Tag: makeup

How to tightline your eyes like a pro!
If you haven’t heard of ‘tightlining’, we wouldn’t blame you for confusing it with some sort of advanced technique of painting or drawing. However, tightlining is that eyeliner technique everyone talks about, but few can really explain.

Tightlining, also called invisible eyeliner, is a technique which is achieved by defining your eyelashes subtly with the help of your eyeliner. This technique creates the illusion of fuller, darker lashes and adds definition to the eyes while maintaining a no-makeup feel. Tightlining is actually a term for a tricky eyeliner technique that gives a sort of I-am-not-wearing-any-makeup effect; it defines your lash line and makes your eyes look subtly brighter.

Most people think that this technique is to make your eyes look bigger but what it really does is make your eyelashes appear fuller and thicker. Instead of lining the skin above your lashes, you line your upper waterline and it can be used for any casual or formal occasion. It sounds more difficult than it is in theory; master the technique with just two simple steps. Take a look.
1. Use your finger to lift up your eyelid so you can see the base of your lash root which you will be filling in with the eyeliner.
1. Take your eyeliner and using short strokes, line your upper waterline. Wiggle the eyeliner back and forth to make it more intense.
1. Third step is to just flaunt your eyes because you’re done.:)
Tip: Use a kohl eyeliner for better results as it is formulated to hold in the wet area of the eye.

Images sourced from Source1 and Source2
August 17, 2015
How to apply mascara like a pro!

Mascara is an indispensable part of eye makeup. Along with flawless skin and model-esque figure, long lashes remain a symbol of beauty and femininity that women long for. It adds dimension and draws attention to your eyes. Mascara also adds depth to your eyes and opens them up even if you are not wearing any eye shadow. For the same reasons, it is very important to know the right way to apply mascara as you may end up looking like a clown with clumped lashes or get raccoon eyes with flaked mascara. Let’s face it no one wants that. Used by makeup artists worldwide, here are 10 tips to apply mascara like a pro!

1) Don’t plump the mascara wand in and out of the bottle. This pushes air into the tube that makes the mascara dry out faster causing it to clump and flake.

2) Ensure that you scrape or wipe off any excess product from the wand. This will help you avoid using too much mascara that makes your lashes clumpy.

3) Always apply your mascara in a back-and-forth motion gently wiggling and sweeping it from the root of your lashes to the end.

4) Layer your normal mascara with a waterproof mascara to make it last longer and to add more intensity to your lashes.

5) For those who have lighter lashes, coat both sides of your upper lashes by alternating between looking up and looking down, that way your lashes are fully covered and they look thicker.

6) While applying mascara on your lower lashes always look up and hold the wand vertically for a natural finish.

7) Soak your mascara in a cup of warm water to make the mascara thinner. This removes all the clumps from the product and makes it easier to apply.

8) To avoid getting mascara underneath your eyes use a spoon while applying mascara. Hold the spoon with the curved side, facing out, near the lower lash line and gently swipe the wand across the lashes for a clump-free lash.

9) If your lashes tend to fall straight, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler while applying mascara at the same time to keep them curled longer.

10) To avoid smudging mascara on your upper eyelid, use a business card and gently lift your eyelid and apply mascara.

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This article was inspired from here.

Banner image sourced from here.

Featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2

August 17, 2015
Beauty 101: High-definition makeup

High-definition makeup is getting popular by the day thanks to the selfie bug that has bitten everyone. The really great thing about high-definition makeup is that it is designed not only for the unforgiving eyes of the camera but also to make your skin look youthful and flawless. High-definition makeup contains mattifying agents that don’t make your skin look oily or cakey. Here’s everything you need to know about high-definition makeup.

High-definition makeup camouflages imperfections, covers blemishes and blends seamlessly into the skin. It contains light deflecting pigments that give a smooth and natural finish. It was originally designed to hide any facial flaws for those who work in television or movies, in front of high-definition cameras.

The trick behind getting extra coverage from high-definition makeup is to layer and blend the products well into the skin. High-definition makeup does not cake on the skin if used correctly nor does it create fine lines or clog pores, resulting in an even finish.

High-definition foundation:

HD Foundation is an oil-free, medium-to-full coverage liquid or cream foundation which covers skin imperfections while remaining invisible on-screen and to naked eyes, giving an extremely natural finish. These products are available in a wide variety of shades to suit all skin tones.

Best high-definition foundations available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever HD Foundation: Available at all Sephora stores for 2200 INR.

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2) Stilla All Day Foundation: Available at all Sephora stores for 3200 INR.

