It's also thought to reduce cholesterol levels & increase energy expenditure by inhibiting the digestion of fat in the intestine. So next time you fancy a cuppa, consider going green. Not only will it provide you with a refreshing drink, it may also boost your health, help slow ageing & even make you slimmer!

5. Lemons

Here're some lemon tips to try!!

1) For Fine-looking Skin: If you want to obtain more brilliant & smoother skin, utilize lemon juice on any parts of your body such as the knees, elbows & face. Lemon juice lightens age marks. You can do it by putting lemon juice on the parts of your body with age marks prior to resting at night. In a week or 2, you'll notice that the age marks had lightened because of its cleansing effect. If you want, you can incorporate ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to your tub & immerse yourself in it for about 20 mins for an entire body skin therapy. On the other hand, if your skin is extremely vulnerable to the citric acid content of lemon, weaken it by adding a small amount of water.

2) For Blackheads: Lemon juice can also be used in getting rid of blackheads. You can use lemon by massaging it on top of the blackheads prior to sleeping at night then wash it off with cold water as soon as you wake up. You can do the treatment every night until blackheads fade away.

3) As a Moisturizer: It can as well serve as moisturizing mask for dehydrated skin by blending the same quantity of honey, lemon & olive oil. You can put on the blend over dehydrated parts then let it dry properly for approximately 10 mins prior to washing off with tepid water.

4) As a Toner: If you want to utilize it as toner for oily skin, you can blend 2 tbs lemon juice, 2 tbs vodka & 1 tbs water. Apply the blend on your skin by using cotton balls then wash off.

5) As an Exfoliant: Lemon juice is also used to exfoliate dead skin cells. You can do this by means of cutting it into half then plunge into ½ teaspoon sugar & apply over your face for several mins before rinsing. You can do it each night to assist in eliminating dead skin cells as well as invigorate your skin.

And there you have it: 5 natural beauty ingredients you can find in your own kitchen!

Do you know of any other uses for these beauty staples?? What about other multi-use beauty ingredients that you use daily??? Have you tried any of the tips listed here??

DIY Nail art Tutorial: Rhinestones

2013-04-14T17:00:00.001+05:30

{All photos by me}

One of the things I ♥ about rhinestone nail art is that you can create so many different looks, from super-glamorous to girly to a little bit tough, depending on the size, color & shape of the stones. I know this may seem intimidating, but it's easier than it looks!

There's 1 thing I want to address before getting started: yes, stick-on nail jewels that are made specifically for this purpose do exist & may seem like they'd be easier to use. However, there're several reasons why I recommend you use loose rhinestones bought from a fabric/craft store instead:

You can get at least 5x more jewels for a fraction of the cost.
There's a greater variety of loose rhinestones then there is of stick-ons made specifically for nail art. The options are endless!!!
I'd argue that putting rhinestones on this way will give you a longer-lasting manicure than stick-ons will. Think about it: if they're made so you can pull them off a sheet of paper in order to stick them on, you can accidentally pull them off your nails just as easily.

Bejeweling Your Nails, Step by Step:

{Polish: 04 Aqua Blast by Lakme}

Let's get started!! Here's everything you need to know to give yourself a rhinestone manicure like the one above.

What you Need:

Base coat – I used Avon Nail Enamel Base Coat.
Nail polish
Top coat – I used Avon Top Coat.
Some type of small stick – This could be an actual orange stick for manicures/it could be something as simple as a toothpick. Anything around that size should do the job.
Pack of jewels with flat backings – I got mine at a fabric store for Rs.60/pack. I wanted a variety of different gems to make some cool designs, so I bought several packs, but 1 pack would be more than enough to cover your nails.

What To Do:

Before you begin, make sure that the rhinestones you're using are set out, right-side up, on a flat surface. This'll make them easier to pick up later. Now it's time to bejewel your nails:

Put on you base coat & nail polish as you normally would.
After your polish has dried, take your stick & dab a bit of base coat on it, then use the part of the stick with the base coat on it to pick up a rhinestone from the top.
Dab some base coat on the flat back of the rhinestone. You should be able to see that there is base coat on the backing, but don't use a ton – if it looks like there's a little bit much, you can use a finger to gently wipe some off.
Place the rhinestone on your nail. Do this gently. You don't want to dig the stone into the polish & risk messing it up.
Repeat these steps until you're happy with them!!

Once you've finished, put on a generous amount of top coat to really seal the stones onto the nail. This step is really important!!! I actually tried doing 2 of my friends' nails, one with top coat & one without, to compare the durability of the 2 manicures. The friend who had top coat on her nails didn't lose a single stone until 4 days after I did them, even though she abused them with baking, writing & wearing gloves constantly. On the other hand, my friend who didn't have top coat started losing hers in a matter of hours. So if you want to ensure that your beautiful handiwork stays put, make sure you put a top coat on!!

Now that you know how to do these nails, I want to hear your thoughts!! Would you rock rhinestone nails?? How would you wear them??

Product Review: Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Color in 04 Aqua Blast

2013-04-11T11:00:00.002+05:30

From Lakme's website:

'Go glamorous with this quick drying nail paint that sets in just 40 seconds. It comes with a unique flat brush that glides effortlessly over nails to give you an immaculate finish, in just 1 stroke.'

