Beauty Box | #ReadyFace With Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash

There is a famous social experiment where people are asked, what advice would you give your younger self.  Things you wish you could tell your younger self if you had a chance to. 

There are so many things I would like to tell young Amena, teen Amena. Things I wish I could have done differently. Followed some advice instead of being a know-it-all. 

While I cannot turn back time, I can learn from the past and make the changes for a better future.

Part of growing up is, experiencing the growing pains. Especially, if you are a teen girl facing every teen’s worst nightmare- oily skin and pimples.

Teenage years were not my best years. Especially if you have spent a good part of your teen years finding solutions to control your face from secreting oil and stopping pesky pimples from showing up every few days. Over the years I have learnt to manage my skin better.

Unlike loads of other women, I was not fortunate enough to leave my oily skin behind in my teens. It followed me into my 20s. 

From mudpack, to fancy face scrubs to crazy diets, I tried it all. Some worked, others failed miserably. But none offered a long-term solution.

Living with oily skin my entire life, I finally found a way to manage it. Along with a healthy lifestyle, the key is to invest in a right face wash. In my case, oil-free is the way to go.

When Clean & Clear approached me to be a part of their #ReadyFace campaign I was more than happy to be on board. Not only is it associated with a product that is ideal for my kind of oily skin but it also encourages teen girls to have the confidence to look in the mirror and be happy with what they see.

The best part about Clean & Clear's Foaming Face Wash is, it’s oil-free. Not only does it help control pimples, oily shine and blackheads but it also reduces them by a large extent. Plus, unlike other oil-free face washes, this one does not dry the skin while removing oil and dust.

The most visible difference that I have found is, ever since I started using the foaming face wash I am able to use liquid base makeup. Before, the idea of that was dreadful. Due to oily skin no liquid base makeup would last on my face for beyond 2 hours. And if I had to step out into the sun, my makeup would literally melt away. 

That is not the case anymore.

Unlike my teen years, now I only get pimples during my periods. While I still get them, after using the foaming face wash the number is reduced to a large extent.

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make in my teens was, wash my face vigorously many times a day to help reduce the oiliness. That does more long-term damage than good. 
I use the foaming face wash twice or maximum three times a day without the need to constantly blot my face for oil residue. 

In an over sharing, selfie obsessed world a good product along with a great campaign is the need of the hour. I have always admired this quality of Clean & Clear. They don’t just create a good product, but they also create a healthy and positive ideology with it. 

The Ready Face campaign is just that. It encourages young women to be comfortable in their skin. Upon glancing in a mirror, they don’t need to be intimidated by their own reflection.The foaming face wash helps them achieve that and gives them the confidence to be who they are.

Unlike my teen years, now when I look in the mirror, it is no more to check for uninvited pimples or oily shine on my face. Neither is looking in the mirror a necessity or a cause for panic. In fact, I enjoy looking at myself in the mirror and my ready face gives me the confidence to face the world head on.

In today’s technology driven era, there are multiple beautification modes and filters to help you cover up your blemishes and make you look great in the virtual world. However, we live in the real world and for that we need the right product and attitude to put our ready face forward.

Photography by Suraj Warrier 

Till then, tra-la,

    Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @fashionopolis.in

email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Beauty Box | Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash

I am not a morning person. I am just not! I have tried becoming one, but it has never really worked out.
I have always envied those people who are all bright and chirpy first thing in the morning.
To help me become a more morning loving person my friend introduced me to Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash.
Her logic, anything that can infuse me with a dose of energy in the morning, I should try it out and see!

Since I have tried out everything from herbal tea to meditation techniques, I decided to give the face wash try. Anything that will help me hate the mornings a little less.

While the face wash has not made me a morning person, it has managed to energize my skin and retain the morning freshness throughout the day.
Trust me,like me, if you are someone who is doomed with oily skin, any product that can make your skin look fresh throughout the day is a boon. 

