Retropoplifestyle

The Pandemic Has Redefined Our Beauty Routines Urging Us to Switch To Organic Products

Most of us feel that we are leading a healthy lifestyle but the pandemic has made us re-evaluate our choices. Not just what we eat but even our beauty and wellness products also make a huge difference. It wasn’t until 2020 that the ongoing pandemic became a factor of consumption in the cosmetics and personal care industry. But by now, no matter where in the world you are, the virus has changed things and so our lifestyle choices – one being switching to organic, cruelty-free and clean beauty products.

What is clean beauty?

We hear words like ‘natural’, ‘organic’, ‘paraben-free’ or ‘vegan’ when we come across a brand and its products; these terms go interchangeable with clean beauty. In simple words, clean beauty generally refers to skincare, makeup and personal care products that are formulated with natural, botanically-derived ingredients and formulated without toxic or questionable ingredients that can have a negative impact on our health and the environment.

What we consider ‘essential’ has got us thinking today. That doesn’t mean we’re insulting makeup or we need to throw away our favorite products. We need to break with our past by switching to organic and sustainable beauty brands that not only benefits our health but the environment as well. There’s already a renewed interest in holistic health, a re-emergence of Ayurveda, and an appreciation for nature, a quiet realization that the earth is healing.

This is the start of something we’ve all been waiting for. I can’t help but hope the beauty world will break with its past and begin again. While we speak of ‘essentials’, here’s what is really essential and the pandemic has played a huge role in initiating the cause.

Essentials in health and well-being

I urge people to read labels of the products you intend to buy before you purchase them. It’s increasingly hard to argue with a precautionary approach to safer cosmetics when protection from the corona virus is entirely predicated on precaution. So, while the safety data of ingredients like paraben, retinoids are considered inconclusive, I highly recommend consumers to go for an organic alternative that does not contain harmful chemicals or side effects.

Essential to environment

The two main components that impact the environment are the product itself and product packaging. Product packaging includes several components that negatively impact the environment, namely plastic. A clean beauty approach focuses on sustainable packaging, recycling and using a supply chain that reduces carbon footprint. Beauty entrepreneurs and brands must therefore produce packaging that is sustainable and eco-friendly. This way we can feel more connected with Mother Earth and the environment.

Sustainable, the new buzz word!

Beauty entrepreneurs were advised to keep in mind the 4 R’s of sustainability that pertains to reducing, reusing, recycling, and reviving. We were also advised to keep innovating and adopting new technology that is sustainable in nature. Nature is showing us that we have the power to heal the planet, if only we can slow down and simplify our needs.

About Author – Dr. Disha Dinakar – Founder of DIGVIJAYA Herbals – a 100% natural and certified-organic beauty brand

Family-owned & operated Digvijaya herbals Pvt Ltd was founded in 2019 & extensively based on values that resonate with Dr.Disha Dinakar & her parents Mr.M.N Dinakar & Mrs.Vijaya Dinakar.

Dr. Disha Dinakar who’s currently pursuing a fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine from the University of Greifswald Germany is already a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry. When she decided to fuse her ambitions with her mother’s passion Digvijaya was born. Cut to today, they have extremely content clients in 42 countries and there is no looking back.

FENDI Pack

Women’s and Men’s Fall/Winter 2020-2021

The FENDI Pack styles, which made their debut on the FENDI Men’s Fall/Winter 2020-2021 catwalk and followed in another color variation in the Women’s Collection, include bags and small leather goods framed in black and embellished with the iconic FENDI Roma logo.

Color Story

Developed in a restrained color palette of signature FENDI yellow and of delicate powder pink, the Collection plays with contrasts by juxtaposing the sharp cut and rigid constructions of the shopping bags to the cloud-like softness of the sachet featuring practical drawstrings

Inspiration

FENDI packaging, the Roman luxury house launches a Collection of unisex Accessories, which captures the attention with a captivating graphic look and a charming color palette.