Lakme's nail polishes are among my favorites: they're pigmented, long lasting & don't break the bank. So, when I saw that the latest range cost just Rs.175, I just had to get it. There were 6 shades available (aqua blast, aqua express, crimson fire, crimson scream, flaming apricot & flaming peach) & I opted for aqua blast as I thought it was quite cool & perfect for this time of the year.

Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Color in 04 Aqua Blast is a bright but quite rich blue with a shiny finish that's very beautiful & elegant. The texture is just right, neither too thick & nor too thin & applies easily but streaks. The color is also moderately pigmented so 3 coats were enough for a completely opaque coverage. The polish dries very quickly, which is really important for me as I can never seem to keep my hands still for more than 10 mins. & lasts long. It only started to chip & only minimally, after 4 days. And that without a top coat!

Weight: 10 ml

Price: Rs.175*

Pros

1. Pigmented.

2. Nice formula, easy to work with.

3. Dries quickly.

4. Long lasting.

5. The packaging.

Cons

1. Streaks

My Overall Rating

I give Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Color in 04 Aqua Blast a 4.5/5. It's a bright rich blue with a shiny finish. It has a wonderful formula that applies easily, provides opaque coverage with 3 coats, dries quickly & lasts about 4 days without a top coat before it starts to chip.

*Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous Nail Colors now retail at Rs.199

Get Salon-like, Even Skin Tone With Lakmé Sun Expert Range

2013-04-10T10:00:00.000+05:30

Every minute spent in the sun will give you a tan which is likely to get worse if you don't take action every day. For a salon-like protection you need to protect your skin as well as reverse the sun damage every day. This is now possible by making the innovative & effective Lakmé Sun Expert Range part of your daily skin-care regime. Formulated by Lakmé experts & recommended by salon professionals, Lakmé Sun Expert Range evens out your skin tone making you look like you've just stepped out of a salon!!

The Lakmé Sun Expert Range comprises 2 varied sets of products: sun screens in varying SPF strengths to protect your skin & damage reversing formulations for cleansing & moisturizing. Recommended by salon specialists, it gives you 97% protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays & protects you from deep-skin damage caused by the sun. Both product lines are dermatologist tested, non-hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic & contain extracts of cucumber & lemon grass that offers the best protection & soothing properties against sun damage.

Tanning causes deep damage to the skin's derma layer & is the most visible sign that your skin is suffering. Sun spots, pigmentation, age lines, dryness, uneven skin tone are some of the other signs of sun damage. A 'de-tan' treatment at a salon rids your tanned skin & evens out your skin tone. Now you can flaunt that salon-like result everyday by using the Lakmé Sun Expert Range while also protecting your skin against damage.

2 step regime for an even skin tone:

Step 1- Protect

Before stepping out every morning, make sure you use the power-packed Lakmé Sun Expert UV Lotions with varying SPFs to protect your skin from the harshness of the sun. Re-apply every 2-3 hrs especially if outdoors, to ensure day-long protection.

Protect your skin with the range of Lakmé Sun Expert UV Lotions:

Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA +++: For normal to dry
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA ++: For normal to dry skin
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA +: For oily skin
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Loti on SPF 24 PA ++: For all skin types

Step 2- De-tan

On returning from a day of sun exposure, whether indoors or outdoors, make sure you apply the soothing Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Range to remove the tan & correct your skin tone. For effective benefits make Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Range a part of your daily regime.

De-Tan your skin with the use of Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Range:

Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun Face Wash: Evens out the patchiness caused by the sun
Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun Face Mask: Evens out & lightens tanned skin
Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun-Gel: Leave the moisturizing gel on as you sleep to hydrate your skin & soften it

Know your Sunscreen: SPF & PA

What are PA+, PA++, PA+++ & why are they important???

UVA rays are considered more harmful than UVB rays. They cause skin problems like tanning & uneven skin tone. PA ranking refers to the amount of protection that sunscreen offers from the UVA rays. PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ & PA+++. The more plus signs there are, the more you'll be protected from UVA rays.

What's SPF & how to choose the right SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor & is universal measurement for UVB protection. It indicates the amount of time your skin will be protected from UVB rays. Higher the ranking of your SPF, longer the duration of protection to block UVB rays. The exact SPF & PA ranking will depend on your skin & its reaction time to the sun.

Price List:

Lakmé Sun Expert Range:
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA +++	15gm	Rs.99
	30ml	Rs. 375
	100ml	Rs.475
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA ++:	50ml	Rs.200
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA ++:	100ml	Rs.325
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA +	50ml	Rs.190
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30 PA +	100ml	Rs.300
Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 24 PA ++	60ml	RS.130
	120ml	Rs.225
	200ml	Rs.320
Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Range:
Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun Face Wash	50ml	Rs.85
	100ml	Rs.145
Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun-Gel	50gm	Rs.175
Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun Face Mask	50gm	Rs.175

Get Salon-like Perfect Radiance With Lakme Perfect Radiance Range

2013-04-09T15:00:00.000+05:30

Get ready to flaunt perfectly radiant & flawless looking skin this summer, with Lakmé’s Perfect Radiance range that gives you salon-like fairness with a long lasting effect. Consisting of serum capsules & a day crème, the Lakmé Perfect Radiance ritual helps to de-tan your skin, strip away the dullness, removes dead cells & give you salon-like fairness at home. The combined assault of sun, stress, sweat & dirt on the skin lead to skin concerns like uneven skin tone, dark spots, blemishes, dullness & oiliness. A perfect solution for women who are constantly on the move, the two-step Lakmé Perfect Radiance ritual helps combat these problems delivering visible results in no time.

