My Hair Care Routine for Fine Hair

Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, a consistent daily hair care routine for your hair type is always a must. Most of you ask me how I maintain my hair and how it looks so healthy and shiny all the time. So here is my hair care routine that works for me, and I'm sure it will help make your fine hair look fuller, thicker, and healthier-looking too!

Hair Stories with Reto Camichel : Sebastian International Artist

When a person like me who experiments with her hair regularly, gets to meet one of the best international names in the business, you know it is going to be a starstruck moment. Especially when you get to meet the charming Reto Camichel, an International Artist with one of the most loved hair brands in the world, Sebastian! That is exactly what happened and it was a fun and interesting evening where he gave me some interesting insights on himself, his association with Sebastian and advice for my readers and aspiring hair artists.. Keep reading to know his amazing journey which makes for a really interesting read.

How to pick the right T-shirt for a guy

Most men I know live in their T-shirts. It is the staple of every man's wardrobe. T-shirts have slowly and steadily made their way into work wardrobes as well. Worn just as they are or styled with shirts or jackets, it is the most versatile item a man owns. So when I have to choose between buying a shirt or a T-shirt for Prateek, or the other male members of my family, most of the times I tend to pick up a T-shirt. Buying a T-shirt can be a really simple process if you follow some simple key steps:

1. Know The Right Size

It is very important to know the right size that you have to buy. If you know the shirt size then it can be converted into the t-shirt size easily. Most brands have 38 as a Small, 40 as a Medium and 42 as a Large and so on. Knowing the size is essential because neither do you want the guy to look like he is wearing a tent or buy something that makes him feel like he is gasping for air. If the guy is going along with you it's easier incase you don't know the size. A right size is one where the seams come on the edge of the shoulder and not hang down. If you are buying sports wear made from stretchy material, knowing the size is especially very important. Please do not look at the salesman in the store and say that the guy looks like him, or is his size to determine the size to buy because 8 out of 10 times you will land up coming back to exchange the T-shirt :)

2. Decide The Fit

Every guy has his personal preference when it comes to T-shirts. Some like to wear it a little loose whereas some like the snug fits. Some like the sleeves short and some like it longer. Classic fits are the common choice for everyday wear for most men, so if you do not know the preference, this would be the safest fit to pick up. As far as the length is concerned, the perfect length is where the t-shirt falls just below the guy's hips.

3. The Neck Line

You can choose between a crew neck(round neck), a v-neck, a collar neck, or a Henley T-shirt. If the person you are buying for is small shouldered or chested, the crew neck is a better option as it helps the person to appear broader. V-necks give the illusion of longer necks thus making shorter people look taller as well as making larger men appear slimmer. Collar necklines are more for those who wish to wear their T-shirts more formally or are of a senior age. Henley T-shirts are for those who like to wear fitted T-shirts and have an athletic body. This style is a collarless T-shirt having 2 to 5 buttons and looks best in its full sleeves version. There are other necklines too but its better you stick to these basics.

4. Choice of material

Cotton, cotton blends or polyester are the most common materials used for T-shirts. Pure cotton is most comfortable and makes guys sweat less but it also creases easily. Cotton blends are a lot like cotton T-shirts but the mix with spandex or polyester reduces creasing. Polyester is light and best for sports. Prices also are usually the highest for pure cotton t-shirts and then cheaper for blends.

Once you have the answers to the above 4 points all you need to decide is the colour, budget and accordingly the brand. Absolutely simple isn't it! :) Some of my favourite brands when it comes to mens T-shirts are Zara, Jack & Jones, Pepe and UCB. The Spring-Summer 2015 collections of most brands are out in the stores now and it would be the right time for you to go and shop for the men in your life! 

In case you have any queries on picking up a T-shirt for the men in your life, then just drop me a mail or your comment below and I will be more than happy to answer them.

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Tips for Holi - Haircare, Skincare, Nails & More - All that you need to know!

You won't find a festival anywhere in the world as colourful as the Indian festival of Holi. It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and the end of the winter season transitioning into spring. Holi can be a crazy festival with the colours, water and fun, yet it can be really dangerous. So here are some really simple yet effective tips for you to take care and play without any worries about your skin, hair and nails. Check them out!

Do follow these so that while you have fun, you also play safe! Happy Holi Everyone! 

For more such videos, check out my Youtube channel

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Post Natal Care Routine - The Indian Way

Giving birth has got be the most painful experience in the world for a woman especially if you have had a vaginal delivery. No doubt it is for a reason that's worth it and motherhood is such a divine feeling that words can't express, but one has to take good post-natal care of oneself. You cannot be selfless even though the focus is all on the baby, as your wellness determines wellness of the baby. The first 2-3 months after delivering are the key months to future recovery and getting back to a normal state of body and mind.

