Maybelline's Bright Benefit Stick Review.

Hey Dolls,

So I've been asked to do some product reviews so here it is.. my first product review, and it had to be about Maybelline's BB stick. We all have been a witness to the sudden trend of BB & CC creams, all of our favorite brands have it in different texture & shades, basically these creams are nothing but tinted moisturizers with sun block properties. Its a good idea to switch your foundation with a more nourishing BB cream during a normal day.

But from just creating a substitute to your foundations, Maybelline has just taken this trend to another level by introducing its Clearglow BB stick. "The new concealer in your bag". I will highly recommend this product as it gives you this amazing coverage which can hide all your marks, dark circles and spots. So with this product in hand you can confidently bid goodbye to your concealer. The product contains SPF 21 so it is perfect for a normal day. The application is super easy with its oversized lipstick structure, all you need to do is just apply it directly on the areas you want to conceal.. just like you do with your concealer sticks and then blend it with your fingertips and you have flawless skin instantly. Check out this video for a visual.

It comes in a super cute packaging and its a super cheap product ($6-$7), a true value for money, its available at most of the drugstores you may also check for it online.

What's your favourite on-the-go product? 

If you do try this product comment below with your experience. Take care and get a lot of beauty sleep to reduce the need for a concealer. Keep your skin healthy by making sure you remove every bit of makeup before bed.

XOXO,

Anshika Agarwal.

Life Hack Tuesdays: Use ice cubes to remove gum from your hair.

Hey Dolls,

We've all got scared at the thought of chewing gum in our hair, Haven't we? I've had nightmares about it as a kid because of this particular cousin of mine who always threatened with his fantasy of sticking a chewing gum to my hair while I'm sleeping, I guess it was because I was always really possessive about my hair. I hated cutting my hair short and I knew that if he did do that I would have to cut-off that section immediately to prevent all my other hair from sticking to it and then probably cut my hair further to make my hair look even. But I read this article which might save someone's pretty hair someday. *I haven't tried it but it sounds convincing so whats the harm in trying it before reaching out for the scissors?

Rub some ice on the chewing gum, It will harden the gum hence making it non elastic, making it easier to remove. You can also use this method for getting gum off the soles of shoes so thats pretty great right?

I hope no one has to use this tip but if you do please let me know how it worked, also check out my other posts, do subscribe and leave comments. I'm planning to do a giveaway soon so stay tuned, follow me on Twitter for more information.

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal..

Spices with benefits.

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Being an Indian I can proudly never emphasis enough on one thing, we love our spices! Whenever I browse through Pinterest, I find myself always stopping and staring at images of spices. There’s something about the colorful little mounds, scattered on top of dark surfaces, that is so visually appealing to me. It’s like an edible mosaic is created with the bright and bold hues, So on this republic day, I was inspired to do a post on different spices used in Indian cooking that exude that same color intensity. As much as they add flavor to meals, they are also beneficial in other ways besides just taste, and it’s interesting to learn how they can help us in our day to day lives.

Some of the most common spices used in Indian cooking are:

Salt

Pepper

Ginger

Turmeric

Paprika

Cumin

Saffron

A few of the above are great to help improve our overall well-being…

Pepper

Don't we just love a lot of pepper on your soups? Apart from taste it has a lot of benefits right from helping with severe diseases like cancer to day to day problems like digestion, weight loss, cold, it also increases your metabolism. The more shocking benefits are it beats dandruff, helps with anorexia as it improves digestion and stimulates our taste buds, it helps our organs absorb more nutrients from our food and is a natural antidepressant. Details

Ginger

Light yellow in color and strong smelling, some claim ginger to be the “wonder spice” for all of its health benefits. If you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, ginger can help get rid of these nuisances. From poor digestion to even sore joints, chew on a little bit or add some to a hot drink because ginger has the nutritional properties that can help. Ginger juice is also very effective for cold and cough.

Turmeric

I have used turmeric a lot in recent years. It’s one of those spices that is perfect to use in the colder months because of its warm color and smell. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory used widely in ayurvedic medicine. It also helps boost your immune system, so this is a good spice to use if you feel a cold coming on. Have it with milk every night before bed and it will help you with most of the problems. I'll be doing a post on Turmeric mask for skin soon.

Paprika

Paprika is packed with healthy nutrients that are good for our bodies, and especially vitamin A. One tablespoon of this red-colored spice contains more than 100 percent of the daily intake requirement. As the vitamin A helps to improve eyesight, paprika also gives your body extra iron to help those bones stay strong.