Lakmé Perfect Radiance range, powered by Continuous Release Technology, brings you an Intense Whitening solution that is convenient for home use. It works on your skin's 6 fairness blocks to give you that 'perfect salon like look every day'.

Developed by Lakmé skin experts, Continuous Release Technology is based on an advanced Derma-Cellular science that continuously releases potent vitamins deep into your skin's epidermal cells. These vitamins act throughout the day even as their Precision Impact Action micro-targets your skin's 6 fairness blocks to give you perfect radiance. Additionally, ingredients like Chronosphere Vitazyme C, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, Lipophilic Pro-Vitamin C, Licorice, Tomato Extracts & Broad Spectrum Sunscreen form a potent cocktail that make your skin perfectly radiant.

The Action of Lakme Perfect Radiance on the 6 Fairness Blocks of Your Skin:

Keeps tan under control: Lakmé Perfect Radiance intense whitening range not only guards your skin from the sun, but also works from deep within to restore your natural & radiant complexion.
Improves Skin Tone: Lakmé's range helps clarify skin tone, giving it a radiant, complete glow.
Fights skin spots & blemishes: Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Range helps lighten blemishes & spots that are caused due to pigmentation, acne & skin allergies.
Reverse skin dullness: Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Range reduces dullness & makes you look your radiant self again.
Reduces oiliness: Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Range keeps excess oil at bay, leaving your skin oil-free & smooth to touch.

The Lakmé Perfect Radiance Skin Regime

Follow this simple Perfect Radiance regimen to get flawless, salon-like fairness:

Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening™ Face Wash

A gentle face wash that cleanses skin from deep within. It extracts impurities from the deepest derma layers & lightens your skin tone to give you fresh, smooth, visibly radiant skin.

MRP: Rs.90/- for 50 g, Rs.165/- for 100 g

Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening™ UV Day Crème

Offering high-level protection against damaging environmental factors, the UV Day Crème moisturizes & protects your skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays.

MRP: Rs.249/- for 30 ml

Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening™: Day Crème

Infused with Chronosphere Vitazyme C, a complex delivery system, that helps in the continuous release of potent skin lightening vitamins that helps fight the 6 blocks of fairness. Niacinamide, a key ingredient in this day crème is known for its unique skin lightening properties.

MRP: Rs.99/- for 15 g, Rs.199/- for 50 g

Lakmé Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening™: Night Repair Crème

Works with your skin when its cell renewal process is at its peak, to repair its damage. It gives you perfectly fair skin with regular usage.

MRP: Rs.299/- for 50 g

Lakmé Perfect Radiance 4-week Intense Whitening™ Capsules Treatment

Each capsule contains a luxurious, lightweight serum that effortlessly seeps into your skin, leaving it perfectly radiant.

MRP: Rs.1250/- for 28 capsules

Fabulous Find of the Month: River Island Shorts

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000+05:30

This month's Fabulous Find is something that everyone is going to need this summer: a pair of shorts!!! This particular pair is denim & at Rs.2097...you can't beat them!!! I know that my denim shorts are a total wardrobe staple for me & I work them for every season: so here're some outfit ideas to help you guys to do the same!

The Shorts

Outfit Ideas

Here're 2 different ways to style this 1 pair of basic denim shorts.

1. Tomboy Chic

This look is cool because it's got a few boyish qualities that are balanced by a few ultra-feminine accents. I started with the denim shorts, then added a simple melting Chanel camo tee & a slouchy grayish beanie to play off of the camo. To even out these boyish pieces, I added a simple pair of bow detail ballerina flats & a gorgeous gold-plated resin rose ring.

Finally, for those of you who asked for colder weather options, I included a pair of cute mint tights to layer under the shorts for extra warmth. You could always omit them if you're in a warmer climate!!

2. Urban Cool

This outfit is definitely a lot more laid-back & obviously has a much more eclectic feel than the last. This time, I paired the denim shorts with a cool, short-sleeved Disney tee picturing a pencil-sketched Minnie & a pair of block heel lace-up boots. I kept the accessories fairly minimal with just a diamond bow bracelet & for those of you in colder weather, I once again included a pair of fishnet tights!

So there you have it: a pair of versatile denim shorts, that can be worn in a multitude of ways, for Rs.2097!! How can you beat that?? The possibilities are endless for any season with such a basic staple.

So what did you guys think?? Do you like these shorts?? Which outfit is your favorite?? I'd ♥ to hear your feedback!

