Style Tips for a Fun Party

New Year's Eve party is over, but the year is long. There will be many parties and you will fret over what to wear and how to dazzle the crowd with your charm. I understand that the stock market is not doing so well these days and you are short on cash. This is why I have got some simple and affordable tips for you to style for those peppy parties and look dapper in 2016! :-)

My friends and I at a lunch party

Style Tip #1: Reuse Your Old Clothes

Looking great doesn't have to mean burning a hole in your pocket. If your old tops and trousers have gone out of fashion, learn to mix them up and create a whole new look. Remember those ponchos which went out of style many years back? Wear a strappy spaghetti underneath and don that see-though lacy poncho on top. This will surely pep up the tempo!

Style Tip #2: Add Colours to Your Eyes

When wearing makeup, we often ignore how creative we can get with our eyes. I have seen so many women dress wonderfully, only to fail when it comes to eye makeup. Why do we always wear a black eyeliner and leave it at that? Pep up your windows to the soul with eyeliners in pop colours such as blue, green, purple, pink and even white. You will be thrilled with the look you create with just a dash of colour in your eyes. Bright colours highlight your eyes the best.

Style Tip #3: Don't Be Shy to Try Red

Your lipstick doesn't have to be so neutral all the time. It's a party, not a boring office meeting, girls! Learn to go bold with a dark shade of red. Red looks lovely in the otherwise dull winter. Get inspired by mountain girls who wear only bright shades of red. I noticed this on my recent trip to Sikkim in December.

Style Tip #4: Make Your Nails Look Peppy

Are you still satisfied with plain, solid colours for your nails? That is so last season! Watch some quick YouTube videos and learn to apply nail art. You can wear different shades of the same colour on a nail, to give a liquid look to it. Experiment with polka dots and use anything from bobby pins to earbuds as dotting tools. Learn to dust glitter or other fancy material on your nails to go with your outfit for the party.

Style Tip #5: Accessorize Carefully

You cannot nail a look if you accessorize wrong. Do not make that fashion faux pas of carrying a random bag with a classy dress. You will not be holding your bag all the while, but you will get noticed when you walk in with that bag hanging from your shoulder. Your jewelry and shoes should complement each other, even if they do not match your outfit. You will be surprised how you can transform a look simply by changing the accessories.

You have the whole year ahead of you, so get out there and experiment! Be peppy this winter!

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Nioxin - 20 Day Challenge

Earlier this month, I had introduced you to Nioxin - an intensive treatment for hair thinning. While I was pampered with the experience, the hair experts told me I did not have a hair thinning problem. So, on my next visit, I took my mom along.

One of the beauticians analyzed my mum's hair and suggested treatment number 3 for her hair which was normal to thin looking and was chemically treated. My mum colours her hair to hide her greys.

Before the 3 step process, my mum's scalp had to be cleansed thoroughly for the treatment to work. So, she underwent step-0, the dermabrasion process.

After keeping that on for 10 minutes, she was given a hair wash with the shampoo (cleanser). Next, the conditioner or scalp revitaliser was applied. And finally, after another wash, the treatment was sprayed onto her scalp.

At home, my mum dries her hair naturally, but the salon specialist gave her a nice blow dry.

When my mum saw her reflection in the mirror after the Nioxin experience, she was delighted! She took the kit and promised to use it daily. To check the efficacy of this treatment, my mum has not used any other hair product (even hair oil) or undergone any other hair treatment (such as colouring) for almost the entire month now.

Her hair looks healthier. But she tells me, the entire process takes long. Especially the treatment bit, which has to be sprayed on the scalp after separating different hair-sections. Have you tried Nioxin? Let me know your experiences!

You can try and experience #NioxinNowIndia at your nearest salon. This activity is in association with BlogAdda.com.

Stay Beautiful Naturally!

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know I am an avid traveller. While my spirit loves new climates and environs, my skin is not always excited. I often come back from a trek in the hot sun to find that I have some nasty boils. After a nice, long swim in the lavish pools in some of the resorts that I stay in, I return to my suite with a tan. After I breathe in the cold mountain air, I check my face in the mirror to find dry skin and chapped lips. On those rare occasions that I wear makeup to hide my blemishes and uneven patches on the skin, I realize that I am going to have a crazy breakout the next day.

