ICynosure: May 2017

The holiday season is on and every time my phone rings displaying 'Home', I get panic attacks. Most of the calls begin with my little one announcing 'Mom, I'm so bored!', and if for every time she said this, if someone gave me a nickel, I sure would be a rich momma. Nevertheless, what can I really do to ensure #PrincessHeer is engaged during her summer vacations without having to step out too much in the heat? So this weekend I sat down and created a list of activities that she can enjoy without the need to be glued to the idiot box for the entire day.

Indoor Games
A competitive and time-consuming activity during the summer holiday is to spread out board games and challenge friends to play for hours. And that's the first thing I'm you should be doing with your little ones. Give them a boost of creative fun with some interesting jigsaw puzzles, Lego sets, or word Scrabble to set her mind racing or even a few hours in the play zone.

Drawing and Colouring
Fun activities like drawing or colouring are the most inexpensive form of a game to engage hyperactive children. Order a few books, paints, colours, stencils and free the little minds to envisage and create a visual delight. Sketching, drawing, and colouring are stress-busting activities that no child will tire of.

Crafts
One quality that Heer has inherited from me is my love for craft projects. There are a number of ways crafts can be included in day-to-day activities for not only probing a mind but also enhancing imagination. So go ahead order some crafts supplies and sit with your little ones to get started on some basic DIYs and recycling projects.

Reading
The best gift you can ever give a child is read to them. This simple act not only gives you both time to bond but also pips her curiosity, sowing the reading seed in their mind. Reading usually becomes a stepping stone to other activities that interest children. So bring out your childhood books and relive the stories with your little ones.

Water Games
Water is the best escape in the summers and children love to indulge in water games. The easiest way would be to enrol kids in swimming classes that would club fun with some form of exercise to rejuvenate them. Alternatively, bubble baths are another sure shot way to engage kids and keep them busy for a long time.

Hobby Class
It is very easy to gauge what your little one is really interested in and help her take it up as a hobby. Enrol them in classes specific to their interest which could range from singing and dancing to playing an instrument to even cooking or gardening classes. It will be a great experience to see them learn and do what they like.

So to beat the Summer Heat try some of these interesting activities, and share your feedback with me on whether or not the idea worked to keep your little one busy all afternoon

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Girls know how tough it is to dress every day; and she takes care of not only her clothing but also her overall look, picking the right accessories, handbag and footwear. Trust me dressing-up is equally challenging for men and even if they pretend it’s their least priority, they are keen to make a really good impression every time they step out. And it is normal to feel as such.

However, instead of trying to catch someone’s attention; Men, you must dress to impress yourself first, and that it should be in your comfort zone and should bring out your personality. The dressing has its own considerations to follow including occasion, time and reason; but you must take care of a few things that remain unanimous especially when wearing formal shirts; for making you feel good, making heads turn.

Grooming 
Facial Hair will either make it or break it for you. You may want to sport a beard or go clean shaven, it is your choice but ensures it’s done right. Clean shaven doesn’t take much to achieve however one must maintain a beard with specific beard products. Beards are in trend, however are a great responsibility and you must style it well with beard balms or beard oils that will leave many swooning.

Accessories 
Keep the accessories to the minimum, too much flash is never good. Add a pair of unique cufflinks that are conversation starters or pick a vintage wristwatch. A pocket watch or a pocket square is sure to raise a few eyebrows. Stay away from jewellery especially ear studs, large rings or cycle chains around your neck.

Footwear
 Alternate between formal shoes and loafers as the occasion demands. But ensure the footwear is clean and polished. Most women are able to spot filthy shoes from a distance and that’s where they will remain, at a distance. Slip-ons are great too but only when at the beach or a super casual gathering. Another important aspect would be to colour coordinate the socks and wear a fresh pair every single time.

So are you ready to stun the stylist?

Until next time,
~ Heena

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I’ve been a lipstick-addict for the longest time, and I can’t even remember when I first started wearing lip products. I’ve always been very careful about the type of product I pick for my lips and the must-dos for a lipstick in my vanity would definitely include moisturisation, pigmentation and lasting. I’ve experimented with lip tints, lip stains and long-wear lipsticks and lip glosses over the last few years. However now most of the lipsticks in my vanity are unintentionally matte finishes.

I have become so comfortable and selective that I just didn't want to experiment with the lipstick formulae until Oriflame’s launched The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel lip colour in 7 perfect summer shades. The range is a perfect gloss lovers’ paradise, with a gorgeous range of purple to pink candy colours that excite the princess in you.

As a regular Oriflame reviewer, the brand sent me the entire range to experiment with. The brand claims that the product is a super-light liquid lipstick that goes on like a gel, with an ultra-smooth plexigloss finish. The rich product formula is non-sticky with extreme colour coverage, glides on easily for super-slick lips with perfect colour clarity, while the conditioning formula keeps lips feeling soft and supple.

