With Hindware, Your Dream Bath is an APP away

The changing face of bathrooms

Gone are the days when bathrooms were merely a place to brush your teeth, do your daily ablution and take a shower. With changing times, lifestyle marches forward and the concept of bathrooms is far revolutionised from being merely a sanitation space to more of a personal style statement.

To suit the changing lifestyle, lifestyle tech too takes a step ahead with augmented reality.

Yes, you read it right- Dream Bath with Augmented Reality!

pic: http://www.lighthouseshoppe.com/

Review & Video of Lakme Absolute Illuminate Makeup- Sabyasachi Edition

Fashion- When Saree Wooed Hollywood!

Hollywood Loves Indian Saree

There have been instances in the fashion world when the west took inspirations from the Indian culture to sport fashion in more graceful manner.

Saree is one of the classiest picks that west is inspired with, we can spot leading Hollywood ladies draped in designer sarees on important occasions. Here’s a little glimpse into the times the Hollywood sported saree at different occasions.

Drape It That Way

Draping is an art and it sets your outfit and you apart, there are a couple of prevalent draping styles that are popular.

Butterfly draping is a style in which the end piece of the saree is pleated very thin to reveal the midriff.  Usually paired with a heavily embellished blouse that compliments the thin drape across the body. Gujarati and Bengali style are a couple of styles originated from their region and are very famous. The most trending is the dhoti or the pant style saree draping where you compliment your saree with a well-fitted pair of trousers or dhoti. 

Let’s have a look at the candid pictures of Hollywood beauties rocking the desi dress.

Naomi Campbell

The supermodel walked the ramp for a charity event in Mumbai, in a black Sabyasachi in 2009.

                                                

Olaplex Hair Treatment: Seven Things You Should Know

Our hair undergoes so much stress and damage that we need to nourish it from time to time. Sometimes, just regular care is not sufficient and you may need an expert intervention. You need something that aims to get inside the root of your hair damage and strengthen the core. One such treatment is Olaplex.

Olaplex aims to work on your hair damage and unlike a hair spa or a smoothing treatment. It has shown note worthy results worldwide and hence, when French premiere Salon JCB- Jean Claude Biguine invited me to try out on my own hair, I wrapped all my curiosity and went ahead for a trial session.

What: Olaplex Treatment

Where: Jean Claude Biguine, Juhu

I met the senior stylist at JCB who tended to me and gave further details about this treatment, including answering my questions related to the treatment. It was an engaging session wherein I had a good tete a tete while getting my hair their first dose of Olaplex treatment from the expert.

Basis my interaction, here are top 5 things you may like to know about the new-age Olaplex treatment for hair.

Olaplex Treatment for Hair

1) Olaplex is not a styling solution but Damage Repair Treatment: Our hair are made of bonds which gets damaged due to excessive use of styling tools, heating, coloring and normal wear-tear. This treatement aims to bring back the bonds together and repair them. The treatement is done on your dead hair i.e. already grown hair i.e. 1-2 cm away from your scalp.

2) It is not a One Time Treatment: Every session helps repair the damage by 20%. Hence you need a minimum of 3-5 sessions to see a substantial change. Every session can be laced with a successive gap of minimum 10 days. Every seating augments 20% repair to your hair

3) Olaplex is the name of the product: It is a three step Process where 3 different products from Olaplex, starting from no1 to 2 to 3 are applied on your hair. The application depends upon the extent of your hair damage

4) Damaged and color treated hair: It is primarily for damaged and color-treated hair. However, if you have dry hair, you too can go for it.

5) No Restriction Treatment: Anyone can avail this treatment including expecting mothers, cancer patient. It does not have any strong chemicals and considered safe for all.

6) It is not a Shine Treatement: Unlike spa or cysteine, it does not gives you Shinier hair as the hair may start shining in due process say after 3rd seating wherein the accumulated benefit would be around 60% [depending on your hair type] 

7) Post Olaplex Care: Thankfully, unlike cysteine or smoothening it does not command any specific product to be used. You can use your existing hair care products. And that does not mean that you can use any random product on your hair

However you can also use Olaplex no 3 at home to preserve your treatment. All you have to do is to apply Olaplex no 3 all over your hair, leave it for 20+ minutes and then wash it off. 

