Indian Tourism

Victoria’s Secret VERY SEXY NOW Fragrance

January 27, 2017

A Brume Parfumée by Victoria’s Secret That Reminds You of The Beach. Literally! As the title quite suffices what this article reviews, I indeed am talking about an iconic Fragrance range introduced by the Perfume leader, Victoria’s Secret in 2016, which is everything the beach experience is all about. Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Now Range which is available in both EDT and Fragrance Mist consistency is a mix of sand, coconut, fruits and florals. Everything that transforms beach into a romantic rendezvous with mother nature. So for those who miss beach-vibes or cannot get over their scores of Piña Coladas, then this fragrance range is for you! Call it a part of my ‘Thailand Haul’, having limited scope of spotting VC fragrances in the Indian market, I had to invest in at least 1 body mist to curb my fetish of collecting perfumes. I already own three mists from Victoria’s Secret traditional ranges and this one adds on as a more eclectic perfume with an ode to a natural entity. Speaking about the perfume, following are the basic details to make you understand what Very Sexy Now is all about : Launch Year – 2016 Top Notes – Coconut Nectar and Fruits Middle note – Pink Lotus Base Notes – White Musk, Sand and Vanilla The strong essence of Coconut in this concoction reminds you of beach getaways, is quite summery and I can say a very romantic fragrance (#ValentinesDay2017) at that. The longevity of the fragrance on body is approximately 8-10 hours, while it lingers on the clothing for a good 3-4 days. Bought this from Pattaya for around 550 Baht which is equivalent to Rs.1,100/- in the Indian market. I think the price is value for money since these fragrance mists last at least 2-3 years for me, upon …

Indian Tourism

U Spa – The Umrao Luxury Hotel Experience

January 11, 2017

We recently shared our love for The Umrao Luxury Hotel by sharing a glimpse of this luxurious property on the busy NH8 zone. Now, we talk about its unwinding facility known as U Spa! Just like any other luxury hospitality group, The Umrao too has a corner on the property for guests and members to relax by the pool, get some fitness training at their fitness centre and take beautifying or rejuvenating treatments at U Spa. U Spa in itself is a detailed spa facility which offers therapies like Head Massage, Classical Swedish Massage, Foot Reflexology, Deep Tissue Massage and Aromatherapy. Our team took the Deep Tissue Massage and the Foot Reflexology Massage and both turned out to be equally relaxing. The massage rooms are super spacious with a tea lounge, if you’d like to pamper yourself before or after the therapy. The light setting is calm, the fragrance soothing and the music relaxing to setup the mood right. Both the Deep Tissue Massage and Foot Reflexology lasted an hour with dedicated massage therapists making sure your nerves are soothed and muscles relaxed to perfection. The staff, although limited, knows through and through of therapies, guiding the customers through Spa protocols, maintains a hygienic environment and puts utmost care in maintaining your privacy. Once you are done with the therapy, you can take a pampering bubble bath at their super spacious and relaxing bathtub setup. If you have time constraints or would prefer to sweat naturally, then U Spa also offers fully functional Sauna and Steam rooms. U Spa connects with a fitness centre, wherein residences and members can take up cardio and strength training under the surveillance of expert fitness trainers. In case you’d like to be a regular member of the fitness centre, then they do offer membership packages as …

