Lipstick day and the evolution of lipstick

We all have a history with  lipsticks. As a child playing with those mini plastic lipsticks and always trying to get our moms to allow us to wear some on our lips. Graduating to lip balms and light shades, today owning all possible colours signify the trends, our moods and define who we are.
Its lipstick day girls and boys, a day to cherish a product so apt, like it's adding colours to our lives.
Lipsticks were not always ready in a bottle, in fact was not even close to what we consider it now.
Lipsticks could be simply finding ways to add colour on the lips which could be using berries and bugs, looking for colourful stones to be crushed, using henna, flowers and much more.
The first use of lipstick was by Sumerian men and women about 5000 years ago. They crushed gemstones and used them on the lips and eyes.
Egyptians used crushed bugs and carmine dye that got them purple, red and black shades. Indus valley civilization used pieces of ochre and henna, Chinese and Japanese used beeswax and tar. Some harmful substances like lead, bromine iodine were also used that led to diseases and even death.

Cleopatra was an ardent lover of applying colour on her lips and this led to many women following her. This ritual became a status symbol and only higher class would wear a lipstick. But later red lips was associated with being witches and prostitutes. It was only after Queen Elizabeth  started wearing red lips that this was associated to being noble, royal and rich.
And then came Abulcasis, the scientist who created a the first solid lipstick followed by Gurlain that became the first company to launch a commercially available lipstick which was made of beeswax, castor oil and wrapped in silk paper.
Later on companies ventured into altering textures and creating new shades. Chanel, Estee lauder and Elizabeth Arden that came up with a whole new market of lipsticks.
The style of wearing lipstick have changed too and are different for various cultures.
Asians like Indians go for darker tones and Chinese  and Japanese often known for Cupids bow and Koreans for their gradient lips.
Trends have changed too, there was the classic red lipstick in the chanel era and then the black significant punk, goth and rebel. Today we have colour changing lipsticks, glitter lipsticks and so many textures like matte, cream , peel off and more.
Lets take a moment to appreciate the journey of the lipstick, a product that has changed so much and altered just to be right enough for us to own a few. It's something I am so close that I surely can't step out of my home without one!

Here is also 5 must have lipsticks which I love at the moment.
1. @nyxcosmetics_in lip vinyl in femme fatale. A glossy vinyl black lipstick to bring the goth side in you.

2. @nyxcosmetics_in slip tease lip oil in red queen rouge royal. A pigmented oiled lipstick that doesn't fade away and doesn't dry your lips.

3. @urbandecaycosmetics vice special effects in reverb. A glittery lipstick with purple shiny bits. Add it on any lipstick and experience the glitter.

4. @myglamm 2in1 matte lipstick and liner in siren. A subtle maroon apt for daily wear.

5. @kikomilano into the dark metallic lip colour in 01. Bronze metallic lips!

6. @makeuprevolutionindia lipstick in fortify. A young bright light orange.

Know your products - Organic

We have an obsession don't we, with the word organic for every possible things around us. No wonder we are coming across organic in every thing, food items, dishes, beauty and so on.
And it's always so fancy to buy and encourage people to go for organic things. I too often use the word organic and promote them.
Lets find out what it really means.
Organic has 2 meanings.
1. It is related to be derived from living matter
For e.g. Organic soil

2. A method which has no use of chemicals , artificial materials, fertilisers and pesticides.

In both ways, it is something one should opt for since it does good to us.
So when we say something is organic, it doesn't mean it is the best or has any new additives and benefits but rather is just better than the usual inorganic substances.

There is a difference between natural and organic. Natural is anything produced by nature which may have artificial substances to aid its growth whereas organic doesn't.
So its better to opt for organic rather than natural.

Organic beauty products are basically the ingredients that have grown without using anything artificial and thus they are more beneficial for us since they are high on quality.

