Blueberry Kites

Day 3, Ghent - The Hipster Sleepy Hollow of Belgium

2016-09-02T20:34:00.000+04:00

Have you ever watched a movie set in 18th century, little sun shining over the town, but clouds looming at large, hinting at rainy evening ? The bell tolls, women and children going towards home and men head to town bar. A castle in the backdrop, sound of horse carriage on the cobbled streets and mist starts to gather. Ever wished to visit this old town? Then put Ghent (or Gent) on your list - misty, charming and undiscovered.

40 minute ride from Brussels Midi to Gent St Pieters station for 11-12 euros and you get transported to a town with old historical buildings but strong student population. That's why I call it the Hipster Sleepy Hollow of Belgium.

Beauty lies in old secrets

Start walking and discover me

The first thing you notice is less tourists, so many young students, hidden graffiti peeking out sometimes and spires of old era. The weather was bit grey as it was cloudy, drizzling in between but we thoroughly enjoyed it. While asking around, we met this really helpful student at the station, who directed us to the Gravensteen Castle and boarded the same bus with. He did not recommend the castle much but understood our touristy excitement. Haha. Well who leaves a middle ages castle on their first Europe holiday.

Gravensteen Castle (Caste of the Counts)

What you cannot miss is the design and Dutch architecture on every corner and door. Stepped gable house facades and the warm palette of red, brown, orange mixed with charcoal and grey.

Those doors and bicycles, so European

Beguinage, Ghent

We took a bus near Beguinage to city center and then covered everything around by walk. Don't we just love those town where you can do that. Walk, ponder, chill at a cafe, repeat.

Those canals, they just flow

Belfort, Ghent

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Modern architecture blended into old times

City Hall or Stadhuis

Ghent was one day trip for us and I feel it was a good decision to drop Antwerp and visit this gem. I looked through my folder and after Paris, the best photos were taken here. Shops started closing around 5pm and then you see a lot of young crowd going back to there places. Eateries remain open though. In a day walking along the medieval streets, we were able to see the houses, tapestry and handicrafts in shops, ate lunch at random cafe and bought Speculoos. It became quite rainy around 7pm, we were leaving but had seen the secret of Belgium. Happy souls :)

Adieu Gent, until we meet again :)

Day 2: Paris in a day, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf lovelocks, fastest plan ever made

2016-08-13T01:38:00.001+04:00

OK, so the weather update for next two days in Brussels was rainy. Paris was to be sunny and only 2 hours away from us. The very first evening in hotel, I checked up on the high speed trains to Paris and booked our Thalys tickets in half sleep. Day 2 morning, the first time Europe travelers were ready for Paris :)

Grab awesome breakfast from the shops at station and enjoy the super fast ride munching and talking. Do not try to absorb landscape outside the train as the speed is zipping. You just can't see still. So bring your entertainment.

Louvre Museum

River Seine

Notre Dame De Paris

Looking over us, Blessing

Faith is your own space

Quiche, our regular Brussels dinner ;)

We came back to Brussels at night, rested and had our meal at the regular joint. Just 2 days in we called Cafe Bebo our regular, that is how friendly and familiar, the place made us feel. All the days we were in Brussels, made sure to eat dinner there. Its the most amazing place after long day to chill. Extensive menu on drinks, food is minimal but you know the feeling to come back somewhere again and again. Cafe Bebo was that.

Keep reading next post for real Belgium starts there !

Hello Belgium: Day 1, Brussels, Comic Strip Walk

2016-08-13T00:15:00.004+04:00

IF there is a class of bloggers, then find me seated on the back benches. I travel, collect photos in a folder and write about it an year later. Well, never too late. Somehow we always wanted to start our first Europe travel with Austria but best flight prices made us zero on Belgium. Secretly the proximity to Paris was something I was excited about.

Belgium is like the middle sibling among West European countries, does not get attention, does not crave any; but once you open up to it, voila, found your confidante. We reached Brussels Midi via Amsterdam airport. Our hotel right in front of the train station. Since there was still sometime to check-in, we logged in our luggage and started wandering about. It was drizzling, were ready with umbrellas for the late September weather.

