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~

'Top To Toe' in Shein

It's no secret that the little black dress has entered the fashion lexicon as a fail-safe, versatile and timeless garment which became as one of the wardrobe's essential in no time. Truly, Black has always been a meaningful color, rich in symbolism; and as per the research, already since the early 18th century, black color in clothing represented romance and artistry. Sounds exciting, right?! Well, unapologetically, Black is poetic. Like, how do you imagine a poet? In a bright yellow jacket? Probably not! So yes, black is classic, which instinctively makes the LBD quintessential. 

In the last last few months I've shopped crazily from SHEIN.IN, because I just love how they've improved on their products, their purchases and prices, and the delivery. A recent instance was when I'd been looking for a black dress that's not the usual LBD but something that has an attractive element to it, and I stumbled upon this elegant looking piece with frilled sleeves and mesh detail. It's a plain black polyester dress but the long, fuller looking sleeves add a touch of drama to it!

dress, belt, heels, sunglasses : Shein.in  |  earrings : Tiny Box

I chose to dress up top-to-toe from SHEIN this time, where I teamed up my ready-to-wear staple of late afternoon and cocktail hours with a pair of oversized sunnies inspired by Kim Kardashian's choices, making my look appear a bit more startling. Also added black rhinestone studs to give it a hint of glamour, along with a pair of bright red, suede heels. And, and..the last minute addition of the embellished belt was a super decision, what do you think? 

If you're looking for something not-too-chic-but-chic for evening parties this season, this look can be your pick! Do comment below if you liked this post, also share it ahead more ladies. Until next..love & luck.

Photographed by : Shiv Ahuja

~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~ 

The Bow Doll ft. Shein

Finally! I’ve had so many questions about SHEIN and requests to review it, and I’ve finally done it. Honestly, before now I haven’t been into the whole SHEIN thing. I love a good deal as much as the next girl, but there was just something that felt weird to me about ordering from there. I mean, how are the prices SO low? It has to be too good to be true, right? Not exactly. 

I wasn’t expecting much when my package showed up on my doorstep. But, imagine my surprise when I open the package and tried on my haul.

Note : THIS POST CONTAINS JUST 2 PIECES FROM THE HAUL. More coming up in the next updates (so that you come back and help me increase my website visits).

I love summer dresses and you know that if you've been following me on social media. So, I got my hands on a pink and white striped dress that almost gave an illusion of a bandage dress! I've always been petite and super conscious to don bodycon dresses, but this pick from shein.com was something I just had to try! I guess I saw it on a lot of girls having the same body structure like mine so I ordered the piece for myself. However, when the package arrived, I forgot I had ordered this among 15 other products, and couldn't figure out for hours how to actually wear it, but my insta fam being the sweetest, saved me again...so you get to see these pictures below! 

It's such a cute, off-shoulder dress that's high waist with a lettuce trim. It comes with a cut in the centre that parts your upper and lower body covering, with short sleeves. Also, the back is so flattering! But, the cutest part is undoubtedly is the knot (they give you a separate piece of fabric to add it in the centre of the upper part of the dress and tie it into a bow). The fabric is stretchable, and very comfortable to wear! You can choose to throw up this dress on a beach, a summer party, pool party or just a picnic.

I paired it up with minimal accessories, that included a pair of designer studs, a set of gold bracelets and nude heels; TBH, the dress in itself is a showstopper!

Apart from my personal take on the dress, I'd like to share some TIPS FOR SHOPPING AT SHEIN.

1.) ALLOW ENOUGH TIME FOR DELIVERY. According to their site, you will receive your order in 6-17 business days from the date that it is placed. I received most of my entire order in just 5 days, but according to some of my friends, it has taken upto 20 days as well, so be prepared, or just hope to get lucky!

2.) KNOW YOUR BODY. Know what looks good and what flatters your body type. Not only is this crucial when ordering anything online, but especially when weeding through the crazy amount of inventory they have.

3.) GO BY THE SIZING MEASUREMENTS, NOT JUST THE SIZE. Get out your measuring tape. It’ll help a ton to decide your correct size. 

4.) Lastly, READ THE REVIEWS. Super helpful. Believe them. 

dress, bracelets : Shein.com  |  heels : Forever 21

I hope you liked reading this post, as much as I loved penning it down for you! Do drop your comments below to let me know what best you find about this post (could be the outfit, or the write-up, or just me. (hehe!))

Photographed by : Shiv Ahuja

~xoxo~

Kebab Biryani & Beer Festival at Earthen Oven, Fortune Park Lucknow

Biryani and Kebabs are the very essence of Indian & Mughlai cuisine, I mean who doesn’t love an aromatic biryani and a succulent Kebab to go with it?

Keeping this in mind, Fortune Park BBD – Lucknow yet again decided to tease our senses with a Kebab, Biryani & Beer Festival from 8th June onwards at Earthen Oven – the poolside, North Indian cuisine restaurant at the hotel. Fortune Park BBD by ITC is one of the most popular hotels in Lucknow. 