Some of the popular brands with organic ingredients are
Body shop, Himalaya , forest essentials , lotus herbals, khadi naturals, kama ayurveda, etc

Caviar mask

I am going to share a few of my favourite sheet masks that I enjoy using. Korean or K-Beauty have revolutionised the concept of face masks and now that there is a problem of plenty, we must carefully chose them.
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The first and most important task is to chose the right ingredient. There are exquisite ones available which I can share but one should make sure they go well with the skin type and skin concern.
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The first one I am sharing is cavier mask by @tonymolyindia
Caviar or fish eggs are a delicacy which are rich in vitamin B, amino acids, protein and zinc.
All of these are also good for the skin as well.
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Caviar does have a history of skin care. It is known to have amino acids that act as building blocks for skin cells to function well. Since the old times, it bas brrn considered a good anti aging ingredient and let me also tell you, Melania Trump uses it too!
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Caviar also firms and lifts and minimises pores. It also has anti oxidant properties that help to prevent collagen and elastin breakdown.
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The mask is available on nykaa for Rs 100/- and there are often offers of buy 5 get 5 free where you can stock them.
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#sheetmask #kbeauty #koreanbeauty

Ptsd awareness day

➰27th June marks PTSD awareness day.
PTSD stands for post traumatic stress disorder, a disorder that can affect anyone who has been through a traumatic episode. A teal ribbon is associated with ptsd and wearing teal today is a symbol of understanding and supporting people suffering from ptsd.
Now what is exactly is a traumatic episode , lets find out.
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➰About the disorder
PTSD is a disorder where in one is not able to recover after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. It can be death of a closed one, a natural/man-made disaster, abuse or anything that has bothered an individual. It has its history from soldiers in world war who experienced similar symptoms. It affects about 8 million adults each year only in the US.
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➰Symptoms
Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of situations that remind of the event, mood swings, anxiety and depressed mood and even suicidal tendency.
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The symptoms show after the traumatic event. Sometimes even after years. What is important is that we understand that these symptoms are not in the control of the individual and the fears though can be irrational must be addressed. Psychotherapy works best and anti depressant and anti anxiety medication may be required as well.
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➰How can you help?
Support the person, be for them and most importantly understand that sometimes the symptoms are not in their control. Talk to them, let them talk about it, listen and provide them care especially when they go through flashbacks and dreams. Individuals suffering from ptsd also go through low confidence and self esteem issues, make them feel confident and make them feel loved.

Holi Feature!

Holi, The festival that brings colour to your life. The festival that tells us how important colours are.

Each colour has a significance... each person that adds colour, wishes that you may get more vividness and brightness in your life.

Its the festival that makes you live your life beyond the dull. The festival that brings life in life!

Happy Holi to each and everyone!

The colourful powders that must be in your daily life,

- Turmeric, your skin's best friend! Apply it everyday to make your skin naturally blemish free and brightened. Its one colour you shouldn't ever stay away from.

- Charcoal powder, don't be afraid of the super dark colour. Its all meant to take your impurities away and give you dirt and oil free look.

- Amla powder , the green powder works wonders on your hair. It strengthens and helps in hair growth. Make a paste and apply it to your hair.

- Multani mitti, the mud that leaves you flawless. Make a paste with rose water and apply especially during summers.

Bring colour in your life, the fashion way..

Make up are your colours that you can use everyday to add colours in your life. Don't think twice to wear the red lipstick. It won't be too much!

Try out the blues and purples on your eyes.. give them the attention they deserve.

And the rosy cheeks! Cheeks deserve gulal everyday...

Yellows, orange, and all possible brights will suit you!

Wish to try the bright blue on your lips, be unique. Blue can be your colour too!

Be vivid, try it all.. experience each colour and celebrate each day as Holi!

A Wardrobe Chimera - Women's Day Special!

An irony if I must say, fashion has been developed & made & altered all for woman but done by the great deeds of a man.
The government we say is for the by people, by the people, of the people but fashion in the early centuries were for women but not by women.
And then came the women like wind, ruling the fashion arena, contributing in ways that even today women like us are motivated to be fashionable each day.
A Chimera, a dream, a fantasy I call, to have a wardrobe & cosmetics all made by the iconic women who pioneered in the 19th and 20th century in 'avant garde' fashion bringing looks that no one could ever thought of & in those times I repeat.

