My MakeUp Routine

I know some of you will probably be overwhelmed by the number of products in the picture & the assumption that I use all of them every single day! While I love experimenting with make up, I really don't have the time to do it to the T daily. So when I'm running late, I will just dab on some concealer on the spots that need it, swipe on my favourite mascara, slap some lipstick & I'm off. So this routine that I'm taking you through is the one that I follow when I do have that extra 10 minutes to spare or when I'm obligated to put in some effort. 

Also these are some of my favourite products at the moment so in case you're looking for something new to try, give these a go. Being a makeup geek, I always have an eye out for the newest & best products available in the beauty world. So if you see some brands that are not available in India yet, I have either bagged them while travelling or requested a friend to grab it for me!

Foundation- I prefer using a light weight foundation on a day to day basis. So it's either the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation or the Lancome Miracle Air de Teint foundation. They are both easy to put on and even out my skin perfectly. I use the shade 30 Beige in the Chanel Foundation & 035 in the Miracle Air de Teint foundation. Both these foundations are non-comedogenic which makes them appropriate for regular use. They are both as good, so go for the one in which you find your perfect shade match!

Concealer- I think investing in a good concealer is so essential. My favourite is the MAC Studio Finish concealer. There is nothing this concealer can't hide which is why it can be used over a foundation or even on it's own! Another one that I recently stumbled upon is the Revlon Colourstay concealer which I usually just use under my eyes. I use NC37 in the Studio Finish concealer and 04 Medium in the Colourstay.

Eyebrows- I frankly did not care about my eyebrows until a year ago but now it's an obsession. I use an eyebrow pencil to slightly fill them in and create a fuller shape. My Clinique eye brow pencil in 02 is a go to! I recently also got hold of the coveted Brow Wiz by Anastasia in Brunette & after having used it I completely understand why people are so addicted to it! It's long wearing & I love the spooly that it comes with! If you ever get a chance to try this, don't hesitate because it is worth every penny you'll spend!

Eyeliner- I was a loyalist to the MAC gel liner which still remains an all time favourite. But I ran out of it one fateful day and out of urgency I tried out the Bourjois Intuitive liner which turned out to be the best pen eyeliner I have ever tried! It aids fail proof application & dries matte. And I swear, it helps creating a winged eyeliner so much easier & quicker.

Pencil Liner- For my waterline, I prefer using a brown or grey liner during the day time. It's not as harsh as black and works wonderfully in defining the eyes. I love the Lancome & Revlon liners because they are super pigmented and last through the day.

Mascara- This is my favourite and most important step. I love loading my lashes up with mascara & sometimes I even mix two mascaras to achieve the desired effect. Benefit's They're Real mascara is my current favourite. It lengthens & adds volume! The wand is perfect to coat every single lash without making it look clumpy. It's waterproof so it lasts all day through thick & thin. Lancome mascara's are probably some of the best ones out in the market. The Hypnose Drama and the Hypnose Precious Cells are by far my most used mascaras! If you're trying out a high end mascara for the first time, go for the Hypnose Drama!

Blush- I love pink blushes. The shades vary depending on my mood but this Amazonian clay blush by Tarte in Fearless has been my everyday pick. It creates the most natural glow adding just the right amount of colour to your face. My other favourites have to be Tweak by Illamasqua which is a bright poppy pink, Deep throat by Nars which is a soft shimmery pink blush & Expresso by Nyx which is a gorgeous dusty rose, perfect for Indian skintones.

Bronzer- I switch between this Clinique bronzer and my MAC Matte Bronze bronzer. The Clinique bronzer in Sunkissed has slight shimmer which makes it perfect to use a blush as well. I've spoken about the Matte Bronze by MAC  in this video before. It is perfect for contouring and it photographs brilliantly because it's matte.

Lipstick- I prefer a very natural lip colour for the day. Cosmo, Please Me & Chatterbox by MAC are the kind of shades I tend to go for. I love applying the lipstick and then slightly dabbing it off on a tissue & repeating this step at least 3 times! This makes the lipstick last longer and also makes it appear very natural.