We started from Saint Gilles and walked till Palais de Justice. You can see the comic strip along the streets. Being a cartoon fan, my excitement knew no bounds to see the wall art. This came as a nice surprise.

Palaise De Justice, Brussels

Grand Place / Grote Markt

In evening, we set out on foot again to have an early dinner and catch the vibrance at Grand Place main square. Read Day 2 post for the fastest and the best plan a traveler can ever make if in Brussels.

Chanel Rouge Coco Etienne #446 review

2015-10-16T22:12:00.003+04:00

I have been planning to get my hands on Chanel Rivoli lipstick for quite sometime but its been discontinued recently. Chanel reinvented their Rouge Coco line with new formula and vibrant colors. While surfing through the makeup at Bloomingdales, I came across Etienne which seemed close to Rivoli as that was a deep red too.

Its a burgundy red with certain brightness and sheen, has brown undertones. However Etienne looks very intense in tube but not so much on the lips. The finish is semi opaque but you can build it without any heaviness. The color is visible even on pigmented lips with full coverage.

Rouge Coco Etienne is a moisturising lipstick with a stay of 4-5 hours and leaves a stain after eating / drinking. The textture of lips actually feels improved after application. The package is classy Chanel with black and gold rim in middle.

Recommendation - Chanel Rouge Coco Etienne is perfect for mature woman who is confident to carry off bold deep colors. It goes nicely with heavy eye makeup and woody scent.

Mini Review: Burberry Body Eau De Parfum

2015-10-16T20:44:00.007+04:00

I bought Burberry Body in a holiday set for good value, although personally have never liked Burberry scents. They all seem similar. Body starts with sweet and powdery whiff but its a heavy fragrance, like winter air. It has notes of musk, sandalwood but though heavy it does not overpower the nose. Staying power is around 3 hours which is pretty less compared to earlier EDPs I had.

There is hint of rose in it but the powder does not faint. I find it classy and appropriate to wear in the office but Burberry Body disappointed me. The fragrance is nothing special, one gets bored of it and staying power should be more of such an expensive product.

I think Burberry Body got its hype from the adorable bottle its housed in and how Burberry always champion the marketing. Due to its package, one would think that its a sensual fragrance but alas. This is a one time purchase and does not earn any recommendation from me.

Mini Review: ZARA Los Angeles Eau De Toilette

2015-10-16T15:05:00.003+04:00

When the months of summer and hot winds start to leave, you see sprouts of green grass and tiny yellow flowers coming out, you don't fear going out even in daytime and the weekend coffee seems a bit more soothing. ZARA Los Angeles Eau De Toilette is a citrus scent with hints of tropical fruits. Its not overpowering and easy to layer up whole day. Although the scent speaks summer but who does not love a simple perfume to have in bag.

The scent does not last long though, 2 hours may be. The glass bottle is all ombre green - blue like beach waters. This is my current everyday perfume and definitely recommended as happy-go-lucky fragrance.

Istanbul Trip - Day 3 & 4, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Beyoglu

2015-10-15T22:52:00.001+04:00

Basilica Cistern

Medusa's head, Basilica Cistern

Grand Bazaar

Blue Mosque at night

Galata Tower

Beyoglu

Lots of coffee :)

Time to say Goodbye

Istanbul Trip: Day 2, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace

2014-11-20T21:41:00.003+04:00

Tippy tippy top, along the cobbled streets we hop!

Day 2 was the day for history. Walk along the Hippodrome, once used for chariot racing. We headed in morning to the Blue Mosque, as it closes for salah time, it is best advised to start before the daytime prayers. Inside the mosque females have to cover their head and all should be in conservative clothing. This is applicable for Turkey as I saw everybody fashionably dressed but no skin show at all.

Hippodrome

Blue Mosque

Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)

Once a church, turned into a mosque and then a museum. You can tell from the angel's faces covered with large golden discs.

Topkapi Palace

The grand palace of the Ottoman rulers, surrounded by beautiful Turkish rose gardens and with a view of the Marmara Sea.

Kucukayasofya (Little Ayasofya)
A tiny mosque just in front of our hotel.

To be continued...

