Stunning Kohl Inspired Eye Looks

Kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic widely used in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and West Africa to darken the eyelids and eyelashes. It is used mostly by women, but also some men and children in certain cultures. Kohl was originally used as protection against common eye ailments. Darkening around the eyes was believed to protect them from the harsh rays of the sun.

Kohl has been used in India as a cosmetic for a long time. Mothers would sometimes apply kohl to their infants’ eyes soon after birth. Some did this to help strengthen the child’s eyes and others believed it could prevent the child from being cursed by the evil eye. In India today, it is used by women as a type of eyeliner that is applied around the edge of the eyes. It is often worn for special social and religious occasions.

Kohl and kohl inspired “smokey eye” looks are very popular around the world. Many women prefer to use waterproof formulas which will last longer and not smudge as easily. Often used for a big night out, the black smokey look can really make the eyes pop and there are endless tips, which can be found on beauty blogs, on how to get the look using different make up techniques.

 

 

Kohl eyeliner is available in drug stores everywhere as well as stores like Sephora, and MAC around the globe. Try it for your next party or night out on the town!

 

 

How to Get Boho Waves

Messy and loose boho style waves can look really chic for an every day look at the office or for a big event. Casual and effortless looking, this hairstyle works best on naturally wavy hair. Straight haired girls can achieve a similar look by using a small barrel curling iron and curling small sections of hair. Here, we focus on skipping the curling iron altogether and instead using bobby pins, patience and some good hair twisting skills. Mila Kunis, Cameron Diaz, Alexa Chung and Kate Hudson all provide inspiration of how to do pull off this enviable hairstyle.

Follow the steps to get the look:

1. Apply some type of styling product to damp hair. Texturizing cream or mousse works best for this particular style.

2. Separate hair into 1 inch sections and twist them from roots to ends. Secure pieces with bobby pins.

3. Dry your hair thoroughly by letting it naturally air dry or if you ‘re in a hurry, with the blast of a blow dryer.

4. Remove each bobby pin and let the twists of hair loose. Do not brush them out.

5. Gently shake your hair out and spray your head with light to medium hold hairspray.

Voila! You’re done. Now go get ‘em!

For tips on how to get long, shiny and healthy looking hair, try the popular Indian beauty tip of using hair oil regularly. It really makes a huge difference!

These lovely ladies all do the boho waves look very well! Tres chic.

An Ancient Secret for Glowing Skin

An ancient beauty secret or “nuschka” is revealed in this all-natural recipe for glowing skin.

Before there were make-up artists, spas, or beauty parlors, women in India came up with home made beauty recipes to exfoliate, soften and brighten their face and body, especially for special occasions such as marriage. These all- natural recipes enhanced their natural beauty and improved their skin tone instantly. These beauty secrets are becoming more sought after as women around the world are straying from using harsh and artificial chemicals on their skin. This recipe is gentle enough to use on a daily basis and will result in a beautiful and vibrant glow.

Chick pea flour (besan) is a soft yellow coloured powder available at most Indian grocery stores. Mixed most commonly with milk, water, yogurt or almond oil it helps to hydrate, soften, and cleanse the skin within a few minutes.

For clean and vibrant skin with an instant glow, follow this simple recipe:

•Take 3 tbsp. of besan in a bowl

•Add ½ tbsp. of turmeric powder (haldi)

*Turmeric acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and instant skin cleanser. It can leave a yellowish tinge on your skin so use just a little bit for this recipe.

• Now mix the two powders. You can choose between water, milk, plain yogurt, rose water or almond oil. Use an adequate amount of any one of these to make a thick paste. Choose one ingredient for the desired effect:
-Water- hydrates the skin
-Milk or plain yogurt- softens and gives the skin a vibrant glow
-Almond oil- nourishes dry skin, but can leave an oily residue so use just a small amount

• Mix the contents well to form a paste thick enough to apply it on your face without it falling off. If the mixture becomes too thin, add more besan to make it more consistent.

• The mixture can be applied on the face, neck or all over the body. Let it dry for approximately 20 minutes then wash it off with luke warm water.

* A few women may be allergic to besan or other ingredients in the mixture. Just to be on the safe side, apply a small amount on the skin and check for any allergies once it dries. Allergic reactions, however, are not very common with this ancient “nuschka”.

