review Archives - FashionForRoyals

SmoothSkin Muse Review – Easy Hair Removal Solution

As someone with a strong love for fashion, I have always been interested in permanent hair reduction – mainly, so that I can wear whatever I want, whenever I want, without having to worry about finding time for a last-minute wax beforehand. Let me give you a quick example of a mini-crisis I had last year.

While I am usually quite good at planning and scheduling my wax appointments, last year, I had to attend a last-minute event – and instead of wearing a gorgeous dress that I had hanging in my wardrobe, that would be perfect for the event, I ended up having to wear jeans instead, because my legs weren’t as smooth as I would have liked them to be. Personally, I feel a lot more confident when I have smooth skin, and I just didn’t think I could look and feel 100% in a dress that evening. Now, if I had had my hands on Smooth Skin’s latest product at that point – it would have been a different story!

Although I had heard a lot about the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology and treatment, I had never thought about trying it, because rumour had it that IPL does not work on darker skin tones. And then, I heard about the SmoothSkin Muse. After doing some research, I learned that this product does, in fact, work on darker skin tones, and decided to give it a whirl. This life-changing product uses IPL technology for hair removal, using the energy of light to break the growth cycle of hair, and prevent regrowth. Having used it for a short amount of time, I have seen some excellent results so I wanted to share my experiences and tips with all of you as well.

As I said, the best part about this product is the fact that in comparison to many other IPL solutions, it works on a wider variety of skin tones. I have relatively darker skin and yet, I can already see the results – there are fewer and finer hairs on my legs. And as if the results weren’t great enough – the product is very easy to use as well! The great thing is that it scans your skin before every flash, and sets the intensity to the right level, to ensure safety as well as efficiency. What more does a girl need? The safety aspect means that you can not only use it on your arms and legs but also more sensitive parts of your body like your bikini line, underarms and face as well. When you start off, it’s best to do one session per week for about 12 weeks, after which you can reduce the frequency to one session every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your needs.

Watch below the Full Review of SmoothSkin Muse

In a nutshell, I think that the SmoothSkin Muse is a great product and definitely gives you bang for your buck. I love the ease of use, the fact that it actually works on my skin tone and the results I’ve seen so far – so I highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a more permanent hair removal solution.

Fab Brows Duo Brow Kit-Review

Wouldn’t you want to have fabulous, natural eyebrows in seconds? The Fab Brows Duo Brow Kit is a product you can trust for the same. The brand new product is offered by the acclaimed UK-based brand Fab Brows and promises to work effortless magic for your brows. It can do wonders for thin and pale brows, transforming them into thick and dark ones with only a few strokes of this high-quality starting powder designed for your eyebrows.

I was sent the dark brown variant of the product as a gift as it is just right for my Asian skin tone. The semi-permanent organic eyebrow powder kit comprises of two complementary shades in one palette, a lighter and a darker one that are meant to work for different skin tones. These powder shades can be combined to create personalised colour combinations according to your needs.

The powder kit can be used to give shape, colour and definition to the brows so that you can have perfectly defined brows every day. A professional applicator brush also forms a part of the kit so that you can apply the powder right for that perfect effect. It comes inside a beautiful gold mirrored compact case, which makes it a delight to have as a part of your collection.

I rate the Fab Brows Duo Brow Kit as an excellent product, as it is water-resistant, smudge-proof and sweat-proof. It gives amazing results as it stays on for 24 hours, guaranteeing you great looking eyebrows all day and all night. You have 6 stencil shapes to choose from to give your eyebrow the look you desire. All you have to do is to just hold the stencil over your eyebrow and use the applicator brush to apply the eyebrow powder over it, and you are done!

Only a few brush-strokes and you get perfectly shaped and perfectly coloured eyebrows which stay that way for long. I would give Fab Brows Duo Brow Kit 4 stars and recommend it for all who want stunning looking and long lasting eyebrows in just a few seconds!

