How I got Pimple on my Wedding and Still got Married

A girl's fondest dreams are about her marriage. When She becomes a bride with all the fineries, awaiting the prince charming who will come off a white horse and sweep her off her feet and they lived happily ever after. Blah! Well if Famous author Salman Rushdie has to be believed then it is the "wedding" that the girls are most interested in that the "marriage".

My "Dreamy" Wedding
Meh! In my mind, it was very clear that I would always have a private wedding or will be a runaway bride. For me, it was not a wedding but marriage, that was more important [if there is any sort of tussle between the two]. Little did I realized, that between - A Wedding and Marriage, there would be something, however minuscule it may look, hogs the limelight and becomes the most important thing. The best thing is that it is free to acquire but expensive to have. You guessed it right, it is none other than the- Pimple! 

How I got those pimples
As part of Pre-wedding rituals, my beauty therapist recommended a "super awesome and extreme toning" pre-bridal glow facial that has known to do wonders to brides and their overall appearance on the D- Day. Kicked by the prospect, I happily obliged her with my time, privy purse strings and of course the face to play on. It was quite a soothing massage and I had a good relaxed sleep that night. The next morning when I got up, I found these. [see video]

Smarty, I know you read my post title. So now watch this short video-

Hell hath no fury when a woman develops a pimple. If a pimple is just before a party or an occasion, Earth shatters and clouds fall. Case in point, the occasion was my wedding, which was barely a week away.

"I saw the calendar and its fast-moving pace
and thinking of all beautiful brides and their face
Alia in 2 States and Deepika in Race
Saif's Kareena, Shahrukh's Gauri,

Rajesh Khanna had Dimple

And what have I got?

A sore looking Pimple?"

Naaaah! I can't take that chance. No matter how Intimate I planned my wedding, I cannot let a pimple's public appearance ruin it. No way!

Where there is a will, there is a way

I rang all the known parlors and fixed furtive appointments. The heavy rains did not deter me as I went Salon to Salon, looking for a solution. Alas! same old story and the list of beauty treatments, counter beauty treatments, all spelling "RISK without return". I listed them all and turned back to return home, almost heartbroken. On my way, I stopped at a mall, picked up a few serums and toners with superlative promises and ingredients, some looked like from my grandma's kitchen of Yore and some sounding like it belongs to the family of coal oops tar-col!

I got a call from my Fiance`, checking the preparation at my end. Gosh! I was supposed to go to the jeweler to give some last-minute size details and this whole pimple episode evaded it off from my mind. And again my family would have thought that I really ran away from my wedding, fearing the wedding "jitters and zitters". Well, it was not "jitters" but "zits" and "acne" and a tiny monster called "Pimple". If "diamonds" are a woman's best friend, then "Pimples" are the "worst" of enemies. 

The Pimple FIR

I was lost in my thoughts when the cabbie told me to pick my phone. 20 missed calls? Gosh, I took a "U" turn to my designer's place and checked with him if my wedding "veil" could be increased to hide my pimples. Finally convinced my amused Designer and his tailor master to increase the drape length, to cover the face. "Burka Bride, I hope you don't fall down due to long veil and while trying to fix a pimple, breaking your bones instead". My quirky designer duo chuckled. I felt like 100 pimples going down my vein, such vanity in vain.

My worried parents heaved a breath of sigh to see me back. They were just contemplating to register a "missing" complaint. I suggested if we can complain to Police about "sudden outburst of pimples" on my face, without my permission, try to loot the space on my face and rob me of my wedding day vanity, it would be more appropriate. Meh!

How I got rescued

Back home, mom always knows the best. "Mom I guess if we can do Muslim style dressing wherein the bride wears a flower veil, we can cover the pimples" I suggested and told her the whole story and my pimpled face. She chuckled and left for her kitchen. When she returned back, she had a strange-looking Green paste in her hand. "If it is some bitter-guard that I have to eat, then let's forget it. I will ask Manu to postpone the wedding, another date". 

I know it is not simple to postpone your wedding due to a pimple but you cannot get married with acne on your face! Especially when you hired 4 photographers to shoot your wedding. I gave up to my mom's suggestion and being it purely organic looking stuff, I gently patted it all over my cleansed face. Initially, it itched a bit, smelled too strong and I almost had a nervous breakdown thinking if I develop more pimples cause of this itching and smell when it showed it's magic. Voila, there was certainly a noticeable improvement in the very first usage. A couple of more usages and I was sorted. Truly sorted. Thank God for Neem and Tea Tree Oil.

Seeing is believing since you saw my video, here are my wedding pictures, with less veil-

Well, it speaks for itself. The story does not end here, while I combated the pimple infiltrators that time, I worried if they will re-infiltrate again and since mom would not be there, how would I manage with the Neem paste at hubby's bachelor house, amid the scanning brigade of MIL, SILs, and other relatives.

