September 2015 - FashionForRoyals

Clarins Hydraquench Cream SPF 15, Normal to Dry Skin Review

The season is changing and I have changed my face cream to accommodate for the shift in weather. I had been planning to buy Clarins Hydraquench for a long time but it doesn’t sit easy on pocket. But this time I gave in to the temptation and well, it was worth the wait!

Clarins is one of my go-to brands for skin care products and you might find me talking about them on and off, quite freqeuntly. The cream I am using is for Normal to Dry Skin with SPF 15, and you would know from my previous posts that I do prefer products to have SPF because I tan and burn too easily.

On the box it says this lightweight cream offers effective UV protection and was specifically formulated to provide a softer, more radiant finish for those with normal to dry skin. Katafray bark extract and hyaluronic acid help maintain an optimal level of hydration while Sorbier bud extract helps restore a fresher looking appearance.

In my opinion, it’s a light weight cream which is very good for the “in-between” autumn/fall weather; we will have to see what I get for winters soon. The absorption of the cream is also very good and it doesn’t sit heavy on your face like some of the cheaper creams out there. The problem with those is that you can’t wear them underneath makeup whereas you can wear this cream under other products without feeling any heaviness.

I wasn’t expecting to see any noticeable difference in my skin… But my skin does actually feel significantly softer. I noticed it more so after using it for few days (I never post a review on a product unless I have tested that product on myself for a good amount of time)s. Also, the cream has a mild fragrance which is the case with most of Clarins’ products. This could be a problem if you don’t like your products to have a distinctive smell, but I liked it so it works for me.

One thing I feel I need to highlight is that he cream pot is thick glass, so it’s really heavy, and totally impractical for travelling. But it does look very chic on the dressing table.

The hydraquench range has many more products to try for different skin types from creams to masks and gels. I am definitely going try some more very soon.
Have you tried any of the products in HydraQuench Range? Whats your take on the products, specially the cream? Let me know in the comments!

Pros:
Moisturizing
Good Nourishing capacity.
Sun protection

Cons:
Pricey
Heavy Box

Star Rating : 3.5
Price in UK : £35 for 50 ml
Price in India : Rs. 3318 for 50 ml

5 Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads

I am sure that all of you will agree with me when I say that blackheads are the bane of every girl’s existence and unfortunately, getting rid of them requires regular treatment and a lot of patience. After years of dealing with these pesky things (mainly on my nose), I think it is safe to say that I have tried and tested all of the techniques out there. If you want to get rid of your own blackheads, these five methods are great! Try them one at a time or all together.

Clay Masks

I find clay masks to be very effective in keeping my skin clear and getting rid of blackheads. Most major brands will have some offering in the clay mask category and you can even make your own with one tablespoon of betonite clay and water. My favourite product is the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask by The Body Shop. So good!

Homemade Pore Strips

More often than not, the pore strips sold at supermarkets are terrible and really do not do anything to solve your blackhead situation. One of my friends introduced me to a homemade version last year and I have not looked back since! All you need a clean strip of cotton, one teaspoon of milk and one tablespoon of organic honey. Mix the honey and milk together (warm the mixture in the microwave for ten seconds to make it easier). Apply a thin layer to your affected area and then pat the cotton strip on top of it. Let it dry for 10 minutes and then peel the strip off. Voila!

Use Toner

Many ladies tend to skip using a toner but I find that it is very effective in keeping your pores tight and clean. Use your toner about four times a week after you wash your face and before you moisturize. The results are mind blowing!

Break A Sweat

Clogged pores cause blackheads so breaking a sweat can actually help to clean the pores and minimize the appearance of blackheads. You could do this by squeezing some exercise into your routine or just treating yourself to a spa once in a while. Plus, it will make your skin glow like a diamond! Win-win.

Orange Peel

Citrus fruits are known for their skin benefits and the dried peel of an orange is a great way to rid yourself of blackheads. Use the dried peel to scrub the affected area everyday and you will begin to notice the effect in no time!