But thanks to several home remedies, I know how to keep my skin looking healthy! Today, I am going to share some easy to prepare natural treatments to make your skin glow without any sort of artificial agent or makeup. Here is the list:-

1. If you do not wish to eat something, put it on your face! ;-)

I really mean this! Most fruit peels are wonderful on your skin. You can try papaya, tomato, orange or whatever fruit you wish. So, the next time you are done chewing orange pulp, don't throw that in the bin, use it as an organic peel and keep it on your face for 20 minutes before washing it off. This tip will help you get rid of a lot of your tan.

2. If you hate milk, put it on your face! 

Milk works wonders and removes a lot of impurities in the pores of your skin. It is a natural cleanser. If you don't wish to use a cleansing agent, just soak some cotton in a bowl of cold milk and dab your face and eyelids with it.

3. Tea can really open your eyes!

After you are done making tea, do not throw the teabags. If you sleep with teabags on your eyelids, you can reduce your dark circles.

4. Attend more pre wedding ceremonies! ;-)

This one might seem unusual, but there is some logic to it. Remember the "haldi" ceremony? The bride and the groom get a natural turmeric treatment to make their skin radiant and clear just before the marriage. If you think making a turmeric paste is too much of a task for you, just use a tube of VICCO Turmeric Cream and you shall have the same effect!

5. Use "multani mitti"

Multan is in Pakistan, but you can find multani mitti (soil from Multan) in India as well. Just mix some of this fine earth with some water or milk and apply the paste on your face. Keep it on for about twenty minutes and wash it off. Your face will be naturally scrubbed and cleaned! This treatment also keeps your skin smooth and soft.

Try these at home and let me know if any of my tips worked for you!

The Nasha of Nioxin

Last month, a few lucky bloggers (including yours truly) were invited by Wella Salon to get pampered and have their hair analyzed by professionals in the industry.

Groupfie with the ladies

Meeting the Hair-Magicians

Natasha, the owner of Nalini's (a Wella Salon) at Bandra, introduced us to Nioxin, a hair therapy system that caters specifically to the problem of hair thinning. This jovial daughter of Nalini (the founder of the salon) explained to us why most people have hair thinning and how Nioxin approaches this issue.

Natasha animatedly takes the class

What is Hair Thinning?

We are usually born with beautiful, thick and strong hair, but over the course of time, our hair loses its tenacity, becomes weak and starts thinning. Some of this is part of the natural ageing process, but most of it arises from tension, pollution and careless handling of the mane.

The Nioxin kit

What is Nioxin?

This is where Nioxin steps in. The therapy works on the scalp and takes a multi-pronged approach. It unclogs the pores on the scalp so that new hair can sprout without hindrance, prevents hair breakage at the root and strengthens the hair shaft to give you thicker hair. Mind you, Nioxin does not claim to grow new hair. It only works with the natural mechanisms of your scalp and hair. Nioxin has been in the USA market for several years now, and Wella has just brought it to the Indian shores. Statistics show that 70% of Nioxin customers stay loyal to the treatment.

All set for the dermabrasion treatment

Step 0 : Dermabrasion

Before one starts the treatment, one undergoes a scalp analysis to determine if one is really a thinning client. Most of us did not have hair thinning problems, but we were given the experience anyway (so we could tell you about it). Nioxin categorizes thinning into six types depending on whether the hair is normal to thin looking or noticeably thin, fine or medium to coarse, natural or chemically treated. Each type has a separate therapy kit. But before you use the kit, you must go to a salon to get the dermabrasion done.

Dermabrasion can be thought of as facial for your scalp. It opens up the pores and lets the hair come out of the skin. Most people with clogged scalp probably have ingrowths, which is why the hair strands never see light but actually exist. The Nioxin dermabrasion treatment costs about Rs.3000 and covers the entire scalp. It is kept for ten minutes before it is washed off.

The girls relax at the washing stations

Step 1 : Cleanse

Next comes the first step - cleanse. The Nioxin Cleanser removes sebum, fatty acids and dirt from the scalp. This unclogs the follicles. The cleanser can be thought of as a shampoo.