(Here below are the women who have contributed in the history of fashion and their iconic outfits/products that are elucidated in the form of a bucket list that I crave to be in my wardrobe)

My chimera or a fantasy of women oriented wardrobe would begin with a office outfit with poise and grace like Gabrielle Bonheur 'Coco' Chanel who neutralized gender by bringing blazers and pants for women. An ensemble studded with pearls, fancy hats and embellishments! And don't forget to thank her for the creation of the 'little black dress'

A feminine wrap dress, one of first made by 'Elsa Schiaparelli' in 1930s, a free size dress bringing the concept of dresses that fit everyone & incorporating it for a beach look that I would team with a swimsuit by ' Norma Kamali' and when I say beach, I mean super short clothes & that makes me want the creater of the mini skirt & hot pants , the cool 'Mary Quant' designed bright short bottomwear.

Oh! I shouldnt forget to exercise but in sports wear by 'Claire McCardell'

A classy crisp white button and taffeta skirt look, which is so in even today; I wish for a pair of them by 'Caroline Herrera'.

Everyday tops & dresses by 'Donna Karan'.
And when I need to go out for evenings I want the Greek styled gowns by 'Madeleine Vionnet' with a teardrop necklace matched by 'Elsa Peretti'.

And my wedding! Of course I want a wedding dress too! A bridal gown by 'Vera Wang' and an cocktail gown by 'Stella McCartney'.

For my honeymoon, Lingerie & fur by 'Jeanne Lanvin' & a titanic inspired dress (The titanic surviver and designer for the movie Titanic) by 'Lucy Lady Duff - Gordon' for when I travel on a cruise.

Now for accessories, miu miu heels by 'Miuccia Prada' & platform shoes by 'Vivienne Westwood'.
 Perfumes by 'Elizabeth Arden' & 'Jo Malone.'

Now to the cosmetics, ' Estee Lauder ' to begin with along with body care by ' Anita Roddick' . perfect foundation to match my tone by 'Fenty' or the 20th century famous 'Iman'.
'Bobby brown' for her natural look and 'KatvonD' to bring out the darker side in me, 'Laura Mercer' to accentuate me with the best of her makeup or a look at the menu card of cosmetics by 'Charlotte Tilbury'.
And for when I need to get my hair done, a visit to ' Martha Matilda Harper's ' salon.

And not to forget , the modernization of beauty industry with online beauty shopping by ' Emily Weiss' and the young women of today who have bought modern cosmetics like the matte lip cream and advanced contouring, credits to 'Kylie Jenner' and 'Huda Kattan'.

Well you see women not only look good in fashion , but they also own fashion in every way. I am sure I have missed out many women because the contributions are countless. I haven't even started with fashion icons like Marylin Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and the models of course who bring fashion to the ramp so effortlessly- Naomi Campbell, Giselle Bundchen, Linda Evangelista and more...

And this, my girls is the chimera , a desire of not me but every woman who is proud of the fashion that these women have bought to us.
So be proud women, because truly fashion now is of us, by us and for us!

Happy Women's Day
Naomi

A tribute to Karl Lagerfeld

My favourite fashion designer and icon, the man behind the most successful fashion shows and the icon to handle the brand - Chanel! Karl Otto Lagerfeld was a German designer, creative director, artist, photographer and caricaturist who lived in the fashion capital, Paris. He worked until his very last day, passing away at the age of 85, last month. Known to handle brands like Chanel, Fendi and his very own Karl Lagerfeld.
He is known as the monochrome man, the man with his iconic ponytail and his signature look of white hair, black sunglasses and fingerless gloves.

About Karl Lagerfeld
Wanting to be a caricaturist, Karl entered a coat designing competition somehow and won the competition gaining entry to work with Pierre Balmain. After working for brands like Chloe and Valentino, he started working for Fendi until his death.
In the 1980s he was hired by Chanel, which was then not a successful brand since Coco Chanel had just passed away, but Karl bought back the essence of Chanel - The monochrome looks, pearls, tweed jackets, little black dresses, gloves and classy headgear.
Lagerfeld also collaborated and worked with brands like Diesel, H&M , Macys etc.
He also directed a few short movies, ventured into photography, designed fashion shows that were so unique and attractive and also designed art sculptures , mirrors, consoles etc


Unique facts about Karl Lagerfeld

●He started working at the age of 17 and worked until the very end of his life.

