Fashionably Yours

Pure. Proven. Professional- says the tagline below Alterna Haircare and I’ve had the chance to put each of these three words to test!

At first, I was a bit skeptical to try a new product on my hair, considering how temperamental the weather is at the moment and what it’d doing to my hair right now- making it dry at the ends and oily at the roots. The hot summer days are just around the corner and I’m dreading the worst onslaught on my hair. Enter Alterna Anti Aging Caviar treatment and my mane has not stopped thanking me ever since! It also has celebrity Katie Holmes captivated, as she hops onboard as brand ambassador for Alterna.

Gorgeous Katie Holmes is the new face of Alterna Haircare range!

That’s right- anti aging is for the hair too! Sun exposure and color treatment, excessive straightening and perming etc ages the hair beyond it’s years, making it look lifeless, unmanageable and way older than it really is.

Alterna Caviar Overnight Rescue serum

I thought there was no way back but the Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue Serum reversed the aging, after literally just 2 uses! As soon as the overnight Caviar serum was washed off, I felt the hair was visibly silky, soft to touch and very easy to style! It gave my hair a thick texture and a lovely bounce to boot!

Alterna Caviar Moisture Masque

The Caviar anti-aging Moisture Masque was also a big hit. I’m used to very light conditioners and masks since I have fine hair, which tends to go flat but this was a whole new world for me. Extremely light with a very light scent (just the way I prefer it), the Caviar Moisture Masque took the Alterna experience to the next level!

Alterna Caviar Anti aging Shine Boost

Finally, the Alterna Caviar Shine Boost was the cherry on the cake! My favorite Alterna product, this high shine product (to be applied after conditioning on towel dried hair) is the ultimate hero! Glossy, shiny and super silky smooth hair in less than 3 minute- that’s what I saw after I dried off and had actually to feel it to believe it!

In all, fabulous products for the hair. What I loved about this range is that it delivered what it promised and more! Plus, the formulae were so light that there was absolutely no product build up. Definitely give it a try. Alterna Products are available exclusively at Beautylicious in the Middle East.

The Alterna Caviar Experience kit is up for grabs!

For all readers of Fashionably Yours, I’m giving away a fabulous ‘Alterna Caviar Experience kit’ to a lucky subscriber! All you have to do is be an email subscriber of Fashionably Yours and ‘LIKE’ the Facebook page for Beautylicious!
Winner will be announced on 14th of April on Fashionably Yours Facebook Page!

Ever heard of clothing that can purify the air around you? Or perhaps a spectacular effigy made completely out of used kitchenware? Maybe a stunning portrait of Steve Jobs made only using used electronic items?

Spatula art at The Change Initiative

Steve Jobs recycled art at The Change Initiative

Steve Jobs art at The Change Initiative: Acloser look

If caring for the planet is a concern of our generation today, The Change Initiative has gone several steps ahead to offer a lifestyle concept that’s unique, loving and simply incredible.

The new store in Dubai houses little known but responsible brands that put the planet first. From fashion and accessories, cosmetics and jewelry to electronics to home and kitchenware to edible delights, this concept store totally bowled me over, not just with its ethos, but also by putting its money where its mouth is.

The Catalytic dress- purifies the air around it!

Hand painted jewelry made of recycled paper

Natural and organic beauty products at The Change Initiative

I checked out this amazing collection of hand painted jewelry made out of recycled paper and old magazine covers and almost count believe it! I’m a big fan of organic beauty products so I was delighted to find a variety of natural and organic range of haircare and cosmetics here, at the Change Initiative.

Edible treats at The Change Initiative

Eco friendly Furniture made out of recycled material

Wine glass made from a used bottle

Could’nt get over the amazing handmade furniture, made completely out of recycled materials- so stylish and futuristic! Add to that, this striking blue wine glass caught my eye and only after a few minutes I realized it was actually made from the top of a wine bottle! Totally cool!

Recycled art at The Change Initiative

Butterflies made of used cola cans!

The Change Initiative store at Barsha, Dubai

We come across people talking about being environment friendly but rarely do we find them actually doing something towards the cause. The Change Initiative really got me thinking if I’m doing my bit to reduce my carbon footprint or atleast in some small way, contributing to the conserve the planet- Sadly, I realized I didn’t! Now, thanks to such concept stores, it’ll be easier for people who atleast have their heart in the right place, to contribute by choosing the products that make a real difference. We sure need more places like the Change Initiative!

Okay, so you’ve almost decided what to wear for the NYE party but what are you going to do with your hair? Don’t wait for those last minute pangs to kick in and take a look at your easy-to-do options right away! Here are some of my top picks:

The 70s beehive- An ode to Amy Winehouse:
It’s easy, sexy and flattering because it adds height to the frame. Simply backcomb the top section of your hair until it gets enough volume and pin it back either  halfway or completely.  clip those fly aways behind the ears with bobby pins and you can top it of with an embellished hair brooch or a wacky clip for some 60s fun!

Amy Winehouse : Image from Reuters

Bee hive hair do. Image: Loreal

The 1940s glamorous movie star:
Give in to this old school favourite- part your hair on the side, and use your hair iron to create small curls on one side. Spray on some strong hold product to help the curls stay put through the night and gel back the other side behind the ear.  You may comb the rest of your hair with gloss serum for that unmistakable glamourus sheen.

Veronica Lake- the 40s' favourite pin up girl!

Resse Witherspoon does the 40s hairstyle with a modern twist: Love it! AP

Hippie chic!
Love this simple, quick and fuss free hair do- the 70′s hippie chic look. Simply part you hair in the center, use a hair straightener , brain a few strands, add some feather hair extensions if you’d like and you’re good to go!

The center part seen at Emilio Pucci AW 2011

The hippie chic look- Center part

80s Pop Diva: Now we all have our opinions on 80′s hair styles but comeon! Cut loose and have some fun! Pull out those big hot rollers, those forgotten hair crimps and dont be shy!

Janet Jackson in her 80s avatar

Do the 80s style big hair for fun!

Go super sleek:
Pull your hair  into a pony tail and gel it back a la YSL models on the AW 2011 runway. It’s simple and very ballerina chic!

The pulled back sleek pony

YSL model sporting the sleek, gelled back bun.