You can buy this solution from authorized retail. 

The treatment costs around Rs 2500 per seating at the JCB. 

My Experience: 

At first my stylist mixed the Olaplex no 1 with water and applied all over my hair and left for 5 minutes. In step no 2, she applied the Olaplex no 2 Cream and left it for 25 + minutes. The lotion on your hair helps the cream, to seep in your hair.

In the third and final step they shampoo and condition your hair to seal the product in the hair, followed by applying any mild serum. You can chose to go for blow drying but it is totally optional. 

The shampoo used was SP System Professonal and she gave the finishing touches with Sebastian potion. 

Here's my finished look-

Haute Kutir Verdict: Since it was a single seating session, giving a verdict is not possible and unfair too. However, it was not a lengthy procedure and did not made me nauseated like my previous hair smoothening. I guess I would need at least 3 sitting to start working on the level of damage my hair has. It may vary from person to person, hair to hair.

I do not color my hair with an exception of 3 strips years back. However, I had undergone hair smoothening treatment in July which was quite a chemical ridden treatment and my hair needed some respite.

Though I got my hair blow dried, I would suggest that unless required, do not blow dry or iron your hair immediately. Well, it is a simple HK tip and is not backed by any prescription in the treatment.

Do let me know if you are planning or undergone Olaplex Treatment in the past. I would love to hear your responses.

Say Ola to Haute Hair

Ekta

Unboxing & Review | My Envy Box- Handmade Edition | November 2016

I remember, as a teenager, I used to create a lot of DIY face masks, hair oil and ubatan for self. As I grew up, that art of making handmade, homemade beauty products have gone somewhere and with increasing lifestyle [read hectic schedule] it became a near extinct possibility.

My DIY home beauty products were replaced by big bottles, tubes and fancy ampules from different cosmetic companies, India and abroad. I was living the silicon, paraben dreams gleefully yet so much ached for those natural products.

Forget the time, finding the right ingredient, tempering and storing them has become a luxury. At such time, you just love it when someone offers you a pure, natural and handmade solutions that may do good for your skin and body.

This month's My EnVy Box echoed my sentiments with its "Pure natural" and all "handmade" products.

My EnvyBox India- November Box

What: Monthly beauty Subscription Box

By: My Envy Box

Theme: Handmade

No of products: 5

MRP: Rs 850

COD: Available

Without further ado, here is what I received in my envy box this month.

List of Products-

1) Fuschia Verve Face Mask – Full size (Rs.450/- for 100g)

This mask claims to have core ingredients of Kiwi and Asparagus. Given the high anti-oxidant properties of Kiwis and cooling properties of asparagus, I am quite excited to try it out. The green colour looks refreshing and the mask does smell natural.

2) The Green Meadow Lip Butter – Full size (Rs.400/- for 15ml)

3) Neemli Naturals Shea Butter Body Polish/Scrub -Full size (Rs.475/- for 25g)

4) Aerth Hair Protein Pack- Full size (Rs.275/- for 150g)

Using Bengal Gram powder with fenugreek on my hair, is stimulating enough.

5) Vert Lip Scrub- Full size (Rs.450/- for 10g)

In Addition, there are two cards-

For detailed review and ingredients details, do check out my unboxing video on Youtube

What I liked

1) All natural, handmade, pure theme

2) Choice of products

3) Value for money

4) Actual sizes instead of namesake sample

5) Latest Manufactured products, with all required dates, clearly mentioned on the packaging

6) No Animal tested products

Value for Money: The box is indeed a VFM. The MRP of the box is Rs 850 wherein the collective MRP of the products inside is Rs 2050.

If you use the code REFER20, it will give you a limited discount of 20%. 

The Unboxing video

You can check my unboxing video on youtube channel or here-

Do not forget to SUBSCRIBE me on Youtube

I will try some of these products [hopefully] soon. They all look good to me and the packaging is so spa-like that am sure my shower vanity will love it :) Let me know if there is any specific product or product[s] that you would like to be reviewed. 

