Recently I've really been getting back into lip colour again. I went through a phase when a slick of Eight Hour Cream was all I could be bothered to reach for. Whereas before in my late teens and early 20s I loved experimenting with different colours. Thankfully I've rekindled my love of liptastic colours and what better time with such an array on offer. Here are some of my favourites from the last few months.
Swatch number 2 is an old Oyster Girl from over 18 months ago. As you can see the colour has stayed true when you compare it to that of one purchased just a week ago.
MAC Stone Matte Lipstick with Oyster Girl Lipglass on top
Even though Stone is a matte lipstick it is not at all drying. I normally still have to apply lip balm through out the day even when wearing lipstick but with this I did not. It's the perfect dark nude for chocolate skinned beauties.
I have been using these 2 shades of lipglass for over 10 years now. they have definitely become my go to staples. Please MAC never discontinue them.
If you are of a darker toned complexion these shades will look amazing on you. These will also look great on fairer complexions but the finish and effect may differ so it is worth trying a shade up or down to do so.
I've tried to find the link for most of the products for those that have been discontinued I have linked a close alternative.
Anyone who knows me will fully be aware of my love of accessories. I am a stylish worst nightmare. Where most are say more is less and keep it to a minimum, I sway in completely the opposite direction and I'm never happy unless you can hear me rattling down the street. So as you can imagine, coming to somewhere like India really is not helping to kurb my obsession with all these amazing treasures.
I would like to share with you some of the little treats I've managed to find over the last few months. I swear these shop keepers must have seen me coming or maybe that should be heard me ;-)
It was already the second week of June and since my return to India in April this was my first leisure trip out of Delhi and what an amazing way to kick start my adventure bug than a trip to the mountains.
Statue of Hindu God Shiva by Ganga River Haridwar
Ganga River, Haridwar.
We did have a couple of pit stops on the way to stretch our legs and take in some of the cultural history of the area.
A small group of us travelled to the not so well known but oh so picturesque mountains of Kanatal, a 7 hour straight drive from Delhi in good traffic. If the traffic is bad it can easily take over 12 hours. If you are not good with windy mountain roads this is not the drive for you as we endured nearly 3 hours of them before reaching our final destination. However on arriving it soon become very much worth it. We had finally reached our destination, Pahadi House, an amazing little hide away set in one of the most breathtaking back drops I have come across so far in my time in India.
After a small rest and a mouth watering breakfast which had been made from all fresh local produce to traditional recipes of the area, it was time to go and explore. A short windy road trip later we made our way into the forest for a hike. The weather was just right. Warm with a refreshing breeze.
We only walked for just over an hour but with the steep terrain which took you up then down and then up again gave more than enough of a workout. It definitely got my heart rate pumping. Next was back to Pahadi House for another beautifully home cooked meal but this time there was no time to rest. We were back out for our next adventure.
When you first catch glimpse of the Tehri Dam River as you drive down its like a scene from a film
Tehri Dam Reservoir
I don't know what it is but there's something about bobbing along on the open waters that just puts me at a complete sense of calm. The river is the most captivating aqua colour that glistens so magically as the sun hits it.
As the sun started to set creating yet another perfect view it was time to return to the cabins. It was not about tackling those winding road in the dark.
But of course the night would not have been complete without some pre-dinner dancing.
This however was the end of the night for my tired old butt and had to carry my weary legs off to bed and didn't even make it to dinner.
I woke the next day so fresh and alive, but then who wouldn't waking up to such an exhilarating view.
Time for one last fantastic breakfast and like that it was time to start our journey back to Delhi.
For anyone who just wants to get away from all the hum drum of the towns and cities I would thoroughly recommend coming to somewhere like this. It's the perfect place to just come and switch off and tap back into the pure nature.
If you want to see a little more of what we got up to you can watch my first ever Vlog documenting this whole weekend.
As much as I wanted to try and do regular blog posts during my time in India, I failed miserably. But in my defence this is because I've actually been living India as opposed to just being tied to my digital devices missing out on what India has to offer. I have most definitely fallen in love. Be warned this is not a country for the fainted hearted.
During my time here I have met and taken into my heart so many amazing people.
I got to spend my birthday here which fell on Diwali, a massive festival in India. That was truly magical. I also got to wear my first ever saree, of course in blue. Was so proud as I tied it myself. It took ages but I did get it to stay on.
Diwali falling on my birthday, double bonus!!
Ended that evening on the roof of my apartments watching the fireworks displays over Delhi. Truly magical.
Also in November a small group of us went for a weekend trip to Jaipur. Not gonna lie, I was a little concerned when even my Indian friends were taken aback when I said we were getting there by sleeper bus. I'm glad I experienced it but won't be rushing to do it again.
Jaipur itself is beautiful. Whilst there we did the tourist thing.
Amer Fort (AKA Amber Fort)
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Jal Mahal
Hawa Mahal
We went to the Amer Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the Jal Mahal Water Palace
Locally not far from where I was staying is The Garden of Five Senses. Full of so many intricate sculptures you have something to see any which way you turn, although I strongly suspect this may be a place to come and get away from prying eyes from the outside as the couples count in this place was particularly high.
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
Due to an unforeseen delay to my return to the UK I was even able to squeeze another festival in. This time it was Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colours. We really got into the spirit of things. It was so much fun.
Last month I got the chance to visit Mumbai, which I only recently realised used to be known as Bombay (I was foolish enough to think they were two different places). It was so beautiful just like so many other parts of India.
Particularly enchanting is Elephanta Island. You have to take a boat ride from the main land to get there which was breathtaking all by itself. Once there my friends and I took ourselves around the caves. I just love being engrossed by so much history. But be warned be very weary of the monkeys. They will abscond with your bottle of water when they get thirsty.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves. Excuse the mossy bitten lazy eye
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Th is little monkey is drinking the bottle of water he stole from one of our group's hand.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
On the boat ride back we were met with one of the most beautiful sunsets. I must admit I did have an 'Oh my gawd is this really my life' moment. It was like a picture from someone else's life. Truly blessed.
Such a beautiful sunset for our ferry ride back to Mumbai main land
The Taj Hotel Mumbai
The Gate of India, Mumbai
Of course the evening is never complete without a little cocktail to finish off.
Day two we checked out but left our bags at the hotel to squeeze a little more sightseeing in.
Our Hotel The Hyatt Regency. Such a wonderful place to get away.
Mumbai Central Railway Station
Mumbai Beach Walk
Then apparently it was time to come home. How could six months have passed by so quickly. We literally landed from Mumbai on the Sunday evening and was back to the airport (with two ever so slightly over weight suitcases) to catch a plane home the very next morning. Truly a bitter sweet moment. I was so ecstatic to be coming home to see family and friends but still felt like I wasn't quite done here.
So there I was back in London, back to normality. Whatever would I do next. One thing I did know is that I had a week off work before I had to go back so I was going to enjoy some serious chill time until...
