WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT LOOKING BEAUTIFUL????

Hey friends,

                  Yes, I cannot TOTALLY stay away from my blog . I know I am a recluse otherwise....but I feel that pent up feelings can sometimes be best expressed virtually. So, today, when I am finally back from my self imposed exile a.k.a break, I am here to talk about issues that bug every person or the other at some point in their lives. (especially girls, but, then guys are no exception either.)

                 We all love to flip the pages of glossy magazines and most of us wonder: "oh how i wish I had a figure like that model", or  "that's a lovely dress/bag etc." and then put ourselves through the suffering that comes with not having sufficient purchasing power to materialize our wants. Granted, we may have wants and unfulfilled desires, but surely not at the cost of driving ourselves to the point of narcissism or self loathing.
Add to the beauty bandwagon proliferation by media our very own social networking sites that allow the users to upload pics of themselves (in various poses) and go through the pain and mental turmoil that comes inadvertently with not having enough "likes" and appreciative "comments" on their pics.

              Hey, who am I to judge?? A nobody practically. Or perhaps one among those hundreds and thousands of people who have driven themselves crazy to the point of narcissism.I am not referring to statistics or data and I won't, simply because I am here to share my views with the readers and not to exhibit my mere accretion of pedantic knowledge.

             We are beautiful. Tall or short, thin or fat, fair or dark. And we do NOT need to keep on uploading pics of ourselves to get this point across. Yes, I know you all may say that I am just reiterating the saying "BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP", but no. I am not. I know, on some unconscious level, beauty and physical appearance does matter. But that's that. I know several instances of guys and girls who are beautiful/ handsome but are worth noticing as long as they keep their mouths shut.

            So am I telling you not to covet the figure of the girl in the glossy magazine?? Yes, in a way. But being beautiful does not always mean having a "skinny" figure or getting into "skimpy" clothes just to show how "hot" you are. God has made all of us unique. So we should be "hot" and "beautiful" in our own way.

            I am used to people complementing me on my skin and hair because overall I am not bad looking. But, I had developed a kind of self loathing towards myself every time I saw myself in the mirror. I always thought a small pimple , or a dimple in the wrong place made me look awful, or that my figure is too voluptuous or my hair not so perfect, my nose too small and so on and so forth. So much so, that I wasted my precious time thinking " why aren't I that beautiful", or "I wish I had that dress, those shoes, that bag etc."
I had turned into a shopaholic and used to get angry when I didn't find the right item. But, I realised and realised it soon that one cannot be everything that one wants. If it were so easy then life would just have been a bed of roses. That said, I realised that it is important to embrace "your kind of beauty" that is exclusively yours. Improvise on it. We are always cribbing about getting "fat" but how many of us take the time to work out?? Just do it. You don't have to hit the gym. Got rough hair? Go get a hair spa or look up the internet for natural, inexpensive solutions. Want to buy a dress that helps you flaunt your curves? Or shoes that complement your never ending legs?? Go shopping. Once in a while it helps to assuage a woman's soul. And please, stop crash dieting, or dieting altogether. I don't do diets because there's simply too much of good food all around me. Most importantly, be happy because that inner glow is sure to show on your face.

          Too much of agony aunt talk??? Umm, maybe.....so from tomorrow, I'll get back to the BEAUTY BASICS. CIAO!!!! WILL BRING LOTS OF TIPS AND TRICKS AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO HELP YOU GLAMORIZE YOURSELF!!!

A BB CREAM THAT IS TOTALLY OVER HYPED

Yes, this is a continuation of my last post. I had promised to discuss about two BB creams in fact, which are not really worth your money, and one of them is :

POND'S WHITE BEAUTY BB+ CREAM - REVIEW

The other one I don't have at my disposal because I finished it any swore to myself that I would never buy it again.
This BB cream is an inexpensive one, and suddenly I find that other bloggers are writing favorably about this BB cream. But I really don't find any reason to. The packaging is Pink and White (Patent Pond's Packaging) and has a nice smell, but that's just about it. It smells like POND'S COLD CREAM.

It is thick, thicker than usual BB creams. It has an SPF of 30+++.

It claims to reveal your perfect natural look. The writing on the cover says that it works from the outside and inside. This unique skin color matching fairness cream gives you a natural looking instant glow on the outside while working deep on the inside. Here are the swatches:

SUITED FOR:  EVERYDAY USE

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• INSTANT NATURAL GLOW ON THE OUTSIDE
• LIGHTENS YOUR SKIN TONE AND SPOTS FROM THE INSIDE
• EVENS SKIN TONE
• WITH SPF 30 FOR SUN PROTECTION
• NO CLOGGING OF PORES
• LIGHT, NON-OILY TEXTURE

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Use every morning on cleansed skin. It's light texture makes it suitable for everyday use.
2. smooth cream over entire face and gently spread it in until the colour blends well with your natural skin tone.
3. retouch as needed throughout the day.

