The Brown Muses

HOW TO ROCK SHAADI SEASON 101: DUPATTA FTW

2017-11-04T09:02:00.001+05:30

Maharani Type Feels and Coincidental Color Coordination with the Bride

Three things that I love about living in Pakistan are winters (since they are extra special for us as after a long spell of summer and dry fall season), weddings (because why not?!) and winter weddings! So, I am naturally a bit hyper-excited about the wedding season. Kickstarting a new series whereby I would be talking about my wardrobe essentials for weddings, making intelligent choices for your wardrobe without creating a hole in the pocket, as well as, my first-hand experiences with different salons and photographers.

While there are various brands popping up with their luxe ready-to-wear collection every wedding season, I am an advocate of smart shopping and customising clothes to my liking every now and then. While the process of shopping for lose fabric and customising the kaam wala jora is a pain for many, I enjoy the entire process - from finding the perfect fabrics for mix and match to getting it stitched, unless the darzi imposes his marzi a bit more than required!

Since the trends keep changing, sometimes it is hard to keep up with them, especially when it comes to formal wear as one does not get to wear formal dresses every now and then. (I never have a problem in repeating them if I like them.) For this purpose, I would be sharing some of the outfits from my closet, which have passed the test of time and saved me from getting a new dress made every time.

In the first look of this series, I am sharing one of the wedding party wear dresses - a multi-layered dress (yes, you can layer up for the winter weddings by making smart choices and not feel cold even if it is an outdoor night event): a panelled maxi with a front open gown and a heavily embellished dupatta with you folks.

The reason that I have picked up this particular look for the first post is that it is easily one of the most easy-on-pocket dresses that I designed myself. Since it was for an extended family wedding and I did not want to spend too much and yet go for something better than a usual shirt and trouser.

OOTD BREAKDOWN:

Dupatta: I have had my eyes on this embellished dupatta for as long as I can remember. It was from my eldest sister's dowry (who got married ten years ago, FYI) and she promised to hand it over to me after she'd be done wearing it multiple times. lol. She did not use it as much (since she one of the kind who never repeat their dresses) as it deserved and it took her nine years to finally have the generosity to pass it on (because it was one of her favourites - and a part of the first dress she had got on the first day of her wedding shopping).

Appreciate this handmade gorgeousness with me!

It is a black chiffon barosha dupatta with heavy traditional (re: classic) hand embroidery with embellishments (sequence, diamontes, katt daana etc.) in plum and green. The dress that it was originally a part of was an original from Usama Silk, F-10 Markaz, Islamabad since what seems like forever. Back in the day, they used to make exclusive formal dresses (only one unstitched dress in one design and colour). Cannot emphasize much on how I miss those.

Front Open Gown:

I got this shirt front and sleeves piece from Faisal Fabrics, also located in F-10 Markaz. It cost me around 3000 PKR only.

Resolving Kashmir Issue, Perhaps!

For the back, I got the plain black net fabric with a hint of gold from a Pakhtun's shop, located in F-10 Markaz's basement, adjacent to Usama Silk, for PKR 300 per yard. They have a huge variety of embellished and plain polyester and cotton net amongst many other fabrics. One can simply design a gazillion dresses on a single visit. I have actually met a couple of local designers who stock at Latelier, Islamabad, over there. My mom dreads accompanying me there as I can never leave the shop empty-handed.

Kaamdani/Mukesh Fabric:

I had purchased two kaamdaani/mukesh dupattas from Lahore for PKR 3000 two years ago. This flared/panelled maxi required about 5 metres of cloth.

Kundan Lace:

Purchased it from a local lace shop in Islamabad for around 1000 PKR.

Stitching:

2500 PKR.

ACCESSORIES:

Earrings: My brother got me this from one of his official trips to China long back. The katt daana details went so well with my outfit.

Bangles: From my first and what seems like the only trip to Anaarkali Bazaar, Lahore - Best bangles at the best price - PKR 250. Can you believe that?

Also pictured here is the wedding reception dress, also designed by yours truly!

Bracelet: Random jewellery seller at Jinnah Super, Islamabad - PKR 250.

Rings: Chunky black one: Random jewellery seller at Jinnah Super, Islamabad - PKR 250 and the rest from Haroon's Gift Shop - PKR 290 each.

Clutch: Haroon's Gift Shop - PKR 1200. Quite a steal for the price.

MAKEOVER:

Party makeup from Seemi's Salon and Studio. I had not made an advance booking so this one is NOT their signature party makeover. One of the junior makeup artists did it but Seemi herself gave the final touches. It had cost me PKR 3500 since the escorts of the bride were offered a special discount.

Pastry? Poorly Highlighted Face + Cakey and Uneven Foundation 101. I'd definitely have washed my face if I had not gone straight from the salon.

All I would say is that I was disappointed. Although I am not a pro when it comes to makeup, I could have easily done a better job myself. However, I would neither recommend their Signature Party Makeup (that some of my family members got done - Charges: PKR 5000) nor the Bridal Makeover (that my extended family member got done for her walima).

Nail Colour: Colourstudio Haute Nails 232 Royal - PKR 250.

HAIR:

Seemi's Salon and Studio again. The party makeover included hair styling. I wanted a side bun with my hair twisted and tucked to one side (without looking older than I am. And I did not. At least I think so). Since I was unhappy with the makeover - no colour correction for the blemishes and pigmentation, and uneven and patchy foundation, the hairstyle kind of saved the day for me.

In my zone!! No colour correction and the basic-esttt eyeshadow :/

The idea is to share some cult classic tips and tricks that add a personal touch to your formal dresses and save them from being labelled "outdated" before you've worn them more than once even (as one does not get to wear desi formal clothes often). I don't. I hope there are many like me out there who would find these tips useful.

P.S. Since this was a customised dress and you may not find exactly the same stuff everywhere, there are a few tips and tricks to save the day for you.

A. Dupatta is the desi swag. Choose one and design the entire outfit accordingly. Find a vintage dupatta at home (raid your mum's closet) or simply go for those jamawar, cotton net, organza dupattas and made-to-order/embellished velvet shawls, which are all rage and easily available in the market these days, can serve the same purpose. I have my eyes on a few since last year. Just waiting for someone to get married so that I can find an excuse to go get one.

When you're not high on budget and you still want to make a style statement, let the dupatta do the talking. Just pair it up with a plain jora and drape it on one shoulder or the front and you're good to go. I already plan to make a plain raw silk black dress (shirt and pants)with this one.

B. You can make the outfit heavier (and more expensive) by using a heavy kaamdaani fabric for the maxi/kurta (whatever you want to pair the dupatta/shawl up with) instead or you can just go for a plain dress and let the dupatta stand out as stated in A.

C. The key is to mix and match. I used chiffon barosha, chiffon with mukesh/kaamdaani and net in this one dress.

D. Stitching makes all the difference. Even a simple outfit stitched to perfection can make you stand out. I usually prefer maxis and anarkalis etc. when it comes to formal wear because they never go out of fashion. As for shirts and pants/shalwar, the trends keep on changing.

Do not forget to share your outfit ideas for this wedding season in the comments' section below.

Until next time,

Samra.

Pakistani Wedding Wear Designs & Styles: Trend Report 2017

2017-01-17T21:28:00.004+05:30

One thing that people who know me closely are aware of is that if I had not been a content writer, I’d have been a Fashion Designer. My obsession with formal and bridal dresses is to the extent that a greater part of my phone memory consists of pictures of different attires from all over the internet and most of my dresses are self-designed. (If you want to have a look on those and get inspirations for the current wedding season, pat on my back so that I get myself sorted for the wedding series).

Over the last decade, a tremendous growth has been seen in the Pakistani fashion industry. While the maestros in Bridal dresses like HSY, Deepak Parwani, Maheen Kardaar, Maria B. (to name a few) have always been there, many new designers such as Suffuse by Sana Yasir and Mahgul among many others have also established their names.

What it amazing about the trends in Pakistani Bridal Dresses today is that people are experimenting with colours and fabrics. While red may be the preference of many for the big day, it is no more the cult favorite of many. Different shades of gold, pink and ivory, with or without a hint of red, are trending these days. Many new fabrics have also been introduced into the wedding wear. I, for one, love pastels. Cotton net and maysuri have taken place of chiffon in semi-formal evening dresses. The good old organza has also made a comeback. Not only are people experimenting with colours but also fabrics. Mix and match of net, organza and chiffon in bridal, semi-formal, and formal wear with chermuse, jamawaar, and velvet.

Velvet gowns, jackets, and shirts with jamawar shawls are all the rage for the winter weddings this wedding season. Peplums and ponchos with boot cut and cigarette pants and jackets with camisoles, undershirts and maxis are quite on trend this year. Sharara pants with peplums and short shirts are also in fashion. Embroided motifs on pants and fully embroided and embellished sleeves with a lighter neckline also give an elegant look to the dress.

Replica designer dresses are also easily available these days. A huge variety of replica formal and semi-formal Ladies Dresses 2017 in Pakistan of leading brands can be bought online. The prices vary according to the quality of the fabric and the precision of the designs with respect to the original dresses, which is indeed an affordable option for many.

Leaving you with the thoughts of what to wear to the upcoming wedding event, I’m gonna go watch Moray Saiyyan; an ARY serial (that I am obsessed with) with the classic touch of old Pakistani dramas.

Until next time,

Samra.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

Clean Beauty: Ingredient Checklist + How To Make Informed Choices

2017-01-13T13:53:00.000+05:30

While I always knew that the commercial skincare and hair care products that we use contain harmful chemicals, I never bothered to check the ingredients (haw!) because as long as they were not harming my skin, all was forgiven and forgotten (quite literally lol). But little did I know that our bloodstream absorbs 70% of the things that we put on our skin within seconds....WHOA!

It was after reading through certain green beauty blogs, I realised the amount of chemicals I am putting on my skin. I slowly began to chuck commercial products out of my stash and replaced them with products from commercially available brands that marketed their products as natural and herbal, while they contained toxins. Here in India and even Pakistan, we have little or no awareness when it comes to green beauty because the commercially available brands have been misleading us for many years and we do not bother to go through the ingredients list. While browsing through the aisles in stores, we literally pick up anything that attracts our eyes without caring a hoot about the damage we will be doing to ourselves in the long run.

I delved deeper and began to learn about ingredients, beyond the usual ones - parabens, SLS, SLES etc which was an eye opener. Sadly in India and Pakistan, we do not have any regulatory bodies as opposed to USA or European countries that ban harmful chemicals being used personal care products.

It took me a whole year to transition to clean beauty but it has been one heck of a journey. It has been more than 30 months since I ditched commercially available personal care products and I find my facial skin, hair, and body skin in a better condition now.

WHY YOUR SKIN DESERVES CLEAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

They neither harm your skin nor your health.
They are environment-friendly as well.
Animals are not harmed while making them.
They can be customised according to your needs.
They have a shorter shelf life which means they are preservative free. (Anything that contains water will require a preservative but there are some green beauty brands that use paraben free preservatives which aren't as harmful as the ones that commercial products come loaded with)

HOW TO MAKE THE BIG TRANSITION:

Switching to clean beauty can be really confusing and I for one would not recommend ditching commercial junk in one go. Instead, the journey could be started with making smaller changes, as in instead of purchasing commercial face scrubs, face masks, and hair masks begin by whipping your own products with the ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen. While doing so, you are in control of what you are putting on your skin or hair. You could gradually start buy products from green beauty brands in small quantities and see what works for you and what does not. Do not hesitate in sharing your concerns with the brand while choosing the products. Trust me when I say this, majority of the brand owners are super sweet and cooperative. They will patiently tend to all your queries and questions. To find brands that make non-toxic personal care products in India and Pakistan alike, please read through the blog and you will surely find something that will catch your fancy.

In order to educate yourself about the ingredients, before purchasing any commercial personal care product, make it a point to check the ingredients list - you will find yourself struggling in the quest to pronounce half the names. It has happened to me when I had started out on my clean beauty journey back in 2014.

