By Papri Das

The name Dr. Blossom Kochhar needs no introduction in the world of beauty and lifestyle. From conducting extensive research in the field of Aromatherapy, to applying the same for beauty solutions through her own range of products, this veteran beautician, doctor and entrepreneur has been a stalwart in promoting a healthy and natural lifestyle in our country. When it comes to beauty solutions Kochhar lives by the motto ? ?What we apply should be as healing and effective as what we eat.?

The idea of using everything ?nature derived? was deeply seeded in Kochhar?s mind since her childhood days spent on the coffee plantations with her family.  And the same philosophy formed the backbone of Blossom Kochhar Group of  Companies. In this candid chat with Exec Life, Kochhar bares her heart on her own beauty mantra and the idea behind her beauty empire.

How did you conceptualise Aroma Magic?

My childhood was spent on coffee plantations with my very large family; everything we consumed was organically grown and taken from the earth. This idea of everything being ?Nature Derived? led to the beginning of the Blossom Kocchar Group of Companies.  I have been practicing and researching the science of ?Aromatherapy and Herbalisim? for over 25 years. This extensive research led to the manufacture of aromatherapy based skincare and beauty products under the brand name ?Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.?

I realized the need to have a scientific system backing it by stitching together the science and art of Aromatherapy and the modern day science of Terra therapy to create a pure product with 35 per cent concentrates of essential oils and organic extracts.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is holistic method of healing based on the skilful use of pure essential oils, which stimulate the natural regenerative processes of the body. Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, bark, fruit and spices by either steam distillation, dissolving in solvents or by simple pressure. They have been called the lifeblood of plants? containing their healing properties in a very concentrated form.

In what ways can it be used?

Today essential oils are collected from all over the world and science is confirming their usefulness. They can be used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions including physical, mental and psychosomatic stress problems. Research has shown that smelling them alone has the power of alter one?s state of mind. Many oils have excellent antiseptic and anti-bactericidal properties and have been known to kill bacteria on contact in laboratory trials.

The oils can be utilized in a variety of ways as perfume, for inhalation, in vaporization compresses as bath and massage oil. Owing to their great power of skin penetration, the oils are diluted in almond or any vegetable oil for massage and skin care.

Are you developing any new product?

We have been coming up with our new facial kits ? Jewel Facial Kit, Vitamin C Lightening Facial Kit, Derma Chill Facial Kit, Detox Bamboo Charcoal Facial Kit, Advance Acne Facial Kit and some more depending on the skin types are in production.

What is your personal beauty mantra?

My personal beauty mantra is to use products that are nature derived, stay happy, remain positive and feel beautiful. My beauty regime comprises the cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturising (CTOM) at least twice a day. Sunscreen ? Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20 is my mantra of keeping my skin from getting tanned. Apart from this I resort to meditation, exercise, drink lots of water and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. I also eat fruits and nuts.

A lot of women these are doing cosmetic surgery and face-lifts. What are your comments on this practice?

Natural cosmetics are safer for people and friendlier to the nature, so are definitely better than chemical-based products or surgeries. They will not cause any serious harm to your skin or your hair, but long term usage of chemical based products will definitely tend to leave behind effects on your skin and hair that might not be very healthy for both. So try to use as much of natural products as you can, the effect might be slow to show, but there will not be any long term harm associated with it.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty for me is all things natural, which inspired in me a love for an alternative way of living, healing and staying beautiful. Have gratitude and be positive? that is enough to make you feel beautiful throughout the day. Beauty comes from within.

What are the latest consumer trends when it comes to the beauty products?

The demand for chemical-free skin care products is on the rise. The plant-derived ingredients remain powerful; the proliferation of new and exotic ingredients has caused consumers to be more skeptical and discerning regarding their purchase. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the efficacy and side effects of ingredients, and have access to a range of Internet and consumer review sources to inform their decisions.

What is your opinion on teenagers and pre-teens using make up and cosmetics?

I feel in your early days you have beautiful flawless skin so you do not need any make up. With the new trend of using make up at an early age there is no problem, however, one should use safe and reliable cosmetics for looking better. Try to use as little cosmetics as possible. Light make up with a little gloss and kajal can be used, but loud make up should be avoided. If usage of makeup starts from a very early age then skincare regime to maintain a healthy and flawless clear skin for a long time should also start immediately. Cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturizing should frame a major part of the skincare regime.

Three beauty products we can always find in your clutch?

In my vanity case some of the things are permanent:

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sunlite Spray SPF 30 PA ++

?       Lipstick from MAC

Apart from aromatherapy what are you passionate about?

I love photography, I like playing golf, and my passion is spending quality time with my grandson.