Fix Plus- I don't like using a powder to set my make up on a daily basis. I find it too heavy & hence MAC's Fix plus works perfectly for me! Once I am done with all my steps, I close my eyes and do 3 spritz all over my face. Leaving it to dry for 10 seconds, sets up make up and makes it looks fantastic! Fix plus is a really great product. You can use it to refresh your make up at any point of the day & I even use to intensify my eye shadows sometimes. It seems like an unnecessary product but trust me, once you start using it, there is no going back.

These steps may seem taxing and complicated but it literally takes me less than 10 minutes to go through them. I skip some steps on certain days depending on the amount of time I have. But if you're a beginner, I'd suggest getting a good concealer, a great mascara & a lipstick in a shade you love! You could use the tip of the mascara to slightly line your waterline and double up the lipstick as a blush. Let me know which products you love to use on a daily basis! Also, do comment below if you'd like me to do a post on the make up products I use on the days when I'm shooting.

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#SportySexyGlam by Michael Kors

Being your own boss has it's own pros & cons. When on certain days, I can take the day off and do what I want, on other days I cannot even think of sitting still! On such hectic days I do need a pick me up every now and then to keep me going. Perfumes illustrate luxury in the most minuscule way. They make you feel pampered, confident and brand new with just one spritz! For me it’s an instant pick me up at any given point of the day. Unlike what most think, being a fashion blogger is not just about looking good; that is in fact just an added pressure, something we are constantly expected to be! But looking good is not just about your clothes, it has to come from within. Confidence & allure are elements that make an outfit look perfect!

When I have a hectic day ahead of me brimming with activities that require me to play different roles, I take aid from my perfumes to help me transform swiftly. Michael Kors’ new fragrance collection features three stunning scents: Sporty, Sexy & Glam which perfectly encompasses the multi-faceted qualities of a modern woman! Effortlessly capturing a mood, rather than a trend, the scents are at once timeless and evocative of urban women. The stunning, minimalistic bottles compliment the notion just as well.

Perfume- Sporty Citrus by Michael Kors, Bag- Michael Kors, Jacket- Zara, Maxi- New Look, Cropped top- Forever21, Sunglasses- Zara

This first look is what I wore to an important client meeting. Now, early morning meetings are always hard to accomplish but I was determined to make it because I frankly couldn’t afford to mess this one up! My outfit was inspired by the Sporty Citrus scent by Michael Kors, which is a clean & bright perfume with dazzling bursts of citrus depicting an active, effortless everyday style! I started with a simple black maxi skirt and threw on a white cropped top. Now for a regular day, this would have been fine but because I was heading to a meeting, I decided to throw on this hot pink scuba moto jacket! I went for no jewellery except a pair of sunglasses and a structured tan bag. Stylish yet comfy, the outfit portrayed the easy going and fresh frame of mind that this unique scent put me in.

Perfume- Glam Jasmine by Michael Kors, Bag- Michael Kors, Skirt- Asos (similar),Shirt- Zara, Shoes- Asos, Necklace- Zara, Shot at- ISDI

Next, I was required to be present at an event which compelled me to put my fashion foot forward. For this, I chose Michael Kors' Glam Jasmine fragrance which is a feminine scent with a bouquet of lush jasmine and creamy wood and is bound to turn heads! I went for an overtly feminine scarlet midi skirt which I then toned down with a stripped white and navy blouse knotted at the waist & this striking bag! For accessories, I stuck to a simple gold watch and a pearl choker. The white sunglasses elevated the feminine, retro feel I was going for! When I am heading for events, I make sure that my perfume is just right because you’re going to be hugging almost everyone you see and smelling good is vital! A tip, spray some perfume at the nape of your neck so that when someone embraces you, they are instantly encircled by your scent!