INGREDIENTS: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane,ethylexyl, methoxycinnamate and many others.

PRICE: RS.125 FOR 18g but I got it at a discount at Rs. 116. A smaller tube is also available.

WARNING:

1. Do not stay too long in the sun, even while using a sunscreen product.
2. In case of any irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
3. Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

VERDICT: The BB cream is not light, but quite thick in consistency and though it blends well, it does not work amazingly. I mean if you have spots on your skin, it works okay to conceal your spots, so it's better to first use a concealer and then apply this. It also makes my skin very oily within a short span of time. I would have loved it if it had been more matte in effect . Yes. it adds a glow to your skin but does not make it fairer from within and neither does it do much to reduce dark spots. So. though it is inexpensive, it is not really worth a shot. I will not buy any more BB creams that come for cheap. I'd rather invest in one that gives better results.

WHAT'S THE BUZZ ABOUT BB CREAMS??

Hello girl friends!!! :) :)

Needless to say, the BB CREAMS ARE ALREADY A MUST HAVE IN OUR MAKE UP KIT(make up suitcase in my case!!!) . We all use this gift of the beauty world without really knowing what it means and what it does for our skin. So, today, I am going to discuss about whether we really need BB creams or not.

BB CREAMS: THE ULTIMATE INDISPENSABLE BEAUTY PRODUCT???

THE EVOLUTION OF BB CREAM
BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm cream, was originally formulated in the 1950s by German dermatologist, DR.CHRISTINE SCHRAMMEK, to protect and provide natural light coverage for patient's sensitive skin who had just undergone laser treatments and surgery. Recently, it was introduced in South Korea and Japan and it has been named "the secret of Korean Actresses" for their fair and flawless skin.

"Call a rose by any name and it would smell just as sweet". The BB cream has many names-BLEMISH BALM, BLEMISH BASE, BEAUTY BALM, BEAUTY BENEFIT CREAM, but it has mainly two properties:

• it works as a moisturiser
• it is a concealer too!!!

It claims to give all in one benefits of a primer, foundation, concealer etc. So, you can have so many benefits for the price of one!! Plus, they come within an affordable range and can be used for an instant shine.

BEFORE YOU MAKE THE PURCHASE: as with any other cream or foundation, check your skin type-dry, oily or combination and make the purchase accordingly. Ask the shop assistant for their recommendations. Specify your skin type, your possible skin problems and your budget.

Apply a bit of the cream onto your face or your neck and blend it slowly. See how it blends and whether your skin shows any signs of irritation immediately. Also check if you get that perfect "glow" or if it is just making your skin oily. Atlest, take your time while at the counter and you won't be sorry.

These creams are perfumed, so check if you are okay with the scent.

WHY SHOULD YOU USE A BB CREAM? 

The advantages are too many!!! Simply put, start using a BB cream. Use it for a month or so like any regular beauty product.  Then stop using it altogether for a few days. You will see that once your skin has adapted to the BB Cream, you'll want a flawless finish too and won't settle for any less!!

• IT comes in a tube and is travel friendly. Just pop it in your bag and you are good to go!!
• available in cream form or stick -you get to choose
• you don't need a foundation if you use this
• it gives  a natural finish, closest to your natural skin tone plus a glow, so it won't make you look as if you have applied oodles of make up. :P
• on-the -spot shine guaranteed!
• has higher SPF than normal fairness creams
• has properties of moisturiser and glycerin that keep your skin moisturised
• has anti-ageing properties, so wrinkles will be at bay
• gives even skin tone
• has silicone based ingredients that give a foundation like finish

ANY MINUS POINTS???

• CANNOT MATCH UP TO THE SMOOTHY FINISH OF A FOUNDATION
• VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND ONES THAT SUIT YOUR SKIN TONE AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN ONLY A FEW SHADES
• SOME BB CREAMS DO NOT PROVIDE A LASTING COVERAGE AND YOUR SKIN ENDS UP LOOKING GREASY
• IF YOU HAVE TOO MANY DARK SPOTS, A CONCEALER WILL WORK BETTER ON YOUR SKIN

VERDICT: I do not rule out the huge impact made by BB creams on our Beauty regime, but find one which works best for you. Spend a little more if you want a better BB cream . Inexpensive ones are not really that good. In my next post, I am going to write about two BB creams that you can easily skip buying. 