A QUICK LIST OF INGREDIENTS WHICH ARE A BIG NO:

Prefixes Ethyl, Methyl, Butyl or Propyl

What It Is: Parabens

Health Risks: Endocrine disrupters that mimic estrogen; linked to weight gain and breast cancer

Found In: Lotions and shampoos

Fragrance, DEHP, DHP, DBP 5, Dibutyl Phthalate

What It Is: Phthalates

Health Risks: Sperm damage, infertility

Found In: Nail polish, shampoo, deodorant, lotion

Dyes: Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5 & 6, Red 33

What It Is: Coal tar

Health Risks: Carcinogenic

Found In: Hair color, medicated shampoos

Triclosan, Chloro, Phenol, Irgasan

What It Is: Triclosan

Health Risks: Endocrine and thyroid disrupter; promotes antibiotic-resistant bacteria; bioaccumulates in the body

Found In: Antibacterial soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, toothpaste, deodorant

3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC), octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA), bexophenome-3 (Bp-3), homosalate (HMS)

What It Is: Sunscreen chemicals

Health Risks: Estrogenic activity; enhances the potential for pesticides to penetrate the skin

Found In: Sunscreens

Polyethylene glycol (PEG, PPG, Cocoate), propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyethoxyethylene, polyethoxyethylene mineral oil

What It Is: Petroleum byproducts

Health Risks: Carcinogen; liver and kidney effects

Found In: Lotions

Petrolatum

What It Is: Derivative of petroleum

Health Risks: Endocrine disrupter; carcinogen

Found In: Lotions

Lead acetate, thimerosal, mercurius solubilis, mercurius sublimates, mercurius corrosives, mercuric chloride

What It Is: Lead and mercury

Health Risks: Found in higher levels in women with breast cancer; neurotoxin

Found In: Hair color, wound treatments, artificial tears

Isobutene

What It Is: Propellant made from petroleum processing

Health Risks: Carcinogen

Found In: Moisturizer, shaving cream, foot spray, breath freshener

Placenta

What It Is: Placenta, placental enzymes, placental extract

Health Risks: Filled with hormones that upset your own balance and increase estrogen

Found In: Skin and hair conditioner

Hydroquinone

What It Is: Hydroquinone

Health Risks: Can cause a skin disease called ochronosis

Found In: Skin whitener

Nano zinc oxide

What It Is: Nanoparticles

Health Risks: The safety of nanoparticles has not been tested, but they can cross the blood/brain barrier and move along nerves.

Found In: Sunscreens, lotions

If you are interested in learning more about the ingredients, I would recommend this article. Another great resource is this one.

Let's make 2017 a year where we would minimise the use of toxic chemicals and find solutions to our skincare and hair care woes in nature's lap.

XO,

Deepika

REVIEW: Venustas Essentials Aloe Day Cream

2016-12-24T11:35:00.002+05:30

While I have night time skincare regimen sorted, as I prefer using oils during that time, it's the day time regimen which becomes quite a task in order to pick up the right cream for my skin type. I am a very picky person when it comes to choosing a day cream for my overly dry winter skin because I do not use commercial skincare products anymore.

My search ended when I came across Aloe Day Cream by Venustas Essentials. VE is a Pune, Maharashtra based brand spearheaded by Mrs Seema Rai who painstakingly handcrafts body butters, day cream, scrubs, soaps etc in her kitchen. Some of the products that I have used from the brand have given me good results (you can search 'Venustas Essentials' on the blog to read the reviews). I mean seriously, her products are SO good and chemical free, of course.

About The Product:

While the night creams repair the skin while you sleep, it is equally or rather more important to use a good quality Natural day cream. As it is during the day that your skin is exposed to maximum pollution, Sun and stress that damage the skin and lead to skin discoloration and premature ageing.

This all Natural, non-greasy Day cream has been specially formulated for warm summer days. With Hydrating and rejuvenating Aloe, cool Cucumber extracts and potent essential oils like Sandalwood, Carrot seed and rose hip that protect, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin all day.

Ingredients:

Aloe, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Rose, Sandal, Virgin Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Blend of Essential Oils.

Venustas Essentials Aloe Day Cream

My Experience:

I am on my second jar of the cream and that says a lot about it, right? I first got this cream in the month of July and me and my mother loved it a lot! It has a relaxing cucumber aroma (due to the presence of cucumber EO) which is mild and calming for the senses. I cannot stand overly scented skincare products. I just can't.

The cream comes in a 50 gm pot with an inner lid to protect the contents. I have been using this cream consistently since July and this cream is such a rockstar. It literally sinks into the skin and provides just the right amount of moisturisation to my overly dry skin (I had combination skin during July-Oct and it didn't cause any flare-ups) without feeling heavy or leaving an awful greasy residue behind. The presence of aloe soothes the skin immediately. And guess what, the surprise element of this cream is, the lovely dewy finish it gives a few minutes after it's application. Expect a healthy glow as well as unbeaten moisturisation for up to 8-10 hours (this is coming from someone that has overly dry skin!) before your skin screams for moisturisation again.

I love my essential oils and this cream contains rose and sandalwood EO alongside aloe which make it all the more special. According to various researches, rose EO contains certain therapeautic compounds that promote healing. Rose EO also defines skin texture and tone. Whereas, sandalwood EO helps soothe the skin, relieve inflammation and irritation.

Aloe vera is a great moisturiser! It soothes, softens the skin and is loaded with anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties in abundance.

There are two important things which I would like to point out - 1) It does not replace sunscreen as it contains no SPF. 2) It didn't do anything for the dry patches as mine are more of an hormonal issue.

Yays:

Handmade.
Not tested on animals.
Contains no harmful chemicals.
Provides adequate amount of moisturisation.
Causes no irritation.
Reasonably priced for the quantity.
Has a relaxing aroma of cucumbers. Won't bother sensitive noses.
Contains a potent blend of oils.
Gives a dewy finish.
Lightweight and leaves no greasy residue behind.
Great for all skin types.

Nays:

Doesn't replace sunscreen.

Price and Availability:

The cream is priced at INR 300 for a 50 gm pot. Orders can be made on brand's official Facebook page HERE or their WhatsApp number +91 9999649636.

Will I recommend:

YES! YES! YES!

Have you used this cream or any product from Venustas Essentials? Let me know in comments below.

XO,

Deepika.

Disclosure: The product featured in this post is my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

DIY: Nourishing Papaya Seeds Face Mask

2016-12-19T13:52:00.003+05:30

Face masks are an absolute must among other things if you want healthy and smooth skin and it's very easy to make a nourishing face mask by using ingredients which are available right in your kitchen at a very low cost and since you are in control of the ingredients that will be used to whip up the face mask that means there are no harmful chemicals involved, yay!

The particular face mask recipe that I am going to share is made using the goodness of papaya seeds and honey, which will provide hydration to the skin other than making the skin smooth, brightening up the complexion and ridding your skin of dead skin cells. While one application won't show miraculous result but it will definitely make the skin soft. And to see proper results, one has to use it consistently!

Check out the recipe for this easy peasy DIY face mask below!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp papaya seeds

1 tsp raw honey (I didn't have raw honey so I used commercial honey but I would recommend using raw honey)

2 drops sweet almond oil

2 drops lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

Blend papaya seeds (my papaya didn't have that many seeds so I used a piece of papaya), honey and lemon juice in a blender till it turns into a fine paste and the seeds are grind well. Pour the mixture into a clean bowl, add sweet almond oil and stir everything well. Apply the mask on a clean and dry face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with tepid water. While rinsing off, massage your face super gently using circular strokes in order to remove dead skin cells. The mask can be stored up to a week in the fridge.

Benefits of the Ingredients Used:

Papaya Seeds:

Papaya contains papain, which are special enzymes that can help in exfoliating the skin by breaking down skin cell's surface. These enzymes lock in moisture, reduce pore size and keep wrinkles at bay.

Raw Honey:

Raw honey acts as a natural emollient that increases water content in skin and reduces dryness. It also helps in tissue healing and regeneration. The powerful botanical in honey neutralises blemish and wrinkle-causing free radicals.

Sweet Almond Oil:

Being a lightweight oil, it easily penetrates into the deeper layers of skin by softening and dislodging the dirt and debris. This carrier oil prevents blackheads and acne. Almond oil can be used on sensitive skin too as it is not likely to cause skin infections.

Buy the one I use HERE.

Lemon Juice:

It's not advised to use rub lemon directly on the face, but it could be mixed with face masks to reap its benefits. The vitamin C and citric acid content in lemon juice act as a natural bleach. Lemon juice bleaches freckles and tiny dark spots. However, do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 12 hours after using lemon because it causes a photo-toxic reaction.

Note: Although the mask is made using natural ingredients, a patch test is still recommended.

Let me know if you try this mask in the comments below.

XO,

Deepika.

PEP TALK: Challenge Your Perspective

2016-12-18T19:44:00.001+05:30

Neglected? Ignored? Lost in the Oblivion? I hope not.

We all neglect some things (and people) to the point of ignoring them (whether consciously or unconsciously) because of being caught up with other (apparently) more important things in life such as deadlines to meet, chores to do, goals to achieve, and what not. But as they say, when there’s a will, there’s a way. It may sound easier said than done but we can at least try taking out time for those who matter before we lose them and things that would remain unattended otherwise before they become out of our reach. Makeup getting expired, book pages going yellow-errr and people becoming distant.

There are many books lying in my stash that I purchased impulsively but never got to read. Same goes for makeup products and shoes. Most importantly, many people I have not been in touch over the past four years.

Reasons I give myself: I will read it when I have “enough” time. I am caught up with work, studies and “other” things. Many people I have not talked to only because I felt we do not have common interests, we do not have time for each other or “oh, we were never close friends, anyway!” No wonder I am often labeled as “a mean person who never takes relationships seriously and forgets old friends when she makes new ones.” (things you’d always get to hear about yourself if you are a social person).

Truth is, I never forgot any of them. Not only the ones I used to be very close to. Not even those just-a-classmate types, but never bothered to talk to them again after graduation because (read: aforementioned reasons). Same goes for the last pair heels I purchased. I’d lay my hands on it every other day before moving onto the flats because they would be more comfortable and let me get through the day with more ease.

But we should step out of the comfort zone, sometimes. Shouldn’t we? I used to talk to such friends and peers once in awhile often and it would mostly be like nothing has changed between us, which would really give me those “feel good” feelings. Did so today as well and her “good to hear from you” actually gave those “warm” feels.

Don’t you feel you are missing out on great conversations by not talking to these people, unique thoughts and perspectives by not reading that book, and those lipsticks.. well, even if you got those on a whim, you should wear them more often until you feel comfortable wearing those colours or learn to carry them. Why set the boundaries where they are not even needed? Come out of your comfort zone and get some action on today. Try calling one such friend or using the fuschia lipstick lying in your makeup stash before it expires (as in my case) or the book you never got the friggin “time” to read (Pictured above) or the heels you have not worn even once (though you fell for them like you fall for Ranbir Kapoor every time. Lulz).

Don’t forget to share how it made you feel in the comments’ section below.

Happy Sunday night! :)

Till next time,

Samra.

Importance of Vaginal Health

2016-12-13T12:18:00.001+05:30

In our desi society, the topic of vaginal health is often a neglected one because after hitting puberty, no one guides us as to why "those" things happen when they happen, why our bodies go through a major change and how and why it is a to must to take care of vaginal health. If I were to sum it up in few words, we are not told how our bodies work as a female and how to take care of our intimate area.

Today, I hope to address some of the problems and concerns that we face as females and I will also try and explore possible solutions for it with this post for which Everteen, a leading brand in feminine intimate health & hygiene category were kind enough to partner with us. But before I proceed further, I would like to clarify that I am no expert and the information provided in this post is not intended to cure, treat or diagnose any disease. If you are facing any kind of irritation or discomfort in your intimate area, please see your medical doctor ASAP.

A woman's vaginal health can get affected by diet, exercises, clothes, medications, stress. So, maintaining vaginal health is as important as maintaining other health habits like for example oral hygiene. A healthy vagina is acidic in nature and has a pH of 3.8 to 4.5 as the good bacteria present "down there" helps in fighting bad microorganisms like foul odour, abnormal discharge etc. Their are numerous factors that could possibly disrupt vaginal pH which are listed below:

Menstruation
Sexual intercourse
Diet and Exercise
Use of tampons and sanitary napkin
Hormonal changes
Menopause
Personal hygiene

Everteen is one brand that I can trust when it comes to purchasing products for intimate care and hygiene. And if you have been reading the blog, you guys know that I do not promote any brand unless I believe in them completely. I have used many of their products and none have disappointed. So below, I am listing few problems that we as women face in our daily lives with possible solutions for it.

