Sonita's Blog

ELLE’s Carnival for a Cause; raising awareness of Breast Cancer…

Last night was the Grand Launch of The Claridges Spa and the ‘Dhaba’ restaurant at the Claridges, Suraj Kund, Delhi, NCR and what a fabulous launch it was.

The spa is something I’m really excited about as we’ll be offering treatments from two of our brands there, Leighton Denny Expert Nails for the manicures and pedicures and Philip Kingsley for their Hair Spa. Another one of my favourite brands is used for the facials and body treatments by Aromatherapy Associates.

The spa is the only one in India that lives up to my expectations of international standards and on that is be-fitting of a hotel such as The Claridges but don’t just take my word for it, check it out yourself (it only took me 20 minutes from south Delhi – and that as with traffic!)

As for the Dhaba…as a Punjabi I can tell you it’s what one would expect from a road-side dhaba including a real truck complete with multi coloured tassels. The child in me just had to climb in…despite my 3inch heels!

Overall it was a fabulous evening and I can’t wait to go back, finally a place I can feel confident enough to go and pamper myself secure in the knowledge that the therapists are fully trained and using only the very best products.

I’d highly recommend it, the spa and the restaurant 

Take care
Sonita

I arrived back in Delhi at the weekend and can not believe just how hot it is, everyone keeps telling me it’s a lot milder than it was a few weeks ago so I can’t even begin to imagine how hot it must’ve been for everyone!

After spending last summer in Delhi I swore to myself I’d be in London from May through till August this year but we’re opening in Claridges and in the new International terminal in Delhi in the coming weeks and so am here to personally oversee it all!!

I’ll actually be escaping back to London in a weeks time (got to catch the Wimbledon final) but I’ve been asked by a number of our customers for a few tips on how to beat this heat and keep your skin in premium condition so here are a few suggestions; the essential thing really is about protecting your self from the damaging effects of the sun so…

Always use a sun block; B Kamin’s Sunbar UV Shield with SPF 48 is oil and fragrance free and ideal for anyone who is fair or has sensitive skin. Offering both UVA and UVB protection, this hydrating sun block protects your skin from sun damage and tanning.

Our eyes suffer from the effects of the heat so Rodial’s Eye Light with an SPF 15 is just perfect for anyone who wants a soothing effect, it also shifts those stubborn dark circles; this crème with light reflecting particles will illuminate and brighten the eye area instantly! It helps reduce puffiness and also repairs the skin…this multi functioning wonder cream will leave you with the most dazzling set of eyes!

And don’t neglect your hair; Philip Kingsley’s award winning pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, the Elasticizer offers UVA and UVB protection as well as leaving your hair soft, shiny and full of life and bounce, I never go anywhere without it!

Finally, the heat just drains your energy levels so I start every morning by using This Works Energy Bank Bath & Shower Gel and/or Oil
And if I need a pick me up before heading out in the evening then NEOM’s Refresh Bath and Shower Oil is just perfect with its blends of Sicilian Lemon and fresh basil, I know why Kylie loves it!

The list is endless but these are some of my must have products,

I hope you all manage to beat this heat and I look forward to seeing you all some time soon

All the best

Sonita

If I’m really honest I’m not a big one for new year resolutions, we all start off making great plans thinking that THIS year we’ll stick to them and inevitably before we’ve even got to February we’ve broken all our own set of rules and feel like we’ve let yourself down.

It shouldn’t be about setting unachievable resolutions and telling yourself you HAVE to do or not do something but rather it should be about changing your attitude towards those habits that have formed that we’d like to break free from. I know that whenever I say I’ll have a glass of water instead of a latte I end up drinking expresso’s instead!!

But bearing in mind that a number of you have asked me to let you know what New Year’s Resolutions one should make to achieve the perfect skin I will give you a ‘hit list’ of things to do but the best way to make it work for you is to fit it around your daily routine.

So here goes:

The first thing is to review your skin type, just because you had oily skin as a teenager doesn’t mean the skin is still the same now, a number of things affect our skin type such as hormones, pollution levels, seasons and the climate and it is essential to get that right before picking out the right products.