The Wella professional blowdries Jhilmil's hair

Step 2 : Optimise

In the second step, the Nioxin Scalp revitalizer is applied, again on the scalp, and washed off after some time. It is a lightweight conditioner that coats the hair shaft and makes it thicker.

The salon sure knew how to calm our senses!

Step 3: Treat

The final step is the Nioxin Scalp Treatment. It can be sprayed on the hair after you towel dry it (but while it still has moisture). All the products have peppermint oil and menthol that make you feel cool and refreshed. The treatment really suits the hot and humid Mumbai weather! ;-)

We pose with our lovely looking hair

After the Nioxin experience, we were given the one-month treatment pack. Because I am not a thinning client, I took my mum for the dermabrasion process last weekend. She has been using the products regularly and I will shortly write a post on the quality improvement of her hair.

You can try and experience #NioxinNowIndia at your nearest salon. This activity is in association with BlogAdda.com.

A Fair & Lovely Day

Last weekend, I was invited to an exclusive bloggers' meet at the Novotel Hotel in Juhu. We were intrigued by the secrecy that surrounded this event sponsored by Fair & Lovely. We were ten pretty bloggers, mostly beauty and fashion bloggers.

When we entered the banquet hall, we were greeted by our beautiful host, Freishia, a VJ and video blogger. She broke the ice by pairing us and getting us to introduce our partners. We had to find out three interesting things about our teammates, one of them related to beauty.

Glasses of sangrias were brought to our tables to get us to loosen up. We played a round of "passing the tiara", a refreshing version of "passing the parcel". Freishia read out verses describing certain characteristics, and the lady who was best described by those lines would get the tiara. At the end of the round, the lady who wore the tiara would get to keep it and also win a Shoppers' Stop voucher.

We played another game in which a set of cosmetic items and accessories were kept in a basket which was shown to us for ten seconds, after which we had to recall from memory as many things as we could.

While we played more fun games in the hall, each of us was pulled out one after another for the Fair & Lovely BB Cream experience and interaction session. I was whisked away to a suite on another floor and seated on a couch facing the Marketing Managers of the latest BB cream in town. They introduced  me to their latest offering, and I was pleased to know that the focus of this cosmetic item was not on skin-lightening. I personally love the colour of my skin and rarely wear any sort of makeup.

The BB cream is a combination of sunscreen lotion, concealer and foundation. Fair & Lovely's blemish balm or beauty benefit cream has a smooth consistency and is very light on the skin. After the makeup artist applied it on my face, I could see visible difference in the coverage. My face looked more even and bright. The cream also has a nice sweet fragrance to it. After my interview on my beauty habits and how I feel about this product, I was taken to the prop room and asked to dress up for any occasion of my choice. I dressed for a brunch with my friends and picked up a dark jacket, large glares, a statement neckpiece and a metallic clutch. I was being filmed throughout the interaction session. Finally, I was given a "look challenge". At the end of this post, you will read about how to dress for an office party or offsite. Watch out for that!

I re entered the banquet hall to a word search game. We were split into groups of four and we had to find certain beauty related words from the alphabet-maze. We did not win that round, but the food at Novotel sure won us over!

We had a breakfast of brown and white sandwiches and chamomile tea. Lunch was an elaborate spread of mushroom soup, an array of Thai and Italian starters, rice, pasta and a vegetable dish for mains and delectable pastries, ice cream and carrot halwa for dessert. In the evening we broke for some coffee with assorted cookies and spring rolls.

The next game was called "What's in your purse?"  We were given a checklist of unusual and obvious things and we had to calculate the total points as per the number of the listed items we had. We almost thought we would lose again when our lucky teammate brought out her pack of forty safety pins and made us the clear winner. Our loot was a box of chocolates wrapped in a glittery pink butterfly-topped package.

We played an improvised version of name-place-animal-thing post that. The categories were shoes-makeup-bags-perfume, and we had to write down brand names in the columns. This one almost got us into some catfights! ;-)

For the next round, we had to nominate one person from each team to go to the stage and deliver an extempore speech for a minute on topics selected by Freishia. I spoke on preparing one's skin for the summer, and eventually won the prize! I took home a mini French manicure kit.