1. Vaginal Infection: Vaginal yeast infections are a very common female condition. The main symptoms of this condition is itching, unnatural odour, burning sensation. To prevent such infections, it is adviced to keep the intimate area clean other than having a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. One product that could help in preventing infection and maintaining the pH balance of the vagina is Everteen Natural Intimate Wash. The intimate wash is approved by Indian FDA and contains 100% natural active ingredients which makes it mild for all skin types. I shared my experience of the intimate wash with the readers HERE.

More Info HERE.

2. Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Laxity: Although I am a big believer of not altering something that is nature intended but vaginal laxity is something that bothers a lot of women specially after childbirth. Other than kegel exercises, Everteen Vaginal Gel is quite useful in improving vaginal laxity by its tightening and revitalizing effects on vaginal muscles.

More Info HERE.

3. Monthly Period: During that time of the month, it becomes even more important to keep the intimate area clean in order to keep infections at bay. It's important to use sanitary napkins whose top sheet is made up of cotton, because that reduces the chances of rashes, infections etc. And since I've used Everteen Cotton Sanitary Napkins, I can vouch for the fact that they are made of high quality material and the top sheet is 100% cotton. It provides instant dryness and soft feel and contains breathable bottom layer which allows air to circulate, eliminates moisture & heat.

More Info HERE.

4. Woman On Go: We are all aware of the condition most public toilets in India are, they are untidy and unhygienic but in case of emergency we have to use them whether we like or not. In such cases, Everteen Natural Intimate Hygiene Wipes come in handy as we don't want ourselves to come in contact with any sort of infection. These wipes are India's first 100% natural and biodegradable wipes and using them is very easy. To know my experience with the wipes, find the review HERE.

More info HERE.

5. Bikini Hair Removal: Removing bikini hair is one tricky affair. Women, generally prefer shaving or waxing to remove bikini hair but both have their own drawbacks. Shaving results in ingrown hair and nicks whereas waxing causes too too much pain. Everteen understood these concerns of women and came out with a product which is exclusively meant to remove bikini hair. The product goes by the name of Everteen Creme Hair Remover Bikini Line which is formulated using 100% natural chamomile extract and contains no parabens, yaaaas! The product is very useful as it removes the hair efficiently without causing irritation or darkness in the delicate area, however a patch test is highly recommended. Read about my experience HERE.

More info HERE.

In pursuit to promote healthy intimate hygiene habits and raise awareness to highlight important intimate health issues, I hope to do my bit and I urge every female to practice high standards of intimate hygiene.

XO,

Deepika

*Sponsored Post

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Priya Jain of 'Mishikrafts'

2016-12-07T11:39:00.003+05:30

When it's handmade you know there are no nasty things involved! And I think it is possibly the most purest, sincere and unadulterated form of 'love'. Today, we have Ms Priya Jain in the spotlight of 'Mishikrafts' who was kind of enough to take time out of her busy schedule and answer some questions.

Read about her and her brand 'Mishikrafts' which is handcrafts delicious chocolates and personal care products.

Q: You have a unique brand name. How was the name 'Mishikrafts' conceived, and what inspired you to come up with a brand of your own?

A: Mishikrafts was really a hobby project till my little niece came along. She had exceptionally dry skin and I was looking for solutions when I first made the milk and vanilla soap for her. The soap worked its magic and that is when I even started to look at it with any potential. She is my reason for starting the business and remains my quality check. At the core of our products is the value that, if I won't give it to Mishika, I won't give it to anyone else. I wanted to do a lot more craft related work when we named the business, hence the name, Mishikrafts.

Q: Tell us more about yourself. What do you do besides running Mishikrafts?

A: I used to be a journalist. I quit my job around two years ago to get into Mishikrafts full time. Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride. Running a business means micromanaging at multiple levels. Sometimes there isn't time for anything else. I love to travel, so whenever I can get away for a couple of weeks, I take off. I am constantly obsessing over new businesses to start, new solutions to provide. Reading, trying other DIY stuff and cooking are a few hobbies.

Q: We see you make chocolates too alongside personal care products. How are your chocolates different from the rest?

A: For starters, everything is handmade. We are suckers for quality and customized products. We sit down with each client through a personal meeting, or through chat, figure exactly what they want and give them a very personalised gift for all occasions. We have some exotic combinations that the big brands don't make. Our baileys, black currant, lemon chocolates are extremely popular. We once made tamarind chocolates on demand!

Q: Did you receive any formal training in soap making and chocolate making?

A: I attended workshops for both chocolate and soap making. These were short workshops for a day or two and then on, it was a whole lot of experiments before we got where we are today.

Q: How would you define your brand’s philosophy in a few words?

A: Keep it simple, keep it clean, keep it unique. Whatever I won't give my child (in this case Mishika), I won't give anyone else.

Q: What are your favourite ingredients to work with, in terms of both personal care products and chocolates?

A: Soaps- most natural ingredients- be it freshly ground orange peel, haldi from my kitchen, ground coconut, papaya squash, I love knowing we are using a lot of edible material in our products.

Chocolates- I love experimenting with chocolate, various fillings, something unique, different shapes, being able to cater to someone's romance/love/affection/ thought.

Q: Do you remember your first experience of making any product. Any interesting story that you'd like to share?

A: Mishika was two months old when we tried the milk soap on her. Needless to say, I was very worried. It was a lot of faith and prayers, but when it worked, I knew it was nothing short of magical.

Q: What should people bear in mind while buying natural/organic products?

A: Read the tags very carefully. People use both words organic and natural very loosely. There is a lot of jargon that gets thrown around in the beauty business, one has to be discerning. Watch out for fillers.

Q:. Where do you see your brand in next five years?

A: I hope to become the most convenient lifestyle solution. Everything else that happens will happen under brand Mishikrafts. I am looking at starting a convenient supply chain for fellow soap makers, chocolatiers and hobbyists. Also working on an easy to work model for workshops and classes for those interested in learning. A lot more will happen. Looking at an inroad into apparels as well. Core of the entire thing will be promotion of handmade products, at costs that can compete with large scale industry.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I dig their chocolates. Their plain dark chocolate and roasted almond dark chocolate are to die for. Read my thoughts HERE about the chocolates. As for soaps, their chocolate vanilla variant is great.

I hope that you enjoyed reading the interview. If you did then do leave us feedback below. And if you wish to get featured on our blog, drop us an email.

XO,

Deepika

Goodness of Hills - Junaili

2016-12-05T13:53:00.002+05:30

Junaili Apricot Body Scrub

We, human beings, have been blessed with the best of nature. After vowing to use products that are natural, handmade and pure, I have noticed a remarkable change in my skin, hair. And very soon, I will be doing a post where I will be sharing my journey of going green with my skincare, hair care with tips on how to make informed choices.

Meanwhile, let's talk about Junaili. Junaili is an Indian brand based in Rautakhet, Nainital, in the serene Kumaon Hills. When I made my purchase with them, they had just two products - cold pressed Apricot Kernal Oil and Apricot Body Scrub but now they have introduced Apricot Face Oil too in their products range. One of the few interesting things about their products is that they are made in small batches to ensure their quality and their labels are first hand-sketched, photographed and then refined on Photoshop, whoa!

I came across their brand through Instagram and decided to give them a shot. I bought only one product which was their popular Apricot Body Scrub and after using it for more than three months I am sharing my experience with our readers.

About the brand:

At Junaili, we cold-press our own Apricot Oil and Scrub at 7000 ft in the Kumaon Himalayas to exacting standards.

Ingredients:

Cold Pressed Apricot Kernel

My Experience:

Junaili Apricot Scrub smells like dried apricots and as soon as I took the first whiff, I knew I was in love! The smell is on the bitter side but it smells so much like winters, mmm. Free of additives, harsh chemicals, preservatives, this scrub is pure love as it contains just one ingredient!

The scrub comes in a simple looking plastic with a dull gold screw tight lid and an aluminium foil sealed on top to ensure freshness. The label on the jar bears all the important details and jar itself looks very classy and has a vintage feel to it due to the design on the label.

Junaili Apricot Body Scrub

The scrub has a finely milled consistency and a coarse texture. To use, I scoop out the desired product and rub it directly on the damp skin (but you can make a thick paste using rose water/milk). The scrub doesn't feel harsh and takes off dead skin cells and dirt effectively. My skin feels soft, supple and smooth after every use. I use the scrub 1-2 times a week owing to my busy schedule though I would love to use the scrub about 3 times/week. This scrub has definitely made my bathing experience a good one!

Apricots, popularly known as khubaani in Hindi/Urdu has always been a favourite fruit of mine and using it in form of scrub was the cherry on the cake! Apricots are known to stimulate the growth of news cells and escalate healing. With regular use, you may expect apricots to impart a nice glow and make the skin smooth and healthy.

Junaili Apricot Body Scrub

Yays:

Pure and unadulterated.
Handmade.
Not tested on animals.
It smells like winters! That smell of dried apricots, yummy.
The scrub doesn't dehydrate the skin.
The scrub is not harsh on the skin.
Makes the skin soft, smooth and supple.
Removes dead skin cells.
The scrub is reasonably priced.
Good and simple packaging.

Nays:

None!

Price and Availability:

The scrub is priced at INR 250 for 125 gm and I find it economical for the quantity. I have been using it for more than three months and I still have one-third of the product left. The product can be bought from HERE.

Will I Recommend:

Yes. The scrub does it's job really well without causing any damage to the skin! It's perfect for the dry and cold winter season. So, do not think and indulge in the goodness of hills, right away.

Tell us which body scrub you are digging at the moment.

XO,

Deepika

Disclosure: The product featured in this post is my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

All About Used Books

2016-11-29T11:57:00.000+05:30

My Hauls from Bookchor

If you are a reader, you must know that buying every book you want to read could be a costly affair. While we do have eBooks available for lesser price but I feel they do not have the kind of charm that a physical book has. Buying used books for half the price is a good idea but for a person like me, commuting to the market where we get used/secondhand books is a headache as it's pretty far from my place!

I have been on a hunt for a website that offers used books in good quality and at a great price and my search ended when I found out about - Bookchor.com

Bookchor.com was started in October 2015 and offers more than 1,00,000 titles. The website (they also have Android and iOS apps) also has books ranging from academic streams like medical, engineering, various other competitions, cooking, baking etc apart from novels. So far, I have placed four orders with them (I have purchased about 15-16 books from them) and have never been disappointed. The packages are shipped within 2-4 days via reputed courier agencies. I have always received my orders within 2-3 days of shipping and their is free shipping if your cart value is above INR 200. Otherwise, a minimal charge of INR 50 is levied. So cheap, right? And they ship pan India.

The folks at Bookchor have thought of everything, literally. I mean once the order is shipped, they have made sure that it can be tracked easily through the tracking number provided on order page. All you have to do is, click the courier agency website link, paste the tracking number and you are done! Isn't it as easy as 1-2-3? ☺

Cute Handwritten Notes That Come Along With Books

The best thing about Bookchor.com (other than their throwaway prices) is the quality of books. The pages of the books may be brown but there is no sign of any wear and tear. Each book comes with a cute bookmark and every order comes with a cute handwritten note which adds a personal touch. BC recently turned one and they gave away a goodie bag with every order.... and it goes without saying, I loved my goodie bag!

Most of the books that I have purchased were from their Sunday Market where they offer select titles for lower prices which will definitely not burn a hole in your pocket.

So, if you are looking to purchase used books at great prices then head straight to Bookchor.

Have you ever purchased books from Bookchor? Share your experience below!

Till next time,

Deepika

Disclosure: The products featured in this post are my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

LIFE LATELY: Weekend Vibes - Movie, the Black Friday, Food & More.

