Tuesday, 28 March 2017

Masala Papad for A Quick Snack

Masala Papad is one of the easiest recipe for bringing in a variation to plain papad. You'll find it being served at many restaurants as a appetizer, starter, snack too.
Traditionally the papad is fried in the oil for the recipe, but I've used minimum oil to roast the papad on a griddle (tawa).
Check out how to enjoy this tasty bite ;)
Ingredients:
2 Papad
1 cup Boiled Chickpeas (Chhole)
1 medium sized Onion - finely chopped
1 medium sized Tomato - finely chopped
2 Green Chillis - finely chopped
Fresh Coriander Leaves - finely chopped
Salt to taste
Red Chilli Powder to taste
Pepper Powder to taste
Fresh Lemon Juice- 2 tsp
Oil

Method:
Apply little oil on papad and roast on griddle just like a parantha keeping the flame low.
Turn the papad upside down to roast it from other side as well.
If the edges are bit uncooked, give the papad a quick round up on direct flame. Keep it aside, when done.
Mix Chickpeas, Onion, Tomato, Green Chilli and Coriander leaves in a bowl.
Add Salt, Pepper Powder, Red Chilli Powder and mix well.
Pour the lemon juice in the mixture and toss the veggies.
Spread the vegetables over the papad evenly and serve immediately.

Tip: You may spread green chutney on papad to make it more spicy.

Thursday, 23 March 2017

Oriflame HairX CC Cream Hair Care Beautifier Review

'CC Cream for hair' is a newest product to my beauty arsenal. Till now, I had heard about and used CC creams for my skin only. This is the first time I got to try Oriflame HairX CC Cream. 
Product Info:
10-in-1 leave-in spray cream for instantly beautiful, healthy-looking hair. It can be used on towel-dry hair before styling, or on dry hair anytime. The soothing and purifying benefits of 6-Gingerol helps to maintain a healthy scalp resulting in beautiful nourished hair. 

Ingredients
Aqua, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Quaternium-80, Cyclohexasiloxane, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Methylparaben, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Propylene Glycol, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Ethylparaben, Benzyl Salicylate, Citric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Sodium Citrate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Eugenol, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Bht, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Tocopherol
Buy here at Rs 799
Oriflame HairX CC Cream is packed in a tall yet sleek plastic bottle with pump dispenser. The pump has a tight cap on its neck. It's super convenient to pump out product as the pump works quite smooth without extreme pressure.
Usually the hair beautifiers are available in spray format (even I'm using an oriflame hair spray that was reviewed some time ago) But HairX CC Cream is a light-textured cream that has to be taken out on your palm, rubbed between hands and apply evenly to your clean, towel-dried hair from middle to ends.
The best thing about the CC hair cream is that it’s a non-rinse product which simply means that if you forget to apply it during or immediately after the head bath, you can still apply it on your dry hair any time you wish to. Busy bees or those lazy girls like me would certainly love this feature ;)
The CC hair cream claims to offer a multitude of benefits to hair and scalp. The product is dermatologically tested and is formulated to suit all hair types.
It certainly works to add moisture to scalp and tame my frizzy, unruly flyaways to make it easier for me to manage my hair.
The product is infused with Omega Complex that improves the health of hair by strengthening them. 
HairX CC cream is a multitasking product that aims to beautify your tresses in one-step application.
This 10-in-1 hair cream can be used alone as a styling base for or can be used in co-ordination with other styling products/tools to beautify your hair. Just ensure not to use excessive quantity of product to avoid sticky hair.

Ideally follow the recommendation by the brand to use 4-6 sprays for long hair, 3-5 sprays for medium length and just 2-3 sprays for short hair. Not to forget, this HairX CC cream is so beautifully scented that you'll love to flaunt your fragrant and perfected polished hair to the world.
My verdict for the product goes straight-way favourable as its a must-try product that shortens your hair care and styling procedure in only one step with promising results.

Casual Hoodie from WSDear - OOTD

Hi Everyone

I'm back with an OOTD after really really long. Recently I ordered a casual hoodie from WSDear for my go-to look because I always prefer comfort over fashion. And at times, it's a good change to see myself in loosely-fitted clothing different from curvy, figure-hugging outfits.

Here's how I paired the Korean Ulzzang Casual Hoodie Zipper Hooded with print jeggings. 

The hoodie has nice detailing of diagonally adjusted copper-toned buttons and zipper in the front. Pockets are must-have in my casual wears, so I liked the hoodie for its stuff-sacks on both side.


The fabric is ultra-light and it has fleece on the inner side, so the hoodie is ideal for fall winter season.



