Pamper Your Skin For Weddings at Salon Meraki

It's the Wedding season OFFICIALLY!!!

Now, we all love this particular time of the year when we get dressed to impress, unapologetically hog on our favourite food, and get to dance unstoppable on the DJ music. The beauty of the Indian Weddings is just that happy state of mind! Isn't it? Also, this is the time of the year when every girl looks like Alia Bhat from Student of the Year when she’s grooving on the Radha song or like Kareena and her girls gang in Veere di Wedding. More than the Bride, it’s the “Dulhan ki Saheli” who has in the limelight and why not? The bride already got her D-day, it’s now OUR time to shine.

Honestly, a lot of my friends are getting married this year, and I'm having the best time of my life selecting my outfits. But, one very important aspect of looking my best is to pamper my skin and experience rejuvenation. With my busy schedule, I really don't get time to take care of my skin, but I did manage to take some time out and visit SALON MERAKI recently and get some super beauty services done!

WAXING (@INR 1500)

We started with the first service : Waxing. One of the most important parts of our beauty regimen is the removal of excess, unwanted hair, which can help contribute to the softer, cleaner look. I personally feel there are some benefits of getting waxing done at a professional salon, which are :
1.) Improved skin texture.
2.) No skin irritation or allergies.
3.) No cuts and minimal bruising.
4.) More comfortable, rapid, and produces even better results.

I got full arms, underarms, full legs, and my back waxed. The professional at Meraki made it really comfortable for me, so that I could feel no pain why she pulls the hair!

DE-TAN (@INR 3500)

The second service I opted for was a complete body de-tan. We started with the face, then the arms, the entire chest, the legs, and lastly the back! I personally feel, after a session of de-tan, it becomes easy for our skin to remove a layer of tan, and lets our skin pores breathe and retain its nourishment; also it helps me deal with acne (specially on my back).

FACIAL (@INR 1800)

Okay, so post de-tan I went for a quick bath, and dried myself to lay down for a facial. Honestly, nothing can match the feeling you get when you glide your fingers over your face and feel that soft and milky skin; and that only comes with a good facial done by a professional! Thanks Meraki for the best feeling in the world.
In case you're wondering why is it necessary, I'd really like to share some benefits of facial :
1.) Reduces stress and relieves psychological distress
2.) Promotes blood circulation
3.) Helps detoxify the skin
4.) Eliminate whiteheads and blackheads
5.) Exfoliates & tightens your skin

The facial included cleansing, exfoliating, scrubbing, moisturising, and then the professional gave me a face & back massage that helped relieve complete stress.

THREADING - Eyebrows & Upper lips (@INR 50)

TBH, I started getting threading done just 4 years ago, and since then I'm addicted to the procedure. There are months I don't get time to visit the salon and I skip the process and I start looking terrible! This time I made sure I leave no service untouched. Okay, one very important aspect of threading is that it's a technique that requires a great amount of skill and takes hours-upon-hours of practice to master, and all professionals at Meraki know their job best so I recommend you to visit them for a perfect set of eyebrows every month, and chemical-free removal of unwanted hair from your upper lips, just like I got done.

MANICURE & PEDICURE (@INR 850)

Lastly, I got a very relaxing manicure & pedicure done at Meraki. I feel both these treatments are a must not only to acquire a well-groomed look but also to keep your finger & toe nails healthy. And, while manicure and pedicure is a great way to feel pampered, their benefits go much beyond indulging yourself :
1.) Removes Tan
2.) Stimulates Blood Circulation
3.) Exfoliates Dead Cells
4.) Relieves Stress
5.) Ensures Soft and Smooth Skin

The professional at Meraki was very well learned, and he knew the exact pressure points to press post the cleaning of the fingers and the toes. I was super satisfied with how my hands & feet now looked - very well groomed!

Kudos Team SALON MERAKI for providing the best beauty treatments / services, using the best branded products, all under one roof, at the most affordable prices! I've always had the best experience with Meraki and would recommend everyone to visit them for all their salon requirements!

Location : Paramount Apartments (Basement), New Berry Rd, Near, Butler Colony, Lucknow.

Photographed by : Saud Ansari


~xoxo~

Pamper Your Winter Skin with Ethicare

Winter is all about festivities, holidays and over indulgence of food and drinks. Without proper care this over indulgence can take a toll on your skin. The weather is harsh during this time contributing further damage on the skin. While this season spares no skin type, today we will be talking about acne prone skin. Using the same products as other months of the year can cause acne flare ups, therefore it is necessary to make the following tweaks in your skincare routine!

