DIY BEAUTY 

WHY? First, here is an intro to why I started using DIY products. I have sensitive skin and I have always had skin problems like dryness and itching on my body and even on my face. So, I have always been picky choosy about products and now I have completely stopped using products that have "Paraben aka Propylene glycol", even the Body Shop ones. 

WHEN? I started using products that claimed to be organic (silicon, paraben and sulphate free) like Krauter since mid-2012 and Aroma Magic products since early 2014.  I have seen a positive change in my skin. 

But sad thing about organic products that come from India is - THEY GET DISCONTINUED...for no apparent reason! So after running out of all my Krauter products I switched to Aroma Magic from early 2014. I love their day cream but not the night cream versions, they are too oily and they made me prone to acne ! Then I started Fab India creams, but they too have some chemical preservatives which my skin didn't find very friendly...

HOW? So,  I (after not finding good products in the market) decided that I am better off using products that I can make at home and is ALL NATURAL.  Its been a month now since I started using all DIY stuff, like facial cream, body scrub, face mist, cleaner etc and I am seeing a big difference in my skin already. Never going back to chemical filled products! 

My skin is smoother and more radiant, all my regular problems like dryness and allergies are gone !! Yay!!!  :) 

For my DIY recipes, please send me your request @ de.shresth@gmail.com 

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Since I have so much of free time now and a lot of beauty products which I hardly ever use (thanks to my sisters Sambi and Anki who got them for me) , I was thinking of using them and reviewing them for FREE ! yes get free reviews right here ladies...switched from photography and writing to reviewing a few products !

Mascara Review

1. Product number one-  I have a Supernova Fresh Mascara  in black which I used only ONCE (that's right!) during my wedding reception. I have been stashing it in my drawer ever-since because I don't feel the need to wear it everyday(as my lashes are tolerably long and thick). Will let you know how it goes in the coming days or after a week of usage. See you soon ! 

Okay Day 1
Used it - really good, long dark lashes...but too much of effort ! Got PANDA EYES (without the kung-fu skills)...removed it with DIY cleanser and a cotton pad... but the ingredient list says it has "parabens" in it so not using it for long. 

Day 2
Going out with friends so, lets see if it holds up to its reputation and price. Its not bad...

Day 3
Supernova Mascara- not worth the price...too much hassle taking it off and I have never been a mascara person. Just sad it was a pricy gift but not using it anymore...

Good bye mascara !
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AROMA does some MAGIC ! 

Day Creams
(Since 2014)
Aroma Magic's Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30  been my all time favourite cream mixed with the Carrot seed Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 PA++ in summer heat and in winter dry days. 
I highly recommend them both for dry to normal skin. But if you are acne prone then you might want to use the Aloe vera one in SPF 20. I tried it when I was breaking out but it completely dried my skin along with the acne so stay clear of it if you have dry skin.

Night Creams
They are all really heavy duty ones so I do no recommend them unless you have really really dry skin and use it sparingly in harsh winters. Does not work for me so I use my own DIY creams in summer and winter!

Face Pack
(Since 2015)
I am IN LOVE with their ABC pack !!!!!!!!! well in a way you can love a beauty product that is ! :P

People get addicted to all kinds of things and here I am getting addicted to their Activated Bamboo Charcoal (ABC) pack. What have you done Aroma Magic ?!

If you are a city girl like me living in a dusty, polluted but wonderfully weird place like Kathmandu, I  highly recommend you use this pack at least once a week. 

Steps:
#End of the day...after cleansing you put this pack on for 15-30mins...(i tend to cat nap while i put this on)
#Rinse off slightly massaging your face...
#Pat dry 
Voila ! Super bright, clean, tight skin :D
#Dont forget to moisturise afterwards because this pack tends to make you forget you  EVER had any skin problems...its THAT good !

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just thinking

always thinking about going somewhere and getting lost... but i never seem to be able to actually do it . not enough money - no... people with less money have proved that they can travel more than their rich counterparts...
so what's keeping me... from packing a bag...putting on a good pair of walking shoes and just walking the walk ?!

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Squares

There are many Durbar Squares in my city of Kathmandu. And before there is any confusion about what it is,'Durbar' in Nepali means Palace in literal terms. But these Squares are more of temples than real palaces where royals used to live. 

Back to the topic-There is Patan Durbar Square (featured in this page) a few minutes drive from my house. Then the big Basantapur Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu, which is a big tourist attration (actually, pretty much all Durbar Squares are) .

Then, there is Bhaktapur Durbar Square a bit outside of central Kathmandu.

These are the places I've been quite fond of since I was little. You can spend quiet evenings in Patan Durbar Square ,just admiring the beautiful architecture of all the big and small temples..the old tiles and stones of which the temples and standing structures are made of watch the sun set behind them....just beautiful.

People,young and old strolling around. All oh-s0-wonderful experience......! (for me at least ;)

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On April 25, 2015 all that changed when Patan Durbar Square along with other beautiful squares were irreversibly damaged by the big earthquake. 

Its heart breaking...