Perfume- Sexy Amber by Michael Kors, Clutch- Michael Kors, Jumpsuit- River Island, Lace insert- Pull&Bear, Shoes- Zara, Cuffs- Aldo, Chokers- Asos, Shot at- ISDI

The last occasion I was headed to, was a dinner date with my beau. Most looked forward to, this required me to rest the fashion frenzy in my head and go for a clean, sexy outfit.  This look was inspired by the Sexy Amber scent from Michael Kors, which is a warm fragrance of amber and sandalwood layered with white flowers for a seductive effect. I already had hints of the Citrus and Jasmine lingering on me but the Amber scent complimented them so well, creating a more personalized aroma. This was a coincidence but don't be afraid to layer your perfumes! Just make sure you layer complimentary notes or just combinations that work splendidly in unison.When I think of a date night look, black is my instant go to! This black jumpsuit with subtle lace details was an easy pick. I amped it up with a red lip, gold cuffs & added a snake print clutch to break the monotony of plains. I really just had a few minutes before he was here to pick me up, so I just took down that high pony tail and brushed my hair out to create easy, voluminous, loose curls! I threw in some essentials along with this tiny perfume bottle into my clutch and it all fit flawlessly.

I hope you’re eager to go in and give these stunning scents a quick sniff when you’re around a Michael Kors store next! Follow my Instagram account because there is something super exciting lined up for you! And do comment below and tell me whether your personal style is Sporty, Sexy or Glam! 
Also, thank you so much to Indian School of Design & Innovation to let us shoot some of these images in their spanking new indoor campus! You can find them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram! 

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Conventional Pauses

 

Necklace & Bangles- Azva Jewellery, Jacket- DVAR, Slip dress- Topshop, Shoes- Zara, On my lips- Mac Lady Danger

My grandmother is probably the first woman I saw wearing gold bangles when I was kid. She loved her gold jewellery then and she still continues to wear some of those pieces till date, everyday. So whenever I think of Gold jewellery, she's the first person who comes to my mind. But I never understood her fondness for the metal because of the evolving jewellery trends we experienced. I couldn't fathom my mind around the fact that she would pick Gold jewellery with peculiar designs over the more contemporary counterparts until of course I came across Azva. The thing about fashion is, it repeats itself. In a way that you almost can't avoid it. But then this is more than just fashion, it's tradition. 

When I came across Azva, it was certainly time to change my mind about Gold jewellery. Not only did the designs have classic elements but also the right amount of modish edge. Every piece looked so unique and outstanding that it was hard to decide! Their jewellery has a brushed gold finish which was probably the first thing that attracted me to it. The intricate details on the jewellery makes it so lust worthy. All the pieces from Azva are 22 karat and despite it being a bridal jewellery brand, I found so many pieces that would be perfect to have in your collection forever! Each piece are fashioned by the finest craftsmen in the country and that's what makes it so eccentric. 

Most of us tend to generally fill in the shoes of a modern muse but when it comes to weddings, majority of the brides are favouring to return, giving the age old customs a nod and reveling in some traditional glory. For me, I love mixing more modern silhouettes with conventional elements to create what I would call a perfect balance.

The key is to mix the simplest of pieces with more opulent counterparts. For this outfit, my base was a very simple silk slip dress which formed the perfect base for this layered beauty. I also decided to layer some bracelets and bangles with intricate details which added texture and dimension. The jacket helped further elevate the style quotient of the look.

So be it a mehndi, a cocktail or even a beach wedding, this outfit would be your best bet to not only stand out from the usual expectations but also intrigue the style sensibilities of many. If you're not into necklaces or layering cuffs, you could even opt for a quirky mang tikka or some opulent earrings.

I can now relate to the fondness my grandmother displayed for Gold. I can see myself wearing these pieces through the years and styling them in so many different ways be it an Indian ensemble or otherwise.

