Lookup with friends

I come from a small city,more like a village,near Patna in Bihar. Now I am studying MA in economics in Pune and this transition has not been easy. When I first came to Pune, it was the first time I had ever come to a hostel to live. Also I had studied in English medium school only from 6th standard so my spoken as well as written English skills were not very good. When I first came here I met my classmates and roommates who had all come from English medium schools from big cities. I share 1 room with 3 other girls,all of whom are from Mumbai. It is a big cosmopolitan city and I always thought that I will not be able to live with them happily. In the beginning,I would struggle to understand what they were saying also because they all speak such fluent english and that too in a very American accent, like those actors in series like FRIENDS and Seinfeld. I had never seen such serials also while growing up because we did not have cable TV in our home as my parents did not want me to waste my time in watching TV. So in the beginning of my hostel days,I stayed like an introvert person. 

One day I had to do my laundry and it was the first time I had to operate a washing machine on my own. I had helped mom back home in operating a semi automatic washing machine but here in hostel,we have fully automatic industrial strength machine and I got very confused on how to use it,how much detergent to use and so on. 1 of my roommates saw me standing in front of the washing machine and came over to ask me what was the problem. Then she proceeded to teach me everything and help me do my laundry. That was the first time I realized that it did not matter that I did not speak English as well as they did or did not watch Hollywood movies like them,I should not judge them because they are all kind and nice people. All my roommates then took special care of me, they took me to English movies and got me DVDs of serials like FRIENDS so I could improve my understanding of English. They also helped me in doing my own cooking sometimes, helped me set up my own cupboard, got me toys to cheer me up when I missed home and took me to places where I could get nice home-style food even though all of them love Italian or chinese cuisine more than anything,but for me they all relished north Indian dishes. 

We had a debate competition in our college sometime ago and I wanted to participate but was worried about stage fright.So my roommates who are now my best friends,took turns to give me tips on combating stage fright and helped me prepare for it. I won consolation prize which is a huge deal because I had never even participated in an English debate competition before that day. I love my friends and they are the ones who make my life full of joy,happiness and cheer everyday. I am still adjusting to my hostel life and I miss my family and home too much but because of my wonderful roommates,my best friends,I am having a lot of fun and I am learning to be independent too!

It is wonderful to see housing also giving reason to everyone to look up in life! 

My new life in my hostel in a new city- #StartANewLife

I finished my BA Final exam and was thinking of what to do next.Then my mom adviced me to go for some higher studies instead of taking a job. My mom came from a very conservative family and was never allowed to study for a long period. She wanted to become a doctor but was married after graduation. But she wanted me to go for higher studies so that I don't rush into marriage and get all opportunities in life that she could not get. I was thinking I would take a job but she said that once a person starts a job,it becomes very difficult to continue with studies no matter what,so it is better to study. But the problem was that we came from a very small city near Patna,the capital city of Bihar. There aren't many good higher studies institutions there. I was worried how would I survive without my parents as I had never stayed away from them,I never even went to any friend' s house for sleepover because I was always leading such a sheltered life. But when my mom adviced me after my graduation,I thought she is right and I should take it up. So I applied for MA in economics in a very good institution in Pune. I am always a good student and so I easily got in also,but Pune is so far away from my home so I was worried that even if something went wrong I would not be able to come back home to my parents easily. My mom told me to belive in God and destiny and take my first step. This is how my step into this new world began. It seems like a small thing that why a girl leaving her home for first time and going to hostel is making a big deal about it. But for me,it was the most dramatic change. 

I had never even packed an overnight bag and now I had to pack all my clothes,all essential daily items,I had to budget money so that I don't run out of the pocketmoney that I get from my parents,I had to take care of my studies,my laundry,everything myself. No longer would I have my mom to make me tea or hot chocolate or wake up at nights with me when I would study late. I would have to make sure all my things are kept in right place because my parents would not be there to find something for me if I lost them. It was a very frightening thing for me. Finally I came to Pune and the girls' hostel and I met all my classmates and roommates and they all are from big cities,living a very cosmopolitan culture from very young age whereas I did not even study in english medium till standard 5th. They all talked about boyfriends in high school and I thought,how will I live with them. But then I realized they are all very nice and co-operative and kind girls and today we are best friends. But it took me such a long time to adjust to hostel life! I always woke up late at home,that too after mom has woken up me ,but here I have to wake up with the alarm clock. I never had to share a bathroom at home,but here there is very fixed timing of when we get hot water and it became very hard for me in the beginning to be able to take a proper bath within the fixed time! After a while,I adjusted to it. Then came the food in the hostel mess. I finally realized why everyone talks about hostel food in a joking manner because I miss my mother's cooking so much because of eating here everyday. I am also adjusting to doing my own laundry and now I realize how much work my mom and my dad used to do for me. I am now learning responsibility and the importance of being mature all because I took this step!

