I am back with an epic empties post! The reason why I have a ton of junk, and mini reviews to share is that I have been collecting these over the course of three months. So, this is not technically, empties for this month, but rather one for the quarter.
I have a lot of bath and body products to share and also my first ever lipstick empties! whoop whoop!

1. Dove Go Fresh Deo-Cucumber and Green Tea: A staple in my shower as this deo is very effective for sensitive underarms. The only negative, this thing stains, like literally, leaves white crumbly powder on your clothes. Inspite of this major drawback, I keep going back to Dove for, I like me some non-sting deo.
Repurchase: Yes, it my go-to after shower deo.

2. The Body Shop Shower Gel in Vanilla Brulee : I love warm, cozy scents and vanilla brulee shower gel is my thing during the colder months. I love this so much, as the smell is warm and cuddly, if that makes sense. Slightly pricey, but lil goes a long way if you use a loofah.
 Repurchase: I did hit the local Body Shop store to buy a backup, only to be told that it is a seasonal scent. Hopefully, I can snatch it up during winter sales :)

3. Palmolive Thermal Spa- Crushed Coconut and Jojoba Butter Extracts: Another warm and cozy scent. Worth every penny and nickel. It is by far, my most re-purchased body wash. I have countless empty bottles of this. Also, my mom is a huge fan of this scent.
Repurchase: Yes, but currently I am running few BBW shower gels, and post finishing that I would purchase this.

 4. Marks & Spencers Blissful Strawberry Hand Cream: Smells very plasticky, and I had to re-use this hand cream every other hour to keep my hands soft. Very inexpensive, but not a class A performer.
Repurchase: No, wouldn't be re-purchasing this scent.

 5. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser SPF15 : This one smells weird, and I haven’t gotten much use out of it, except for removing my eye makeup. It crossed the expiry date, and I decided to chuck it out for good.
Repurchase: Wouldn't be re-purchasing.

6. Fabindia Orange and Cinnamon Face and Body Scrub: I love cinnamon scented anything, and that's the reason why I bought this, inspite of having serious apprehension about the ingredient list loaded with parabens. Didn't like it much, went through it in a month as the granules were extremely small, and I had to use more product than desired.
Repurchase: No, wouldn't be re-purchasing.

7. Maybelline Colossal Kajal: A staple in my bag, I go through this like water.
Repurchase: YES. YES. YAAASSSSS

8. Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner: Well, this promising looking, eye pencil dried out on me. Yes!!! within a month, no amount of jiggling and wiggling could revive it. It's much sophisticated younger sibling, Colossal liner, performs a much better job than this.
Repurchase: I bought the Maybelline Colossal liner, and hence would not be re-purchasing.

9. Chambor Teal Dazzle Eyeliner Pencil: Teal is such a strikingly beautiful color. The only downside is the one-side twist up, ie. if you twist 1/2 an inch more, it’s never going inside, ever :( they should have made this a retractable pencil.
Repurchase: I have already re-purchased this and also own all the colors under the rainbow from this range :)

10. Maybelline Falsies Mascara: By far, one of the best drugstore-priced mascara out there. Gives insane lift and volume to my lashes and stays put for a long time. It's a dry formula, and hence easy to go in for a second coat.
Repurchase: Yes, have re-purchased this.

11. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Buenos Aires : Had made it to the last year’s hall of shame, I did try to let my pale skinned friends adopt this one, but it didn't fit. Even made my ghostly-looking friend scary as hell.
This formula, or one that I received, applies patchy and weird. The saving grace, this one smells like butterscotch cupcake :)

12. Vega Smudger Brush: I love Vega brushes, I think they are bang for the bucks. This smudger brush is useless, and was just taking up additional space in my vanity, so I thought why not just dispose it.
Repurchase: No

13. Maybelline BB Cream in N*de: I have grown out of the BB cream phase, I am more of a light coverage foundation kinda girl. This one was a staple in my handbag for almost 4 years. Currently, I have Colorbar BB cream in my bag that matches better to my skin tone than this.
Repurchase: No, I wouldn't be repurchasing.

14. Johnsons Baby Wipes: I use wipes to cleanse off my makeup as stage 1 of my night time routine. I always have a wet tissue pack in my bag as well at home as a backup.
Repurchase: It’s an essential, and hence re-purchased.

Finally, my lipstick empty, never ever in my life have I thought of a scenario where I would finish up a lipstick, but that day did arrive and the one to each the finish line first was a staple in my handbag.
15. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Sugar Plum: It looks so natural on my lips, and so subtle. The staying power is not the best (glossy finish), but it is flattering on my tan skin.
Repurchase: I did end up searching high and low for this shade, but seems Revlon has pulled lip butters out of the market. The closest dupe for this shade wold be the MAC Plumful lipstick.

