PUNE TRIP

I left today in the morning for Mumbai. The stay at my Pune House was pleasant and something I always look forward to. I met many relatives and it was pretty refreshing. I also added two peacock blue cushions to the sofa, a lovely flower vase, and a beautiful frame to the house. I love interiors and decorating them is one of my hobbies, you can say. The best thing about my stay was obviously the weather. I love winters and Pune is one of the cities you must visit in winter as the atmosphere is perfectly cold and pleasant.

LAST EXAM OF LIFE

The third semester's exam was the last of my life. Though I feel bittersweet about it, I cannot deny that the happiness of not giving another exam is beyond words. I feel like an adult, and glad to bid goodbye to studies, finally.

STAY WITH SISTER

I always cherish being with my cousin. She was over for the weekend, and we did what we do best--watch rom-coms, gossip, roam around, hog on pizzas, and finally watch the A Cinderella Story yet again. We have probably watched it together for five times at least. It's our all-time favourite. We had been to the FC Road to shop, but the crowd was maddening as it was a Saturday. We concluded the FC Road shopping, which eventually turned out to be FC Road window-shopping, to the Kothrud's Papa John's. This pizza restaurant is my uncle's favourite and I simply don't know why. We had the one-on-one-free medium pizza(s) and Parmesan bread sticks, along with 7 Up to sip. I neither liked the sticks nor the Fajita-something pizza. I liked the Farm Fresh pizza, though.

MY BEST FRIEND'S ENGAGEMENT

My best friend Pournami is the first amongst any of my friends to get engaged (and married). She exchanged the rings on 13th November and her wedding is next year by the end of January. I couldn't attend her engagement ceremony as it was in Bangalore and I had my finals on, but I'm definitely going for her wedding!

NEW BLOG GRAPHIC DESIGN

I am glad to introduce new blog graphic design. If you have observed, I am keeping the fonts constant in each graphic and I am also adding the logo and website name along with it. I am loving this change as it looks classy and professional. I have also made other changes in the overall blog layout, which I'm in love with. 

F.R.I.E.N.D.S SERIES

I am done with seasons 4 and 5 and desperately want to watch the next season. In Pune, the internet speed was slow and so watching online was a bit difficult. I'm happy to be in Mumbai finally, as now I can watch the remaining seasons.

What were your November favourites?

xoxo

I am such a picky person when it comes to fragrant products. I had got this one last winter and had absolutely loved it. This time I made sure I buy it again, as everything seemed to be perfect about it.

There are three variants in this--Soft Touch (the one I'm reviewing), Deep Nourish (lavender coloured), and Butter Smooth (brown coloured). Read further to know my review on the Soft Touch body lotion:

PACKAGING

The packaging is cute and the shape of the bottle is that of a woman's shape. My mom and I call it as 'lady' when referring to the lotion. For example, I say, "Mom, get me the lady!"

This one's an adorable light teal. The bottle is in plastic and as it is only 100 ml, carrying it around is no fuss.

APPLICATION & FRAGRANCE

You have to squeeze the bottle to take the lotion on your hands. The application is easy until the bottle is about to finish. But as it's a moisturiser, the last few days of the bottle are comparatively easier than other dry products.

The fragrance is light and good for the sensitive noses out there. The fragrance is powder-like and bends towards jasmine flower. The fragrance is not exactly like jasmine, but after putting much thought to the fragrance, you can slightly relate it to the jasmine (but a super mild jasmine fragrance).

MOISTURISING POWER

If you live in Mumbai or any such place where the temperature does not drop that down, then I recommend this. It's for those skin types that do not become too dry. The moisturising power is perfect and you won't feel oily or sticky. Something just right for such skin types. The moisture content on your body (and face) remains perfect and you'll get radiance throughout.

Do not, however, expect any bright glow or rosy cheeks or anything dreamy. The fragrance is dreamy but the lotion will just fight the dryness and not bring in pinks.

In short, it is meant for the ordinary dry skin--the skin that is normal all round the year, but only dries in winters.

HOW DO I USE IT?

After showers or mostly when my skin feels stretched out and dry, I take a coin-size amount for both of my arms. I concentrate more on the elbows and hands. For legs, sometimes I apply it on my feet and heels, especially. For face, I take a pea-size amount. I don't apply to my entire face unless needed. My face has natural oil and so I don't need much moisturising. I had read somewhere that applying on neck is highly important, so I do that too.