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3) Revlon Photo Ready HD Foundation: Available here for 945 INR.

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High-Definition Concealer:

High-definition concealers create a soft-focus effect and brighten the concealed area while reducing the appearance of fine lines for a natural, radiant look.

Best high-definition concealers available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer: Available at all Sephora stores for 1950 INR.

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2) Revlon Photo Ready Concealer: Available here for 1157 INR.

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High-Definition Powder:

High-definition powders are usually processed into a very fine powder to provide a sheer consistency. They have a micro-texture so that the powder does not settle into the skin’s pores. They are great to use as setting powder or on their own and have a velvety matte finish.

Best High-Definition Powders available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever High Definition Powder: Available at all Sephora stores for 2300 INR.

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2) NYX High Definition Photogenic Grinding Powder: Available at all Sephora stores for 2250 INR

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August 13, 2015
Everything you need to know about compact powders

Compact powder is an essential in every girl’s makeup kit and is a great mattifier. Compact powder, when used over your foundation, instantly absorbs all the excess oil giving you a shine-proof even finish. It can also be worn over your daily moisturiser and sunscreen or to set your eye shadow.

Compact powders are of two types; pressed and cream. They are available in a variety of shades suitable for every skin type.

1) Pressed compact powder

Pressed compact powder is ideal for touch-ups. It is the most widely used compact powder and is perfect to fix your makeup from running.

2) Cream compact powder

Cream compact powder has a creamy texture but it gives a powdered finish after blending and is suitable for dry skin.

Let’s take a look at the best compact powders available in the market;

1) Revlon PhotoReady Compact

Available in 4 different shades this cream compact gives the near-perfect airbrushed look. Its photo chromatic pigments blend easily and give a powder finish. It reflects light and gives a flawless, luminous coverage along with offering sun protection (SPF 20).

Available for 900 INR.

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2) Loreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder

Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine for up to 16 hours. This light weight pressed compact powder can be used on its own and for quick touch-ups. It is available in 8 different shades and is suitable for all skin types.

Available for 1125 INR.

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3) Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

If you want great coverage and matte finish then this is the right product for you. The light and sheer texture gives a natural non-sticky long-lasting look throughout. It is perfect for oily skin and is available in 4 shades.

Available for 475 INR.

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August 12, 2015
10 Things women hate doing but do it anyway

There’s no doubt about the fact that women are beautiful but at most times the beauty doesn’t come as effortlessly as it seems. The truth is that everyone likes being lazy and everyone includes women too. We do enjoy being a couch potato until reality hits us and we recall that grace and good looks come at a cost. It is hard to be a woman because we have to constantly take care of ourselves and be proper in front of everyone even if we hate doing so. Here are 10 things that women hate doing but do it anyway.

1) Crossing legs– Because they fall asleep and it really hurts to bring them back to life yet we can’t really avoid that.

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2) Switching purses- Because it’s necessary to match our bag with our outfit yet we always forget something.

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3) Blow drying and straightening hair- Because it takes an eternity to do them.

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4) Meeting guys on tinder- Because we dream of Mr. Right, not Mr. Who-swiped-right yet live in a dilemma that we might swipe right across them.

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5) Trying to hide tampons on the way to the bathroom – Because period-shaming.

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6) Shaving – Because there are times when you just can’t deal with the hell of going through hot wax (which isn’t very pleasant either).

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7) Covering up a sexy outfit on the street- Because you don’t want creeps to pass comments and bring your ninja out to deal with them.

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8) Packing for trips two weeks before the actual trip- Because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, organising things.

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9) Taking care of our boyfriends when they’re sick- Because they turn into the biggest cry-babies ever.

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10) Applying eyeliner- Because it’s a never ending task and you can’t always get it right in one shot.

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August 5, 2015
Trend alert: Strobing is the new contouring

Contouring has been around for a while now and we all love it, thanks to Kim Kardashian for making it popular. Sadly, it is intense and difficult to master and involves heavy blending of light and dark shades to create the illusion of more defined features. Fret no more, here’s everything you need to know about the latest anti-contouring technique: Strobing.

Popular in France, strobing is all about the natural dewy, glowing complexion and highlighting your natural features using highlighters. Strobing focuses on the areas where natural light hits on your face and applying a highlighter to amplify it. Ditch those expensive colour palettes and pick up a simple highlighter to master this art. Strobing is less time consuming and doesn’t make your face look cakey.

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How to master strobing?

It’s all about brightening up your face and creating a dewy glow. Here’s how you can master the art of strobing with these easy steps.