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Mirror Mirror on the wall

 






Cropped top- Forever21, Skirt- New Look(available on Asos), Sunglasses- Mango, Necklace- New Look, Shoes- Aldo, Bag- Zara

We shot this look back in April. Now I could have easily skipped it and moved on. But this look has all the components that I have been obsessed with over the past few months and I don't think my obsession is fading out anytime soon. Cropped tops, humongous floral prints, silver necklaces & mirrored sunglasses! All of these pieces are so versatile but look great in unison too. If you happen to follow me on Instagram, you probably saw how I layered three silver necklaces with a white cropped top for a night out. I was never into silver jewellery that extensively but these seem to have done the trick.

Summer & Monsoon call for easy, casual dressing so it's the simple details that make your outfit more appealing. A simple printed t-shirt dress with a semi bright lip and vintage RayBan's would be my uniform given a choice! It's a chic look that is perfect for day time and you could amp it up with a denim jacket or a white blazer. Skirts are also an essential during these months. Midi skirts or knee length skirts work the best when it comes to meetings during the day as they are appropriate, stylish and won't drag through on those crazy rainy days!

Cuffed boyfriend jeans are also a key piece to add to your wardrobe. You can pair them with simple t-shirts for a casual approach or with a shirt to slightly smarten them up. If you're not very sure about rocking them & want to refrain from spending too much, keep an eye out during the sales! I snagged mine from Mango on sale last year and they have been my most worn pair in the recent past. Pairing them with sneakers is something I am keen on trying this month!

What are your Summer/Monsoon essentials? Also I am looking at buying a new, cute umbrella so if you've come across any, please leave a comment below or you could even Tweet @aayushibangur or leave a message on Instagram. 

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Layering Baubles with Tanishq

All jewellery- IVA by Tanishq, White cropped top- Forever21, Maxi Skirt- Zara, Pink dress- Stalkbuylove, White blazer- Zara, Denim jacket & Black jumpsuit- Topshop

Tanishq recently launched their IVA 2 collection! The pieces are very different from what you would normally see at Tanishq. The designs are very modern, intriguing and versatile. The collection is a good mix of dainty and statement pieces which can be easily layered together. Layering jewellery is one of my favourite ways to upgrade everyday looks. If you follow me on Instagram, you see me layer necklaces, rings and bracelets on a regular basis! So today, we're showing you how you could layer jewellery like a pro by just  keeping a few simple rules in mind. 

Necklaces

When layering necklaces, make sure to mix different lengths. Start by placing the shortest necklace and then build your way through the rest. Play with complimentary colours for a fresh look. For a modern approach, don't be afraid to mix different metals!

Rings

Rings is the easiest way to start if you're still new to the layering concept. While working with rings, make sure to mix small and statement rings. Also, work with the positioning of the rings. Midi rings is a trend that I am still in love with. Choose a similar colour scheme and layer your favourite rings!

Bracelets

The key here is to mix dainty and chunky pieces. In the video, I choose two chunky bracelets and two dainty pieces. You could even layer these with your favourite watch. Again, don't refrain from mixing different metals and colours! 

So go ahead and give this layering trend a go! While you're doing so, style yourself in a look that you think would compliment the jewellery from the IVA collection and share it on Instagram! Don't forget to tag Styledrive & Tanishq so that we can see your entries. If we like your look you could be the winner of this fun contest! 

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Lancôme Miracle Air de Teint Foundation

Top & Rings- Forever21

Ever since I started using make up, I was always picky about my foundations. But as I got lured further into the beauty world, I came across so many different products that not only intrigued me but also seemed to suit several requirements. As a result, I have now ended up with what looks like a mock collection, with a foundation for less coverage, a foundation for full coverage, a foundation for when I'm shooting/filming and so on. But on a daily basis, I really don't have the time to meddle into all this because I'm usually running late and I only have 5 minutes to spare on the make up aspect.