Don’t forget to relax, light a candle, and listen to some comforting music. We suggest “Dakini” by Prem Joshua or something similar for an Indian style spa- like experience!

5 Ideas for Rocking the Braided Hair Trend

We love all the different kinds of boho inspired braided hairstyles that have been heating up the spring and summer. Effortless and chic, braids are such a fun way to add some interest to an every day wash and wear hairstyle. Here’s just a few ideas on some of the different ways braids can be incorporated into your ‘do as seen on some top celebrities and models:

1) Wrap a braid all the way around your head and fasten with bobby pins on one side.

2) Weave a small braid along the side part in long bangs, letting the rest of your hair down.

3) Braid your hair to one side letting loose pieces fall on both sides.

4) Add small, loose plaits in random sections of hair, wearing the rest down and loose.

5) Braid a piece of bright fabric throughout an up -do for an instant funky, tribal look.

Do you have anymore fun braided hair do ideas?

5 Ways Aloe Vera Can Help Your Skin

The aloe vera plant has been used in India for centuries in beauty, health, and medicinal purposes.  Its a common ingredient used in a lot of herbal medicines which are widely used throughout India and increasingly more so in other parts of the world. The cactus- like plant is grown in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, specifically. The juice from the aloe vera plant is even used in the treatment of ulcers, heartburn and other digestive disorders. Its very easy to find aloe vera beverages to drink in your local grocery store. Aloe vera gel also makes a wonderful alternative to using harsh creams with hidden chemicals on your skin.  Read on for 5 Ways aloe vera gel can be incorporated into your beauty regime!

aloe vera plant

1. Try it as a facial moisturizer

Aloe vera gel is great for your face to use as a moisturizer in place of other creams which generally contain a lot of oil or chemicals. Applying it prior to the application of make-up can prevent your skin from drying out. It also works well as an aftershave because its healing properties can help soothe small nicks that are often caused by shaving. Men can use it too!

2. Combat problems of skin aging

The vitamin C and E present in aloe vera gel can improve skin’s firmness, minimize fine lines and help with elasticity. Aloe vera is beneficial in stimulating the production of elastin and collagen which are necessary for preventing the aging of the skin. Plus it beats the price of some expensive miracle creams that are out on the market. One tip is to try using a little bit under and around your eye area where lines usually start to form or when you’re experiencing eye puffiness. Its very soothing and instantly relaxes your eyes.

3. Help control acne

If you suffer from the annoyance of acne, aloe vera gel is your friend! It has specific properties that kill bacteria plus it helps reduce skin inflammation. It also helps the skin to heal naturally with minimal scarring. Aloe vera gel is really good for oily skin types because it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling after application. Try mixing a bit of aloe vera gel with dry oatmeal for an all natural facial.

4. Reduce the visibility of stretch marks

Stretch marks can naturally appear due to a growth spurt, weight change, or pregnancy. These marks appear because of minor tears in the layers of the skin caused by sudden stretching. Aloe vera gel can help hide these stretch marks by healing these wounds when applied.

5. Treat a painful sunburn

Aloe vera gel can help reduce the pain that is felt on hot skin after a sunburn. The gel helps replenish and soothe skin that has become damaged and overheated. It helps the skin stay hydrated and supple so that it can heal faster from the sunburn. Slather it on after a day at the beach and your skin will instantly feel cool and calm.

Do you have any other tips on how to use aloe vera gel?

Natural Recipes for Facials

Our busy lifestyle makes it easy for us to grab a product right off the drug store shelf which may be convenient but its usually packed full of ingredients we cannot even pronounce!  There is no need for us to be using chemicals on our skin when we have so many natural options that can simply be found in our own kitchen.  To get gorgeous and glowing skin inspired by India, a country famous for its natural beauty tips, try any of these recipes twice a week for best results.

1. Mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (greek-style is best), and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your face and let it soak in for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. If you have oily skin, add a little more lemon juice, which acts as an astringent and clarifier.

2. To combat blackheads, mix together equal parts of baking soda with water in your hand until it forms a paste. Apply and scrub in a circular motion for 2 minutes, then rinse. This is a great way to clean out your pores without using harsh exfoliants that can tear your skin if used incorrectly.

