July is here and we are back with yet another edition of The Must Try List! From gorgeous make up products to stunning shoes, entertaining cinema to the best of monsoon fashion, we have got it all covered for you. While you may end up getting the best bargain during the ongoing sale season, a few products here may force you to make some extra space in the wardrobe (or the vanity shelf, shoe rack). 

Must Use - MAC Lightful

The science of skincare meets the beauty of makeup. One of the products that tops our Must Try list this month is M·A·C’s latest Lightful2-in-1 with radiance booster tinted serum, a creation that comes packaged in a modern dual-chamber bottle. Now what's amazing is that this bottle holds two potent formulas – a hi-tech treatment serum and an incandescent tint. Use the lightweight and translucent gel-like serum all over the face at night to curb hyper pigmentation, and the tinted serum during the day to continue the brightening effects. All this, while instantly helping even out the skin tone and

adding luminosity. When hear that when this 2-in-1 treatment is used together, the two formulas target a multitude of skin concerns, from dark spots and dehydration to

uneven skin tone/texture. The product will be available in 5 shades (tint) and is priced at Rs 2700. Sounds good to us and we can't wait to test it already!

Must Have - Nike Zoom Air

Now this is one pair of shoes that every running fanatic (including us) can't stop eyeing. Nike recently launched the all new Nike Zoom Air and the stunning color combination has already left us drooling.  Zoom Air - the fastest, most responsive cushioning platform Nike has ever delivered - has the power to change a lot of things that an athlete can feel about his gear. The lightest of the Zoom training family, the Air zoom is a minimalist streamlined propulsion device designed for athletes, who want to stay fast and light on their feet in training or competition. Forefoot Zoom Air gives runners a snappy response off the road. The lowered offset (eight millimeters) puts runners closer to the ground for more control, and a sleek upper combines Nike Flywire technology, 

no-sew overlays and lightweight mesh for a supportive, breathable fit. In short, the Nike Zoom Air is all you need to get going on the running track like a pro! Priced at Rs 8995, the Nike Zoom Air is now available at select Nike retail stores.

Must Buy - Lakmé Absolute Gloss Artist

Who doesn't love a good, smudge-free eyeliner, that is perfect for the monsoons? Well, here comes Lakmé's all new Absolute Gloss Artist to your rescue. The Lakmé Absolute Gloss Artist, that comes in a gorgeous, dark black shade, promises to deliver a high-definition shine that will last all the day, without smudging. Its compact packaging (which has always been a plus point for Lakmé products) makes it easy to carry. But wait, there is more to it than what meets the eye. This vinyl eye-liner comes with a felt-tip brush, that makes application extremely easy and smooth. Get ready to turn artist and make your eyes the canvas, while you experiment with winged, retro or just simple bold lines. Priced at Rs 600, we certainly think Lakmé has got another winner here!

Hello June and a big hello to all the wonderful readers, who I know have already started praying for the rain gods to bless them with adequate rainfall. While we wait for the monsoons, a new month is here and we have got a brand new feature ready for you. Say 'Bonjour' to The Must Try List, a monthly feature, where we will put together details of some of the best must haves and must visits, which can help you spend money on the right things and spend your precious time at the right place. What do we have in store for you this June? Read on to find out. 

Must Have - Masaba X Clinique collection

Masaba meets Clinique! Gosh, what more could you ask for? The moment this collaboration was announced in April, beauty freaks across the country went crazy talking about it on social media. The limited edition range, inspired by Masaba's SS 2015 candy-themed collection showcased at Lakme Fashion Week S/R earlier this year, includes pop up lip colors and a colorful make up bag called 'Sugar Plum'. With lip color names like Wow Pop, Sweet Pop and Punch Pop, we can't wait to 'pop' into a Clinique store and fill our shopping bags with these pretty lippies. 

Must Buy - Philips Satinelle Advanced Epilator

We have got our eyes on this newly launched advanced epilator since quite sometime and will be reviewing it soon. The Philips Satinelle Advanced Epilator looks like the perfect product that every girl needs this monsoon (and almost every season, honestly). The product promises to provide long lasting smoothness, while gently removing hair from the root, and that too, as short as 0.5mm. It also promises that the hair will grow back thinner and slowly, leaving you with up to 4 weeks of hair-free skin. Sounds great!

Must Wear -  Jelly Shoes by River Island

Who doesn't like to make a splash in the water or dance in the rain? With monsoon coming up, stock up on these cute Glitter Jelly shoes. We love the retro vibe of these shoes, and the fact that it comes in four different colors only makes it easier for an individual to take their pick. Priced under Rs 1500, these shoes by River Island are a must have if you are planning to sing in the rain this June.