I ordered the hoodie in Size M as I was skeptical of their sizing, it's bit bigger on my lean body type. But I can always layer it on the top of another piece of clothing underneath during cold winters to make it fit better ;) 


Hoodie: WSDear
Jeggings : Local Market
Bag : Koovs
Footwear : Limeroad
Eyewear : Won in a contest ;)
On Lips : Soultree

I'm ready to shop some more trendy yet economical clothing from WSDear store online for upcoming summer season. 


Monday, 20 March 2017

Fuschia Cherry Care Hand & Nail Cream Review

Do we need a separate hand cream??
"A hand cream is not as essential as a face cream", is the biggest misquoted statement one can come across.. Our hands are the most functional yet neglected part of our body, but they genuinely need the care and protection from environmental conditions. 
Now if you claim taking good care of your hands by using your body lotion for a hand massage, just a quick note from me here...The skin of our hands (top of the hands and the palms) is different from skin of body. The skin on top of our hands is much thinner and has less sebaceous glands, so it tends to get dry quickly. On the other hand, the skin of our palms is very thick and requires deeper hydration. For the hands to remain soft, everybody needs to repair and restore the skin of hands with best quality hand cream.

I'm using Fuschia Cherry Care Hand & Nail Cream since past one week or so (multiple times a day) ;)  
Product Description
A natural rich cream that checks premature ageing of skin caused by chlorine in water, atmospheric pollution and ill health. Keep your delicate hands moisturized with this Cherry Extract enriched Hand & Nail Cream. It is an ultra-moisturizing hand cream with deep moisturizing properties and a sweet floral elegant aroma. This hand cream immediately absorbs into your skin for long-lasting moisturize. This provides moisture on skin with pleasant fragrance, skin feels smooth, supple and conditioned, is non-greasy and light weight.

Directions for use: 
Smooth over hands as often as required, especially after washing. After washing your hands, apply an appropriate amount evenly onto hands as you massage.

Ingredients : 
Aqua, Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Bee's Wax, Almond Oil, Cherry Ext., Mint Ext., Vitamin-e, Allantoin
Where to buy from?
Order at Rs 400 (MRP 450/-) 

Am I happy with my current Hand Cream?
Fuschia Cherry Care Hand & Nail Cream is a light pink coloured cream packed in a transparent plastic tub. The tub pack has a big mouth and bears an aluminium screw cap. The label on the cap will let you read on product name and its key ingredients, but the information regarding mfg date, pricing, shelf life is missing. 
The cream is of moderately thick consistency far thicker than a usual body/hand lotion. Only a tiny amount of cream does the job. Despite its moderate thickness, the cream gets easily absorbed in the skin and doesn't give a sheen over the skin surface which I love. I mean, I seriously want a moisturizing agent but that shouldn't be greasy and sticky. 
Post massaging, my dry skin gets intensely hydrated immediately and the skin feels extremely soft. Though the cream can be throughout the day, the optimum benefit can be availed by massaging the cream on hands and nails just a few minutes before you go to bed after all your household chores are over in the night. Those who suffer from cracks on their finger tips should put on gloves on their hands after applying cream so that the moisture is kept locked for longer and works to repair cracked skin faster. 
The cream is also formulated to cure nail cuticles and avoids the skin around nails being peeled off. Get enough of cream on your nails and massage the area of cuticles to ensure best results.
The pink colour and the fruity scent in the cream directly co-relates to its main ingredient Cherry, that I like quite a lot. One would really enjoy the sweet fragrance that lingers on for long after applying on hands. 

Overall, the Fuschia Cherry Care Hands and Nail Cream is a luxurious formula that you'll want to give up. Your hands appear supple and youthful after continued use, but I would have loved it more if it gets richer in terms of SPF as well because our hands are exposed to sun all the time and crave for a broad-spectrum sunscreen too. So I recommend everyone a intensive-treatment for your hands through a deep hydrating hand cream to witness a pretty glaring difference.

Sunday, 19 March 2017

Oriflame Happydisiac Man Perfume Review

Hey Guys

I (Amit), make a less-frequent appearance on the blog. But the moment I get an opportunity to give my opinion on certain product/services, I actually feel delighted :)

The post title might have suggested you that I'm getting more and more into perfumery. It's my review on Happydisiac perfume that's a new men's fragrance from Oriflame. 
General notion about perfumes is to adapt a fragrance according to the seasons: a light one in the summer and a stronger one in the winter. But I feel a beautiful fragrance is beautiful all year round. 