Skechers Bags 'IMAGES Most Admired Fashion Brand Launch of the Year' at India Fashion Awards 2013

2013-04-07T19:00:00.001+05:30

Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the coveted 'IMAGES Most Admired Fashion Brand Launch of the Year Award' at the recently concluded Indian Fashion Awards in Mumbai.

Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. launched brand Skechers in India in the month of October, 2012. Since its launch Skechers has been heavily promoted on TV, Print, Radio & Digital. In fact Skechers is the only footwear company to launch a TV campaign within the first quarter of its launch. Backed by aggressive advertising, Skechers has been able to carve out its space & is currently sold through more than 200 doors.

Commenting on the occasion, Sanjeev Agrawal, MD, Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. said, "We're delighted to receive this award. Skechers is committed to building a strong brand in the country. Even in a short span of 6 months Skechers has been receiving a lot of positive response both from the consumers & business community".

This was the first year for Skechers at IFF. It also showcased its SS'13 collection through a Fashion Show. 16 adults & 4 kids walked the ramp wearing performance, lifestyle, sports & kids range of shoes.

Product Review: VLCC Dandruff Control Shampoo

2013-03-31T16:00:00.000+05:30

From VLCC's website:

'An effective combination of Rosemary & Mint reduces dandruff effectively without damaging the hair moisture. Anti bacterial property of Rosemary Oil protects against scalp infection & removes dandruff effectively. Mint leaf extracts soothe, condition & revitalize the scalp. Regular use makes hair shiny, healthy & dandruff free.'

Well, the Dandruff Control Shampoo is a really good product & I'm happy to say it impressed me. Mint, in color, the shampoo has a liquidy & slightly runny consistency.

The shampoo is strong & lathers up much so if that's what you're expecting, you'll be happy. My hair felt as squeaky clean as it does when I'm using my fave shampoo from TRESemme.

As for getting rid of dandruff, it doesn't completely go away, but the shampoo reduces it to a considerable extent. I hardly notice any dandruff these days. My hair feels soft & shiny. It's also quite powerfully fragranced with a menthol type smell so if you want a morning wake-up call in the shower, you'll get one! And if you don't like that kind of scent you might want to pass. I'd say it does its job pretty well overall.

I can't really say too much about the packaging because as you can see from the photos, the bottle looks ordinary. I do find it pretty & totally up my alley though. As for the price, Rs.174 is great for a drugstore shampoo.

Weight: 200 ml

Price: Rs.174

Pros

1. Doesn't dry hair.

2. Leaves hair soft & shiny.

3. The scent.

4. The packaging.

5. Hair feels completely & thoroughly cleaned.

Cons

1. Strong.

2. Not recommended for those with dry hair.

My Overall Rating

I give VLCC Dandruff Control Shampoo a 4/5. If you've dandruff & normal to oily hair that needs a cleanse & shine, this shampoo will give you all that at a cheap price. But as it's strong, on dry hair it wouldn't work very well.

What's in my Beauty Closet??? My top 8 Must-Have Products

2013-03-28T10:00:00.000+05:30

Hello G&M readers!! I hope y'all are having a fabulous spring!

I've decided to show you what's in my beauty closet: my list of my top 8 favorite beauty products. I'm going to run through these quickly so if you do want a more in-depth review of a product I mention, then please click on the link!

1. Pond's White Beauty™ Daily Spot-less Lightening Cream SPF 20/ PA++

2. TRESemme Climate Control Shampoo

3. TRESemme Climate Control Conditioner

4. Soulflower Grapeseed oil

5. Bourjois Contour Clubbing Waterproof Eye Pencil in Blue Remix

6. NYX Powder Blush in Angel

7. Lakme Absolute Eye Chromatic Baked Shadows in Night Desire

8. Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam

Do you've any questions about these products?? Do you use any of them?? What're YOUR beauty must-haves???

Get Salon-like Glow With the new Lakme Clean-up Nourishing Glow Range

2013-03-27T09:00:00.000+05:30

Lakmé, India's iconic beauty brand is about to re-invent itself. Innovating continuously & adding new products to its repertoire across cosmetics, salon services & skin care, this summer Lakmé will be seen in a whole new avatar. Designed by experts, Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow range is the new easy-to-use professional clean-up range to give you salon-like glowing skin every day.

Your skin is exposed to dust, smoke & pollution daily, sweat & dirt along with sebum & dead skin cells cause whiteheads, blackheads. These multiple attacks on your skin leaves it looking dry, dull & lifeless.

A salon clean-up ensures bright, fresh & completely transformed looking skin by removing dirt, pollutants & impurities from the epidermis. Now with the help of the new Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow range you can get that salon-like 'deep cleansing' for soft & radiant skin. This simple regime helps you restore your skin's glow & maintains its health.

Created by Lakmé, this easy to use professional clean-up range comes with 3 unique new formulations: a face wash, a scrub & a mask. Enriched with strawberry extracts, the face wash cleanses all visible dirt, the scrub exfoliates dead cells & the mask nourishes the skin. Just like a salon clean-up!!