My mom smiled and handed me a tube. She asked if I remembered the first face wash that I used. Pat came to a reply- Garnier. She handed me a Garnier Neem PureActive tube and said- it is time to replace your favorite Garnier with another product. And that my dear, is this- Garnier Pure Active Neem.

Garnier Pure Active Neem consists of 2 magical ingredients- Neem Leaf and Tea Tree Oil which Fight Germs, Pollution and removes excess oil

I smiled and hugged my mom dearly. It was time of my bidaai and being the emotional me, I have almost resorted to tears until my younger brother intervened and said- Beware, I read in Few-mina book of Metropolitan magazine, that crying [as subfactor of stress] causes pimples to resurface, infuriate and unless you do not want to do "Griha Pravesha" with pimples, you shan't cry. We all broke in laughter.

While entering the car, I handed the tube to my husband to hold so I don't stumble over my heavy, studded lehenga. He looked at the tube and gave me a curious look. "It is your Dowry! keep safe, I need them"...I quipped ;)

_________________________________

This post was written for Indiblogger, Pure Active Neem- My Pimple story. To know more about PureActive products and some great skin care tips, click here and here -

bit.ly/GPABlogLinkIndiBloggerActivity and bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite

Go Sleek with Asus EeeBook X205TA

Life is moving at high decibels and times are changing. With times, our needs and lifestyle also changes. More becomes Less and Less becomes More. Why spare technology in that case?

Well, I am a full time professional, a wife and a "at leisure" blogger. For me connectivity is very important. I need to be connected 24X7. It is not just about being connected but also about "ease of connectivity, convenience and performance". They say- Convenience and performance comes with a huge price Tag. I say- it comes with good looks and quality as well. They say- you can't have all.

However, New age computing brand Asus thinks otherwise and thinks "possible". Hence it keeps on introducing new stuff to cater to every one's need. So when Indiblogger, in association with Asus asked me to Go Sleek, basis my need, my lifestyle and state which gadgets do I prefer between ASUS EeeBook X205TA and ASUS All In One PC ET2040. I could not stop checking both of them on Flipkart and Amazon. I could not afford to spare a moment and pinned down what I need. I liked the Sleek and Powerful Asus EeeBook X205TA to suit my lifestyle and need for connectivity.

Source: Flipkart

Asus EeeBook X205TA

I quick browsing of the features across the detailed layout at Flipkart website, had made me liked a certain features that enabled my decision. The features that I liked are-

1) First of all, it goes with out saying- Its SLEEK! The Ultra Thin design, the premium design, incredible design with streamlined curves and a "tactile finish"

2) Light weight- At under 1kg, this is an unbelievably light and compact device

3) The Price! Priced at Rs 14999, it is a steal.

Source: Flipkart

4) The Storage, RAM : The 2GB DDR3 RAM is not just the bare minimum that I look for in my device but it is a #Must to have feature that I use to select a lot of my gadget. Asus Eeebook has it, hence qualified

5) Windows 8.1 : NO matter what, I am still a windows fan given the ease of usage the OS provides. Besides Microsoft Office 365 i.e. cloud computing is pre installed with 1 year subscription. So I can sync all my files across my devices and access them instantly anywhere, anytime.

6) Optimized battery- I always insisted that "Smartphones" are often "dumb" as they cannot make good of their battery life. Given my bad battery experience with Lenovo X2 Vibe, I look for better battery feedback before buying a device. Asus Eeebook with 2 cell battery that claims to be equipped t provide 12 hours of battery life is a desirable feature that gets your interest in this device even deeper and stronger

 12 hrs web browsing | 13 Hr Music Playing | 11 HR Video Playing

Isn't it all cool? Oh you must be wondering, operating processor. Well it is Powered by Intel Atom processor. With Intel Inside and Sleek Design Outside, which side of color would you be?

That brings me to attractive range of colors that it comes in. My favorite is Red!

I also liked it's "Smooth Multi tasking" and "low noise" claim. Rest I shall be able to suggest post seeing the device and experiencing it personally. Yes, it is yet to be launched but you can book it at Flipkart.

So to sum up, Aus EeeBook X205TA is - Simple, versatile and Powerful

And that makes it droolworthy and noteworthy product to buy. At least for me and my "On the Go" Computing needs.

You can go through their details and form factor at flipkart. 

Do suggest your view, your favorite feature here.

L'Oreal Color Riche Collection Star Range- Pure Garnet by Sonam Kapoor

If you want to know how to Paint the world #Red, ask cosmetic major L'Oreal Paris which started the New Year 2015 with a #Bang, with the launch of its unique new collection- Colour Riche Collection Star Range. A Rouge for every woman. The range comprises of 7 exquisite matte shades chosen and flaunted by 7 iconic L'Oreal Paris Ambassadors.