Istanbul Trip: Day 1, Sabiha - Taksim - Fatih, Bosphorus Cruise

2014-11-20T21:26:00.001+04:00

On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens. ~Ataturk

Take a small break to the historic and magical city of Istanbul and come back with memories of a city etched in your heart and one that has more facets to explore. October end is a good time to visit with chill in air and thinning tourist numbers. The weather is unpredictable, it might turn the trip an absolute nightmare or memorable. I booked the flight (Pegasus) and hotel (in Kucukayasofya, Fatih) a month ahead. Visa was done in just 2 days, a week in advance. You might also strike a good deal with flight and hotels during this time. In morning, we arrived at the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, less busy of the two city airports and boarded the Havatas SG2 (just outside the arrival gates) to Taksim Square. Tickets are done while aboard or one can also book online. Sabiha being located on the Asian side of Istanbul, looking out the window one can feel the architectural, city planning and cultural difference while moving towards the European side of the city. The whole terrain is hilly and laden with flora. It was raining when we arrived and after sometime clear sun shone. The weather painted a picture so clear and green of Istanbul, with Ottoman-time minarets peaking out and surrounding modern structures. It took 1.5 hours to arrive at Taksim, from where we took a taxi to hotel (30 minutes) . Beware of the taxi drivers faltering with the meter, keep a watch.

Stepping on the streets of old city of Fatih, one could feel the history underneath with cobbled streets and walking through the Hippodrome. We booked our Bosphorus evening cruise near the hotel. Live music, magic shows, Turkish dances, old rituals, folk music and lots of Turkish food make this 3 hour cruise unforgettable. Glimmering city lights, the old palaces, rich Ottoman houses, mosques and forts along the Strait of Bosphorus take you back in history.

To be continued...

Trending Off-The-Shoulder Tops and Dresses

2014-10-08T20:53:00.003+04:00

Never too late to share a hot trend, and its still warm and humid in Dubai. Off-the-shoulder look as seen during New York Fashion Week is a versatile choice for all body types, without being worried about loosing extra fat here and there. A great day-wear trend, with free-falling tiers, sometimes cinched on the waist or loose. Sheer, fine fabrics in mesh, net, cut-out and crochet styles enhance the feminine spirit. Off-the-shoulder can be adapted easily into heavy fabrics with more geometric and structured silhouette.

Amal Alamuddin in off-the-shoulder wedding dress by Oscar De La Renta

(1. Free People top 2. Zara distressed skinny denim 3. Free People woven chain handpiece 4. Vero Moda top by Namshi 5. Free People fringe necklace)

Recommendation - Wear the off shoulder trend now to hold onto these last summer days. This trend is about being delicate and bohemian, so just bring out your feminine self.

image courtesy: vogue.com, namshi.com, freepeople.com, sites.google.com

Bonobos.com Fall 2014 Men's Suit Collection review

2014-10-03T15:15:00.001+04:00

Still swooning over George Clooney? Stop! He’s married now. The tabloids all over the world were full with shots of Mr. Clooney dilly-dallying in Venice in sharp suits (of, course with his bride Ms. Amal Alamuddin). Here’s presenting the classic gentleman looks, all styled by New York’s menswear shopping website Bonobos.com

The Fall Winter 2014 Suit collection by Bonobos.com is tailor made for the leading men. “Suit up for Fall!” as the menswear e-commerce retailer says. The collection although true to its winter roots of Wool Foundation Suits, also heralds the season with new mix of Glenplaid, Windowpane, Herringbone and Honeycomb. What I would call a suit-utility upgrade, their Foundation suits include a more ergonomic interior pocket to grab that business card smoothly. Bonobos.com started with the idea of well fitted pants and seamless shopping experience. So its no surprise that their suits come in Standard and Slim fits, and Short, Regular and Tall sizes, just you’re your perfect fit.

Their Fall 2014 men's suit collection takes its inspiration from early British rock invasion style and Mick Jagger’s young days.

The “Mad Men”

Dress sharp for the competitive and creative world. Get your basics right and add some top coats.

The Urban Dapper

The modern man makes a statement in simple, sleek but well crafted suit.

“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”

Be the lady-killer and cynosure of all eyes.

Blue Is Monochrome

Recommendation – I would say get a few crafted suits and go for the kill.