The FENDI Pack offers a chic, playful and ironic take on Accessories

Quote

Silvia Venturini Fendi.

“I started from the basics because I wanted to have a Collection that was talking about great basics for men. I asked myself, what is the most basic thing we do? And it’s our packaging. It’s the first thing you think about when you think about FENDI, so I said, let’s start from this: it’s the FENDI yellow.”

Available in FENDI boutiques and on fendi.com

Winter Skin Care from the Kitchen Shelf

By Shahnaz Husain

In your home and right there on the kitchen shelf are many ingredients for winter skin care. Honey, for instance, is one of the most powerful natural moisturizers, which actually attracts moisture to the skin. All the properties of honey make it an ideal natural cosmetic ingredient. It suits all skin types and nourishes the skin when externally applied.

If you have dry skin, apply honey daily and wash off with plain water after 20 minutes. For dry skin, you can also mix half a teaspoon honey, one teaspoon rose water and one teaspoon dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes.

Oily skins also suffer from dryness in winter. For a moisturizing lotion for normal to oily skin, take 100 ml rose water, half teaspoon honey and one teaspoon lemon juice. Mix, shake well and keep in a jar in the fridge. Apply on the face and wash off with plain water after 15 minutes.

Milk is another kitchen ingredient that is commonly available. It contains proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Ideal for winter care, it helps to relieve dryness, nourish the skin and make it soft. Yogurt also nourishes the skin. It contains lactic acid, which restores the pH balance of the skin. Applied on the skin, it relieves dryness and removes tan. Take 2 teaspoons Yogurt and add a pinch of turmeric. Mix and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes.

Take honey and yogurt and add a few tablespoons of red wine. Apply this on the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with plain water. This softens and moisturizes the skin, removes tan and also adds a glow.

For all skin types, mix 3 teaspoons choker with one teaspoon each of ground almonds, honey, curd and egg white. Wash off after 20 minutes.

For an oily skin, mix red wine and green tea in equal quantities. Apply on the face, using cotton wool and rinse off after 15 minutes.

For the area around eyes, soak a few strands of saffron in milk for half an hour. Soak cotton wool pads and apply under eyes, or use as eye pads. This relieves dryness and dark circles. From a quick fix to long term treatments, you need not look further than the kitchen for beauty needs!

Shahnaz Husain Flower Botanics Exotic Lotus Nourishing Cream HR

About Shahnaz Husain

Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.

Bollywood Actress Kajol Aggarwal’s Dream Wedding Announcement card

Bollywood actress Kajol Aggarwal’s wedding to Gautam Kitchulu was nothing less than a fairytale and Izhaar played a very important role in her glamorous and glittering Indian wedding. After taking her feedback into consideration about what she likes and how she wants her wedding to be, ‘Gingham Bee’ Collection, a design fit for the Queen that she is was designed.

Gingham Bee Collection embodies the fresh authenticity of design and epitome of beauty. Each facet of this Collection is crafted to perfection. The minute detailing, unmatched finish and those small gold bees embossed, takes the design of this Collection to a higher pedestal. Minimalistic yet a statement, her wedding invite was designed with monochromatic Gingham pattern with gold bees embossed all over. Her invite featured a beautiful Gingham platter, with a white & gold dome container, two beautiful cookie jars & a photo frame. The decadent dome container was filled with our ‘Izhaar Gourmet’ Chickpea Ladoos. One of the cookie jars was filled with gourmet & healthy ‘Berry Mix’ while the other one had gourmet ‘Anardana.’ The alluring photo frame featured the wedding announcement.

About Izhaar

Izhaar is an Expression of Joy. It’s a celebration of unbridled happiness, superlative achievements, togetherness and momentous occasions. Here we rejoice this feeling by foiling one’s emotions with our artistry and craftsmanship. We endeavour to give expression to your feelings with artistry, craftsmanship and creativity and an obsessive passion for color, form and above all originality. The aesthetic beauty of these favours pleases the eye.