Expert's Speak: "For a deep cleansing experience, just a face wash isn't enough. You need a complete 3-step clean-up ritual to get soft & glowing skin" -Daniel Bauer, Lakmé Expert

Lakmé Nourishing Glow Ritual:

A Professional weekly regime for salon-like clean up

Step 1: Face Wash

Cleanse your face with Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow Face Wash. This face wash removes visible dirt, excess sebum & impurities preparing your skin for a deep cleansing experience. It contains strawberry, glycerin & micro-crystalline wax beads.

Squeeze a coin sized amount on your palms & lather up with lukewarm water.
Gently massage your wet face for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Use it at least twice a day for clean, soft & radiant skin.
Available in 25gm, 50gm & 100gm for Rs. 40, Rs. 80 & Rs 145 respectively.

Step 2: Scrub

Scrub your face & neck with Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow Scrub. This scrub unclogs pores, removes blackheads & other deep seated impurities. Enriched with 100% natural exfoliants like walnut & apricot extracts & corn meal along with strawberry extracts, it sloughs off the dead cells to reveal fresh, radiant skin

Squeeze out sufficient amount of to cover your face and neck.
Gently massage for 2-3 minutes in circular motion with fingertips, avoiding eye contour.
Concentrate around problem areas like nose, chin & forehead.
Rinse thoroughly & pat dry.
Use it once or twice a week, as required to get deeply clean & smooth skin.
Available in 50gm & 100gm at Rs. 99 & Rs.199 respectively.

Step 3: Mask

Nourish your face with a generous amount of Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow Mask as it deposits nourishing nutrients. The absorbing power of clay, the strawberry extracts & Vitamin B3 present in the mask helps reduce pore size, seal in the nourishment & lighten skin tone respectively.

Apply the mask generously all over your face & neck in a thin film. Avoid the eye contour.
Allow it to dry for 5-7 mins. Dab it with water to soften it & gently rinse off.
Use it once a week, to get salon-like healthy glowing skin.
Available in 50gm & 100gm at Rs. 99 & Rs.199 respectively.

Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow range is available for just Rs. 299/- in select stores only as a special offer.

Do you've ‘sun tan’ Phobia??

2013-03-26T08:00:00.001+05:30

Everyday the bright hot sun, dirt & sweat play havoc with your skin. Sunscreen, umbrellas or caps are not enough to protect you from the sun. Tanning is the 1st sign of sun damage. Can you escape this sun exposure?? Not really. Not without letting go of all the important & fun things in your life. Traveling to work or college, jogging, swimming, sun bathing to relax & de-stress, partying under incandescent lights, social networking on your laptop, photo shoots under halogen bulb: all these lead to tanned lusterless skin.

Pond's comes to the rescue by bringing you a new revolutionary product that can reverse the effect of daily tanning: Pond's White Beauty™ Tan Removal Scrub. Now reverse your daily tan & restore fairness!!

Pond's White Beauty™ Tan Removal Scrub contains a powerful combination of TanSolve™ beads & 50% brightening cream that gently scrub away daily tan while making your skin fairer. Apart from gentle cleansing, these ingredients promote the natural process of cells being shed when they reach the skin surface. The result: bright, radiant & fresh skin.

Light, radiant & fresh skin is a function of 2 attributes: Gentle Cleansing & Scrub.

New Tan Removal scrub gently cleanses skin to remove excess oil & dead skin cells. It also scrubs off the tanned top layer of dead skin cells, so that the skin's natural fairness is revealed. New Pond's White Beauty™ Tan Removal Scrub gives you a reason to love the sun & at the same time reverse tan & restore fairness.

The Formulation: The formulation contains TanSolve™ & 50% brightening cream. TanSolve™ beads are particles designed with varying size & shape to provide controlled breakdown, delivering scrub action. Tan removal scrub cleanses thoroughly & gently scrubs away the dead cells & daily tan restoring natural fairness. Hence, it effectively reverses tan & restores fairness.

Pricing: Pond's White Beauty™ Tan Removal Scrub is now available in all leading stores across the country. Available in 50 gms for Rs. 85 & 100 gms for Rs. 150.

Product Review: Soulflower Grapeseed oil

2013-03-25T19:00:00.001+05:30

The company's description:

'Use as a moisturizer or under the eyes.This oil is an astringent & helps to tighten & tone the skin.Great for stubborn acne. Its regenerative qualities help heal skin, reduce stretch marks & sunburn. The oil is very light, has a pleasant odor & doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy afterwards, lending a shimmering touch to the skin.'

At a recent bloggers' meet, I was given this oil.

Like the other Soulflower products that I've tried, this is an extraordinarily refined & effective product. Literally, a tiny drop provides clear, pleasant & surprisingly immediate benefits. The 1st time that I tried this product, I had a dry patch from a 'skincare experience gone wrong' on my cheek. During the course of a few mins. after I first applied Soulflower's Grapeseed oil, I literally watched the area become smooth & healed. Before my eyes. Overall, it provides a glowing, well-oxygenated look to my skin.

This oil will last for a very long time given its high concentration & effectiveness. It's a gorgeous product that works.