I am happy I started this new life and am also happy how  Housing makes life easy for everyone!

Avon Skin So Soft Body Lotion

This is a body lotion that is a staple in our home since one of my mother's friends is an Avon representative. I like this lotion a lot and it is my mother's favorite one too.

Avon Skin So Soft is one of its most popular products and it is known as a silky body lotion. I must say this is 100% true,as it feels like silk in hand. The fragrance is so sweet that I love applying it at night as I feel it helps in sleeping soundly. It gets absorbed easily in dry skin but on my oily skin it takes some time to seep in. Also,it leaves a little greasiness on my palms after applying which vanishes in about half hour. Then only a little glow remains which I like a lot. This is perfect for dry skin and I feel it also heals the skin in some way as I can see my mother's skin has improved a lot on using this continuously,it is always glowing. I also love to massage with it once a week vigorously before bath as I think it works like a body oil and leaves my skin smooth and soft.

Recommended-YES!

Nivea Fruity Shine Pomegranate Lip Balm

A lip balm is one of the most necessary products for every college going girl nowadays. I hate the heat which leads to dryness and flaking of lips. Even though I have oily skin,my lips are almost always dry.I used vaseline but my friends said that it leads to darkening of lips,so I started using Nivea which is my favorite.

The tube is much darker in color than the real lip balm. It is tinted and dark reddish in color, it is also shimmery to look at but on applying on lips,there is hardly any shimmer. I like the nice shine with the red tint that gives a glossy look instantly and after 2-3 hours it gives a matte effect. On eating or drinking,I have to reapply it and my lips are not permanently moist,so this is just a temporary effect,yet it is much better than vaseline or any other lip balms since it gives a healthy look to my lips. I do not mind reapplying as the tube is so cute and I always carry it around in my pocket. It is not an intensive treatment for very dry lips but it is enough for a regular college going girl like me.

Recommended-YES 

L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect 20+ Anti Imperfections Whitening Cream

I got a little sample of this newly launched cream in my college 2 weeks ago and it lasted just for 1 week,so I am giving a quick review of it.

Loreal has launched skin perfect range for women in 20s,30s and 40s targeting their skin's different needs as per their age group. This one is made for college girls and youngsters like me in our 20s. The cream is very thick and creamy which easily melts into the skin and gives a matte finish which is perfect for my oily skin. Even my classmate with dry skin says it suits her skin. So it is actually good for all skin types. It contains a lot of chemicals but the smell is not very chemical-y. The best thing is-it brightens the face immediately and also keeps its looking bright for 3-4 hours at a stretch. I did not notice any other difference in the 1 week that I applied it but if I had applied it longer,maybe I would see more positive difference. May purchase soon.

Nivea Oil in Lotion Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion

My mother has very dry skin which needs extra moisture and she has been using this for entire winter season.

It is a creamy lotion which gets absorbed in the skin immediately after application.My mom's skin doesn’t feel oily,rather it feels soft and imparts a glow. Its smell is yummy and the whole room starts smelling like cocoa on opening the bottle!My mom has super dry skin which remains moisturized for 7-8 hours just by using this once after the shower. She has been using this bottle for 2 months,twice everyday and it is just about to get over. This is her favorite lotion.

Recommended-YES

Palmolive Thermal Spa Skin Renewal Shower Gel

I am a big fan of shower gels and exfoliators,even more than face creams and body lotions. Bath time is my favorite time so I am always looking to buy nice shower stuff.