I have been using Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash for over 10 days now. As the days progress, I have started seeing the results. While there has not been a drastic change the overall results have been positive.
After I started using the face wash my face looks less oily and shiny, which is a major blessing for someone with oily skin.

Here are my views about Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash.

Creatives by Digital Daku

Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash works like a magician and brightens up the dullest skin. Thanks to the bursting beads, you can get a burst of morning energy at any time of the day.
The face wash is available in three fruity variants. Each one has a distinct, no-overpowering scent that lingers in a pleasant way.
The rich foam lathers well and thoroughly removes all excess oil and dirt. The special ingredients help prevent common skin irritation without drying your skin. 

The highlight of Clean & Clear Morning Energy face wash is the bursting beads- its trademark feature. These beads gently burst and exfoliate your skin and leave it looking fresh and glowing.

As much as I love the product, it is Clean & Clear Morning Energy Face Wash’s #SeeTheRealMe campaign that has won me over.

Through the #seetherealme campaign, teenage girls are encouraged to show the world who they really are and not give too much attention to what people think about their looks or complexion, hair, clothes or shape.
With so much pressure on women, especially teenage girls, to look a particular way, this campaign comes as a breathe of fresh air. It emboldens teen girls to be proud of who they are and let the world #seetherealme!

Please Note: Before using/ buying any of these products please make sure they are right match and compatible with your skin type.

Till then, tra-la,

   Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe

Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Reliance Trends presents Tarun Tahiliani | Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

The recently concluded Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 saw designers showcasing their best offerings for the upcoming season.

While some managed to get everyone buzzing with their ingenuity, others, played it safe.
However, there were a few designers who managed to create innovative pieces while staying true to their own roots.

Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘Easy Glamour’ was one such collection that managed to offer something novel and original at the same time stayed true to the designer’s trademark aesthetics.

Second time round collaborating with Reliance Trends, this collaboration offers Tarun the perfect platform to showcase his ready-to-wear line.

Seeking inspiration in a variety of things, strong Russian and Central Asian influences could be spotted in the bold and colourful stripes and exotic prints. Shiraz inspired mosaics along with carpet weaves and concentric borders gave the collection a sophisticated tribal gypsy vibe that complement the theme of easy separates and fusion styling.

A traditional autumn winter palette, the collection was a great mix of black creations with occasional bursts of rust, mustard, steel grey, olive and blue.

The silhouettes were a blend of structured pieces and drapes. From capes, capelets, jumpsuits and saris to kaftans, tunics and shift dresses, the collection had something for everyone.

Saris and kurtas were paired with gilets and capelets and kedia style blouses with skirts. Satin draped lungi cowl gowns, saris with velvet obe belts and printed tees with dhotis, offered an interesting mix of silhouettes and style.

Evolving from the dhoti sari, the star of the collection was the jumpsuit sari. The traditional sari gets reinvented yet again till it’s a jumpsuit with pleats and a draped dupatta requiring only a single zipper to fasten it.

Bringing a glamorous end to the show was the sultry Chitrangada Singh in a black draped gown and velvet and gold embellished cape.

The standout feature of the collection is the Indo-Western fusion and easy to mix and match separates.

For this collection, Tarun uses his couturier skills to create a prêt collection that is aesthetically beautiful, versatile and contemporary. 

Tarun Tahiliani is not just one of India's leading designers he is also one of my favourite. One of the few designers who consistently season after season showcases stellar collection that leaves you spellbound and wanting more.

Till then, tra-la,

Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe

Instagram: @fashionopolis.in
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Summer Beauty & Grooming Essentials

Nothing says warm days are upon us quite like the arrival of March. Summer season in India is known for being excruciatingly hot, almost cruel at times. Honestly, besides ranting on social media there is very little one can do about the soaring temperatures.

With mercury on the rise, this seems like the perfect time to update your beauty, makeup and grooming stash with these new summer friendly essentials.