Weight: 30 ml

Price: Rs.250

Pros

1. Effective.

2. Provides immediate benefits.

3. Heals skin.

4. Improves skin's texture.

Cons

-

My Overall Rating

I give Soulflower Grapeseed oil a 5/5. No breakouts or adverse effects. Wonderful as a moisturizer to take along on a flight. As someone who has tried her share of oils, trust me there's something really fantastic about this one.

Disclaimer: The item was sent by PR for consideration. The review is based on my own personal & honest experience with the product.

Purplle.com Salon Finder

2013-03-24T18:17:00.000+05:30

The Salon Finder is a new initiative by Purplle.com. Besides selling beauty & grooming products, Purplle.com will now also provide information about beauty & grooming services & beauty service providers.

The salon finder accessible at www.purplle.com/finder is a place to discover salons, spas & wellness centers. The unique feature about Purplle.com's listing is that it has rate-cards uploaded on the website. There are close to 1000 venues, in Mumbai, with rate-cards listed on www.purplle.com/finder.

Users can search venues either by location or by services offered. Every venue-page has essential details such as: a rate-card with list of services offered alongside prices, verified phone numbers, map location & complete address, timing of operations etc.

One can also buy discount & gift vouchers of salons from Purplle.com/finder. Discount vouchers of a few salons in Bandra West, Lokhandwala and Kemps Corner are currently active & more vouchers will soon be added. Please keep checking the website regularly to see which other locations have vouchers running.

Now Kiss in 70 Striking Shades!! Lakmé Introduces 26 new Shades of Enrich Satin Lip Color

2013-03-18T09:00:00.000+05:30

Pump up your style quotient with 70 sensational lip color shades from Lakmé that'll certainly bring out the romantic in you. The new range of Lakmé Enrich Satin Lip color features 26 new, bright & gorgeous shades of lipsticks that are created to flatter various skin types. There's something for every woman in this classy lip color lineup, so grab all 26 today to complement your own style & wardrobe. Lakme Enrich lipsticks are an ideal color addition for every contemporary woman's make-up kit, suiting their myriad moods & apt for every occasion.

Lakmé Satin Intense Lip Colors are enriched with sunscreens, vitamins & the goodness of olives to give your lips flawless look. The glossy shades can be easily paired with any outfit & make you look perfect & ready for any occasion. True to its name, the Enrich Satin range of lip colors just glide on your lips & enhance your sensuality through its myriad shades. You can choose from an array of new shades from the gorgeous color palettes of pinks, browns, mauves, reds & nudes.

Priced at Rs. 225, available at select outlets across India.

On the launch of the new shades Arun Srinivas, Category Head, Vice President, Skincare & Colors, Hindustan Unilever Ltd says "With the addition of 26 new lip shades, Lakmé becomes India's only cosmetic brand with the widest variety of 70 lip colors. At Lakmé, our endeavor is to bring out the best in beauty for the discerning Indian woman. We continue to be the 1st choice of every Indian woman who seeks for an assortment of classy cosmetics that help her make a style statement every day."

7 More Nail Polishes Every Girl Needs to Own

2013-03-17T08:00:00.000+05:30

I'll admit that it was really hard to whittle down my list for last week's post on 7 Nail Polishes Every Girl Needs to Own.

So without further ado, here're 7 more nail polish shades every girl needs in her arsenal:

1. A Metallic

Photo Credit

This may not be in everyone's must have polish list, but I think it's an important part of a collection because metallic polish goes with anything. Metallic polishes are also appropriate for most occasions, whether it be a night out or a trip to the grocery store. Once again, what metallic is best for you will be entirely dependent on your skin tone Bronze & yellow golds look best on warm skin tones, where as silvers & rose gold look best on cooler skin tones.

2. A Wild Card

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No collection is complete without a polish that's a little out there. Whether it be a super bright neon/a pastel creme/even a chunky glitter. The point of nail polish is to have a little fun, right??? Nail polish can be a creative outlet as well as a fashion statement & accessory. And the best part about nail polish is…it's not permanent. If you hate it, you can take it off! And you don't spend a fortune on it.

3. A Hot Pink

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No matter how old you are (unless you're a man) you need an eye-popping fuchsia on tips every now & then for 2 reasons: 1st, to easily transition from red without worrying about leftover streaks if you're doing a mani-pedi at home.

2nd, it's a fun & fabulous shade that's widely acceptable, even in the workplace. And, sometimes, you do need a dose of fun & a punch of color to a bland ensemble.

4. A Lovely Lilac

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Think of this tint as a notch above the nude hue. It's what you wear when you first meet your bf's parents/what you paint on the night before a friend's wedding. It's understated, yet, visible enough to send the message that you've taken time to groom your nails.

Skin tone is also key in finding the right lavender shade: Go lighter if you're fair & deeper as in mauve or old rose if you're more tan.

5. A Trendy Hue

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This is something you can play around with, like that dress with a plunging neckline you'd wear on Salsa Night with friends but never at work.

You can go from brilliant jewel tones, like the royal sapphire blue popularized by Chanel's Blue Satin a few years ago & now more widely available via mainstream brands; or super-playful vibrant colors such as lemon yellow/melon orange. If you're extra-brazen, you could even try neon & electric hues/even a multi-color combo! They're all good for as long as you wipe them off by the time you clock in on Monday morning.

