Coco Chanel’s aesthetic remains distinctive and unmatched; it comes from her ability to sway her creations with a balance between her complexities and free-spirited mind. The new scent, Gabrielle Chanel, composed by Olivier Polge, pays ode to this artistic visionary. And the muse, Kristen Stewart, exemplifies the woman it’s made for: feminine, yet fierce.

While the video campaign she’s fronting, shot by British director Ringan Ledwidge, is slated to release in September, the print visual by photographer Karim Sadli is intense and clean, all at once. In her textured, messy bob, as she tilts her head only slightly, Stewart stares into the camera with her piercing kohl-ed eyes, but the gaze is soft, assuring.

The only thing left now, is to sense the abstract-floral scent on your pulse, which will hit the stores in September this year.

The post Kristen Stewart to be the face of Chanel’s new Gabrielle Chanel Fragrance appeared first on VOGUE India.

Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim has the honour of being among the least populous states in India. And while to us city rats, that’s more than enough reason to escape to the naturally beautiful state, we’ve compiled a list of must-dos, to make sure you make the most of what it has to offer.

Gaga over momos: The minute you enter the state, get yourself a plate of hot momos from the first street side vendor you find. I assure your Sikkim momo experience will be life-changing: each momo-maker has his/her own family recipe of the chutney, so no two will be the same. I remember trying at least 30 different types, all too spicy but too delicious to give up. Don’t skip the thukpas and Wai Wais too.

Drive up to Tsongmo Lake: This stunning glacial lake, at a height of 12,400 ft, and about 38km from Gangtok, is frozen in the winters, and the late spring lets you enjoy its ethereal blue-green waters surrounded by melting snowed-out cliffs and a riot of bright blooms. Worth the winding drive up there.

Stroll along Gangtok Market: The slope-y street is divided into two, with bright green benches in the middle, and the highlight isn’t the shopping as one may assume. It’s the fountains in the middle, and the sounds of local music that play through centrally located speakers, all evening.

Cable car ride: Located at Deorali market, Gangtok, the ropeway offers incredible views of the landscape. The 1km long ride features views of Mt Kanchenjunga and of course, the beautiful town from a height of 3,500mts. Make sure you take the time out to get closer to the sky when in Sikkim.

Trek up, down, all around: There are some great trekking routes that go through: villages with friendly faces and modest huts that almost always are attached with their own little vegetable garden; deep forests that buzz with meditative sounds of nature. Some routes will have you following the sound of the water, until you reach a cooling waterfall where you will, whether you were prepared or not, jump in and soak up. I personally loved my hike up to Ranka Monastery, a massive one where you can actually get a glimpse into the daily life of a monk. It’s almost like you’re intruding, but as long as you’re invisible, it’s okay. The monastery views are too picturesque to forget.

Yak, yak, yak: I’ll be honest, my judgement is coloured because I’m a fan of all things cuddly and furry. And these incredibly tame, seemingly peaceful creatures are adorable. While yak rides are a thing (popular routes include the Tsomgo Lake, Dzongri region), if you’re against the idea, make sure you take pictures of them all dressed up in their finery (colourful woollen knitwear, ftw).

Row, row, row your raft: Teesta and Rangit are the rivers to head to, if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has more turbulent waters and is more challenging than the latter, while Teesta ranks Grade 4 on the international scale.

The post Your 7-point guide to exploring Sikkim the right way appeared first on VOGUE India.

Every household has their beloved skincare secrets; sworn by, passed on through generations. Some secrets, though, are the kinds that need to be revealed, shared with the world. We’re talking about family recipes that are too good to be kept, well, within the family.

Here, we share the stories of some of the beauty world’s homegrown brands that had a modest inception—from their kitchens or home gardens—and it all started with one common interest: their passion and constant search for natural, gentle skincare.

If you like the sound of a nourishing honey avocado face pack on a Sunday afternoon or a coffee caramel foot scrub on a long day’s night, you might want to add these to your next haul.

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GULNARE SKINCARE

The story: Founded in 2015 by a family of four, Gulnare was inspired by the beauty rituals of (and named after) their maternal grandmother, Gul, whose secrets were passed to “the mum”, Shonali Bedi, who continued to experiment and create the product line. Chemical-free and 100 per cent natural, these pots were made in their kitchen, first sold to friends and family, and the demand quickly escalated to include those from outside the close circle.
The stock: Face creams, toners, body scrubs and butters. They will soon launch mineral make-up.
Bestsellers: Goddess – Rose Gold Elixir, Aloe & Vit E Face Cream, Coffee Caramel Body Scrub
Find it at: Gulnareskincare.com; Skin Sanctuary, Shapur Jat Village, New Delhi; IsayOrganic, Gurgaon; and Ishana store, T3 Delhi International Airport

GULNARE SKINCARE

Coffee Caramel Bath Scrub

THE HAIR KITCHEN

The story: Ritu Gehani has been a hairstylist and make-up artist since 1999. After a decade’s stint in Spain, when she came back to India, she realised the lack of nourishing hair products that were gentle but super effective. “I started to make small quantities of my hair oils based on ancient Ayurvedic remedies, with a thorough study of herbs for different scalp and hair concerns,” says Gehani, who distributed these oils to family, friends and a close set of clients. The clear difference in hair textures, reduced hair fall and effectiveness of her products led to the launch of The Hair Kitchen.
The stock: Hair oils for babies and adults, hair masks and conditioners, leave-in hair sunblocks and hair moisturisers.
Bestsellers: Comfort Hair Marinade with Pure Eucalyptus Extracts, Kids Haircare Oil, Revive Hair Fondue
Find it at: Amazon.in and select salons and wellness stores

THE HAIR KITCHEN

Revive Hair Fondue – Deep Conditioner

JHELUM LOVES

The story: As a former beauty editor, between trying and testing millions of beauty products, Jhelum Biswas Bose studied Bach Flower Remedies—a stream of alternative healing where flower essences are used to heal emotions, which in turn helps address other physical manifestations. This strengthened her belief of simplicity and a desire to create easy skincare. It started with experiments with oils and Bach Flower Remedies, that now have a loyal following.
The stock: Apart from customised chakra perfumes, body oils and such, her product line includes face washes, mists, creams, shampoos and feet mists.
Bestsellers: Face oils—Rejuvenator Regular, Rejuvenator with Rose Otto and a hair mist called Refresher.
Find it at: Qtrove.com, Engrave.in and Instamojo.

JHELUM LOVES

Hair Refresher

WIKKA

The story: Rupal Shabnam Tyagi, as an aromatherapist and perfumer, has been healing people since the past 10 years. “Regular visits to our family-owned aromatic plantations and mango orchards stoked my interest in aromatherapy and lead me to study the subject in detail from London and become a qualified aromatherapist. The scent and the breeze from these aromatic plantations was charming enough to pull me into this field and make me study it so extensively,” she says. Tyagi started blending potions in 2005-06, and eventually introduced Wikka in 2015. Her products are crafted in the foothills of the Himalayas, and she customises based on your needs too.
The stock: Oils, skin nourishers, hair nourishers, face packs and exfoliators.
Bestsellers: Beauty Potion and Honey Avocado Face Pack
Find it at: Wikka, MG Road, Ghitorni, New Delhi; Wikka.in

WIKKA

Honey Avocado Face Pack

JUST HERBS

The story: Dr Neena Chopra, co-founder, and a bio-chemist and Ayurveda expert, started off by making ubtans and lotions in her family owned garden and lab in Chandigarph in 2002. Her aim was to marry her training in bio-chemistry with ancient Ayurvedic principles. A lot of their products formulas are crowd-sourced, based on the feedback from the brand’s customer base.
The stock: Facial gels, oils, serums and ubtans, sulphate-free shampoos, silicone-free conditioners and traditionally prepared hair oils.
Bestsellers: Kimsukadi Tail Glow Boosting Facial Oil, Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir
Find it at: Justherbs.in, Sephora and at airports in major Indian cities

JUST HERBS

Coorgi Coffee Lip Balm

The post 5 homegrown Indian beauty brands that need to be on your radar appeared first on VOGUE India.