1. What is it: Lakmé Lip Love Lip Balm- Strawberry; INR 200/- 

Why do I love it: I am a sucker for lip balms and use it year round. As someone who is blessed with healthy, hydrated lips, this product was ideal for me. For starters, I loved the fruity fragrance and the delicate reddish-pink tint and shine. Containing SPF 15 makes it a major added bonus. The texture is smooth and creamy on application. After application, the lip balm feels light on the lips and does not have a sticky after effect or oily residue. Just like it is stated on the package, “luxurious creamy core that moisturizes your lips”, Lakmé Lip Love lip balm delivers on all these promises.

If you are looking for a tinted, fruity lip balm, Lakmé Lip Love is just the thing you need. 

Along with Strawberry, it is also available in Vanilla, Peach and Cherry.

2. What is it: LUX Magical Spell Body Wash- Black Orchids and Juniper Oil; INR 150/-

Why do I love it: The thing I loved most about Lux Magical Spell Body Wash is its fragrance. It has a very sensuous, exotic scent. Along with black orchids there is a hint of jasmine, wood and vanilla. On initial use one may find the scent a tab big strong, however, the fragrance is not at all overpowering and lingers for a few hours after use.

I am not very picky about body wash and love trying out new ones. As long as I like the fragrance, I am good with it. Since I don’t have very dry skin, Lux Magical Spell Body Wash suited my skin perfectly well.

3. What is it: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi; INR 2,850/- and Foot and Nail Cream; INR 200/-

Why do I love it: For someone who prefers open-toe shoes and sandals to closed one, keeping my feet clean and smooth at all times in an overly polluted city can be quite a challenge. 

Lucky for me, I discovered Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi. It is an electronic foot file that effectively removes tough, dead skin and calluses by exfoliating the feet. What I really liked about it is, it does not have sharp blades, this makes it very safe to use. It also manages to remove all the dead skin and leaves the feet smooth.

The overall experience and result is excellent. To make sure your feet stay clean and dead skin free for long, moisturise it daily with the foot and nail cream.

Keep in mind, this is an express pedicure and one cannot expect the same results as traditional, salon pedicure. 

Whether or not you lead an hectic life, this is one grooming product every woman (and man) should invest in.

4. What is it: Livon Moroccan Silk Serum; INR 259/-

Why do I love it: Ever since I discovered the secret ingredient to healthy hair, I have become an avid user and believer of all things Moroccan Argan Oil. 

Since I have wavy hair that tends to get frizzy on hot, humid days, I am very picky about my hair serum. However, after my mom tried Livon Moroccan Silk Serum and swore by it, I decided to give it a try.

What I loved most about it is, after application it leaves your hair feeling weightless, free flowing and gives it a shine and healthy glow. Also, it does not make your hair feel weighed down or leave a sticky residue. To add to this, it has a lovely fragrance to it.

Enriched with Vitamin E and infused with UV filters, unlike most available variants of Moroccan Argan Oil that are on the expensive side, Livon Moroccan Silk Serum is very pocket friendly and ideal for most Indian hair type.

5. What is it: Za True White Two Way Foundation; INR 550/-

Why do I love it: If you spent half your life dealing with oily skin woes, foundation is one product that will be on top of your ‘to avoid’ list. For that matter, any cream base makeup product. 

It was nothing short of sheer joy, when I discovered Za’s two way foundation. The beauty of the product is, it can be used wet or dry depending on your requirement. Since it is powder based, it gives a smooth matte, even toned complexion without clogging the pores, making the foundation oily skin friendly.

The foundation is infused with SPF 20 PA++ that provides the skin with much needed UVF protection. Available in 4 shades to complement every Indian skin tone, this foundation offers the best of both-powder and liquid, making it suitable for all skin types.

Please Note: Before using/ buying any of these products please make sure they are right match and compatible with your your skin and hair type.