Note- This is not a paid post. Images courtesy Bonobos.com

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2014-08-15T13:26:00.000+04:00

How would you like to read a book narrated by death? Although it does not feel any different but I get the idea that the narrator is not hiding anything, throws light on all characters impartially. The Book Thief is story of a little girl who starts her stealing from her brother's grave. Equally amusing is the book she steals. What will stay with you is the innocence and compassion of Liesel Meminger (the book thief, strong girl, perpetually curious about words), she is no ordinary thief you see.

Some excerpts from the book:

Chapter- The Other Side of Sandpaper
'Papa!' she whispered. 'I have no eyes!'
He patted the girl's hair. She'd fallen into his trap. 'With a smile like that', Hans Hubermann said, 'you don't need eyes'. Hehugged her, and then looked again at the picture, with face of warm silver.

Chapter - The Joy Of Cigarettes
'Look at the colours', Papa said. It's hard not to like a man who not only notices the colours, but speaks them.
Liesel still held the book. She gripped it tighter as the snow turned orange. On one of the rooftops, she could see a small boy, sitting, looking at the sky. 'His name was Werner', she said.

Spring Summer 2015 trend: Typography - inspired and Quirky Prints

2014-08-01T17:30:00.002+04:00

Get ready to watch men in crayon colors next summer as designers have already set the palette in London Fashion Week. Keeping the monochrome trend working, we saw tailored suits with slim pants (but with a bit of room). However, the breath of fresh air are the prints - inspired by old books, typography and quirk. Believe it or not, I am still talking about menswear.

The Colors

Burberry Prorsum

L-R: Gucci, Calvin Klein Collection, Hackett London

The Prints

L-R: DSquared2, DSquared2, Burberry Prorsum

Moschino

L-R: DSquared2, DSquared2, Alexander McQueen

The Trendsetter: Burberry Prorsum

Bookish, Vintage, Leather bound Sketchbooks, Artist's Satchels

Boyfriend - Honey, did you steal my jeans?

2014-06-13T18:13:00.000+04:00

Summers may not be the perfect time to rock your skinny fits; should that leave the jean lovers sulking? No, we have the laidback friend, the boyfriend jeans. Beat that, you scorching sun!

Gwen Stefani, Jessica Alba

Reese Witherspoon

Celebrities wear it literally borrowing from their boyfriends. The whole point of this jeans is to be slouchy at hips and crotch, cuffed above ankles. I feel that boyfriend jeans should not be styled at all, they demand to be relaxed and hanging around with you on the streets.

(L-R: Old Navy, Gap, 7 For All Mankind)

(1. Keds 2. Aeropostale backpack 3. Paez espadrille 4. Asos boat shoes)

Although every brand has tried to trend this product but the best finds could be at the cool and casual retailers (Gap, Levi's, American Eagle) or go the high street denim brands.

image courtesy: huffingtonpost.com, hatchcollection.com, justjared.com, denimblog.com

Burberry Launching Skincare

2014-05-29T14:41:00.000+04:00

Fashion house Burberry has plans to launch luxury skincare line by 2015. Moving into skincare is also an exercise in customer relations; skincare "drives loyalty over time," says John Smith, Burberry chief operating officer. Burberry hopes to become one of the top 10 players in the luxury skincare field. Although not much raved about on blogs, Burberry makeup is top quality as other luxury brands and has released beautiful seasonal collections since its launch.

My Burberry wishlist:

LIP MIST BLUEBERRY

LIP MIST CAMELLIA PINK

LIP MIST PINK HEATHER

LIP COVER UNION RED

LIP GLOW MALLOW PINK

LIP GLOW PINK SWEET PEA

NAIL POLISH SAGE GREEN

Cannes 2014: Trending the Slit

2014-05-21T17:01:00.001+04:00

What is soaring this year other than summer heat?

(L-R: Blake Lively, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jessica Chaistain)

The slit at Cannes Festival. Causing quite a stir on the red carpet, thigh high slits are challenging but freedom expression in street style. Still thinking why Angelina Jolie’s leg caused such an upheaval at Oscars.