1. Cleanse twice

2. Exfoliate gently

3. Don’t be scared to moisturise

4. Take your dose of SPF

And for the above mentioned, I have my few favorite products from Ethicare, to help you choose the right products if you have the same skin type as me - slightly oily, prone to pimples & acne.

Ethicare is the fastest growing pharmaceutical company in India with 100% focus in dermatology and cosmetology. Founded in 2003 by a young and enthusiastic entrepreneur, Ilesh Khakkhar. The organization has been dedicated to innovation through new regimen, new medicine, new technologies and new ways to beautify the world. 

The 4 products I use these days to keep my skin in place are :

ACMED FACE WASH - Used to cure acne which cleanses excess oil, dirt and dead skin. Tea tree oil used in Acmed ensures anti-bacterial action against bacteria common to pimple prone skin. It also has a breakthrough innovation like pimple care globules that you can actually see penetrating in your skin while you wash your face, ensuring proper delivery of pimple care active ingredients.

It is available in 70gm pack.

Direction to use :

Take some of it with a little water onto your palm. Work up lather and gently massage on your wet face and neck with a circular motion. Rinse off with clear water and pat your face dry. For best results use twice or thrice a day regularly.

UVMED - This spectrum sunscreen gel provides 50 times more protection from sunburn, as it has been produced by special ingredients and unique formula. It protects the skin from UVA I, UVA II and UVB, and has oil-free formula so it is ideal for oily, acne prone skin.

It also prevents darkening of skin, sunburn, premature ageing. It is useful for both indoor and outdoor and can be used in any season. It does not contain any colourant or perfume that may cause allergic effects.

It is available in 50ml pack.

Direction to use :

Apply UVMED evenly on face and all exposed areas of the body 20-30 minutes before exposure to sun. Re-apply after prolonged swimming or excessive sweating. Massage UVMED into the skin very gently, until it vanishes. (Don’t rub vigorously). Regular use of Uvmed helps in preventing any type of skin damage done by UV rays.

CALADEW LOTION - This magical lotion with its balanced formulation, offers soothing-cooling action and gives relief in skin condition like prickly heat, insect bites, itching, sunburn, nappy rash etc.  Zinc oxide is used to heal the skin and offers mild sunscreen action. Caladew has Excellent spread ability. It offers instant cooling effect.

It is available in 75ml pack.

Direction to use :

Clear affected area of the skin then gently apply the lotion there. Use for bad skin condition like urticaria, prickly heat, insect bites, itching, sunburn, nappy rash, chickenpox, scabies etc. Use 2 to 3 times daily for best results.

AKMASQ - A natural and innovative approach in pimple care and complexion care technology. It absorbs oil. It has gental cleansing base for irritation free cleansing. It provides antibacterial action by tea tree oil. It is bedt for for improvement in complexion and removal of acne marks. Akmasq has chandan and turmeric, while the cucumber essence in it gives cooling and soothing feel. Vit. -E and pro-Vit. B5 has healing properties. 

It is available in 70gm pack.

Direction to use :

Clean your face & neck and apply Akmasq evenly, avoiding the area around eyes and mouth. Let it dry and let ingredients penetrate for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off Akmasq with water and pat dry. Thrice a week application of Akmasq will give you freshness and freedom from oiliness throughout the day and will improve complexion remarkably giving glow to the skin.

So, now that you know what I use on my skin in winters, you should try these products on yourself too, and let me know if it worked for you! Buy all from ETHICARE.

~xoxo~

Loving my Lujobox - Beauty Subscription Box

These days, Beauty Boxes are so in demand. Different brands have made it easier to send across sample sized products wrapped in a box, for a month, to help a woman shell out lesser money and still look as flawless as she wants to. I personally love these subscription boxes so much, I've been using a few kinds myself and here I am today, sharing the review of another website that has recently started sending out it's luxury beauty boxes! It's LUJOBOX (lu-ho box). The name's so catchy, you cannot turn your back at it!

They sent across a sample box for me to try and share the review with all you women out their who've been asking me about subscription boxes lately. Trust me, the box is a dose of lavishness that comprises makeup, skincare, fragrance, haircare and much more! Let's scroll down and take a look at the products I received in my October Lujobox.