It’s fascinating how many bars you can visit over a long weekend in Singapore. The number of streets dedicated to pubs and bars are many; the themes, decor and concepts, imaginative enough to beckon you even if you weren’t planning on a drink.

In the midst of a Coldplay concert, work commitments and a shopping itinerary that I was more than happy to skip, I managed to visit some cool spaces thanks to local friends who don’t believe in doing basic.

A gay bar, a pub dedicated to martinis, a club that creates cocktails based entirely on the senses, a pop-up beer tap room in buzzing Chinatown—this list is tried and tested, and ensures an unforgettable (or blurry, depending on the number of shots you down) weekend on this island city.

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Skinny’s Lounge

For karaoke, pool and happiest hours

Your friendly neighbourhood bar on the river front, this one’s got all the elements of a great, unfussy night: a pool table on the patio, classic cocktails with some unusual ones that keep making the list, American rock and roll, and insane happy hour deals. The insides are dark and sprayed with art, the bartenders are happy to customise a potent cocktail in hours of need, as did mine, and the karaoke room is the perfect way to test your drunken vocal skills, which, more often than not, merit more than when you’re sober. Because I wouldn’t have imagined me and my friends so theatrically singing Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ the way we did that night, and actually had the greatest time while at it.

Image: Instagram.com/drinkskinnys

Tantric Bar

For a happy, gay time

Even straight people can enjoy the spontaneous, upbeat vibe of this popular gay bar. In fact, I can think of many straight friends back home who need to visit this place and loosen up a little. The party music and double-shot drinks will have you dance the night away, inebriated and uninhibited.

Image: Facebook.com/Tantric Bar & May Wong's Cafe

No. 5 Emerald Hill

For a bit of deviant behaviour

I’ve always lauded Singapore’s clean, organizsed behaviour. How you get fined even for chewing gum. Then I enter No. 5, a martini bar, and see the entire floor littered with peanut shells, and I’m in half a mind to turn back. But then I see a big bowl of peanuts on every table, and realise how important it is for the dwellers of this city that is obsessed with cleanliness, to unleash their monsters and litter away. After ordering our one-for-one martinis, my friends and I shared our craziest bar experiences, shelling peanuts without realising how many I’d not-so-accidently flung toward the floor.

Image: www.emerald-hill.com

Kinki

For grunge and hip hop after-hours

Guys in white shirts with big beer mugs hinted that this is the bar locals love to go to with colleagues post work. Open-air and sea-facing, the space is grunge, the walls plastered with vibrant graffiti and the music is the kind Kanye would approve.

Image: www.kinki.com.sg

Smith Street Taps

For unending beer

Craft beer on tap. Rotated monthly. Served at dirt-cheap prices in a hawker centre. As simply and well-put by my friend.

Image: Facebook.com/SmithStreetTaps

Prince of Wales

For live bands on breezy evenings

Acoustic versions of your favourite bands are played live by local musicians at this backpacker-inspired pub. Prince of Wales is laid-back, just like you’d want your Sunday evenings to be. And they have weekly quiz nights and beer pong tournaments so you don’t feel completely wasted.

Image: www.pow.com.sg

Tippling Club

For a drink for every memory

That you’re going to have a great dining experience at chef Ryan Clift’s gourmet kitchen is guaranteed. What you also must know is that it offers an olfactive drinking experience. The team at Tippling has worked with International Flavors and Fragrances, an American company, to create 12 cocktail formulations based on scents and memories. Rain and Campfire happen to be two of the dozen drinks that will conjure up memories and take you to happy times.

Image: Facebook.com/TippingClub

The post 7 not-so-basic places to check out while bar crawling through Singapore appeared first on VOGUE India.

Consider them the superfoods of skincare. Beauty boosters are concentrated shots that come in tiny bottles, packed with powerful properties. They’re not serums, not creams, not anything in between, but potent formulas that work like add-ons to the mix, targeting everything from breakouts, dull skin and discolouration to skin damage, with high proportions of active ingredients. They’re tending to the need of the hour—to help your skin fight back environmental damage and careless lifestyle choices of the generation.

We’re betting on these beauty boosters of the moment to bring life back into your skin:

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Clarins Booster Detox

If pollution, parties and partial sleeping patterns are your biggest woes, mix 3-5 drops of this detoxifying liquid enriched with green coffee extract into your moisturiser or serum, to refresh your skin.

Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Clarifier

Sufferers of blemishes, this remedy will clean out your pores, control oil and gently exfoliate to refine and smoothen your skin.

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C 10%

Vitamin C—ageing and dull skin’s strongest adversary—comes in potent portions in Clinique’s booster. How it works: with the cap on, release the pure Vitamin C powder into the de-ageing soothing emulsion to activate it, shake well, mix two drops of this blend with your daily moisturiser and massage onto skin. It’ll double up the power of your skin’s saviours.

CoverFX Type C Custom Infusion Drops + Lemongrass Radiance

If luminosity is what’s lacking, these drops will bathe your skin in Vit C to brighten dull complexions.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

Use this for a burst of moisture if your skin is going through a dry spell. It also helps in minimising fine lines.

Eminence Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum

Infused with cooling tea tree oil and willow bark, it will calm irritated skin. Apply a few drops on the entire face or mix it with your mask.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster

This anti-wrinkle gel works actively to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. Use two pumps for the face, neck, and décolletage and let your skin absorb this lightweight lotion before you move on to your moisturiser.

Omorovicza Oxygen Booster

This water-gel treatment infuses oxygen molecules directly into skin, to refresh and revive, while the Swertia Chirata extract helps to reduce wrinkles. Use it if your skin feels lifeless, dehydrated and stressed.

The post Breakouts, blemishes, dull skin—these beauty boosters solve it all appeared first on VOGUE India.

Throughout her career, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu has given Indian girls #LifeGoals and motivation to push their boundaries and chase their dreams. The 21-year-old Olympic silver medallist follows a strict fitness regimen, naturally. Here, the athlete, also a Gatorade ambassador, not only shares how she preps and dedicates her time to be the best at what she does, but also what she loves apart from her first love: badminton.

Her fitness regime
“I start my morning session at 7am, which goes on till about 12pm. This is when I focus on my game on court, post which I head home for lunch at 1pm and rest until 3pm. I am back at the academy by 4pm for endurance training and wrap up my day by 7pm.

“My pre-workout routine starts with stretching exercises and finishes with a run. My workout session varies every day, and is planned on a monthly basis, focusing on my back, abdomen, knees and shoulders. In between practice sessions, I keep myself well hydrated since athletic performance is greatly improved when one is properly hydrated.”

Her diet
“Nutrition for me is about balancing the carbs and proteins. My day usually starts with milk, eggs and fruits for breakfast. I then head to the courts and keep myself hydrated in between sessions with plenty of liquids.

“For lunch and dinner, I eat meat with vegetables and rice. Also, I never leave for my workout without a snack in my kitbag—this is usually a small bowl of fruits, a few dried nuts and a bottle of Gatorade. All of them help me keep up my energy and provide me with endurance.”

