Hey there! If you are looking to shop online from all the sales going on during the Republic day week of Jan 2022, Make sure to be mindful of buying what you need or something that you were eyeing and is now available at a good price! 

Or If you see a good offer stock up on your favourites that are about to finish up! Now what to buy from the Nykaa Mega Republic Day Sale?! Here are my recommendations - 

Skincare for - sensitive, acne-prone skin type

Haircare for - Dry, frizzy coloured hair and oily scalp

Makeup for - wheatish skin tone

Skincare!  

Basic skincare routine for Indian skin

WRONG! 

Worth a try, most definitely, but not suitable always. The trends usually are not always perfect for Indian skin. Like the Korean skincare rituals, the Chinese Gua sha or even the skincare products that are all the rage from Japan, the UK, or US markets, might not be a perfect fit for our skin in different climates. So we need to be extra mindful of how we design our skincare routine. 

Also, we oftentimes have no idea how to actually follow a skincare trend correctly. SO, I am starting a series of skincare basics, which will cover the How to- for the trending skin care methods and the very basics as well. But keep in mind, there are a bunch of different trends that keep coming and going, but I will only be talking about the trends I have personally tried and both liked or disliked. 

What will you find here? 

You will get to know 

- what is the method for 

- what does the method do and why it is worth a try 

- what are the products I have tried the method with 

- why it worked or did not work for me

- The method is best suited for whom 

- When should you do this 

- some product suggestions for different skin types - Please always consider That I might not have personally tried each product in this category. 

Let's get started then and for this post I will be covering the base, to build upon for skincare. Trends or not. 

A Basic everyday skincare routine consists of 3 steps - cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, hence CTM. 

Cleansing to clean the dirt, pollution, sebum, and oil off, and also hopefully sunscreen once a day. 

Toning to calm the skin, balance the pH, or prep the skin for the next step.

Moisturizing introduces either a layer to hold skin's natural moisture or a step to introduce hydration and moisture topically to the skin.

The method is best for the maintenance of healthy skin and not targeted at solving any skin issue, specifically. You may choose products that target issues. But in a simple sense, this Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine is for the upkeep of your skin, facial, and body. This is the quintessential daily routine to start off your skincare journey.

A cleansing, toning, moisturizing routine is worth a try by everyone, men and women alike. In any case, skincare isn't gender-specific. A CTM routine is for all skin types, but definitely, the products vary in each case. 

AGAIN, This is the most basic routine and perfect for beginners and skincare junkies alike. You can build upon this, add more steps but removing anyone step from this three-step routine is not recommended. 

Products I currently use for my CTM Routine

Products For A CTM Routine - 

For products, I will not mention a long list, because I have been following this routine, along with sunscreen for as long as I can remember. 

But here are some pointers to look for, in each of your products, regardless of your skin type and the climate you are in - 

- Use a mild cleanser, one that does not make your skin feel dry after use, true for all seasons.

- Steer clear of toner with alcohol, they are usually drying and damaging for certain skin types. 

- You can also tone with a floral/herbal mist or water, and these are usually the most gentle products to prep the skin. 

- Moisturizer should leave your skin feeling nourished, not sticky, or heavy on the skin, or oily. If any product does that, don't use it. simple. 

But to give you an Idea, currently, I am using the Simple skincare refreshing face wash, Kama Ayurveda Vetiver water, and Vaunt BBFF cream cream as products that relate to the CTM steps. I will soon be posting full reviews for each of the products, so will link them here, in case you want to know more about the mentioned products. Also, 

In the video below you may see a step or two more, that is what I mentioned when I said you can build upon a CTM routine. 

It definitely works for me. It works for the majority of people and is suitable for all men and women with all skin types, of course, the products vary in each step of this three-step routine. 

These three steps of the CTM routine should be for both your daytime and nighttime routine.

Focus on protection and maintenance as keywords for day and nourish and correct for the night and choose your products according to that. 

So I will keep this simple and close the when, why, with what, and how in one post itself. 

Also, here are a few don'ts -  
- Do not wash your face with a strong cleanser both times a day. -  If you feel like you need a stripping face wash {which you don't!}, use that at night, to clean off all dirt and sebum and follow up with a nourishing routine. BUT  keep this to the minimum to maintain a healthy skin barrier. 
- I know it doesn't fall under the CTM routine, but don't skip your sunscreen. Try to find a moisturizer with SPF if you want to stick to three products. 