Maxi dresses with slit by Namshi

(L-R: BCBG Max Azria, Forever 21)

Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup review

2014-05-07T13:00:00.000+04:00

Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup is a combination of face wash, scrub and face pack for normal to oily skin.

Quantity – 50ml

Price – INR 99

Product info - Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup enriched with active magnolia extract provides you with 5 benefits for pure and clear skin. Its unique cleansing complex deeply washes off skin impurities. Its peeling particles unclog pores and purify skin from blackheads. Refine skin’s appearance and support a perfect complexion. Antibacterial formulation helps fight spot causing bacteria. Soft and gentle due to its mild Formula.

This product true to its claim delivers soft and cleansed skin. I start using it as face wash after moistening the face, massaging the small blue particles gently in circular motion and leave it on for 2-3 minutes, then wash off. The scrub particles are very fine, not harsh and very helpful in removing the dead skin. Kaolin being one ingredient, I can feel the clay as the base of this. It has a fresh peppermint fragrance and thick texture. I use Total face cleanup once in 10 days to get rid of blackheads, white flakes and dead skin. As a face wash, it does not lather, as a scrub it serves the exact purpose and does nothing as a pack. In my opinion, it should have been marketed only as a scrub. After using Total face cleanup, my skin becomes more porous and moisturiser works deeply.

Recommendation – I will buy this product again as it worked really well for my dry skin. Total face cleanup is perfect soft scrub I needed and cleanses well. However I recommend using it once a week maximum.

Singapore Trip: Day 4 and 5

2014-05-06T13:11:00.001+04:00

Day 4 – Clarke Quay, Singapore River, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay, 31st Dec night fireworks

Early in the day, we decided to visit the Clarke Quay and take a stroll of Singapore River. Full Boating rides were closed due to New Year’s eve. Lazily, we walked around the river, reached Fullerton hotel and met Merlion. People were going crazy for pictures with the mythical creature, as were we. Next we came across Esplanade theatre and the heavy duty arrangements in the amphitheatre for 31^st night. Youngsters were already thronging the area in afternoon to reserve their seats for night show. Reached our destination Singapore Flyer.

Clarke Quay, Singapore river

Merlion, Esplanade

Singapore Flyer, the view from top

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, Balestier food market

Early evening headed back to hotel, had early dinner and all geared up to visit Marina Bay for New Year’s eve firework show. You have to visit the area yourself to see the crowd on 31^st night there, people were crawling everywhere, many of whom might have reached in evening to reserve space. We managed to have inches of space to sit and wait for 12 am. After the show it’s a complete stampede when whole crowd iss jostling to go back to their places.

Marina Bay

Next day we had our flight back home so visited the Dhoby Ghat area for shopping.

Tips:

Singapore weather is very humid and it might rain anytime, keep umbrella for those showers.
Lots of walking, do not risk new shoes, wear comfortable pair and flats.
Take light cotton clothing, as airy as possible.
Get the Ezlink card at airport, will save travel money and Singapore watching would be a breeze.
Choose a hotel near bus stop / metro station.
For food, I found the Balestier local food market near our hotel on 2^nd day, it offered breakfast, lunch dinner, ranging from, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, veg and non veg. Go look for nearby hawker market, as surviving at KFC , McDonalds would be hard. For purely breakfast, Toast Box also has good options.
For late night bites, KFC and McDonalds are open till wee hours on public holidays.
Convenience stores like Cheers and 7 Eleven are open everywhere for 24 hours.
Singapore is a very clean and mannered city, so everyone must mind their hygiene and be on best behaviour. Sometimes locals may not oblige you with clicking your photos, do not be disheartened and try to find fellow tourist.
There are more places to be covered like China Town, Little India, Haji Lane, Jurong Bird Park and so on. However, do not clutter your itinerary and enjoy your time there focussing on what you wish to see.

Singapore : Day 2 and 3

2014-05-05T12:23:00.000+04:00

Day 2 -Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa

Second day we headed for Vivo City mall to board the Sentosa Express. If one has the Ezlink card then you are saved from the train ticket queue. We got combined tickets for Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium. Both require complete day with the studios having 7 different themes.

Quick bite at Vivo City mall

S.E.A. Aquarium

Universal Studios

Day 3 – Singapore Zoo and River Safari

River Safari should only be done if you are interested to see the Giant Panda. Also do not miss the Polar Bear feeding and Sea Lion Splash show.