Website- http://izhaar.co.in/

Instagram Link- https://www.instagram.com/izhaar_coredesigns/

https://www.instagram.com/izhaar_junior/

Let’s bring back fun with a joyful room filled with active playtime for kids

Delhi based Design studio ThinkCutieful, specializing in creating beautiful spaces for children, has completed décor of a modest playroom making it easy for a kindergartener and a toddler to play, scribble, exercise and relax within the safety of their home environment. A playroom, which is as fun as it is functional, is the best gift the parents could give their kids this Children’s Day. Thinkcutieful, a mother and baby design company Founded in 2009 by Ms. Romilla Tewari – a pioneer in the field of children’s environments

The light-drenched space has been designed keeping in mind the age and interests of the two children. The star of the area is the built-in elevated loft, which makes them feel like they’re on a new adventure every day. The multi-purpose landing underneath the loft is converted into a cosy tent apt for all kinds of pretend play or as a safe nook to share giggles and secrets with friends.

The rest of the room has an art display corner with a magnetic board, built-in bookshelf for storytime, a rock-climbing wall to release all that pent-up energy, and a two-seater swing for calming down (finally!). The result is a creative amalgamation of active playtime activities for the older one while adhering to safety measures necessary for the toddler.

“Today’s parents are very design savvy. Their personal style and aspirations flow into the nursery or playroom as well. We took note of that and produced the overall aesthetics of the room. This was done without losing on the elements of fun the children need. The calming tones made sure the room is not over stimulating and emotionally engaging. But, then again, there are nooks and corners where the sisters can bond, play together and make a mess without any restrictions,” says Romilla Tewari, Founder and Creative Head, Thinkcutieful.

Soothing mint and grey are used to break the monotony of white. And, the soft vinyl flooring in a warm wooden shade was added to break the impact of a fall. Accents in gold add drama, glitz and a hint of luxe. Ms Tewari did not limit the design to feminine palette and patterns so that the playroom is not a stark departure from the rest of the house.

Little curios like starry lights under the loft, pre-quilted mattresses for that extra touch of safety and lots of shelves for storage are simple yet key elements that will keep the room fun and uncomplicated. To enhance the feeling of belonging for the girls is a striking gold-encased heartfelt quotation as a focus point with their names on either end of the same wall.

Website – https://www.thinkcutieful.com/index.html

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thinkcutieful/

Store Address – 87 B Ist floor ,Baba House, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi-110049About ThinkCutieful:

ThinkCutieful has a splendid journey of over a decade in the children décor space. Celebrating the bond between mother and child , ThinkCutieful was launched in 2009 under the leadership of Ms Romilla Tewari, Founder & Creative Director. The mother of two has an enriching experience of crafting beautiful spaces for children.

#TUMERANAHI

Rizzle’s Contest on Amaal Mallik’s Track ends with Great Success!

~The contest welcomed the Sony music and Rizzle App partnership with High~

Short-video app, Rizzle’s digital partnership with Sony Music Entertainment kicked off with a bang through a special contest for the launch of Amaal Mallik’s track ‘Tu Mera Nahi’. The track was released on the 5^th of November 2020 and to kickstart the release, the Rizzle App innovatively hosted a one-week #TuMeraNahi contest for their users to get a chance to win prizes worth Rs 1.5Lakhs including an OnePlus Nord phone. The contest received numerous submissions showcasing creativity at its best. Finally, the results are out with 10 lucky winners that outshone all other participants with their entries!

Ever since the singer announced the contest on Rizzle for #TuMeraNahi, the Rizzle community showed off their own version of the song on the app. The contest featured Rizzle users to show their ‘Hunar’ in categories of DANCE, LIPSYNC, and ACTING. The contest was open for all Rizzle app users across the country with Amaal Mallik and Sony Music Entertainment taking a look at what Rizzle creators can do! With a melodious track like Tu Mera Nahi, many creators participated to get a chance to win exciting prizes in each category.