*A three month subscription is priced at : 2565/- only, comes with 4-5 branded products a complimentary Lujobox T-shirt.

LA CURE - FACIAL SCRUB CREAM

This product is my favorite. It's enriched with dead sea minerals directly extracted from the dead sea. Combined with natural apple extract to provide a striking improvement to the skin's texture, leaving the face looking radiant & luminous tiny grains of walnut shell act as a natural exfoliator removing dead skin cells, assisting cleansing whilst clarifying the skin, improving elasticity and suppleness. Suitable for all skin types.  |  Priced at : 449/-

WILD EARTH - PEACH GRAPES CHERRY BODY BUTTER

It's a rich, creamy and buttery concoction of the most exotic butters & oils. It moisturises parched, dry skin and leaves it screaming for more. Its lovely fragrance lingers on your body for hours! This product is claimed to be the best seller all along and is a must have in the winter season. Brownie points to this product for doubling up as a foot butter!

In the box - Deluxe size : Priced at 165/-  |  Full size : 550/-

QUINTA ESSENTIA ORGANIC - LAVENDER HAIR MASK

A well balanced formula for all hair types. It contains no harsh or synthetic elements but only pure organic food grade oils to give your hair a pre-shampoo treat. The relaxing benefits of French Lavender essential oil help you ease while you keep this mask on. It's works very well for oily scalp.  |  Priced at : 650/-

ELENBLU - LIQUID EYELINER

Is it just me or happens with you too that if you're not wearing a nice eyeliner, your makeup feels incomplete? I'm thankful to Lujobox for sending across this perfect formulation that glides seamlessly to prevent tugging and has a glossy liquid-like finish that doesn't smudge or budge all day. This liner lasts upto 10 hours (sometimes more). The strokes are effortless!  |  Priced at : 449/-

ELENBLU - CRAYON GEL LINER (EMERALD GREEN)

It's a quick-dry, water-proof formulation glides or seamlessly to prevent tugging and has a gloss liquid-like finish that won't smudge or budge all day, lasting upto 10 hours. Fierce, feline or edgy, what works for you, this eyeliner is best at proving it's worth! Water-based, free of volatiles, free of parabens, this product is everything you'd want for your intense eye look!  |  Priced at : 339/-

The subscription process works exactly like other box subscription, with just some exclusive offers. See all HERE. 

I've personally used products from this box and have loved them all for now. Looking forward to try another box. You should too try a 3 months subscription and let me know your feedback! Until next, lots of love.

Photographed by : Shiv Ahuja

~xoxo~

My Body Skin Care Routine with Mantra Herbal

Starting a blog post with a surprise note appears weird? Welcome to Picker At Pace!

Note : It's been almost a year since I received the products (that you will read about below) from MANTRA HERBAL. And, if you're wondering why I am I posting a review after a year, it's because I wanted to share an absolute honest review after using each of them till the last drop. So you now know that my body skin care routine hasn't changed past 1 year. Not that it was planned, but yes, it's like that!

Shall we start? Read below...

First things first, the MANTRA BODY CARE range offers a selection of proprietary formulas designed to help rejuvenate the body. 'Mantra Herbal' is an initiative of the Baidyanath Group, a name synonymous with Ayurveda since 1917. You remember your nanis and dadis must have spoken to you about their favourite products from the brand, yes? If not, what world did you come from? #GoogleItNow

Coming to what products Mantra sent me to use and review; everything came in pretty fascinating packs in hues of blue. I could smell only herbal fragrances that left me mesmerized! Check out all 3 from the Ayurveda range below..

1.) Jasmine, Triphala and Pearls Deep Cleansing body Scrub  |  Price : 900/-

It's a deep cleansing scrub with Crushed Pearls, Triphala & Avocado. Triphala is said to be a potent combination of Amla, Bahera & Harre which is known for its antioxidant & blemish-fighting properties. Crushed Pearls acts as a natural exfoliating agent that also brightens and purifies the complexion. 

I use it once every week and absolutely love it. This invigorating scrub gently removes my dead cells and impurities, encouraging the appearance of fresh skin, which feels smooth after every wash!