More about the Collection-

The Collection is created with a revolutionary and innovative formula that delivers Bold, Luscious colour that lasts for "6 hours". This ultimate beauty indulgence collection is enriched with New Light Illum Complex that delivers a rich matte effect.The Velvet Fusion capsules and Ultra Gliding Shine Oils provide the smooth and silky application. Pure pigments deliver intense colour and Jojoba oil gives perfect hydration up to 4 hours. [Source: Brand Release]

If You are not Red, You are Sad

Red is the colour of festivity, Red is colour of cheer

No wonder that for women

why Red is so Dear

Well, I have been a person of "minimal makeup" including "nude looks". Every time I get supplies of world cosmetics from my family across the globe especially from the USA, I used to pick the nudest, natural and matte stuff and discard/ giveaway the rest. Oh No, no..I loved playing with colours but not on my face. Now Bored with my "all pinks", post marriage, I tried to experiment with more colours and what could be better than L'Oreal that has been one of the favourite brands since school. [Yes School! No thanks to family settled abroad, I got an early exposure to best skin care brands and probably that upped my expectations]

Not keeping my excitement withheld, when I learned about the launch, I jumped the "bandwagon" to try out the new shade[s]. Selecting one out of 7 of the best is a difficult task. I will be reviewing the Pure Garnet, By Sonam

Review of Color Riche Pure Garnet, Collection star by Sonam

I could not help being biased and picked up the colour that is endorsed by one of my account[s] Sonam [Sorry Ash, you have to wait].

Product: The lip colour is Bold Burgandy in shade with dark undertones of wines as a dominant colour. The shade is super pigmented and goes quite well with Indian Skin Tones.  I found the shade quite vibrant and is best suited for occasion wear like Cocktail parties, wedding etc. 

The staying power is quite good and the brand's claim to have it last long about 6 hours is underrated as in my case it stayed all through the day, say around 8 hours in spite of dining, drinking water, beverages and talking. Presto, I did not ..name I need not have to do any touch up for the whole day.

I loved the creamy texture, awesome pigmentation and hydrating factor. The lipstick easily glides on your lips

Price: Rs 995 for 4.2 gms

Packaging: It came in a beautiful black case with the autograph of celebrity endorser embossed on it. The shade name is given at bottom and makes it easy to check before applying. The same goes with the shade colour displayed on the external side of lippie case in small square shape.

What I liked-

• The creamy texture
• Pigmentation and long stay
• Hydrating effect
• The beautiful, easy to identify packaging
• Easy to apply

What I did not like much:

• Price
• The Bullet

Twitter: @numerounity
Facebook: Haute Kutir
Insta: @ekta khetan

Haute Kutir Verdict: I loved the L'Oreal Collection Star concept and the colours. Overall, I loved the product, the texture and the great staying power without chapping your lips like the Lakme 9 to 5 Range does to you. L'Oreal has always been one of my most favourite brands given its compatibility with my skin and taste. It is a definite "MustHave for me and I would like to try other shades like Pure Fire, Pure Brick or Pure Rouge to see how well they go with my skin and if they are equally good or just that Pure Garnet is the lone standing star. However, I found the price on a higher side given the variety of brands in the market and a woman's perpetual trust to buy new shades even if she already has a similar one in the closet and may not use as frequent. 

If you can ignore the price, then L'Oreal Paris Pure Reds Color Riche Star Collection, brilliantly aims at defining the women today. It is bold but same time classy and sophisticated. Given the wedding season, it makes a great pick. Do not worry if you are "worth" or not, the product is indeed "worthy of you". So go ahead and indulge in Pure Riche Collection Star.

I recommend it Totally!!

My Overall Rating: 4.75/5 

So,  time to be Classy and Bold

No matter who you are,

Women, you worth Gold!

Adding a little glamour is not bad

but

If you are not Red,

You are Sad

___________________________

Disclaimer: Samples provided by brand but review is completely personal opinion basis usage and experience

Review of The Tamara, a Resort in Coorg, India

Urbane Jungles, Concrete flows

Cement, the cement that everything endows

What life, what concern

but the rushing and gushing fury of the mob

Traffic lights and blows of a horn

In pulsating speed, life throes

hustle and bustle of concrete jungles

discern, I want to take the country roads

where there are peace and tranquility,

Moh Juste, nature, and vicinity

and peace osculate with serenity

I wish to retreat to those woods

no matter if they are dark and steep.

Let's travel those hills
tucked away in tranquil confines
Free from the commotion, tumult
To rejuvenate, heel and have my beauty sleep
[HauteKutir]

City Life is lucrative, dynamic and Fast-moving. It offers great prospects for living, amenities, socializing, career movements and so on. However, it tends to get very demanding and often in the cacophony of its hustle and bustle, we lose solidarity with ourselves and ache for random moments of peace and absolute solitariness. Naah! I am not talking about turning hermit and descending to the Himalayas but certain moments of recluse and serenity help us recharge our batteries. And if that is done in the lap of nature? Ummm I can see the excitement on the mere proposal.