It’s vital to protect your skin by using a daily sunblock, not only when the sun’s out. I use one in London, even when it snows!! All good dermatologists will tell you that a SPF 30 is sufficient in the sun, the higher factors are more ‘marketing gimmicks’ and tend not to provide additional protection. Try Korres SPF 25 in a sprayable bottle or if like me you don’t want to use a separate SPF try Skin Therpaie’s Day Therpapie SPF 20

Believe it or not, exercise is good for your skin so another reason to hit the gym or get out your yoga mat. As exercise reduces stress and insulin levels it will prevent breakouts on your skin. Try burning NEOM’s Tranquility or Restore treatment candles, they balance and calm your senses.

For a youthful glow it is vital to use an exfoliant, whether it’s a physical such as REN’s Microbead Jojoba Scrub or my personal favourite Leaf & Rusher’s Rapid Resurface or an enzyme based one such as Rodial’s Glamtox Peel.

Facial muscles and pores relax most at night so it’s vital to ensure you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin before you go to sleep allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper and work more efficiently. (Treat yourself to a silk pillowcase, the reduced friction will make your skin feel and look smoother in the morning!)

All the very best for 2010

Sonita

Christmas is almost upon us and I for one love this time of year!

I’m one of those people that enjoy giving more than receiving! Honestly!! I can spend ages picking the perfect gift for a friend or family member, not just the main gift but the stocking fillers and then gift wrapping with a personal message on each gift tag; despite my hectic schedule I always find time for this.

The girls and I spent all day yesterday putting up our Christmas decorations in the store and it now feels like Christmas!! (But I must admit the artificial tree doesn’t have that same feel as the real ones I have in London, the fragrance of pine trees on a winters day is amazingly warming and so if anyone knows where I can pick up a real tree please do let me know)

As I won’t have time to spend doing my Christmas shopping in London this year it’s great that  I’ll be able to do it all at Urban Shore, we’ve got some amazing gifts for everyone on your list;

I’ve got my check list ready and managed to find something for nearly everyone…whether it’s the This Works Deep Calm Box for my best friend who’s an investment banker (and therefore always stressed out); the Gentlemen’s Tonic Shower package for my brother (who’s extremely particular about what he uses); the Shavata Heart Shaped Tweezer for my cousin (the perfect girly gift); Floris’s signature scent for men JF for my favourite uncle (if its good enough for James Bond…); REN’s Rose Duo Set for my aunt (who loves roses); The Refinery gift set for my cousin (with his sensitive skin this completely natural collection is perfect); NEOM Restore Bath Oil and Complete Bliss 3 Wick candle for my stressed workaholic friend who’s just become a mother (of twins); Jo Wood Organics EDT Usiku and Amka for my newly married friends and complementing body oils (which I know they’ll both enjoy), Leighton Denny Diamond Nail colours with real diamond particles for my friend who’s a real diva and last but not least I also picked up Leaf & Rusher’s TX Lips for myself! (I love giving and a gift to oneself also counts)

And of course my Christmas gift to all of you this is year is amazing discounts on a number of your favourite products, up to 50% off!! But hurry, the offer is available only until Christmas Eve so just enough time for you to pick up your Christmas gifts or a Christmas treat for yourself. Now you can lather yourself in luxurious body oils and treat your tresses to an indulgent treatment, your body deserves it!!

So enjoy and indulge yourself this Christmas

Merry Christmas

Sonita

I was asked to represent Urban Shore at a UK India business summit in London last week and in addition to being the founder and MD of Urban Shore I was acutely aware of the fact that I would be representing a few demographics, of being British, of Indian origin and a female entrepreneur so an interesting mix.

The day was all speeches and I was one of five women speaking, alongside Dr Pratibha Patil, President of India, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt and Chief Executive of the UKIBC Sharon Bamford…so in great company! The day was followed by a beautiful evening gala dinner held in the highly prestigious surroundings of the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand.