#BeautyExperts – Tantrums Makeup Studio

December 13, 2016

Every time the thought of getting a makeover done from a salon or studio pops up in my head, all I can think of is how the artist will ruin my natural instinct and make me look like Cruella-de-vil. It takes a great deal and luck to find professionals who know the requirement of your skin, your appearance and your personal style. Picking up a makeup brush and simply buffing through an array of NYX or Sephora hauls is an easy-peasy, but it takes a great deal towards brushing off the right colour tone and touches that will make you look like a million bucks! Tantrums Makeup Studio is a venture by Ratika Vaish and Mayank who deliver their passion for beauty across many platforms and among a rich clientele overseas. Based out of East Patel Nagar, their venture is growing immensely and they are now opening up branches across Delhi to expand their wings. For the recently concluded season of Amazon India Fashion Week, I collaborated with this lovely team who drove down all the way from Patel Nagar to my residence to transform me into a ‘Desi Diva’ for Day 3 of AIFWSS17. When it comes to makeup, Ratika treats the requirements of her clients with great zeal. She patiently listened to my perspective and vision of the makeup I’d like to go for. Ratika interacted with me, providing her inputs on the latest makeup trends and helped me decode the makeup that will compliment my Saree-Jacket amalgamation for the fashion week. My initial instinct was to go for smoky eyes, but she suggested that I go for more subtle and shimmerier eye makeup to compliment my Kantha embroidered saree. Her ideology comes from her experience working with A-list clients nationally and internationally. Although her setup is in …

Indian Tourism

WHAT’S IN MY L’Occitane 40th ANNIVERSARY TRUCK?

October 24, 2016

What do you do when a beauty brand gifts you something artistic and out-of-the-box (quite literally)? You take pictures, blog about it and show it to the world! L’Occitane, a name associated with fine beauty and bath products recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary in India. While the main celebrations took place in Aamchi Mumbai, the other parts of the country with their prominent stores too witnessed the enthusiasm over limited edition products and other great hampers! I too, obliged by the celebrations and visited L’Occitane Saket, Delhi to meet Mr. Aidan Goddard, CFO & COO – Asia Pacific and Mr. John Ho, General Manager – South East Asia; as they spoke volumes about the brand, its legacy and how impressed they are by the feedback they’ve received from the Indian consumers. Agreeing to the point that India now takes beauty very seriously and doesn’t invest in a product unless they are satisfied by its purity and results; be it a drugstore line or an ace beauty brand like L’Occitane itself. Given the fact that L’Occitane is all about bringing natural ingredients into good use, with minimal chemical introduction to the production, I have been quite convinced with the quality of this brand since quite a few time. To celebrate their 40th Anniversary with Indian Consumers, L’Occitane has also come up with a ‘Limited Edition’ collection of Hand Creams and a few other products. Luckily, I got a chance to take back few LE products from their range, apart from a cute L’Occitane truck that definitely needed a special feature for its artistic appeal. While I celebrate L’Occitane 40th Anniversary, I suggest that you visit the nearest L’Occitane store and grab a few LE hand creams since these are absolutely divine and pocket friendly as well! Also, if you plan on gifting something to your …

Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask Review

October 17, 2016

Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask is unlike your regular masks that promise soft, glowy skin. Because it provides you a much deeper sense of ‘mask-cleaning’ your face. And with the biggest reason of skin related problems being the harsh sunlight, this Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask is everything you need to take care of the dullness and ageing symptoms that arise out of a sun-tan. On my review-table for this month, I am quite happy with the results so far. Given that October is all about Indian festivities of 2016, I was actually looking for some home-remedies to keep a check on my facial cleanliness, give the fact that a lot of outdoorsy events have (and will be) taken place this month. THE PACKAGING Quite light, travel friendly and neat. The flip-cap squeeze bottle ensures no leakage of the product and provides hygienic application. A well informative packaging with easy-directions manual to use the product. THE USAGE Simply squeeze out a finger full of the mask gel and spread evenly on the face and neck area. The consistency of this mask is thicker than the other regular gel masks, the product doesn’t drip and smooths out very easily on the face. Due to its thick consistency, the gel doesn’t dry off immediately, letting the applier spread the product on the skin conveniently. But of course, the peel-off mask has a tangy orange fragrance that provides a refreshing feel upon application. The fun part is, removing the mask from your face. Post 15 minutes of application, you can start peeling off the mask from your face. The mask is gentle on the face, eliminating any harshness or scratch on the skin; upon peeling. You can either wash your face post peeling, or simply pat your face with a wet towel …