Forever 21 Accessory Haul: Part 1

There very few brands in India that provide in-fashion affordable jewellery. There are few in-house brands like Ginger, Toniq, and fewer brands online that are cater to this unique accessory loving clientele.

Forever 21 is a one-stop shop that satisfies your accessory cravings. Midi rings, body chains, geometrical jewellery, you name it, they have it. I somehow prefer their online store in comparison to their brick n mortar one. Anyone who has had an experience would agree, as the stores are chaotic to say the least, and it takes hours and hours browsing through the stuff to find things that you like. I recently placed an online order (multiple, to be frank). With the new stocks added daily to the New Arrivals and Sales section, one is tempted to log into the website and check for good deals every single day. I made few orders over the last few weeks, and thought it would be a great idea to do a collective accessory haul. I purchased few statement necklaces as well as few dainty and boho pieces that I can dress up or dress down with.

Layered Elephant Pendant Necklace
This is what forced me to place a second order. The antique gold finish, dual strand coin necklace features a cute baby elephant, a turquoise tassel, and a tusk-shaped pendant. The upper strand has a Moroccon inspired pendant.
Original Price: INR 469 ($7)
Sale Price: INR 200 ($3)

Free Spirit Beaded Necklace 

A long layered necklace featuring turquoise and golden beads. Very Boho looking neck piece. Team it with a white lace shift dress and a fedora. 

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

Sale Price: FREE (Buy 1, get 1 free)

Source: Pinterest

Elephant Frenzy Choker

A choker that features elephant heads with rhinestone trim. You will realise that I went a lil cray-cray over elephant inspired jewellery this time.
Original Price: INR 679 ($10)
Sale Price: FREE (Buy 1, get 1 free)

Gone Boho Beaded Necklace

A long delicate chain necklace featuring beaded trim.I quite didn't like the trim.
Original Price: INR 469 ($7)

Layered Medallion Statement Necklace
Instagram is filled with such boho neckpieces and the price ranges from 1000-2000. You won't believe how much I got this neck piece for!
Original Price: INR 749 ($11)
Sale Price: INR 380 ($5)

Triangle Statement Necklace

A very delicate statement neck piece that features a mix of rhinestone and faux gemstone triangle. You can wear this with a plain tee to dress it up. Somehow, these remind me of bees.
Original Price: INR 889 ($13)
Sale Price: INR 350 ($5)

Coin Fringe Pendant Necklace
Exhumes a vintagy boho charm, the favorite buy off the lot.
Original Price: INR 749 ($12)
Sale Price: INR 350 ($5)

Faux Pearl & Bead Necklace 

This layered necklace has five layers of faux pearls and faceted beads. One of the links came broken, aaghr....This statement piece would look great with an A-line dress and high heels.

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

Marbled Faux Pearl Necklace
A short three layered faux pearl necklace that features splattered paint finish.Very Parisian chic. I can totally visualize wearing this necklace with a A-line, fit and flare dress. Does this remind anyone of Kangana Ranaut's necklace from I Love New Year?

Original Price: INR 749 ($11)

I have part-2 lined up for you guys next week :)

PS: Thanks to Mr. G for helping me out with clicking the pictures.

Fall Essentials

What does fall remind you of? For me its, Pumkin spiced latte, lot of layers, autumn foliage, early evenings, and rich colors. As we slowly transit into the colder winters, fall provides a perfect opportunity to catch the last warm rays of the summer. Here in India, fall is also the season of festivals.

 

1. Dark/berry-hued lip: Fall is synonymous with dark/berry hued lipstick, and makes wearing a vampy lip color socially acceptable. My choice of this fall essential is a lipstick from MAC, Rebel, a pretty mid tone deep purple. This shade is especially flattering on tan skin tones.

Price: $15 or INR1450

2. Mascara: Keep your eyes clean and let lips do the talking. Are they even real, I mean Benefit They're Real mascara, gives my lashes insane lift, without even having to use a curler.

Price: $24

3. Moisturizer: Skin needs some TLC, and what better way than the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer. Fall sips up moisture from the face. Make sure, you are hydrated inside and out. Keep  your dry patches at bay by using the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer. A tiny dollop is sufficient to give the face, a hydrated look.

Price: INR 3300 (Flipkart) or $39

4. Beanie/Layers (Kimono): Layering is a key trend for the fall. Layer using light weight cardigans/kimonos, or you can use woolen knits to keep warm when the temperature drops. This pom pom beanie is a favorite from Forever 21.