3. Take an egg and separate the egg white from the yolk. Mix the yolk and apply to your face. If desired, add honey to the yolk, or use it on its own. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. The egg yolk acts as an antioxidant which will leave your face soft and glowing. The egg white can also be used in the same way on its own and will help tighten and refresh your skin.

4. Combine about 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with water and mix it to form a paste. Honey can be added to produce a nice consistency and help the mask stick on your face. Apply and relax for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. Oatmeal is good for oily skin because it absorbs any excess oil and also acts as a natural exfoliant.

Light a candle, turn on your favourite music and pamper yourself. Let it be your way of relaxing after a long and stressful day. Do you have any natural beauty secrets or recipes that you’d like to share? 

New Year Style Resolutions for 2012

What are your resolutions for 2012? Besides the usual exercise more often, quit a bad habit for good, spend more time with family and friends and the list goes on. At Indiverve, we’ve come up with a few ideas on how to incorporate some new and exciting looks to your style.

1. Go for a bold print- Whether its tribal prints, black and white checks, flower, animal or paisley prints anything other than solid and muted is right in style for the upcoming year. Branch out a bit and go a little wild for a change! If you prefer something a little less attention grabbing, try a bold bracelet or some funky earrings such as:

2. Try a bright lip colour- Toss out your old neutral coloured lip glosses and try a pop of bright lip colour like electric pink, orange or cherry red. Its a statement look for your lips so be sure to keep the rest of your make- up neutral.

bright and bold lip colour ideas

3. Clean out your closet- A New Year means a New You so set some time aside and go through your wardrobe. Are there any pieces that you haven’t worn in the past year? Donate them. There are hundreds of charities who will give your clothes to the less fortunate plus you’ll feel good about it too Same goes for anything that is too big or too small. You likely won’t wear it so give it away! You’ll end up having less clutter and a nicely organized closet.

4. Rock a neon- coloured item- This is a trend for 2012 so why not try it out? It’ll brighten up your look in seconds. Try a pair of neon shoes, a bold bag or statement jewelry. Here’s one funky tribal necklace we love in a bright turquoise shade:

5. Change your hairstyle- If you’ve always wanted a short hair style, now’s the time to try it out! If your hair is already short, consider growing it long for a new look. Too big of a change? Try something less risky like getting bangs. If you don’t like them you can always grow them back out. Or try a new haircolour or add highlights/ lowlights. How about trying the two tone colour to the tips of your hair? Either way, it’ll be fun and refreshing to enhance your look.

two tone hair colour

6. Switch it up- Do you almost always wear pants? Why not try a cute and comfy dress or leggings with a skirt or long tunic? Step out of your comfort zone and try something you don’t normally wear. Maybe you’ll really like it and it will become your go-to look! Always wearing dark denim pants? Try a trendy bold colour like red, emerald green or cobalt blue or even better- printed pants or leggings! Never really worn much jewelry? This is the year to bring it into your wardrobe. And the bolder and brighter, the better! Accessories are the easiest way to jazz up a plain outfit. Try these looks:

7. Don’t follow the fashion rules- Finally, all these tips are only suggestions and you know what works best for you better than anyone. Just try to branch out a bit and have fun with fashion. That’s what its all about! The best look of all is a happy look so remember to smile, stop and smell the roses and just like fashion, don’t take life too seriously!

Cheers to 2012!

Indiverve

Hair Oil- Used for Centuries in India

Hair oiling is a traditional habit that has been done not only India but in other countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and of course, Morocco (hence the idea of Moroccanoil) for centuries! The difference is that coconut oil is used instead as well as some amazing smelling herbs like neem, brahmi, and rosemary oil in some formulas. Why not try it? For a fraction of the cost of salon brands its just as effective in nourishing the hair by making it shiny, strong and even preventing hair loss! Coconut hair oil is to be added to the scalp, which is the source of hair growth, and then massaged well and left on for as long as possible- overnight is ideal.

Moroccanoil is a popular salon- brand hair oil that has become insanely popular here in North America recently. Users of the product swear it is the best thing they have tried to help repair their hair and keep it soft and healthy. But for as much as it costs for the tiny amount you get plus the extra synthetic ingredients added to it, you have to question whether its really worth it.

Coconut oil is an amazing  natural beauty aid and its moisturizing properties are very effective. Try it as an alternative and see! Then if you still don’t like it go to the expensive stuff.

A beauty secret used for centuries in India