Nyassa’s handmade soaps in Almond Butter & Alphonso

One of my favorite things about living in India is the abundance of natural and ayurvedic products we have in this country. They are not only easily accessible but also so inexpensive that I just can’t restrain myself from frequently purchasing products from new brands to try out. The latest brand that I have been lucky enough to be introduced to is Nyassa; they launched 28 new natural, handmade soaps a few months ago and sent over two of the soaps from the collection for me to test out. The packet smelled so good that I actually took time out just to solely appreciate the aromatic goodness! You know that scene in Salaam Namaste where Preity Zinta keeps sniffing a bar of soap because she is pregnant and feeling nauseous? Yeah, I might have been that girl for the next half an hour! Except that I am not pregnant; contrary to what people around me who are constantly subjected to my completely out-of-the-blue food cravings might suspect.

The soaps look so great that I actually let them sit out in a small basket in my bathroom until I was ready to use them; they made for a pretty display! The packaging is transparent and thin enough to let the fragrance seep out, so it actually leaves the bathroom smelling heavenly. No need for a freshener! I also like the soap’s solid texture that doesn’t lose its shape or soften after being in contact with water. They don’t lather as well as I would like though, which means that I end up using more product. A 150 grams bar of soap lasted for about three weeks for me. I’ll admit though that I do tend to overindulge myself when products smell this amazing; I practically bathe in my perfume. True story!

Nyassa soaps are “handmade from natural materials, colors, and fragrances, and they are 100% vegetarian.” I found them to be quite gentle on the skin. I don’t have dry skin, but it’s extremely sensitive, so I am always rushing to apply my body lotion as soon as I am out of the shower. These soaps, however, felt extremely comfortable and didn’t irritate my skin at all.

Alphonso

This one is actually my favorite out of the two that I was given and an absolute must-have for the summer. I love using it after a workout or when I generally want to feel fresh and rejuvenated. True to its name, it is mango-colored and it is guaranteed to make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. The scent isn’t artificial; it really does smell like mango juice! I wish it lingered on for longer though; the smell doesn’t really stay on the body after you get out of the shower. It does, however, give a very aromatherapy-like experience while you are showering.

The three main ingredients of the soap are mango butter (an ingredient that I’m strangely attracted to for no apparent reason. If a product has it, I need it!), mango leaf extract, and raw cane sugar. Mango leaf extract apparently has “healing properties and is an effective remedy for itching,” which might explain why it suits my skin so well, and I don’t feel the need to lather on a ton of lotion afterwards. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and revived.

Almond Butter

This soap is creamy and even more gentle on the skin than Alphonso. It has a mild, sweet vanilla-like scent that leaves me feeling extremely relaxed. I love using it during a hot shower just before going to bed. This soap contains pure almond butter, oatmeal (you can spot it at the right hand corner of the soap shown above), and honey. Oatmeal, again, has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s perfect for anyone with extra-sensitive skin. My skin feels smooth and well moisturized whenever I use it and is generally less reactive.

There are 26 more soaps in this collection (including one, called Good Earth, which is designed exclusively for men), and I highly recommend these for everyone. The best part is that their price ranges between Rs.200-300, which is extremely cheap for a product this amazing. I haven’t tried out other products from Nyassa, but it is definitely going to be a brand I will keep coming back to for well-made natural soaps. They are a definite keeper!

xoxo,

SK

Individual images via veryverve.com, justpatience.com, thetrendreport.gr, krystal-schlegel.blogspot.com, everydaygurl.com

The Valentino Rockstud is a shoe that dreams are made of. Three years into its launch, in 2010, and celebrities and fashion bloggers are still being spotted in them by the dozen. With its ladylike pointed toe and rockstar stud embellishments, this shoe is a beauty and as popular as popular can get. I particularly love all the two-tone t-strap sandals and flats. Unfortunately, they can cost anywhere between $695 to $3545 (depending on the kind you want), which means for many of us, these shoes will remain nothing but aspirational.

I was on the lookout for something similar for a long time but mostly found exact replicas that appeared to be quite cheap in quality. When I spotted the Lizzi and Martine flats from Sole Society, however, I knew that my search was over. They are obviously inspired by Valentino, but I like that they aren’t a blatant copy, and I have always admired Sole Society for their super stylish shoes at an amazing quality and price. At $49.95, these are a great alternative to the Rockstuds and money saved only means having money to buy more shoes, right? I wouldn’t mind grabbing these in multiple colors (pink, please!), but for now my heart is set on the red Lizzi t-strap flat.

If you aren’t into flats, you can opt for the Anneke pump that comes in a mid-heel (2.5 inches) and can be purchased from Sole Society and Nordstrom. The honey ones are so cute!! Have I mentioned that I have a major thing for yellow shoes? Now you know!

Kisses,

SK

Maybelline New York Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Captivating Coral

Since I don’t like to wear much else on a daily basis, lip glosses are an integral part of my makeup routine. While I like to dab a little bit of clear lip gloss on top of my lipstick when I am going out at night, I mostly prefer wearing shaded lip glosses that give my lips just a hint of color for daytime. The Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine lip gloss has been a personal favorite this season, because it is a light formula that gives the lips ample amounts of shine without feeling too sticky. The color spreads evenly, and although, the glossiness and color might start to wear off after 2-3 hours, the lips continue to feel moisturized for much longer.

Maybelline India sent over the Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in captivating coral for me to try out, and I kid you not, it is a shade that I literally have to force myself into not wearing daily. I find it that perfect for everyday use!  It gives my lips a bit of a warm coral tinge without looking unnatural,  and it smells amazing too — like a piece of orange candy!

Maybelline New York Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Captivating Coral

Three Ways to Wear It:

1) Beach Ready: Layer it on top of your favorite orange/coral lipstick (I like MAC Morange & L’oreal Color Riche in Volcanic), keep your eyes bare with just a little kohl along the lash line, wear your hair in a flirty ponytail, and add some bronzer on your cheeks for that perfect sun-kissed look.

2) Play with Colors: Get on board with the two-toned makeup trend by pairing this lip gloss with eye makeup in an equally bright color. I prefer blue or green eye shadows and liners.

3) Dress it Up: If you are looking for something subtle, yet fit for a dressy occasion, get some inspiration from the Moschino Spring/Summer 2013 runway makeup. Wear this lip gloss with shimmering white or silver eye shadow, defining the inner corner of the eye. Top it off with lots of mascara on the upper and lower lashes.

You know you really love something when you randomly start drawing hearts!

xoxo,

SK