Product Description:
Feel your happiness soar with the bliss-inducing scent of new Happydisiac Man. It’s the ultimate way to express your irresistible zest for life!

The scent delights with effervescent and optimistic top notes of Caviar Lime accord for intense freshness, combined with Mandarin and juicy Green Apple. Its masculine, multi-faceted heart features a robust ozonic accord, balanced with Coriander Seeds and Strawberry accord – a combination guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. While the woody drydown of natural Cedar Wood, precious Moss and Patchouli brings a refined touch of sensuality to a scent that encapsulates the true spirit of happiness for men.

For best results, spray a little bit of fragrance into the air and walk straight into it. Re-apply when necessary.

Packaging:
The perfume comes in a handy glass bottle of Mint Green colour. The bottle is encased in a green cardboard box on which ingredients details, price label etc is printed.
Ingredients
Alcohol Denat., Aqua, Parfum, Limonene, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 16035, CI 42090

Composition:
Top Notes: Green Apple, Grapefruit, Coriander, Pineapple and Lime;
Middle Notes: Lavender, Bay Essence and Orange Blossom; 
Base Notes: Patchouli, Iris, Leather and Cedar.

Buying Guide: Order here at Rs 1999 for 75 ml.
Just a spritz of Happydisiac is my instant transitioning to spring with my bouquet of Iris. It takes me to a fantasy ride as I inhale the citrus scent. The Caviar Lime note is superbly refreshing and vivid with a light touch of Lavender. For a citrus fragrance, the lasting power is much better than my expectation. I'm usually a wearer of long-stay scents that are not forgettable. And Happydisiac is a perfume that doesn't fall flat in a matter of minutes, but continues to live equally strong in its wholesomeness.
For those who are less drawn towards these citrus top notes, the fragrance is smoothly backed up with heart notes of Lavender, Bay Essence and Orange Blossom bringing out an especially captivating fragrance. Be it my personal liking or a perfect blend, Patchouli as one of the base note bring depth into the perfume.
Whenever this sparkling-clean, effortlessly wearable perfume is worn on my body, its sensual and sophisticated fragrance is always able to create magic by lifting the mental fog and impress me undeniably. The perfect intensity of the perfume makes the wearer irresistible. So if you fantasize to mesmerize your partner, a fragrance like Oriflame Happydisiac is your answer ;)

Review By: 
Amit.

Friday, 17 March 2017

My #VLCCStyleStatements Experience at Chandigarh

I've been associated with World of Moms, an exclusive online community for moms, since past few months. WOM has given me a wonderful platform to express and exchange my views on motherhood (parenthood) and has gotten me acquainted with various hacks and tips to be a better mom in every possible manner.

As mothers are always over-burdened with responsibilities of their families and kids, WOM recently went an extra mile to comfort mommies like me who barely get any self-pampering time. Team WOM collaborated with VLCC, the leading Beauty and Wellness brand of the country and offered me a #VLCCStyleStatements service.

It all began when I was asked to choose a date and time slot as per my convenience. My appointment was scheduled and confirmed without any hassle. On reaching the venue, I was greeted by the salon in-charge. She explained to me the benefits of Envia Charm Facial as an advanced beauty service beyond an ordinary facial.

VLCC presents a range of premium Envia facials namely Gold Dazzle, Silver, Clarifying and Hydrating, whereas Envia Charm has made its place recently on this unique premium offering from the coveted Envia range.

The stage was all set for me already when the well-trained staff member took me to the cabin!


I could see a fresh Envia Charm Facial Kit being opened for me. Due to my curiosity, I devoted a good ten minutes reading labels of all the products, understanding about the different components of the service.
I was really impressed to know that Envia Charm is a paraben-free facial with Orange, Lemon, Mulberry and Saffron extracts. 

The products used throughout the facial are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, E, and F, which encourage collagen synthesis. This facial also contains naturally reduced Glutathione which is a very powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and gives a fairer complexion.

The lady began with cleansing to substantially remove dirt, pollutants and excess oil from my face and neck, followed by applying an astringent toner. It was followed by applying an exfoliating gel. Simultaneously, I was given steam with a firm yet gentle massage. Extracting the blackheads and whiteheads had been really painful for my sensitive skin and gave me teary eyes, but my nose felt really clean later. This was again followed by a toner.