By Papri Das

It?s already the last quarter of summer this year and as much as we are rejoicing in anticipation of the fading out heat, we can?t say the same about the sun burn and the tan that summer has left us with - a predicament we go through every year. And not just Summer alone. Those who have an out and about job that requires them to be outdoors for long periods of time, constantly suffer from a sun tan. That being the case, frequent visits to the salon can?t be the solution to this long term problem. Even if you can afford it, frequent use of chemical bleaches and whitening agents can leave a lasting affect on your skin.

Therefore skin experts and beauticians suggest homemade de-tanning remedies, which can be easily cooked up from a list of very common natural ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen.

Exec Lifestyle lists a few of them here:

1. Lemon Juice

This is perhaps the most widely accepted and effective anti-tanning natural agent out there, thanks to its natural bleaching properties. Apart from producing miraculous results from direct application, it is also used with other substances to optimize their effect.

You can simply apply some fresh lemon juice on the affected skin area and allow it to dry before washing the area with water. You can also add some sugar to lemon juice and rub it gently on the skin in circles until the sugar melts. This acts as an exfoliating scrub that peels off the dead skin bringing out its softness, while the lemon helps cure the tan.

2. Yogurt

Sun tan gets worse if you have dry skin, leaving patches of burnt dark spots on exposed parts of the body, like face and hands. Yogurt, which is a natural moisturizing agent, acts like a charm for them when it comes to reducing sunburn. It not only cools the skin and reduces the redness but also tightens the pores.

It works best when taken with other bleaching agents like tomato and cucumber. Take a cup of plain yogurt and add the juice of one cucumber and one tomato. And often adding some besan (Bengali Gram flour) to it, can make it into a wholesome pack. All you need to do is apply it on the affected areas and rinse after keeping it for 30 minutes.

For those who have no time to spare, just add lemon juice to some fresh yogurt and massage your face with it for few minutes before taking a shower. Regular use gives best result.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is every beautician?s best friend, because it is used in almost all skin damage remedies due its high medicinal qualities. Aloe vera works very fast when it comes to tanned skin and will lighten the skin within a week, if applied daily to the affected area. It also keeps the skin fresh, cool and hydrated.

4. Potato

Potato is probably everyone?s favourite accompaniment when it comes to food. Who doesn?t love a whipped up creamy mash with their steak or some fries or wedges with their fast food? But did you know that raw potato is an excellent remedy for sun-tanned skin?  Surprisingly, it is rich in vitamin C and hence, works as natural bleach. It also helps soothe sunburn.

Peel the skin off two to three medium-sized potatoes, cut them into chunks and put them in a blender to make a paste. Apply the paste generously all over the affected skin area. Let it dry for about 30 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. For best results, you can also add some lemon juice to the potato paste before applying it.

5. Gram Flour

Gram flour, which is commonly called besan, is a common and recurring item used in home remedies. It is very useful in treating a sun-tan thanks to its dual function - the solid granules help remove dead skin cells and leaves your skin bright and young. Once it is reduces to a paste, it enters the skin?s pores and acts on the burned areas from within. You can use the gram flour powder available in market or make a paste of whole green gram, by mixing the gram flour in water and rub it all over the affected skin area.

6. Cucumber

Like Aloe Vera, +is also a cooling agent as it soothes the burnt skin. The vitamin C in cucumbers also will help keep the skin well moisturized. Here?s how to make the most of it:

Mix two tablespoons of fresh cucumber juice and one tablespoon of lime juice. Add a pinch of turmeric to it. Mix it well and apply it on the affected skin. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off with water. You can also rub freshly cut slices of cucumber on your skin.

7. Papaya:

Papayas are delicious as fruits, but it also has countless merits when it comes to being used a home remedy to skin problems, especially for sun burn and skin tan. Papaya is rich in antioxidants, which helps give your skin a radiant glow and a smooth finish, and is an excellent beauty choice for de-tanning.

Mash a few pieces of papaya and apply the pulp on affected parts of skin. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes. Your skin will glow instantly after a wash. You can also use avocado instead of papaya or a mixture of both in equal quantities.

No matter how successful you become in life, your student life is something that you always hold close to your heart. And when we think of student life we think of friends, seniors, campus life, loads of fun, and life building lessons. This weekend, Exec Lifestyle took some of the top media executives on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to their childhood. Here are some anecdotes from their lives as students!

By Papri Das

There was a time when a good quality pen would symbolise knowledge, affluence and empowerment; when youngsters would be a ball of excitement on receiving their first fountain pen; when revolutionary ideas would be penned down to change history of nations. Now it would be safe to say that the ?once mightier than the sword? pen couldn?t survive the onslaught of the digital era and the keys on your device?s touchpad.

Or is it?

A recent report from The Economic Times read that more and more foreign luxury pen brands are finding India to be a booming market place for their products. While the use of regular pens may have gone down drastically, high-end luxury pens still continue to enjoy high esteem amongst the affluent and the well-established lot. Pens have evolved from being a practical necessity to a connoisseur?s luxury. Exec Lifestyle spoke to several eminent personalities from the media to explore their romance with pens.