After that, we played a couple of memory games. In the first one, we had to remember fashion and beauty items which we hypothetically bought from the market and repeat each of those in alphabetical order. We had a tie eventually. The next game was to create and finish a story by repeating the previous lines and appending a new one.

The final round was perhaps the most happening one! We were given songs and were made to choreograph a piece and dance as a team. My team danced on "Bang Bang" from the eponymous  Bollywood movie.

The launch of the Fair & Lovely BB Cream concluded with each of us being crowned a tiara for a special characteristic we have. I was crowned the "Most Talented". :-)

I had a wonderful day with other lovely bloggers and made some new friends as well! The spoils I took home in the paperbag were several pictures which we clicked at the photobooth, a manicure kit, a box of chocolates, a tiara, a jewellery box with a pearly white string necklace, a pendrive and of course, a pack of the BB cream!

We have finally arrived at the end of this post, which means you will see my response to the "look challenge".

I chose the theme of office offsite and dressed accordingly. In this hot and humid weather, a light, cotton sundress was my best bet. I picked a pink floral pattern in a white base to reflect maximum light and keep me cool. I picked up a pair of breezy gladiator-sandals in orange, brown and yellow to match the bright and chirpy mood of my attire. I wore a brown leather strapped wrist watch to go with the brown strap on the shoes. I donned a pink stone necklace to match my dress and added a white shell bracelet to the look. I carried a multicoloured striped sling bag with a long knitted orange shoulder strap and leather trimmings at the lock. I also used the Fair & Lovely BB cream on my face to protect me from the harsh sun. I left my hair open with only a clip to secure the smaller strands.

Overall, I focused on balancing all the colours and elements of my outfit. The look is professional enough for work and casual enough for a day out. This is why it is perfect for an office offsite. Do you think I passed my look challenge?

Oindrila's Style Secrets Revealed!

This post is my expression of style for ‘A Style Of My Own’ blogger contest by Women’s Web and Trishla emart.

Before I give you a tour of my fashion preferences, I'd like to introduce you to the person I am. Behind the smiling face and fun-loving disposition, I am a passionate travel blogger at Oindrila Goes Footloose. My style is not constant. It can never be defined. My choices are transient. My signature looks are inspired by my numerous trips across India and overseas. My quest for unearthing the local values and cultures of the indigenous people leads me to imbibing their traditions on most occasions.

I present here (in no particular order) my ensembles that depict my persona:-

1. Pheran and Taranga inspired from Kashmir

Flower-girl in the Himalayas

I donned this beautiful Kashmiri pheran with a matching taranga with some help from the local Paharis. The velvet fabric felt smooth on my skin and the ornate jewellery completed my look. I opted for the traditional heavy headgear, tikli, a silver choker and a long beaded necklace to accessorize.

2. A Tibetan Satin Blouse

Flowers that bloom in winters too

I bought this gorgeous floral patterned top from a Tibetan migrant in New Delhi. This piece stood out as the most elegant and ornate one in his entire collection. This outfit needs no other accessory, and is complete in itself. This is why I have gathered my hair in a simple bun.

3. Silk Saree for Durga Puja

Glowing in the company of my mum and sister

Durga Puja is an exciting time for us Bengalis. This is when I love to embrace my Bengali culture and drape a bright saree to celebrate the festivities. Ma Durga is a symbol of power and grace. She inspires me to have confidence in my abilities and carry myself gracefully. I decided go for a backless black blouse with net-sleeves to add a bit of sensuality to the otherwise conventional garment. Even the saree is modernistic with its geometric embroidery. I kept the look simple, opting for a statement gold necklace and kada.

4. Churidar-Kurta and Dupatta for Punjab

Devotion to God is golden indeed!

On my visit to a Gurudwara in the North, I was humbled by the hospitality of the Sikhs. I took from them a little bit of their culture along with the langar. Here, I stand in front of a golden dome atop a magnificent white building. My green kurta is almost golden in the light of the sun. My combination of white and green-gold matches perfectly with the gurudwara and its floating reflection in the holy pond.