Must Visit - Lakme Pro Stylist Studio

We were invited to this stylish space last week and boy! were we impressed. The all new Lakme Pro Stylist Studio is everything that we wanted and much more. The flagship retail store houses all our favorite Lakme products, and also has a dedicated section for makeovers, where you can get a quick transformation before a big event, meeting or just an important dinner date. Relax and get a manicure done, or just the awesome in-house stylist, Vibhuti, to give you a new look, the Lakme Pro Stylist Studio is all things awesome rolled into one great store. For more details on the space and services, keep an eye out for our Lakme X Dancebee post.

Must Hear & Watch - Hamari Adhuri Kahani

Trust Mohit Suri to wow us with melodious tracks with every film. Be it Zeher or Ek Villain, the director is known to create magic with music in all his films. The music album of his latest offering, Hamari Adhuri Kahani, is no different. Team Dancebee has added all the delightful songs from HAK to our respective iPods and we can't listening to the entire album on loop. Right from Humnava to the title track, every song transports you to a different world. And while you sing along, don't forget to watch this film at a theatre near you on June 12. Right from the starcast to the plot, everything about this film is so perfect. We are looking forward, are you?

Lust List - Chanel LUMIÈRE D'ÉTÉ

Ah! Just look at that beauty. Who would want to even touch or ruin that beautiful design? Err.. well, we are equally excited to test the Chanel Lumiere D'Ete Illuminating powder. Embossed with a lush camellia blossom, this golden-bronze powder promises to add sun-kissed radiance to your complexion, eyes and décolleté. If there is anything you wish to splurge on this month, let it be this!

Love,

The Dancebee

Rains are here. It's that time of the year when you ditch your favorite pair of jeans for a comfortable pair of shorts or something that will save your apparel from getting stained with the roadside muck (Yuck!). It's equally essential that you take care of your skin. The humidity level goes up during the monsoon season, especially in cities like Mumbai, due to which your skin and hair suffers a lot. I may not be an expert in this field, but here's a list of skin and hair care tips that will help you to prevent your skin from suffering this season.

1. Avoid heavy make up. Just a dash of Kohl or gel liner along with a bright lip color or gloss is enough to add some drama. Heavy make up can block pores and if you end up getting stuck during a heavy down pour, you might end up looking like a Halloween costume party host. Opt for water proof, light weight make up for all the special occasions. 

2. I am sure everyone knows this, but CTM (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) is your 365 days a year mantra.   If you still haven't invested in a good toner, cleanser and a moisturizer that suits your skin type, then please do it now.

Dancebee recommends: Clinique CTM range (Step 1,2,3)

3. Those with oily skin must make sure that they don't wash their face too often. 2-3 times a day is enough.  Also, skin tends to get oilier in this climate and may eventually lead to breakouts. Buy a good scrub and use it twice a week to remove all the dirt. Those with dry skin may experience severe itchiness, but beware. If you scratch your face or break a pimple or two, it may leave a permanent scar. Use a cream based cleanser to keep your skin hydrated and an alcohol-free toner to keep it moisturised. Combination skin type need to make sure that they use a non-soap based cleanser and again, invest in a good scrub.

4. Another mantra for people with all skin types, use a good sunscreen (according to your skin type) everyday. Please don't think that the sun will not harm your skin just because it's raining. The sun doesn't disappear anywhere.

Dancebee recommends: Neutrogena Ultra sheer dry touch sunblock SPF 55

5. Don't ignore your skin folds. Use an anti-fungal powder to avoid skin infections, which are common during monsoons.

6. Cleansing your hair and scalp everyday is important as we perspire more during the monsoon. If your work involves being outdoors for long periods of time; put on a hat or a scarf. Buy a good ‘volume-enhancing’ shampoo and use it thrice a week on your hair. It helps since hair tends to go limp in this season.

Dancebee recommends: Dove daily shine shampoo and conditioner

Sunsilk keratinology detoxifying shampoo and conditioner. 

                        

7. Avoid using too many styling products, as this could make your hair very greasy due to the increase in 

humidity.

8. Opt for a relaxing oil massage once in a fortnight. Use coconut oil mixed with olive oil  or any other oil which suits your hair type.

9. Dandruff is a common problem during Monsoon. Medical shampoos like Scalpe (Rs 150) are a good choice when compared to the commercial anti-dandruff shampoos. But these shampoo's often cause dryness and hence, a conditioner is a must.

10. Make sure that your hair is fully wet before you apply shampoo and use only warm water for this. Using hot water could potentially damage your hair and irritate your scalp.

Do you have a special skin or hair care routine that you religiously follow or a tip or two that you would like to share with everyone?

Do let us know!

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