In Dance, Rizzle user Mihir Adhiya won first prize, with Shailendra Deva and Simran Behl in second and third. Subu Bose showcased her acting chops and secured the top spot followed by Kavita Saini and Jasjyot Singh. In Lipsync, Rizzle user Jayantika Jain won first followed by Manas Gogia

Speaking about the success of the Contest and winner’s announcement, Ms. Vidya from Rizzle shares, “This was a unique opportunity for us at Rizzle to partner with Sony Music Entertainment and Amaal Mallik, one of Bollywood’s up and coming artists to release his debut single. We wanted creators to flaunt their creative genius through this contest and they delivered spectacularly. The winning entries were nothing short of brilliant!”

Rizzle continues to be at the forefront of ensuring users on the platform have the first and last step to stardom with interactive videos, web-series creation, comedy bits, music videos, DIY, and much more. Their innovation in content and short-form video sees new heights with their association with Sony Music and Amaal Mallik’s track.

The content creation platform is home to a number of users who make amazing vertical series known as ‘Rizzle Series’ in many languages, and all under 12-minute videos shot on phone. With the success of the #TuMeraNahi contest, more fun experiences await on the Rizzle App!

Tanisha Bakshi

A young Indian artist who does realistic painting, Tanisha Bakshi is a full-time artist who operates from her studio in Gurgaon for the last seven years. She has explored the myriad colours of art on her own until she took up formal training of BFA in 2014. Her work style is very unique and involves the use of readymade materials as a base for her artworks. She has made it an integral part of her art practice to represent a hidden history sacred to those in the paintings, a history that she is always honoured to be a part of.

Journey of Motherhood through the Eyes of a Young Artist

Her creations primarily focus on the most beautiful of all emotions, a mother’s love. Captured in its many forms, a mother’s love is universal and for her it is the biggest inspiration and an unparalleled driving force.Her recent collection in charcoal and oil, at the 2020 World Art Dubai received exceptional reviews, in which she has used materials that are used by a mother in her journey throughout motherhood which includes painting done on a mother’s shawl and was hung like a scroll during the exhibition. “Every scratch, every hole and every wrinkle in a mother’s cloth has a memory” explained Tanisha about her collection that captures the ‘ Essence of Slum Life’ by using two and three dimensional surfaces, which represent the daily challenges and harsh realities, hardship of a slum life and amidst it all, this pure and pious love, a mother with her child.

A Significant Social Impact

This passion of working on inequality and social issues led her to establish Annsagar Foundation in Palam Vihar, Gurgaon. The NGO was started in 2016 and has been consistent in its efforts ever since, supporting more than 12 nearby areas.

Throughout the pandemic lockdown and even today, more than 2500+ food boxes are distributed twice every day.

Save Yourself to Save the World

Embrace The New Normal with Trendy Masks

The new normal is here to stay. With the increasing threat of global pandemic COVID 19 and rising pollution level nationwide, masks have become a necessity. The use of best quality mask is imperative for an all-round protection. Masks4u, promoted by a home décor online store Home4u, has mastered the technique of producing the best quality masks. The masks available at https://www.m4u.in/ provide 3 layered safety with BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) filter.

Masks4u’s priority is the safety of their customers for which they also manufacture breathe easy masks. These masks come with a respiratory filter helping a person to breathe easily. These masks are set to provide the best protection from air pollutants. Breatheasy offers protection from microscopic particles resulting from air pollution, dust, smoke, allergens, biologics, and natural causes. An exclusive breath Cover that comes with two respirators that will help you to breathe pleasantly and effortlessly. One of the best parts is that these masks will also fulfill your trend quotient.