6. A Pastel

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I find that no matter what a girl's personality is, she's usually attracted to at least 1 type of pastel color. I also find that whenever I wear a pastel, I seem to get the most compliments on my polish.

7. A Funky Top Coat

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Nail design has really taken off over the past year & the ability to change the look of your polish has gotten super simple. Using a top coat is definitely the easiest way to dress up your manicure.

What do you think??? What else goes on your list of must-have shades???

5 Simple, Celebrity-Inspired Party Hairstyles

2013-03-14T17:00:00.000+05:30

Summer is almost here & whether you're planning to spend a glamorous evening at a club or something more intimate with close friends, how to wear your hair should be the least of your worries.

Below, I'll show you 5 simple, yet beautiful hairstyles to wear while partying.

1. The Romantic & Wavy

Photo Courtesy

To get this hairstyle, apply a heat protectant to damp hair & blow dry using a round brush. Create a slightly off-center part & then use a 2-inch barrel curling iron to curl wide sections of your hair. Hold clamp shut for a few seconds before releasing.

Brush through your curls several times to create loose waves. Tousle your hair with fingers to create subtle volume & finish with a medium hold hairspray.

2. The Long & Chic

Photo Courtesy

To get this hairstyle, apply a straightening serum to damp hair & blow dry straight using a fine-toothed comb for your bangs & a round brush for the rest of your hair. Once your hair is dry, use a flat iron wave the ends of your hair outward. Then brush through the waves to loosen them, adding body.

Using a teasing comb, begin teasing the crown & sides of your hair. Divide your hair into layers & then tease each layer from ear to ear. Be sure to leave the top layer smooth to conceal teased sections underneath. Mist your hair lightly with a shine serum & finish with a workable hairspray.

3. The Tousled & Wavy

Photo Courtesy

To get this hairstyle, apply a texturizing serum to damp hair & blow dry using a diffuser. Once your hair is dry, apply a volumizing mousse to your hair, focusing on your roots.

Then create a deep side part & use your fingers to twist sections of your hair away from your face. Use a styling pomade as necessary. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

4. A Short Updo

Photo Courtesy

To get this, apply a smoothing balm to damp hair & blow dry straight using a paddle brush. Let your bangs fall naturally & create a side part. Run a ceramic flat iron through your hair to tame stubborn sections.

Lightly tease your crown using a fine-toothed comb. Then gather your hair back into a messy bun at the nape of your neck. Allow face-framing pieces of your hair to fall as you go. To finish, spray with a lightweight hairspray.

5. A Formal & Chic Updo

Photo Courtesy

To get this, begin by backcombing day old hair away on the crown of the head. Texture is key to creating volume & hold, so the messier the better. Pull hair back, keeping volume in the crown & gather it loosely at the nape of the neck.

Twist hair up to create a messy French twist & secure with bobby hairpins. To finish the look, mist with a maximum-hold hairspray to assure all-day coverage.

What do you think of these celebrity-inspired hairstyles??? Do you plan to try something new with your hair??

7 Nail Polishes Every Girl Needs to Own

2013-03-13T16:00:00.000+05:30

As I've mentioned in my past polish posts, I've a ton of nail polish: at this point I probably own around 100 bottles, which I know is ridiculous. No one needs 100 bottles..or 50, or even 20 bottles of polish. Really, so long as you have a well-curated collection, you definitely don't need a ton of polish.

To help you narrow it down, I've created a list of the top 7 polishes every girl needs in her nail arsenal. Enjoy!

1. A Red

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The ultimate classic color, it looks good on every woman.

2. A Pale Pink

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A classic, conservative, ultra feminine color.

3. A Citrus

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No matter the shade, orange is always in.

4. An Almost Black

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Dark green, dark red, dark blue, dark purple, the options are endless & always chic.

5. A Nude

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Sometimes, less is more.

6. A Glitter

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I don't care how old you're, glitter never goes out of style.

7. A Vampy

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Thanks to Chanel Vamp, vampy nail polishes are now considered a staple. Every girl needs a go to vampy polish in her collection. They great thing about vampy shades is they are, for the most part, universally flattering. Much less work than trying to find the perfect red!!

What do you guys think??? What're your absolute must-have shades??? Do you own all of these??

Product Review: Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Artic Waters

2013-03-12T12:00:00.000+05:30

If you're into creme nail polishes, then you're going to fall in ♥ with Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Artic Waters. Artic Waters is a difficult shade to describe as it's so complex: it's a deep blue, chock full of silver shimmers.

Despite the shimmers, though, it has quite a smooth finish & it's easy to remove. This is a truly stunning & unique color & I can't honestly think of any dupe for it. Also, the shade is quite pigmented so you only need 2 coats for the color to be opaque.

And the formula is lovely too: even though it's on the thick side, it's still easy to apply & achieve an even coverage. However, it takes a while to dry, so I'd recommend applying it while watching a movie or something. Or just apply a quick-drying top coat on top to reduce the drying time to just 5 mins.