Price: 800 or $12

5. Chunky Bohemian Statement Necklace:A statement neck piece would add zing to the otherwise monotonous monochrome outfits. This boho neck piece will jazz up any outfit in an instant. Again, this neck piece is from Forever 21.

Price: INR 350 (Sales) or $5

6. Boots: I don't own any, but boots are an indispensable part of fall. This boots from Steve Madden can be styled in a million ways. It adds a rough edge to the otherwise plain outfit.

Price: $230

Steve Madden

7. Candle: Fall is my favorite season for burning candles. This candle, Leaves from Bath and Body Works has a perfect balance of spiciness and warmth. The throw is moderate and is perfect for burning on a lazy evening while you cuddle up in your lazy nook, reading a book.

Price: $4.50

So, what are your fall essentials?

Shoe Story - Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Heels

I have evolved over the past 3 years, have been liking the concept of heels, but not really the idea of wearing them on a day to day basis. I have this weird thing for heels, where I buy them on a whim only to never ever wear them again. With ton of walking to do, heels are not the best choice of footwear.

Zara Heels

If you love the high-street brand ZARA, semi-annual Sales would be the best time to pick up a heel or two. They are not the most comfortable shoes in market, neither is it bad as walking on a bed of thrones. Zara has some amazing heels that you can grab at 40% off during SALES.

Bata: Marie Claire

I got this coral heels as a birthday present. This heel may look plain jane, but one look the the pointy heel, with golden foil, BAM!!! it gives the heel a character.

Not extremely comfortable, but Marie Claire has some awesome options in the affordable category.

Foot In

I bought this one a whim while shopping with the girls and it has become on of my favorite. Something about the red shoes, and red nailpaint, that makes my legs look sexy. I had people complementing my feet while wearing this shoes. Comfortable to wear for 4-5 hours. The quality of Foot-In shoes in amazing and coupled with an affordale tag, this brand is one to watch out for.

Note: Foot-In is a Bata subsidiary.

Charles & Keith


Well, I own 3 pairs from this brand and they are so comfortable to wear. I prefer buying heels from companies that specializes in shoes, like, say Aldo, Steve Madden or Charles & Keith.

The brown  heel was my first purchase, and they are so comfortable to wear, no calf or toe aches at end of the day.

The other two are a newer purchase and I love love love the way it fits on my leg.

Tips: Please be vary of shoe sizes. I am a size 38 in all brands, except Charles & Keith, their heels run larger for the standard sizes (Im size 37 in Charles & Keith). If you are not sure of the size, I would suggest going to the brick and mortar store to try on and then purchase it on-line.

Charles & Keith has some good discounts running through out the year. Also check, majorbrands.in. You can get some amazing deals for Aldo and Charles & Keith shoes (some discounts are hard to pass by, especially if it is 50% off).


Van Heusen

I bought the mint wedges for two reasons, 1. I didn't own a wedge 2. Mint color. The shoes are not comfortable at all and gave me a sore feet, every time I wore it. If you intend to party all night, this wouldn't be your best bet.

Tip: Online store Trendin runs offers during Sales time. I would suggest, picking up few shoes during this time.

Few other brands to watch out for

Steve Madden 

I was about to buy a heel, but my hubby strictly told me NO, as he knows I am a flats kinda girl. He suspected that the shoes would die off, sitting pretty in my vanity.

Steve Madden Online store runs some offers throughout the year. Be vary of sizes.

Aldo

Another shoe brand, that you can save bucks if you shop from Major brands. Extremely comfortable to wear.

Shoe care: Tips & Tricks

• For sizing, the best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

• Wear the shoes that you like, and walk around the store for a few minutes to ensure they are comfortable.

•  Store your heels, in the boxes they come in.

• If you think your brand new heel is running a little loose, shoe pads are available in Market from Scholls. There are plenty of different pads available for different shoe problems. You can give it a try.

• If you are in a job that requires you to stand for 8-9 hours wearing a heel, make sure you have a foldable belly shoes packed in your bag. As soon as the working hours are over, change and bring those feet off air.

• Give a nice foot massage to your tired feet. Soak your feet in warm water mixed with some aromatic oil to relieve any muscle strain.

• If you are really not comfortable using a sky high heel, make sure you buy a platform shoes or wedges like the ones below. The net height is slightly offset by the platform.

• If you stay in a hot and humid place, make sure you take care of your suede shoes, they tend to accumulate white fungi if not used on a regular basis. Clean off the fungi with a dry cloth or tissue paper. Keep the shoe in sunlight before storing it back.