Plus, these are not fairness creams. They only provide you round-the -clock shine. Also with the advent of CC creams and DD creams too, you not only need to update your beauty lingo but also revamp your make-up case.:) :)

LOOK OF THE DAY 9# THE THALAIVA TRIBUTE!!!

HELLOOOOOO!!! I am back with a bang!! I had been lying low for no specific reason actually. Spiritual contemplation??? Nah......I am way too practical (and lazy) for that......

So the latest buzz is the "CHENNAI EXPRESS" and I am sure that most of you have already seen it as well. I am not so lucky, so I will be going tomorrow on a movie date!!1 Today, when I read the newspapers and found out that CHENNAI EXPRESS has already grossed 100 crores, and has created a new record, my joy knew no bounds. I am, and will always be a great fan of SRK. So, I thought that  while I gear up for tomorrow, why not do a look of the day with the amazing piece of garment that has created waves in the fashion world: LUNGI!!!!





This was done within the confines of my house as I wouldn't dare to venture out in this look. You have to have a devil-may-care attitude for carrying off this look in public. Plus, I am really fascinated by nose rings. No, I do not have my nose pierced and have no intention of getting it done, but, I like to slip on false nose rings for fun.





For this look, I did not have a lungi at home, so, I rushed to my grandmother for help. Besides clicking amazing pictures, she always has solutions to my problems. So, she took out her white saree with a lovely golden border which  I tied it around my waist as a lungi. Obviously after folding it. And it looks convenient!!! I wore my favorite chequered t-shirt from BARE DENIM which fits like a dream and the contrast is amazing.




The spirit of carrying any look with elan is the correct make-up and accesories. I used minimal make-up only a kohl from LAKME ABSOLUTE to define my eyes and a red lipstick from LOTUS. I used my "rose-tinted" shades, aviators to be exact, which became a rage after "DABANGG" and wore a maharashtrian nose ring which i shopped from the flea markets in GARIAHAT.

To pul off this look, you need lots and lots of attitude and there you go!!! All tapori style and hatke!! :):) 

EVAFLOR WHISKY SILVER -PARFUM FOR MEN (REVIEW)

Guys usually ask me about tips on how to look great and get girls swooning. I have a certain perception in mind: If you want to look great, you must smell great too. No girl, ok, nobody ever liked anybody with bad body odor!!!
Jokes apart,I asked the men in my life, don't get me wrong, (my dad, my brother some odd relatives and friends), what do they keep in mind while selecting that "perfume" of their dreams. These are some of the prompt answers that I got( I jot them down as points)

• LONG-LASTING(this tops the list)
• Not too strong and overpowering
• Skin friendly (It's only by trial and error)
• not sticky
• all this for a good price!!!

Another guy friend of mine was only too happy to have found this lovely perfume he purchased from SOUTH CITY MALL, KOLKATA. Check out the review to find out for what it's worth:

1. NAME: Evaflor WHISKY SILVER
2. MADE IN: FRANCE
3. AVAILABLE AS: DEODORANTS AS WELL AS PERFUMES
4. PRICE: The deo is priced at Rs. 250 and the perfume comes for Rs. 600
5. SUITABLE FOR: (as suggested by my friend) : DAY WEAR, FORMAL OCCASIONS
6. INGREDIENTS: ALCOL DENAT, AQUA, PARFUM,ALPHA ISOMETHYL IONONE,BENZENE SALICYLATE,BUTYL PHENYL,METHYL PROPIONAL, CITRAL, CITRONELOL, EUGENOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL

1. UPPER NOTE: FLOWERY AND LIME
2. BASE NOTE: WOODY LIME

I can't make you smell the perfume via post, but can definitely give you an idea that it does smell sophisticated and according to my friend,"is for sporty men". You needn't worry about getting all sweaty as it is long -lasting, for about 12 hrs. You can wear it to work or a coffee date. My firned wore it on a day date, and the girl couldn't stop admiring the smell, so he says. :) :) (Dude, I am happy for you!!!)

He also adds that it is a total confidence booster. "GIRLS WILL GET FLOORED", he says. Wheteher he's making big claims or not , it's for you guys to find out. But when he sent me the pics, I LIKED THE LOOK -silver and black carton AND A NICE SIMPLE, NO-NONSENSE LOOK BOTTLE inside. Plus, if you are apprehensive of whether this will work for you or not,you can always start with the deo. My friend had first tried out the deo and then moving onto the perfume was no herculean task for him.

