Za India from the house of Shiseido, is constantly working on new innovations in skincare, keeping every target audience and age group in mind. While we were impressed with some of their White Perfect range products, Za recently introduced us to a new product from their Perfect Solutions range (a high performance anti-aging skincare line). This miracle product is called the Za Perfect Solutions Youth Whitening Serum, which was launched in the Indian market earlier this month. Since the product is suitable for a certain age group (and focuses on skin issues faced by them) and I don't belong to that age bracket (nor does my team), we decided to get someone on board who could test the product for us (for a fortnight) and tell us about their experience. Our test participant was team member Dhwanika's 31 - year - old cousin sister (name withheld on request), who readily agreed to help us out by trying the product for a month and talking about her experience.

What? - Za Perfect Solutions Youth Whitening Serum

Quantity: 30ml

Price: Rs 1299/-

What does it promise? With Revolutionary Retino-White Complex, this Powerful Serum delivers unmatched Radiance and retains Youthful Luminosity in just 7 days. Retinol Derivative reduces visible wrinkles caused by UV damage and aging, while its Breakthrough Intensive Triangle Technology improves skin’s resilience & clarity. It dramatically reduces excess melanin and signs of aging giving Radiant, Youthful & Perfect Skin.

Packaging: This tiny, classy bottle with a pump looks absolutely beautiful. The pink cap adds a unique charm to this bottle, making it look stylish. The bottle is sturdy and can be carried during travel without any issues. Since the cap fits well and the pump ensures that the product doesn't spill, one doesn't have to worry about any mess. Plus, thanks to the pump, you can be assured that you get the right amount of product for use and it doesn't go waste.

How to use? Apply morning and evening, after lotion and before moisturizer.

Push pump twice to dispense serum onto palm and smooth over face.

Texture: The product is slightly runny and the texture is extremely light. Once applied, one can feel how the product does not make your skin feel greasy or heavy. In fact, it is almost like plain water and my skin absorbs (or drinks) it up quickly, leaving my skin hydrated and nourished. Since June was a month mixed with humid (day) and slightly cold (evening) days, I skipped my moisturizer during the day, as this serum pretty much did the job (especially since I have oily skin). Maybe for those with extremely dry skin, you can use this with your regular CTM regime. I loved how the product left a dewy finish.

Overall experience: I started off by using this product at night and gradually (by the fifth day of use) began using it in the day as well. I don't really face too many skin issues, but the main concern has always been a few dark spots and uneven skin tone. I have always been a believer of the fact that products take their own sweet time to show results. I gave this product some time and the first thing I noticed was that my skin didn't feel greasy or heavy while using this product, which was a boon. Another aspect that impressed me was how post my night skin routine, my face looked fresh and radiant in the morning, just after a plain water wash. After 20 days of regular use, I noticed how it had started working on making the dark spots look lighter and slightly improved the appearance of my skin tone, especially the jawline and cheek area. While most serums would cause a huge dent in my pocket, this one does a brilliant job at less price. Although everything works in the product works and I swear by it now, I was a little disappointed when informed about the alcohol content. Hope team Za works on doing something about it. Otherwise, the Za perfect solution youth whitening serum has definitely got a fan in me.

Pros: Classy packaging

Light weight, non-greasy texture

Works well as an overnight serum

Adds a radiant, fresh glow to your skin in the morning

Priced well

Works on dark spots

Cons: High alcohol content

Verdict: If you don't have any allergies or issues with the alcohol in this product, then it should definitely make its way into your skincare regime. I am hooked on!

Edited and Compiled by: Priya Adivaekar

(with inputs on the Texture, Experience, Pros & Cons, Verdict from the test participant)

Love,

The Dancebee

Product: Za True White Emulsion

Price: Rs 899

Quantity: 125 ml

What does it promise? - This Feather-light, non-oily emulsion easily permeates into the skin to give translucency, brightness and even-tone, while replenishing moisture levels for an incredibly soft and smooth skin.

Packaging: The product comes in an elegant white bottle, which is quite sturdy and travel friendly. The cap fits well, so your product won't spill. Since the bottle is slightly heavy, you may want to transfer some product into a smaller bottle, that can be carried for long journeys.

How to use? - Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after toner. Slowly apply the Emulsion from the center of the face outwards.

Texture: Though it may look like a runny, heavy moisturizer or lotion, the Za True White Emulsion is a perfect example of why you must not judge a book by its cover. The texture of this product is extremely light, silky and non-greasy. Within seconds after application, the product gets absorbed and leaves a dewy finish, giving your skin a hydrated glow after a few minutes. The lightweight texture of this product is one of its biggest plus points.