Singapore trip: Day 1, Pierce Brosnan moment

2014-05-04T15:23:00.001+04:00

I planned for Singapore looking at the Tiger Air ad (yeah, that random) in newspaper and we decided to welcome the New Year’s Eve over there. Being a newbie in travel writing, I would not really know how this series ends up, please keep up.

We were travelling from Bangalore and booked the return flights in mid-August on Tiger Air through Cleartrip.com. New Year’s is big time celebration in Singapore and many people holiday around that time. Accommodation is very expensive there all year round so I searched extensively for budget hotels and zeroed on Value Hotel Balestier, booked in mid-August through Booking.com. Visa was done month ahead. This was the first international holiday, planned it completely on my own and I am very proud of it. If you would ask me that how I chose this hotel or location, I would say by reading many reviews on Tripadvisor and Booking, and one has to take the plunge. Glad that everything worked out.

Day 1 - Orchard Road

We reached Singapore in morning. Changi airport is huge, swift and immigration process is a breeze. A friend was there to receive us and he was real help. The first thing he suggested was to get the Ezlink card at the airport and it was the smartest move. We used this card throughout our trip riding buses and MRT. We decided to ride by bus from airport to the hotel, and absorbed the whole city like this. We checked in the hotel, staff was helpful, rooms were clean, all amenities provided. Just in front of the hotel is bus stop and Novena MRT station is nearby. During our stay only twice we had to board a cab (very small distance), otherwise all travel was done through public transport. One can completely do with that.

We decided to start with Orchard Road – the shopping destination in afternoon. Boarded bus till Far East Plaza, had our lunch there and tried Thai Laksa. A complete walkthrough the humungous shopping malls there – Isetan, Ion Orchard, Wheelock Place, small shopping centres tucked in the basement. At Orchard Road, one could find from $5 shoes to Cartier jewellery.

Orchard Road

Ion Orchard, loving the Christmas decoration

**JAMES BOND MOMENT**

We came face to face with Mr. Pierce Brosnan outside Coffee Club, Wheelock Place, and were so dazed; shocked that could not mutter courage for a photo. I mean how one could dream that we would see James Bond passing by on the street. He was with family and shopping I guess. This is a fairly good pointer that you could encounter Hollywood / Bollywood personalities in Singapore holidaying, so dress up to the part and please believe your eyes. I was star struck for a minute but would remember it for whole life.

Experienced Pierce Brosnan moment here

Makeup Inspiration: Metallic eyes, Bold lips

2014-05-01T21:09:00.003+04:00

image courtesy: pinterest,mac cosmetics,highheelconfidential

MAC Eyeshadow swatches: metallic

2014-05-01T13:26:00.001+04:00

In trend with the metallic fashion and bling couture, here is a quick review of some MAC eyeshadows I am warming upto. Better late than never reviewed, some shades are limited edition (LE) and might not be up for grabs.

clockwise from top left - Jaan, Folie, Carbon, Vivah

Jaan (LE) is a lustre finish eyeshadow. It is peach, flesh tone with gold sparkles. The color intensity is medium and a beautiful shade for brow bone and inner eye corners. However the sparkles fall out.

Folie (permanent) is satin finish, described as reddish-plum brown. It’s a weird shade if you apply it all over lid, you feel knocked down. The intensity is good, so I use it more for outer corner.

Vivah (LE) is lustre finish, brown with gold sparkles. It comes out beautifully and can be used as all over lid color. Sparkle fall out exists here too. However Vivah speaks Sabyasachi Opium Dream collection.

Carbon (permanent) is matte black eyeshadow. On its own it has the worst intensity and very chalky, but could be used to build up other colors. Consider it to be the supporting cast.

Chessa, Indie Spirit

Chessa (LE) is veluxe pearl finish, golden orange color. It is a beautiful color with good intensity, almost a golden sun setting proudly. A must have color for Indian wedding makeup.

Indie Spirit (LE) is matte finish, almond brown color with red undertones. It looks similar to Folie, less red and softer finish.