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed Review

I have been using the same brand and face wash for many years and thought – Well, maybe, it’s time for a change, and hence I bought Clarins’ Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed this time around. As said on the box this product is for Normal to Combination skin and I do suffer from T-zone issues in dry or hot weather. When it gets cold, I am planning to switch to something that is more suited for dry skin.

On the package it says that the product will leave the skin perfectly clean, thanks to the refreshing foam that rinses off with cool water. As gentle as a cleansing milk and as effective as a soap, this mild foaming cleaner preserves the skin’s PH balance and thus natural radiance.

Now coming to my experience with the facewash:

Being a cream cleanser that lathers into a thick foam, it rinses away clean, refreshing the skin. The scent is mildly herbaceous, which I’m not bothered by. In the morning, I use this alone to clean off the night’s oil/sweat/product residue. However, I don’t use this product at night as I have different regime for night time. This cleaner leaves the face squeaky clean and there’s no trace of the product left on the face after rinsing, to the point that I have started skipping skin toner 😉 and have become one of those baddies who doesn’t follow the CTM routine to the T.

I think this product will not suit anyone with dry skin and I would probably try a different cleanser for winters; maybe its sister cleanser Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter – instead. This cleanser will probably work well even for oily skin types, at least in the harsh winters when we all need intense moisturization

Do keep in mind that though it might be pricey, it will last you a long time; far more than other high street ones, for just a little bit of this cleanser goes a long way in doing the job. In fact, on my first day, I even wasted some of the cleanser when by default I squeezed out a coin size blob, as I would with other facewashes. Now, I only use a pea-sized amount of this cleaner on my face daily.

Pros:
-Deep Cleansing
-No residue
-Last you a long time

Cons:
-Can be drying in winters
-Might be expensive

Price in India: Rs. 1400
Prince in UK: £19

If you have used this or are planning to use it, or even any other cleanser for that matter, do let me know – I am always happy to hear and recommend wherever I can.

5 Trousseau Essentials For Indian Brides

While I am yet to have my very own “Big Fat Indian Wedding,” I am well aware that being a bride is hard work. Along with planning the festivities down to the smallest detail, you also have to worry about what you will need after the wedding is over! Most ladies have a standard checklist of items for their trousseau, but many forget the small essentials that can make a world of difference. Here are the five items that you simply must have in your trousseau:

A Statement Blouse

Your trousseau will be filled with gorgeous Indian saris, no doubt, but it is absolutely important that you have at least one statement sari blouse in there as well! Unlike heavy saris which can only be worn a couple of times (and only once with the same crowd), this piece can be worn over and over again with different saris and lehengas. Opt for an embellished blouse with in a neutral colour like black or gold and use it to add some magic to your sombre saris!

A Versatile Clutch

Once I started using clutch bags on a regular basis, I always wondered how I ever did without! No trousseau is complete without a versatile clutch that can be worn on every occasion. Bonus points if it works equally well with Indian and Western outfits! To get more use out of your tiny bag, opt for a clutch in your favourite metallic or neutral shade.

Timeless Indian Jewellery – Baubles

Traditional baubles are an essential for every bride’s trousseau, but you should be careful of the ones that you choose. Stay away from buying into current “trends” because this will result in your jewellery collection becoming out-dated faster than it should. Instead, opt for timeless pieces that will stay classic for years to come – kundan jewellery is always a good bet, as are pearly pieces.

A Range of Lingerie

It goes without saying that your trousseau must contain some sexy lingerie, but I also believe that you should pick up a wide range of underwear to suit every occasion. Think about investing in different styles and cuts of brassieres and panties so that you have something that works well with every ensemble. Shape-wear is a great addition to the collection, too!

A Neutral Eye Shadow Palette

If there is one makeup product that you invest in for your trousseau, please, please, PLEASE let that product be an eye shadow palette with a bunch of neutral shades like gold, bronze, nude, soft pink and the works. Look for a palette that offers a range of matte and shimmer shades for maximum utility. Any of the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay are perfect, but there are a host of cheaper options available, too. Neutral shades of eye shadow can be worn with pretty much anything and are an easy way to infuse some elegance into your look. You can’t go wrong with this one!