Product description: Enjoy the virtues of SPA-inspired treatment every day in your shower with new Palmolive Thermal SPA Skin Renewal shower gel. Its deliciously creamy formula with Jojoba butter and Crushed Coconut extracts will help retain your natural moisture to reveal soft, supple skin while gently renewing it. It helps scrubbing action. Your skin is soft and beautiful radiant! Dermatologically tested.

I bought this recently as I love the smell of coconut. This smells very fresh and gives a soothing experience with its smell only. It is different from a shower gel and is more like a bath cream with little exfoliating particles that do not scratch the skin. It lathers pretty well and also does mild scrubbing making my skin very soft and the smell lingers on for 1-2 hours even after bath. The best thing is-it gives me a spa experience at home and puts me in a good mood throughout the day. My oily skin loves it and its cream texture will appeal to dry skinned ladies too.

Recommended-YES!

Olay Natural White All in One Fairness Day Cream

All my friends were using this cream when it first came out so I bought it too,now only a few of them use it so I thought of reviewing it when I saw a tube in a friend's purse. 

Product Description- Key Benefits of Triple Vitamin System:

-Lightens overall skin tone by reducing melanin transfer to surface of skin

-Reduces appearance of dark spots

-Increases skin cell renewal to lighten for radiant looking skin

-Provides anti-oxidant protection

-Keeps skin well moisturised.

It is a peach-y orange-y colored thick  cream which smells like chemicals and it has a lot of chemicals. It gets absorbed within 2 minutes and gives an instant glow. But on my oily skin,it always felt a bit greasy. The greasiness disappeared after about half hour. Otherwise no reactions or breakouts on my skin. But I would not use it in summer on oily skin as I am sure it will lead to pimples. It did a good job of giving some basic moisture and glow during winter season. It has SFP but I do not think it will be useful under a lot of sun as it gets sweaty in heat. Only in winters,it was a good idea to put it on before going out. There was no fairness or spot removal with this cream that I noticed. So I stopped using it.

Recommended- NO

Revlon Touch and Glow Advanced Fairness Cream

I use fairness creams sometimes because my skin gets tanned and I want it to retain its original glow,otherwise I am not into fairness. This is a good cream that I have used in this regard.

The cream comes in a travel friendly cute tube and its texture is creamy white,which gets absorbed after 2 minutes massage. It gives a matte finish and does not leave behind a white chalky layer. I find that my skin feels light,there is a glow and it prevents further tanning more than anything. My friends also say that it smells nice as my own smelling power is quite faint. It suits my oily skin and may suit dry skin too though they may have to use a moisturizing cream after this. I don't think it helps in fairness but brightens for sure.

Recommended-YES for brightening, NO for fairness

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear

This is a product I have been using on and off for over 2 years now and one of my most favorite products of all time.

Product Description: Milk and honey enriched special tan cream helps remove the epidermal tan, thereby restoring the natural fairness of the skin and also preventing pigmentation due to harmful sun. Its matte effect is ideal for hot climates and the cream also helps enhance after facial glow.

I started using this as due to so much pollution,my skin was getting dull and tanned ever since I started going to college. My mother was the one who recommended this product. It has a very creamy texture and is really white in color. I use it at least 3-4 times a week after coming home and cleansing my face. I put a thick layer and let it sit for 25 minutes. My oily skin gets really clean after washing this and maybe the dry skinned ladies will find this even more drying. After using it for a month or so,one can see it really takes care of tan and gives a wonderful glow to the face. A little tingling happens in the beginning which goes away eventually. It is easily available in even small stores.

Recommended- YES

Oriflame Optimals Even Out Day Cream

I ordered this cream for my sister but she forgot to use it and so I started using it in her place. Turns out that this cream actually suits every skin type,so I had nothing to complain.

Product Description: Powerful combination of the natural plant active from Rumex Occidentalis and vitamin C reduces the formation of unwanted pigmentation.Liquorice Extract known for its soothing and lightening properties helps to bring back the radiant, luminous tone of skin. Even out formula with its vital anti oxidants and SPF 20 part is to protect skin, helping prevent further darkening of dark spots.