2016-11-27T23:26:00.000+05:30

Some serious posing. I suck at it

A new kickass series of the blog, which goes by the name of ‘Life Lately’ is going to be about random tidbits from our lives. It may be a day in our lives and from anything usual to the life-changing events or just highlights of current life scenario. Oh and, like always, you all are more than welcome to share your stories and thoughts on ours’ in the feedback section towards the end of the post.

Friends and I make sure to take a day off from work and all other engagements and catch up with each other every now and then. Keeps one’s sanity intact, innit? While food, shopping and movies take up most of the time, heavy duty talks (read: catharsis) with no fear to be judged or spontaneous plans of long drives with us humming to the tunes in our kindly-clear-your-throat kind of over-the-top voices and what not! (For reference, see the picture below). Today's post has in store for you a movie review, the best coffee and biryani in town, my experience of/take on the Black Friday sales, and a lot more ALL in one post. So gobble up those nuts with a cup of coffee as you read, and you’ll be my best friend!

Lottery?! I dunno what made me laugh so hard,
as I was looking up at the sky (read: roof) here.

Since none of us had ever have got the chance to experience the in-stores sale experience; standing in long queues for long and waiting for hours for my turn is something I can never do. I do avail sales sometimes, but only online. Technically, we took the day off and headed to the Centaurus Mall for the Black Friday Sales since there was SO much hype created around it. However, to our disappointment, either the Ready to Wear sales were mostly either on the left out summer stock or selected few items from the winter range. Besides, I feel that although there are so many lawn brands in Pakistan and many new ones are sprouting up, finding a print that is different from the one lying in your closet has become so difficult. I am sick of the funky, digital, graphic, and the humongous floral prints now. Shoe sales were not much impressive either and seeing the long queues, we came down to the conclusion that it would be better not to buy anything at all.

Since we were planning on watching Dobara Phir Se ever since its news was doing rounds, we booked the tickets and went for the lunch. It’s funny how not only we evolve as we grow but our choices also change over time. I had never been a foodie until 2012, the year I graduated and the year many things changed, for good. Most of us are not have-proper-breakfast kind of people (except one) unless it is weekend and the unanimous love for biryani being the drive, we headed over to Monal Downtown and ordered Dum Biryani and Russian Salad as the side. I have been to Monal many times before and have tried most of the items on their menu, from the infamous cheese naans to the platters to the honey wings, different karahis and even their iftaar-dinner, but never got a chance to try their Biryani.

Such fun we had while tearing the top layer apart and unravelling the mystery!

While the salad was usual ordinary kind (For reference: It is one of the few things that I am really good at making), the biryani (recommended by one of my friends) is simply the best that Islamabad has to offer. Literally, the BEST! Presented in a mitti ki handi, it not only looked savoury but was simply finger-licking scrumptious kind of.. biryani (the word says it all, you know the feeling, right?), which is hard to find in Islamabad. Priced at 595 + tax, the serving is enough for two to three people.

Bride & Groom: Pictured together. Lulz.

Since we have this profound love for Centaurus Cineplex Garlic Mayo Fries, without which we simply cannot imagine watching a movie, we went to the multiplex a bit early. In spite of the fact that the promos did not look much promising plot wise (for reference I’m good with plot anticipations, has to do with my literature background, perhaps), but owing to her previous work, I was still having a certain level of expectation from Mehreen Jabbar. To my disappointment, Dobara Phir Se put them expectations to sham.

The movie had such an average, plain boring, and highly predictable sort of a plot with nothing much to offer. The only saving grace (if there was any.. like 10 percent) was the cinematography, the hotness factor of the lead (male) cast (I’m a big, fat Adeel Hussain fan) and the supporting cast, that is, Ali Kazmi (who, by the way, is my childhood crush and pulled off his character oh-so-well) & Sanam Saeed's natural acting, while the role was quite unlike any she has done before and the very Few one-liners and the A(ww)dorable(ness) of the child star. If there’s one scene that I liked a lot, it was the one where Ali Kazmi proposed Sanam Saeed. His Shahrukh Khan act, which he did so remarkably and effortlessly was indeed hilarious. All in all, it was a very typical, not entertaining in any way (did not even arouse any emotions - no pathos, no laughter - except for 2-3 times, nothing.) take on modern relationships. After giving a slow clap to in our heads, we left the theatre with a headache (thanks to the higher than usual volume of the movie that day), utterly disappointed! While the first half was a little better, the second was more disappointing (read: highly predictable and a bit too dragged). Although the plot did question the norms of our society (where men can "move on" easily and divorced women have to think about their children's future and where people do not understand the fact that if a woman is happy, she can raise her children better) in a good way, without sounding too heavy, the plot has been SO overdone that the thought of talking more about it is making me feel lethargic. Hardly a one time watch, it is.

Does not this entice the cravings you've been suppressing for ages?

A winter evening cannot end without a cup of coffee so we got ourselves full sized creamy hot coffee variants of Latte, Hazelnut and Vanilla. While their Latte has always been a favourite, I tried the hazelnut one this time, and I absolutely loved it. So, acha khaana and a not-so-fulfilling shopping/cinematic experience were the highlights of my weekend!

What have you been doing lately? Share your Black Friday hauls or no haul woes, the latest movie you caught up on or just about anything in the comments’ section below.

Until next time,

Samra.

REVIEW: Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms

2016-11-23T20:36:00.001+05:30

Active Plant Herbals Cream by Nature Charms

If there is one skincare product that we all look for while prepping for winters, it has to be a moisturising cream. Due to my growing interest in the natural skincare product since last two years, I was on a look out for a natural moisturising cream for my face when I stumbled upon Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms, which has to be my first product review for the ongoing winter season. So, grab a cup of coffee, snuggle up the pillow, and read on to know if it worked for me or not.

About the Brand:

The brainchild of Ms. Ayesha Humayun, ‘Nature Charms’ is a natural skin and hair care brand. You can find out more about the brand by checking out the brand story posted earlier on the blog.

Brand Claims about the Product:

“Nature Charms Active Herbals Fairness cream formulated with Indian madder, lupin seeds, goat milk and other ingredients is a unique skin lightening formula that gives you smoother, brighter skin by lessening dark spots caused by sun damage and scarring. It lightens freckles, hyper-pigmentation or age spots. The unmatched combination of herbs evens out skin tone while a refreshing, energising, and moisturising it. It also tightens pores, refines skin texture, stimulates circulation, and makes the skin luminous by boosting fairer complexion, enhancing the glow and clearing dark spots.

Indian madder is one of the most popular herbs in skin care. It is a potent herb that improves overall skin health tremendously.”

My Thoughts:

Whenever I choose a handmade product for myself, the first thing that I look at is the principle ingredient used in the making of the product. In this case, too, it was not the “fairness” label (that none of us endorses by the way), but Indian madder as the star ingredient of the product that tempted me into picking up this product. Indian madder, which is a rare herb that is known to be beneficial for treating acne, eczema, and pigmentation while the lupin seeds boost collagen production. However, the “fairness” claim in the label ‘Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms’ alludes to goat milk, being the other main ingredient, which has skin brightening properties so it seemed like a safe fix for my uneven skin tone. Goat milk is a rich source of Vitamin A, B, and lactic acid as well as AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. I love how my skin feels deeply moisturised and soft every morning after using this cream.

Active Plants Herbals Cream by Nature Charms

Now coming towards the packaging of the product, I think that it was quite thoughtful of Ms. Ayesha to wrap this handmade product in a beautifully handcrafted net pouch. As far as the packaging of the product goes, it comes in a simple, white plastic jar with the brand’s label on top. When I opened the jar, I found the fragrance of the cream to be reminiscent of goat milk tea I had once sipped on a girls’ trip to Bahawalpur at her haweli. With goat milk being one of the main ingredients of the cream and the product itself being free of any artificial fragrance but of goat milk, I instantly dispelled my doubts about its purity (even if there were any). I started using the Nature Charms cream a couple of months ago and I must say that it suits my dry skin quite well. A little amount goes a long way. Since it is free from any harmful preservatives (except 1 % FDA approved, food grade preservative) and stabilisers, the consistency and stability of the cream is slightly different from the commercial ones. It is runny in summers unless it is kept under 25 degrees temperature. However, if kept in the refrigerator, it hardens to a normal consistency.

Coming towards how I use it, I just take out a pea-sized amount (which is enough for face and neck) and rub it between my palms, makes it melt, giving it the perfect, creamy consistency. I apply it on my face and neck by rubbing it gently in circular motion until it gets absorbed. As far as the shelf life of the product is concerned, it is two months but it can be prolonged up to four months by keeping it in a refrigerator. The cream also contains lemon, which is known to be a natural skin-bleaching ingredient due to its skin brightening properties, but is photosensitive (sensitive to light), so it is not advisable to use the cream during the day if you intend to go outdoors. I make it a point to use it as a day cream only on the days my skin is not going to be exposed to the sunlight and even if I have already, I cleanse and wash the skin properly before heading out. However, I have been using it regularly as a night cream. Regular use of the cream at night has not only lightened the dark patches and pigmentation marks on my skin but also imparted a healthy glow to the face.

Overall, the product lives up to its claims so I’m a happy puppy with a cuppa coffee and the cream slathered on my face!

Final Verdict:

While winters, the goat milk, being one of the most dominant and active ingredients, makes it the best bet for my drier-than-Sahara skin, especially in winters and to know that it is . The brand has recently introduced a lighter formula, so even I’d suggest you all to give it a go, even if you have combination skin.

General Tips for Storage & Use:

Since the product is devoid of artificial preservatives (thankfully), it is advised store it in a refrigerator to increase its longevity up to four months and even more.

Avoid using the cream during the day time, especially if you’re heading out in the sun because lemon is one of its active ingredients, which is photosensitive, and can thus cause tanning.
Even though it contains a mild preservative, I would still recommend using a clean and dry fingers/wee spoon to scoop out the product.

Yays:

Handmade with love.
Customised, according to the skin type.
A fresh batch is prepared for every order.
Free from parabens, sulphates and phthalates.
Contains 1 % FDA approved food grade preservative.
Enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients, such as Indian Madder, Lupin Seeds, Goat Milk and Lemon.
If used regularly, it imparts a healthy glow to the skin.
Evens out the skin tone to some extent.

Nays:

Some people may find it a bit pricey; however, I feel it is quite reasonable considering the quantity and the completely natural ingredients of the product, so it’s not a con for me.

Price & Availability:

The Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms is priced at PKR 1500 weighs 3 Oz. and can be purchased online from the brand’s official facebook page HERE.

Tried any of the natural skin and hair care products by Nature Charms? Get set and share your experience and feedback about the post in the comments’ section below.

Love,

Samra.

Disclosure: The product is a PR sample and the views and opinions expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

REVIEW: Pure Suds Rose Gold Soap

2016-11-18T13:14:00.004+05:30

Pure Suds Rose Gold Soap

Handmade soaps, precisely the ones made using the cold processed method are my weakness and I have hoarded soaps that are going to easily last me a year as we speak. I purchased this beautiful looking soap called Rose Gold from the house of Pure Suds some time ago and today I will be sharing my experience!

About The Brand:

Pure Suds Skin Treats brings to you a world of luxurious handcrafted soaps minimizing the use of harsh chemicals on a daily basis.

Ingredients: (please refer to picture below)

Ingredients

My Experience:

Pure Suds Rose Gold Soap is one of the most beautiful looking soap I have ever seen in my life! I mean just look at it, isn't so beautiful that it hurt to use it, like seriously. The soap has beautiful shades of pink, light mustard and cream with gold mica sprinkled on top to give a luxurious look. The soap comes in a cardboard box with labels bearing product name, ingredients, price, shelf life etc.

Rose Gold Soap smells like roses with a hint of smoky patchouli and cardamom. I love the earthy feel that the soap exudes. The delicate aroma envelopes one (re: body) completely before disappearing gradually and it makes the bathroom smell gooooood too.

Pure Suds Rose Gold Soap

Made using kokum, shea, mango butters and nourishing oils like coconut and olive, the bar produces decent lather it cleanses the skin really well without stripping the skin off it's natural oils, thus, making the soap suitable for all skin types. The bar has scrubbing particles (which I assume are poppy seeds) suspended in two of it's layers which is visible in the picture, that provides mild exfoliating action. Which ensures not only clean skin but also exfoliated skin. Thankfully, the bar does not melt like crazy but make sure it's kept in a well drained dish allowing the bar to dry between uses.