Step 1 – Start by preparing your skin the right way. Add a little bit of luminizer into your moisturiser for a brighter look all over and then use a primer to neutralise redness or dark spots.

Step 2– Apply a lightweight illuminating foundation for even skin like YSL’s Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation.

Step 3– Apply a dash of blusher and keep rest of the makeup minimum and natural.

Step 4– Dab a highlighter (like Mac’s Strobe Cream or Benefit’s High Beam Highlighter) on the high points of your face where natural light hits the most, onto the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, centre of your forehead and your cupid’s bow to highlight the main areas of your face.

Step 5– Seal the luminosity with a translucent setting powder such as Nars light reflecting pressed setting powder.

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You can also build up the intensity of the highlights by layering both cream and powder highlighters. Make sure that you blend the products well to avoid blobs of product.

Facing problems while buying a highlighter? Check out this article to help you know all about highlighters and the correct way to apply them.

Banner and featured images source from: Source1, Source2, Source3

July 22, 2015
Skin care myths that you need to know now!

There are a whole lot of myths and misconceptions out there in the falsehood when it comes to skincare, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell fact from fiction. Skin care myths have been around since centuries and everyone has their own set of beliefs. The only way to get good skin is to take good care of it on a daily basis by keeping your skin clean and moisturised all the time. Here are a few common skin care myths debunked.

Myth #1 If you have oily skin you should not moisturise

Skin produces excess oil as a defence mechanism for keeping it clean. Lightly moisturising the skin keeps the skin soft & supple but also helps in regulating the excess oil.

Myth #2 One should exfoliate only once in two weeks

The number of times one should scrub is completely up to you. Scrubbing removes dead skin and makes it look bright and soft.

Myth #3 You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days

Sunscreen is a must as it also provides protection from ultraviolet rays and should be applied on any given day.

Myth #4 Botox can prevent wrinkles

Theoretically yes, but no long-term studies support this myth. Using sunscreens and keeping up proper skin care are still the most reliable and certainly less expensive methods to fight wrinkles.

Myth #5 Skin should feel tight after washing your face

Skin should feel fresh, soft and supple and at ease, if it feels tight after washing, you are probably using a hard cleanser that might be drying out your skin more.

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July 21, 2015
Skin care tips for monsoon

After being tormented by the heat of the Sun, and the scorching summer days, monsoon is finally here! But while we enjoy the pitter-patter of the drizzle, the damp, humid weather wreaks havoc on our skin. With a few clever quick fixes you can continue to look your flawless best even in this sultry season. Here are some skin care tips to keep your skin looking fresh and fabulous even in the rains.

DRY SKIN

Dryness occurs due to lack of vitamins which are essential to keep dry & damaged skin at bay. Here are a few tips to help you combat this problem.

1) Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. This cleanses the skin and removes all the unwanted toxins.

2) Before going to bed, wash your face with a mild cleanser, then dab rose water all over your face and finally apply glycerin. It works like a miracle. It not only hydrates your skin but also gives a healthy glow.

3) Use a mild cream-based cleanser.

4) Do not use alcohol-based products as they tend to dry out the skin further.

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OILY SKIN

There’s nothing much one can do to get rid of oily skin. You can only take small steps that will gradually reduce the oiliness on your face. Try the following:

1) Wash your face at least three times a day with a foam-based cleanser.

2) Scrub your face at least once a week to open clogged pores.

3) It’s always advisable to wash your face with luke warm water as it dissolves oil better.

4) Use home remedies such as a face pack made of chick-pea flour and milk or lemon and honey to rejuvenate your skin.

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COMBINATION SKIN

This skin type is categorized by an oily T-zone and drier cheeks. Since it is a combination of two skin types, it has to be treated separately. The dry area has to be gently cleansed whereas the oily area has to be deeply cleansed. Here are a few tips:

1) Drink lots of water as this is the best way to attain healthy skin.

2) Always dab your face dry instead of rubbing it as this makes the skin look rough and patchy.

3) Always use a gentle cleanser and apply a homemade face mask of milk and honey regularly.

4) Scrub your face twice a week.

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Banner and featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2, Source3

July 20, 2015
Turn your hot summery day into a pool party full of glamour and fun – Learn from Michelle Phan

Girls, if you want to spend some time with your gal pals by the pool but are afraid of the heat outside, we feel you! Don’t you worry ladies because now you can actually enjoy the day out with your girlies and pamper yourself out in style. Watch this video by the beautiful fashion blogger Michelle Phan which would inspire you to have such glamorous and fun parties! Psst….don’t forget to stay hydrated.