How To Make Your Pout Look Plumper (Without Fillers!)

Like most women, I absolutely crave lips that are plump and full; however, I am not the biggest fan of lip fillers and the like (no matter how great Kylie Jenner’s smackers may look!) There are a lot of clever ways to make your lips look plumper than they are without harming your body. All you need is your regular lip makeup and a couple of extra minutes. Read on to find out more!

An easy way to achieve a naturally amped up effect is to opt for a shiny finish over a matte one. The light will bounce off the shiny surface and create an illusion of plumper lips. If you can’t do without your matte lipstick, finish off your lip routine with a swipe of clear lip gloss, which has the same effect. I like to apply clear gloss to only the centre of my pout for a bold effect. When it comes to your lips, drama is a good thing.

Another trick that I like to use is to line my lips using a nude lip liner. This is one of the easiest and oldest tricks in the book to enlarge your pout. I love the natural finish that nude lip liner provides, enabling you to sport this look on a daily basis.

If you’re feeling bold, you can use a coloured liner to overdraw your smackers. Find a liner that matches your lipstick (or just use the liner to fill them in later) and draw your lips slightly outside of their natural line, while following their shape. Fill them in completely, using translucent powder to set the products in place and you are good to go. Take it a step further by lining the outside of your overdrawn lips with concealer and watch your pout take the spotlight!

There are a lot of ways that you can play with your Cupid’s Bow (the centre of your top lip) to achieve a superstar pout, too. If you feel like going au naturel, simply dab a tiny bit of highlighter onto your Cupid’s Bow for some drama, and finish off the look with your trusty lip balm or clear gloss. For the days that you want to sport a coloured lip, define your Cupid’s Bow by drawing an X at the centre of your upper lip with liner. Apply your lipstick as normal and say hello to luscious lips for the day!

Finally, remember that darker shades will always make your lips look smaller than they are so opt for light or vibrant hues to make your job easier.

Kisses!

#ShortGirlProblems: How To Look Taller

There are some things that you cannot change – like your height. We all know that one of the easiest ways to add some extra inches to your frame is to slip into your sky-high heels, but is the daily pain really worth it? I think not. Contrary to popular belief, there are several ways to score that model-esque height without torturing yourself. I hope you’re listening closely, ladies!

The first trick in the book is to switch over from low-rise bottoms to a more flattering high-waist style. The latter makes your legs look longer, thereby creating the illusion of a taller body and a slimmer waist. Win-win!

The monochrome trend has been making waves for over a year now, because of its sleek and sophisticated vibe. However, what you probably did not know is that wearing one colour from top to bottom makes you look taller than you actually are, by creating a single vertical line. Black on black is always a good choice, but do not be afraid to experiment with brighter hues as well!

By now, you must have deduced that looking taller is all about creating vertical lines with your body and your garments. Another effective way to harness the power of long lines is by wearing clothes with vertical stripes. Like monochrome, vertical stripes make your body look leaner and longer.

Now, I am all about up-dos in every shape and size, but did you know that piling your head atop your head would instantly add the inches you have been looking for? A topknot is always an excellent style to sport, because you can easily take it from day to night. A classic pouf to any old ponytail or messy bun works equally well, too.

If you are on the shorter side, you definitely need a pair (or five!) of pointed flats in your wardrobe. They obviously will not add as much height to your frame as a pair of six-inch heels would, but they are definitely your best bet when it comes to heelless shoes. Invest in a pair of these babies and watch your leg line lengthen!

Finally, remember that clothes cannot do everything. An easy but often forgotten way to add inches to your body is to focus on your posture. Stand with your back straight, your shoulders backwards and your head held high. It makes a world of difference!