5. The Village-Lass Look

Gaon ki chhori

I spent a night last month in a quaint village in Rajasthan. I chose to wear this homespun bandhani-print figure-hugging kurta with a bright red patiala and flowing chunni. I wore a pair of functional brown Hush Puppies ballerina flats to make sure I could walk on the sands with ease. The only jewellery I wore was a big red wooden bangle. Red looks attractive in the middle of sandy roads and green plants.

6. The High Street Apparel

The elite way to wear Indian outfits

This is the same outfit that I wore in the previous pic for a rustic look. But here, I have made slight adjustments to my styling to turn this garment into a  smart fashion statement. The shoes are Tresmode pencil heels in flaming red. I have also worn a classy brooch at the collar to close the neckline and give more shape to my torso. I have done away with the dupatta and instead, carried a gold-bordered handbag. In my opinion, the shoes have contributed the most in transforming my look.

7. Tradition Meets Trendy

The biking look

I always try to balance the elements of ethnicity and contemporariness in my attire. When I go on roadtrips to the outskirts of the city, I wear traditional clothes with a chic twist. Here, I'm wearing a halter-neck fitted kurta paired with a checkered slingbag in contrasting shades of blue. The look gives me the flexibility to walkabout comfortably and also embrace my traditions.

8. The Magic of a Scarf

A cute look for trekking

I often go on treks, and dressing for one presents a dilemma in itself. However, I have found the perfect way to look dapper for my treks. I still wear the dark jeans and sturdy tops, but I add some fun to the outfit with floral scarves. It brings out the ultimate girl in me! :-) A graphic printed handbag also helps when you are only walking instead of climbing mountains.

9. The Beach Dress

The sands and sea should always be enjoyed in full colour! :-)

I love beaches! And I dress up depending on my reasons to visit a beach. When I'm planning to feel the waves on my feet and the wind in my hair, I wear a flowy floral sundress with matching colorful Crocs slippers. I also carry my multi-coloured slingbag to stash my sunscreen lotion and lip balm.

10. Glamorous Gladiators

Gladiators look great on rickshaws too!

Charming little towns, where there's hardly any traffic, are ideally explored on foot. I trust my favourite khaki coloured gladiator sandals to add some oomph to my look while I strut about with elan. I have learnt that gladiators work best with short skirts or hotpants. For my summer trip to Pondicherry, I picked a sunny pair of shorts and teamed it with a red noodle-strap top and sleeveless cotton jacket.

11. Power Dressing - 101

Look cool and confident in fitted blazers

I love to travel and explore every corner of the world, but at the end of the day, I am a working woman. I aspire to break all glass ceilings and be respected at my workplace. I have often read that you must dress for the job you want to have, not the one you currently have. This is why I always aim to look my best in smart formal fabrics. Blazers keep me warm on the air conditioned floors and also lend some strength to my shoulders. Well fitted clothes can do wonders to your body and self confidence! Try not to keep your look too uptight. I balance the formal tone with elegant tops in soft fabrics. A brooch also goes a long way in establishing your stateliness. I always prefer closed-toed wedges appropriate for formal settings. They help you walk about and also improve your posture!

My ephemeral sense of style keeps me free of any trend-rules and gives me the freedom to explore and experiment. My fashion-lingo keeps evolving with each new day, just as I grow and evolve. I am a working woman on one day, and a carefree traveller the other. This is me. I am unpredictable. And, so is my style! ;-)

Sharing My Face with a Pimple

Hello, my lovely readers! You have always heard me yak about random topics under the sun and give my unsolicited opinion on almost everything. But you don't know that I actually share my face with another entity!!!

Yes, it's true. There's a giant pink blob that sits tight on my nose and makes me look like Rudolph - the red-nosed reindeer *sob*. I am fiercely independent, but all my efforts at evicting the uninvited guest have gone in vain. I wouldn't mind so much if that nuisance of a pimple would mind its own business. But, no! It has to butt into almost every private matter of mine!

When I begin my week on a Monday morning, the ugly pimple stares right back at me from the mirror and I start getting the Monday blues before I even reach office!

On Tuesdays, when I have to impress my clients at an offsite location, no amount of dressing professionally and talking smart works when all that my clients want to do is concentrate on the monstrous pimple!

On Wednesday nights, when I meet my parents for dinner, they wonder if I live in filth and whether I ever take a shower as the pimple convinces them there's something dirty in my life! (Don't exercise your brain too much. I only mean "dirt" and nothing else.)