Haute Kutir Verdict: Living to the theme, this month's box came in a beautiful spring-autumn colours and print. The box had 5 full-size retail products and looked loaded and versatile from the word go. The products are, indeed drool worthy and I am going to try them soon.

The box is worth your purchase. If you have not booked the box already, go ahead and book yourself one. They also make a wonderful gifting option with high presentability and good content.

If you have already bought this one, let me know which one is your favorite product and why?

Four Must Have Accessories For Your Beach Vacation

It is November! Holiday Time.

Holy Cow! It is November. Time flies and how?

Well, as the year unfolds to the 11th month, a new season awaits us all. As we wrap our month or two long festivities, it is time to start gearing up for those much awaited annual holidays in Christmas and New Year. 

I am sure a lot of you will have your own plans for vacation this year. Since December is gonna be a cold month in different parts of India, am sure, a lot of you will be heading for beach holidays. Goa, Sri Lanka and Thailand are few hottest destinations for sure. Do read- Top 10 exotic beach destinations.

Packing for a Beach Vacation

Vacations are fun, but packing for vacations are a big pain, for some of us. No matter, how well you have envisaged your trip in advance, packing for travel is tedious.

Well, let me make it easy for you, with some quick tips on what to pack for your beach holidays. Do not worry except for some bare essentials, packing for beach vacation unlike any other place is absolutely hassle-free, fun and footloose.

Clothing, Albeit is personal discretion. I would suggest, go short and floral. For shoes, best to go for slip-on like floaters or flat sandals that you can wear on the beach and not worry about losing them. While you pack your beach gears, do not forget to pack these accessories.

Here are some must-have accessories that you need to pack for your beach holidays-

1) Hat or Headgear: Beach holidays means sun, sand and breeze. A hat not just protects your head from ultraviolet rays of the sun, but it looks cool and goes well with your beach attire. Go for straw hats or cotton Fedora hats. They are unisexual and looks cool

2) Sunglasses: Go for one with a Plastic frame as unlike metal they do not get extremely heated in the sun and lighter in weight to carry. Chose from a right company that provides you ample protection from the sun and looks cool too.  

3) A Bandana:  Carry a bandana or a cotton scarf, they are not just a cool fashion statement but are quite instrumental in protecting your hair from harsh beach wind that makes hair frizzy and causes fly-aways. They are the multi-purpose accessory. You can use them to cover your hair, cover your face, tie your long hair in a bun, as a shawl during the evening, a cool scarf on your dress and even as a sarong.

4) Himalaya Herbal Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask: Beach holidays are quite a fun but can also be a nightmare for our hair and skin. You can cover your hair with a hat or bandana but covering your face all the time may be a distant possibility. Tan is bound to happen on the beach. You may not be able to prevent them. however, you can always fight them or work towards repair. But how? Following a skin care regime during travel can be a quotidian task and carrying multiple products is futile as you end up not using any of them.

In my last beach vacation to Goa last year, I was advised not to get a facial done before going for holidays. Though I carried some scrub, masks and some other nourishing cream. But given the hectic schedule, I could barely use one and had developed some very serious tan all over the body.  I am allergic to sunscreen and somehow do not believe in high SPF or repeat applications especially when you are travelling and may not be able to wash your face every time before you apply the sunscreen.

For that purpose, I carried one herbal face pack which I intended to use before going to bed. The irony is that could barely use it during the holidays. As after a long day beach and sight-seeing, you get so tired after retiring to your room that sometimes you skip washing your face leave alone applying a mask and then washing the mess out of it.

The peel off mask comes handy at such occasion, wherein you can remove the mask by mere peeling it off, your face.

Why Himalaya Herbal Tan Removal Orange Peel?
Well, it is natural and has the goodness of orange that not just rejuvenates your senses with its tangy smell but also refreshes your skin with it natural alkaline properties. It is a feel good product and at the price of Rs 130 for 100 gm, it is a steal.

However, it would be unfair to say that it will be instrumental in 100% removal of your beach tans. The results, however, may vary from person to person and intensity of the tan incurred. The product comes in a travel-friendly tube which is hygienic and easy to use.  The product contains pulpy orange peel that is effective in lightening the skin and absorbing excessive oil. It also has honey which is antibiotic, probiotic and healing properties. I am a regular user of Himalaya products  esp skin care and find them safe thus far.