Face of the Day (FOTD)- Smokey Eyes & Pink Lips

Hi All,

As promised I am decoding my look of the day for last week’s London Fashion eek.
I was wearing a monochrome outfit, and here is the link to the outfit of the day post if you are interested. I wanted to keep the makeup subdued to complement the outfit, but still have a radiant glow . Hence, I concentrated mainly on the eyes and skin coverage. For the eyes, I used a bluish silver eye shadow from my Naked pallete and paired it with a pink lipstick!

Hope you like the look! Don’t forget to leave your comments below!Products used for this look :

1. Mac Strobe Cream
2. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15
3. Mac Prep+Prime Compressed Powder
4. Mac Groundwork Paint Pot
5. Loreal Super Liner Gel Inteza in Black
6. Naked Urban Decay Eyeshadow Pallete (Creep & Gunmetal)
7. Mac All that Glitters Eyeshadow
8. Rimmel Scandaleyes Flex Mascara
9. Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry
10. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum

How to create this look:
– I started by priming my eyes with Mac Groundwork Paint Pot and used Mac strobe cream across my face as primer.
– Next I applied a wash of Naked’s Urban Decay Gunmetal eye shadow all over my lids. This colour is just so rich and beautiful, it doesn’t need a lot of work or too many more accents to make it work.
– Using a fluffy eye shadow brush, I blended out this with the Creep eye shadow to create an even gradient in the crease and outer corner.
– To highlight the inner corner and brow-bone, I used MAC All that Glitters eye shadow.
– I tight-lined my eyes with the Loreal Super Liner Gel Inteza in Black and applied the same thickly along the upper lash line.
– I finished up the eyes with mascara, of course.
– On the face I applied Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in SPF 15 as it would also provide me with sun protection while out & about in the daytime. I blended the shine with Mac Prep+Prime Compressed Powder.
– On the cheeks I applied Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in soft plum.
– And finally, I finished the look with Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Sultry Sulfurese.

Comment below if you want me to post any specific look!

10 Fashion Commandments For Every Lady

I am a firm believer in living life with no rules, and the same philosophy holds true when it comes to fashion as well. I do believe, however, that when it comes to style, there are certain guiding principles that every lady should keep in mind. Do not think of the Ten Commandments that follow as hard rules, but rather as lights that will guide you in finding your own sense of style.

1. Invest more money and time in finding timeless pieces that will last you through seasons and years – crisp white shirts, tailored blazers and diamond earrings.

2. Focus on fit over fashion trends. Even the most stylish garment will look shabby if it does not fit properly on your body – trust me.

3. Always accessorize to complete your outfit. You do not need to dress up like a Christmas tree, but never leave the house without one accessory that will take your look to the next level.

4. Break the rules – wear black with brown, layer silver necklaces with gold ones, choose horizontal stripes over vertical lines – and have fun with it!

5. When you are planning your ensemble, think of your look from head to toe and style it with the whole picture in mind.

6. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, do not wear it. Fashion is all about feeling good in your own skin, so stay away from pieces and trends that do the opposite.

7. Always have a go-to look for those days when you wake up late or are simply feeling uninspired. Mine is a pair of boyfriend jeans with an oversized white shirt.

8. Think about proportions when you are planning your outfits. Balance is key.

9. Always dress for the occasion. There is no bigger faux pas than sporting distressed jeans to a formal event. Think about it and dress accordingly, ladies.

10. Be yourself, always and forever!

How To Sweat Proof Your Makeup

When the heat is beating down outside, maintaining a perfectly made up face can be really hard. Runny mascara and a patchy face is simply not a good look for anyone. Lucky for you, I have picked up many tips and tricks in the time that I have spent in India, many of which I regularly use to help me overcome the Mumbai heat. The next time it is scorching hot outside, try out one of these handy tips to save your makeup!

01. Always opt for long-lasting formulas that will not budge from your face. Because these products tend to be thicker than your average, mix them with a dollop of your facial moisturizer for easy application.

02. To prevent your eye shadow from creasing and looking tacky, make sure that you apply primer to your lids. It makes a world of difference!