I cover my head in a dupatta when I visit the temple on Thursdays. And even the volunteers shriek as my chunni falls off my face and the pimple plays the devil in God's house. Now, everyone is convinced I've been cursed for some misdeed in my past birth.

Friday evenings are reserved for my better half. We like to go on a nice, romantic date. But the pimple plays killjoy and I never chance upon any intimate moment! Even the boyfriend seems to have acquired a roving eye now. *I don't want to lose him... sob sob*

Saturdays are my days. I like to pamper myself at a spa or a salon, getting a pedicure or a Swedish massage. And by now, even my beautician has given up on that menace of a pimple. It just refuses to leave!

Every time I think I'm going to have a nice Sunday brunch with my gal pals, the nasty pimple rears its ugly head and scares them away. Even the mushroom ravioli doesn't not manage to take the attention away from the ghastly little zit on my face!

My dear readers, I ask you to come forward if you happen to know of any miraculous invention that can help me get rid of this stubborn pimple. I'v tried it all - make-up, scarves, sleep, soap and sulking (when all else failed). If you help me rid my pimple, I'll dedicate an entire blogpost to your kindness!!

My Shopping Experience on Jabong

It all started when my mum admonished us for finishing off her herbal products. She was cross at me and my sister for using up all of her neem face mask in a couple of months without letting her have a chance to even sample it. I decided to make amends by buying my mother a new face mask.

But I had no time to go to the supermarket and browse through their aisles. Office and creative pursuits had left me with nothing more than a few minutes for any kind of shopping. That is when I remembered the recent Jabong.com advertisement. While on my coffee break, I quickly checked out the website to see if it could be of any help to me.

First Impression

The site looks pretty neat at first glance. It asks you to choose between "Shop Women" and "Shop Men" to give you relevant results. There's also a little box at the bottom right corner to save your items. I suggest you sign up for a smoother experience on Jabong.

Signing In

You can either login separately or use your Facebook or Google account. Jabong has seamless sign-on integrity with FB & Google. They instantly emailed me a couple of discount vouchers after I signed in. These vouchers have very short validity, so plan your shopping accordingly. There are some interesting discounts on the mobile app too (available on the Google Play Store). I got a Uber credit, but I can't use that as I already have the app installed on my phone (first-time discounts are of no use to patrons).

Browsing

Jabong.com has fashion and lifestyle products for women, men and kids. They also have special collections for your home and for sporty people. Don't forget to browse through their premium range. They have some really fine stuff! You can also browse by brands. Although I was supposed to buy a skin care product, I was tempted to look through the multifarious items available for women - clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery and accessories. I also found out that Alia Bhatt has launched her collection for Jabong! If you love the big names, you will be pleased to know that some international brands are available exclusively on this site. Here are a few I found:-

1. Aldo
2. Tommy Hilfiger
3. New Look
4. CK Jeans

Shopping

Once I focussed my search on the face pack, I looked through the Skin Care category. For cosmetics, Jabong lets you filter your search by your price-range and choice of brand. I was looking for something absolutely natural and free of chemicals. I quickly found something I knew I would like! :-)

Checking Out

Closing your order is a breeze! You can pay by cards (credit /debit), cash (on delivery) or e-gift voucher. Unfortunately, they accept only one eGV for a transaction. :-( I hope they increase the number. The tracking mechanism for your order is pretty neat. You know exactly when your item will arrive.

Delivery

I had ordered a relatively small pack of skin care items, but they told me it would be 4 days before my order was shipped. It would take another 2 days to reach me. I was slightly upset by the long wait. I was later informed (after my package was shipped) that my order would take longer to actually reach me. I don't know if GoJavas should be blamed for this, but I wasn't happy with the unreasonably long time this was taking. I usually receive packages from far flung areas in 2-3 days. The only good thing Jabong did was keeping me informed. That was reassuring.