PROS

- Inexpensive

- Light, pleasant fragrance

- Perfect moisturising for ordinary dry skin

- Available at any medical store

- Travel friendly

CONS

- No rosy glow

CONCLUSION

If you're looking for a lotion that would bring the perfect moisture on your body, has light fragrance, and is inexpensive, this should be it.

WILL I BUY AGAIN?

Yes, I would.

EXTRA DETAILS

WEIGHT: 100 ml

VARIANT: Soft Touch (for Dry Skin)

PRICE: ₹60

FROM: Local medical store

Which body lotion are you currently using?

xoxo

FOR SCALP

I have quite a dandruff-prone scalp. It has developed recently. I had reviewed the Nizoral shampoo last summer. I got a 50 ml of it for ₹110. It does lessen dandruff after a couple of washes. I'm not sure how it would work for you guys, but for me, it does work.

FOR HAIR

Winters can make your strands dry too. I spread the L'Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 serum throughout the length of my hair. I've been using it since God-knows-when. This 40 ml bottle is priced at ₹155 on Amazon. You can actually settle down on any serum, but as I have it since quite long, I still use (though the bottle has crossed the expiry date already).

FOR LIPS

I don't recommend this balm for lips. You can read why right here. The primary need of a lip balm is to moisturise the lips and this balm does serve the purpose. I got this stick for ₹135, which is indeed good. If you want a tint of colour on your puckers, this might not be the one you're looking for.

FOR FACE & BODY 

I was looking for Parachute Advanse Body Lotion since long. If you've read my 'things you didn't know about me' post, you'd know how any strong fragrance turns me off. I was hence searching for a lotion with mild fragrance. Also, as I live in Mumbai, the winters are not dry. Therefore, I wanted something that was light--both in terms of fragrance and moisturising.

This one's a lovely lotion. I apply it on my face too and as my face is blessed (or cursed) with natural oils, I don't need too much of moisturising. Hence, I just take a pea-size of it. I got 100 ml for ₹60.

What are your winter care products?

xoxo

MEDIA PRODUCTION

I had printed these notes in grayscale and so it was difficult for me to understand the colours. For this answer, we needed the colour wheel and since the notes were in gray, I thought of taking coloured prints. I reduced the sizes of the wheels to perfectly place them beneath the answer.

I was studying this answer in my office. While studying, I came across Radial design and there was no diagram to explain it. So I googled and found it. For future reference, I took prints of three radial type designs. When I studied for my finals, these diagrams came in handy and saved lot of time.

This is just a random diagram I drew to understand the concept better. As you can see, I have not used pencils and rulers. I thought that it would take up lot of time. So I just used a different inked pen and I was easily able to stand the diagram out from the other text. This is one tip; instead of using pencils and waste time, use a different coloured pen.

MEDIA ETHICS

I have already shared my tip on this one.

This is a distinguish between eastern and western philosophies. I stuck sticky notes above as I had some extra points for the same. You can see, I have not used pencil and ruler for dividing the page, but have just folded the paper into two to give me two distinct spaces.

I was not getting the basic difference between a capitalist and socialist economy. So I googled for a clear difference and then printed it. I stuck it near my answer that involved these two economies.

NEW MEDIA



On the printed notes, I just used the empty spaces to write definitions, explanations, points, and short cuts. I was not in need of a different notebook for this subject as I wrote everything right on these printed pages.



Yet another example of using up space for writing extra stuff.

ADVANCE MEDIA RESEARCH

This way is easy to understand flowcharts. I haven't used ruler or pencil. But have given enough space to clearly understand what's going on. Avoid mess while drawing flowcharts.



I have stuck a sticky note to add in more information to the already existing answer.



One more example of the flowchart. I drew it to explain things better.

How do your notes look like? Something similar?
xoxo

Aren’t you bored with the same old-style wedding lehengas? The craze for red, traditional styled lehenga with heavy jewellery is outdated now. Latest fashion trends have got lot more fascinating stuff for you to revamp your old style. Make your wedding fashion inspiration for others!