Pin This!

Pin this for future

Here is a small detailed list of the top three purchases that I regret making in 2021. There were a few more, but they weren't as bad as these. so here goes, 

The first place on the list goes to - 

Neutrogena Ultrasheer dry-touch sunblock 

SIMRASA Luxuries Hair Gloss 

Earthi Ayurveda Facepack Cream 

At first, I was so intrigued by the Product when I saw this. This was one of the first products the Brand had launched and was so impressed with the packaging and the concept of a Facepack cream that I gave in and purchased it. 

Little did I know that the packaging is what will be the letdown for the entire experience of using the product. 

these are the few reasons why I didn't like the experience of using it, even though the product itself is not bad. 

- The biggest fault is the dispenser nozzle. You have to push down on it, as you would for a serum dispenser. and the product gets stuck and dries up. Making it impossible to get to the product. 

- I had to take the product from the pipe of the dispenser to use, making it very unsanitary. Since it comes in a bottle, it can't really be taken out by anything. 

- Even when the dispenser did work, You have to push through a lot to get some product 

So my grievance is major with the experience of using this face mask. The Face mask itself is interesting to use in terms of texture and how it feels afterward. 

But the claim of de-tanning etc hasn't shown till now for me, but I haven't been able to use it much to comment as such also.

This essentially sums up the list of products I didn't enjoy using in 2021. Like I mentioned above, there are a few others, but these three take the cake. 

The next post will list out the products which I absolutely love using overall. 

Till then stay safe and keep commenting on your views! 

Loads of love, 

Priyanjana  

 WEDDING JEWELLERY ONLINE BY DESIGNERS YOU WILL LOVE from amrutam 

Amrutam - Designer Online jewelry

Jewelry is the accessory closest to our hearts, so it is only natural that it – together with the perfect lehenga – is key to a bride's ensemble. Whether it is a treasured family heirloom or the perfect gift from a loved one on the day, jewelry acts as a talisman carrying all our hopes and wishes, not to say a little sparkle too. 

Whether you’re looking for traditional designs or a modern one, your bridal trousseau is definitely incomplete without some modern Indian jewelry collection from some leading jewellery designers at Amrutam Jewelry. 

Choose from this one-stop destination for all your wedding jewellery needs.

FOR THE MEHENDI DAY 

Ace up your bridal mehndi attire with these gorgeous designer jewellery pieces that are rare and exclusive. These are some really cool, interesting, and refreshing jewelry options for a bride-to-be to wear at her Mehendi ceremony.

From elaborate sets comprising of maang tikkas, haathphools, tiered necklaces and earrings to minimalist hair accessories, these designers have something unique for every bride.

Now, without wasting your time, bookmark your favorite ones now.

Sultana maathapatti with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry.

92.5 silver jhumka, with 22 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry

Floral polki headband with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry

Statement Polki Bangles at Amrutam

FOR THE SANGEET DAY 

Looking for ways to rock your sangeet look?

We know you want to look your fashionable best when heading for a night-long dance fest complete with Bollywood tunes. 

Wear a statement piece.  “Add something to take your look to a level beyond so it becomes memorable by wearing fun hair accessories like a Kundan headband,” our stylist recommends. 

Well, these bridal jewelry ideas for sangeet are surely for a trendsetter bride. The first necklace set is a personal favorite!  

Polki chatai necklace set ( red beads) with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry

92.5 silver Kundan ring with 22 carat gold plating, available at Amrutam Jewelry

Kundan necklace set with 18 carat gold plating, available at Amrutam Jewelry

Kundan Maangtika with 18 carat gold plating, available at Amrutam Jewelry

 FOR THE COCKTAIL NIGHT 

You've got your ethnic jewelry for the lehengas and saris, but what do you need for a classy Cocktail soiree? To add a touch of glam, we would recommend going for ethnic-style emerald earrings or Polki chokers along with statement rings. Rings are a must!  Pick from our curated options below to ease your problems. 