Cumin

Cumin is pungent and strong, and acts as a great salt substitute. With its low levels of sodium, using this instead of extra salt can help reduce blood pressure, all while adding a delicious flavor to meals. Cumin is also a good source of vitamin B, which helps to improve sleep. Try eating a banana sprinkled with some cumin right before bed if you aren’t getting enough shut eye.

Saffron

Although this is one of the most costly spices, it’s worth it due to the multiple health benefits it provides also a few strands does wonders. From digestion help to reducing inflammation, you can use saffron in a lot of ways besides just adding it into foods. You can make a saffron milk mask by adding some saffron strands to raw milk. Allow the strands to sit for about 2 hours before using, turning the milk a reddish color. Rub the milk onto your face and leave on for 10 minutes before washing off. The saffron mask will help clear up dry skin and acne and brightens up your skin! It also gives your food a nice color so go ahead and eliminate your food coloring. Add it to any of these to add additional benefits (works for all skin types)

Hope you'all enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing this, do try these spices also try including some herbs if possible in your food. Stay healthy and do subscribe to make sure you don't miss any post. You can also instagram or tweet a picture of your healthy foods do tag me or use #bombaygirl07.

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

How to choose your mascara?

Hey dolls,

Ever wondered why does our favourite makeup brands have so many different mascaras in their product range? Yes! mascaras come with a wide range and its essential for you to know which one suits you the best. Besides color coating your eyelashes, it also gives them definition. Just as you choose shades for your eye shadow, mascaras also come in different colors and properties and ingredients. What may work wonders for your best friend may not work at all for you. Surprised? This article might help you to clear your doubts, here are a few guidelines..

Your Eyelashes Are Short and Stubby: If you have blunt, short eyelashes that are not so prominent then try lengthening mascara, don't just go by the words of the sales girl, choose between mascaras that emphasis on its lengthening ability. This mascara will give your lashes definition and will make them look much longer. They also make the lashes look deeper and darker. An eyelash curler is a good option to add in your makeup routine, it does create an illusion of longer lashes.

Your Eyelashes are Sparse

Worried about the thin, sparse eyelashes? Worry not, help is at hand. Sparse eyelashes are a common problem faced by women. And that’s where mascara comes in. The best mascara for sparse eyelashes are volumizing ones. These will add volume to your lashes, making them look thicker and better.They contain ingredients like polymer and waxes that helps in ‘building’ your lashes. Make sure you highlight your lashes from root to tip with the wand, held horizontally for a great effect. You can also try fake eyelashes for your glitzy parties.

Your Eyelashes have an Improper Shape

We all know that the perfect eyelashes should be long and dense with just the right amount of curl. Instead of opting for an eyelash curler, a simpler option is to pick up curling mascara. These mascaras will give your face a wide-eyed look and create dramatically curled eyelashes that last all day. They have a thicker formulation that dries quickly so as to hold the curled-up shape. Eyelash curlers can help you with it also try section false eyelashes.

Eye-catching Eyelashes

For special event when you want extra attractive lashes, you must pick bold and dramatic mascara that will add volume and length. Many brands have auto-powered and vibrating brushes that’ll apply the coat evenly to your lashes. Make sure you apply at least two coats in order to make an impression and try to choose a waterproof one that stays all day long.

Don' follow your favourite beauty guru's recommends blindly, go to the store and try multiple mascaras before buying them. Also try avoiding waterproof make up when possible as they may get a little difficult to remove and we all know that makeup residue is bad! I'll be doing a makeup cleansing routine soon, Do subscribe to my blog for more posts like this. Till then take good care of yourself and don't forget to remove your makeup everyday.

XOXO,
Anshika Agarwal.

Life Hack Tuesdays; Turn around your hangers to clean out your closet.

Hey dolls,

Like I said in my previous post Makeup Expiration its a fact, we don't like throwing our things. Lets face it, we all have clothes we don’t wear its probably is'nt even that pretty but when we think about throwing them a 100 ways to wear it pops up in our head but all it actually does is takes up unnecessary closet space. 

So heres a little trick to help you know to know which of them are useful and which of them are'nt..

Place your hangers the opposite way, it should look like this to you

After you use an article of clothing, hang it up regularly.

 By the end of the year (or season), Remove the clothes that are still hanging backward, You  can revamp it and repeat the procedure but make sure you don't put it back in the closet without revamping them, Donating them is a good idea too.

I'll be posting some revamping idea for your old clothes, so stay tuned! Till then, drink a lot of water, go organize and have a lovely day! My new post will be up tomorrow, Make sure to check it out and do leave a comment.

XOXO,

Anshika Agarwal.

Shoes, Shoes . . Shoes!

