Super Cute Makeup Bag!

I'm a HUGEEEE fan of makeup/cosmetic/toiletry bags!! Whenever I go out of the country, I make it a point to pick up atleast one because there are beauuutiful ones available in the market! 

Graphic, vibrant and colourful prints are dominating our wardrobes! Why not stay in trend with toiletry/makeup bags too? This multi-coloured pouch grabbed my attention form a mile away! I just couldn't resist from buying this as soon as I entered H&M when I was in Stockholm with my Mom... I discovered that since H&M is a Swedish brand, it ought to be cheaper in Sweden but because of the higher standard of living, it's more expensive in Sweden that the rest of the world! It costed me 70 SEK (Rs.580)... For how gorgeous it is and for it's spaciousness, I think it's worth it! =)

How pretty are these butterflies!?!

They had 3 different sizes, I picked this one (the biggest) because I put a lot of unnecessary products inside just because I'm so fickle-minded! One minute I decide to wear a tangerine lipstick, and the next minute I'm flaunting my bubblegum pout!

Here's how it looks inside! 

It stores a lot of makeup!!

The inner orange lining along with the neon green plastic zip makes it uber cool to travel with! (The zip is smoooth, doesn't get stuck unlike in some bags!) The colourful butterflies make it so much more fun and exciting rather than the usual boring colour blocked makeup bags! 

That's it for now! (Thank God it's Friday)

Lotsa love,
Akriti
xxx

Get rid of dark elbows, knees and underarms!

Hello lovelies! I know a lot of us suffer from dark patches on our elbows, knees and underarms... It's a  common skin concern especially for Asian women! It can be sooo frustrating especially if you have to wear a short sleveless dress! Ughhh.

There are a number of reasons behind it:

1. Constant friction between the skin ---> which makes them very rough and dry ---> which leads to darkness
2. Overexposure to sunlight---> overproduction of melanin---> darkness
3. Heredity :(
4. Kneeling on your knees 
5. Leaning on your elbows 
6. Hygiene ---> these areas have natural skin folds which may attract dirt+dead skin+oil ---> darkness

SOLUTION:

1. Exfoliate using a body scrub
2. Home Remedy - using lemons!
3. Moisturize with a body lotion

Lemons are rich in Vitamin C and work as a natural bleaching agent which will fade out uneven and pigmented skin!

NOTE: For optimum results, you have to continuously use it on a daily basis or as often as possible, preferably after a shower so that you're squeaky clean!

METHOD:

Step 1: Squeeze a lemon into a bowl
Step 2: Soak a cotton ball into the fresh lemon juice and rub it over your knees, elbows and armpits

Let it sit for at least 25-30 mins... (I know, this can be tedious!)

Step 3: Rinse away with warm water. You can use a towel to avoid soaking yourself in water!
Step 4: Apply a body lotion to moisturize your skin and prevent it from drying. 

Remember to follow a strict moisturizing routine! One product which reallllyyyy helps to even out skin tone is the Vaseline Healthy White Skin Brightening Body Milk! Sunlight can be horrible and ruin your skin's natural lightening process which will lead to your skin being darker than it actually is! What's great is that it's packed with yogurt serum to hydrate, Vitamin B3 to lighten and triple sunscreens to protect! =)

Good luck!

Lots of lemon love,
Akriti
xxx

Top 10 non-makeup questions!

During my workshops, I get to interact with such interesting people from different walks of life and we chat about random stuff too! As we're always pressurized because of the time constraint, we try not to deviate from makeup :) I had asked them to email me any questions- both makeup and non-makeup related! So here are the top 10 non-makeup related q's! :P

Q1. You claim you're a foodie but you don't look like one! (Raina, Bangalore)

A1: Haha this made me laugh!! My friends who've grown up with me know this best, I am quite the foodie... When I was in school, I used to binge quite a bit, but now I control my quantities- I stick to small portions! I snack on anything and everything, as long as I have a couple of bites, I'm satisfied :)

Q2. Who is your inspiration? (Farida, Chennai)

A2. Hmmm.. In general, when I think of an inspiration, I think Leopards- brave, strong-minded, exotic, daring, bold and courageous. I'm obsessed with them and collect all things leopard print- from hairbands, to scarves, makeup bags, leggings, shoes, wallets etc.

Q3. Do you workout/exercise? (Priya, Chennai)

A3. I try to workout as often as I can, but lately I've been quite lazy! I've joined a yoga studio right next to my house, it's called 136.1, absolutely amazing! Although it's a stone's throw away, I find it SO hard to get myself to go!! Ugh. Also, it helps to be restless- I'm always out and about, I can't stay put in one place and I walk real fast.. especially in malls! It seems like I'm always in a hurry when actually I'm really not! :P

Q4. What's your favorite cuisine? Can you cook? (Veena, Chennai)

A4. It's a tie between Thai-Chicken Green Curry and South Indian Dosas! Damn, I should try them two together!! Yes, I can cook- I had to when I was at University... I was good at Lasagna, although it took nearly half a day to make! Lol.. I didn't like to "cheat" and use the lasagna sauces, so made them from scratch! I prefer baking though- CUPCAKES!

Q5. Do you often indulge in massages/spa treatments? (Reshma, Chennai)

A5. Not very often. Whenever I do, I treat myself to the "Hot Volcanic Stone Foot Massage" at Spa Senza, Chennai. (Love that place!!) It's so relaxing, de-stressing and rejuvenating! Everyone deserves to pamper themselves once in a while ;) You live life once!

Q6. What would you prefer on a Saturday night  out? Movie Theatre or Clubbing? (Uma, Kerala)

A6. Movie Theatre! Nothing like catching up with friends over movie with a big tub of popcorn and Satyam cold coffee! (that's the BEST cinema theatre in the world, seriously! :) I do enjoy partying too, but that can get monotonous!

Q7. You're favorite holiday destination? (Karishma, Hyderabad)

A7. So far, it's Paris! I don't think I deserve to pick Paris because I dislike (hate is a strong word) macaroons!!! (tastes like flavoured castor sugar :S ) I loveeeee cupcakes though :P

Q8. Do you have a weakness? (Maria, Chennai)

A8. Erm, yes.. Retail Therapy! And dark chocolate! I often overdose on DC! :P

Q9. Do you like music? What's you're favorite band? (Lavanya, Mumbai)

A9. I do enjoy music but not as much as my sister! I'm a huge fan of Coldplay! My playlist has only Coldpay which I play on repeat! Lol, they somehow fit into every mood! (I'm listening to Yellow at the moment!)

Q10. What is the one thing you're afraid of? (Puja, Chennai)

A10. GHOSTS! I try to convince myself that they don't exist, but I do believe in them! Lol!


Hehe thank you guys, had fun answering them!

I will be answering 10 makeup questions soon! So feel free to bombard me at mesmereyesmakeup@gmail.com!!

Have a chilled out Sunday everybody! :)

Lotsa love
xxxx