Rating – 4 Star
Pricing – £20

Robata Bar & Grill – Resorts Worlds- High Tea Experience

Recently I indulged in the High Tea Experience at Robata Bar and Grill at Resorts World, Birmingham. It is a fusion Asian themed restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Pendigo Lake. With high ceilings and full-length glass windows with a lake view, the minimalistic décor is cozy and elegant with a serene and calm ambience which goes well with the cuisine and experience they have tried to create. What’s different about this place is the great fusion menu of European, Australian and Pan-Asian delicacies which compliments the unique and delicate beverage options. I went for the high tea experience with my husband as a date. The food, the atmosphere, and the ambience made it a memorable experience which I wanted to share with you all.The high tea comes at the cost of £19.50 for the non-alcoholic option and £24.50 with cocktails per person. They also have champagne and other options available. The menu is extensive and has a right balance of sweet and savory bites with a Pan Asian twist to the delicacies.

FIRST WAVE – Served with Ginger and Lemon Iced Tea

• Robata Grilled Chicken Yakatori Tender pieces of chicken thigh in a fragrant soy marinade
• Prawn and Tofu Ball Minced king prawn and tofu with chilli and ginger in a panko bread crumb coating
• Duck Long Bao Shredded Cantonese duck leg with hoisin wrapped in a soft steamed bun

SECOND WAVE – Served with your choice of Nespresso coffee or Newby of London tea

• Avocado Maki Roll Traditional soft rice wrapped in nori and filled with avocado and wasabi
• Squid Ink Tapioca Cracker with Beetroot Cured Salmon and Grapefruit Crisp tapioca cracker with beetroot cured salmon and grapefruit gel
• Yuzu and Lime Curd Tartlet Graham cracker tart filled with sweet yuzu lemon and lime curd
• Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice A rich hazelnut and chocolate layered mousse cake glazed with fine chocolate
• Spiced Strawberry Trifle Layered trifle with compressed intense strawberries and spiced biscuit crumb
• Orange Scone with Orange Curd Orange blossom scone with orange curd

I am a vegetarian so the first wave options which are offered for the high-tea could not be consumed by me. But when I told them about this, the staff brought out a special alternative first wave options for me and they were heavenly. They also do make special alternatives for people who may be allergic to certain types of food items. So don’t be disappointed if you can’t have a few options on the menu.

We enjoyed the high tea experience at this venue. Out of the tantalizing spread of delicious food and beverages, I really enjoyed the ginger and lemon ice tea. It was divine, refreshing and flavorsome. I also loved their dimsums and cocktails. From the second wave of sugary treats I enjoyed the Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice and Yuzu and Lemon Curd Tarlet. They were rich, succulent and, unlike any other dessert I’ve ever had. Since the second wave of the course is filled with sugary goodness, the Nespresso coffee, and the Newby tea are perfect accompaniments. The coffee is a bit strong and bitter which balances out the sweetness from the desserts. The tea is light, refreshing and flavorful since it has loose tea leafs which is just wonderful. And the best part about the whole experience is the fresh, handcrafted food.

Overall it was an evening well spent. I loved the atmosphere and the attentiveness of the staff. I also liked that fact that this is not like a standard English high tea experience with sandwiches and pastries in the menu. What makes this experience unique is the fusion of Asian food into the high tea. Even if you are not a tea person, there are numerous other options you can choose from.I highly recommend the high tea at Robata Bar & Grill. It’s a must try experience even if you have tried high tea before, as it’s very different from the others.

Have you ever had a unique high tea experience? Let me know in the comments below.

House Leamington – Opening Night & Restaurant Review

House Leamington, a new restaurant located at the premium location of Leamington Parade Road, is all set to tempt the palate of food lovers with its amazing food and drinks. The restaurant which was inaugurated on 12^thNovember 2016 has the theme of “Home away from home”as one could guess from its name. The quirky interiors give it a wonderful ambience while the classic food and drinks bring it closer to heart. Let’s know more about this new place, which is sure to be the talk of the town! Space wise, House Leamington deserves to be called lavish, as it offers three bars along with four additional sitting areas that serve diverse needs. The sitting area comprises of a restaurant link sitting, an open terrace for smoke lovers and a roof-top garden where guests can enjoy lit fire during winter nights. Another one is a secret room for private get-together and parties so that guests can have a nice time on their own. While the outdoor sitting works for people who prefer open air, the indoors are great for groups and parties. House Leamington is an awesome place for children too.