Ever seen someone wearing a pair of shoes you just love, but when you try explaining them to a friend or go home and try to google it, you just can’t seem to find right words for it, and have no idea what they are called? Was it a peep toe, platform or a pump? Well I got you covered! This shoe guide I’m sure will come in handy sooner or later.

Here’s the break down:

Starting with the first row from left to right

1. Thigh high boots, Knee high boots, Wellington boots, Cowboy boots, Ugg boots, Timberland boots, Gladiator boots, Bondage boots, Wedge booties.
2. Dr martens, Chelsea boots, Crocs, Lita, Gladiators, Clogs, Mules, Slingbacks.
3. Monk, Loafer, Converse, Oxford, Ballerina flats, Slip-on, Moccasin, Dockside.
4. Cone Heel, D’orsay, Ankle strap, T-strap, Open toe, Wedge, Chunky heel, Jelly,
5. Stiletto, Kitten heel, Platform, Peep toe, Pump, Scarpin, Mary janes, Flip flops.

Please Comment and share if you like this post, you can also send me requests, my new post will be up tomorrow, till then have a nice day and have fun in your Cindrella shoes!

XOXO,

Anshika Agarwal.

Valentines Day Gifts For Him

* This video is not sponsored

Being forever alone has saved me for a long time but when the other day my friend asked me to help her out with V day gifts for her boyfriend, I literally couldn't come up with anything. Being a girly girl all my life kept me away from having knowledge about the football teams and all other stuff guys do or like. I'm sure we all drool over Chuck Bass & Harvey Specter in their suits but I don't even know about the outfit in the Men's section.

So to save all my dear viewers and subscribers from all the trouble I made a list of some general gift ideas to make him adore you even more.

• Beer Dispenser: This little baby comes in all different varieties from all plastic to fancy kegerator and in different sizes, hence a suitable gift for any budget, Replace this with a Whisky dispenser if required. I'm sure your boyfriend/ fiance/ husband will love you even more after he's done showing it off in the next house party. Shop.

• Scrap book - You'll be amazed how many guys find love letters and scrap booking really cute, even if they are all tough at the outside. You can also write him a poetry or a song, add humour to it. Attach a bill or a photograph from a memorable day to increase the value of it. A perfect example is this journal I found on pinterest.

• Varsity Jacket- Don't we all just love the cosy and warm feeling we get when wearing our boyfriend's jacket? Why don't gift one to him this Valentines. They are available across the stores and are not very expensive (depending on brand). Whether he is more of a shirt or a T-shirt person you just can't go wrong with this one!

         I found this on 64% sale here

• Cap - I haven't met a guy who doesn't like caps, no matter how many of them he already has, he will never mind owning another one.. I think the same rules of never having enough lipsticks for us applies to this one! I personally love the New York Yankees caps. Buy this one here

• Board game- Don't remember the last time you played board games? This Valentines is the perfect opportunity. It guarantees you a good time especially if your boyfriend is not all that cheesy. When you are shopping for romantic board games, you will encounter many different options. Some games foster a stronger emotional connection, while others are geared toward enhancing physical intimacy. Obviously the one who loses buys dinner!

• Lighter - For all the smoker boyfriends/ husbands and non smokers who like collecting lighters just go online and search for nice one, it doesn't involve a lot of confusion and is an easy option. A customized lighter from his favourite sports player or artist will make his day! Zippo has a large variety and they customize it for you too!

• Cook for him - They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, I don't think that only applies to men, food makes everyone happy! This is a super adorable gift especially if you've never cooked for him before. If you're not a cook, a simple meal is enough as I'm sure he'll appreciate your efforts but if you are good in cooking try walking an extra mile and make his favourite cuisine or anything that he enjoys, put a little efforts in presentation as its important part of cooking especially if this is your only gift! This is a good option for a last minute gift.

• Laptop/Phone/Ipad accessories - The safest way to make sure your money and efforts are not go waste. There are many varieties to choose from! Briefly a good gift if you want to keep things not too cheesy or low key. Just came across these minuskull speaker, aren't they adorable? 

• Lip balm and Sunscreen - A guy will never really take care of these little things by himself so take charge, its important for him too, buy him a lip balm, sunscreen and a moisturizer (add a handcream if you think he'll agree to use). Make sure of the brand you're buying him, avoid unisex products that might make him embarrassed to use it, there are many brands selling men product, go choose from there.

• Gym Gear- Which guy has ever said a no to a gym accessory?
  Whether he is a runner, basketball player, muscle freak at the gym or a tennis player. This can be a highly useful item in his closet. It may also act as a new motivation to hit the floors too.
  If loose on pockets, club it with a matching towel and water container to increase the value of the gift aesthetically

Hope you like it, do leave a comment and tell me about your favourites, you can also send me requests for my next post!