Although a very clich? practice, but any discussion about writing instruments almost always starts with a writer, and so Exec Lifestyle caught up with television screenplay writer and author Gajra Kottary. ?Writing with pen has more of an emotional value to me these days. I used pen and paper till I was writing the script for Astitva, one of the daily television shows I have worked on,? says the charming author who has also penned the television show Ghar Ek Sapnaa. Admitting the difficulties she faced in switching to the digital platforms, Kottary says that things have changed drastically for her. ?I can't write the same amount of content with a pen, which I do digitally. Quite the irony, isn't it??

Kottary?s collection of luxury pens is in double digits now. ?I have gathered so many of them that these days I have to request people not to gift me pens anymore cause it is a shame to see them simply showcased in a shelf,? she says.

Amongst the collection, one that is close to her heart is classy ST Dupont pen. ?I have over ten luxury pens ranging between Montblancs, Cartier and more, but my favourite is a Shantung from ST Dupont. It has an amazing design and a beautiful blue color. What adds to my emotional connect to it is the fact that my husband gifted it to me on one of our anniversaries,? she reminisces.

Kottary isn?t the only own who invests special sentiments in a pen. Ogilvy and Mather executive creative director Sumanto Chattapadhyay shares how he cherished the Montblanc his parents gifted him. ?When I was in school, my parents gifted me a Montblanc pen. In those days, it was a big deal to be able to afford a branded pen like that so it was a memorable instance in my life. I remember holding it close to my heart through my college, until one fateful day it got stolen. I was really upset by its loss,? says the creative genius, who also made an appearance in the recently released Piku.

Perhaps it is this loss, or his habit of misplacing pens in general, that keeps him from using luxury pens on a day-to-day basis. Instead he invests in the cheaper ones and buys them in bulk, while preserving the special edition ones. ?Someone recently gifted me a calligraphy pen or a quill, which needs to be dipped in an ink pot to use,? gushes Chattopadhyay. ?But when it comes to writing on a day to day basis, I honestly prefer the use and throw dot pens.?

This formula resonates well with most executives. BBH India CEO Subhash Kamath admits that he too shies away from using his luxury pens and instead goes in the ?use and throw? direction. ?Yes I have quite a few Montblancs, Waterman and Sheaffer (courtesy gifts) but I hardly ever use them. I prefer using my regular Camlin or Add Gel pens for everyday use,? he says.

While many consider possessing a classy luxury pen as a sign of status, for many is gives a sense of empowerment. A fine example is Sonic and Nickelodeon India executive vice president Nina Jaipuria. ?A pen gives me a strange sense of empowerment. Compared to a digital signature, when it comes to signing to officialise a document, pens are the first and last choice. It gives you a certain sense of power. A single sign can make a huge difference in your or another's life,? says the lady.

Like any other established creative professional Jaipuria too had her fair share of luxury pens gifted to her on various occasions. However, the one that stands out is the very personalised gift she received a couple of years back. ?I am particularly fond of this pen, which was gifted to me by a close associate of mine a couple of years back. It is carved out of wood completely with a non-refillable gel ink in it. What makes it more special is that not just the case but the pen too bears my name,? she says adding further that she takes care not to use it too often. ?I make sure to use it judiciary, fearing that the pen will run out of the ink, at the same time not to keep it in the box too long as the ink may end up drying.?

These were a few anecdotes from India?s top media executives on their love for good luxury pens. What is your pen story? Do share with us on the comment box below.

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch recommends and previews television shows, films and live events that you simply cannot miss! Check out our recommendations for this weekend (29-31 May 2015)

About Town:

This weekend, art connoisseurs can look forward to Games People Play,  an exhibition by artist duo Thukral & Tagra symbolising the walk of life. According the artists the game aims to impart the meaning of life to those who play it, in effect by paying off one?s debts and equalising one?s score. In a way, the objective of the show is to present the cycle of karma and reach the finish line.

Their works will be displayed at Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Byculla) from 11 am to 7 pm.

Live Act:

After a long and tiring weekend, it?s time to let your hair down and party hard with a series of exciting EDM acts at China 1.  #DancingintheDeep / #DeepinDance Groovearth brings to you deep EDM music's finest talent from India and across the globe. Catch them come together and make you sweat over their collection of minimal, deep disco and thumping techno Tunes. So grab your tickets and get grooving at China 1, Andheri 10 pm onwards.

Television:

Ten HD:

Football lovers can gather their friends and catch the exciting finale match between Spanish La Liga Champions Barcelona FC and Italian SerieA triumphant Juventus in Olympiastadion Stadium, Berlin on 6 June. The live broadcast will air on  Ten Sports, Ten Hd and Ten Action this Sunday at the wee hours of 12.15 am in the morning.

Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited editions ranges, to auctions that the world have their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber lifestyle. This week, plan that Hollywood style date in a chopper, get yourself the ultimate style statement from Jimmy Choo, and try a new wearable tech?

Flying high

Remember how many of us sighed collective ?oohs? and ?aahs? when Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey, brought Anastasia Steele to his penthouse in Seattle on Charlie Tango his personal helicopter? Now if that is your idea of an uber luxurious dream date then here?s some good news. Such a date is very much possible in heart of Mumbai.

MAB Aviation, a Mumbai based private aviation service has been catering luxurious joy rides around the city on their special private copters, starting at a price of Rs 35,000 for 30 minutes, according to a spokesperson from the organisation. Apart from escorting high profile diplomats and businessmen, they also get booked for lovebirds coveting a destination wedding.

Now the next time your dream date drives up your alley in a BMW, don?t be complacent. Think bigger and put him in touch with MAB Aviation!

?Em Stilettos just a booty call

The world of fashion just made a giant leap with stiletto specialist Jimmy Choo collaborating with the well-known boot maker Moon Boot. Fashionistas predict that the line that will come out of this collaboration will be quirky with a touch of class and practicality.

If you are someone with a thing for high heels then Jimmy Choo is a name you chant like a religious mantra. On the other hand, Italy?s Moon Boot is sports-style footwear created for comfort, and can withstand adverse climates. When you combine the two you get with the extremes of shoe fashion.

The collection, created in luxury materials such as shearling and fox fur, will feature eight limited edition pieces. Moreover, the line will sport a futuristic look while still retaining the retro vibe. Called Jimmy Choo. 08?, this brand new experimental line is to make its grand debut in October 2015 and the products will be available at Jimmy Choo boutiques and select stores across the globe. Although the makers have not revealed their starting price for the range, any fashion aficionado can tell that a pair of these limited edition Jimmy Choos would cost you a fortune.

Oh So Futuristic

Here?s another addition to family of wearable tech, which has indeed been growing by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. After Google Glass, it's now BMW MINI?s turn to show the world how to connect a driver with his car in an innovative manner. With its new augmented features, the MINI is all set to change the future of commuting with a range of exceptional features.

With everyone going gaga over wearable technology like Google Glass and iWatch, we can't blame the British luxury automobile giant, BMW MINI, to have their own version of it. And for a car-maker what would be more relevant than smart eyewear? This specialised eyewear uses see-through technology and shows information to the driver regarding the drive, without taking away from the view of the road and other elements on the path. Sounds like a cool scene from those sci-fi movies right?

What?s more, MINI has further been working with various Qualcomm companies and has come up with an interlinked system that offers improved routing information, as well as guidance for the driver. Design wise this little machine reminds you of the classic MINI, as the prototype is created in a combination of carbon black and dull gold. The gadget debuted at the Auto Shanghai show earlier this year.

Power play

The world of hotel business is nothing short of powerplay between empires with the hotel properties being the castles. And this was reiterated when the destination chosen for the Hong Kong based Shangri La (rebranded to Palladium Hotel) will once again be replaced by Starwood Hotel & Resort?s luxury property St. Regis. Slated to make its debut in the third quarter of 2015, St. Regis will now be a part of Mumbai?s affluent five-star hotels catalogue.

Known for its impeccable hospitality and bespoke service across the globe, this 38-storey property will feature 386 guest rooms, including 60 suites with a wide range of gourmet selections at its four specialty restaurants, a club lounge and three bars. The hotel will also boast of its signature Iridium Spa offering bespoke touches of a rare spa experience. Besides these services, the hotel will house a well-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool and a 5,200 sq meters of unrivaled space for events and weddings.

In addition to the St. Regis Mumbai, the company is set to debut more hotels in India in the next two years including W Retreat & Spa Goa, The Westin Kolkata, Sheraton Hyderabad, Le Meridien Nagpur and the Aloft New Delhi Aerocity, reports luxpresso.com.

Through the lens

The extremely rare and antique Laica camera of the 0-series 1923 fetched a jaw dropping $1,900,000 at the 19th WestLicht camera auction held on 28 May, making it the most expensive in the world so far. It claimed the position after the breaking the record of Leica MP2 that fetched 402,000 pounds in 2010. This beautiful piece was estimated to go for sale between $350,000 and $450,000, however the opening bid of $200,00 made it clear that the estimates were way off the mark. The said camera is the seventh of the Leica 0-series, and only 25 were produced to test the market in 1923.

The camera is also the only camera known with Germany engraving on the top plate. If that weren?t enough to get curious about this rare model of Camera, then it?s winner bidder should. The auction was closed after a winning bid was placed by an anonymous private Asian collector, after 20 minutes of fierce bidding.