Her match-day prep
“Match day typically involves exercises that help me warm up and nothing too tiring. My diet for match day is calculated basis the match timing.”

Her favourite thing to eat
“Hyderabadi biryani is one dish that is always on my list of cheat meals.”

Off-the-court, she is…
“Not as aggressive as I am on court. Off court I am very jovial and fun.”

Apart from sports, she is passionate about
“Clothing. I love spending time shopping.”

Her hidden talent
“I am yet to discover my hidden talent but I do love dancing.”

Currently on her Netflix watching list
“I love watching sports documentaries.”

Her workout playlist
“Includes pop and rock music.”

The best advice she’s received
“Is from my dad, he always told me to stay grounded and not get carried away by any amount of success.”

Her future goals
“I am eyeing to be the World Number 1.”

The post PV Sindhu’s daily fitness routine includes 8 hours of training appeared first on VOGUE India.

Monday blues or midweek slacking, everyone has days when they’re not at their productive best. And while multiple caffeine shots might keep you from daydreaming (till the effect wears off), they’re definitely not the best way to deal with overflowing to-do-lists. Could there be some way to be more alert and reach your best possible potential? Three nutritionists give you their list of brain boosters to consume on a regular basis so you remain motivated and focused, every single day.

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Suman Agarwal, celebrity nutritionist and author, founder of SelfCare India

Coconut oil for gut health and memory
“One teaspoon a day can improve gut health and brain activity. It also helps in reducing memory loss as you age.”

Egg yolk for brain development
“Yolks are rich in choline, zinc and contain small amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids that help in brain development. Recent studies suggest that it also improves HDL (good cholesterol).”

Avocados to improve concentration
“They’re packed with mono-saturated (good) fats, and contain Vitamin K and folate, all of which help improve concentration and memory function of the brain and can also protect you from blood clots.”

Image: Shutterstock

By Rashi Chowdhary, nutrition and metabolic expert and founder of Protein Bake Shop

Ghee or organic butter to control sugar cravings
“Start your day with 1 tbsp of ghee—our brain functions beautifully on fat. Having this first thing in the morning helps line your gut, takes care of your sugar cravings throughout the day and give you a dose of good fats first thing in the morning so your body is able to absorb all fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E and K efficiently.

Coconut chunks to enhance brain function
“These are loaded with saturated fat. The quality of saturated fat in coconut chunks is different. Technically speaking, they are short-chain fatty acids and behave like carbohydrates so they get used up very quickly by your body and don’t get stored in your glutes like other bad fats from vegetable oils, etc. So, they give your brain a boost of energy without the negative effects of high sugar levels.”

Image: Shutterstock

By Vishakha Shivdasani, doctor of nutrition

Dark chocolate to be more attentive
“It boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which are associated with greater concentration.

Salmon to rebuild brain cells
“It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help rebuild brain cells, and slow cognitive decline. The protein in salmon contains amino acids, which are essential for keeping your brain focused and sharp.”

Green tea to focus
“It contains theanine, which improves mental alertness and focus.”

Image: Shutterstock

The post 8 foods that can increase your focus, alertness and productivity appeared first on VOGUE India.

Colours. They hold the subliminal power to alter your emotions, actions and even reactions—yours and others’. On a bleak day, I often slip into my favourite mustard-yellow sunflower sweater, knowing its sunny hue will rub off on me and show me the brighter side of life. For instant confidence, I will swipe on a cheerful cherry lip colour. Light, inviting colours on you tend to put people around you at ease. Even your aura is determined by the luminous colour radiating out of you.

Yes, colour is important in your life. And Eva Yean is one of the mediums that brings it to you. As the vice president of global product development and global colour designer for L’Oréal Paris Makeup, what does Yean do for you? She’s responsible for that sensual scarlet, the perfect blush nude and that bold berry that make you feel put together with a single swipe. “Creating products that make women feel confident and expressive in their beauty—that accomplishment makes me happy every day,” she says.

LIFE IN TECHNICOLOUR
From the exact shade of your foundation to the brightest of bright lipsticks to even mascara pigments, Yean picks and predicts what goes on your face. For 2017, “your face will be draped in warm and luminous metallic,” she forecasts. And why do we trust her? It’s her 18 years of expertise talking. “It’s a mix of working across multiple beauty companies, studying cosmetics and fragrance marketing, holding side jobs as a beauty advisor and make-up artist at weddings while in university, and being a beauty junkie before the term even existed.”

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
In her second role, that of a product developer, she comes up with formulas and products based on innovation, consumer trends and art and travel—her main inspirations. “The colour trends are a combination of curiosity and awareness of what is going on in other industries—fashion, contemporary art, and industrial design. I take the most striking shades that are running concurrently through these design métiers and reinterpret them as shades for make-up.” Before it ultimately reaches your dresser, Yean first matches the product batch closest to her colour target with the chemists. “After the colour is validated, I try it on all phenotypes of women, from fair skin all the way to the deepest melanin. I make sure every complexion and colour gets covered.

THE FUTURE IS DARK
Yean’s colour predictions
It’s all about deep, expressive shades. “Think black, grey, deep plums and burgundies to anchor the safe nudes and pinks. For the eyes there is a strong return of shadows in different finishes, deep shades in pearly textures, as well as nudes that are not flat matte anymore.” The hottest hue of the moment? A bright orange-red—“it’s captivating and elegant at the same time.”

The post Introducing the coolest job in the beauty industry: creating colours appeared first on VOGUE India.

When you have three timeless blooms in your hand, a scent winner is guaranteed. How do you take it up a notch? For perfumer Sophie Labbe, it starts with picking unexpected ingredient partners.

Here’s an experiment: close your eyes, and imagine strolling along a European orchard of pale pink and blonde primrose. Just when a soft breeze sweeps through the foliage, take a long breath. Now open your eyes. Were you, in the subtlest of ways, reminded of the smells that mark the arrival of spring? If not, try again, this time with your favourite flower in mind.

The delicate scent of flowers, as it travels through your mind’s maze, unlocks feelings manifold. No wonder then that flowers are considered the heart and soul in the world of perfumery.

The key to bottling blooms, though, is the complexity of blending them with the right ingredients—some complementing, some contrasting—to make the perfect scent. For perfumer Sophie Labbe, who has recreated Bulgari’s Splendida collection, it all starts with a story. “The first step for me when creating a fragrance is to think about the story I want to tell. Then, I select the ingredients that can tell that tale. I consider their volatility (the time when they reach their olfactory peak on skin) to turn them into a fragrance with a strong message, but with some surprises,” she says.

In Splendida’s three floral blends, she picked the classics—jasmine, rose and iris—to match Bulgari’s history of precious gems, and gave them a modern, intensified rebirth.

THE LEGACY
From the rarity of the ingredients, the rich, ornamental design of the flacon to the radiating aura of the liquid, over the years Bulgari blends are known to echo that feeling of wearing fine, delicate jewellery.

Whether it’s the glimmer of gold on your skin in Goldea, the protective power of turquoise in Noorah or the mysterious clasp of moonstone in Calaluna, the scent has reflected the stone’s allure.

There’s a reason why every facet of a Bulgari fragrance resonates strongly with precious jewels.

This opulent connection—of the scent and the stone—comes from an unpretentious inception; Sotirio Bulgari set up the business in a tiny Greek village in the 1800s by fashioning precious objects in silver, and his sons Giorgio and Constantino took it to the luxurious space it occupies today.

This aesthetic of innovation and reinvention, while keeping craftsmanship and perfection at the crux of the brand’s identity, continues to reflect in 2017 in Iris D’Or, Rose Rose and Jasmine Noir, the trio that make up Splendida.