They have come up with the concept of Kebab, Biryani & Beer combo at a pricing of 699 INR + Taxes (veg) and 799 INR + taxes (nonveg) per head. Through this combo one can choose to eat a plate full of biryani, assorted kebab platter and a pint of beer. The combo menu is not too  elaborate. So, it’s not difficult for the patrons to choose!

They have the yummiest options for both veg & non-veg, and I was personally amazed by the fact! So I chose to try Hara Bhara Kebabs, Dahi ke Kebabs, Degi Mirch Paneer Tikka & Palak aur Anjeer Kebabs. The texture looked succulent while the flavours & aroma beautiful. This was served with Sweet tamarind & pudina chutneys along with a cup of salad. I have been told that there is nothing like Veg Biryani, but trust me there is Subz Dum Biryani that tasted mildly spiced with saffron infusion, and it tasted amazing! It was served with salad & Raita. They finished the combo with 2 servings of Gulab Jamun, and I was sold right there!

PS : I of course don’t drink so opted for a glass of juice instead, while my team while capturing the below pictures for you drank all the beer I was served with the combo.

Apart from delicious food, Earthen Oven restaurant at Fortune Park BBD has a good ambience & a classic décor. It’s got a pool by the side and a private dining area for special bookings and families to relish the exotic food with a surreal view, which gives a wonderful dining experience!

According to me, the season is here and it brings the thought of relishing some lip-smacking kebabs accompanied by wide variety of aromatic biryanis that constitute a memorable dining experience! And if you do not want to miss this opportunity to taste the delicious at exclusive prices, head to ITC Fortune Park hotel TODAY!

Don’t forget to share your experience with me in while you check out more posts from this review post on my social media – instagram/facebook.

Photographed by : Yash Bhatnagar

~xoxo~

Mango Extravaganza at Orchid, Fortune Park BBD Lucknow

Fortune Park BBD, Lucknow is celebrating the hero of the season with a special menu dedicated to the glorious mangoes from around the country. I visited the hotel and tried some dishes to review for you to hint what all will be served during the MANGO EXTRAVGANZA FOOD FESTIVAL at Orchid restaurant – 1^st floor, Fortune Park BBD. A number of dishes prepared from mango like ‘aamer chop’, ‘aam ka paneer pasanda’, ‘aam kaleji’ and many more were laid on the table at the event. You can now revel and relish this delicious and succulent fruit from 1^st -10th June, at the hotel featuring some of the most delicious varieties of mangoes!

There will be no disappointment for the taste buds of both vegetarians & non-vegetarians as a wide variety of both kind of savouries will be served at the event. I being the vegetarian tasted all of that, and the dishes are mentioned below; take a look..

A cute bottle of mango shake was served in the beginning. The shake was mildly sweetened with the organic flavour of mangoes and milk blended together. I couldn’t resist sipping some in between my meals throughout!

Then came my salad platters filled with mangoes, pineapples, spinach and lettuce leaves, served with mango kiwi salsa, topped with olives and shredded bell peppers. A healthy twist to your snacks and mangoes of course making it look tempting enough!

Mango Shake

Mango & Pineapple Salad

Mango & Spinach Salad

I ordered for Aamer Chop in starters, as it appeared to be a name I hadn’t heard of before. The green mango chops were presented beautifully in a white plate, garnished with salad leaves and served with green mango chutney. A beautiful combination of spices filled in the mango chops and deep fried for a great taste!

Aamer Chop

Next came the main course, and I was excited to try the Aam Ka Paneer Pasanda. A green mango curry prepared with blended spices mildly topped with pieces of paneer wrapped in mango slices. Too much mango, but so good to tickle the tastebuds! I mixed it with mango rice and the combo tasted nothing less than bliss.

For the non-vegetarians, the mouth-watering ‘biryani’ synonymous with the City of Nawabs has acquired a fruity flavour with a dash of mango being added to the aromatic dish. Also, Aam ki Kaleji, Aam ka Barra & Aam Murgh Korma are among the many other dishes for the chicken/meat lovers!

Aam ka Paneer Pasanda

Mango Rice

Coming to desserts, you can satiate your sweet tooth with a plethora of mango delicacies during the fest. I tried Mango Cold Cheese Cake, Mango Phirni, Mango Tart, Mango Pudding & Mango Mille Feuille. My favourite has to be the phirni with rice, milk and diced mangoes, served in traditional kulhads. 

Mango Tart

Mango Cheese Cake

Mango Pudding & Mango Mille-Feuille

Mango Phirni

You can definitely not miss this festival if you’re a mango lover. Mango Extravaganza, happening at Orchid restaurant, at Fortune Park BBD Lucknow is a must visit food festival this summer for all Lucknowites! 1^st-10^th June (lunch & dinner timings). Call : 0522-4259999 for table reservations.

Photographed by : Yash Bhatnagar

~xoxo~