Masks4u offers different designs and patterns to meet your fashion needs, all the while also providing you the best safety.

https://www.m4u.in/

Winding through Wine Country

Once you are ready to travel, why not take out some time to explore the rich scenic wineries of California!! Sample the flavors of the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Anderson Valley on this scenic drive past rolling hills and endless vineyards

Napa

1290 Napa Town Center, Napa

The bustling city of Napa, on the banks of the Napa River, features chef-driven restaurants, upscale lodgings, manicured parks and river walks, and multiple tasting rooms. The downtown dining scene is a delight, ranging from the ultra-authentic pastas and pies at Oenotri to Kenzo, a Japanese restaurant that boasts a Michelin star and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. After dinner, take in a showdown the street at the outpost of New York City’s famed Blue Note, inside one of the region’s social and cultural hubs, the Napa Valley Opera House. For overnight stays, R&R abounds at options such as the big-city-chic Andaz Napa hotel and the impossibly romantic 1889 Churchill Manor B&B mansion.

Oxbow Public Market

610 1st St, Napa

This lively food hall is a perfect spot to taste fresh oysters at Hog Island, sample artisanal charcuterie from Fatted Calf, or indulge in truffles and caramels from Anette’s Chocolates. Pick up an organic wood-fired pie from the market’s Ca’ Momi, which has been certified by both the VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) and APN (Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani). You’ll be sure to find something to savor in this 40,000 square foot facility, whether it’s a refined cappuccino at Ritual Coffee Roasters, a hearty IPA at Fieldwork Brewing Co., or a great read at Napa Bookmine.

Calistoga

1020 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga

Located at the northern tip of Napa Valley at the base of Mount Saint Helena, Calistoga is the less traveled, laid-back sister to the bustling downtown Napa. Calistoga’s local wine scene has attention-grabbing appeal—in part thanks to Castello di Amorosa, the medieval-style, multi-turreted castle on a hill built by Italian-style winemaker Dario Sattui. For a less traditional approach to grape juice, stop by the hipster-friendly Tank Garage Winery. It’s open seven days a week and specializes in blends with names like Yacht Rock, Backstage Pass, and Eddie. Wine is not the only elixir that people love here, certainly. Calistoga is the valley’s spa and hot springs capital, and visitors have flocked here seeking rejuvenation in mineral-rich volcanic waters since the 1800s. Spas and resorts range from casual to upscale, and most offer hot soaks, saunas, and massages. Calistoga is also a key spot to enjoy another Napa Valley signature experience: a hot-air balloon ride. Floating above the morning mist, looking out across the still valley as the sun peeks over the surrounding hills—can you imagine anywhere you’d rather be?

Tamber Bey Vineyards

1251 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga

Tamber Bey Vineyards is known for its Pinot Noirs and Cabernets, its herd of horses and, surprisingly, its cookies. Pair your tasting with a selection of the savory shortbread treats to bring out the best in the vintages.

Healdsburg

401 Grove St, Healdsburg

The flawless-at-every-turn town of Healdsburg, at the north end of Sonoma County, was recently listed as the No. 2 “Best Small Town to Visit” in the U.S. by Smithsonian magazine. Indeed, Healdsburg is a pretty small town—with a population of a little over 11,000—but many of the names here have become pretty big. Take, for example, the lavish luxury lodgings like the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Les Mars; SingleThread, a farm/restaurant/inn trifecta that earned three Michelin stars; and Valette restaurant from local chef Dustin Valette. It’s easy to spend an entire day just wandering the environs of Healdsburg Plaza, lined with dozens of tasting rooms, each with their own vibe. Check out the big-city chic Cartograph with wines on tap, the stylish funky Banshee with its record player spinning vinyl, or sample some of Sonoma County’s acclaimed craft beer at Bear Republic Brewing Co

Arista Winery

7015 Westside Rd, Healdsburg

This laid-back, family-operated estate offers small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from its 36-acre property

Boonville

13500 Airport Rd 95415, Boonville

This tiny town is hard to miss and impossible to resist for anybody driving to the coast along Highway 128. There are plenty of places to grab a bite here and you can sample the Pinot Noirs and other varietals at Foursight Wines, Bee Hunter Wine, or Seabass Family Wines. Pennyroyal Farm is another key attraction, and deservedly so. This 66-acre goat and sheep farm specializes in artisanal cheesemaking, and visitors can tour the creamery, meet the animals, explore the solar-powered barn, and sample the handcrafted wine. While this part of Mendocino County is definitely wine country, ale advocates will want to pay a visit to the Anderson Valley Brewing Co., a craft brewery known for its award-winning Boont Amber Ale and a Disc Golf course that is popular with locals.