Next she massaged my face and neck with a shiny massage cream derived from natural botanical extracts; she massaged it completely into my skin, till it was fully absorbed. I was in a state of total relaxation and could have gone off to sleep if I allowed myself to!
Finally, a peel-off face mask was applied. I actually expected it to be the concluding step for the facial, but I was given one more round of massage with the Eventone cream that was meant to give sun protection as well as long lasting hydration. The process ended with placing a sheet mask on my face soaked in hydrating serum to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Though my intention wasn't to attain a fairer looking skin tone in a day, that is exactly what happened. My skin truly looked super clear, clean, and fairer, post the Envia Charm Facial. My skin gets tanned quite a lot due to extensive driving everyday; but this facial treatment gave my skin a radiant glow and an overall youthful look with a telling difference.

VLCC brings to fore the longing for healthy, even-toned skin with this impeccable offering for all age groups. I'm more than satisfied with the renewed texture of my skin and recommend this service to all those who long for rejuvenated skin.

Venue & Contact Info: 
VLCC Wellness Center, SCO 425-426, 1st Floor, Sector 35-C, Above KFC, Chandigarh, 160035, Ph. 0172-2600424

Thursday, 9 March 2017

Oriflame The One Illuskin Primer Review

Makeup is not done with logics of mathematics, isn't it?? But what if I say, there is logic behind why/why not to use a product. In other words, you can say there is a logical manner of following up a makeup routine. If you're wondering why am I being so logical today is to convince you to prep your skin in a way that the makeup you wear adds a glow to your looks.
Basically I'm talking about a beauty lesson that's pretty much underrated and it's regarding the usage of a Face Primer. 

Primers are available in cream, gel and powder formats (powder being the least commonly seen). The one I'm using at present is from Oriflame called as The One Illuskin Primer. Isn't the name fascinating in itself?? You visualize yourself wearing a illuminated skin after you apply the primer. But did it really work the way expected??
The Illuskin primer comes in tube packaging which is lightweight and handy. Absolutely easy to push in a corner of your makeup kit or handbag. The white and purple themed tube looks classy.
The tiny hole on the top of the tube nozzle dispenses only little amount of product and avoid any wastage that may happen due to excessive size. The tube is soft to squeeze.
I won't call this primer a gel or cream, but it's similar to a lotion of medium consistency. The white colored primer is light on skin and blends like a dream. I had read mixed reviews about this primer and was not sure whether it will suit my dry skin or not. But I'm glad to share that the primer has nice moisturization effect to it that may even allow normal skin beauties to skip a layer of usual moisturizer at time (though I've to hydrate my skin first).
The primer gives a velvety feel to skin without any stickiness, but is not completely matte. The day you start applying a primer, you'll notice the longevity of your makeup is increased. A thin layer of face primer is enough to smooth fine lines, wrinkles and pores so the foundation/makeup setting powder/compact that you wear on its top doesn't fade away sooner.  The final face makeup done over primer stays put as long as the whole day and the skin looks fresh and glowing illuminated.

Product Info:
Create the perfect canvas for makeup with this tone-enhancing face primer. Evens out skin tone, extends the wear of your foundation and minimizes the appearance of pores. With HaloLight Technology for a subtle healthy glow.

Ingredients List:
AQUA, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, MICA, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, HEXYL LAURATE, POLYETHYLENE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, TALC, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 DIMETHICONE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SILICA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, PARFUM, DIMETHICONE, DISODIUM EDTA, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, CI 77891
Price: Rs. 649 for 30 ml (available here)
Overall, The One Illuskin Primer is not a drying formula rather is a good choice for mild moisturization and to even out the base of facial skin. It has no specific tint to it, so goes well for everyday usage. It has faint smell which is too light to bother sensitive noses. A little goes a long way for this primer, so make that bottle last till the time you like to glow within your skin!

Wednesday, 1 March 2017

I Don't Want My Baby's Sensitive Skin To Stop Him From Enjoying His Childhood

It was a real treat to touch my newborn baby when I embraced him for the first time. The feeling was indescribable! Discovering my new addiction to the sight, feel and smell of a new baby's skin was such a beautiful feeling. His skin was so silky soft and gentle that every time I touched him, I would kiss him on his cheeks or forehead.

And why not! Being a mom had been one of the happiest times of my life. I was keen to preserve his skin integrity and so became extremely conscious about practicing good hygiene. I would wash my hands with anti-bacterial soap before feeding my baby, after going to the toilet myself, after touching my pet and after changing his dirty nappies. The domestic help was strictly instructed to clean the floor with disinfectant to avoid germs and bacteria to harbour. Still the environmental irritants would trigger allergens and disturb his highly sensitive immune system. I found it really difficult to believe that babies’ skin is that much more sensitive than ours. When I read that a baby’s skin loses moisture five times faster than adult skin, I resolved to begin the quest for a complete skin care solution for my baby. Read more