03. Never leave the house without blotting papers to prevent that nasty shine that tends to develop in our oily spots after a couple of hours. Either that, or keep a nifty blotting powder on standby!

04. If you are going to wear mascara, it should not be anything by waterproof! It might be harder to remove than a normal formulation, but it is definitely worth the effort.

05. Take a chance and skip lipstick altogether. Instead, enhance your pout by treating it to some lip balm and a brush of highlighter in the center of your top lip.

06. Choose a cream blush over a powder blush for easy blending and a more natural look.

07. I would recommend using a tinted moisturizer instead of your regular foundation. If you simply cannot live without the latter, ensure that it is an oil-free one so that it does not clog your pores.

08. I am one of those girls who cannot live without a good eyeliner but when the temperature shoots up, you will not find me using anything but a reliable, long-lasting gel product. Do not even try to experiment with anything else.

09. When it comes to lipstick, matte ones are the way to go because they have an immense staying power and will definitely not melt off your face.

10. Before you start applying your makeup, set it in place with a makeup spray. You will instantly see the difference.

5 Tips For Dressing Like A #Girlboss

I am a firm believer in the power of dressing sharply and smartly i.e. like a #GirlBoss. (PS I am also reading #GirlBoss Book these days – you can see all behind the scenes activity of what makes fashionforroyals on my Instagram, follow me now!) Dressing powerfully does not have to break the bank and you certainly do not need to be a fashion editor to do so. In fact, it is really easy – just start with the five tips that follow!

1. Tuck your shirt in. I know that the “half in, half out” style is making waves in the streets, but every power woman knows that a well-ironed and neatly tucked in shirt is the way to go. Trust me.

2. Treat yourself to a pair or two of tailored pants to complete your #girlboss wardrobe. These babies will hold you in good stead and last you for a couple of years if you treat them right, so do not be afraid to spend a little extra for great quality and the perfect fit.

3. Play with proportions (within limits, of course). Your ensembles do not have do be boring or standoffish. Have a little fun by experimenting with shapes and silhouettes. Wear a fitted white shirt with wide leg trousers, cigarette pants with an oversized turtleneck…you get the idea, ladies. Keep it classy.

4. Explore your androgynous side. Do not get me wrong; I am all about pencil skirts and killer heels, but I have come to realize that being able to pull off a menswear-inspired outfit can be a wonderful confidence boost. Play around with brogues, bowties, pinstripes, waistcoats and more! The sky is the limit.

5. Find your uniform. Now, when I say uniform, I certainly do not mean a look that you wear every single day but rather, your go-to ensemble that makes you look like you have spent a lot of time putting it together when in actuality, you rolled out of bed ten minutes late. Your uniform should be flattering and make you feel comfortable in your own skin. My uniform is a pair of skinny jeans, a silky printed top and a fitted blazer, topped off with pointed ballet flats. Et toi?

5 Easy Ways To Make Your Outfit Classier Without Spending A Bomb

Contrary to popular belief, an outfit that is both stylish and sophisticated does not always have to burn a hole in your wallet. In fact, there are a bunch of ways to infuse your ensemble with an easy elegance without spending a bomb. I’ve listed out my five favourite ideas for you to try out before the year is over!

01. I’ve said this before and I will say it again: fit is everything. The truth is that a well fitted dress from a thrift store will always look infinitely better than an ill fitted designer dress. If you want to look classy, you must take out the time to find pieces that fit your body well.

02. Without a doubt, my biggest pet peeve is an outfit that is not ironed. Nothing pulls an outfit down from classy to crass like creases, so if you want to add that element of sophistication to your look, ensure that your clothes are ironed to perfection. No excuses.

03. I love playing around with patterns, textures and fabrics, and over the years, I have come to realise that certain fabrics look much classier than others – think linen, silk and cotton. Of course, these require much more maintenance than their synthetic counterparts, but the effort is worth it!