Famous Bollywood Actresses And Eyeliner Trends From 1940s to 2016

October 3, 2016

Think ‘Smokey Eyes’ is the trend of ‘Modern Times’? Well, let me rephrase it for you. Think Indian women have always and have only been capable of just excelling the art of kohl-manship? It’s time to take references from the Era gone by, because the trendsetters from as early as the 1940s till date have taken their eyeliner trends quite seriously. Presenting to you a list of our Famous Bollywood Actresses And Eyeliner Trends 1940-2016. 1940s Suraiya One of the first actresses and highest paid performer of the Indian cinema was Suraiya Jamaal Sheikh, popularly known as ‘Suraiya’. Not just on-screen, but Suraiya loved keeping her make up and fashion style on check at all times as well. 1940s was the era of femininity and minimalism, as far as makeup was concerned. But even in such times of limited beauty products, Suraiya managed to adorn ‘Soft Smokey’ eyeliner style with a prominent flicked eyeliner, smudged to perfection. Madhubala Hello Classic Bar! Bollywood’s very own Madonna, a.k.a. Madhubala was surely an enchantress. Her beauty is still praised about and her natural and muted make up swayed many a hearts away. No fuss Classic Bar eyeliner style was Madhubala’s all time go-show trend. A fine eyeline coating across the lash, slightly thickining up towards the edge. 1950s Meena Kumari The ‘Pakeeza’ actress was all about royalty, glitter and dramatic personal style. This not only reflected on her clothing, but the make up as well. If 1940s was all about minimalism, then 1950S was definitely a flip-side to the muted trends. Meena Kumari’s eyes spoke volumes with her Winged Eyeliner style stretched up till the edge of the brow. Waheeda Rehman The era also saw Waheeda Rehman Guide-ing the masses how to look less dramatic and still make a mesmerising statement. Playing a …

Indian Tourism

Aayna Clinic Delhi

August 22, 2016

Comparitively a newer concept in India, but a fast growing trend in the beauty industry of the country is these professional ventures that profile world class services on Cosmetology and Dermatology to the consumers. Their is no questioning on the fact that the secret behind a celebrity’s flawless looks is much more than just eating healthy and exercising right. While staying fit and marking what you eat goes a long way in assuring a healthier lifestyle, their are certain skin and hair issues that develop with factors ranging between age and genetics; that need professional rituals and services. Thanks to the ‘Vampire Facial’ promoted by Kim Kardashian, the idea of getting anything ‘Dermatology’ became a big no-no or much of a too-much-pain-for-gain myth that people assumed it to be damage worthy of your skin; scarring you for life! When in reality, Dermatology is all about beautifying you, correcting the natural flaws that you have, with minimal to no side-effects; whatsoever. Now, if you’ve been taking up ‘Cosmetology Facials’ or those special ‘Chemical Peels’ from your regular salon, that’s the type of procedure which are dangerous! No, the chemical peels are not dangerous in self, but applying the right formula post analysing the condition of the skin and judging the timeline of application and rest is a crucial affair. While I will be writing a separate post on this issue, what I’d really like to address is that the science has to be right for a successful Cosmetology procedure. Dr. Simal Soin is one of India’s leading and internationally respected name in the field of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dermatology. She holds experience of over 15 years, dealing with clients both nationally and internationally. It is her passion for promoting Dermatology and providing her skillful services to the customers that has brought forward a compilation of …