This luxurious looking and beautiful smelling soap could be a perfect gifting option too!

General Tips for Storage & Use:

Cut the full sized soap bars into to pieces to make it handier for use, and last longer.
To keep the soaps dry between uses, keep them in water draining soap dish with slots or holes.

Yays:

Smells a-h-m-a-z-i-n-g.
The most beautiful soap I've laid my eyes on.
Great packaging.
Feels truly luxurious.
Love the earthy feel it exudes.
Cleanses the skin really well and exfoliates too.
Natural, handmade and cruelty-free.
Contains skin loving ingredients like kokum butter, mango butter, olive oil etc.
Reasonably priced for a handmade soap.

Nays:

Availability - Not a con for me though as I don't mind buying online.

Price and Availability:

The soap is priced at INR 250 for 90 gm bar. It is not available currently because Mrs. Doshi is on a maternity break and will reopen her Facebook store soon. Meanwhile, you may ogle at these beauties HERE.

Will I recommend:

Yes! Why wouldn't I?

Have you tried this soap too? If so, then what was the experience like, did you like it?

Until next time,

Deepika

Disclosure: The product featured in this post is my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aishwarya Ravi of 'Nature's Destiny'

2016-11-17T11:52:00.000+05:30

Credit: Nature's Destiny FB Page

There's a different sort of joy in buying something that is handmade, because, when you buy handmade you are buying a tiny bit of somebody's love, soul, happiness and hard work. And, we at The Brown Muses, love it even more when it's a woman entrepreneur (yeah, we are a little biased!) at the helm of affairs.

In today's blog post, we have Mrs. Aishwarya Ravi of Nature's Destiny, a talented soaper from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She handcrafts cold processed soaps, beard balms, lip balms etc. using pure and natural ingredients. Her products are 100% chemical and preservative free. Mrs. Ravi was kind of enough to take some time out from her busy schedule for us and answer some of the questions that we asked her.

Read on to know about her brand, her vision for the brand, her top products and more!

Q: You have a unique brand name. How was the name 'Nature's Destiny' conceived, and what inspired you to come up with a brand of your own?

A: In the search of chemical free, all natural products for my little one, I stumbled upon handmade soaps. I found much joy and peace in using such products and realised eventually that I enjoyed and felt passionate about not just using but also making them for other people out there.

It almost felt like destiny that I would find my calling in something that I felt so strongly about. And that is how Nature’s Destiny was conceived, an amalgamation of my belief in natural products and my destiny to work in this field.

Q: How would you state your brand's philosophy in a few words?

A: Organic or natural products should not be considered as items of luxury. They are a part of my everyday life and when I can use it, I believe everyone else can and deserves to use it too.

Q: Why should people be using natural/organic beauty products as opposed to "other" commercial products?

A: Because you should think a million times before you expose your body to harsh and unforgiving chemicals. There is a reason these products are called natural and organic. They are not made in a lab with beakers or test tubes but from items sourced from the ground, and they are pure, safe and worth the investment you are making.

Q: What should people bear in mind while buying natural/organic products?

A: There are a lot of people in the market who offer natural and organic products. Please make it a point to talk to them before you buy from them. I am sure all of them are more than willing to help you select something that would work out the best for you.

Also, never buy products in bulk. Buy multiple products in small quantities, see what works the best for you and then invest in them. Do keep in mind, for any product to work, you need to give it time. Loyalty to the product is a very important part of the process of becoming all natural.

Lastly, like the saying goes, "when you buy handmade products you are encouraging someone to live their passion". So go out there and be your awesome self and help someone out!

Q: Why do you think people are steering towards green beauty products these days?

A: Natural and handmade products have the transparency that no commercial products can offer. Family and friends are the ambassadors and not celebrities. People nowadays want natural products since they have realised that long term benefits are important and to match the fast paced lifestyle they are looking out for easy options, for instance, something in between time-consuming shikakai and luxury brand shampoos, and brands like ND are here to provide that.

Q: What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

A: My favourite ingredient would be coconut oil. It is very versatile, gives visible results and is easily available. I use it in almost all the soaps. I think it's the best.

Q: If you had to recommend your top 3 beauty products from your brand, which ones would they be?

A: Let me pick one for each skin type:

Activated charcoal and clay soap for oily skin.
Milk and coconut milk soap for normal and dry skin.
And Bastille for sensitive skin and children.

Q: Where do you see Nature's Destiny in next five years?

A: I have some ideas and action plans lined up to make ND a well known, recognised and liked brand. In 5 years from now, I think we will have established a wider base of loyal customers and will have a prominent place in the skin care products arena.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I love Carrot Soap and Castile Soap from the brand. My review for Castile Soap could be read HERE. Both the soaps are a great for dry skin so I would recommend getting these two soaps! Mrs Ravi also takes custom orders for specific skin concerns or gifting purposes. To get in touch with her, hop on the brand's Facebook store HERE.

If you enjoyed reading her interview, do share your feedback below. In order to read other interviews that we did with women entrepreneurs in the past, head straight HERE.

Lots of love,

Deepika.

Wrist Watches: Latest Trend Report, 2016

2016-11-14T22:41:00.003+05:30

Long gone are the days when people would say, “Why wear a watch when you can check the time on your mobile?” or that “It is a staple accessory for men only”. From a usual day at college, university or workplace to a formal lunch or a dinner date, a wristwatch is one classy go-to accessory that can spice up any look. While the high-end branded watches by leading brands across the world may not be everyone’s cup of tea, many new local retailers and websites are sprouting up, which deal with a huge variety of watches that you can purchase without going bankrupt. Amazing, isn’t it? Read on to find out more about such pocket savvy latest trends and collections of wrist watches.

The thing with Ladies Watches is as they say, “A woman can never have enough clothes and shoes”, and the same rule of thumb applies for a wristwatch. It would not be wrong to say that a wristwatch is the handiest staple accessory for the woman of today, who believes in exhibiting beauty-with-brains. Like every other accessory, you need one for every occasion. The best thing about the amazing new trends in wristwatches that emerged in 2016 is that they offer something for everyone. While a floral wristwatch would sport a casual T-shirt and jeans look best, a geometrically patterned knitted watch is all the rage for its Bohemian vibe. Planning on hanging out with friends this weekend? A multicoloured woven watch like this one can be paired perfectly with an easy breezy, floral or plain chiffon flared long dress or a long skirt. The obsession with Turkish jewellery across the world (especially Pakistan) is apparently not going to end anytime soon. Jewelled Turkish style watches, which can be best worn during the festive season, are another addition to the latest wristwatch trends. If you're into all-things-vintage, the denim watch or Eiffel Tower watch is sure to make your style game strong. Also, there are those with charms, chains and beads, which the younger lot (read: college and university going girls) can sport on any day, from the bonfire golden night to just any other day at the institution. Those who want their watches to match each and every outfit or pair of shoes they wear can go for the easy-on-pocket watch set which comes with interchangeable straps.

If you aim for creating a classy (read: conventional/universally acceptable) fashion statement, the metal or precious metal watches in silver, and especially gold and rose-gold are all the rage. Looking for a luxurious alternative and ready to splurge some (Read: A LOT, actually) more? A gold or titanium plated watch with a few gemstones is for you. If carried appropriately, such wristwatches can be worn at formal events and corporate meetings alike. Looking for a simple looking decent watch for work which is basically like the jack-of-all-trades kind of wrist watch, go for a leather or faux leather wristwatch.

While designer watches can never lose their charm and luxurious appeal for many, if you are a freak like myself, who would prefer buying one for every occasion, purchasing good quality replicas do not hurt anyone, right? Not even your pocket. *face palm* If you’re looking a one-stop shop for buying wrist watches and neither your time nor your lazy feet allow you to go hunt for one, from one store to another, Watches Online Shopping destinations have your problem sorted. Nothing can beat the ease that comes with purchasing a watch that meets your requirements online and having it delivered to your doorstep.

Still facing trouble in choosing the perfect watch for yourself? That is when the Watches Buying Guide comes in handy. The key to shopping for a wrist watch online is to determine your budget (you do not want to create a hole in your pocket, do you?), surf the internet for the latest trends in watches, the occasion you want it for, materials including the strap/chain and dial size and number markers (analogue or digital) you are comfortable with, and evaluate watch features, such as, water resistance and heat monitoring etc that you require.

Hope y’all enjoyed reading out the latest trend report on wristwatches and are better able to know (and choose) your type now and decide on when to wear which one.

Until next time,

Samra.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

CURRENTLY LOVING: Assorted Chocolates from Mishikrafts

2016-11-14T19:02:00.000+05:30

Mishikrafts Assorted Chocolates

Chocolates are something that we all love, don't we? They make for such a versatile gift for any occasion. I LOVE chocolates. I mean, I am the type of person who can gobble down a big bar of chocolate in no time. It's embarrassing, I know, but I cannot help it (please tell me you guys also do it!!).

Before moving forward, let me take a moment to introduce the new series on the blog where we will be talking about the products (or just about anything) that we are currently loving and it will be a little hatke from the reviews that we do, generally. So, today in the first post for the series, I will be talking about the chocolates that I purchased from Mishikrafts.

Dark Chocolates

So, I got two flavours which were namely plain dark chocolate and roasted almond dark chocolate. The chocolates came in a bite size in various shapes wrapped in silver foil because that helped (to an extent...shh) to keep my intake in check. I mean like I said earlier I can gobble down chocolates in the blink of an eye, so please don't judge, theek hai? If I had to describe these chocolates in a few words, I would say I absolutely loved them! I mean they were not too bitter and tasted much better than the commercial ones. The roasted almond chocolate was a tad better than the plain one in my opinion.

The founder of the brand, Ms. Priya Jain, handcrafts all the chocolates with utmost care. The brand offers many customising options so you can pick up chocolates for any occasion by having it customised accordingly with options starting from INR 50. For placing orders, check out brand's official Facebook page HERE. The chocolates that I bought are priced at INR 100 for 100 gm of plain dark chocolates and INR 150 for 100 gm of roasted almond dark chocolate.

Dark chocolates are known to possess benefits for a healthy heart, weight loss, reduced stress, diabetes prevention etc. So, go munch away on these tasty treats.... but remember, moderation is the key!

Much love,

Deepika

Disclosure: The products featured in this post are my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

BRAND STORY: Rasa Lila India

2016-11-07T11:51:00.000+05:30

It is always fun to discover a brand that is so dedicated and sincere towards what it does. The series primarily focuses on green beauty brands, and today we are bringing to our readers, the story of Rasa Lila India.

THE STORY OF RASA LILA INDIA:

Rasa Lila was born after a lifetime affair of consciously choosing to create an Eco-friendly sustainable lifestyle for all of us that need not be difficult or expensive.

Much power to the tradition of Pre-Cycling (creating minimal to zero waste, where recycling won't be required) & understanding that natural products are simple and harmless because Nature is simple, serene & beautiful .

Our philosophy itself begins from formulating products that do not harm the environment, whether in their production, use or disposal.

We focus on products that when in use, help conserve energy, minimize carbon footprint or the emission of greenhouse gasses and do not lead to substantial toxicity or pollution to the environment.
Rasa Lila India products are biodegradable, recyclable or compostable. Hence, they do not harm the environment or upset the ecological balance when they are disposed off.

Going green is the new "swag"! It is a smarter way to meet your daily needs, and now that "Our mad for nature" minds and products are a year old, we're hoping to make wilder formulations.

MY HAUL AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I had been facing terrible hair fall from past few months and I desperately needed something to tackle my hair fall woes. Recently, I purchased Hair Intensive Therapy (hair mask + hair oil), Hair Wash, and a Handmade Soap from Ras Lila India. I had requested the brand to send a sample of their aloe vera gel which they happily did. I have been using the soap, hair oil and hair wash for a while and I can confidently say that the handmade soap is one of the best soaps I have used so far. It smells refreshingly of lime with a hint of mandarin and it instantly makes the bathing experience a refreshing one. I will be doing an in-depth review for all the products pretty soon, so stay tuned.