July 16, 2015
Here’s the easiest guide to an organised yet simple makeup routine

Still confused about what comes first? The moisturiser or the primer? And what about the concealer? Does it go before the foundation or after? Here’s an incredibly useful makeup flowchart that has an answer to all your questions. Feel free to skip steps according to your makeup requirements for the day.

Thanks @sissyamante for sharing this.

Banner and featured images sourced from Source1 and Source2

July 14, 2015
15 Makeup tips for beginners

Makeup can accentuate your best features and cover up the ones that don’t flatter your looks. However, poorly applied makeup can transform your look into something new, and not a good kind of new. Ladies, we all are beginners at some point and knowing the right technique comes with time. Here are 15 makeup tips for beginners that will help you go pro.

1) Use white pencil liner in your waterline to make them appear bigger.

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2) Apply a lighter shade of eye shadow near the inside ridge to brighten up your eyes.

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3) Fix your clumpy mascara by putting 2 to 3 drops of any eye drops/ lens solution in it.

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4) Know your eye shape to accentuate your eyes in the right way.

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5) Use a business card to apply mascara for more length and volume.

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6) Match your foundation shade on your neck.

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7) Know where to apply your blush according to your face shape.

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8) Always apply your foundation in downward strokes.

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9) To make your lipstick last longer, apply one coat of colour and then hold a tissue over your lips and apply some powder over the tissue using a brush.

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10) Use primer instead of makeup remover to get away with any mistakes. It wipes off the make-up while preparing the skin for the next use.

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11) Cover your eyelid with white eye shadow before applying another colour to make your eye shadow colour pop.

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12) If you’re out of brow pencil then use an eye shadow instead. Make sure you choose the right shade of brown to match your eyebrows.

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13) After applying mascara, use an eyelash comb or a spoolie brush to remove clumps.

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14) To curl your eyelashes better, blow dry your lash curler for 5 seconds. Make sure it’s not very hot.

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15) Pat your cheeks with a tissue or clean sponge after applying the foundation and setting it with powder for a more natural look.

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July 13, 2015
Get the perfect smokey eye with these simple steps!

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not so hard to get the perfect smokey eye at home. Before stepping out in the evening next time, take a look at this tutorial and get the flawless look.

Step 1. Prep and prime the eyes to prevent the eye makeup from creasing. You can use an eye primer or concealer of your choice.

Step 2. With a black eyeliner, cover the entire eyelid (stopping just underneath the crease). Don’t worry about being precise; we will eventually blend this out.

Step 3. With the pointy brush, blend the eyeliner all over the eyelid (again, just below the crease).

Step 4. With a shading brush, apply a dark brown eye shadow all over the eyelid, taking the colour upwards (slightly passing the crease).

Step 5. With a fluffy blending brush, buff-out the sharp lines and edges, blending the colours together for a seamless finish. Use small circular motions.

Step 6. Using a flat eye shading brush, press on black eye shadow all over the eyelid stopping just before the brown colour starts. Blend the black colour up into the brown eye shadow using the fluffy blending brush again.

Step 7. Using the pointy brush again, apply the same dark brown eye shadow to draw a line along the bottom lash line.

Step 8. Using black eye pencil or gel liner, line your lower waterline. Curl your lashes and apply 2-3 coats of black volumising mascara or you may use false lashes.

Step 9. Using a clean eye shadow brush, apply a shimmery beige eye shadow to the brow bone and the inner corner of the eye. And you’re done.

Banner and featured images sourced from Source1 and Source2

July 13, 2015
Here’s why it’s important to wash your makeup brushes regularly!

Makeup brushes are an important investment for every woman and rightly so. Gone are the days when applying foundation meant blending it with your fingers until it matched your correct skin tone. Now there is a plethora of brushes available in the markets which do the exact same job in a much better and hygienic fashion. However, like any other priced possession (yes, they are expensive), owning makeup brushes comes with its own set of responsibilities. Here’s why?

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Why is it important to clean makeup brushes?

We are not saying that you are dirty but makeup brushes have build-ups of product, bacteria, dead skin cells, oil and residue. It’s important that you clean them on a regular basis before using them on your skin to avoid breakouts and infections. Besides, you don’t want to transfer all the bacteria every time you dip your brush into your favourite pot of concealer.

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How often should one clean makeup brushes?

If you use makeup brushes on a regular basis then we suggest cleaning them twice every week. If you use them less often then it’s suggested you clean them once every two weeks. Please note that the list of brushes to be cleaned includes your gel eyeliner and lip liner brushes too.