Iris D’or
The flower: Iris
The icon: Bulgari Pour Femme
Sophie’s blend: “I began by isolating the flower that would be the diva of this scent: iris. Later I picked ingredients that would mirror its preciousness—mimosa for its fluffiness, violet leaves for their green crunch, heliotrope for its powdery inflexions, vanilla for its tenderness and raspberry for its energy.”
What it did to me: The sunny, green notes that contradict the sweetness and warmth of vanilla and the earthiness of orris had me thinking: I have never smelled anything like this before. And I was sold.

Rose Rose
The flower: Rose
The icon: Rose Essentielle
Sophie’s blend: “I wanted to transcribe all the facets of rose—from the fresh bud bathed in morning dew to the opulent red bouquet. I blended three qualities of the flower—rose essential, fresh and light; rose oil, floral with spicy undertones; and finally rose absolute for its opulent floralcy and honey-like facets.”
What it did to me: It’s hard not to be a little intimidated by rose’s intensity if you’re not into floral scents. A base of sandalwood and top notes of mandarin, though, balance the headiness.

Jasmin Noir
The flower: Jasmine
The icon: Jasmin Noir
Sophie’s blend: “I call it a feminine floral oxymoron. I chose a jasmine “sambac absolute to suggest the immaculate white bloom, and blended it with the soft addiction of a satin almond. For the ‘Noir’ part, I composed a blend of charismatic, deep and mysterious woods, with a patchouli heart.”
What it did to me: The clash of pure white petals and the dark side of wood leaves the mind a bit baffled—in all the right ways.

MY MOMENT
I believe in the beauty of contradictions. Iris D’Or instantly beckoned me—something about this blend of powdery sweetness and balmy warmth had me wanting more. I can only sum up this Splendida feeling in one word: special.

The post This is the unexpected way your favourite fragrance was made appeared first on VOGUE India.

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Dalish Lip/Cheek Balms, Rs 960 each

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra, Rs 2,430

Benefit Dandelion Twinkle Nude-Pink Powder Highlighter & Luminizer, Rs 2,430

Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara, Rs 2,200

Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment, Rs 1,500

Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection, Rs 1,350

Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist in Vetiver Water, Rs 750

L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Root Concealer Spray, Rs 600

Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Lipstick, Rs 480

O.P.I Nail Lacquers, Rs 850 each

Chanel Ombre Première collection, Rs 2,650 onwards

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder, Rs 3,250 + Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Popsicle, Rs 2,500

They’ve got to be long-wear, multi-purpose or humidity-defying, or all of the above. These top runners have your summer skin and hair covered.

THE DO-IT-ALL POT
Press your ring finger in this tiny, Canadian-origin, 75 per cent natural pigment pot, and dot and dab on the apples of your cheeks, lips and lids for fresh, happy glow. We pick coral to reflect the setting sun’s tint on your skin. Dalish Lip/Cheek Balms, Rs 960 each. Dalishcosmetics.com

THE GLOW BLUSHERS
Some give your cheeks that natural rosy flush, some give it that lit-from-within glow. These illuminising powders do both. Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra, Rs 2,430. Benefit Dandelion Twinkle Nude-Pink Powder Highlighter & Luminizer, Rs 2,430

THE FINISHING TOUCH
The last step for that lasting impression, Dior’s Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume mascara, with its XXL makeover, will give your lashes clump-free, high-volume fringes in only one big sweep. Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara, Rs 2,200

THE LIP PROTECTOR
That it comes in a sophisticated roll-up stick makes it stand out from drugstore balms. That it’s made of coconut oil and lemon butter, with SPF 25, makes it indispensable. Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment, Rs 1,500

THE SUN SAVIOUR
A sunscreen that won’t clog your skin with chemicals, is light enough to disappear yet shield, has antioxidant-rich ingredients like nutmeg, ginger and lime, and includes nourishing shea butter and olive oil, needs special space on your shelf, through the year. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection, Rs 1,350

THE FACE REFRESHER
Why splash regular water on your face on a hot summer’s day when you can sprinkle it with a mist made of antiseptic and refreshing vetiver? Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist in Vetiver Water, Rs 750

THE HAIR REVIVER
Dread that moment when you look at the mirror and notice shiny platinum roots peeking from underneath your dark mane? Avoid that moment. Just spray on some of this temporary colour on your greys and you’re good to go, at least until your next salon visit. L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Root Concealer Spray, Rs 600

THE POUT PROVIDER
Why this intensely matte lipstick over others? Because the built-in primer will ensure you don’t sweat out what you swipe on. Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Lipstick, Rs 480

THE REFRESHING FACIAL
The victim: Girl about town, exposed to heat, dust and pollution
The problem: Pigment spots, discolouration
The solution: The Biguine Bio Facial at Jean-Claude Biguine
The works: Essentially done to bring back the radiance in you, the treatment starts with a thorough cleansing, followed by a bio-active exfoliating scrub to unclog pores and ready the skin to absorb the goodness of the concentrate, gently massaged onto skin. Next, a facial massage to relax and smoothen features is followed by a peel mask. The 60-minute treatment ends with a nourishing cream.
The result: The girl walks about town as usual, only this time with smoother, brighter, livelier skin.
The price: Rs 3,500 + taxes

THE CULT NAIL IMPORT
Those bright lacquer pots you bring back from your international beauty hauls need not be added to your next trip checklist. O.P.I has officially launched in India, so don’t be surprised to see beauty store shelves lined with iconic shades of their gel polishes, because it is the real thing. O.P.I Nail Lacquers, Rs 850 each

THE ULTIMATE INVESTMENTS
These summer collections sit pretty on your face—and your dresser

Ombre Première by Chanel
A spring set that can last you a lifetime, Chanel’s Lucia Pica has crafted a pool of individual eyeshadow pots that could cover every eye make-up look you’ve ever fancied. From a sandy azure and rich violet to a glossy peach and dusty copper, the colours work wonderfully on their own or blended together. That along with the textures—a creamy one that melts onto your lids effortlessly, a powder pot in multiple finishes like matte or velvet—are enough to occupy precious time and shelf space in your life. If you’re experimental, mixing cream with powder is going to be your new no-rules-followed addiction. Chanel Ombre Première collection, Rs 2,650 onwards

Follow the Sun by Bobbi Brown
Brown has created the ultimate holiday kit, whether you make it to that blue-skied, crystal-waters sandy vacay or not. And it includes all the essentials: an ultra-light formula in a stick that reveals a natural radiance when the sunlight hits your face, a conditioning gloss for a my-lips-but-better pout, a non-sticky eye gloss to give your lids a post-beach-swim freshness, and an illuminating bronzer to go with your sunset cocktails. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder, Rs 3,250. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Popsicle, Rs 2,500

The post The freshest beauty launches on the shelves this month appeared first on VOGUE India.

Here’s your beauty guide with wondrous little tricks to waterproof your beauty regimen this monsoon. All you need to do is shake things up a little.

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Always carry dry shampoo

You know it, but we’ll say it again. A mini bottle of dry shampoo is humidity’s worst enemy, ergo your best friend. It takes off excess oil, refreshes hair instantly and adds volume to a lifeless mane. Why won’t you just slip one in your bag already? Try: Batiste Dry Shampoo Instant Hair Refresh Breezy & Light Fresh.

Get skincare-make-up hybrids

Lessen the layering, and slather on lightweight potions with multiple properties. Basically, make a moisturising, sun-protecting, hydrating, non-greasy tinted formula your daytime dewy glow giver. Finish off with some powder. Try: Dior Hydra Life Moisturizing Tinted Aqua-Gel and Clarins Beauty BB Perfector.