●He hated cell phones and technology and rather preceded faxes and letters.

●He carried a fan wherever he went.

●His personal library consisted of 300000 books all rotated so that he didn't have to tilt his head to read the titles.

●He owned 300 iPods, all designed for different genre of music. All of these were stored in a specially designed limited edition Louis Vuitton trunk.

●He owned a fridge in his bathroom to keep his skincare products.

●He didn't smoke or drink but was addicted to diet coke

●The iconic pony has been with him since 1976

●He was very close to his cat, who has an Instagram page, 2 maids and said once if it was legal he would have married her.


Karl Lagerfeld and his fashion shows
Karl created fashion shows like movie sets, so advanced and designed so minutely that it would feel like you are in the moment so much, making it an illusion, a dream, Karl believed in grandeur and imagination.
From designing a whole winter wonderland, adding effects of snow covered areas instead of a standard ordinary ramp, adding winds and mountains, yes it was all possible by the man.
Some of his shows include creating a beach, fountains and gardens , and much more.
Last week, the final show designed by Karl was presented post his death and it was based on the winter collection. The models were in tears bidding farewell to the man who bought so much imagination and thought into a fashion show.

This is my version of a Classic Chanel inspired outfit as a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.
Using the important and the famous elements of the house of Chanel, I integrated the look like Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn would have worn.
The little black dress or LBD is a concept that was developed by Coco chanel which was further taken up by Karl Lagerfeld. Adding to the look are the gloves that Karl himself wore. Chanel is also a fan of embellishments and bows that add to the vintage look.
Not to forget, the elegant hair bows and hats that call for what Chanel is about. It would have been a sin if I would have missed out on that.
The little black dress goes well with classy black pumps accentuated with embellishments.

Monochrome looks are synonymous to Karl Lagerfeld. He was always dressed in black and white and that is what is my inspiration to this look. I wanted to create a whole breakfast at tiffanys look, an Audrey Hepburn in Chanel kind of illusion.
Karl often added many pearls his look. It is what added to the elegance and charm. I was myself thrilled to be surrounded in so many layers of pearls.
Vintage backgrounds, old style chandeliers and black and white looks were all a part of looks created by the man.

This is a look inspired from the Fendi fall 2019 collection that showcased black frilled skirts and dressed along with bows. I created it with a vision of what Karl's traditional look would be thus adding white to it.
Karl was about sleek dresses as well grand frills and layers as he frequently dressed celebrities for award functions, often sticking to his monochrome tones and old style vintage looks with contemporary twists.
Also a tribute to his last collection, that showcased winter and spring looks that can be worn in the cold weather yet add a fashionable style.

Fendi
Fendi is an Italian luxury fashion brand that Karl joined in 1965 and became the creative director for fur and women's ready to wear.
The brand is 93 years old and is known for its eyewear , fragrances , leather goods and fur, shoes , bags and accessories.
The well known baguette and pequin handbags is what Fendi is popularly known for.
The final work of Karl was shown by Fendi at Milan fashion week a few days back.
The show showcased Eskimo designs, medieval armor and kimono inspired winter looks.

Chanel
Chanel is a French brand that specialises in haute couture, fashion accessories and ready to wear clothes. The name is taken by Gabrielle Chanel who used her nickname Coco along. Karl was the man behind promoting the CC logo short for coco chanel.
110 year old brand chanel went through a downfall when in 1983, Karl took over as the chief designer. He incorporated the traditional tweed and fold accents in the looks.

Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld started his own brand in 1984. His brand with his own name and his iconic look as a logo is known mostly for designer handbags, shows and more.
He also has a fragrance by the same name and logo.
His collection has a modern and contemporary edge to classic black and solid colour designs. Adding his own monochrome looks and texts, his cat images , optical illusions look like striped looks and spikes and embellishments is what his collection is about.