But he thoroughly does not recommend this for a party at night. He is keeping the reason to himself, which i'll have to acquire from him by all means known to mankind.:P

Plus I can vouchsafe that since this friend of mine has recommended this perfume, it really must be good, not because he's my friend, but because he DOES HAVE an awesome collection of perfumes. 

And yes, this perfume is pretty cheap. But it does deliver. I once went all generous and thought of gifting somebody a limited edition perfume that made a big hole in my pocket. :) :P

Laters, and take care!!! <3 <3

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE LIPSTICKS UNDER RS.350!!!

Yes, I love my lips. I love to stash on lipsticks too!! I buy mostly from MAYBELLINE and do not stick to any particular shade. I am always open to experimenting. On a normal day you can spot me without make up but not without a lipstick. But finding the correct shade and getting it at a reasonably low price is an ordeal. Not anymore. I have some suggestions, just out of my lipstick box (YES I OWN A BOX FULL OF LIPSTICKS): P

1. ORIFLAME CATWALK RED: When you hear the word "catwalk" the first thing that pops into your head is the red carpet. A rich satin smooth, velvety red that can make all your dreams come true and help you flaunt your luscious lips. But this lipstick shade is quite the opposite. Yes it does have that satin smooth feel and orangish undertone that complements my skin so well, but it's for a day wear and not for the party. It has triple core moisturizer which i absolutely adore and that is so generic to all the ORIFLAME LIPSTICKS. But the color is a tad bit too subtle and like any other red tinted lip balm. You'll have to apply it two to three times to get the red that you almost wanted. It could have been a shade deeper to help people notice the paleness of people with very fair skin. However, the great thing about this lipstick is that it will suit both dark and fair skin tones. You can adjust the shade according to your skin tone by just applying two or three coats or just coat only. I bought it on offer for 299 bucks only and i also can't forget to mention about the lovely cover. To tell you the truth, its the cover that got me hooked to it!! ;)








2. MAYBELLINE JEWELS BY COLORSENSATIONAL 994 FUCHSIA CRYSTAL:
 This party season is not all about LBDS AND DARK RED LIPSTICK. Throw in some Fuchsia and see how well it works for your skin. It's a color that can be worn both in summer and in winter. The correct shade. The correct texture. All OK!!!!! DEEP RICH color that's totally drool worthy. PRICE:RS.330













3. LOTUS HERBALS FLORAL STAY RED ROVER 410: A thin stick with a lovely peach cover. Open it to reveal the red you've always wanted. Works great on fair skin tones.I wear it for most of my dance shows and on stage it looks great.









 I recently wore it for a marriage ceremony and paired it with a red saree. I show you a pic here:



I have been using this for over two years and though I have forgotten its actual price it's surely to be somewhere within 275 and 350 bucks.

Okay i gotta go for now. And I will keep you all updated!!!!

PUMA ECO ORTHOLITE-REVIEW (FOR GUYS!!!) :)

Hello after a long long time!!! Sorry I couldn't post for a while now. But then again I am happy to be back and brimming with ideas. Today's post is for guys so cheer up!!!

I have this friend of mine who has been kind enough to send me pics of shoes he's recently bought. And he's super happy about owning them. :) : ) So I thought why not write a review??

When I the shoes one thing that instantly caught my eye was the color. Whoever said that boys' shoes have to be boring and monotone?? The colour combination ticks all the right fashion boxes. Blue with a pop of orange. You guys must be thinking that it makes for a ridiculous combination, but you'll have to see to believe. Just the correct shade of electric blue set off by a preppy orange.







He bought it from the PUMA outlet at MANI SQUARE MALL, KOLKATA for about 2900 bucks. Expensive?? Yes. But it was 2900 bucks AFTER discount and he's not complaining. ;)






The shoes are light , bright easy to maintain and has no spikes on the backside but good and firm grip . The outer layer is made of parachute material and you can easily wipe off dirt and grime with a cloth.

Going by the look of the shoes, you can use it for casual wear or for a workout. Throw in a pair of your favorite jeans and tee and this makes for a relaxed look for hangout with friends, quips my friend. You can even pair it with shorts for a workout.

He's been nice to even send me pics of what you guys could probably pair the shoes with :)  which I show here:














Now let me go through the pros and cons of these shoes before I wrap up my post:

PROS: 

• Lightweight
• Super comfortable (so says my friend)
• waterproof
• bright color
• firm grip
• can be used for sports as well as casual wear

CONS:

• My friend is really unsure about the longevity, but if it's PUMA, it's got to be good.
• Expensive. But then we're talking about branded shoes here :)

Bye for now will be back with a new post soon!!! Take care!!! :) :) :)