In the randomness of my busy corporate life between Metros like Delhi and Mumbai, when I got a call from The Tamara, Coorg a resort between the wood and greens, to come over for a romantic escapade at their 7-star luxury facility, I was pleasantly surprised. The invite was for a couple especially the ones who were recently married and according to them, I fit the bill. I presented this proposal to my husband and he consented to visit during the 2nd week of November, post-Diwali, during his birthday. We were newlywed and this invitation from Tamara to experience a honeymoon there was indeed apt. On my recommendation, Tamara extended this offer to another blogger couple from Mumbai. And then the trip was delayed by a month. [Disclaimer: I was solely approached by Tamara for the visit and the cost of transport was borne by self]

We finally visited Tamara in the month of December and unfortunately, given a non-negotiable regulators meeting, hubby had to step back and dad [in spite of his bad health and double travel] stepped in, given Tamara's insistence to not cancel my trip. I was in 2 minds when I started for the trip but given up on Tamara's insistence and hubby's support that if it's worth it, we may plan another one. I am glad that I have given up on Tamara's insistence and got to discover such a lovely place.

More about The Tamara, Coorg
Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful places you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km. The resort is tucked away in the tranquil confines of a 170-acre coffee, cardamom, pepper, and honey plantation. The resort houses 56 luxury cottages, enveloped by hills, sparkling streams and lush greenery at 3,600 feet - 3,900 feet above sea level. The Tamara, Coorg has recently been awarded the ‘Luxury Resort of the Year’ category in Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards organized by Luxury Travel Guide UK and has previously been awarded “THE Best Luxury Resort In South India”.  The resort offers a vast variety of cuisines, the design is unique as all the cottages are raised up on stilts, and the location is truly amazing. 

How to reach Tamara, Coorg

To reach Tamara from Mumbai, the best way is to take a Flight to Bangalore/Mangalore and from there go by road. We hired an Innova, to and fro, the resort to the airport. The best time to travel is the early morning. The worst time to travel posts twilight.

I landed at Bangalore Airport on a quiet and cold morning. Post-arrival of the vehicle, we soon embarked on the road trip through the dust and travails of majestic Karnataka. As we left the city limits, we subrogated the cacophony of heavy traffic behind with a peaceful and quiet resort, in the woods. The topsy-turvy road, laden with bunches of colorful flowers, the aroma of local cuisine, freshly brewed coffee to the ensconcing glory and greenery of Tamara was altogether a lovely experience. You know when you can hear the dissonance of vehicles vanishing down and the uprising of the chirping of birds and a scintillating rustling of leaves, you feel blissful and that is the first and very important step to rejuvenate and rekindle yourself.  Rekindle your love, your peace, your body with soul and above all rekindle your LIFE.

My first experience at Tamara-

Like I mentioned how the surrounding and greengage has won me over. To nature lover me, the resort was like creating a dream and then habituating it. Tamara offered as a perfect place to detox yourself. It was straight out of my book of "lazying out and penning poems". Tamara is picturesque, beautiful, vast, full of life. While I saw a newlywed honeymoon couple there and missed my husband. I also found that a lot of families were visiting that pristine resort but sans kids. Kids below age 12 are not allowed at Resort and to me, it was weird given that 8 years is a decent age bar than 12 years. There were certainly other things that I found unfriendly about The Tamara and one of them was- improper guest servicing at the bar. I paid for a drink that I didn't ask for, nor wished to drink, neither drank and was offered in the house.

While I don't care a fiddlestick for the drink cost but it was a "hospitality" low down for me. If the staff offers you "on house" glass of drink and confirms it too but the next day, the manager Virendra comes to remind of a pending payment in a way that is considered arrogant. The other hospitality Faux Pas for me was the initial unavailability of spa and that was offered initially as a honeymoon couple, and the rooms proposed were different than the room finally allocated, which I believe was less of staff's issue. Nevertheless, the hospitality overall was indeed wonderful and all the people around including the marketing Key person who traveled down to meet me and took his precious time to take me through the concept and other relevant details of the beautiful place. 

Well my rendezvous with The Tamara, Coorg does not end here. I wanted to spend some more time at the resort and promised myself to return later, maybe this time via Mangalore route that reaches Coorg faster. UP next and coming soon is my further picture review and experience at the Resort that in spite of quite some odds, still makes The Tamara, Coorg a listed place to visit and Recommend. Stay tuned to the HauteKutir blog for more updates.

PS: Do not forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and FB. If you already do, then do let me know how did you find Tamara through my camera aka pictures on Tamara on those pages.

Happy reading and selfless loving.

Till then Ciao

Haute Kutir

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Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I was exclusively invited by The Tamara, Coorg to stay and review the resort. While I have extended this facility to other bloggers, the invitation was non-commercial.