XOXO,

Anshika Agarwal.

Makeup Expiration: What is the shelf life of your cosmetics?

Hello you makeup junkies out there, the ones who have a stock pile or even those with only one lip gloss and mascara, Throwing your favorite makeup can be a lot worse than a heartbreak but today is the day you need to start going trough those cosmetics, and making a very important step in cleaning out those germ filled mascara tubes! This is one of the most committed beauty sins, as I have yet to meet the first woman who throws out her makeup when the time comes and the fact that these little bottles of addiction comes without an expiration date kinda makes us happy. We just can't seem to let go of our beloved and very expensive products after just 4-5 months months. It just hurts so bad :'(

 Mascara is a breeding ground for various eye infections, including pinkeye, and sties. Have you recently had sensitive, itchy, irritated eyes? Check your makeup! You have to get rid of it after 6 months, some even say 3. When in doubt, throw it out!

 Lipsticks starts to loose texture when it's gone bad. Toss it out after 2-3 years, and even though it seems like a long time, it's said that women tend to keep their lipsticks for up to 7 years! Eeek! Food has expiration dates, and people don't think twice to trow it out when it's gone bad, why should cosmetics be any different? The makeup you put on your face should be as fresh as the food you consume.

Liquid eyeliners is just as dangerous as mascara. Once it goes bad, usually 6-8 months, it's sayonara!

Face powders, Blush, Bronzer & Eyeshadows last up to 3 years. Since it's almost impossible to finish blush, (unless you're a makeup artist),  have a longer shelf life, and are lower risk for growing bacteria as it has little to no water at all. As with all cosmetics, it should be tossed within 2 years. You will notice powders become very dry and difficult to blend when it get older, don't try to fix it, just let it go.

 Foundation/ Concealers are good for up to 1-2 year. Not only does it harbor bacteria that you will then be applying to your face, but it also will become thick, making for an uneven application. This is a recipe for disaster. To extend the shelf life of your foundation a little bit longer, buy the ones that come with a pump or in a squeeze bottle. You want to avoid contamination, if you are having to put your fingers in the container, it will only shorten the lifespan of your makeup.

Lipgloss should be tossed after 2 year. It's also important to keep them in a cool dry place.

Don't buy more than needed for a full year, it's nice to have a little collection, but remember to keep rotating them, buying new and getting rid of the old.

Just remember to keep your makeup fresh, this will keep your skin looking and feeling healthy!

Must watch list: "The Return"

Coco Chanel has always inspired me like no other, I have always looked up to her style and dreamt of dressing up like her for every single day of my life. I'm quite sure the inception of my love for pearls was a Chanel poster.
Her self-confidence, her enthusiasm, her courage, her passion and the way she overcame hurdles through hard work and dealt with criticism in the film deserves a salute. I'm stuck to every Coco Chanel quote that was worked in. Please watch.

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DIY Natural Cleansers for Dry, Oily & Normal Skin

Every morning and evening we wash our faces, hoping to rid ourselves of any 

potentially harmful substances that have come in contact with the surface of our precious skin. It’s important to know that we’re cleansing our skin with the 

best possible ingredients, which is one of the main reasons I love making my

 own beauty products.  Not all skin is created equal, though, so today I have 

recipes for three different cleansing concoctions: one for dry skin, one for oily

 skin, and one for normal skin.

First up: Dry Skin. Wintertime, hot showers, air conditioners & heaters are 

often the culprit for skin that lacks moisture. The base for this cleanser is

plain yogurt, which, apart from its natural cleansing properties, is full of 

protein to soften your skin. It’s also a bit acidic, so it acts as an exfoliator,

removing unwanted dead cells from the surface of your skin. Honey acts as

a humectants, drawing moisture into your skin and keeping it there, as olive 

oil adds further moisture. Apples give your skin vitamins A, B, and C, as well 

as a dose of antioxidants to keep you looking fresh.

Next up: Oily Skin. For those whose skin tends to be on the oily side, 

let lemon and oatmeal be your new friends. Lemon acts as an astringent 

as well as a disinfectant, killing any bacteria that may otherwise cause 

breakouts, while oatmeal exfoliates the skin, absorbing excess oils in the 

process. Honey will restore moisture into your skin, balancing out any 

dryness that could have been caused by the lemon.

Finally, Normal Skin For those whose skin tends to be somewhere in 

between dry and oily, this cleanser is for you. The yogurt and cucumber 

nourish and clear your skin without drying it, while the mint adds a 

pleasant soothing experience.