The reason I mention all this is that thanks to a number of my trusted Urban Shore products I was able to go from ‘business woman’ to ‘belle of the ball’ in less than an hour while maintaining high standards for both as the photographers and cameras were rolling all day!

The day was spent in my formal business suit and I changed into a sari for the evening; the two images are in a sharp contrast to each other, the first demands demure make up and hair with clean, fresh skin and the latter is all about glamorous hair and make up that sparkle into the night and Urban Shore had everything to help me make that transformation.

It all started with clean, well groomed hair and for that Philip Kingsley Shampoos and Conditioners were the perfect starting point but the Elasticiser allowed my hair to be styled easily and their Preen Cream gave subtle hold without being sticky. After cleansing my skin the Leaf & Rusher Active Serum was a MUST as not only does it firm and hydrate the skin so that make applies easily but it gives the skin a healthy youthful glow that lasts all day long and makes it camera friendly…which is a must J

I prepared my body for the long day by using my favourite NEOM Bath and Shower Oil in the morning as not only did the organic oils keep my body soft, supple and scented all day but the aromatherapy oils also balanced my senses and kept me energised all day long.

Rodial’s Glam Balm Wipes were perfect to remove my day make up, leaving my skin soft, clean and ready for the evening touch ups. The two features of your face that are always noticed and need particular attention are your eyes and lips!! Shavata’s Eye Lashes were the one thing that really added that glamorous finishing touch, not only did they add length and natural flair but a feminine flutter of the lashes is always sexy! And Dr Lipp’s Balm adds high shine and it’s the secret of a number of International make up artists and now I know why as the models don’t need to touch up their lipstick in the evenings!

Those are my ‘secret’ weapons to take you from modern day business woman to glamorous belle of the ball…try them out yourself, I promise you won’t be disappointed!!

Enjoy and indulge yourself…

Sonita

The question that I’m most getting asked from our customers is about how to survive the monsoons, this is a tricky time of year, the scorching heat of the summer is over but we’re still a long way off from autumn and winter.

Monsoon is a time where your skin behaves strangely and is often unstable and suddenly becomes oil or dry and dehydrated but with a few essential skin and body care products you can get through this season with fresh and youthful looking skin and prepare you for the party season yet to come.

A little common sense goes a long way, we know that with the humidity levels being so high one is more prone to bacterial and fungal infections and irritations and so opt for a good anti bacterial face and body wash; for the face always choose one depending on your skin type, you may find your skin type changes with the season and so don’t just continue using what you used six months ago, analyse your skin type now and choose accordingly. Leaf & Rusher’s Green Tea Wash is suitable for all skin types.

One essential step for your face is toning as during the monsoons there are a number of air-borne microbes which can result in breakouts and eruptions so it’s best to use an anti-bacterial toner such as Pure Logicol’s Clarifying Facial Toner.

Due to the ‘sticky’ nature of the monsoons try Rodial’s Body Deodorant which is anti-bacterial and refreshing due to the eucalyptus and grapefruit; or .Korres Body Toners are also very refreshing.

This is not the time of year to be over moisturising; use a light moisturiser to gently protect your skin. If you feel your skin is in need of extra protection and needs more intense moisture then apply a serum first, Leaf & Rusher’s Active Serum is a light textured serum that instantly adds radiance to your skin.

Stepping in to a shower after stepping in from the rain, there’s nothing like that clean fresh feeling after having used a wonderfully scented shower gel, try from Floris’s 8 different scents or This Works moisturising shower gels that energise (Energy Bank), calm (Deep Calm) or balance (In The Zone) according to your needs.

A scrub for the body is an excellent way to keep your skin healthy, glowing and youthful and we have a number of scrubs of different textures and fragrances and you’ll find one you’ll love. Finally rinse off with body oil, This Works, In the Zone Bath & Shower Oil will further protect you as its Eucalyptus is naturally anti bacterial.

This season is tough but don’t worry, Urban Shore is here to help you get through it and ensure your skin, hair and body have a natural radiant glow.

Sonita Dass