Packaging

I finally received my parcel yesterday in the evening. I was very happy to ultimately receive my order after 9 days of waiting. And boy, did I love the packing! ;-) This may be bad for the environment, but all of that bubble-wrap and cardboard sure kept my plastic containers safe. :-P

Product Quality

I give Jabong full marks for their water-tight packing. They also deserve praise for stocking very high quality stuff. I ordered a skin care pack from Aura Vedic, and even though this is the first time I'm using this brand, I'm a fan now! All 3 of the items that arrived (2 face masks and a face cream) are organic and have not been tested on animals. I love it when brands do their bit to protect the environment and fellow beings.

Verdict

All in all, my shopping experience on Jabong was very quick and satisfying, thanks to their efficient categorization and useful description of all the products. However, I'd like to see them accept more eGVs per transaction and bring the delivery time down by a few days.

Spilling the Beans

I have some inside news from Jabong. I'm only letting my loyal readers in on these secrets! Ready? There will be CRAZY DEALS and HUGE DISCOUNTS at the GOSF 2014 from 10-12 Dec. Be ready with your shopping list! You have less than 3 weeks now!

The other news is about the Jabong Online Fashion Week. You must not miss this opportunity if you are a talented fashion designer, model, make-up and hair stylist or photographer. Registrations are already open for the JOFW 2015!

Have you shopped on Jabong.com before? How was your experience? What did you buy? Leave your answers in the comments below.

The Magic of a Touch

It was 10 pm and the sky, a magical shade of dark. Sunaina smoothed her fuchsia evening dress and entered the grand ballroom of the Lalit hotel. Today was the first big office part she was attending. She did not have a date, and nobody to dance with. The doorman ushered her into the dark room with psychedelic lights zigzagging all around the place. She scanned the entire hall and noticed the several circles that seemed impenetrable.

Towards the door were a dozen tables, each thronged by half a dozen colleagues Sunaina sort of recognized from office. Whoever told her of the formal dress code was out of her mind! Every girl wore the skimpiest dress in her wardrobe. Some even paired their outfits with fishnet stockings. Isn't fishnet a strict no-no at work? Sunaina was flummoxed. She saw the DJ taking requests and playing all chartbusters one after another. Near the DJ's box revolved circles of the most outspoken people in office. They danced like no one was watching.

Sunaina glanced to her left where the 20 metre long bar table was installed. She wondered if she should have a drink to avoid interacting with the crowd she could not seem to manoeuvre. That is when Tanveer tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to join him for a drink. Sunaina gladly accepted the offer. She would now at least have someone to talk to, even if the noise level disallowed any sort of talking.

"White rum", Tanveer hollered across the bar to the bartender. "Small or large?" asked the barman shaking a drink for someone else's order. Tanveer looked at Sunaina, who mouthed "small". "Two large" ordered Tanveer and winked at Sunaina. Sunaina furrowed her forehead, admonishing Tanveer, but he drew closer and said, "it's only a drink!" The bartender plonked two large shots of a strange looking liquid on the table. "Bottoms up", Tanveer said to Sunaina. "Um.. ok.." Sunaina was unsure, but thought she'd take a chance anyway. She took half a sip and felt the  alcohol burning her throat. Tanveer glared at her mockingly, "C'mon! Bottoms up! That's not fair". "I'm trying!" Sunaina gulped the rest of her drink and held on to the bar table for support. The rum was smooth, but way too strong for her. She was built for milder stuff - vodka with cranberry, late harvest wines, and craft beers.

Tanveer held her hand and swiftly pulled her across to the center of the ballroom. Sunaina smiled, slightly intoxicated by the sudden rush of alcohol. She placed her left hand on his dark brown blazer and held his left hand with her right. She giggled as Tanveer gripped her palm sensuously and twirled her after every three steps. His hands snaked up the curve of her waist and rested firmly on her back. He was skillfully closing the gap between them. This was an office party. They could not kiss. But he drew his face closer to hers. Her heart skipped a beat. Tanveer brought his lips to her ear and whispered, "Nice dress!" Sunaina blushed. She was finally having a nice time at her first office party.

This short story has been written to highlight the magic of  touch. #BringBackTheTouch

From Shabby to Slick!