Overall experience: This product was tested for a month and was used regularly at night (and sometimes, during the day as well). Despite the humidity in Mumbai, the product did not leave my skin feeling too oily or greasy. Instead, it hydrated my skin from within. Apart from moisturizing and hydrating, the emulsion also promises to suppress melanization, diminish dark spots, patchiness and blemish marks. It also promises to give you an even tone and removes excess skin surface cells. While the product didn't really work on a few blemish marks, it did add some brightness and glow to my overall complexion (no, I am not talking about fairness here. Not into the complexion color game). Since my skin got tanned during the week long Konkan sojourn, I am now looking forward to testing how it works on balancing my skin tone. Thanks to its smooth and light texture, the emulsion hydrates your skin completely and does not leave it patchy at all. The fragrance is decent - not very strong and is similar to other products from the True White range. For those who are on the look out for a moisturizer that can be used under any foundation, this is your best bet. Not only did it keep my skin supple for a good 5-6 hours, it also helped the foundation settle well. While almost everything about this emulsion is great, my only tiny worry was seeing Alcohol as part of its ingredients list. Another issue is that the emulsion has no SPF or UV protection, so you will have to lather on a separate cream or moisturizer for that.

Pros - Sturdy and elegant packaging

Lightweight texture, which is perfect for summer

Subtle fragrance

Keeps your skin hydrated, adds a nice glow

Tested by dermatologists 

Perfect for application under a foundation

Well priced for the quantity and quality

Cons - Ingredients (Alcohol, Dimethicone)

No SPF or UV protection

Would be great if they launch a 50 ml travel size too

Verdict: For the price you pay and the impressive quality of this product, Za True White Emulsion is definitely a good buy. This is my new go-to product for the pre-foundation process, as it hydrates my skin very well and does not irritate the sensitive areas. Recommended, especially if you need a good moisturizer this summer that multitasks like a pro!

Have you tried the Za True White Emulsion? If yes, join the conversation on Twitter and let us know your experience at - @priyaadivarekar

Love,

The Dancebee

What's colorful, fun, long lasting and light on the pocket? Well, we are talking about a super cool Nail Enamel brand that hit the Indian market earlier this year. LYN (Live Your Now) Nails, originally launched globally 13 years back, is a fun and trendy nail enamel line. It was officially launched in India during the Nailathon in Mumbai this year. Since I missed the event held during the Nailathon in January, I made up my mind to not miss the pampering session organised for us at the Juice salon and nail bar by the folks at LYN last month. While we got a chance to try the relaxing mani-pedi and then, choose from an array of nail colors to experiment with some nail art, we also decided to sample some of their other shades and review it for you. 

Product: LYN (Live Your Now) Nail Enamel

Price: Rs 350

What it promises: The Live Your Now team has worked closely with an expert formulator based in France to create a revolutionary high defination nail lacquer that promises to give you nothing less than pure color perfection. These lacquers have been formulated with pigments that reveal their true brightness and vividness for ultimate wear. LYN salon quality nail lacquers glide on like satin, dries fast and are available in 100 gorgeous shades!

 Texture: Very smooth. True to its word, it does glide on quite smoothly.

Application: The nail enamel pot's brush is a fine, sturdy one, which makes the application hassle free and holds enough nail paint without dripping.

Our experience: LYN spoils you for choice when it comes to selecting a shade. During my first experience at the event, we had the option of choosing from the available nail art designs or flipping through the additional options from their catalog on the iPad. After selecting a combination of pink and gold, the base coat was used, which is a good product for its price. Next, the nail enamel was used and I must say, the application was very smooth. The first coat itself had a satiny finish and needless to say, the second coat brought out the true color of the enamel beautifully. In the end, the top coat ensures a glossy finish and makes sure the color holds on for long. The same happened during our second and third trial at home. In case you are experimenting with multiple colors (or nail art), beware, as drying your nails might require more time. Otherwise, two coats of a single nail color dries off quite quickly. During all the three trials, the color lasted for 5-7 days.

What works:  - Since LYN falls into the same category as other leading nail enamel brands, we like the pricing. It is the same amount that you will pay for the Lakme Gel Stylist or Revlon Parfumerie range. And for the kind of variety that you get, LYN definitely has an upper hand

- The texture is definitely our favorite pro of this item

- Apart from colors, you also have tons of metallic and shimmer options to choose from

-  Both of Base Coat and Top Coat do their job well; the Top Coat a little more.

What doesn't: - Right now, the availability is a tiny issue. LYN Nail Enamel is available at Juice salon outlets and on e-commerce sites like Purplle.com and Nykaa.com.

Verdict: If you are looking at experimenting with new shades, trying a different color everyday or are just plain bored with the ones available in the market, we suggest you give LYN nail enamel a shot! Highly recommended for its variety, finish and brilliant texture. With tempting colors like Evagreen, No Morning Blues, and sexy shimmers like Mauve The Merrier; you will definitely want to buy em all!