My Rasa Lila India Haul

As for the packaging, products like gels, hair wash, body wash come in plastic jars and bottles. Whereas, the hair mask comes in a plastic pouch with an outer packaging of a jute bag which looks very classy.

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER:

To place orders, you may check out brand's Facebook page HERE, or WhatsApp the brand on +91-9483525784.

SHIPPING:

The brand uses DTDC and FedEx to deliver packages across India. Deliveries in Bangalore are done by the staff employed by the brand. Products are dispatched within 48 hours of receiving the payment.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Since I am in love with their handmade soap, it's anything but obvious that I will recommend the product to our readers. Priced at INR 200 for 100 gm, the soap is made using skin-loving oils and butters, and contains no harsh chemicals or fillers, which is a huge plus.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading about my new discovery. I am pumped to review the products, so keep your eyes peeled to our social media accounts for further updates.

Till next time,

Deepika

REVIEW: Nature's Destiny Castile Soap

2016-11-05T11:47:00.001+05:30

Nature's Destiny Castile Soap

My favourite season a.k.a winter is slowly approaching and I couldn't be happier. The cosy feel of winters, the beverages, and snuggling in the blanket and catching movies/reading books are a few things that I like to indulge in to enjoy the season completely! However, there's a grey character in this happy tale, which unfortunately goes by the name of dry skin and dry lips. Although my skin remains dry throughout the year, but the things go on another level when chill hits the air. To tackle the menace, I love me a bar of a moisturising handmade soap alongside body butters/oils. In this post, I will be sharing my experience with Castile Soap that comes from the house of Nature's Destiny. The brand is headed by Mrs Aishwarya Ravi which is based at Chennai, Tamil Nadu and handcrafts cold processed soaps, natural detergents, shaving balm etc.

About The Brand:

Every time we see something new, we wonder, "how did this all start?" "what is the story behind their origins?". Well, we wouldn't be able to assuage your every curiosity, but we could tell you how we came into being.

Two words - love and determination.

A mother's all encompassing love for the tiny soul she created and vowed to protect and cherish, and her determination to see these vows through.

Before we started out, there were enough baby products available on the racks, but all of them contained that dreaded component - "chemicals". The other organic options available were very limited. So, we did the next best thing we could; create the safest, softest and most natural baby products.Then we thought, "Why stop here? Why not let every other mother out there, benefit from what we have created"? And that's how friends "Nature's Destiny" happened.

At this phase, we are now catering to more than just the tots. We offer a wide variety of products for children, women and men. Do join us on this wonderful journey and be a part of something natural and beautiful.

Nature's Destiny Castile Soap

Ingredients:

100% Olive Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Distilled Water.

My Experience:

Castile Soap had been on my wishlist for a long time and when I saw Nature's Destiny offering it, purchased it immediately without any second thoughts. Castile Soap has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis. A pure Castile Soap is made using 100% olive oil which won't cause irritation and clog pores as a natural soap provides deep cleaning.

Nature's Destiny is a very simple looking bar with no scent which is the best part about it. The bar is made using olive oil and is free from artificial fragrances, cheap chemicals, and fillers, which makes it very gentle for all skin types as well as babies and children. It lathers mildly and moisturises my skin, making it smooth and squeaky clean. Besides, olive oil is known to possess skin-softening benefits since the ancient times. I could not do without applying a body moisturiser because my skin is very dry. But people with oily to normal skin would not need to follow up with a moisturiser. Since olive oil is a "soft oil", the soap bar tends to melt quickly, even when dried between uses.

Olive oil is a natural source of Vitamins A and E, which fight free radicals that our skin is exposed to through food, pollution, commercial beauty products etc. on a daily basis.

General Tips for Storage & Use:

Cut the full sized soap bars into to pieces to make it handier for use, and last longer.
To keep the soaps dry between uses, keep them in water draining soap dish with slots or holes.

Yays:

Handmade.
Chemical free.
Cruelty-free.
Unscented.
Made of 100% olive oil.
Safe for babies and children.
Suitable for all skin types.
Olive oil contains Vitamins A & E which fight free radicals.
Olive oil is known to soften skin.
Cleanses the skin gently without clogging pores.
Prolonged use makes the skin smooth.
Fights skin ailments like eczema, dermatitis.
Reasonably priced.
Causes no irritation.

Nays:

Since olive oil is a "soft oil", the bar melts quickly even when dried between uses.

Price & Availability:

The soap bar costs INR 100 for a 100 gm bar. It can be purchased from brand's official Facebook page HERE.

Would I recommend:

I totally would! The soap is pure and made using 100% olive oil which makes it great for all skin types. Switching to all natural handmade soaps has been a blessing for both me and Samra so I would recommend if you are someone who uses commercial soaps pick this soap bar up this winter and feel the difference (re: magic)! The next on my list is Bastille Soap from the same brand.

Have any of you used Castile Soap? If so, what has your experience been like?

Till next time,

Deepika.

Disclosure: The product featured in this post is my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

REVIEW: The Ritu^l Orange Blossom Face Scrub

2016-10-26T11:09:00.000+05:30

The Ritu^l Orange Blossom Scrub

Oranges have been a part of our diet for the longest time. The versatility of the fruit is such that it can be both eaten and applied topically on the skin. Like oranges, their flower called the orange blossom is known as an aphrodisiac and is the national flower of the state of Florida which is being used for over centuries in traditional skincare. Today, I will be talking about The Ritu^l Orange Blossom Face Scrub in the post, which contains orange blossom, (as the name suggests) as the main ingredient.

About The Brand:

“Tradition does not mean to look after the ash, but to keep the flame alive” – Jean Jaures

There is something magical about the word ‘handmade’, isn't it? It stands for uniqueness, personalisation, and discernment – all of which Artisanal Skincare embodies. Our range of skincare and wellness products are not only handmade, but limited edition as well. We produce them in small quantities and without any preservatives, in order to stay true to the inherent goodness of the ingredients.

Our products are not traditional but come from tradition and from our belief that what you cannot eat should not be put on your skin. The oils, herbs, and spices that go into our creations are sourced from all over India – from Himachal to Kerala – with some even coming from across the oceans, which is why the end result is near perfect. Each eco-friendly, natural ingredient has neither preservatives nor chemicals – just pure, authentic skin care.

Artisanal Skincare is the brainchild of Shivani and Akanksha. Shivani is a reiki practitioner and yoga teacher, and a lifelong believer that Mother Nature has answers to most things. Akanksha is an award winning wildlife filmmaker with a deep connect with nature and wilderness that only few people have. Our collective belief in the healing power of nature is what gave birth to Artisanal Skincare. To present traditional skincare recipes with a modern twist. We come from India but our sensibilities are of the world.

Each magical mix is derived from our travels, and recipes passed down from our grandmothers. Take that, and our focus on the miracles of nature, and you have Artisanal Skincare. In fact, we are so committed to delivering nothing short of perfection that all our products have been tried and tested on our family and friends before being made commercially available. This also tells you that we do not test on animals.

Free from preservatives, chemicals, and essences, and packaged in recycled plastic, we believe that nature delivers best when used without adulteration. Hence most our products are available in powdered form. This helped us to avoid preservatives, and increase the shelf life of the products. Apart from lasting longer, our products are in powder form for ease of travel and limiting spillage.

Precise instructions on our back label also enable you to use the product accurately, without wastage. And that is the least we could do to contribute towards the environment.

Welcome to the world of Artisanal Skincare.

We thank you for using our products and hope you enjoy them as much as we loved creating them.

Note: The brand recently had a makeover and they now operate under the new identity of 'Artisanal Skincare'.

Ingredients:

Green Gram, Orange Peels, Basil, Red Rice Flour, Kasturi Manjal, Orange Blossoms, Sandalwood, Neem (since my skin is allergic to neem, so I had requested the brand to omit it from the jar that was sent to me). The product has now been reformulated, with the addition of Garbanzo Bean Flour, whereas rest of the ingredients remain the same.

Ingredients - The Ritu^l Orange Blossom Face Scrub

My Experience:

Orange Blossom Face Scrub, comes in a plastic jar with a screw lid that shuts tight making the jar travel friendly. The scrub is powdery in consistency and fine in texture with a faint smell of oranges. I got this product when the brand was running an offer and they were generous enough to send me a 100 gm pack even though I had ordered a 50 gm jar.

The Ritu^l Orange Blossom Face Scrub

Made of orange blossoms and orange peels I got this product primarily to use as a daily cleanser in hot summer months as my skin gets quite tanned and the T-Zone gets oily. The orange blossoms and orange peels are loaded with Vitamin C, which helps in banishing acne, blemishes and reducing blackheads. Addition of Kasturi Manjal (wild turmeric) and Red Rice Flour makes it effective for the absorption of extra oil and take away the sun tan while gently removing dead skin cells.

In order to use the product, I take desired quantity in my palm, added a few drops of water (floral hydrosols and milk can be used as well) to create a paste and scrub it very gently across my face in small circular motions while focusing more on my nose and forehead. The product works really well as a cleanser because it's super gentle and exfoliates the skin, without any abrasiveness. If you want to use the product as a scrub, I would advice to skip creating a paste and instead use the dry powder on a damp face using gentle circular motions. After using it for 3-4 times a week for about 3 months, I noticed that my skin feels fresh as it removes every trace of dirt, dead skin cells and the extra oil effectively without stripping the skin off its natural oils. The complexion of my skin appears brighter and clearer while the it does not appear dull anymore. People with oily skin and sensitive skin, troubleshoot your skincare woes with this product!

General Tips for Storage & Use:

Avoid digging wet spoon or finger. Always use a clean and dry spoon.
Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
A patch test is recommended.

Yays:

Handmade.
Chemical free.
Cruelty free.
Preservative free.
Causes no irritation.
Contains goodness of orange blossoms, orange peels, sandalwood etc.
Sturdy packaging.
Removes the sun tan.
Brightens and clears the complexion.
Would last long if used wisely.
Leaves the skin clean and nourished.
Great for people with oily and sensitive skin.
Gently exfoliates the skin.
Has a very mild smell which will not irritate people with sensitive noses.
True to its claims of revitalising dull sensitive skin.
Works as both cleanser and scrub.

Nays:

Some may find it pricey.

Price and Availability:

The product is priced at INR 650 for 100 gm. It is available at the brand's official website HERE.

Would I recommend:

Absolutely. Indulge in the goodness straight from nature's lap.

If you have used the product, do share your experience below.

Till next time,

Deepika

Disclosure: The product featured in this post is my own purchase and the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hina Shahid of ‘The Innovation Handmade Accessories’

2016-10-24T21:18:00.001+05:30

Picture Credit: Facebook Page of 'The Innovation Handmade Accessories

Hope y’all are liking the not-so-new-anymore series on our blog where we are having Q&A sessions with inspirational entrepreneurs across Pakistan and India. Today’s post is dedicated to the work of a very talented accessory designer Hina Shahid of ‘The Innovation Handmade Accessories’.

Hina is a very talented accessory designer, who hails from Lahore, Pakistan. Her expertise is not limited to gota and dough jewellery only, but she also makes intricate wire jewellery and other accessories such as brooches, scarf pins, as wells as clutches and bags. She was awarded the first position among 250 other participants from across the country in a jewellery making course organised by the government of Pakistan. *Whoa* Hina was kind enough to do this Q&A session with The Brown Muses where she shared her journey as an accessory designer.

Read on to know more about her collections, achievements, the challenges of her craft and her upcoming projects and much more.

Beaded Coiled Wire Ring

Q: How would you define the philosophy of your label?

Hina: The word, “innovation” itself means the process making new things. I labelled my brand as ‘The Innovation’ just because I keep exploring the world of art and craft. Each time I dig into the land of creativity, I find something new. Therefore, the name goes well with my interest in art and craft.

Q: Do you do anything other than designing accessories? How did you get into the business of designing accessories?

H: I do all of my household chores. I am also fond of cooking and baking, so I do that too. Well, designing accessories is not only my hobby but my passion too. So, I’d say my passion for art and craft brought me into this business.

Q: Where do you generally draw your inspirations from?

H: Nothing in particular. It could be just anything and everything around me. However, I often draw my inspirations from old pieces of jewellery.

