The Indian Beauty Stuff Everyone Should Use! (Also, Where to Find it in London!)

When I decided to move to London, these were the three fashion related thoughts that came to mind: I can wear boots, I can wear (faux) leather and I can even wear (faux) fur. The beauty stuff was not something I really thought of too much. I am not much of a beauty-makeup person although that has more to do with my lack of skills than lack of interest.

However, once I actually moved to London, I was overwhelmed with the amount of beauty products crammed in the Boots nearby. But I was so giddy with the excitement of using No. 7, Soap & Glory, Rimmel, Smashbox and other UK brands and products not available in India, I didn’t really miss my staple Indian items.

Now I have been in London for more than a year and realize that moving to a different country as an adult is not easy – even beauty and makeup wise. Your routine is established and favourite products are decided. Although there is an amazing variety of brands here, I miss some of my Indian brands and products which are sadly either unavailable or difficult to find in the nearby Boots.

Sweater dress, Purple Lips and Metallic Shoes : #OOTD

I was going out for dinner, and for once it was quite chilly here in Bangalore. Perfect time to bring out this sweater dress I’ve had for ever. It was marked as a dress when I bought it, but its way too short for me to ever wear it as one. I always end up pairing it with tights or pants.

Sweater dress – Mango, Faux leather leggings – Mango, Pendant – Westside, Lipstick – Revlon Matte in Shameless Desinvolte

How to Wear Your Summer Clothes in Winter #OOTD

Its not shocking that once its officially winter and I can no longer wear skirts without tights or go out without at least two layers, I long to wear all my summer clothes. A friend in India recently asked me how I have managed – have I packed up my summer clothes (or Bombay clothes), forgotten till next year or do I still try to make them work? I have been trying to make them work – with varying results. This is one of the success stories of wearing my summer clothes with a winter twist. I have talked about the coat here and the beanie and scarf in this Shopping Bag post.

Sheinside striped tee dress, black high neck ribbed jumper (unbranded), Zara leather coat + biker jacket, Forever 21 maroon beanie and black faux leather plimsoles, brick red scarf and structured bag.

The Long and Short of It – Long Cardi And Short Shorts!

I dragged my husband to the Vogue’s Night Out shopping event (and got myself this cool coat on discount). This was back in September when I could still get away with wearing one cosy cardigan. We ended up doing quite a bit of shopping, ending with some great dinner at The Kati Roll Company near Oxford Street – so all in all, a productive night.

White textured quilt top from Boohoo, faux leather shorts from H&M, black cardigan from Wills Lifestyle and ASOS blue leather bag.

Denim Shirt as a Jacket #OOTD

For someone who loves jackets, it’s quite strange that I do not own a single denim jacket. They never seemed to quite fit in with my lifestyle in Bombay (where it was too hot to wear denim jackets) and don’t really provide enough protection from London’s cold weather like my leather jackets.

I have been wearing my Gap denim shirt as a shirt and strangely, as a jacket almost as much and for as long and almost always over a dress.

 

White dress with crochet from a boutique in Bandra, Mumbai; Gap denim blue shirt; ASOS white mini bag with brown straps and gold buckle; brown leather slippers from FabIndia and cappuccino from coffee cart next to the London Eye.

Guest Blog ALERT!

I love makeup and spend some considerable time on Pinterest for looks to recreate. And then I swipe on my same old bright lipstick (Boots No. 7 Sienna, MAC Ruby Woo and now Revlon Colourburst Showy) to make up for the outfit which is lacking in colour (always!). And when its a really special occasion I use the MAC gold eye shadow I have – and that’s the extent of my makeup skills.

So when we had the chance to have Krupa, biochemist and blogger at Istyle Awhile give us some tips on makeup after her extensive experimentation with makeup as a dancer and beyond, we jumped at that chance! And the best part is that she agreed to show us some great makeup looks for the eyes – and right in time for Diwali.

Our guest blogger, Krupa

And some of her looks even involve gold eye shadow. 🙂

So watch out for her post tomorrow so you can get ready for a colourful Diwali!

– Anisha

Confessions of a lipstick hoarder: The only 5 lipsticks you need

Okay I’ll admit it. I have a problem. I cant stop buying lipsticks. I don’t know what it is, I’ll be strolling calmly through the mall minding my own business, and then I’ll spot the MAC counter. And that’s that. 30 minutes later I’ll walk out with a new shade that I’ll convince myself is absolutely essential for “my collection”. When did it even become a collection?! Don’t even ask. But for better or worse, a collection it is. And its still growing. Lipsticks in my mind are the little black dresses of makeup. You need to find that perfect one, yet at the same time you just cant have enough. First it’s about finding that perfect nude for your skin tone. Then of course we have to have that everyday pink! Then comes that perfect shade of red that you absolutely need in your life, and while you are at it why not pick up some statement colors as well. Orange, plum, dark red, even that purple. And then, ooh look Revlon has some new matte chubby sticks! Have to have those. What can I say except, I have a problem. So here are some of my favorites for the moment. I’ve tried to include drugstore options as well. I’m sorry if the swatches aren’t the best, I’ve tried to link the websites of most so you can take a better look at the colors.

• Nudes

These are my everyday go to shades. Perfect to wear to work as well, especially if like me your office encourges business formals. Finding one which suits your complexion is essential, as some nudes can leave you looking completely washed out. Unless of course thats the look you are going for. My favorite of the lot would be Velvet Teddy by MAC. Its a matte shade, and looks great on Indian or darker skin tones.  For more fair skin tones, MAC – Fleshpot is also a great color. Maybelline recently came out with a whole collection of just nudes, so you are sure to find one perfect for you if you want to check that out.

1. Mac Matte – Kinda Sexy
2. Mac Lustre – Touch
3. Mac Matte – Velvet Teddy