Have you tried the LYN Nail Enamel range? If yes, share your feedback on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar - or just come say Hello!

Love,

The Dancebee

Kerastase is well known for their pampering hair rituals, that not just leave you feeling a lot lighter and relaxed, but also works magic on your tresses. They understand that every woman is unique, and that every type of hair and scalp has specific problems and need. Hence, Discipline is perfect for those who have a tough time managing their hair. Kerastase invited me to exclusively try out the Morpho-Keratin Discipline VIP ritual, a 90 minute session, that promised to leave me stress-free, while ensuring that I have bouncy, super smooth hair that shall last even after 5 shampoos. Here's decoding the ritual for you:

Step 1 - Consultation and hair analysis

After a detailed introduction and understanding of the Discipline range, the in-house expert analysed my scalp and hair, in order to understand its condition. She recommended a few products that will suit my hair type and showed me the pictures (captured using their state-of-the-art hair analysis machine) that were proof of all the damage that winter and my crazy schedule has done to my hair. She further explained the entire process of the Discipline ritual.

Step 2: Shampoo

The first hair wash began and the first product from the Discipline range was introduced. The Kerastase Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate Free shampoo was used, which gently cleansed my hair, leaving a strong fragrance that I loved. Just a little amount was enough and post emulsification, it was massaged on my scalp for a few minutes and then, washed off. No conditioner was used after the shampoo.

Step 3: The Massage
Be prepared to let your hair feel light as a feather as the expert then moves on to massaging your hair with the Kerastase Maskeratine. After towel drying your hair and leaving it damp, the product (packed with Morpho-Kertaine) is gently massaged on your hair for 5-6 minutes. This was definitely my favorite part, as for a few minutes, the lights were dimmed and the gentle strokes of the massage made me forget how packed rest of the day actually was. I closed my eyes and went into an almost meditative mode. After the massage, my tresses were sectioned and a hair iron was used, in order to ensure that the properties of the product were locked in.


Step 4 - Wash
After the massage, my hair was thoroughly washed and towel dried. It was then time to move on to the last and most important step - styling.


Step 5 - Leave in care
Post wash, my hair was towel dried and the super smooth (yet non-greasy) Kerastase Fluidissime anti-frizz leave-in care was sprayed on each section with great case. The leave-in promises to add a glossy finish to the hair, while protecting it from heat and facilitating faster, long-lasting blow dries. After spraying the product and ensuring each section is well protected, my hair was blow dried.




The Overall Experience
If there was one word to describe this ritual, it would be luxurious. The Kerastase Discipline ritual is all you need to pamper your hair in the best possible way. The 5 step treatment added some excellent volume and shine to my hair, that lasted a good fortnight. It left my hair feeling a lot lighter. True to its tagline, this really is a smooth in motion hair care, that gets rid of rigidity and leaves your hair super soft and fluid. For those who suffer from unmanageable hair and extreme frizz, I would definitely recommend this miracle ritual, that will do wonders to your hair. Plus, the fragrance of these products are fantastic. So much, that it continues to linger even after days.

Pricing
Kerastase rituals spell luxury and they are always priced at the higher end. While the Discipline Express Ritual is priced at Rs 2000 (30 minutes), the Discipline VIP ritual is available for Rs 3200 (90 minutes). But trust me, this ritual is worth every penny. Your tresses are your baby. If you don't invest in your hair, who will?

Verdict
My honest and heartfelt opinion - A must try!


PS: The Discipline range is also available as a three step hair management home care regime. It consists of - The Bain Fluididealiste Sulfate free (Rs 2000 for 250ml), Maskeratine smooth-in motion masque (Rs 2750 for 200ml) and Fluidissime (Rs 2000 for 150ml). The products are available at all Kerastase affiliated salons. For more information, like the Kerastase Facebook Page.

Have you tried any Kerastase ritual? Do let me know your feedback on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar

Love,
The Dancebee

Watch the Video here


Rules and Details

- Like and Follow the Lakme Absolute Salon page on Facebook and Twitter

- Like and Follow the Diary of a Dancebee page on Facebook and Twitter

- Subscribe to our YouTube channel

- Your answer should not be more than 100 words.

- Please add the hashtag #LakmewithDancebee with your response.

- The participant can leave their response on any of our social media pages: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube or in the comment box under this post.

- Participants are allowed to post multiple responses.

- The contest is open to Indian residents only.

- Any response posted after the deadline or those who have not followed the rules, will be immediately disqualified.

We will announce one winner at the end of this contest.

If you think you totally deserve this one, then rush! Participate now.

Keep those responses coming in and if you want us to review any specific product during the ongoing Beauty Month on Diary of a Dancebee, do let me know! I am always open to feedback on any of our social media pages.