Review of Khadi Sandalwood Soap

I love trying out new soaps especially the organic and natural ones. It is a trait since childhood that I will go to market and look for shelves holding the soaps and earmark the ones that I have not used or are new in the market. Those soaps would be picked up in all variants [if there] and be part of my shower culture. You see I loved experimenting with and trying new stuffs since my childhood :)

Off late, the habit took a backseat as I found a large variety of brands promising you sly in the name of soap bars with very few making to the elite list. I was happy using my Dove, Fiama Di Willis, Liril, Bodyshop, Peers of the world and occasionally would indulge in deep soaking experience of my Revlon shower gel.

The explorer in me refused to take laid-back approach and when I first spotted the Brand Khadi, I knew this was going to be my next pick.

It was the time I was hooked to shopping from Flipkart and in one of my contest winning haul, I included some soap bars from Khadi including the one in Sandalwood variant.

Khadi Sandalwood Soap

The handmade herbal soap came in a translucent pale white color. I liked the see through wrapping and minimal design.  Priced at Rs 60, the Khadi Sandalwood soap is a sheer delight to use. It was mild and lathers soon. The mild sandal like smell was pleasant to bath with it and filled my shower area with lingering smell, during and after the shower.

I did not find the soap harsh at all and neither did it dried my skin. The soap truly lived to its expectation and unlike many other soap, I didn't discarded it in between.

Haute Kutir Verdict: If you are a sandal wood fan, then this soap is a must try. Unlike Moti soap, it doesn't leave harshness while foaming. It is mild to use and lasts sufficiently. The post bath aroma leaves you happy and at Rs 60, it is not a bad deal. In fact much better than many other high branded, high priced products.

Would I buy it again ? Yes

Do I recommend- Yes

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Relocate Quicker to Bangalore with B'lore Quikr.com

These days whenever anyone asks me if I am willing to relocate to another city for a much better opportunity, the first thing that comes out of my mouth is- Relocation? Again? Well no.

Phew! In the last 10-15 years, I have been moving from city to city, and trust me, relocating to another city is not a Halwa, in simple words. Relocation is altogether a herculean task that starts from house hunting to house renting, finalizing, packing and transferring your household from one city to other, finding new friends, adjusting to new social groups, re-discovering places to shop- explore-eat to extra, extra and a never-ending list of extras. Your entire life changes. And if you have kids studying in school and a working spouse- the nightmare has just begun.

At such time when relocation is not merely an option but a mandate, you are left high and dry. You start looking for that friend, acquaintance in the new city who can help you with references and guide you around. You run through your diaries, contact list and even gets into the mode of “he is my uncle’s friend’s sister’s niece’s neighbor” and will help me with the right properties there. Brokers as you know often misleads you into renting/buying places at inflated rates to cut through a high commission.

Well, sometimes you get lucky and find such a jack [s] in the other city to help you with your accommodation, school admissions, vehicle registration, movers and packers amongst others. A lot of time you end up running helter-skelter behind different people. And often you end up burning more time, money and energy on managing even the “trivial many”.

Imagine if you are residing in sadi Delhi and the relocating city is as diverse and vast as Namma Bangalore. Trouble multiplied by 2?

Well with Bangalore quickr, you can keep your relocation woes at bay. Bangalore Quikr is a free local classifieds website where you can post free advertisement related a business, product, and services offered exclusively in Bangalore. Not just that, You can post free ads to buy, sell, rent or for charity in Bangalore. Find used cars, rent or buy apartments, find a flatmate or even start a tiffin or catering service, hobby or dance class or a fashion boutique in your locality and much more. Basically, you can “Sell or advertise anything in Bangalore” using Bangalore Quikr. The website gives you buy or find anything for options like-

1. Car and Bikes
2. Electronics and Appliances
3. Real Estate
4. Mobiles and Tablets
5. Education and learning
6. Services
7. Entertainment
8. Community and Events
9. Pets and Petcare
10. Home and Lifestyle
11. Jobs
12. Even “Matrimonial”

You can also create “Alerts” across the wide categories as mentioned above at Bangalore at different localities. So if you have to relocate to the Garden city of Bangalore, worry no more. Log on to Bangalore Quikr. 

How much I wish it was there way back in 2006 when I moved to Bangalore and have to struggle around the city especially for my accommodation. 

So No Fikar, bech Quikr

Image Source: http://bangalore.quikr.com/

Oriflame The One - Eye liner Stylo Black

Oriflame needs no introduction. The Swedish, direct selling giant has recently launched "The one" range of Make-up essentials. 

Pre launch, the brand has reached me to participate in their exclusive review program along with other bloggers. Owing to my personal commitment [as I got married that time] and official commitment, I have to excused myself for time being, while promising them to try their range later. Well you cannot resist Oriflame, especially after trying their other products including the Toner that has become a quintessential part of my daily regime.

I have been using other Oriflame products including primer, loose powder extra and now, I am ready to share my experience with you all. Let's begin with "Oriflame The One- Eye Liner in Stylo Black".