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @a_fashionopolis

email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Something New

“There are some things one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction.” ~ Franz Kafka

Here’s a fact: I am creature of habit and comfort. I just am. Unlike others, I rarely like to step out of my comfort zone, try new thing or take risk. 

Firstly, I take forever to find my comfort zone. Once I do find the winning combination, I hardly every step out of it.
Somehow, in the last few years I have, against all my basic instincts, taken risks-some calculated and some not.  

Anyone who knows me, has heard me crib about how 2014 hasn’t really been my year. And yet, it has been the one in which I have tried out many new things, visited place never been to before and overall done things that my friends refer to as ‘Non Amena-esque!’

 A few weeks ago I literally took, “a deliberate leap in the opposite direction” and tried out something that I have not done in my entire adult life.
 I finally decided to wear a dress! And, boy, was it a life altering experience or what!

The classic body issues paired with ‘log kya kahenge’, have always been the biggest hurdles between my dress dreams and me.

Even if I did get the confidence to wear one, there was always something off about the fit.

However, all this changed when I finally found the courage to don this elegant Marks & Spencer embroidered floral dress from their summer 2014 collection. 

What I really loved about the dress was its fit. Being a classic apple shape, finding a dress that suits my body type is very tricky. Imagine my happiness when I found the perfect dress. From fit to fabric to silhouette to length, it seems the dress was made just for me.

The knee-length and the A-Line silhouette were ideal for me to me to flaunt my curves and assets without being too conscious about myself. 

Being a tad bit sleeveless shy, I layered the dress with a cotton lace kaftan instead of a blazer or shrug. Added my trademark statement necklaces and finished the look off with contrasting fuchsia bow sandal.

Since I was wearing a dress for the first time, I wanted to go with a classic English look that would be ideal for a garden party or a gallery opening or any semi-formal affair.
 If you wish to make the look more party friendly, swap the kaftan with a short sequin jacket, add a box clutch and you are all set for a date or fancy soiree.

Since I was going with the theme of ‘something new’, I decided to try out the new L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Moist Matte lipstick (Raspberry Syrup) and Super Liner Gelmatic Eye Pen (Deep Brown) from the L'Or Lumiere Cannes '14 Collection.

The juicy pink raspberry shade was just the colour pop the look needed. Along with beautifully complementing the look, the lipstick shade also upped the glamour quotient by several notches.

Every single shade in this collection is drool worthy. Created to suit different skin tones & moods, these lipsticks are exactly what you need to add a hint of drama and spice up your look. Available in 12 shades, there is one (or more) with your name written on it.

I can't wait to try out the other shades in this collection, especially Lincoln Rose, the shade Aishwarya wore to Cannes, as well as Spring Rosette, Orange Power, Sheer Plum and Black Cherry.

Like the lipsticks, the Gelmatic Eye Pens are available in 5 very interesting shades. Giving a skip to traditional black, you can choose between, blue, brown, gold, silver and turquoise. Personally, I would love to try out the Blue Force shade as well. Along with offering fun new colours to experiment with, these eye pens have amazing staying powers, irrespective of the heat and humidity. Does not smudge or run even on the most oily skin types. Throughly impressed.

[Outfit Details: Embroidered Floral Dress, Cotton Lace Cover-Up Kaftan, Bow Sandals, Chocker Necklace, Pendant Necklace, Bracelet- c/o Marks and Spencer Spring Summer 2014 Collection.

Make up Details: Lipstick: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Moist Matte-Raspberry Syrup Eyes: L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Gelmatic Pen-Deep Brown]

I knew the look was well styled, but I was so not prepared for the sea of compliments that came my way. 

Trust me, nothing boosts your confidence, ego and helps you in letting go of your inhibitions, quite like a healthy dose of compliments!

I have always been an ardent fan of Marks & Spencer, but I am, forever grateful to them for helping me get over my dress fear and finally making me to try out something new!