Next is the menu, which is as appealing to the palate as the décbar or is for the eye. House Leamington serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee. It offers an exquisite twist to classic food, making it a must-try for avid food enthusiasts. Whether it is food or drinks, there are amazing and wholesome options to tempt the taste buds and keep the stomach happy. What more, there is a special menu for the little ones too.

I would rate House Leamington as a place for one and the all, perfect for a night out with friends, whether you are a college-goer looking for some excitement or a food lover who wants to spend a lovely evening enjoying sumptuous food and splendid drinks along with a meaningful conversation with friends. Being a foodie that I am, I would definitely love to try out the breakfast menu sometime soon.

Happy Dining!!!

Coconut Oil – Vita Coco Review

This post is about a wonder product that we all must have in our vanities. It’s the LBD of beauty care – it’s versatile, does wonders for the appearance and is absolutely fabulous. Yes, I’m referring to coconut oil here; that one-stop-vial of goodness that we all need in our lives!

I always keep virgin coconut oil handy so I can whip it out to meet my numerous beauty needs. It’s best to use the virgin or extra virgin variety for they contain more nutrients. Regular coconut oil is made from dried coconut flesh that is subjected to high temperatures and several refining processes, all of which affects its nutritive value. Virgin and extra virgin oil is produced using more sophisticated methodologies, making them the best possible variants to use. But these days, there are also some products that add more organic nutrients to coconut oil, transforming them into products with more beauty benefits than ever!

(Vita Coco Coconut Oil – is my go to makeup remover these days)

And as far as the beauty benefits of coconut oil are concerned, the list is virtually endless. We all know that coconut oil has high hydrating properties that make it an ideal moisturizer for the skin and body, especially in those cool winter months. And our grandma’s have instilled in us, a deep faith over the hair-nourishing capacities of coconut oil. Seriously, not only does it work wonders for pre-head-wash oiling, it is also great for taming fly-aways or as a leave-in serum for smooth, frizz-free hair. I also use it as a lip balm sometimes, when my lips are extremely chapped and need an instant quick-fix. Other than this, coconut oil works well as a massage oil, body scrub (when mixed with sugar) and highly effective makeup remover too. For those who are into fitness and healthy cooking, coconut oil is quite a good option there too; it is known to increase metabolic rate and aid weight loss. Now when there is so much that one single product can do, wouldn’t you be singing praises of it too?

(Look what I cooked here with Vita Coco – Bruchetta and it was yummylicious)

As mentioned above though, not all varieties of coconut oil are quite as brilliant. You have to find a concoction that is genuine and optimally suited for use in one’s beauty regime. And I found the perfect product – I can’t stop gushing about it! It’s none other than Vita Coco – an organic, 100% raw, extra virgin coconut oil, derived using cold-pressing techniques. It is packed with antioxidants and numerous nutrients that have thus far, met all my beauty needs. I use Vita Coco for virtually everything – oiling my hair, healing irritated skin, removing stubborn makeup, on dry lips, cracked heels, and even for cleaning my makeup brushes! I have also used it to add some extra sheen to my eye makeup on special occasions. When I get the time, I intend to mix it with some Epsom Salts to create a DIY body scrub too. Clearly, I am a very big fan of Vita Coco.

If you want to try it out as well, it is easily available in big chain stores like Boots, Selfridges, Urban Outfitters, Holland and Barrett, Ocado.com, Tesco and Wholefoods. You could also buy it online at amazon.co.uk. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs some TLC at home, with just one awesome multipurpose product.

You can find more details about this product and some brilliant ideas at www.swearbyit.com

Star Rating – 5

Price -£9.99 (500ml

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Olverum Bath Oil Review

This post is especially for those glam girls out there who are always on their toes. Let’s face it, we are all super-stressed out with a million things to do, not enough time and of course, an innate desire to look our best. So sometimes, we are in desperate need of a breather and want to unwind in absolute luxury.

If you can identify with this feeling, let me introduce you to this wonder-product called Olverum Bath Oil. This is a therapeutic oil which contains 10 pure essential oils, blended to perfection. It is highly concentrated, thus providing a strong fragrance with the smallest quantity. In terms of its restorative benefits, it will help you get a good night’s sleep, sooth sore and aching muscles and even ease a cold or flu.