I’ve used gel lipsticks only for the first time even though they have been around much longer and I think I’ve started late. The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel lipsticks are moisturising and have an impeccable glossy finish. Even though the lip colours aren't fully opaque at first swipe, I could easily build them up for a sleek-sheer finish. All of the seven shades have a fresh, I’m-not-wearing-any-lip-product look to them. However, they aren't sticky at all. I truly like the light-weight application and translucent accurate colour clarity. The glosses apply effortlessly and don’t feather into fine lines making the lips look fuller. With all these amazing things going on, my only concern was the staying power, but the One surprised me with its staying power of close to 3 hours without having to touch up.

The Here’s how you make the most of The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel:
~ apply the lipgloss from the centre of the upper lip moving outward towards the corners
~ repeat on the lower lip
~ blot your lips with a tissue and reapply

If you're looking to try them out, let me give you an opportunity to pick the shade you want. Yes, we are giving away a few #PRSamples to some of our readers.

To win a shade of your choice, all you have to do is:

1. Follow iCynosure on Instagram.
2. Comment in the comments which shade you would like to win. (Check the shades here)

Please note:
– Contest closes on June 2nd.
– We’ll pick winners by a random draw from the pool of qualified entries.

And here are our winners!

Winners, please send in your shipping details along with a contact number and a proof of identity to icynosureblog@gmail.com with Subject - 'Oriflame - iCynosure Giveaway Winner' to claim your lippies. The product that you mentioned in the giveaway entry will be sent out once we have the details of all the winners. No emails for a particular shade will be entertained. Request you to be patient.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Sometimes my skin feels great while at other times it is full of break-outs, with a deadly combination of dry skin, discolouration, pigmentation, and fine lines. But these skincare concerns are not uncommon in a city like Mumbai, where I'm constantly exposed to numerous environmental aggressors that not only pose everyday skin issues but also a long-term skin damage.

Apart from the regular culprits; UV rays, pollution and smoke, one of the most crucial aspect of routine life that harms the skin is the artificial cooling during the summers. The temperature fluctuations that forces me to switch on the air conditioner, which actually does more harm to my skin than what I'd perceive. Controlled cool air not only affects the natural humidity in the air but also leaves the skin flaky and dry and in turn, causes skin irritation and decomposition of the skin cells. So the question is how do I fight nature to keep the natural balance of my skin?

The trick lies in the simple understanding of my skin and giving it the natural ingredients to grow and flourish. My usual go-to mantra for a healthy skin is creating a good skincare routine. Just as all skincare experts suggest, I follow the Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise formulae. While the benefits of cleansing, toning and moisturising are obvious, what some of us do not realise is that these CTM products may include harsh ingredients such as alcohol and parabens, which induce allergic reactions. So as I always say the most important aspect of my skincare routine is picking the products that suit my skin type. However, if you are not sure of what would work or not work for you, pick products with a natural base, infused with essential oil and free of alcohol and artificial scents. One such range of skincare products that I'm currently crushing on is the newly launched collection Essense&Co by Oriflame India.

Essense&Co is a premium bath and body range that is packed with the finest quality essential oils, that offers sumptuous textures and premium natural flavours. The products are a pure indulgence that ensure a luxurious experience with a touch of nature, which is true to the Swedish heritage of the Oriflame brand.

Essense&Co Lemon & Verbena Liquid Hand Soap

The hands are the most neglected parts, where skincare is concerned and thus brands are primarily focusing their product ranges to counter this. Essense&Co Lemon & Verbena Liquid Hand Soap is a liquid hand soap infused with natural essential oils that not only hydrate the skin but also delicately perfumes the skin with the uplifting Lemon and Verbena undertones. I loved the moisture-rich formulation, that would work well across all skin types and the gentle lather, that would be perfect for daily use.

Essense&Co Lemon & Verbena Body Wash

Body washes are meant to remove impurities from the skin, leaving it dewy while concealing the skin pores without disturbing its natural equilibrium. Essense&Co’s Lemon & Verbena Body Wash is a hydrating body wash blended with natural essential oils of lemon and verbena. I absolutely love the delightful creamy lather that it produces, conditioning the skin making it satiny soft and beautifully scented with refreshing citrus notes.

Essense&Co Lemon & Verbena Hand & Body Lotion

Body Lotions are perfect for replenishing the skin with the much-needed hydration and counter areas affected by mild dryness. Essense&Co Lemon & Verbena Hand & Body Lotion is light and easily absorbed into the skin leaving it visibly radiant and supple. I love the fact that it has a luxurious, non-greasy effect on the skin’s surface whilst keeping it moisturised and healthy. Even though I have sensitive skin the body lotion helps seal moisture deep within and keeps it hydrated and supple.