I am going to take you through a few things that I practiced/am still practicing in my post natal care routine along with the products that I'm using:

Body Massage

In India, a full body massage with oil is given to a new mother in order to stimulate blood circulation, soothe muscles, eradicate toxins and help the body cells and tissues recover faster. The body is massaged for about 20 to 30 minutes with medium to strong pressure. Special strokes are applied on the stomach to push the uterus back and help it contract. A head massage every few days also helps in relaxing the mind. In case one has had a C-Section, then the abdominal massage is avoided for the first month. The massage helps in effective weight loss and toning of the body. I used the following oils for my massage:

• Figaro Olive Oil

Figaro Olive Oil is a mild and non- irritant olive oil that suits all skin types. It is rich in antioxidants and has got no chemicals added to it. I noticed a lovely glow to my skin on using this oil. Since I have dry skin, regular massage with this oil reduced the dryness of my skin to a large extent.

• Jovees Winter Green Anti Cellulite Body Massage Oil

As I am pear shaped, most of my pregnancy weight gain happened on my lower body. Also as I had been advised rest due to which I couldn't exercise much, I developed a decent amount of cellulite on my lower body. To get rid of the cellulite, I bought this oil which is based on an Ayurvedic recipe. I got the winter version as it was the monsoons when I delivered and the temperature in Mumbai was low. The oil is a mix of essential oils such as Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Cord Liver Oil and Sunflower Oil and which help in strengthening nerve fibres. I saw results in a week of using this oil - there was a reduction of cellulite to a large extent along with visible toning of muscles and also reduction of excessive fats.

Hot Bath

A hot bath relaxes the body and muscles after a massage and also lets the pores open up so that the oils can work their way into the body to have a better effect. Very hot water is poured on the lower abdomen and the pelvic area to help in the reduction of the enlarged abdominal section, as it helps to hasten the contraction of the uterus and the pelvic passage. You can also mix some water boiled with Carom seeds(Ajwain) into your bath water to avoid catching a common cold as your body is weak initially and easily prone to catching cold and other infections. For my post natal bath routine I decided to stick to Ayurvedic products too.

• Vedic Line Orange Cleansing Syrup

The best part about this body cleanser other than being Ayurvedic is that it's anti-bacterial. It is gentle on the skin but strong enough to wash the excess oils off my body post the massage. The main ingredient - Orange, acts as a natural bleaching agent and reduces skin pigmentation, blemishes and darkening of the skin. The cleanser removes all odour and leaves the skin feeling fresh. I love the citrus fragrance that lingers for a while post my bath.

Both the oils and the cleanser are available on the following platforms:

www.flipkart.com

www.healthkart.com

www.purplle.com

www.jabong.com

Other than my massage and bath routine, here are a few more things I take care of:

• I tied a postpartum belt on my lower abdomen to help the uterus contract and help my stomach go in

• I follow a good diet leaving out all kinds of junk food and include dry fruits and milk. Lentils for protein and sago for better milk production are also key.

• I eat on time

• I try to get as much sleep as I can. The tip is - Sleep when the baby sleeps :-)

• I take my calcium and iron supplementation without fail

This routine has been quite effective for me making me feel more relaxed and stronger physically and emotionally which also helps me in taking better care of my little one. I will recommend such care for every new mother! :-)

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A Sequinned Dream - How to wear a Sequin Dress

A Sequin Dress - I had been desiring one since ages, but I also knew that I never wanted to take the chance of ending up looking cheap and tacky. Most times that's what a look ends up in. Mainly because either people don't buy the right dress, or they don't accessorise properly. So when at the recent MANGO sale I saw this perfect sequin dress, I knew I had to have it at that very moment! One for the copper colour, two for the way it fits like a dream without poking(comfort is very important for me) and three for the pretty looking contrasting sequin work over the base sequins. Getting it was like a dream come true!

I wore it to the recent TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe Official India Launch and the compliments never stopped flowing. I'm glad to have found that one dress that has finally ended my long long search.

Dress - MANGO

Black Crocodile skin textured sling purse - KAZO

Black cut-out peep toes - Giovanna, Singapore (last worn here and here)

I am a sucker for deep backs!

So what is it that one needs to keep in mind while wearing a Sequin Dress? Let's run you through some quick tips:

1. Don't load yourself with jewellery - Since you are already going to be making a shiny statement due to the sequins, jewellery should be minimalistic. A ring or two, a bracelet or a watch(you can even avoid this)  and simple earrings like solitaires will do the trick.
2. Stick to one sequinned item in the look - Overdoing sequins is a fashion faux pas, so stick to just the sequin dress as you do not want to ruin its effect and keep the accessories neutral or solid coloured to balance the look.
3. Use textures in accessories - For your shoes and purse think suede, patent leather, patterned leather (like my cut-out peep toes and crocodile skin textured sling purse) as they all can work very well to aesthetically amplify your look.
4. Choose your inner wear carefully - Sequins reflect light, so you surely don't want any bulges under your dress. Bulges will look bigger when they are shimmering. Wear seamless undergarments for a smooth look. You can also choose well fitting shape-wear that can give your dress a sleek appearance.
5. Keep the make-up subtle - A pop of colour on your lips, a light eye shadow and some kohl and mascara and that's it!

After keeping all of this in mind, all you need is to add your natural sparkle to the outfit - Your Confident Smile and you are set! :) 

So would you dare to wear a sequin dress?

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