If you live in the UK, you’ve probably heard a lot about this Olverum Bath Oil, if not used it. It enjoys a sort of cult following here though it has now been re-packaged under new British ownership. But don’t worry, the amazing formulation remains unchanged, and its’ almost century-long popularity has not been affected. And I totally understand why this is such a hit, especially with women. Its ability to soothe one’s tired senses is simply divine, and well, I am a very big fan now.

I first used Olverum when I was sent the sample with instructions that only 5 ml would suffice for one bath. And I was pretty excited to try it out. You see, I’m a busy Mom, with much office work, lots to do at home, and also this blog. So bath time is me-time for me. Long, luxurious baths on the weekend help me relieve week-long fatigue and muscle stress from the gym. So when I got the oil, I decided to test them asap and what I pleasure it was!

I took the bottle thinking, just in case needed I would put more in, but Oh My Word! Only 5ml was more than enough. The moment I popped one cap full into the water, the wonderful aroma spread all over the place and immediately delighted me. So trust me when I say that 5 ml of Olverum is all you need for that perfect bath, which is quite rare with such products; in my experience, anything less than 1.5-2 times the recommended quantity usually isn’t sufficient for me personally. And the best part is, Olverum’s fragrance is strong yet exquisite, with a unisex appeal that’ll leave anyone feeling absolutely refreshed!

My final take on Olverum Bath Oil thus is that it’s truly brilliant. It delivers what it promises and leaves me relaxed and rejuvenated in a matter of minutes. It’s a must-have product for all those tired mums out there. Indulge in some home-therapy with this bath oil and you’ll enjoy the wonders of a stress-free mind and deep, deep sleep.

PS: I am going to buy a big bottle the moment I run out of my sample – that’s how much I loved it!

Cost: You can get 125ml for £26.00 and will be enough for 25 baths, and the 250ml for £48 and enough for 50 baths.
Their main stockist is www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Neerja Movie Review: Special Screening in London

I had the fortunate opportunity to watch this movie at a Special Screening today at Twentieth Century Fox Studios in Soho.

About Neerja Movie: Neerja is a cinematic representation of the events that unfolded on 5th Sep 1986, when Pan AM flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Karachi airport in Paskistan. The movie is a story of a the head purser Neerja Bhanot, a 22 year old part time model, who took the risk of her life to save the passengers after the hijack and was fatally injured while trying to save the life of 3 children on flight and help them escape.

My Reviews after watching the movie:

I think the movie is very well made, its fast paced to keep your attention all the time. The presentation of the movie is excellent and it makes you believe every single part that has been represented. Not a regular commercial Bollywood movie with lots of song and dance which I love equally. The film shows the hijack drama in all detail. It also shows the preparation of the Palestinian terrorists before they hijack the PanAm aircraft. Snatches from Neerja’s life mostly come in flashbacks when she is putting up a brave fight against the armed terrorists, in a bid to save the lives of her passengers, many of whom are children, women and old people. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat and the climax will just leave you teary-eyed.

Neerja Bhanot was born in 1963 in Chandigarh, India to Rama Bhanot and Harish Bhanot, a Mumbai-based journalist and became the youngest recipient of India’s highest peacetime military award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra. Before becoming a air hostess, Neerja was a well known model too.

Sonam Kapoor is excellent and brilliant in her role as Neerja, I ~~think~~ am sure this is her best performance till date, she is the lead star of the film and owns the character completely and is thoroughly convincing as Neerja Bhanot. All I can say is that finally Sonam Kapoor has arrived and due credit goes to Ram Madhvani for bringing out the best in her.

Shabana Azmi is mind-blowing! She makes every single in which she appears, memorable and her end speech makes the audience cry buckets with a great performance. On the whole, Neerja is a must watch and going to be a big hit. It is a human drama which will move the audience to tears a number of times.

Note: Neerja is produced by Fox Star Studios and co-produced by Bling Unplugged, and has been directed by celebrated ad film director, Ram Madhvani.