Tip: avoid using too much product on your face. Use a thin layer of the product all over your face and some portion of neck-baring the decollete. allow it to dry for 15 minutes, then gently peel it off. Prep your skin with a dash of toner or spring water.

Well, that was my top 4 #must-have accessories for your beach vacations. Do let me know if you want to add more to the list.

I made this list basis my preference to travel light and travel right. Hope you will like the same.

So have fun and enjoy your holidays!

Love,
Haute Kutir


Do read:

A WAYFARER'S TIPS FOR A PERFECT VACATION

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Product Review of Tupperware Ultimo Speedy Chef

The Proof of Pudding is in Beating!

Do you know the secret of well-made, fluffy omelettes?

The secret is "beating"! Yes, the way you beat your eggs does make or break your omelettes in the pan. [if there is an expression like that]

At least, this the mantra that I have been following since the last couple of months and must admit that this formula, though little tiring at times, does work for me to get those perfect looking omelettes in my pan, and to the breakfast plates.

It is not just the eggs but proper beating sorts out different other recipes including baking and home-made ice-cream.

But how? There are a plethora of blenders, whipping machine, whisking tool etc available in the market. How does one decide what one should pick?

Well, I am not planning to go brand to the outlet and do a comparison here. I will make this simple for you by suggesting an option that I have recently tried, comes from a well-known brand and is completely simple to use.

New Blender in my Kitchen

I have been looking to buy a new gadget for my kitchen especially something that can suffice as a blender too. Confused with too many options and too less electric sockets in my kitchen [It is a proven theory that irrespective of any number of sockets in your kitchen, you will always struggle for a spare one], When Team Tupperware asked me to try out their new "Ultimo Speedy Chef", I first cried hoarse for it being a manual blender and not augmented with a chopper which I badly need [Sorry, can't chop veggies with my tongue]. However, with a little push, I agreed in anticipation to get a red soul mate for my white dough maker. I am colour conscious you see.

Let's cut the crap here and show you how the new Tupperware Ultimo speedy Chef looks like-

It indeed feels great to get a surprise courier and even happier to see a bigger size courier. Happiness that money cannot buy :) Even though the parcel came soiled, the product was unbroken, unlike the Maharaja Mixer that I reviewed almost last year.

I liked the bright, translucent Red colour, light-weight form. It looked elegant enough for any modular kitchen.

Whisking with New Ultimo Speedy Chef by Tupperware

I have spent enough time admiring the lovely looking wireless, battery-less gadget that gave me some hand fitness goals with its sturdy looking churner. It is time to try it out!

Given my limited baking skills, topped with my limited time and activity ratio, I took some time to figure out the right recipe to try. I planned to do an easy peasy chocolate mousse or a strawberry shake [which I will indeed try in future], it finally wooed me to try out whisking eggs with it. Given that omelette is a regular breakfast item in a lot of kitchens and can be easily related by readers who may not be in baking but definitely in making eggs for a meal.

So I tried whisking eggs with this beautiful red tool this morning. Like I mentioned above, one of the secrets behind making a beautiful, fluffy omelettes is the way you beat the eggs. I  remember how my otherwise mum hubby, who barely ever gives me any compliment for the meals I cook, except a simple nod, followed by a harsh mumble jumble when I nudge a little too much. So I remember, how he complimented the omelettes that I made last week. I guess they turned well cause I have beaten the eggs intensively using a spoon. Or probably it was my RSI and struggles in kitchen that make him happier ;)

Nevertheless, this time I tried my new ultimo speedy chef to do the needful. The manual handle gave me a visual fright, anticipating the RSI the repeat churns may cause me. I was so wrong!

The hand churner is one of the best things I found, in my experience thus far, in beating the eggs. It is smooth, hassle free and whisks perfect foamy eggs in just 2-3 churns. Impressive!

Another good thing is that, given the plastic base, the eggs does not largely stick to the base [like they stay in a steel glass] nor to the churner [like the usual sticky regular whisks].

The eggs were done in no time and turned quite well on the pan.