 It is very creamy and dense in texture which means it is very moisturizing. I have very oily skin so I was worried it would give me pimples, but it did not. It got absorbed after I massaged it for 3 minutes. Since I do not have pigmentation and dark spots,I am not sure if it will work on them but on my face at least it gives very nice moisturization effect and a very visible glow. Also a very small amount is needed to cover my full face which means this lasts for a long time. SPF adds to its positives. Especially good for dry skin but good for all skin types.

Recommended-YES

Forest Essentials Mysore Sandalwood & Vetivier Hair Cleanser

A gift from my mother for my dry hair. Surprisingly,I have oily skin and dry hair thus always searching for products to decrease oil on face and increase on my scalp!

Product Description: Making your hair healthy and bouncy, Forest Essentials introduces this cleanser that revitalises your hair and pampers every strand. This hair cleanser promotes growth and enhances shine. With purifying properties, this cleanser is mild and gently cleanses dirt from the hair. Cleanses Hair without Harmful Effects, Has Purifying, Detoxifying, Cooling, Rehydrating, Strengthening and Mild Cleansing Properties, Free from Harsh Sulphate Cleansers, Promotes Hair Growth and Enhances Shine, Removes Excess Oil from Hair, Strengthens and Nourishes Hair, Adjusts to Hairs Natural pH, Prevents Hair from Dandruff, Gently Cleanses Dirt from Hair, Promotes Moisture Retention in Hair, Has Combinations of Gentle Plant-derived Cleansing Agents.

I have never used a premium brand like Forest Essentials earlier so my mother got it for me as a gift. It is a mild shampoo thus it does not damage my hair anymore and treats it gently. I use it without oiling my hair since it is not strong enough to take out all the oil in 1 wash and I have to shampoo 2 times but if I use it without oiling,I can easily wash out all the dirt and it leaves my hair soft,not like other shampoos which make it rough. I cannot comment on its efficiency against hair fall because I have only used it 4 times till now but as I said,my hair is really soft even without using a conditioner and this softness lasts for 1 whole day,which is a big deal for my dry hair! The best part is the smell of sandalwood that calms me down and makes me feel so luxurious!

Recommended-YES

Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal 6 In 1 Face Pack

I love multitasking products and this is an excellent product from Aroma Magic! I had heard that charcoal is good for making face squeaky clean but did not believe it but then Aroma Magic came out with this product,so I had to use it.

I clean my face and apply this all in one face pack for about 15 minutes. I have oily,acne prone skin and there is so much pollution that I always have blackheads. But when I wash this after 15 minutes, it gives me amazingly clean skin. There is a glow on my face thanks to this product which I never had before. There are no pimples because of this product on my face and it seems to control the oil secretion too. It looks like I have got a facial done! But it will not be very good for dry skin as it takes out all the oil. I love it.

Recommended-YES!

Aroma Magic Anti Pigmentation Glossy Pack

I love face packs and this is one face pack that I bought for my mom and she loves it too.

Product Description: I am 100% free of parabens, harsh chemicals, alcohol, artificial fragrance and colour. Loaded with 5 powerful natural active extracts of clove, nutmeg, manjistha, blackberry leaf and pennywort, I lighten the complexion, hyper pigmentation, dark circles, age spots and skin discolouration. I have antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties that heal blemishes, thus resulting in clearer complexion. My ingredients impart radiance to lifeless skin. Their combination with the essential oils of lemongrass, jojoba and ginger cleanses, softens and protects your skin. Beeswax, glycerine and neroli oil deeply moisturise and calm your skin, leaving it with a healthy shine.

Lightens blemishes and dark circles all skin types.

How to use: Apply a layer evenly on face and neck, and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wipe or rinse off gently with water. For best results, use twice a week. To lighten, apply on the pigmented areas and scars. To lighten dark circles, apply Aroma Magic Oxygenating Under Eye Gel under the eyes, followed by the pack.

Having said all that, I like aroma magic products since my mother has always used them and found them nice. This time was no different. The packaging of the product is a very simple bright green tube with details mentioned in white. The texture of this mask is creamy yet exfoliating and it does not dry on the face. My mother puts in on her face for about 25 minutes and washes it off. Having used it for about 2 months,we can say that it actually reduces pigmentation and dark circles and provides a healthy glow to the face when used at least 4 times a week. It suits my mother's sensitive and acne prone skin perfectly.

Recommended-YES