Good luck,
The Dancebee

Winter is still around and we thought it is only appropriate to present a review of some products that are absolutely essential in this weather. Anti-dandruff range of hair care is one of them. And what better than reviewing one of the most trusted, well-known drugstore brands - Head & Shoulders. We are here with a detailed review of shampoo and conditioner from their Smooth and Silky range.

Oh, and there is something for you in it. A super giveaway, where we have got two big hampers up for grabs. Feeling lucky already?

Watch the video, note down all the details of the contest, leave a comment, participate and who knows, you might just take home this great hamper! Beauty Month on Diary of a Dancebee just got awesome, and let me tell you, this is just the beginning. Yeah.

Rules and Details

- Like and Follow the HnsIndia page on Facebook and Twitter

- Like and Follow the Diary of a Dancebee page on Facebook and Twitter

- Subscribe to our YouTube channel

- Your answer should not be more than 100 words.

- Please add the hashtag #HSwithDancebee with your response.

- The participant can leave their response on any of our social media pages: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube or in the comment box under this post.

- Participants are allowed to post multiple responses.

- The contest is open to Indian residents only.

- Any response posted after the deadline or those who have not followed the rules, will be immediately disqualified.

We will announce two winners at the end of this contest.

Think you are in it to win it? Get, set, go and participate.

-------Contest Closed-------

Good luck!

The Dancebee

At Diary of a Dancebee, we are constantly bringing out new initiatives and fun posts to keep our readers happy, be it in the fashion, beauty or film sphere. To kick off the brand new year in style, we are excited and pleased to celebrate 'Beauty Month on Diary of a Dancebee' starting today, going all the way up to February 9 2015. Expect fun product reviews, beauty query chats on Twitter and Facebook, features with important beauty tips and yes, awesome contests as well. So folks, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, Like us on Facebook and Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube for everyday Beauty Love. 

We are starting this fun celebration with a review of the new Za Two Way Foundation, which comes with a gorgeous limited edition customized case (available at Shopper's Stop outlets across the country). Watch the video to find out what I think about this newbie on the block.

There is a brand new hair care product in the market and we have got a detailed review of this super silky and refreshing silk serum, on our YouTube channel. Watch Priya Adivarekar talk about her experience of using Livon's Moroccan Silk Serum and check out how she rates the fragrance, texture and other aspects of this product.

Fitness is not just about hitting the gym, pumping the iron and achieving the much coveted six pack abs. It is also about inner peace. A de-stressed mind, body and soul is the perfect example of overall fitness, than someone who carries all the stress and tension from his/her daily life to the gym area. While we continue to discuss fitness in our Master Class series, The Dancebee tried to master the art of de-stressing with Parachute Advansed, International Massage expert Moses Chundi and actress Nargis Fakhri at an event recently. Here's a sneak peek into the awesomeness called 'Art of Oiling'.
PS: The set up at Villa 69 was all things fun. We loved how pure coconut water was served to all the guests in a blue glass (blue being the colour of Parachute oil bottles). Plus, the oiling kit on our tables were super adorable.

Our everyday life has become extremely hectic. Spending hours behind the computer and some more while commuting (and add to that, traffic if you are traveling by road) ends up making us feel exhausted. Taking out a day for yourself to indulge in a spa session is definitely recommended, but it is a luxury that not everyone can fit into their hectic weekly schedule. Keeping our fast paced lifestyle in mind, Parachute Advansed Knowledge Centre has introduced a much needed campaign, called Art of Oiling, which aims at to re-introducing the age old tradition of Champi, which has been well known across the globe, in making one feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

The campaign has associated with International massage expert Moses Chundi, who has developed a special, signature line of DIY massage techniques, and the gorgeous Nargis Fakhri (who is also the face of Parachute Hot Oil). These techniques are quick and simple, but come with plenty of benefits. Not only are they relaxing, but also energizes your body and mind from within. Psst! There is a special technique for instant facial glow as well. Cool, isn't it?

At the event, Moses demonstrated the Art of Facial glow and we noticed how Nargis was more than happy to get into the Art of Oiling mode.

Nargis confessed that she is a big fan of Champi and loves promoting benefits of oiling. She mentioned that the Art of Oiling is a widely accepted home-grown technique, that is gaining prominence in the West. While most massage centres have masseurs who perform the techniques on an individual's head, those alone at home who want a quick massage need not worry. They can invest a few minutes to indulge in some DIY massage techniques. Now you know, those age old oiling secrets that our grandma shared with us are extremely precious.

For a DIY massage, all you need is a bottle of oil, a towel (to save your clothes) and some 'Me' time. Here's how a quick guide to the Art of Facial glow, demonstrated by Nargis Fakhri and Moses Chundi.

Love,

The Dancebee