Carry cleansing wipes

Slip a packet in your purse to cool and refresh. They come with soothing ingredients to calm sun burn and sensitive skin. Try: Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes.

Make your lipstick last all day long

Best way to make sure your lipstick stays on, come rain or shine, is to fill it up entirely with a lip pencil before you swipe on a similar shade of lipstick. The blend of two colours from the same shade family will also add some dimension for a plump pucker. Finish off with a balm to keep that pout nourished. Try: ColorBar Definer Lip Liner.

Powder up

Stock up on your powders and use them to set your make-up, control your sebum, and remain sweat-free. Puff up even you’re not wearing make-up, it’ll ensure your skincare doesn’t melt off with sweat. Try: Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.

Turn your daytime twists into beautiful soft curls

You already know braids or twist ups are the perfect way to pretty up. This time, spritz on some sea salt spray over semi-damp hair before you start weaving, so you’re prepping your tresses for the night. We recommend a fishtail for the day—it’s cooler than a regular braid, and opens up beautifully into cascading tight curls. Finish off with a shine spray so the curls behave. Try: L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni-Art Beach Wave.

Use a cheek stain

A soft blush on the cheeks brings out a warm glow to your face, and the best way to ensure it stays on is by using a tint pot. The colour is easily blended onto your skin to give it a natural flush and lasts until you remove your make-up. Try: Lip/Cheek Balms by Dalish Cosmetics.

Prime your lids

Eyeshadow primers increase the intensity and longevity of your eye-art, and prevents powder from falling out. Try: NYX’s Eye Shadow Base.

The hair trick that will eliminate contouring

Keeping the hair off your face is ideal, but a super high top knot has multiple benefits: perfect to keep your hair off your neck, it also lifts up those cheekbones giving you a sharper, chiseled appearance, meaning no contouring required. Spritz on a strong-hold spray only onto the top knot to keep flyaways from sticking to the forehead. Try: Wella EIMI Stay Styled Workable Finishing Spray.

The post 9 easy tricks to make sure your make-up stays on through a rainy day appeared first on VOGUE India.

Whether you’ve had a power-packed three course meal or a light bowl of salad for lunch, hunger pangs start creeping in the minute the clock strikes 4pm. And while you should be proud of yourself for reaching out to that pear or peach instead of potato chips, you need to rethink your snack options in the monsoons. “Salads and pre-cut fruits, when exposed to monsoon air, can develop microbiota, which can cause gastric irritation and stomach infections,” explains Mumbai-based nutritionist Suman Agarwal. She suggests munching on protein-based snacks instead that step up the immunity and protect you from common cold, and carb-based snacks for energy. Agarwal charts your Monday to Friday midday menu, and if you can’t pack them yourself, we’ve curated options you can pick off stores and delivery service menus. Here’s your guide.

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Monday

Pack: “Monday isn’t the easiest of days to prep and plan meals, so go for a mixed jar of nuts, dried berries and seeds,” says Agarwal.
Pick up: Epigamia’s snack pack will come in handy to light up your Monday blues. The Greek yoghurt company does snack packs that come topped with chunky granola. Mix the fruit goodness with these crunchy bits and eat away.

Tuesday

Pack: “Roasted channa or peanuts, or make a quick roll stuffed with moong and vegetables,” suggests Agarwal.
Pick up: Light and crunchy, the cookie box by Brown Salt is apt when stuck in a midday meeting. The artisanal cookies are made of 50 per cent dark chocolate and wholesome oatmeal to keep you full for long. They’ll also beat sugar cravings with far less calories than that dense chocolate loaf!

Wednesday

Pack: “Mixed veggie paratha made by simply kneading veggies into regular paratha dough. Add cabbage, carrot, capsicum and bottle gourd and roast it on a griddle,” says Agarwal.
Pick up: Too Yumm’s Wheat Thins are all you need to spoon up last night’s hummus or leftover dips. They are high in protein and fibre and apt to carry in your handbag as well. You can also eat them without a dip, with your afternoon green tea instead.

Thursday

Pack: A tiny low-fat cheese or veg sandwich, or a mock mayo sandwich. To make a delicious toast of salad veggies in hung curd with a curried twist, hang the curd in a muslin cloth for one and a half hours. Remove from cloth and transfer to a bowl. Add carrots, capsicum, salt, sugar and mix well. Heat oil and add 1 tsp mustard seeds. Once the seeds splutter, add curry leaves, remove from heat and add red chilli powder. Add this to the curd mixture. Spread it over your bread and toast it.
Pick up: What more would you want than a celebrity nutritionist telling you how to cope with hunger pangs? Zarin Watson’s new food delivery service The Pitchfork does a delicious Ring My Bell sandwich that is stuffed with roasted pepper, cumin-flavoured zucchini, jalapenos, all on two-seed sourdough bread. They deliver across Mumbai.

Friday

Pack: “Roasted kurmura or corn and rajma bhel. Simply pressure cook soaked kidney beans and corn separately. Sauté onion, capsicum and green chillies in melted butter in a pan, add corn, kidney beans, potatoes, chaat masala, black pepper powder and 1 tsp salt. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, feta cheese, sugar and coriander,” says Agarwal.
Pick up: Weekend is here and you know you’ll be indulging tonight. So give your system a break by hydrating it with RAW Pressery’s Coconut Water. The 100 per cent natural drink is handy to lug around and will get you ready for your Friday night shenanigans.

The post Your guide to healthy snacking at work, based on your level of laziness appeared first on VOGUE India.

Bingeing on margaritas with a side of carnitas, or walking through graffiti splashed by-lanes of Berlin sounds like a good way to spend your weekdays, but if you can’t make it to that holiday, simulate the situation back home. Especially if you’re the kind whose favourite thing about holidays is trying local foods, Mumbai has options aplenty. German currywursts, Japanese ramen, Vietnamese banh-mi—Mumbai eateries are bringing street foods of the world to you. Here’s our list:

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Baozi from China: The Bao Haus Co

It’s a simple delivery joint with an extensive list of delish stuffed steamed buns, ranging from Belgian pork belly bao and coconut shrimp bao, to quinoa bao and tofu mushroom bao for the herbivores.

Facebook.com/thebaohausco

Image: Instagram.com/the.baohaus.co

For currywurst from Germany: Mahlzeit

Still can’t get over that succulent sausage drizzled with flavourful curry sauce, sandwiched between freshly baked bread you OD-ed on during your German holiday? You can halt at Mahlzeit – Berlin Street Food in Bandra to get your fix.

Mahlzeit.co.in

Image: Instagram.com/mahlzeitindia

Pad Thai and Som Tam from Bangkok: Mamagoto

Their sweet, sour, spicy som tam salad is by far closest to the ones we’ve had tried on the streets of the Thai city.

Mamagoto.in

Image: Shutterstock

For Peruvian treats: Lima

To satiate your Spanish cravings, enter Lima to get lost in the world of fresh seafood ceviches and other delicacies.

Limabarandrestaurant.com

Image: Instagram.com/limabkc

Banh Mi from Vietnam: Banh Mi Co

Call them to devour fresh crunchy produce and lots of meat, stuffed in a Vietnamese baguette.

Facebook.com/banhmicomumbai

Image: Shutterstock

Burritos from Mexico: Coma Coma

This delivery-only joint will satiate your craving for fiery Mexican food—call in for one of their burrito bowls and chill with your favourite Netflix show.

Comacoma.in

Image: Shutterstock

Nutella crepes from Paris: Suzette

We like our Nutella to be generously oozing out of a warm, semi-crisp crepe, reminding us of a warm winter afternoon in Paris. Suzette incites that exact feeling.