Little River Inn

7751 CA-1, Little River

Five generations of innkeepers have been managing this inn. From lush gardens to a protected cove, you feel downright spoiled to be dining on local seafood and sipping on the North Coast’s award-winning wines

Mendocino

Mendocino is a charming North Coast hamlet, perched on a wave-carved headland, sandwiched between thick forests and a restless sea. Its dramatic location is a natural magnet for artists, and you can often see them capturing the scene on their canvases. The town is meant for walking, so stroll the streets with shops selling local artwork, then pop in for a coffee and chat with the locals. Take a walk along the bluffs, especially at sunset on fog-free evenings. Victorian-era homes, converted into B&Bs in every level of poshness, look like gingerbread houses come to life. Mendocino also knows how to throw a good party, especially when it comes to food, and annual festivals celebrate mushrooms, wine, and crab, as well as the region’s largest inhabitants, whales

Bucket-List American Road Trip

Wanderlusts are making the most of this time to plan ahead for their next bucket-list holiday. After months of anticipation, there’s nothing like embracing the freedom of the open road. With its picturesque landscapes, impressive views and thriving culinary scenes, what better way to experience the United States of America than on a road trip. Strap in and follow along for unforgettable adventures in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

First Stop: Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is the starting point of this scenic drive through the New England region of the USA. For stunning city views, visit the Skywalk Observatory which offers a rare 360-degree panorama of Boston, the bay, and beyond. History lovers must stroll down the famous Freedom Trail, a 4-kilometer red-brick trail featuring a unique collection of museums, churches, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution. Take a shopping break at Newbury Street, one of Boston’s most famous shopping districts. This neighbourhood also offers a variety of restaurants and eateries, with cuisine from around the world.

Copy of Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts

If the beach is calling you, consider visiting Cape Cod, which is only about 110 kilometres from the heart of the city. Enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean, marvel at the spotless beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore and relish the delicious local seafood. To see more of Cape Cod’s natural habitat, head to Nickerson State Park to fish for trout or go canoeing.

Next Stop: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The charming coastal town of Portsmouth, roughly an hour north of Boston, is the next stop of this epic road trip. Discover Portsmouth’s evolving history at Strawbery Banke Museum, situated in the heart of historic downtown, which is dedicated to bringing 300+ years of American history to life. Tantalize your taste buds at the many ethnic restaurants around town. Take a relaxing stroll through the Prescott Park, located on the waterfront across Marcy Street from Strawbery Banke. Spend an evening catching a show at the landmark Music Hall, a Victorian theater known as a showcase for world-class entertainment for over 135 years.

This historical port town also affords ample opportunities for both water-oriented and land-based activities. Head over to the USS Albacore, a retired submarine that has been turned into a museum, to learn what it’s like to live under water or hop the ferry to admire the Isles of Shoals, a group of New Hampshire and Maine islands just 11 kilometres out to sea.

Last Stop: Portland, Maine

One of America’s most historic cities, Portland, boasts a variety of things to do, from shopping and dining to hiking and biking. Stroll through Old Port where you’ll enjoy a lively mixture of rich nightlife and cutting-edge cuisine. Art lovers should pay a visit to Portland Museum of Art, located in the downtown area known as The Arts District, or tour the grand interiors of the Victoria Mansion. Satiate your cravings and book one of a variety of tours that explore the culinary landscape of this thriving city.

Plan a visit to Casco Bay Islands, a group of islands located off the coast of Portland, to admire the splendor of Maine’s lovely landscapes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, spend a day hiking or cycling in Casco Bay’s most populous island, Peaks Island.

Go USA

Go USA focuses on inspiring travelers to experience the country’s vibrancy, culture, and infinite possibilities unlike anywhere else in the world. An extension of Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States.