Tear Drop Pearl and Feroza Stone Wired Earrings

Q: You specialise in making ‘Wire Jewellery’ as well. Did you receive any formal training for jewellery making?

H: Yes, I did a diploma for learning how to make wire jewellery and gems stones. It was a course offered by the government of Pakistan, in which I got the first position. I was personally honoured by Ms. Maryam Nawaz at the Prime Minister’s office, among 250 students from all over Pakistan.

Q: Would you call it a skill that can be acquired by just anybody with some practice, or an art, which is all about talent and creativity?

H: I’d say, both. It is a skill which requires talent and creativity as well. If a person knows the art but he or she does not have any aesthetic sense, then he or she cannot come up with new designs and unique stuff.

Scarf Accessory / Safety Pin

Q: What are your favourites tools and embellishments to work with?

H: All my tools are my favourite. As for embellishments, I usually prefer chunky beads in bright colours to use in my jewellery.

Q: The internet is a great platform for entrepreneurs running small businesses from homes these days. Has it helped your customer base grow?

H: Yes, I started my work back in 2013 and since then I’ve been into the business of selling traditional gota jewellery, wire jewellery and other accessories online. For running the online business effectively, one must have patience and plenty of time.

Handcuff with Wire Wound Pearl and Beads

Q: Have you ever thought of making theme-based accessories? Also, we would love to know if there are any new projects in the pipeline.

H: Yes, I have been making theme-based jewellery but in dough and gota but I’ve not made theme-based wire jewellery as of yet. Up next, handcuffs and new designs in rings and long chains are in the pipeline.

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER:

Orders can be placed online by dropping a message to the brand’s facebook page HERE. The brand owner also takes customised orders but make sure you provide her with complete details of the colour, materials and embellishments of the item(s) you order.

SHIPPING:

The brand charges offers Cash on Delivery facility as well as pre-paid facility for orders. Shipping charges of PKR 200 per kg apply on all the nationwide orders. Orders are dispatched via reputable courier companies such as BlueEX for COD orders and Leopards Courier for others. Once the order of customised jewellery is placed, delivering the order requires up to 15 days.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I got my hands on her wire jewellery and accessories, the review and clicks of which can be seen HERE, so I would strongly recommend getting your hands on her wire accessories, including scarf pins, handcuffs, and rings embellished with beautiful pearls and stones. You can check out more of Hina Shahid’s work and place your order on her brand’s retail facebook page HERE.

Deal with your lethargy and share feedback on the post in the comments' section below.

Shabaash!

Regards,

Samra

BRAND STORY: Nature Charms

2016-10-22T18:40:00.004+05:30

(Picture Credit: Nature Charms' Facebook Page)

It’s funny how thrilled we get on discovering a personal care brand that caters to handmade and natural products. Aimed at highlighting such brands based in Pakistan and India, this series, is the testimony to our obsession for (and faith in)green beauty products. It is a goldmine (trust me when I say that) for all the people who are inclined towards natural skin, hair and bath and body alternatives or are looking for local brands offering these chemical free products, so stay hooked. Today’s post is about one such brand by the name of Nature Charms.

THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND’S EVOLUTION:

Nature Charms is a product of Ms. Ayesha’s profound interest in the objects of Nature, from flowers and plant seeds to herbs and essential oils. Mother of three and an internationally published author, this superwoman is an avid reader and every product of hers is an outcome of her thorough research. Her thoughtful product line with zero chemicals targets the skin and hair woes of the girl next door.

BRAND’S PHILOSOPHY:

“We, at Nature Charms, believe that the purity and richness of nature is just perfect to make you look youthful every day. The gifts of nature all by themselves are packed with magical properties to enhance your beauty and natural products have the miraculous ability to heal both externally and internally. Commercial beauty products cost fortunes and yet their harsh and strong chemicals strip your natural radiance. These products damage your skin in the long run, destroying its purity and making it more vulnerable to any change in your body and the outside weather. Year after year, you have no choice but to resort to these chemical laden products that eventually lose their effectiveness and you have to buy even harsher products. Many of today's common skincare complaints like irritation, redness and breakouts are due to these products filled with potent chemicals, fillers, and preservatives, that we apply to our skin on a daily basis.

The products we create at Nature Charms are all natural and lovingly handmade from valuable plants, oils and fruits that tighten the skin, diminish lines and wrinkles, repair discoloration and protect the skin from environmental elements. Our specially formulated blends and recipes provide pure, rich minerals, vitamins, hormones, essential fatty acids, amino acids and enzymes to the skin which it direly needs. The skin readily accepts these foods and you look stunning within a week of application.”

WHAT MAKES NATURE CHARMS DIFFERENT?

“Nature Charms is a line of luxurious, organic, customized and handmade beauty products. We aspire to provide our customers with the most indulgent beauty experience, weaving magic with fresh, pure, and rich gifts of nature. Our unique formulations deliver essential fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that your skin and hair need to stay healthy and lively.

We stand unique as our products are not mass-produced and contain only 1% of FDA approved natural preservative. There are absolutely NO toxic chemicals in our products and all our raw material is simply derived from Nature. We customise each batch of our skin care range for specific skin type and personal skin concern.

We believe that Nature is our ultimate Benefactor and Healer so why not dwell in its abundant bounties and rejoice its magnificence. We promise to provide 100% Halal body care products for our conscious customers, who are aware that 60% of what we put on our body, goes to our blood.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MY GOODY BAG:

Ayesha sent me the Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream with Indian Madder and Lupin Seeds. I must say that it is quite thoughtful of her to have the packaging look creative and craft-y as well so that it goes by the theme of these handmade products.

I have been using it for quite some time now and my super dry skin is loving them moisturising feels. It is rich in goat milk, which is known for its skin brightening properties so one says "fairness cream", it does not mean putting on harsh chemicals on your skin for the worse. The regular use of this cream has imparted a healthy glow to my otherwise dead dry, lifeless skin.

Active Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms

The Active Plant Herbals Fairness Cream costs PKR 1500/- for 3 Oz./85 g of the product. The hefty price tag is however justified by the quantity and the presence of all natural, expensive ingredients. The Complete review of the product will be up on the blog soon so you know you’ve got to come back to the blog to get to know more about it, don’t you?

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER:

To place an order with the brand, head over to the brand’s official Facebook page HERE.

A word of advice: Since a customized fresh batch of the product(s) you order is prepared every time, do not forget to discuss your skin type and allergies (if any), so that Ayesha can recommend the products that target your particular skin concerns and customise the ratio of each product’s ingredients, keeping in context your skin type.

SHIPPING:

Nature Charms is not open to Cash on Delivery (COD) parcels yet so the brand accepts payments via easy paisa or bank transfer only.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I’m using the Active Herbals Fairness Cream by Nature Charms and I’m quite satisfied with the results so far. It is priced at PKR 1500 for 3 Oz./85 g.

The brand offers many skincare products which are I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the Hand & Foot Cream, Fruit Seeds Mask, Sandalwood and Pomegranate Mask, Sandalwood and Rose Deep Cleansing Dough, Eye Cream, Natural Sun Block, and 20 Magic Herbs Hair Oil from the brand pretty soon.

Hope y’all liked the post. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and temptations in the

comments’ below.

Love,

Samra.

Disclosure: I was sent the product as a PR Sample for review purposes, however, the views expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience.

REVIEW: Honey & Shea Butter Soothing Hand & Foot Cream by Marjees

2016-10-18T20:52:00.001+05:30

Marjees Honey & Shea Butter Hand & Foot Cream (Sample Size)

While winters bring us desis the joy of tea, nuts, cozy bed, and a cup of coffee after a relatively longer spell of Summer, but also some skin woes such as, dryness, itching and even eczema or psoriasis (in severe cases), which can be prevented only if we understand that our skin demands some extra attention (read: hydration) as a preventive measure.

Recently, we were sent the samples of some skin care, hair care and bath and body products by Marjees, which also included the Honey & Shea Butter Soothing Hand & Foot Cream samples for us both. Read on to find out if it lived up to our expectations!

About the Brand:

Based in Lahore, Marjees is a Pakistani natural skin and haircare brand. Headed by the super talented Maryam Waheed, it has been co-founded by the concerned parents of two sons, who felt the dire need of coming up with natural products devoid of parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and any other harmful additives and enriched with skin loving ingredients for their children.

Brand Claims about the Product:

“Soothes, softens and restores moisture and nourishment to hands and feet.”

Ingredients:

Sweet almond oil, olive oil, shea butter, emulsifying wax, stearic acid, distilled water, honey, fragrance oil, and preservative.

Our Thoughts:

The Honey and Shea Butter Soothing Hand and Foot Cream by Marjees comes in a sturdy acrylic jar with a screw tight lid in a matte silver finish. One cannot just rave enough as to how classy is the packaging. Although the complete ingredients’ list is missing from the label, the name of the product clearly states two of the most active ingredients: Honey and Shea butter. As far as the fragrance of the cream is concerned, (which is by the way, something that we’re always tempted to check beside the list of ingredients) is just divine. It actually smells of pure honey, which is such a turn on in our case as it is the principle ingredient of the product, and one of our favourite natural skincare ingredients.

Let's delve deep into the active ingredients of this hand and foot cream. Honey, a rich source of anti-oxidants, is known for its anti-aging, soothing, moisturizing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Shea butter, one of the most frequently used ingredient in handmade body butters and other deeply moisturizing lip, hand and foot products. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, E and F, is highly moisturising and a natural source of SPF, which relieves sunburn. It also stimulates collagen production, heals chapping, chafing, and cracking of dry skin and is a natural treatment for psoriasis and eczema. Sweet almond and olive oils are also rich sources of Vitamin E which have anti-aging and moisturising capabilities.

Marjees Honey & Shea Butter Hand & Foot Cream (Sample Size)

The white coloured Honey Shea Hand and Foot Cream is neither like a runny fluid nor too thick and greasy. It has a whipped cream-like consistency, which clearly means no tacky applications. It absorbs within seconds and does not make your skin feel clammy. Samra actually vouches for the fact that it is actually comparable to The Body Shop’s Africa Honey and Beeswax Hand and Foot Butter and Body butter Honey Hydrator. How cool is that? Yes, it is actually that good and does not even come with a hefty price tag. If applied on a regular basis, the Shea Hand and Foot Cream by Marjees keeps the nail cuticles soft and hydrated. No hangnails, ladies! Once applied, it keeps the hands and feet moisturized for a good number of hours. Slather it on your feet only once a day and you’re good to go. However, since we wash our hands more often, like every other hand cream, it would need to be applied more often.

Overall, the Shea Hand and Foot Cream by Marjees is a winner and a must-have for the coming winter season.

Yays:

Travel-fiendly packaging.
Handmade.
Cruelty-free.
Free from toxic chemicals.
Irresistible fragrance of raw honey.
Non greasy, whipped cream like texture.
Enriched with the goodness of skin-loving almond and olive oils, honey and Shea butter.
Softens nail cuticles.
Moisturises the skin for a good number of hours.
Leaves the skin soft and supple.
Does not cause any skin irritation.
Long lasting if kept in an appropriate soap dish to prevent them from melting.

Nays:

None.

Price & Availability:

The full sized Honey Shea Hand & Foot Cream by Marjees weighs 60 grams and it comes with a price tag of PKR 600/- and can be purchased online through the brand’s official facebook page HERE.

Final Verdict:

The quickly absorbing, light-weight, non greasy yet effectively hydrating formula of the Honey Shea Hand Cream by Marjees makes it your perfect on-the-go moisturiser which would neither make your hands and feet feel sticky nor let your hand and foot accessories oxidize. Try it this winter and you won’t be disappointed.

Have you tried any product by Marjees? We’d be delighted to see your feedback on the post below.

Until next time,
Samra & Deepika.

Disclosure: The sample sized product featured in this post was sent to us as a PR sample for review purposes, however, the opinions expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on our personal experience with the product.