92.5 silver earring with 22 carat gold plating, available at Amrutam Jewelry

Victorian polki headband with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry

Faux diamond jewelry, Available at Amrutam Jewelry

FOR THE WEDDING DAY 

Jewelry is unarguably the most crucial element of the bridal trousseau—choose well, and you’ll find that you can dress up and dress down the pieces for decades before passing them on to the next generation as a treasured heirloom.

Whether you're looking for traditional designs or contemporary modern Indian bridal jewelry pieces for the big day,  you are sure to find your style at Amrutam - from maang tikka, to designer naths, haath phools, and stunning necklace sets. 

Shop bridal jewelry styles loved by celebrities like Dipika Khosla is seen in the image below.

Kundan necklace set and maatha Patti, available at Amrutam Jewelry.

Kundan necklace set with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry

Kundan ring with 18 carat gold plating. Available at Amrutam Jewelry.

Minimal look with bridal jewels

You Can follow Amrutam on their Instagram handle - @amrutam.jewelry for new designs and updates from luxury designers 

 Let me know in the comments what you liked, from the images above! 

Vedix Review

Hey Guys!! Hope you are all well. Now that the Indian government is lifting the Lockdowns in Phases with the #Unlock phases, it is time to go out, but again, if required only. Let’s try our best to stop the spread of the Corona Virus! I haven’t gone out yet. Fortunately, the nature of my job doesn’t require me to go out and I have been staying at the house and using the little extra time to pamper myself.

The opportunity to try the Vedix Personalized Hair care regime came in at the right time. As I was losing a lot of hair because of all the stress and change in lifestyle I needed to try something that will work for me in a gentle and natural manner.

Vedix has an approach that aligns with my views of self-care and pampering, and hence when they approached me to try their Ayurveda based personalized hair care regimen, I jumped at the offer.

The steps are simple, you Go to the Vedix Website and simply take a test or the vedix hair quiz to understand the kind of dosha according to Ayurveda you have. 

There are three doshas – Kapha, Vatta and Pita. This forms the base of any ayurvedic medicine and Doctors at vedix also follow the same principle. You hair problem is related to your dosha and tackling it the way it is supposed to be is the best.

So I did that, I went ahead and answered a few questions about my hair problem and my lifestyle. Got to know that I have Pita and Vatta doshas. Haha, double bonanza.

So I was given a Shampoo and hair oil specific to my particular dosha along with a Hair serum.

Here is what I have to say about my experience with the Vedix customized ayurvedic hair regimen. and a little bit about how to use vedix hair products

Vedix Customised Ayurveda Anti Hair fall Oil – The first step of the Haircare regime customized for me is the hair oil made to control hair fall. I wanted to first counter the hair fall that I was facing, hence I gave that the most importance while answering the vedix hair questionnaire.

The hair oil itself is my new favourite. The oil smells great and applies on the hair even better. I like the fact that the oil gets absorbs easily by scalp and hair and helps in nourishing. This has definitely helped reduce my hair fall. The oil is given in this pack sure will last you after the shampoo has finished up. I make sure I leave it on for the night, you can also apply the oil around 2 hours before shampoo.

Vedix Customised Ayurveda Anti Hair fall Shampoo – The shampoo customized for your dosha has various set of ingredients, but the base is silicon free and SLS free. My customized Shampoo smells like coconuts and tulsi. The shampoo doesn’t lather much but does a good job at cleaning the oil off of the scalp well.

The quantity of the shampoo is the only grievance I have when I think about it. Because I really like how clean and soft my hair feels after a wash.

Vedix Customised Ayurveda Hair Re-growth Serum – The third and last step in the customized ayurvedic regimen is a hair regrowth serum. Once you are done with the shampoo, apply a few drops of the serum on your hair and scalp.

You may feel a bit of tingly sensation after applying this, but that was fine with me. I can’t say that I see this working, but I guess this is the product that will take most of the time to show results. and I was using this for a month. 

Now that I am back from a break and to my skincare and hair care cupboard, this is going to be my new regime again! So follow me on Instagram at @Priyanjana for regular updates om how this fares again when used after a gap. 

All in all, I know this helped me, I know I am going to buy this again one hundred per cent and I will Highly recommend the Vedix Hair care regime! 

Let me know if you try! 

Love, 

Priyanjana