04. I’ve noticed that when it comes to looking elegant, your clothes are not the only deciding factor. Hair makes a huge difference to your look, so never leave the house without ensuring that your tress game is on point. Your hairstyle does not have to be elaborate, as long as it is neat and frizzy fly-away strands are a total no-no.

05. Shoes can make or break your outfit so make sure that your footwear is always clean and not scuffed. Dust your shoes before wearing them and if they are made from a material like patent leather, keep them shiny. If you’re wearing open toe sandals, please, please, PLEASE make sure that your nails are cut and filed at the very least, if not impeccably manicured.

Remember, ladies – the elegance lies in the finer details. Make them count.

Review of Maral Yazarloo, House of MEA “Deja Vu” Collection at Fashion Scout London

It was the unveiling of Maral Yarzoo’s “Deja Vu” Collection at the House of MEA runway and I just couldn’t wait to pen down my thoughts from the moment I arrived at the venue .

Opening of the show:

Closing of the show

To give you all a background, House of MEA (House of Middle East & Asia) is an international forum that seeks to explore and expose high couture creations by middle-eastern, Asian and Indian designers. The first season of House of MEA’s productions is being showcased as part of Fashion Scout, London 2015 and what an opening it has been!

With Maral Yazarloo’s “Deja Vu” being one of the first shows, everyone was eager to see what this Iranian-born designer had in store for her audiences. I was especially curious about her collection because she has had an interesting and inspiring journey in the fashion world. She came to India in 2004 to pursue her MBA and decided to stay back for she was mesmerized by the country. Taking inspiration from her Iranian heritage and India’s rich culture, she launched her brand Ma/Ya “Made of Dreams” in Paris, Rome and India as well. And if I was impressed with the designer’s story and personality earlier, witnessing her collection come alive at the Fashion Scout only added to my admiration for her.

Her collection for House of MEA’s runway show was entitled “Deja Vu” which clearly represents her deep enchantment with cultural past and its modern interpretation. She wowed the audience with 20 exquisitely crafted handmade jackets that reflected a lovely symphony of zari-gold thread-work and fine machine-work. She primarily used velvet, raw silk and leather, with a colour palette of rich shades including burnt orange, mustard yellow, carmine maroon, peacock green and turquoise blue. The elaborate headgear, traditional bhutani boots and nude make-up added to the rustic charm her designs attempted to recreate.

Personally too, I liked Maral’s creations a lot, which combined the flavours of ancient Persia, medieval India and contemporary Middle-East. It was an aesthetic fusion of traditional forms and sophisticated modern stylistics, which made me realize that simple yet elegant clothing it truly timeless. I loved the colours used and also the playful experiments with texture and layers.

All in all, the “Deja Vu” fashion walk was very engaging and enjoyable – the perfect start to my adventure at this year’s Fashion Scout, London. Stay tuned for more updates!

3 Exercises For Killer Skirt-Worthy Legs

When the weather is pleasant, I am all about wearing high-waist shorts, pretty floral dresses, sexy mini skirts and the works. This summer, I embarked on a fitness journey with a special focus on my legs so that I could wear my shorter numbers with the confidence of a superstar. Through this journey, I experimented with many regimes and exercise styles to find the ones that worked the best. Today, I present to you: three effective exercises for stunning skirt-worthy legs!

The Chair Squat

This is a great exercise for ladies who are still at the start of their fitness journey. All you need is a chair and yourself! Start by standing with your back facing the chair and your feet shoulder width apart. Now, tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lower your booty towards the chair, stopping right before you can sit down. Raise your body back to its original position. Start with two sets of twenty repetitions and up the ante as your thighs become stronger.

The Basic Lunge

If you want your bikini body in place before the next summer is here, you had better add lunges to your workout routine. While this exercise is rather simple, it is absolutely important that you have the right posture and technique so that you don’t strain your muscles. Start in the standing position. Hold your upper body straight, push your shoulders back and keep your chin up. Now, step forward with one leg and lower your hips until your knees form a ninety-degree angle. Your forward knee should be right above your ankle, not pushed out beyond it, and the other knee should not touch the floor. Now, use your heels to push yourself back up into the starting position. When you feel comfortable with this technique, you can start adding weights to the routine.