REVIEW: SkinCafe Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm & Tiramisu Lip Scrub

2016-10-15T18:52:00.001+05:30

SkinCafe Lip Treats

Who wouldn't wanna dig in those lip treats that remind you of your favourite bakery item, especially when the treats consist of Tiramisu and Red Velvet Cake? We all would, riiiight? And, it would be an added incentive to be able to take care of our lips, yaaaas. Today, I will be talking about the yummy lip treats that go by the name of Tiramisu Lip Scrub and Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm which were sent to me by the brand, SkinCafe.

About the Brand:

We believe in clean green options with minimal to zero use of chemicals and synthetics.

We stand for handcrafted luxurious skincare treats using fresh, natural, plant-based and organic ingredients.

We oppose animal testing or use of animal-based contents in skincare and cosmetics.

We rely on premium quality ingredients and meticulous research rather than on flashy marketing gimmicks.

We look for healthier, greener and sustainable alternatives for everything in life.

We aim at vegan and vegetarian raw materials even if they are harder to source than cheap synthetic alternatives.

We work towards bringing high-value skin care to the knowledgeable and discerning buyer.

(L) Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm (R) Tiramisu Lip Scrub

TIRAMISU LIP SCRUB:

Ingredients:

Coffee Beans, Sesame Seed Oil, Cocoa Powder, Skin/Food Grade Fragrances.

My Experience:

To take all round care of the lips, it's very important to scrub the lips at least twice a week with a lip scrub, preferably made up of natural ingredients and no chemicals. Lip scrubs remove the dead skin cells from the surface resulting in smooth and pink lips. Tiramisu Lip Scrub from the house Skincafe, ticks all boxes. Made up of coffee beans, sesame seed oil, cocoa powder, the scrub has a very wake-you-up sort of fragrance of coffee.

There's a cardboard box which houses the glass jar that contains the scrub. It comes with a spatula, which is used to scoop out the required amount of the product in order to avoid contamination of the product by using wet/dirty fingers or spoon. I take the required amount and gently scrub damp lips with my fingers. The scrub has a slight coarse texture but it's not very abrasive. It provides the right amount of exfoliation for my dry lips without drying them further.

The scrub contains a generous amount of coffee, which contains a compound known as caffeine, that gives the lips a fuller look and makes them plump, naturally. I have been using the scrub from the last 5 weeks and I can definitely vouch for the fact. With regular use (i.e. twice a week), my lips have become pinker (my lips are not pigmented), plump and soft, with dead skin cells getting discarded completely. I have also noticed my lips looking firmer with every use. One thing that you do have to make sure is that you immediately follow up with a hydrating lip balm that contains no chemicals or you could also go for Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm from the same brand.

To sum up, I would recommend this lip scrub to everyone! The aroma is very refreshing and the results are even marvellous.

RED VELVET CAKE LIP TINT BALM:

Ingredients:

Beeswax, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Skin/Food Grade Fragrances, Approved Cosmetic Grade Colours.

My Experience:

The product comes in a super cute cardboard box which houses a glass jar that contains a beautiful looking red coloured lip tint which screams luxury. Since it's glass, the jar is heavy and if you plan to travel with the product, it's best advised to store it in the cardboard box in order to avoid any mishap.

With a tint that is build-able and is made up of a stellar ingredients list which boasts plants based oils and butters like shea butter, cocoa seed butter, olive fruit oil etc and approved cosmetic grade colours, I wonder why wouldn't anyone want to pick it up in a heartbeat? SkinCafe Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm smells deliciously of red velvet cake and works in twin ways as the name suggests. It's a lip tint + a lip balm which is perfect for those times when you want a hint colour on your lips but do not wish to wear a lipstick.

The lip tint gives a very nice sheer red tint which looks flattering and hydrates the lips very well but if you have chapped lips then this product is not for you, as I didn't find it insanely moisturising to the point where it would heal chapped lips. The formula/texture is very light and applies easily on the lips and it does not feel heavy or uncomfortable. What I absolutely love about the product is that the tint is build-able (you need like 2-3 swipes) and stays put for a good number of hours with slight munching in between. Please do not expect it to survive a proper meal as it just your good ol' lip tint at the end of the day.

All in all, I really loved the product! It may not be insanely moisturising but the beautiful tint that it lends to the lips makes up for that.

(L) Red Velvet Cake Lip Tint Balm (R) Tiramisu Lip Scrub

Yays:

Handmade.
Cruelty-free.
The products are made using plant based oils and butters.
Contain natural exfoliators.
USDA certified organic essential oils (let me tell you, very few Indian brands use USDA certified oils).
Both the products smell really really good.
Red Velvet Cake Lip Balm provides a lovely tint to the lips.
The tint stays put for a decent number of hours and can actually survive light snacking.
The lip scrub exfoliates the lips gently without drying them.
The lips appear pinker, plumper and soft with consistent use (i.e. twice a week).
The lip scrub comes with a spatula to scoop out the product.
The packaging is truly luxurious.
The products are made to order.
The brand customises too.

Nays:

The products are pricey. (More on that below in the Price And Availability section)
The lip tint is not very moisturising.
Carrying both the products along with their outer cardboard boxes become a bit inconvenient.

Price And Availability:

The lip tint balm is priced at INR 900 for 9 grams and the lip scrub is priced at INR 950 for 9 grams. The products are pricey, but the quantity and quality make up for it. If used wisely, the products will surely last long.

The products can be purchased directly from brand's official website HERE.

Will I recommend:

There is absolutely no reason why I would not!

Has any of you used any product by SkinCafe or is eyeing any product(s) in particular? Let me know below!

Till next time,

Deepika.

Disclosure: The products featured in this post were sent to me as PR samples for review purposes, however, the opinions expressed hereby are strictly unbiased, based on my personal experience with the products.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mehar Farhana of 'Amara Organix'

2016-10-13T12:09:00.001+05:30

Hereby continuing with our In The Spotlight series, today we have the spotlight on Mrs Mehar Farhana who spearheads the brand Amara Organix.

Amara Organix is a Chennai, India based brand that handcrafts products for the skin, body and hair. The brand uses organic ingredients to limit the use of harmful chemicals that the commercial products are loaded with.

Q: What inspired you to come up with a brand of your own?

A: Initially, I ventured into it as a hobby and started making handmade soaps. But, as I found that my soaps are really showing results and are helping with skin problems like acne etc., I delved more into the field, took classes in aromatherapy, essential oil blending and handmade soaps. Finally, my brand was born so that people would become familiar with the bad effects of lead and chemical based cosmetics and skincare and are benefited by natural products.

Q: How would you state your brand's philosophy in a few words?

A: Safe beauty is naturally beautiful.

Q: Why should people be using natural/organic beauty products as opposed to "other" commercial products?

A: Commercial skincare and cosmetic products are laden with chemicals, sulphates, parabens and preservatives that are known carcinogenic agents. Even then people use them in order to look beautiful without understanding that they are actually killing their beauty in the longer run. Natural and organic beauty products can help us rejuvenate, revive, restore, heal and maintain our skin in a much better way than commercial agents and they are safe too. Hence, it is better to move on to natural beauty products, cosmetics, skincare and hair care as soon as possible.

Q: What should people should bear in mind while buying natural/organic products?

A: There might be a slight difference in commercial and natural products. Do not be put off by the rough texture or difference colour or the not so good fragrance etc. of natural products. Instead, try to appreciate their effects. Commercial products might look good, with great packaging, aroma and colour. But, in the longer run, they are bad for you. Also, please make it a practise to read the ingredient list. Avoid products with parabens, sulphates, preservatives, silicones etc.

Q: Why do you think people are steering towards green beauty products these days?

A: Because people are able to see and feel the ill effects of chemicals and commercial products on their skin and health.

Q: What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

A: I love using pure ingredients sourced from their natural origin. For e.g. shea, cocoa and avocado butters, Moroccan argan oil and Moroccan rhassoul clay, dead sea salt and dead sea mud, goat milk for soap, pure honey, aloevera extract, rare essential oils and red sandalwood extract.

Q: If you had to recommend your top 3 beauty products from your brand, which ones would they be?

A: Amara shampoos are amazing, Anti-Tan soaps are infallible, Shea butter products are to die for and how can I forget to mention my amazing facial powder.

Q: Where do you see Amara Organix in next five years?

A: More than financial gain or fame, I would love to see Amara being loved for its efficacy in delivering results and helping customers. Therefore, I would like to see Amara = Happy customers and safe beauty.

Deepika reviewed some products from the brand which you can see HERE and would be reviewing some of the products real soon so stay tuned. To place orders, please head over to brand's official Facebook store HERE.

My Recommendations: Body butter, moisturising night cream and peppermint foot cream.

If you enjoyed reading the interview then please share the feedback below. Want to read the interviews with the brands we had featured in the past? Check THIS out.

Love,

Deepika

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are interviewee's own and the pictures were used after seeking permission from the brand.

Liebster Award - We have been nominated!

2016-10-11T11:10:00.001+05:30

It's always fun to discover new bloggers and also let your readers a sneak peek into your lives. We were nominated by the lovely Mahnoor of Mahnoor's Lounge, and we really are thankful to her for doing so. Liebster Award is literally a virtual award given by one blogger to another where they are asked some really fun questions and moreover, it's a good way to discover new blogs! Shall we get started, yes?

The rules to proceed further are quiiiite simple:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link them back.
Answer all the 11 Questions.
Nominate 5-11 other Bloggers.
Tell them they’ve been nominated.
Give them their own set of 11 Questions to be answered
Show off this award on your blog using an image widget.

Q: What are your hobbies apart from blogging?

Deepika: I like reading, watching movies, dramas and cooking!
Samra: Reading, writing, and eating food (cooked by others).

Q: What's in your handbag?

D: Smartphone, a hand sanitiser, a chap stick, a pair of sunglasses and my wallet.
S: Cellphone, a lipstick, face compact powder, a wooden brush, a hand sanitiser, a travel size perfume, a hand cream, a notepad and a pointer, sunglasses, and my wallet.

Q: What's on your makeup wishlist nowadays?

D: Colourpop Lipsticks!
S: Kylie's liquid lipsticks, Becca highlighter, and Naked 4 palette.

Q: What's one makeup item you can never leave the house without?

D: I am actually not that much into makeup so....
S: Has to be a lipstick!!

Q: A piece of advice for your readers.

D: I don't know if I am worthy enough to give advice but all I can say is keep smiling and stay healthy! Do what pleases you. And do keep reading and supporting our blog.
S: Do not. I repeat. Just do NOT let anybody overshadow you, ruin your self-confidence, or make your life decisions. Be your own master!

Q: What's your all-time favourite lipstick?

D: Oops, there are so many. Cannot choose one.
S: Luscious Signature Lipstick in 'Buff Pink'.

Q: Tell us a bit about your skincare routine.

D: My routine is very simple, in the mornings I wash my face whilst bathing and dab on some moisturiser which has SPF. In the night, I do proper CTM and use cleansing grains to wash my face. I do not use any commercial product on my skin apart from makeup.
S: Natural and handmade scrub followed by some handmade mask twice a week, a light moisturiser and a sunblock every morning and some facial oil blend or serum or a face cream with natural ingredients at night.

Q: Eyeliner or Mascara?

D: Both!
S: Hard to choose one. But I wear eyeliner more regularly and stock them in all colours and textures, so yeah.

Q: Last book you read/movie you saw?

D: Last book that I read was Indigo Blue by Cathy Cassidy and the last movie that I saw was Mirzya.
S: The last book that I read was 'Double Standards' by Judith McNaught and the last movie I got to watch was 'Janaan'.

Q: What's your favourite perfume?

D: I like Cool Water by Davidoff.
S: Euphoria by Calvin Klein and Cool Water by David Off.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

D: I don't really know but I do hope that I have my own green personal care products brand and I am married to a nice guy.
S: Umm..I just don't want to think about it. Makes me feel sick in the stomach!

We further nominate the following bloggers to answer the following questions:

What inspired you to join the blogging bandwagon?
What's that one thing which you never leave home without?
Share one pet peeve.
How has your life changed after you have started blogging?
A pro and a con of blogging.
Your favourite makeup product.
Liquid liner or gel liner.
Last movie you watched.
Your favourite holiday destination.
Your favourite makeup brand.
Your favourite skincare product.

So, that was it. We hope y'all enjoyed reading more about us as much we enjoyed sharing it.

Love,

Deepika and Samra.