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!!
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TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe India Launch

“Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself.” ~ Hubert de Givenchy

As someone who has been a part of the fashion world for most of my adult life, I have seen way more fashionable women than stars in the sky. While most women on some level are fashionable, very few are impeccably well styled and groomed.To transcend from being just fashionable to being overall well styled ever aspect has to be taken into account: Clothes, accessories, makeup and hair.

While most of us give utmost attention to our clothes, accessories and makeup; our hairstyle on the other hand is never a priority.
 However all that is about to change thanks to Toni&Guy's HairMeetWardrobe.

When Britain’s most celebrated hair-styling brand, Toni&Guy decided to launch in India they choose to combine the twin worlds of high fashion and hair styling. TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe coherently defines everything that lies in between. The brand’s debut launch emphasises their philosophy of ‘HairMeetWardrobe', showcasing the revolutionary concept of how hair can be worn as an accessory. Aptly put ‘Dress From The Head’ 

The much anticipated India launch witnessed a fashion forward evening with spectacular musical performance. Toni&Guy’s HairMeetWardrobe Global Hair Ambassador Mark Hampton and official fashion stylist, king of kitsch, Manish Arora together brought to life the brand’s HairMeetWardrobe philosophy by lending their creative sensibilities to hair styling and wardrobe, respectively.The effervescent Anusha Dandekar, elegant Soha Ali Khan and the dazzling Malaika Arora Khan, each of these fashionistas represented the theme of a Toni&Guy’s HairMeetWardrobe range, namely – Casual,Classic and Glamour.  Themed on the concept of ‘HairMeetWardrobe’ and the three timeless looks – Casual, Classic and Glamour - ace choreographer Shiamak Dhawar, beautifully brought to life the brand’s philosophy through a themed musical performance. At the musical, Anusha, Soha and Malaika performed as showstoppers for their respective themes.

While Manish hypnotised us with his brilliant fashion aesthetics, Mark's captured our attention with trendy, yet easy-to-create, hair styles. Combined together, the three looks created were par excellence.

CASUAL
Mark highlighted Anusha’s naturally casual and chic personality with a trendy top-knot bun using TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe Sea-salt texturing spray from the Casual collection. 

Inspired by Manish’s casual rock chic look created for Anusha, here is how you too can rock a look similar to hers.

[More information on the products here]

CLASSIC

Mark highlighted Soha’s innate elegance and accentuated her classic Indian beauty by giving her vintage side-swept waves. He used TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe shine-gloss serum, a lightweight formula, from the Classic collection to seal her flawless look.

Inspired by in Manish Arora’s ‘scarlet princess dress’ and overall look created for Soha, here is how you too can style a look similar to hers.
[More information on the products here]

GLAMOUR

Mark enhanced Malaika’s glamorous personality by emphasising her beautiful diva like tresses into a high-glamour waves. A Moisturizing Shine Spray from the TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe Glamour collection was used to give her hair a weightless shine. 

Inspired by in Manish Arora’s ‘Glam black baroque dress’ and overall look created for Malaika, here is how you too can style a look similar to hers.

[More information on the products here]

For someone who has been an ardent fan and follower of Manish Arora, meeting the maestro himself was the highlight of the evening. To make the night even more special, Mr Arora complimented the necklace I was wearing. His exact words, “I love your necklace. It is stunning.”

[Outfit Details: Top- AND, Jeans- Marks & Spencer, Bag- French Connection, Necklace- Accessorize]

And just when I thought the night could not get any better, I was charmed away by the adorable Mark Hampton. 

[Image courtesy Shanaya]
While most of us from the fashion fraternity are familiar with TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe brand, I am very happy that it has officially been launched in India. After a memorable launch event one can't help but look forward to trying out their fabulous products.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!
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Monsoon Beauty & Make-Up Must-Haves

Here’s a fact: I am not a monsoon person. I just am not! While others see beauty in this season, I only see four months of inconvenience and bad hair days.

Come monsoon season, my hair and skin have a personality of their own. They start to behave like ill-mannered children and no amount of taming, begging God can control them.

However, this year I finally decided to make sure that I am in control of the uncontrollable. 

Even before the monsoon clouds hit Bombay, I was ready to face the rainy season head-on.
After much experimentation, trying and testing here are a few of my monsoon must-haves skin and hair care products -for oily plus sensitive skin and combination oily scalp and dry hair-as well plus my fave makeup product.

Beauty-Skin & Hair Care:

Moisturizer: Since I have oily skin, for the longest time I used to never use mosturizer in summer and monsoons. All this changed when a friend pointed out that one has to use mosturizer year round; just make sure it is both skin and season friendly.
I have been using Acnemoist (prescribed by my dermatologist) for a few years. However, this year I decided to swap that for good old Lacto Calamine. I originally started using Lacto Calamine-Hydration- when I got a heat rash, and since it worked wonders I have continued to use it through the monsoon season. So far no complains.

Toner: Facial toner is the best friend of people with oily skin. It provides a deeper cleanse, 
tighten open and enlarged pores and helps correct P.H. balance of the skin.