The Leg Lift

This exercise might seem really easy at first, but once you feel the burn, you will know how hard it really is! You will need a chair for this. Start by standing upright and facing the chair. Let’s start with your right leg – lift your knee upward and place your heel on the chair. Now, raise your heel (and therefore leg) off the seat until you feel your quadriceps stretch. While your right leg is still in the air, bend your left leg slightly and then straighten it. Start with two sets of fifteen repetitions for each leg and add more as you get used to it.

Ladies, adhere to these three exercises like the gospel and you will start to notice changes within a fortnight. As they say – “train like a beast, look like a beauty!”

Outfit of the Day (OOTD) – Monochrome

Hi All, here is my first Look of the day post. Please share and like this to show your appreciation. This is the look I tried for the Fashion Scout London Visit.
Trends Come and Go, but I think this trend has always been here and will stay here for long time. I personally feel this trend will always look powerful no matter what and it makes me feel good, that’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for the world! Do tell me What are your wardrobe staples?

I’m wearing:
Animal Print Black & White Dress – Zara
Black Floating Long Cardigan – M&S
Black Spotty Leggings – Oasis Stores
Black Long Boots – Clarks
White & Black Handbag – Dorothy Perkins
Silver and Pearl Long Necklace – M&S

Do let me know if you want me to showcase any particular trend or style.

5 Lingerie Myths Busted!

We cannot live with it and we cannot live without it. Yes, I am talking about lingerie. Though it is an essential, inner wear is single handedly responsible for a lot of confusion and controversy. Everyone has something to say about it although not everyone is right. Over the years, the sheer amount of incorrect information about lingerie that is floating around has surprised me and so, I decided to bust five ridiculously untrue lingerie myths for you!

1. Wear white under garments under white clothes. No, no, no! Throw this line of false advice out of the window because there is not an iota of truth to it. When you are sporting white clothes, wear underwear that is as close to your skin colour as possible, for a seamless and natural look.

2. High quality lingerie is expensive. Again, completely untrue. Whilst it would wishful to think that you can find high quality lingerie at dirt-cheap prices, trust me when I say that a good bra does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you look beyond the popular brand names, you can find some great mid-range brands that sell quality products at affordable prices.

3. Wearing a small bra will enhance your cleavage. No chance, ladies! In fact, wearing a wrongly sized brassiere will simply change the shape of your bust in a very unflattering way. Whether it is outerwear or inner wear, size and fit are everything.

4. A good bra will last you a lifetime. The perfect example of wishful thinking. While it would be a dream come true to have your favourite bra last forever, the truth is that most brassieres have a lifetime of nine months to one year. To get the most utility out of your bras, hand wash them gently and rotate them often.

5. Shape wear is uncomfortable and only for large women. Wrong! Contrary to popular belief, good quality shape wear in the right size can be really comfortable. In fact, you will not even know that you are wearing it. Shape wear is for everyone – it simply enhances your silhouette and gives you a confidence boost to be the superstar that you are. Give it a try, sometime!

TLC For Your Precious Jewelry – Care Guide

Everyone loves the thought of owning beautiful, precious jewelry but how many of us truly take out the time to look after the pieces that we own? Not many, I’m sure, and certainly not as often as we should be. As someone who is extremely passionate about baubles of all shapes and sizes, I realize that it is important to give my pieces the TLC they need so that they continue to look fabulous in the years to come. If you are as clueless as I was a year ago, look no further!

Silver

This beautiful metal is one of the brightest of the lot, but also one of the most delicate, which means that it can get scratched and tarnished rather easily. The best way to look after silver pieces is to regularly clean them with a salt bath. Create a solution of hot water and salt, and then immerse your jewelry in the bowl for five to ten minutes. When you feel that the shine has returned, take it out and pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Voila!