Oriflame The One- Eye Liner in Stylo Black

For me, eye liner is one essential part of my dressing and is quite close to my heart. I can do without make up but a simple eye liner is a must. I have been quite conservative in my choice of eye-liners and baring 2-3 brands, haven't gone experimental much. With Oriflame it was different and hence I excluded myself from the "paid-collaboration" so that I can do a review that's just right and fair. Gladly, the brand appreciated that

My experience: I was kicked about trying this pen out and took it on my Dubai trip. Initially I did not like the pen tip applicator and felt like using a sketch pen on the eye lids. Shaping was another issue and I found the eye-liner a little too tough to remove. I was not very inclined to use it and switched back to my usual brush style applicator. Another try and then I started getting used to the product and using the tip for drawing desirable outline, wasn't a big issue. I have using it since then. 

The Stylo pen is priced at Rs 499 for 8 ml and comes in two color- Blue and Black. I have used black for this review. While using the product, I was scared of developing any rashes on my eyelids, as I have a very sensitive skin and eye is something that I do not like to experiment. However, the product did not give me any jitters and was extreme safe to use.

What I liked-

• It is neat and smudge free applicator
• The color is really bright and long stay
• Easy to carry pack
• Easy to maneuver and draw different eye-liners from normal to winged to catty eyes
• Dries off pretty fast and very easy to use
• No irritation

What I did not liked-

• It does not wash off easily
• Gives a high sketchy feeling
• The Product availability is limited and cannot be easily accessible given the DSA mode
• The price could have been better to bring higher market penetration

Haute Kutir Verdict- I know many women who struggle with their eye liners. Guess this product will be very handy for them. I liked that it is smudge proof and stays deep longer than a lot of popular brands including Lakme which fades away in a single, soft rub. It is easy to use and easy to carry. If the sketch pen feeling doesn't bother you much, go for it. After all, eye liners are quickest way to add that extra glam to your look. Price notwithstanding, buy from the brands that worth your eyes and take proper care of it. Oriflame seems to be one of them.

Do I recommend to others? Yes.

Review of Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop

It is winter time. Brands around the world are busy chasing consumers with their products and services centering around winter protection and care. From head to toe, there is no area left non-addressed, with each brand offering their distinctive solution to consumers. What do you care more about these times? Brand name or the benefit it offers? Off course, we all look at the benefits offered as it is concerned with one of the beautiful aspect of our life- our beauty and well-being. In the world of upward mobile and highly conscious, now who would like to be seen with rough heels, dried cheeks or Chapped lips? Well the Youth brigade suddenly wouldn't.

Cosmetic major, Maybelline, which has become a popular name in beauty and cosmetics around the world especially India, after an overwhelming success of their "lip care-lip dressing" product Baby Lips [aptly assigned a Pretty Ms Alia Bhatt to be the celebrity endorser], have launched its "Electro Pop" range of Baby Lips. 

Color the world, Neon

Well, it is the world of the electronic world, with yellow being the most "in" color for make up esp eye shadows last summer, why would a popular lip care that targets the Youth and Pop generation, be lagged behind? Off course no. Especially when Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop comes in 6 electrifying shades ranging from- Pink Shock, Berry Bomb, Fierce n Tangy, Oh Orange, Minty Sheer and strike a rose.

Haute Kutir Experience

I tried two of the electrifying shades- Fierce N Tangy [Lemon Flavor] and Pink Shock [watermelon flavor]. The tinted shades are more than a lip balm and gives a jolt of sheer neon color to the lips, smoothing it week after week.. I have tried the shades at different occasions and liked the calming/ softening effect it had on my winter-dry lips. I love to maintain a well scrubbed lips but given the hectic schedule, it gets difficult to even scrub using the usual DIY at home. Excessive consumption of coffee and tea especially at meetings and work place, saps the moisture of the lips and winter dryness does no good either.

I am avid user of chapsticks since my childhood but off late ran out of my stock [sigh family not visiting India a lot these days]. Normally I use Jovees strawberry lip balm or the lip balms from TheNaturesCo and has aversion to lot other popular brands with high SPF that looks cool on lips but actually damage [read burn] it in due process. Given that concern, Maybelline is safe to use [Basis the usages so far]. Frankly speaking, the tint didn't excite me as much except for few occasion. However, I liked the form factor i.e. in twisting lipstick tube as it not only looks cute but as I always insist- easy to carry and use. Just think of dipping your fingers in bottle, scourge through the balm and then apply it on your lips, all with your bare fingers that may be exposed to different touches like mobiles, key boards, switches etc etc.. Aargh talk about hygiene.

Beauty Tip: To make your Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop work for you, suggest to apply it at the centre of your lips towards the outer corner and then apply on the bottom side of the lip. If need be dab a little with a soft tissue and you are done.