While I may continue to be a creature of habit and comfort and shy away from taking risks, I strongly believe, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

What do you think of my new look? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
            Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe

Instagram: @a_fashionopolis
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Absolute Makeover: Makeup & Hairstyle By Lakmé Absolute Salon

Somewhere between attending back-to-back shows, gossip session and streetstyle photo opportunities, I had my very own ‘Absolute’ makeover moment at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

You see, the kind people at Lakmé Absolute Salon offered select few fashion and beauty bloggers an opportunity to try out their Spring-Summer 2014’s hottest makeup looks and hairstyles. 

2014 being my year of ‘try new things’, I was more than ready to flaunt a new look.
Not to shy away from experimenting with her looks, I got my friend, beauty and lifestyle blogger, Anusree, to try out a look as well.

Tad bit nervous and a whole lot more excited, we put our faith, faces and hair in the hands of the talented Lakmé Absolute Salon team.
After briefing them with basic instruction regarding our personal preference and hair and skin type, we let the experts takeover.
In less than 30 minutes, the geniuses at Lakmé Absolute Salon created two head turning, compliment worthy looks.
Hey, don’t just take my word for it! As the saying goes, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ I let the following images do all the talking.

Anusree's Look: Daylight Drama  
Staying true to Anu’s effervescent nature this look is ideal for her to flaunt her enviable structured jawline and big, beautiful eyes.

Going with Anu’s trademark and preferred blue eye makeup, her eyes were played up with metallic blue eyeliner from Lakmé Absolute makeup range. Bronze eye shadow was added to make the blue stand out better.
Complementing colour pop was added in the form of lush pink lipstick and subtle blush to highlight her cheekbones, while the rest of the look was kept simple and natural.

Anu's hair was styled with in a side French braid. A breakaway from her classic curls, this was done to give a new spin to her riotous curls without diminishing their natural allure.

The overall look is perfect for Anu’s joie de vivre spirit and girl-next-door charm. Fresh and youthful, an ideal look for the day.

Amena's Look: Sundown Shimmer

Keeping in mind my personal makeup preference of dramatic eyes and bold lips, the look created is ideal for my personality and features.

 Metallic green eye shadow paired with black winged eyeliner was the ideal combination to make my small eyes stand out. A few strokes of mascara and my otherwise non-descriptive eyes now had everyone’s eyes on them!

Playing up my natural pout with a shiny coral red lipgloss, the look was completed with a delicate shade of blush that highlighted my cheekbone.

Since I have an oily complexion I opted for a powder base instead of using liquid foundation or concealer.
I had already tried a braided look the previous day; therefore I wanted to go with something different.
 My hairstylist, Sagar, suggested soft curls that would go well with my natural wavy hair. Bouffant was added to give volume as well as to up the glamour quotient of the look. 

With just right amount of drama and glamour, this look was ideal for me on ever level. It suited my skin and hair type as well as my vibrant personality. 

Not as dramatic as ANTM or any other reality show makeover, I must say our ‘Absolute Makeover’ by Lakmé Absolute Salon is no less remarkable. 

Prior to getting our makeup and hair done, Anu and I attended Lakmé Absolute Illusion Makeup Master Class, conducted by Lakmé Makeup Expert, Natasha Nischol.
After the master class we had an opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with Ms. Nischol, where she was kind enough to answer our personal makeup and hairstyling queries as well as pose for photos.

A very heartfelt thank you to Lakmé Absolute Salon’s entire team, for making this a one of a kind, wonderful experience. Along with being very polite and friendly, the makeup artist and hair stylist followed all our instructions to a T, without compromising on style and creativity. 

Not only did we have a great time trying out new looks, we also learnt a few new makeup tips and tricks.

Honestly, I cannot wait for my next visit to Lakmé Absolute Salon to try out new makeup looks and hairstyles. Watch this space for more.

What do you think of our ‘Absolute Makeover’ and looks? Do share your thoughts with me in the comments section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @a_fashionopolis
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com