However, the main con of this product is that it chips really easily on me if I don't use a top coat. It was fine for the first couple of days but on the 3rd, I noticed really bad chips. All the other reviews I read about this polish don't mention this problem so it could just be that I experienced it because I use my hands a lot. If you're gentler with them, it might last longer on you. But I was really disappointed to see that it chipped so badly so soon.

Weight: 8 ml

Price: Rs.159

Pros

1. Beautiful, complex color.

2. Good color payoff.

3. Wonderful formula, easy to apply.

4. Easy to remove.

5. The packaging.

Cons

1. Takes a while to dry.

2. Chips easily.

My Overall Rating

I give Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Artic Waters a 4/5. It's one of the most beautiful nail polishes I've ever come across: a deep blue with silver shimmers, it's a lovely formula that's easy to apply & provides an opaque coverage in just 2 coats. Although easy to remove, it can take a while to dry & it chips easily. The color is really unique though, so if you really want it, go for it.

Nail Polish Basics: My top 7 All-time Favorite Nail Blogs

2013-03-11T11:00:00.000+05:30

It's safe to say that I'm pretty blog-obsessed. Most of my current interests (fashion, beauty, tech, entertainment, music, food) were sparked by reading post after post on a Blogspot/WordPress. My obsession with nails & nail polish started this way too & much to my enjoyment, there're tons & tons of nail blogs out there.

Of course, for every great nail blog, there're a 100 duds. To help you browse the best, here're my top 7 all-time favorite nail-related blogs:

1. Miss Ladyfinger

Taryn Multack aka 'Miss Ladyfinger' is the hands behind this blog. Having worked for fashion elites such as Oscar de la Renta, Macy's & W magazine, she's introduced a keen eye to the DIY nail art world with her spot-on runway replicas.

2. Chalkboard Nails

Graphic designer by day, Sarah burns the midnight oil feeding her obsession with all things nail art. And thanks to her bachelor's degree in photography, she has some of the crispest images that make recreating at-home so much easier.

3. Copy That Copy Cat

Australia-based aspiring nail technician Linda Khuu sharpens her nail art skills with impressive 2D designs, including studs, spikes & stickers.

4. The Daily Polish

This blog is curated by a self-taught nail junkie, Kaitlin, who happens to be a college student who paints her nails everyday. Wonder how she manages with exams & pop quizzes??

5. Nailside

Jane of the Nailside sure knows how to get nifty with regular stationary tape. She uses the classroom staple to mimic crisp, clean lines & zigzag patterns.

6. Nailed it

Before doing my weekend manicure, I check out this website for ideas & there's more than plenty. Plus, she possesses a sharp hand when wielding the nail polish brush. Something I'm still perfecting.

7. The Nailasaurus

Sammy slaughters the competition with her precision & always perfectly-buffed manicure.

What about you guys??? Do you guys look at nail blogs?? What're your favorite nail websites???

Product Review: Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Absinthe

2013-03-10T10:00:00.000+05:30

Y'all know how much I like Avon products. They come in so many beautiful colors, are good quality but inexpensive & the Nail Enamels are no exception. There're more than 20 different shades, in sequin, creme & shimmery finishes, to choose from, and they only cost Rs.159! Today I want to talk about one of my favorite nail polish shades ever. It's from Avon & it's called Absinthe.

Absinthe is a beautiful bright green shade with yellow undertones & a sequin finish that is perfect for spring. It's looks almost neon, but not quite. Overall, it's a very unique shade & despite being a sucker for green polishes, I've never seen nor own anything that looks like it. It's definitely one of the colors that I wear more often on my nails as I just can't get enough of it. It's a truly stunning & springy color!

The formula is lovely too. Its consistency applies easily & smoothly without streaking & having good color payoff, 2 coats are more than enough to get the same color as it looks in the bottle. Plus, it dries quite quickly too so you don't have to wait ages before you can start using your hands again.

As for the staying power, if you use a good top coat, you'll get at least 4 days of wear with this polish. After that, it starts to chip for me. Also, keep in mind that I'm very hard with my nails: I type a lot, I wash my hands a lot, do a little housework & generally can't keep them still. So I'd say that if you're gentler with your hands than I'm, Absinthe may last longer on you.

Now, the bad. Because Absinthe is so pigmented & bright, it could stain your nails if you don't use a good base coat underneath. As I mentioned above, I use this shade a lot with a base coat from L'Oreal underneath & it has never stained my nails. Still, I think that if you use it with the right base coat, you'll ♥ this shade as it's truly gorgeous & with a really lovely formula.

Weight: 8 ml

Price: Rs.159

Pros

1. Available in lots of colors in different finishes.

2. Good color payoff.

3. Good formula, not streaky.

4. Sequin finish.

5. Lasts a few days with a good top coat.

Cons

1. Can stain nails if you don't use a good base coat

2. Some may think it isn't long-lasting enough as it lasts 4 days with a top coat.

My Overall Rating

I give Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Absinthe a 4/5. I'm in ♥ with it. A vibrant yellowish green with a sequin finish, it's one of the most beautiful colors I've ever seen. Quite pigmented, the formula applies like a dream & the polish lasts about 4 days with a top coat. However, you need to use a good base coat underneath this or it may stain your nails.