• Use Retainers (Shoe Tree) to hold the shoe structure, this would prevent the shoe from loosing its shape.

• No one like a stinky feet, to avoid your friend from running away 2 kilometers (Always the case outside the Computer labs in College) when you remove your shoes, check out this article. You can even buy shoe deos that are available in market.

Hall of Shame

So, here we are, after almost a year, back with a Hall of Shame post. I am listing few products that are totally not worth the money or hype.

Fab India Lemon and Foot Scrub: I wanted a scrub specifically for my feet, and this one smelled of fresh lime. I was intrigued and purchased it. I applied the same on my feet and washed it thoroughly, but this product left a yellow oily cast on my feet. I literally, slipped and fell on the floor. I understand the leaving oily cast as the product contains essential oils, but yellow cast?

Mac Prolong Wear Eye Pencil in Black Ice: I regret spending hard-earned 990 (old price) bucks on the hope of smudge-proof, sweat-proof eye pencil, and oh boy!!! was I wrong. The pencil in itself pulled and tugged and didn't stay on my waterline for more than 3 hours. My Maybelline Colossal pencil performed way better than this dud, and for 299, no thank you, I am not going to ever re-purchase.

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter: I give this one a BENEFIT of doubt!!!I like to believe that I received a faulty product in the Bronze of Champions kit, because the whole world raves about this highlighter and I am over here, trying to make this work. The small tube contains extremely dry product that tugs and pulls my skin, the product by-itself has chunky glitter particle that scares the crap out of a dusky skin girl!

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo: Ohh I used to love this shampoo, so much so that I went and bought a big 600 ml bottle. I never attributed my itchy and flaky scalp and dry ends to this shampoo. My mom suggested that I use a different one, and the flakiness reduced. The ingredients have multitude of sulphate components, that don't work well with my itchy and flaky scalp.

Note: I use this shampoo to wash my expensive clothes :). Talk about putting a dud to good use !

So these are the products that made it to the hall of shame this month. Is there any product that you guys absolutely hate?

Hair Care Routine

So here is the thing about my hair- " You either love it, or hate it, there is no in-betweens"

Hair Type: Thick-black, colored, coconut husk like <I have inserted an image for your reference>, extremely frizzy and dry towards the ends

Image: Google

Scalp: Dry, Itchy and Flaky
Problems: Dandruff, ie, flakes, dry hair

I have always struggled with my hair, I wanted my hair short all through my school life. I struggled to get a good hair dresser whole through my college, and now I am trying to grow-out my hair. I go through these phases where I try and re-try products, techniques or basically a routine that works for my hair type. After much research, I am in a routine that satisfy 70% of my criteria. My eternal search for frizz-free smooth hair continues.

Wash Cycle: Once every two days
Products Used: Loreal Mythic Oil Shampoo, and Masque, John Frieda Frizz-Ease shampoo and Conditioner, Garnier Frutis Triple Nutrition conditioner, Biotique oil

Wash Routine

1. I oil my scalp using Biotique oil (for Dry, Damaged, and Color treated hair) and follow up the oiling routine for the ends using a thicker oil (Olive oil).
2. I use my shower cap and let the goodness stay on my scalp for 3-4 hours.
3. I use Loreal Mythic Oil shampoo (1 pump) and slightly massage the scalp. Add a little water, let it later and use the lather to clean the ends.
4. I follow it up with the Garnier Frutis Triple Nutrition conditioner, I concentrate only on the ends, taking my time to coat all the strands.
5. I wash off the conditioner, and move on to the Loreal Mythic Oil Masque. I apply it on my hair ends , and let it stay for 10 minutes, before washing off.

I switch my routine with John Frieda Frizz-Ease shampoo and conditioner quite often, but I use the same technique.

 

Post-wash routine

I use my Loreal Mythic Oil serum and separate the stands.

Other Products, I use

• Label.m Dry shampoo: For days-in between the washes, when my scalp is feeling oily.
• Tresemme Hair Spray: For extra hold.

Tools, I use

Philips Kerashine hair dryer: When I need my hair to dry faster. On regular days, I let my hair air-dry.

Notes:

• I try to use milder shampoos, for my itchy scalp.
• If the wash cycle prolongs beyond two days, the flakes go out of control, so try to wash your hair atleast every two days.
• I do not use any heat on my hair.
• I wash my hair a day prior if I need to attend any function as the hair on the day of wash is mostly unruly. Day 2 hair works well for me.
• I do not use separate products for my colored hair. I usually get color done to the ends, so as when it fades, I can chop off the the ends. Currently I have brown color done towards my ends.