Product Review: Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

I was at Sephora looking for a face primer and stumbled upon the No. 28 Primer Serum by Hourglass. I bought the 0.33 oz size (retails $22.00 here) and was quite excited to try this product out.  The formula is a hydrating, oil blend serum that you put on your face before putting on makeup (hence it is a face primer).

The No. 28 Primer Serum is an oil blend which glides onto your skin, evens pores, and shields against environmental aggressors.  The formula’s hydrating oil provides a smooth surface before makeup application. This formula is packed with great key ingredients. The number 28 in the name signifies key ingredients such as 14 essential oils (lavender, geranium, rose geranium, vanilla, clove, orange peel, amyris, lemon peel, petitgrain, eucalyptus, rosemary leaf, bois de rose, cedar leaf, ylang ylang), 10 lipid-rich plant oils (jojoba, rose hips seed, evening primrose, hazelnut, borage seed, kukui nut, sweet almond, green tea, olive, and cherry pit), and four vitamins (A, B5, C, and E).

So how do I use this product? I put on my moisturizer and eye cream first.  Then I use a small amount of the primer serum - one small pump for my whole face is sufficient. I then wait a couple of minutes for the oil to dry before applying my foundation.  The serum isn’t greasy or oily feeling at all; it sinks into your skin resulting in hydrated feeling skin.

What are the results? The results are a smooth, long lasting makeup application! I seriously can last 9+ hours at work with my makeup in tact and also during a hot, sweaty day outside.  It's also great for winter-time when my face is dry.  This serum provides a great canvas for my makeup and my foundation glides effortlessly over my face.  As an added bonus the sales rep at Sephora mentioned that this serum can also be used alone as a hair serum!

Current Indian Fashion of Anarkali Suits

A few weekends ago I attended a reception in which I decided to wear a fancy, very colorful, and bright anarkali suit since I hadn't dressed up in Indian clothing or even attended an Indian wedding since last year. 

Anarkalis are usually worn during party occasions which make you look and feel glamourous.  These outfits are extremely stylish and are also very comfortable.  There are so many different colors, styles, out there - the options are endless!

So what exactly is an anarkali?  An anarkali suit is basically a long frock which is tighter in the chest area and then flares out towards the bottom. The pants that you pair with the anarkali suit are tight like leggings.  The sleeves are usually made out of a net material.  Sleeve length can be anywhere from long sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or half sleeve.  It's really whatever your preference is.

The outfit I wore is absolutely stunning and pictures don't do it justice. The mixture of hot pink, purple, turquoise, and blue colors mixed in with gold coloring is very beautiful.  The detail on the neck area is stunning specifically with the colored beading along with the gold and silver beading. 

Since the neck and chest area were heavily beaded, I decided to not wear a necklace and went with dangling earrings instead.  I also wore purple and gold colored bangles and also gold colored heels. 

I also decided to keep the hair simple yet elegant in a low bun. I loved the way my hair came out! It's basically two buns made to look like one large bun.  I did a side part with it also. This hairstyle looks like you spent a lot of time on it but in all actuality it only took me about 10-15 minutes! 

I hope you guys like the outfit! Also if any of you guys would like to see a hair tutorial in the future please let me know by using the comment section!

Product Review: Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray

Many Indian women either have naturally stick straight hair or extremely thick frizzy hair. I unfortunately I have been blessed (I use that term loosely) on the later. My hair is extremely thick, wavy, and frizzes up very easily.

I'm always on the hunt for a straightening spray that not only helps to straighten my hair but will also protect my hair. Basically a two in one product. I was in CVS a month ago and was looking for a product to use in my hair before using a flat iron. I stumbled upon the Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray by Organix.

On the bottle, this product says it does the following:

"Rich coconut oil along with lush keratin proteins strengthen and soften the hair, while avocado oil and cocoa butter smooth the cuticle to hold straight, strong tresses, finishing with a brilliant glow and luminescent shine." 

Doesn't it sound wonderful? 

My hair before using the Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray: 

My hair after using the Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray: 

For those that are concerned with this product damaging your hair, this product is both sulfate and formaldehyde free.  My hair felt so much more softer after using this product.  This product is lightweight and does not weight down your hair or make your hair sticky.  As an added bonus is smells aaaaamazing like coconut!! 

How do you use this product? I run a hair brush through my hair to remove any tangles and then I part my hair into sections. I lightly spray the product onto my hair section by section and then let the product dry.  Then I go in with my flat iron like I would normally. I can fully straighten my hair in about 15 minutes! My hair pretty much stays straight all day and I've gotten so many compliments on it. 

I would recommend this product to everyone!

Review of Tory Burch Caroline Elastic Trim Ballerina Flats

I absolutely love the Tory Burch Caroline Elastic Trim Ballerina Flats. The pair I purchased was a nude color with a wide elastic trim and with the gold Tory Burch logo.  These flats are chic, cute, and what I would consider an investment piece.

I did a lot of research before I splurged on these flats. There were quite a few things I considered before deciding on which flats to purchase. I call this "My 5 Rules of Making a Decision on an Investment Shoe."

One - Why you want designer flats? I was on the hunt for a chic, nude colored shoe that would instantly pull any outfit together. I wanted something that was light in color for spring and summertime that would not only be perfect for work but also for going out.  I also own other Tory Burch products and I have never been disappointed.

Two - How many times do you plan on wearing them? I have a corporate job and also walk around alot in the city, plus I could pair them with any outfit due to the neutral color. I also do wear flats to casual places when heels aren't really appropriate.

Three - What is the material of the shoe and what color would you get the most use out of? These flats are made out of leather. Although they are of good quality I probably would not wear these flats in the rain. Currently I wear black, gold, and nude flats consistently. These new flats would replace my current nude flats and would fit perfectly in the rotation.

Four - Is this something you really need or is this an impulse buy? I've actaully been wanting these flats for the last few months. When making a decision do NOT buy on impulse. Look at the item, go home, do some research, and think about it for a couple of weeks. If you're still wanting the item weeks later then go for it!

Five - Ask yourself does the size run true or is it too small or big? These shoes run true to size - I always get a size 9 and I was happy with my decision. The flats are a tad tight on the sides but they stretch out after a few wears. The shoe will stretch and conform to your feet. Comfort is key. There is no point on spending $200+ on shoes if they are not comfortable. The elastic band on the top of the shoe makes the flats very comfortable.

All in all I am very happy with my decision!

Product Review: ORIGINS GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

I am extremely picky about my eye creams. I get dark under eye circles very easily for a various amount of reasons - lack of sleep, being up late, stressed out, looking at a computer for long periods of time, etc.  I decided to try the GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream by ORIGINS (retails $30.00).  

The eye cream claims to give a brighter appearance, reduction in puffiness, and to instantly reduce dark circles.  The eye cream is for AM use by just dabbing around the eye area with your fingertip.

So what did I think? I love the fact that the product uses organic ingredients and natural essential oils.  The cream feels smooth and is not greasy.  You only need to dab on just a bit under your eyes. A little goes a long way! I thought that the eye cream does a good job in reducing puffiness and hydrating my eye area, however it did nothing for my dark under eye circles. The cream also has a shimmery tone which I also liked.