I was really excited to receive Garnier's BB Cream last week, and I waited until Wednesday (the voting day) to use it. Now, I want my readers to know that I'm almost a makeup-virgin and can't tell a BB cream from a CC or a DD (no, they're not bra-cup sizes!). I later found out that BB stands for "Beauty Benefit" and what a BB cream essentially does is save you the extra effort of wearing makeup! Being the voracious reader that I am, I read all of the text on the package and learnt that Garnier's offering is just what I've been looking for!

The cream is an all-in-one moisturiser! It is a magical potion that is all of the following:-

1. A sunscreen lotion - to protect your skin from tanning. The cream comes with SPF 24, which is nothing but the "sun protection factor" that shields you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
2. A moisturiser - to keep your skin hydrated, soft and supple.
3. A foundation (the makeup bit) - to conceal your blemishes and smoothen your skin.

I decided to test if this cream was really magical, so captured some evidence! :-) I grabbed a straight-out-of-shower selfie when my face was untouched by cosmetics:-

Notice carefully how my forehead is darker than the rest of my face, I also have dark circles around my eyes. The natural contours on my visage are discoloured. Let me tell you that dark skin tone itself is very beautiful to have, but mismatched skin-tones in patches do not look very appealing. I squeezed out some of the BB cream and gently applied it all over my face and smoothened it out evenly. And this is the "after" selfie:-

Do you see how my complexion now looks more even and the skin around my eyes have become slightly lighter? No wonder they call this the "miracle skin perfector"! The smooth finish is another thing that got me all pumped up! I happily set out to cast my vote. I decided that day that I would include my Garnier BB cream into my daily routine! 

Ever since, I have been using just the beauty-benefit cream on my face every morning. I apply it while I'm dressing for work, and it takes less than a minute for my visage to look professional! I find this the perfect product for a working lady like me who is always pressed for time in the mornings. I can now manage to look presentable without bothering to spend a quarter-hour applying various layers of sun-protection, moisturiser and makeup. Also, the travel blogger in me is rejoicing at the fact that I won't have to pack too many cosmetics on my trips anymore! Lighter luggage implies happier holidays! :-)

Have you tried Garnier's BB Cream yet? What do you have to say about it?

Contest Alert: Fly to Miami!!!

Hey, you! Yes, you! Are you sulking in your room, bored by the fact that nothing interesting is happening in your life lately? Are you in your jammies, surfing YouTube, wishing you could meet your favourite band? Well... what if I told you I could make your wish come true? No, really! I'm not kidding.

For all of my lovely readers, I present the grand opportunity to attend One Direction's Live Concert in Miami!!!!!

Ready to catch waves in Miami with 1D?

And this is not all! You also get early access to Markwins's limited edition makeup collection, which has been created in close collaboration with One Direction! 

Bolt from the blue?

Did you know that this prestige line of cosmetics is a part of the "Looks Collection" by Markwins? The products have been inspired by the albums of 1D that have conquered the world! They have 3 amazing themes you can choose from:- 

1. Midnight Memories - for the rockstar in you who makes heads turn wherever she goes.
2. Take Me Home - for the girl next door who steals a million hearts with her smile.
3. Up all Night - for the party-gal who never shies from flaunting her bold side!

Markwins thrives in the overarching philosophy of simplicity and value. Innovation is their middle name! Their high quality makeup is loved by cool, young girls and smart women of all ages. As you pick your favourite nail-paint from their delightful collections, let me remind you about all the wonderful things you stand to win if you enter this contest...

Here's what you can win:-

1. Airfare for two.
2. A stay at Turnberry Isle-Miami for you and your plus one.

View from the hotel

      3.  Two passes to the exclusive ONE DIRECTION "Where We Are" North American Tour Finale, scheduled for the 5th of Oct. (The most happening concert in October!)

      4.  Limited-edition range of beauty essentials by Markwins in a keepsake makeup tin autographed by each of the 5 members of 1D!

How do you enter the contest?

Very simple! All you have to do is:-

1. Fill up this little form at the bottom of my post.
2. "Like" the exclusive Facebook page for Makeup by One Direction.
3. Close your eyes and imagine the golden beaches of Miami and the mindblowing music of 1D... and then, hit "Enter"!

So, whatcha waiting for? Enter the contest and have the time of your life in Miami! 

This post is powered by BrandBacker.
#makeupby1D | #thelookscollection | #markwins | #ilovemakeupby1D