Suzette.in

Image: Instagram.com/suzettemumbai

For sushi and ramen from Japan: Hello Guppy

Grab those chopsticks and head to the bright and colourful all-day Japanese café and Bar, Hello Guppy at BKC. Apart from maki rolls, a warm comforting bowl of ramen will ensure the rains don’t take away the sunshine from your life. And yes, they do the Instagram-favourite ramen burgers too.

Helloguppy.com

Image: Instagram.com/helloguppy

The post 8 restaurants in Mumbai to visit for street food from around the world appeared first on VOGUE India.

In life, we often reach a crossroads, with two paths neatly laid out for us to choose from. And while the more convenient path can easily sway us in its direction, it may not always be the best one. How do you know, then, the right way to go?

A mind that is stable helps. Which leads us to the most natural human action: to react without thought. When faced with a tough situation, our first instinct is to react, instead of giving the said situation a moment of thought, then responding responsibly.

In Radhika Vachani’s (Mumbai-based founder of Yogacara Healing Arts) new book, Just Breathe, where she uses the ancient philosophy of the Yoga Sutras to develop practical, simple techniques that help you manoeuvre through the complexities of life, there is a chapter on ‘experiencing the gunas’.

In it, she gives us simple practise tools to become a more responsive versus reactive person. “Reaction comes from an imbalanced state of being and does not support your wellbeing, while becoming responsive stems from a balanced and supportive state of being,” Vachani writes. Here are some tips, excerpted from her book, that will help you find your way to a more balanced self:

1. Take any challenging situation in your life. Examine how you feel—are you stuck, frustrated, anxious, negative or in pain? Or do you feel calm and confident that you will be able to overcome your challenge?
2. Experience this energy fully. If you feel calm and confident, then sattvic qualities are predominant and you are in a good place.
3. When you are confronted by a challenge (it could be a difficult person or situation), your mind generally becomes tamasic or rajasic. Most people become fearful, anxious, doubtful and negative, and the mind starts racing with thoughts. Thinking becomes clouded; the mind has no direction. It goes round and round in circles, and emotions get highly charged. In such moments, it is important to acknowledge that these mental and emotional states do not support your wellbeing, and that you require a shift.
4. Your responsibility is to take a deep breath, press the pause button and let uncertain and restless energies settle. Become responsive versus reactive. This may take a few minutes, hours, days or months—it depends entirely on the situation.
5. Essentially, if your mind is clouded, if your emotions are charged, and your breathing or heart rate is fast, do nothing until these energies settle and you come into a more balanced state of being.
6. Never act in a negative or chaotic state of mind; this is a state of imbalance and all decisions and actions coming from this state lead to more chaos and confusion in your life. Do what you need to release tamasic and rajasic energy—exercise, do yoga, breathe slowly, listen to music or even talk to a friend. Do not react but instead find ways to ground yourself and relax.
7. Soon you will develop the needed clarity to act in a manner that is going to produce the most supportive outcome. This is a sattvic state, where clarity, creativity and wisdom thrive. The key to life is to find equilibrium in everything that you think or do, integrating the mind, the body, the emotions and our actions; this is what creates balance and harmony, enabling you to evolve to the best expression of yourself.

In the end, when you reflect on your life, the only thing that will matter is how you have lived, whether your actions have been conscious or unconscious, whether your spirit was expansive and alive, or dull and lifeless. Each one of us is left to bear the consequences of our actions, reactions and the choices we make.

Radhika Vachani’s ‘Just Breathe’ hits the stores on July 3

The post Why you need to respond and not react to situations appeared first on VOGUE India.

As much as I love sitting for many long minutes (or even an hour!) with a slathering of some incredible ingredients on my face that make my skin feel like it’s on vacation (putting on your favourite playlist helps), unfortunately, even that can seem like a luxury in this busy millennial lifestyle that us 20-somethings love to lead. So, my shelf is neatly stacked with face masks that are: 1) instant lift-me-ups, 2) require only a few minutes to solve skin problems, 3) and still take my face on a mini staycation if not an extended escape. And I keep switching them based on my skin’s seasonal needs.

For monsoons, the masks need to gently unclog your skin of all the environmental pollutants its gathered through the day, keep it hydrated and nourished, and of course, give it a fresh glow. We picked out five variants—tried and tested—that do the job perfectly.

TIP: Put your masks in the fridge for 10 minutes before using them—this will help refresh your skin immediately.

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The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
For: Deep cleansing, and purifying clogged skin
Verdict: This muddy-textured, rock-coloured mask is made up of bamboo charcoal from the foothills of the Himalayas, tea tree oil from Kenya and green tea leaves from Japan—an impressive mix. The charcoal will help draw out dirt particles to the surface and fight acne, tea tree will provide a cooling sensation and green tea is an antioxidant. So my combination skin approved. It feels like clay on the skin, tight but not tense, and does give a bit of a tingling sensation on application. And since it is a drying mask, the massaging process to take off with water helps in exfoliation. Skin felt soft and clean, like I’d never stepped out of the house. – Sneha Mankani, junior beauty editor

Dior Hydra Life Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask
For: Gentle exfoliation and a supple freshness
Verdict: The see-through pretty pot shows off this mask’s soft coral colour. It gets better when you open it. Imagine a blend of blueberries, sugarcane, oranges and lemons, and sugar maple—the cool gel mask looks, smells and feels incredible on the skin. The little beads in it are made of apricot kernel extracts for scrubbing purposes. Literally three minutes are enough for this light citrusy peel to refresh the skin. It definitely had a plump, smoothening effect instantly. And felt so delicate on the skin, you wouldn’t be afraid to use it more than twice a week. – SM

Innisfree Second Skin Mask – Relief
For: A boosting shot of moisture
Verdict: Who doesn’t love a sheet mask? No-effort-required-effectiveness—a double helping of that please! Except, this product is too true to its name. It literally is so thin to ensure it ‘feels like a second layer of skin’ that it comes enclosed between two meshed sheets. Dripping with a fermented broth of Jeju green beans, you know your skin is in for a real hydrating treat. Messy, and hence, a bit difficult to take out of the pack. But the way your skin feels ‘after’ makes the ‘before’ process totally worth it. You leave it on, lie down, and let the enriching mask do its thing. Then you peel it off whenever you feel like because there is absolutely no irritation—and massage the leftover goop into your skin. Let it absorb; a great idea would be to use this just before bed. Do not rinse, why let go of the goodness? – SM

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Sleeping Mask
For: Overnight hydration
Verdict: There’s a reason beauty hacks are so often searched for on Google—everyone’s looking for a way to get the most out of their beauty routine in the least amount of time. This sleeping mask is my go-to once a week, or on nights when I’ve had a few more drinks than I should’ve. All it requires you to do is slather on a layer of the cooling blue gel-like cream on your face and leave it on overnight for it to work its magic. It contains refreshing thermal spa water and hydrating hyaluronic acid that work together to give you plump skin as soon as you wake up. It’s the perfect antidote to avoid that hungover, dehydrated skin or if you’ve had a long day on the run and want to give your skin some extra TLC. If you’re not a fan of leaving it on overnight, you can even wipe it off with cotton after 15 minutes or use a thin layer as a nightly moisturiser. – Anjan Sachar, beauty writer – Vogue.in

Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask
For: Seasonal acne
Verdict: While most clay masks seem to dry out my pores excessively, leaving me with even more marks (in spite of having combination skin), I found my perfect match in this home-grown brand. This mask has now become an integral part of my weekend. The non-drying formula contains natural clays to control oil, glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation and the antioxidant green tea to control acne—you really can’t go wrong. Leaving it on for 15 minutes during my Sunday Netflix binge gives me smooth, clear skin and minimised acne, if any. I top my face up with a spritz of rose water right after patting it dry to refresh the skin, no excess oil in sight. – AS

The post Vogue tries it out: 5 face masks perfect for the rainy season appeared first on VOGUE India.