What I love about The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner is that it helps control the excess oil without eroding the natural oil of the face skin. The end result is smooth, non-shinny skin. Since it is alcohol free it is ideal for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Lip Balm: I am someone who is blessed with healthy lips. In fact, that is the only part of my face I do not need to worry about. Two reasons why I have healthy lips: One, I drink ample water, two, I use lip balm year round.
After using a non flavoured one for a while, I wanted a flavoured on but a non-fruity for a change.
 I decided to get myself Nivea's 'Soft Rose' lipcare tube and totally feel in love with its gentle rose scent (there is no discernible taste on the lips). Since it is tinted in nature it adds a hint of soft pink colour and sheen to the lips. It does a great job at moisturizing and protecting (SPF 10) the lips and gives them a fresh and healthier look.

Body Wash: In a weather where most of us need to take a bath twice a day, a shower gel is a great way pamper the skin.

My mom recently picked up Nivea's new shower gels - Power Fruit Relax and Water Lily and Oil. While my mom is totally in love with Water Lily and Oil, I prefer the Power Fruit Relax one. I love the pleasant fruity fragrance it has and along with cleansing it moisturizes the skin making it soft and smooth.

Hair Serum: Sometimes, I feel there is not enough hair serum in the world to get me through monsoon.
For a while now, everyone I know has been raving about a miracle called Moroccanoil. I finally understood what they were saying when I got a chance to try out their products at its launch event. Since them I too have become a fan of their products, especially Moroccanoil Treatement 'Light'. 
This is an ideal hair serum for fine hair like mine. Along with protecting the hair it also eliminates frizz and provides a lovely shine. The best feature is that is non-sticky and does not leave any kind of residue. If you have an oily scalp and dry hair, Moroccanoil Treatment Light is an ideal product. I can't wait to try out their shampoo and conditioner after the monsoon.

 Body Mist: I love perfumers, but in monsoons I prefer using body mist. They are light and refreshing. I do not step out of the house without spraying a healthy dose of body mist. In fact, every bag of mine has one body mist in it. Body mist helps control body odour and freshens you up.
My current faves are The Body Shop's 'Moroccan Rose', Victoria's Secret's 'Sweet Daydream' and La Senza's 'Body Kiss'.

My monsoon season must-have beauty and make up treasure trove.

Makeup:

Coloured Eye Pencil: As much as I love my classic back kohl eye pencil, I am currently loving the colourful variant; electric blue being my favourite. I love the instant colour pop it adds to a look.
The biggest problem with blue eye pencil is that they smudge very fast. On oily skin that can be a very problematic thing. However, that is not the case with Oriflame's Very Me Double Trouble 'Blue Lagoon' eye pencil. They offer two very pretty shades of blue-dark and light- that do not smudge easily as well as last for a good amount of time, especially when applied on the eyelid.

Bright Lipstick: My name is Amena and I am a lipstick junkie. While I love all shades of lipsticks, I have always been partial towards the bold and bright shades. My summer was all things red and now I am crushing on shades of pink.
While I have a few pink shades, my current fave is L'Oreal Paris' 'Pink Passion'. Ever since I got it I have literally been wearing it to every outing. For starters, the shade is eye catching, plus, the lipstick is very well hydrated, making it easy to apply. Great colour, smooth application and long lasting, a total win-win situation.

Colourful Nail Polish: Ever since nail art became a phenomena, colourful nail polishes have been a hot fave.
 I recently had a chance to try out Inglot nail polish. A wide variety of colours to choose from, it is a must buy for all nail polish lovers. For starters, the nail polish does not chip off easily, in fact it last for a good 10 days and most importantly it does not leave a residue after removal.

Gel Eyeliner: I have never been able to master the art of applying liquid eyeliner. When gel eyeliners were introduced i the Indian market I instantly feel in love with them. They are easy to use and have a very good lasting time.
From the moment it was launched I have been using L'Oreal Paris Super Gel Eyeliner. It is the only gel eye liner I have used. Along with being oily skin friendly it does not smudge or run easily. I wear lenses and the liner has never hampered or spoilt the lenses. For someone who wears eye lens a non-flaky, non-irritating, water proof eyeliner is a catch.

 Lip Gloss: While I am obsessing over bright colour lipsticks, my lip gloss preference is more towards the neutral shades. Just something to add a hint of colour and shine to the lips.
 I am currently using Inglot's Sleeks lip gloss. What I really love about it is, it helps me enhance my natural pout and give a lovely shine to the lips. After using this lip gloss, I can't wait to get my hands of Inglot 3D lip gloss. That is bound to be something!

 Since I have oily and sensitive skin I stay away from thick foundation. I am currently looking for an oily skin friendly compact or base that will help control the shine and excessive oil from my face.

Please Note: The beauty and make up products mentioned above are not exclusive to monsoon season and can be used year round. Since I have been benefiting from them in the monsoon, they have been featured on my monsoon mush-have list.
Before using any of these products please make sure that they are the right match for your skin and hair type.
 All products have been tried and tested by me for over  a period of 2 weeks.

What all do you do to take care of your skin and hair during monsoons? And what are your monsoon beauty and make-up must-haves? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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