Since I’ve started using the Essense&Co range, I’m amazed at the gentleness and healing power of the products. The main ingredients Lemon, known to have a range of beauty benefits and Verbena, touted as an antispasmodic, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic work wonders for the skin making it highly elastic and healthy. Given the price point, life cycle and ingredient list of the range, I would highly recommend it to all, irrespective of your skin type. To know more about the range, you can check the complete range of products here, or follow Oriflame on Facebook to stay informed.

 Have you used the Essense&Co’s products? If so let me know your thoughts, and also let me know your skincare routine in the comments below.  

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Set in the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by mountains and hills, way above sea-levels, the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel is the first factory to have been converted into a hotel in Sri Lanka, earning a UNESCO Merit Award for its restoration. A modern architectural masterpiece, the old tea factory used under the British rule, boasts of a great ambience highlighting the Colonial times while offering the best services to make our family getaway filled with the luxury of history.

We arrived at the hotel after a few hectic days in Kandy and were greeted with the rustic quaint, cooler than the rest of the country; breeze. The staff welcomed us with warm towels followed by a traditional Sinhalese welcome. The elaborate welcome made us feel like modern day royals; as we firmly wrapped our overcoats to protect ourselves from the dropping temperature. We waited for our rooms to be assigned while being serenaded with a variety of tea flavours from the hotel’s own tea estate. DH sipped on Vanilla tea while I warmed up to a cup of Broken Orange Pekoe tea infused with a handful of spices.

The hotel is indeed ‘on top of the world’ at 3600 meters above sea-level, almost dancing into the clouds. The backdrop changes colours every second of the day, from a sunshine yellow to a burning orange, melting into a teal blue and finally seeping into a grey hollow. Needless to say, we spent one of our three days just gazing into the skyline against the plush green stage offered by the plantation.

The owners have done an amazing job with preserving the heritage of the factory while re-modelling it to meet the needs of the new age traveller. Instead of taking down the original machinery they have created installations out of them to overwhelm the visitor. One of the most bewitching visuals that as a hotel guest we witnessed was the minute-long running of the original engine that powered the factory, placed in the basement. The hooting and the force we felt from the top floor of the hotel is still as real as when we took the pictures that day.

Another win for the hotel is responsible tourism. The overall facility leaves little to no carbon footprints with their own water management system to waste reduction initiatives; organic farming to utilising local produce and generating local employment. All around the premises we saw numerous placards explaining the importance of that particular feature or in-room material emphasising ways and means of preserving natural resources. The hotel is the perfect example of luxury combined with eco-friendliness, which otherwise is a rarity.

If we thought that we had seen and experienced everything that the hotel had to offer, we were so wrong. As soon as we entered our room, we were amazed by the spacious Flowerdew Suite, which included a master bedroom, a kid’s bedroom and a sitting area with the best views of the Ragala and Randeingala reservoirs. And to top it all, we had a twin bathtub in the master bedroom opening into a Jacuzzi; overlooking the hills. It was indeed heavenly, perfect to relax and unwind at the end of a super cold day.

As vegetarians, we were restricted in terms of cuisines in the island country with so much of sea-food in abundance. However at the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel’s main restaurant Kenmare, there was a full-buffet for vegetarians as well as a large a la carte menu. We tried the buffet and were pleasantly surprised at how tea-themed dishes can add flavour to the palate. One afternoon, we indulged in a unique dining experience at the TCK 6685 restaurant, a 1930’s train carriage that was initially used to transport tea from the factory to mainland, now converted into dining chambers. The experience is unique with the Head Chef understanding the culinary preferences of each ‘passenger-on-board’, and then serving dishes specifically made for the guest with ‘whistle-blowing’ antics by the attendants immaculately dressed in railway uniforms. It is definitely a must-do at the hotel.

The hotel has a lot of activities organised within the facility as well as in the surrounding areas. A spa along with a gym, games room, library, and a putting green form recreational activities within the hotel, while they also arrange activities such as pony rides, nature trekking, bird-watching and tea factory tours. We signed up for a couple of an eco-tours including plucking-your-own tea leaves experience and #PrincessHeer took to the pony riding adventure with her dad. However, with the volatile nature of climate, we had to cut out on a few activities, though we did not want to miss out on the beauty of the hills so we ventured out for short walks even during the slightly drizzly day. It was by far the most beautiful and romantic part of our stay at the hotel ….. walking through a gorgeous place in the rain. The hotel’s guide, Anniken was a pro and knew practically everything about the hills, the history, and the village. He also narrated stories about wild boars, leopards and mountain lions during our trek over the hills.