The Target group/ buyers would be Youth especially teenagers who would love to pop up and play with electro neon shades. It would make a great travel accompaniment and at Rs 165, it is not a bad proposition. However, do not think that 8 hours stay is practically effective unless you go completely in "mute" on non-eating, non-puckering, zero activity mode. The easy to use/ easy to carry twisting form comes handy.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dwell yourself in the colours of the season, paint yourself neon and try Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop. Even if you do not care too much for tint, the balm is as much effective. . Give that neon tint to your looks and rock the world.

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Disclaimer: The products are part of the PR / Blogger sample and the review is non biased, but based totally on self experience, perception and purely honest.

If you have any further inquiry, do mail us.

Thanks,

Team Haute Kutir

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Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue for my Hair

We often are too busy in our hectic lifestyles, working round the clock, coloring, treating, styling and using dryers on our hair that we could barely spare enough time for our crowning glory, i.e. our hair. Hair is one of our biggest assets. It has the power to transform our looks without any surgical intervention, and also the power to spoil the entire look if not taken care of.

I am very touchy about my hair and seldom experiment with multiple products. There are few names that I trust and Schwarzkopf is among those top few. 

With growing pollution, lifestyle pressure and increased thrust on looking good by using heating and styling products like a Blow dryer, curler, Styling gels, the hair takes all the damage and unwanted yet unavoidable pressure. Hence, just a normal consumer shampoo would not do any good for your hair. We need something special, something tailor-made and indeed a specialist. To me, that specialist is Schwarzkopf. 

Recently I tried this new Bonacure range from Schwarzkopf and much to my delight, I loved the things it does to my hair. Initially, I was non-believer thinking, ah! That's the first time glory, but trust me, I have been using the Shampoo and Conditioner from last 1 month and after every successive wash, it left me to feel good about my hair.

Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue

Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue is a professional haircare company from Berlin, Germany. Schwarzkopf & Henkel is one of the largest cosmetic companies in the market. Their extensive portfolio includes many best known brands and best-loved products in colorants, styling, hair care, toiletries, skin care, oral hygiene, and fragrances. 

Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue Shampoo aims to turn your dream of long, smooth hair into reality with their Biomimetic technology for hair. The Biomimetic hair repair formula strengthens the hair while leaving it soft and bouncy. Cell Repair formula aims to repair the quality of hair and helps in rescuing the hair roots from breakage. Long, lovely Rapunzel hair is quite a possibility with Bonacure.

How Schwarzkopf Bonacure works

• Biomimetic technology boosts hair growth
• Nourishes hair, enhancing the natural shine.
• Moisturizes hair eliminating dryness and rough ends.
• Amino Acid helps repair the hair structure.

Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue Shampoo

Price: Rs 750 for 250 ml

What I loved about

1) It is not highly fragrant that means safe for regular wash

2) It forms adequate lather that your hair may need.

3) It has good combat system to wash away the external oil on your scalp without overusing. In case, if you have applied an excessive amount of hair oil, then I would recommend for using it twice.

4) It is not very runny nor very thick, the consistency is just right

5) It gives good elasticity, bounce, and shine to hair

6) Helps preserve natural volume

7) This Serum is Rich in Cura+ Protein Complex

8) It doesn't roughen your hair and makes it easy to detangle

9) Packaging: I loved the slender, long cylindrical packaging that comes with a sturdy flip top and easy to store.

What I did not like about it

Actually nothing

Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue Conditioner

Price: Rs 750 

The conditioner works fine into your hair. It is non-sticky, not very thick, neither runny and even a small amount does the job well. You need not apply to scalp but just on lengths and rinse immediately. Voila, your hair is smooth again!

What I liked:

1) The consistency is good and easy to rinse

2) It is mild

3) It works well and helps in detangle

4) Leaves your hair smoother and shinier

What I did not like

Nothing

My Experience: I loved it from the first wash. The best thing was that it was soothing, non-heady, cleanses very well, helps maintain hair form even when wet and when fully dried, made my hair feel softer during and post wash as well. Here's me snap happy oops Schwarzkopf Happy Hairs-

Haute Kutir Verdict: Overall, I simply loved the shampoo and conditioner, and they have replaced all my other shampoo and conditioner including my favorite Tony and Guy, on my shower shelf. Like I said multiple time above, the product is mild and leaves your hair smooth, cleanse, bouncy and shiny after every usage. I am already having a hair fall issue which was not though stopped but neither has been aggravated. The conditioner is just the right thing your hair needs. 

My hair are prone to Dandruff but Thankfully unlike other professional shampoo like L'Oreal Repair, Schwarzkopf BonaCure Repair Rescue Shampoo has not aggravated the dandruff issue, nor makes the scalp itchy, which is a good thing. 

One of the best thing about the product is that- it helps your hair retain it's form and cut without making you use curlers or blow dryer. Hair are visibly smooth and bouncy. I so much loved my hair post wash. I am definitely going to continue using this product.

Do I Recommend: Yes, very Much

Would I repurchase: Yes, provided I do not find another solution which is as good, or better with similar or lesser pricing.

Is it available online?