I prefer using a light weight foundation on an everyday basis as the Mumbai humidity makes me want to cringe at the thought of caking up. Which is why Lancôme's new Miracle Air de Teint foundation intrigued me. I was kindly sent a sample to try it out for myself and see if it did what it claims. I am partial to pretty packaging and this bottle did it for me! The dropper seemed like a delightful touch while making sure that you don't end up wasting too much product. The consistency of the foundation is very light, almost velvety. If I'm in a hurry, I'll use my fingers to blend it out all over my face and that works fantastically. However, if I have a few extra minutes to spare, I'll use my Sephora air brush finish brush to fix it up. I've noticed that, using a brush does give a slightly fuller coverage, if that interests you. The foundation works best for those who are looking at merely evening out their complexion while blurring out those minuscule flaws that seems to haunt us all. It has a semi-matte finish which works wonderfully for me as I have a Combination to Oily skin type. I prefer not to use powder over it as it sets quickly on it's own and lasts a fair amount of time too.

Now let's talk about the other aspects. The foundation does have a slight scent which settles within a few seconds of application. The colour options are vast and you can visit any Lancôme store to perfectly match yourself to the foundation. It's a non-comedogenic formula which makes it appropriate for regular use. If you have slightly drier skin, I would suggest using a good moisturizer before you apply this. For me, I put it right over top of my sunscreen. I have fairly sensitive skin but this foundation has not broken me out or caused any other issue so I am quite impressed!

So if you're looking to try out a new foundation or if you're looking at investing in a foundation for everyday use, this is a good one. In retrospect, it is easy to blend, light weight and a fairly long lasting foundation which makes it perfect for looking presentable everyday without all the hassle. You can visit a Lancôme store to feel the texture and try it out! If you have already tried the foundation before or plan do it over the weekend, don't forget to comment below and tell what you think of it. Also, do let me know if you guys would like me to do more beauty reviews!

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F-Squared: Coffee Addict

Calling myself an addict is the only justified way to explain my love for Coffee. I can barely get through my day without gulping at least 3 cups down! I am on the verge of investing in one of the Nespresso machines but until then I drink Bru or Davidoff at home and I have obviously tried Coffee at almost every cafe/restaurant that I have visited! So for my fellow caffeine addicts, I decided to share my top 5 favourite cuppas around the city that I always go back to on a daily basis.

1) Nutel'late at Suzette- Okay so this is by far the best recipe ever! It has both ingredients that I love and when put together it's a feeling I often crave. So when I'm feeling a little down or just want some unnecessary TLC, this is what I get! And it tastes even better in the rain. Just saying.

2) Panama French Press at Indigo Deli- This french press, has hints of chocolate hidden in the strongly brewed coffee. I like my coffee pretty strong so a dash of milk makes this, the best after meal cup! Also, if you're in the mood, order their Apple Pie to go with it to enter Heaven or you could just stay here.

3) Iced Hazelnut Latte at Starbucks-I was not a crazy Starbucks fan but there are a few drinks that I am now addicted to. Summer brings with it a need to switch to colder versions and my favourite has to be the Iced Latte's! I always get it with a double Espresso shot. They are lower in calories and sugar too, compared to their other drinks. But if I'm in the mood to treat myself I'll add some Hazelnut syrup to get the party started in my head!

4) Ice Blended Mocha at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf- So my cousin introduced me to this one almost 5 years ago and since then she moved on but I am still pretty addicted to this. Smaran thinks that it tastes like Bournvita but I strongly disagree! It's the best blend of chocolate and coffee and I love the Ice blended texture. Again, I get this with an extra shot to make it strong enough for my liking.

5) Columbian French Press at SaltWater Cafe- This is just the best cup of classic strong coffee that you need, to get through those hectic days! They have a great Cappuccino in one of those hot coffee mugs too, if you fancy one. And I also love the biscotti it comes with.

Please comment below and let me know if you have some favourites because I am always up for a good cup of Coffee! And for you non-coffee lovers, almost all these places provide you with a vast Green Tea or Fresh juice spread that would please almost everyone!

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