To celebrate the month of the Vogue Beauty Awards 2017, we’ve curated a list of top runners—from skincare and make-up to mind and hair care—that we are putting our bets on this season.

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THE MOST ESSENTIAL PALETTE
The centre piece of Chanel’s autumn/winter 2017-18 collection needs your special attention, because it’s about to change your life. A three-in-one, does-it-all creation by Lucia Pica, the Palette Essentielle will give you a glowy, fresh complexion, and its handbag-friendly size only makes it all that indispensable. It comes with fresh skin’s three requisites—creamy concealer, highlighter and lip-plus-cheek blush—and will effortlessly let you create that no makeup make-up look that’s flooding your Instagram feed. Chanel Palette Essentielle in Beige Medium, Rs 5,000, Rouge Allure Velvet in First Light, Rs 2,800

THE VERSATILE LIQUID SHADOW
Liquid so you can have fun painting your eyes, versatile because with two shades on either end of the stick, L’Oréal Paris’s creamy Infallible Shadow Paints let you play with colours, layer and create your own blend of graded hues. We love how we can go for a pop of shimmer with their ivory-champagne ones, or try the blush pink and metallic navy duo if we are feeling a little risky. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Shadow Paints, Rs 895

THE CHICEST COLLAB
The Clinique +Jonathan Adler collection will be the coolest addition to your vanity, with make-up dressed in bright geometric designs by the iconic interior decorator. The range is inspired by his Globo collection, and the colours reflect Clinique’s happy, energetic aesthetic. “Good design is like an anti-depressant. It has the power to transform your mood, like a big squishy sofa you plop into. Make-up is an anti-depressant, too. It can literally transform a woman’s day,” says Adler. You’ll spot bold acrylic spheres covering your lippies, and vibrant yellows, greens and blues marking the pots and palettes. All the cheerful hues will have you dreaming of a sun-drenched vacay. And if you can’t be at one, Clinique’s colour pro Matin Maulawizada has created looks that will bring you one step closer to the blue waters of Santorini. Clinique + Jonathan Adler Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cherry Pop, Rs 1,800, Cheek Pop in Peach Pop, 2,500

BATTLES IN THE MIND BY ANNA CHANDY
With this book, counsellor Anna Chandy (who’s also Deepika Padukone’s counsellor and chairperson of the Live Love Laugh Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation founded by the actor) addresses this era’s leading cause of disability and its growing prevalence—mental health issues. “She has, more recently, been my therapist when I went through clinical depression two years ago. All these years, I’ve known her to be authentic, effective, focused yet empathic. In her, there’s a sensitivity and acceptance towards life that is very rare to come by.” – Deepika Padukone

PREGNANCY NOTES: BEFORE, DURING AFTER BY RUJUTA DIWEKAR
What it is: Diwekar’s complete and comprehensive guide to caring for yourself through every stage of pregnancy. “I remember specifically the conversation between me and Rujuta following my delivery, when I told her to put me on the Tashan diet. She said, ‘No, we have to be careful, compassionate, feed the body well or risk hormonal imbalances later.’” – Kareena Kapoor Khan

THE PERFECT BODY BREAKFAST
Gulping down a glass of almond milk with honey sounds alright but slathering your body with it sounds perfect. The Body Shop’s range has a lotion, a creamy exfoliating scrub, a hand cream, a body butter and shower cream—for a wholesome body brekky. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Gently Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub, Rs 1,495, Soothing & Caring Shower Cream, Rs 495

THE ULTIMATE ZEN STATE
Invest in Elemis’s Life Elixirs, aptly named so, for the five aromatic blends—Calm, Sleep, Fortitude, Embrace and Clarity—restore balance in your mind and body. Each kit has a bath and shower elixir, a perfume oil and a scented candle. Just the sound of submerging in these makes those worries seem a little distant, doesn’t it? Elemis Life Elixirs Clarity Candle, Rs 9,860 (full kit), Sleep Bath and Shower Oil, Rs 9,860 (full kit).

THE BOTTLE FOR ALL HAIR PROBLEMS AND TYPES
Schwarzkopf’s Bonacure Brazilnut Oil Miracle range will give dry hair nourishment with brazilnut oil, suppleness with Omega-3 and 9, treated and ageing hair life with Vitamin E, while protecting it from UV rays—literally, all the things every hair type needs, in a bottle. Schwarzkopf BC Brazilnut Oil Pulp Treatment, Rs 1,500, Talent 10, Rs 1,650

The post The best make-up and haircare products to buy this August appeared first on VOGUE India.

Every girl who’s spent enough time (and money) on a perfect manicure knows just how difficult it can be to photograph it, and get just the right angle/backdrop/prop/colour-co-ordination to show off those shiny new nails.

While your basic reflex is to snap it instantly to share with your friends, regret often follows. Of course you want nothing short of a stunning view of the verdant and snowy Swiss alps to be the background for your sea green pearlescent work of art, that are your nails.

And while you will put enough thought into what to clasp those claws on, you have to make that peanut butter waffle cone with multi-coloured sprinkles look like something you just happened to have in your hand when you walked out of the salon with your new nude mani. Casual. Nonchalant. Effortless. All the hard work you put into your #nailfie should boil down to those three words.

Let’s get you started with some rules:

THE CLAW

A post shared by nails (@mixx_nails) on Aug 7, 2017 at 8:29am PDT

We suggest you make this your absolute last resort. If there were a Victoria’s Secret selection of hands, the claw would never win. Unless you have pretty, long, artistic fingers that don’t inch toward creepy bird-hook levels, and you are able to keep the claw super soft and feminine, let this one pass.

THE CLASP

A post shared by Custom ’s Made in L.A (@hollydude) on Aug 8, 2017 at 11:19am PDT

Grabbing on to whatever is in front of you is the easiest way to turn the claw into something more artful. And if you use your observation skills and give it a few moments, you’ll notice tons of prospective props to pick up and pose with. Look for contrasting colours, prints, and patterns. You can stick to the same shade family or go with bright pops, depending on your mood. Your mug with *insert cool girl quote* on it, your sunnies, your backpack, your sipper…you get the drift.

THE CASUAL HIGH FIVE

A post shared by Jordan Ramos (@_jordanleanne_) on Aug 8, 2017 at 4:13pm PDT

High-fiving palm trees and azure waters and skies on your beach vacay with your sea-green nail art is a good way to start.

THE LAZY HAND

A post shared by dani x yeng (@danixyeng) on Aug 8, 2017 at 5:17pm PDT

Literally letting your hand sit on your keyboard (because you know, you do have a life), your patterned desk, anything textured (your furry mattress?), or any bright surface you can find, with one hand over the other, is doable, and acceptable, so long as you find a patient someone to do the clicking.

THE RING

A post shared by Madeline Poole (@mpnails) on Jun 9, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

Don’t forget the stack of rings and midi-rings, but also ensure you don’t overdo it with the jewellery. Stick with fine, delicate and only a few pieces.

Now, for some inspiration:

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The post How to show off your manicure on social media: A handy guide appeared first on VOGUE India.