Gold

Gold is not quite as delicate as silver and most people say that you can never really “over clean” it. In a large bowl, mix equal quantities of hot water and dishwashing soap. Let your pieces soak in the mixture for a couple of hours, pull them out and then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush to make them shine. You can do this as often as you like, but it is also a good idea to take your gold baubles to the jeweler every year for a quick steam and buff to amp up the shine factor.

Diamond

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you had better treat your #bff right! For starters, try to touch your diamond as little as possible. I know it is very tempting to finger your rock but diamonds instantly attract the oils from your hand, which can make them look greasy. Like all precious jewelry, you must clean your stones every fortnight. Use a mild solution of warm water mixed with an ammonia-based household cleaner as a soak. Avoid the toothbrush method; simply dry your diamonds with a soft washcloth instead.

Pearls

Ladies, if you want your pearls to maintain their radiance, keep them away from makeup, perfume, hair spray and the likes. To do so, it is always a good idea to put your jewelry on after you have completed your hair and makeup routine. Since pearls tend to scratch easily, each piece must be kept in its own compartment. Unlike other jewelry, do not try to clean your pearls at home! If you feel like they do need some cleansing, take them to a professional for the best job.

My Latest Eye Makeup Routine

You may have already seen the picture of my current eye makeup routine on my Instagram or Facebook page. As promised, here is the story post decoding the process and how I go about it on an everyday basis. I have also listed all the products in the picture towards the end of the post.

These days I am experimenting with a lot with my eye makeup, especially eye shadows – will definitely post some more tips once I have tried and tested them fully.

Most of the days in I am in rush to get ready and be off to work. Hence, this routine is for all those ladies who like me, have a little less time on hand and still want to get awesome, lasting eye makeup. After all, we all know that it’s the eyes that make you stand out in the crowd

I generally tend to start my routine by applying an eye primer on the lids to help get them ready for the eye shadow. Primer, as you may or may not know, makes your eye shadow stay for longer. The M.A.C. pot I use is one my favourites as it also brings out the colour of the shadow and makes it pop a lot more.

Next step obviously is to use a good quality eye shadow for application across the eye contours. If you are a novice and can’t do the two shades look, try to use a lighter, nudish shade on the eye during the day rather than a darker one. Most of the times, lighter shades are much more easy and forgiving than the highly pigmented ones.

Then comes the eyeliner, followed by the mascara. Make sure you use a dark eyeliner in shades like midnight blue or black for office. You can use either a thin line or a thick one depending on how comfortable you are with wearing makeup. And please don’t forget mascara on both the lower and the top eyelashes since the dual stroke widens our eyes and makes them stand out!

Here is the list of products I am using these days for my daily Eye Makeup Routine.

1. MAC Paint Pot Groundwork
2. Loreal Super Liner Eye Liner Gel Intenza in Black
3. Urban Decay Naked Eye Shadow Pallete
4. Rimmel London SacandalEyes Mascara

Any questions? Simply comment below and I will make sure I respond to them personally as soon as possible.

Cheat Sheet: 5 Ways To Look Slimmer

Every lady covets a slim waist that creates the ultimate hourglass figure. Now, one way to score a narrow waist is to sweat ib tyles that suit your body type and stick to them. Use them to cinch loose tops and boxy jackets above your hips to define your waist. Obi belts are my absolute favourite right now!

3. By now, you would have realized that slimming your waist down is all about defining your midriff. Loose and baggy tops tend to hide your waist, so get rid of the excess volume by tucking them into the top of your trousers.

4. Shape wear is one of the best ways to define your figure and create the illusion of a slim waist. I have also found that it is an instant confidence booster when you have to sport a figure-hugging dress or fitted blouse. Contrary to popular belief, shape wear can be really comfortable! Invest in good quality pieces that will last you for years to come.

5. I find that adding some height to my look is an excellent way to look trim and thin. Slip into your favourite pair of stilettos – they elongate your legs, make your body look leaner and lend to good posture. Win, win and win!

Above all, be confident in your own skin and shine like the superstar that you are.