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk review

2014-04-30T13:04:00.000+04:00

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk for normal skin is a nourishing and quality cleanser to remove makeup and dirt. Its light feeling and no oily residue makes it good for everyday use unlike my last Lancome cleanser.

Quantity – 200ml

Price – in 20 AED range

Product info – Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Milk enriched with Vitamin E and Hydra IQ cleanses deeply, removing makeup and even waterproof mascara, moisturizes the skin to keep its natural moisture balance, refreshes the skin with its invigorating formula.

It is a sweet smelling, slightly runny cleansing milk which melts away the makeup (foundation, kohl, eye pencil, sunscreen – what I have removed) without much pulling and tugging at skin. The best part would be that it does not leave any oil and after washing the face I feel clean and fresh skin. Me being dry skinned, Nivea Cleansing Milk moisturises the skin just the right amount to feel soft, sometimes I follow it up with light moisturiser, sometimes not. However it does sting the eye if it goes inside, so I have to be careful. To remove waterproof eye makeup it takes 3-4 gentle swipes and it comes off. A little effort there.

I first moisten my face with water, then massage the cleansing milk with cotton and gently it removes the makeup. Following it up with splashes of water, skin feels hydrated and clean. It is not extremely moisturising if that’s what you are looking for, but for me Nivea Cleansing Milk is perfect – gentle, effective and soothing (no breakout, flakes).

Recommendation – If you are looking for hydrating deep cleanser for normal to dry skin, then Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Milk might fit the bill.

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Night Care cream review

2014-04-28T12:14:00.000+04:00

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Night Care is a rich moisturiser for night skin care. I feel Nivea products are more inclined towards dry skin and I love it. Still wary of the anti wrinkle range but in shortage of options had to pick up this. This is my first night cream.

Quantity – 50ml

Price – AED 47

Product info - Q10 and Creatine are powerful actives found naturally in the skin. With age, their levels decrease, leaving the skin with less energy to regenerate. Over time it is more prone to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Nivea Q10 plus range contains skin’s own actives Q10 and Creatine. Provides intensive moisture throughout the night. Effectively fights wrinkles from within. Increases Q10 and Creatine levels in the skin during the night.

Q10 night cream is thick and contains signature Nivea fragrance. On application, it feels sitting on the skin but slowly it absorbs through the night. I apply a thin patted on veil of this cream on the outside face lines and slowly spreading – patting on whole face. It feels oily while applying, so a very light application on the T-zone or else the cream feels like pore blocker. Q10 cream is heavy duty night care as the moisture stays till morning and I could find no dry patches. For night time, fragrance is bit heavy, as I prefer without or fresh scent. Also there could be improvement on its heavy texture, as it breaks me out on oily skin days.

For the anti wrinkle part, I had earlier two lines between my brows which seem to have vanished and overall the skin feels smooth. Since this night cream is new to my skin care, I think it has worked its part, also regular usage is key. The packaging is heavy glass tub in Nivea blue, which seems sturdy and travel friendly. A lighter package would be welcome.

Recommendation – Nivea Q10 night cream is great for dry skin but sensitive /oily /combination skin might have different opinion.

Trending Metallic’a: Summer 2014

2014-04-21T15:42:00.001+04:00

Midas touched the runway and what became of the clothes. Scrapes of gold clinging to fabric shone under the sun. Metallics have dazzled the runway in reflective golds, jewel tones and what’s shocking that Summer 2014 is playing this trend in day time. Metallic fashion this year is not reserved for the Gatsby nights but the tomboy days – easy,sexy and shiny. I can almost picture Jennifer Lawrence as the ambassador of this trend, wearing this Jason Wu halter.

The fabrics are coated and sheathed, mixing best with breezy silhouettes. The key is to insert a single metallic element in your look, let it shine in light, speak for itself. This trend is about inner goddess, choose your own jewel color and glow iridescent.

Take out those oxfords.

(from left - Topshop,N°21,Simone Rocha)

Dandy and handsome women

(from left - Haider Ackerman,7 For All Mankind,Lanvin,Lanvin)

Slinky next-door girl

(from left - Jason Wu, Jason Wu, Rochas)

Image courtesy- Harpersbazaar.com,outnet.com,style.com,H&M magazine