Yes, with almost all know e commerce portals like Flipkart, Nykaa and others.

So, what are you waiting for? If this is what your hair is looking for, go and get it!

Besides, this is not the end, stay tuned to this blog for more updates on Schwarzkopf BonaCure Range. Do follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Facebook Page for quick updates.

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L'Oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Gloss Review

It was a usual morning when I was getting ready to attend an event at the Palladium, Mumbai. I was almost ready and reached out to have one last touch up on my lips. I did not want to carry any handbag and wanted a distinctive red tint gloss that stays for long, say 3-4 hours at least. While my usual favorite collection from Victoria's Secret, had always been my 1st choice, followed by Sally Hansen, The tint that I wanted was not available that hour. To save the time, I took a little red-pink lip color, dabbed it with a drop of baby oil and Glycerin to bring the look and made my move towards my cab. 

Needless to say, my solution did worked for that hour but left with "non-fulfillment" rose through not finding the right shade that I wanted along with necessary moisturizing texture. 

My quest for a soft yet shiny, lip gloss in the color that I imagined this morning, did not leave me there. Whole through the event I kept on checking the most suiting color cue that I could take as a sample to my beauty shop lady for reference. I went market storming that evening and in spite of spending some time fussing over a pink that has red tints, subtle and soft tints, I could not find my shade. Back home I was greeted by my usual favorite Victoria's Secret gloss that I felt was telling me- Go east, go west...I am still the colors and gloss that you love best. Off course I do sweetie. But I am also open to give you little competition ;)

It seem to have that Interstellar effect on me. Hence proven by the mail that came next day carrying a newly launched range by name Shine Caresse from my other favorite L'Oreal. I have been using L'Oreal products esp lip colors from ages and could not resist the temptation to try it out. AH! This was the shade I was looking at. But will it work for me? Well read on...

Haute Kutir Experience with L'Oreal Shine Caresse Bella 604

So the shade was Bella 604. It came in a lovely looking slender, pocket size unbreakable package in golden and transparent design. I simply loved the "packaging" and found it classy, chic and super elegant. 

The Product: I am a sucker for lighter, almost nude shades. Off late I was equally looking to invest in certain deeper shade, deep as in - a little more than nude but not as bold as red. This shade came as manna from heaven and I fell in love instantly with it. L'Oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip color is the GenNext lip cosmetic that combines the shine of a gloss, texture of lip moisturizer and long wear of a stain. It has lasting color with absolute subtle glossy shine which comes from its unique 30:60 water and oil formula. 

Like I mentioned, I loved the form factor i.e. packaging. It has easy to open swirling top with a "dove toe" applicator almost in shape of a heart. The applicator is easy to hold and works smooth on your lips [easy to apply]. 

Shine Caresse truly lives to it's name. The very first time when you apply it on your lips, you will feel a smooth, soothing and chilling feel. The texture is smooth and runny, glides well leaving shine and hydration on your beautiful pout. When I first applied, I felt it to be little ineffective for single application and planned to do a double coat. however, it was not required as the color deepens down in few second and in spite of looking almost nude a shade, it leaves a beautiful color on the lips. 

Now time to do coffee cup test. 

Good for me, the lip color did not transferred to the rims of my coffee cup and passed the test with "flying Bella" shade. The beautiful part is that the effect lasted for long without making my lips chapped or dry. When I said long, I meant more than 4-5 hours including the Sunday Brunch that I had at Renaissance and time spent to check out the new upcoming apartment at Andheri West, battling Mumbai traffic. If you ask me- This is much better than Lakme 9-5 range that leaves your lips chapped and dull post usage. Time to replace few brands :)

Well that was all about what I liked and super liked about this product. Is there something that I did not liked? Well there is nothing that I disliked except the fact that why I am not having more shades from this range. An opportunity that I will soon fulfill :)

So let's do a quick recap-

What I liked-

1) The Overall product. It lives to its promise of shine and hydration

2) The beautiful packaging

3) It is non-transferrable

4) lasts long

5) easy to use applicator

6) Can be used as a single lip product without a base

7) Makes a good gifting option basis the proposition

8) Absolute Light weight on lips as if not wearing anything on lips

9) Safe to apply and does not leave any irritation post application/ reapplication

10) Smooth texture 

What I did not Liked-

1) Not many shades in Browns

Haute Kutir Verdict: Shine Caresse lives to its promise of hydration, long lasting shine and absolute light in weight texture. The product is a lip gloss that doubles as a stain which delivers a lasting shine, tint with subtle Gloss. It is safe to apply. Priced at Rs 499 for 6 ML, it is a #MustHave in your Vanity kit and the bag. While the people with hyperpigmentation need to test before buying the same. The product is available in 8 different shades suiting different skin types. 

Where to Buy: It is available online and for more details click- L'Oreal

Would I buy this again: Yes!

Do I recommend this to others: Yes Indeed

Can it be worn daily? Yes.

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