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July 13, 2015
Things you need to get through monsoon in style

While most people look forward to the rainy season, the anticipation and excitement gets over after the first couple of days. Like every season, monsoon comes with its own negatives and positives. The rain washes away heat and provides the much needed relief but it leaves everyone feeling sticky and moist. Here are a few tips for monsoon that will ensure you get through the season looking and feeling effortlessly stylish.

1) Clothes

Just like summer and winter, we need to change the way we dress during monsoon. Opt for clothes that are made of lighter fabrics like blended cotton and polyester. These fabrics dry up faster if you get soaked in rainwater and don’t crush very easily. Refrain from layering too much to feel light and easy when the weather gets sticky.

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2) Hair

Monsoon is almost synonymous with frizzy hair. If your hair doesn’t curl up like instant noodles in the humidity, believe us you’re one of the few lucky people out there. For all the others, avoid using hair sprays, lacquers, gel and other hair products as they stick to the scalp and form a layer of product buildup that is very difficult to get rid of. Tie your hair in a top knot, or a sleek ponytail and remember to keep it very simple. If you like to keep them open, spray some dry shampoo on your hair brush before running it through your hair to keep the scalp dry.

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3) Shoes

Needless to say, avoid covered leather and suede shoes/heels during monsoon. Water does permanent damage to this kind of material and you might not be able to wear them ever again. If you really can’t do without them, we suggest wearing light rubber or plastic slippers when you’re outdoors and changing into your preferred shoes later.

If you like to make a statement, invest in a pair of rain boots. They go very well with skirts, dresses and denims.

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4) Makeup

Stay away from foundations during rainy season as it might flow down with the water. Swap that with a compact powder and use a very light moisturiser. Keep your choice of lip and nail colours neutral and use waterproof mascara and eye liner.

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5) Bags

Just like your shoes, avoid leather and suede bags. Carry waterproof bags and be sure to keep your mobile phones and important gadgets covered with protective plastic so they don’t get ruined.

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6) Raincoats/ Umbrellas

Carrying an umbrella is a must during monsoon. You may choose a style according to your preference and requirements. If you’re too lazy to carry an umbrella around then opt for a rain coat or a trench coat.

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Banner and featured images sourced from source1, source2 and source3

July 7, 2015
Meet the ultimate tress saviours – heat protectants

Maintaining a good hairstyle isn’t just about the appearance anymore; well-tamed hair can change the way people perceive your personality. When it comes to fashion, hairstyles have been used to redefine eras. From the 70s style fringe to Jennifer Aniston’s ‘The Rachel’ haircut from the popular sitcom Friends, a hairstyle can take you back into moments and time.

It’s no surprise that men and women spend a lot of time almost every morning trying to style their hair to that perfect look where each and every strand is in the exact same place they want it to be. However, to keep that salon-look stable throughout the day one needs to use styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons and more. Heat definitely makes our hair look better externally but what we fail to realise is that it leads to a lot of internal damage. Fret no more and meet heat protectants; hair products that save your hair from any kind of exposure to heat that may result from using styling tools.

How do heat protectants work?

Heat protectants work by building heat-absorbing polymer around the hair strands and prevents the breakdown of protein in the hair by heat. They are a must have for all the men and women who style their hair regularly or occasionally. What’s more, they are available in various forms like spray, mousse and serum to suit every hair type.

Here’s a list of the best heat protectants available in Indian market that you can choose from.

1) Sunsilk Keratinology Heat Protector Spray

Sunsilk Keratinology Heat Protector Spray consists of an advanced heat protection formula with UV filters to protect heat-styled hair and give that frizz-free professional look. They reconstruct the hair surface and penetrate micronutrients into the hair cortex and deeply nourish the hair, while protecting it from the heat.

Price: INR 400 for 180ml

Available at: Purplle.com

2) L’Oreal Professional Liss Ultime Heat Protectant:

This thermo-soothing oil helps in protecting the hair and optimises the effect of heated styling tools, leaving the hair feeling silky-smooth to touch. We suggest that you apply this product before styling your hair and be rest assured that about no residue formation.

Price: INR 580 for 50ml

Available at: Amazon.in

3) TRESemme Thermal Creations Volumising Mousse:

This body-building mousse pumps up hair by working with the heat and creates volume along with protecting your hair from the damage.

Price: INR 924 for 192ml

Available at: Amazon.in

All images sourced from: Source1, Source2, Source3

June 9, 2015