Lehenga sarees are highly trending and gaining lot of popularity in Indian women due to their exceptional ethnic appearance and sassy bold appeal at the same time. These enchanting staples are matchless and have overtaken the allure of sarees and lehengas. Together with the ravishing appeal of lehenga and the glamour of saree, these drapes can do wonders to any woman’s look and enough to grab eyeballs at any occasion. Lehenga sarees are perfect pick for wedding season. Be it bride or bridesmaid, anyone can find their pick matching their individual style and fashion statement. Show how stunner you are with the brilliant choice of lehenga saree for your big day.

Fall for these magnificent weaves and make the most of your d-day with your sassy choice of the wedding dress!

FALL FOR MAGENTA

We know the loud and bright vibes of Indian wedding. To match that loudness, make the choice of colour of your wedding dress vibrant too. Whenever it is about bold and bright hue, magenta falls on top. Leave designer sarees; pick this radiant lehenga saree and shine like a beauty goddess!

MAKE IT HOT WITH HOT PINK

Hot pink is season’s most loved and glowing shade!

Pick this shiny hot pink lehenga saree for your wedding and be the trendsetter for fashion lovers. To go with the season’s most demanding hues is really important for fashionistas to unveil their notable fashion sense.

BE QUIRKY WITH ORANGE

Orange can never let you down when the occasion is bright, colourful and especially an Indian wedding. This quirky, bright shade is perfect with the wedding bells. Slip in this beautiful shade for your forever beautiful day! Lehenga sarees are the new craze in the brides-to-be and are totally rocking them.

GO BLUE AND BEIGE

Leave pink and red, go blue!

This royal and classy fusion of beige & blue is enough to slay the world with your bold and dazzling appeal. We all know about the endearing charm of beige and how it is becoming everyone’s most pampered shade. Bring it to your wedding day and let people fall in love all over again with this shade and also your incredible fashion sense. Bundle up, you stunner!

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dubey

xoxo

PACKAGING

Packaging is good, however, black and yellow has never been my favourite combination. Nevertheless, I think the combination should be okay as owning pink or pastel shades can sometimes be over-the-board. For someone who likes this combination, packaging will not be an issue.

The lip balm is in yellow colour and you have to rotate the bottom to bring it up.

APPLICATION

Application is smooth as the product is easy to use. The balm definitely glides on to lips.

MOISTURISES?

It does moisturise. You might also get smoother lips the next day.

LOOK + LASTING POWER

The balm is transparent and that's the only reason why I bought it. You might see a 2% yellow tint on your lips, which doesn't look that pleasing. You will need to dab a little lipstick to get a set of coloured, moisturised puckers. However, the product does smoothen your lips.

PROS

- Inexpensive

- Transparent

- Lemon fragrance

- Smooth lips

CONS

- Availability could be an issue

- Yellow and black not really preferred by most women

- Yellow tint might be worrisome

CONCLUSION

The smell's good, the price is decent. However, you should try for some other transparent lip balm that would have more moisturising power.

WILL I BUY IT AGAIN?
I will not buy this, instead I would go for other transparent variants of Maybelline.

EXTRA DETAILS

WEIGHT: 3.5 g

SHADE: Fierce N Tangy (Lemon fragrance)

PRICE: ₹135

Which is your go-to lip balm?

xoxo

P.S. I could not upload more pictures as my network is fluctuating here in Pune. In case you need more pictures, comment below. I'll mail them to you or upload them here once the network is stable.

LAKME POUCH

This is my sister's pouch. She had an extra one so she gave it to me. I loved the sparkles on it. The pouch's so huge that it perfectly accommodates all the stuff.

PARACHUTE ADVANSED BODY LOTION

This is one of my favourite moisturisers and I purchased it purposely again because I loved it. I had enquired in two drugstores but at both the stores, the lotion was out of stock. I waited until it was back in stock.

If I'm going to Pune in winter, a moisturiser is a must. Because Pune's winters are so dry, that you'll cry for some moisture.

MAYBELLINE COLOSSAL VOLUM EXPRESS MASCARA

I thought of carrying minimal makeup. To pop my eyes out, I packed this light mascara by Maybelline.

LOREAL PARIS TOTAL REPAIR 5 SERUM

Again, due to the dry weather, I need some moisture on my hair too. I packed this serum as I've been using it since God knows when.

GIVENCHY PRISME QUATUOR EYESHADOW PALETTE - 4

This palette has golden, metallic grey, and two more party shades. I thought, if I'm going out for dinner, I might use some magic on my eyelids.