2.) Jasmine and Neem Body Wash  |  Price : 1099/-

This body wash comes with an excellent diffusion of active ingredients which calms, reactivates & softens the skin while rejuvenating the whole body. Neem, with calming and clarifying properties, leaves skin feeling cleansed and refreshed, while Jasmine leaves a gentle fragrance after every wash!

I use this product on a daily basis and will recommend it to everyone who loves to use natural body washes. PS : Add 5 drops on your loofah and you're sorted for a bath.

3.) Kokkum Butter and Pistachio Winter Care Lotion  |  Price : 1195/-

This is my favourite from the lot. A unique moisturizer with time-tested Kokkum Butter and Pistachio blended with nourishing Almond Oil to counter the ravages of winter, like chapped skin (however, I've used it in summer months as well). It's a rich treat that quenches dry skin, making it smoother & younger looking. The Almond Oil promotes healthy glowing skin. Pistachio and Kokkum Butter nourishes the skin without being greasy (best part in summer).

I never leave my house without applying it. It makes my skin spfter and smoother, and also helps me keep up with my rough days! 

Note : I LOVE MANTRA HERBAL...so much so that after my packs finished, I actually bought more for myself which I currently use too! The routine is : Body Wash + Moisturizer DAILY. Body Scrub ONCE A WEEK.

I hope you liked reading this post. If you did, do share it ahead. Until next..lots of love!

~xoxo~ 

My First Hair Color Experience at Makeup Forever Lucknow

Hey everybody, how’s it going? Christmas in Lucknow was amazing and I’m prepping to welcome the new year in full swing with my mains. Well, the year 2017 has been crazy for me. With so many additions and changes in life, it’s been a great year so far! And if you’ve been following me on my social media all this while you must know I’ve recently got a permanent tattoo done which has brought in a lot more confidence in my personality. Along with that, I’ve been flaunting my new hair too.

I’ve been lucky enough to have received compliments for my natural waves in the past years, but with time I myself started getting bored of the same style. It’s been long that I’d been thinking about getting a visible transformation done to my hair. Like really, 24 years and it’s the same usual mane falling long and short since forever. Adding some highlights seemed one of the easiest and the most attractive ways to bring in a change! I’ve been told a gazillion times, coloring hair would add to my hair fall problem, but I finally managed to make up my mind one final day. It was definitely a hard decision, but I just had to take a chance. 

While scrolling through my pinterest feed one night, I stumbled upon a picture of gorgeous hair with double streaks in blonde and burgundy. I saved the image and sent it to Ishita Sood, who recently launched her new salon - Makeup Forever Professional at Eldeco Greens, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The pretty girl came to my rescue. Though with some hesitation initially she asked me if I’m sure to get the experiment done, and I without second thoughts said, ‘absolutely’. Next day, I was at her studio and we began the process. Scroll down to read a stepwise procedure that my hair underwent..

Step 1 : Gentle hair wash.

Step 2 : Complete Hair Dry.

Step 3 : Wrap desired sections of hair in foil & apply color with flat brush.

(1st round of color no. 1 - Loreal 'blonde' mixed with 30% developer)

Let the hair color stay for about 30 minutes.

Once all the streaks are colored and covered with foil, your head looks like this. Almost like a zombie's!

Step 4 : Remove the foil and wash hair with conditioner.

Step 5 : Completely blow dry all hair before applying the second round of color no.2.

Step 6 : Wrap desired sections of hair in foil & apply color with flat brush.

(1st round of color no.2 - Matrix 'burgundy' mixed with 30% developer)

Step 7 : Remove the foil and wash hair with conditioner.

Step 8 : Completely blow dry all hair and set accordingly (I chose curls for mine).

So, that's how my final hair look like after the curls done - fun and lively! I usually avoid using heat products but temporary curls with rod makes the double streaking stand out perfectly. You can clearly notice the visible streaks of both blonde (more prominent though) and burgundy! PS : Get the strength of your hair checked before using blonders.

This entire hair color procedure with double highlights (for medium to long hair), using the foil technique costs Rs. 5000/-

I can vouch for the quality of products and services since I've got it done myself. So, if you're looking for a hair transformation for new year, MAKEUP FOREVER STUDIO by Ishita Sood has many treats for you!

If you liked reading this post, share it ahead with your friends and family. For more updates, follow my on my different social media handles - facebook, instagram, twitter, snapchat. See you next year. Until then, love and luck!

Photographed by : Madhukant Tripathi

~xoxo~