Indian Tourism

Lipsticks For Brown Girl Under ₹500

July 29, 2016

I just figured, if I’m going to be a mess, I might as well be a hot mess; right? – Mindy Kaling We girls really don’t need a reason to put on a red pout, do we? Celebrating World Lipstick Day today, we couldn’t think of anything else to scribble up (it’s a lie. we had to postpone a scheduled post just to make room for this one) on the blog other than just talk about how brilliant this invention has been for womankind! And, to be honest, we are so done picturing Audrey Hepburn and Katy Perry to give us some lipstick goals. Hello! We reside in a land of brown girls, who are always on a budget (Bhaiya, thoda kum laga lo!). And this combination is easy to crack, with literally no science involved. Also, to burst the myth, brown girls can equally wear any shade of a lippie as much as their lighter (not fairer!) sisters can. So, soaking up some Mindy Mantra, we present to you a list of 5 Lipsticks that Desi Girls can own like a pro! Did we mention that all the lipsticks listed are under ₹500? Yoohoo! 1. THE HOT RED! If you don’t have a red lipstick, you are not so blessed! Having a bright red lipstick is a must have, as this one saves you from even a gloomy world. Make sure that you invest in a red that simply pops on your lips, as it tends to make you look brighter and livelier. 2. THE NUDE SOUL Get a nude lippie that matches your skin tone right. If you think a shade is too light for you, blend it with a darker red or plum shade to achieve the perfect nudey. This works well when you are trying …

Indian Tourism

M.A.C. Makeup – Tarun Tahiliani Couture 2016

July 23, 2016

Say bye bye to red lips as it’s all about looking beautiful in your own skin; this season. ‘Brown Girl’ avataar was what scored the runway beauty department for Tarun Tahiliani’s show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. Hues of Mocha with bronze and copper shimmers were what dominated the colour palette for Tahiliani’s couture collection. Wanna learn how to achieve the look with M.A.C. Makeup? Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, M.A.C India who constructed the flawless look broke down the sequence for M.A.C. lovers. Check it out! 1. Start with Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. It adds radiance and helps prepare the skin 2. Use the Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, an ultra-light formula that intensely hydrates and leaves skin more supple and luminous 3. Next apply the Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion, a lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration 4. Correct and Conceal using the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette 5. Use the Select Sheer Pressed Powder, a lightweight pressed powder with a silky, natural matte finish and a soft-focus effect 6. Sculpt the face by using the Shadester Sculpting Powder and then finish off the cheeks by applying the Mocha lipstick 7. For the eyes use the Sketch and Rice Paper Eye Shadow along with the Chromagraphic Pencil 8. Use Lash No. 7 for added drama and top it off with Haute & Naughty Mascara for extra volume 9. Line the lips with Strip Down Lip Pencil and fill them in with Amber Lights Eye Shadow & Reflects Gold Glitter All images have been taken from the press releases, except for those that hold the logo of www.kalapalette.com.

The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine

May 24, 2016

The first time I laid my eyes on The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine parfum range, I knew that this fragrance edition needs to be added to my personal collection asap! I have always preferred floral fragrances over fruity scents and this one was an instant hit with me. Boxed in a very artistic packaging, the Indian-ness of this edition reflects well right from treating your eyes to your smelling senses! As per the older reviews available online, the packaging was very different which has been customised and restocked on the extensive demand of the product. What’s The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine? Since ancient times, Indian women have used jasmine flowers to perfume and adorn their hair. Jasmine’s small, fine flower reveals a strong scent that reaches its most powerful intensity at night. In India, we extracted Jasmine essence from hundreds of freshly-picked flowers to compose a unique warm and intensely heady white floral fragrance at heart deepened by notes of sandalwood and vanilla. My Experience Hands down, I have been sold on the idea of Mughal inspired Jasmine fragrance by The Body Shop. Having been born and brought up in Delhi, I have always had a soft corner for everything Mughal. The wild bushes of Jasmine flowers are spread across the capital city of India and are loved and enjoyed by every resident of the city, each summer! Loved the Orange against a monochrome Mehendi design packaging of this one. The actual EDT bottle is a glass bottle and has has an old fashion parfum silhouette to match the Mughal feel of it. The fragrance is of medium strength with a base tone of course being the jasmine flower. The top and medium notes consist of a strong tangerine hint which evolves from the concoction of orange, sandalwood, musk and vanilla fragrances. I can …