MAX FACTOR MIRACLE TOUCH FOUNDATION

I don't step outside without this. This is my go-to concealer (though the tub says it's a foundation). It's the best thing to conceal my spots and I've already written a super positive review on the same.

MISS CLAIRE LIP CREAM - 24

I thought of picking up a fuchsia pink lipstick to bring in the feminine yet wild side, if needed. This shade is one of my favourites.

MAYBELLINE COLOR SENSATIONAL LIPSTICK - REB01

And then, if I want a glossy red for dinner, I've packed it too. You never know when one would need a dash of red.

MAYBELLINE COLOSSAL KAJAL - BLACK

What's a trip without kajal? I definitely had to pack mine!

PINK MUD TIPSY EDT

I was using my dad's deodorant but since we were going there, I thought of carrying my perfume instead of the deodorant. This fragrance is a lot like winter and I love it.

MAYBELLINE BABY LIPS ELECTRO POP - FIERCE N TANGY (LEMON)

I recently purchased this one. I wanted transparent, good-fragrant lip balm. I'm glad I got it. Though, a better colour combo would have been better.

VEGA HAIR BRUSH

Finally, to add volume to my fine hair, this one was needed. This brush does not fit perfectly into the pouch, but I've made lot of efforts to stash it in.

xoxo

I think I have Maybelline products the most. Here's yet another eyeshadow palette by Maybelline. I had reviewed the other one five months ago. I wanted grey and stony blues. This palette can be used to create smokey eyes by keeping grey as the dominant colour, or even a different look by keeping blue as the dominant colour. Here's sharing my take on the palette:

PACKAGING

The packaging is cute and perfect to carry around. It's a square shape and truly adorable. There's transparent plastic on the top so that you can see colours from outside and there's no need to open the palette in order to see what shades it has. The way the cakes are arranged is brilliant. Love the star in the mid! There's also a brush provided.

APPLICATION

You might face some difficulty while taking the eyeshadow on the brush. Also, later applying eyeshadow can be a task as you won't see much of colour in only one layer. You'll need to apply more and more layers to actually make your eyes stand out.

LOOK

You get a sharp blue pair of lids. Perfect for summer lunch dates, I feel! You'll look like a sea princess, no kidding!

PROS

- Cute packaging

- Travel-friendly

- Grey to Blue shade-card

CONS

- Expensive

- Application is difficult

CONCLUSION

If you're getting cheaper options in similar shade-card, I would suggest to skip this one. Otherwise, this does make a cute buy.

EXTRA DETAILS

WEIGHT: 2.4 g

SHADE: Sapphire Blue

PRICE: ₹575

FROM: Maybelline kiosk

Do you have similar shaded palette?

xoxo

This is one of the last posts related to study. My second last semester is done, which was the last semester to appear for exams. The next semester we will only have thesis submission and so we won't be having exams. I feel sad that I won't be writing more of study-related posts for you guys. I have tried my best to make as many posts as possible, so that I share more and more of my study tips with you all.

This semester, I had a super-organized way of organizing notes. I'll tell you how I did it.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

STEPS

I got yet another red lipstick by Maybelline. This one's not matte, but glossy. So if you're looking for matte ones, I'll have another review up for you guys soon. Anyway, without further due, let's dig into the review:

PACKAGING

The packaging is not that appealing. It's a red plastic cap and the inside is a silver. The brand name is hardly visible on the stick. I wonder why they would do something like this, since brand name is one of the crucial parts of designing.

APPLICATION

The application is smooth as butter and as the lipstick is glossy and not matte, the lipstick feels like a butter, only that it feels like red butter (if that makes sense).

LOOK AND LASTING POWER

You'll get a somewhat sparkly plus glossy look. If you're going for simple eye makeup and still want to add in some glam, this lipstick is just great. I loved the glossiness as it brings a party look.

The lipstick lasts full day. It survives through all the water bombs and food shots. So if you're looking for a red lipstick for important events (like your wedding or some function), then this should be in your vanity. The lipstick just does not go at all. Mind blowing lasting power; the best I've seen so far.

PROS

- Superb lasting power

- Glossy finish

- Perfect red

CONS

- Removal is a task

- For some, it could be pricey

CONCLUSION

Want lipstick for weddings and functions? This should be it.