Hope everyone reading this article has by now accepted the fact that there is absolutely NO excuse for not having a layer of sunscreen on your skin, at any point of day, ever. We’ve told you why it’s so important, how you should wear it and everything else you need to know. Now, here are the sunscreens that your skin doctor swears by:

Dr Kiran Lohia, Delhi
Skin type: Dry normally, and combination during summer
What she uses: “Avène Very High Protection Spray SPF 50+, Z Screen Sunscreen Gel or Dr Jarts UV Fluid. It typically depends on the weather.”
Why: “I use Avène spray when I am feeling a little dry—it’s gentle and soothing and calms my skin a bit too when I am feeling inflamed. Z Screen is when I’m feeling greasy and on my whole body and hair as it is a gel. And Dr Jart on my face when it is humid outside.”

Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, Delhi
Skin type: Combination with an oily T-zone
What she uses: ZO Medical Oclipse-C SPF 50
Why: “I use it to protect my skin from the sun, prevent pre-mature ageing and to fulfil the moisturising needs of my skin. I apply a pea-sized quantity evenly on my face and neck three times a day—8am, 2pm and 5pm (even when I am indoors).”

Dr Jaishree Sharad, Mumbai
Skin type: Sensitive
What she uses: ZO Medical Oclipse-C SPF 50
Why: “It has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which protect from UVA and UVB rays, ZOX12 complex which protects from infrared rays, fractionated melanin which protects from visible light and bisabolol which soothes and hydrates the skin.”

Dr Harshna Bijlani
Skin type: Sensitive, acne-prone
What she uses: Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen
Why: “I prefer this mineral sunscreen as it only has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical sunscreens do not suit my skin. It has a light, non-greasy, airy texture with free radical fighting antioxidants, a natural cucumber fragrance and does not leave a white-ish residue like most mineral sunscreens do. It is moisturising with a matte finish which lets me skip my moisturiser and prevent my skin from looking greasy. Another plus point of mineral sunscreens is that I can wear it and step out immediately, without having to wait for 40-45 minutes for the sunscreen to start working, as in case of more conventional sunscreens. From the same range, I use their tinted mineral sunscreen for when I’m going out and want to skip my foundation, and their make-up setting spray for touch ups when I’m wearing make-up.”

Dr Geeta Fazalbhoy, Mumbai
Skin type: Oily skin
What she uses: ZO Medical Oclipse Sunscreen+Primer SPF 30
Why: “It has both UVA and UVB protection, contains titanium dioxide and protects from high energy visible light which damages the skin and causes pigmentation. It has an ultra-mild texture with a slight tint base and works well for my oily skin. It also contains antioxidants to fight against pollution-induced skin damage, along with anti-irritants and skin moisture replenishing agents. Ideal for use in humid Mumbai conditions. I reapply sunscreen every three hours after freshening face with the Avène Thermal Spring Water, and if swimming or in the sun then every two hours.”

The post 5 skin doctors share the sunscreen they wear every single day appeared first on VOGUE India.

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Image: Instagram.com/mehndibyanum

Image: Instagram.com/hennabyswarah

Image: Instagram.com/marysmehndi

Image: Instagram.com/marysmehndi

Image: Instagram.com/henna_by_nayab

Image: Instagram.com/reys_of_henna

Image: Instagram.com/hennabydivya

Image: Instagram.com/rongeela

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Image: Pinterest.com

Mehandi designs are a popular favourite, not just among Indian women anymore. The fact that you can draw your imagination on your palm (or have someone else do it) and it’s only on until you’re bored of it, is what makes this temporary art even more desirable.

Whether you like to go full-on traditional with intricate designs, prefer geometric shapes and contemporary styles, are looking for references for a bridal ceremony or simply need some inspiration for your next ‘handy artwork’, we’ve got a whole bunch of mehandi designs for you to try, courtesy Pinterest and Instagram. Flip through the gallery above and save these for the future, there’s something for every mehandi lover here.

The Instagram accounts to follow
In case all the Pinterest inspiration wasn’t enough, head to these Instagram accounts for mehandi designs that are as intricate as they are detailed. Plus, we’ve rounded up some of the best artists around the globe so you’re promised exactly what you see, wherever in the world you are.

For breath-taking wedding mehandi designs, look to Divya Patel (@hennabydivya) and the folks at Maharani Mehendi (@maharani_mehendi). In the US, we’re fans of mehandi designs by Amrita Kale (@amritahenna), Henna For All (@hennaforallny), Reys Of Henna (@reys_of_henna) and Prashanta (@divyahenna); Sabreena (@ritualbydesign) and Anjali Henna (@anjali.henna), who even sell their own powder in case you want to get creative yourself. For those based in Canada, have a look at The Henna House by Angela (@hennabyang) and Shivani Patwa (@shivanihennaart). Trust in Henna Tattoo and Mandala Art (@leedsmehndi), Akshee Shah (@aksheeshah_makeup_henna) and Sarara (@sararamehndi) in the UK and Sarala Arvind (@henna_paradise) in Australia. Most of these artists are happy to travel in case the occasion requires it, so you’re in for a treat whether you live around them or not. Check them out in our slideshow.

Mehandi artists in India
Looking for mehandi artists in the country? We round up the most popular.

– Veena Nagda (who’s created beautiful mehandi designs on Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Karisma Kapoor) is the best artist to make an appointment with if you’re in Mumbai. Tel: 09820421717; veenanagda17@gmail.com
– Mother-daughter duo Usha and Ekta Shah are very well known in the country and in the US as well (Ekta is based in Michigan while her mother is in Mumbai). Tel: 022-23692976/23680619; usha@mehendiart.com/ekta@mehendiart.com
– For Delhi, A Shriniwasan, with 20 years of experience in the field, is your man for the job—he’s even created stunning work on Sridevi and Sonam Kapoor. Tel: 098737 07479/011-26958517
– Shingar Mehendi Arts in Chennai are popular for their all-natural formulas, so you’re assured of no skin trouble. Tel: 09840574443; shingarmehendiarts@gmail.com

Again, all of these artists work around the country, irrespective of their base, so you can pick exactly who you want and have them come to you.

The post 30 mehandi designs and where to find a good artist in your country appeared first on VOGUE India.

I am always instantly drawn towards scents that remind me of the outdoors—fresh, full of life yet not too heady. Like the subtle smell of spring on a dewy morning, or the big blue waves mixed with salty sand. So, Hermès’ latest version, Eau des Merveilles Bleue, had a similar effect on me. Here’s why:

The bottle: It really is this dreamy little circular flacon, that looks like a sparkling cloud on a clear blue-sky day, that hints of the freshness it bottles, before you spray the scent. Appearance is not deceptive in this case.

The scent: A crisp, clean scent that when sprayed is like an approaching wave of a vast azure ocean. Sitting on a salty heart are citrus fruit tones and notes of the sea, warmed subtly by patchouli. A harmonious balance of woody and zesty notes.

What it does: For anyone who knows what it’s like to live in a (humid) perpetual summer state of mind, knows the importance of staying fresh (and clean). A spritz of this aquatic scent will evidently transfer you to a cooler space. Evident, because when I sprayed it on my pulse, in a few seconds, someone let out a “did someone spray a perfume?” And when I coyly confessed it was me, she stated, “please use this every Monday morning—it’s exactly what we need to start our day. SO fresh!” Eau des Merveilles Bleue’s got a sort of sporty vibe to it, the kind of perfume that can easily become part of your daily handbag essentials. Also, that it isn’t extra sweet or overtly musky makes it that perfect universal scent for men and women—a hard balance to find.

Hermès Eau des Merveilles Bleue is available in stores nationwide

The post Hermès newest perfume is a burst of freshness that needs to be on your shelf appeared first on VOGUE India.