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DIY Lace Twinkle Lights

Twinkle lights can bring an immediate sense of warmth and joy to a room like no other.
I love to adorn every room with them when it comes times for the holidays — and I’ve 
been known to drape some here and there even when the onset of winter season is way 
off in the distance.

Today I’m combining twinkle lights with another one of my decor loves — lace — for a
 beautiful decoration that’s perfect for this time of year. Here’s how to make your own
 lace twinkle lights!

Materials: Water balloons, lace fabric, fabric stiffener, petroleum jelly, scissors, and
 a needle or pin.

1. First, Cut your lace fabric into pieces or strips — they can be as long, short, wide,
 or narrow as you like. Try a couple different sizes and shapes, and see what works
 best for you.

2. Blow up your water balloons with air and coat them in a layer of petroleum jelly.
 The water balloons will determine the shape of the lace spheres, so keep this in
 mind when it comes to size. I found that smaller balloons (like the one on the right)
 looked best in the end.

3. Submerge a piece of lace into the fabric stiffener and wrap it around a balloon.

4. Keep wrapping until the balloon is full covered (you can overlap fabric if necessary),
 leaving the knotted portion of the balloon visible. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each of
 your balloons, then let them sit for at least 8 hours to dry — I let mine sit overnight.

5. Once the material has dried and hardened, use a needle or pin to pop each balloon,
 and pull the balloons out through the pre-existing hole.

6. You can pop your twinkle light right into this hole. My lace spheres all seemed to
 stay put on their own, but you’re having trouble getting yours to stay on your twinkle
 lights, you can use a needle and thread to stitch up the opening over the wire, as 
shown below.

I liked alternating lace sphere and plain twinkle light in random segments. I also really
 like how each sphere turned out slightly differently — it adds to the whole 
hand-touched feeling.

3 Reasons Why Baking Soda is the Best Kept Beauty Secret!

Of all the beauty ingredients out there, one that is totally a must is Baking Soda! Not only will they give you super soft skin and gorgeously shiny hair, but you can also create a super easy scrub that will help lighten areas like knees and elbows. The funny thing is, it’s so easy to use and give such great results!

Super Shiny Hair

Baking Soda is AhhhMAZING at removing any residue or film that may linger on your hair after you wash it. To create an invigorating shampoo that gets rid of any build up, mix one tablespoon baking soda with your shampoo, then wash and condition as usual!

Beautiful Knees and Elbows

Getting your knees to match your elbows really shouldn't be that difficult, but it is! Luckily this scrub makes it a whole lot easier! Mix together lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste, then rub on elbows and knees daily! Refrigerate excess! The lemon will naturally lighten skin and the baking soda removes dead skin making this concoction very effective!

At Home Microdermabrasion

It’s so easy to get a super amazing microdermabrasion at home with baking soda! All you really need to do is mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your favorite face wash and voila, an instant and very effective face wash!

Facial at home

Facials are an important part of our skincare regimen, but going to the spa every month can get a little pricey! We shouldn’t neglect our skin just because we can’t make those trips to the spa. Here is a step by step way to do an at-home facial, in between spa treatments!

• Cleanse: You want to begin your at home facial by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser. This can be a  Milk facial cleanser, which won’t strip your skin of it’s natural oils but will remove makeup. You want to make sure you work the cleanser on your skin in circular motions for about a minute.

• Steam: Take a bowl of water and microwave until you see the water is warm enough to let off steam. Put a towel over your head and your face a comfortable distance from the bowl. This will open pores.

• Exfoliate: This will remove dead skin cells, and buffing away dead skin will keep your pores from clogging which keeps acne under control. We recommend All natural homemade facial scrub or PMD.

• Facial Mask: Follow with a face mask. This can vary depending on your skin type. If you have acne prone skin, you can benefit from a raw honey mask.. You can also use an avocado mask, If you want to get fancy, we recommend french rose clay. Leave your mask on for about 10min, and rinse with warm water. Masks are used to moisturize, detoxify, increase circulation and replenish nutrients.

• Toner: This step will tighten pores and balances skin PH. Apply with a cotton ball all over the face.

• Serum: Finally apply a serum on your kin. Serums come in oil or gel form, they will penetrate the skin more than a moisturizer, and provide skin with powerful antioxidants and nourishing vitamins. Some examples are Argan Oil. Find a face oil that’s a good match for your skin and you will see instant results!

• Moisturizer: If your skin is dry you will need to apply a moisturizer after the serum. The vitamins in Goat milk facial moisturizer regenerates, softens, and soothes your skin’s surface, acts as an anti-inflammatory that sustains healthy skin tissue, and contains nutrients essential for healthy skin cell development and maintenance.

Hope you try!