EXTRA DETAILS

WEIGHT: 3.9 g

SHADE: REB01

PRICE: ₹450

FROM: Maybelline kiosk

This list is for the Winter Break. I think I have around 6 months of free time, unless of course, I don't start with a job. For now, I'm not gonna hunt for a job, but if the opportunity knocks the door, I will give it a shot. Till then, I will just watch tv shows, films, read books, and cook. Here's my bucket list of tv shows I wanna watch:

FRIENDS

I'm done with three seasons and currently am watching the fourth one. My first aim would be finishing all the seasons.

QUANTICO

I want to watch it for Priyanka Chopra. I wanna see how she pulls off an American sitcom.

BAND OF BROTHERS

My best friend Anurag has recommended this one. It's a miniseries.

NEW GIRL

I want to watch it because of the relatable life the lead leads.

GREY'S ANATOMY

Because people like it and I wanna know why they do.

SEX AND THE CITY

I have watched two seasons I think. I don't relate much to it but the quotes are kickass.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

I wanna watch it because my friend had told me that I look similar to Ashley Benson. So, well, yes.

GOSSIP GIRL

Because it's one of the hyped girly shows to watch.

GILMORE GIRLS

Because I think it could be interesting.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (ONE SEASON MINIMUM)

Because people like it and I wanna know why they do.

GAME OF THRONES (ONE SEASON MINIMUM)

Because people like it and I wanna know why they do.

BIG BANG THEORY (ONE SEASON MINIMUM)

Because people like it and I wanna know why they do.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (ONE SEASON MINIMUM)

Because people like it and I wanna know why they do.

DRAGON BALL SUPER

I am done with Z and GT. Now can't wait to watch Super.

POKEMON (AFTER SEASON 4)

I am done watching the Jhoto seasons and so look forward to watching further seasons. 

KEEPING UP WITH KARDASHIANS

I am not someone who goes to the 'Explore' tab of Instagram, but a week back, I thought I should check it. I saw many pictures of Kylie Jenner and really liked her style. I then stalked her profile and absolutely love the lip job that she's done. She looks great. I also enjoyed her makeup looks and just for her, I feel like watching this series, if not full, at least the latest season. I can probably also see it on YouTube, as I am not interested in it wholly.

What do you wanna watch?

xoxo

ORANGE + PURPLE
PINK + GREEN
YELLOW + PINK

Orange highlighter + Purple pen

Pink highlighter + Green pen

Yellow highlighter + Pink pen

Do you follow a particular pattern while taking notes?
xoxo

PACKAGING

The eyeliner comes in a pencil-like shape. There's a lid that comes along too. The colour is emerald green and the name is embossed in gold. The pencil looks comparatively more elegant from faraway than it does after bringing it closer.
The sharpener, which comes with the pencil, has Revlon written in gold. It does not look appealing if brought closer. The sharpener has a cheap plastic.

Single coat

APPLICATION + LASTING POWER

The pencil glides on application. It has a bit shimmer, and is complete matte. You might find it a bit glossy, but that's just the little particles of glitter. It lasts for quite long, you can say, one whole day. However, if you rub your eyes, the product might fade a bit. But I can definitely assert that it does not spread (or smudge, in that sense).
The sharpener? It's a useless piece of plastic. The pencil does not get sharpened at all. I have used the pencil just thrice and so I have not felt the need to sharpen it, but while I was clicking pictures for this review, I'd tried it on, and it didn't work. I am worried what I'm gonna do once the tip of the liner is no longer a tip and just a blunt stick.

LOOK

Superb. It looks superb. Perfect green, closer to peacock blue. The shimmer just adds in and makes the product look even better. Eyes are brought out and you'll love the look. I think if you apply two coats, the liner will look more stunning.

PROS

- Matte
- Has shimmer
- Smooth application
- Posh packaging
- Comes with a sharpener

CONS

- Sharpener does not work
- Pricey
- The golden embossing could have been classier
- The shade might appear lighter if not applied with pressure

CONCLUSION

- If price is not the issue, I don't see why you wouldn't wanna buy it. (Negative points for the bad sharpener, though.)

EXTRA DETAILS

WEIGHT: 1.2 g

PRICE: Rs. 675

SHADE: Glazed Green

FROM: Amazon.in

Which coloured eyeliner is your favourite?

xoxo