My first experience with the product was indeed good and egg-full enough for me to try other recipes including Parfait or shakes using the same.

What I liked
1) Simple, Fast and Handy to use
2) Looks good, attractive colour
3) Good quality material, Food grade Plastic
4) It is a Tupperware!
5) Manual hence giving you freedom of motion and select output
6) Saves Electricity as it does not use any
7) Easy to clean. It is quite easy to assemble and dissemble too
8) Good for Baking or cooking large portions
9) Kids Friendly

What could have been better
1) No Multi-Utility: It could have an additional chopper or dough maker attachment
2) One standard size

The setback that I could feel on a very personal basis- storage space and limited utility. I mean, I have a smaller kitchen in my Mumbai House. Well, a speciality of Mr Contractor whose residential designs have smaller kitchens. I would have loved if they have a small size for the same too which, I can duck at any of my drawers. However, I do not see that as a big shortcoming. I will set it with my Tupperware Steamer

So, overall I liked the product and here's my rating-
Form Factor: 4/5
Utility: 3/5
Pricing: 3/5
Efficiency: 5/5
Design: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5 


Why You Should Buy It
It is very efficient in whisking, beating and whipping without additional electricity charges. It is easy to use and clean too. It is child-safe [unless they want to take the handle in mouth] and can be used by kids as well. Go for it to make your usual quotidian whipping, whisking task, an easy-peasy one

In case, you are wondering about the recipes that you can cook with this, check some recipes here. I am definitely going to try some more recipes using this device. Yay! the baker in me finally got some wings. Thanks, Tupperware. Keep up the good work!

MRP: Rs 3800

Look Haute, Live Haute, Cook Haute
Haute Kutir

Review of Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip and Cheek Colour

Wearing a creamy mousse on your lips is such a dreamy idea. And Lakme makes it even more, creamier and dreamier with their Newly launched Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip and Cheek Colour

How To Buy a Perfect Evening Gown

 “You must give everything to make your life as beautiful as the dreams that dance in your imagination.” 

― Roman Payne

For any formal event such as a black tie event, prom, homecoming wearing evening gowns is a perfect choice for women. But formal events don’t come that often, which can make choosing the right evening gown a difficult task. This is especially true if you are not a serious follower of celebrity culture. If you have received a short description of the dress code to be followed at the event then things can be much simpler but if no then here are few simple tips that you need to follow when going for gown shopping.

1) Colour: The most important issue is to carefully select the colour of the evening gown. Talking about the colour, the most preferred choice for such an event is either black or white, if you want to be on a safe side. But today, there is a wide range of colours that can be selected in even neutral colours like blue, green and even purple.

2) Size and Fitment: Formal or evening gowns are available in a wide variety ranging from zero sizes to thirty-two. So, women of all sizes can easily find an evening gown that will fit them well. If you do not have any budget then you should go for a designer gown. This is for the reason that with a designer gown you will be guided as to what kind of gown will suit your body and you will be given a fit that accentuates your positive features. If you are shopping for evening gown online then it is best that you buy it way ahead of the event as this will give you sufficient time to get alterations. For a brick and mortar store, go at a timing when there are less number of clients, to get an undivided attention of the sales person of the shop.

3) Body Shape: Also, select a gown style that is apt for your body shape. For instance, if you are top heavy do not wear a gown that is high neck instead go V-neck.

4) Right Accessories: You can also use online services to get feedback from the online store executives in case you are confused regarding any gown. Like with any event, when going for formal events, selecting the right accessories will make or break your look. You should go for jewellery pieces that will not overpower each other. Always, let one piece take the centre stage. For bags, go for something that is small, elegant and not flashy. Not just this, you can, not forget about the sandals, a pair of heels is a must. Do not wear shoes that are brand new as this can give you shoe bite, making walking around difficult for you.

Lastly, irrespective of what kind or from where you are getting your gown always trust your instincts. This not just applies to deciding on the gown but or for that matter any clothing. It is you who has to wear the dress, therefore you need to wear something in, which you feel comfortable.

Hope these tips come handy while you are buying/ planning to buy an evening gown for self/ others.

Photo source: 1, 2, 3, 4