Escrots Yamaha has improved its four-stroke bike, the Yamaha YBX 125. The model was first launched in 1998. The 1999 version has several improvements to achieve optimum performance and efficiency. The features include four-speed transmission gears, auto chain tensioner, push button indicators and pass beam, dimpled petrol tank and single-shaft in-built balances.

New Love A'Fair

Love A'Fair is the new range of cosmetics for the hair and skin from Oriflame. The range includes a fairness cream, which has natural bio-whiteners or active skin lighteners. The products also has a blend of UVA and UVB sunscreens to control melanin and make the skin visibly fairer. The cream is super light and is easy to absorb, releasing moisture gradually for in-depth hydration. It claims to show a difference in fairness within five to six weeks.

The hair care range has new varieties of shampoos including redberry, coconut, melon and citrus. A hot oil hair conditioner treatment isalso included

Walk with animals

Liberty Footwear has introduced a `Wildlife' series of shoes for children under its FootFun brand. Various animals patterns on the uppers of the shoe have been designed to attract youngsters. According to the company, the aim of the design is to `educate children about environment protection.'

The shoes have cushioned-in soles which offers maximum comfort and absorb shocks while playing or running around. The soles are flexible and long-lasting. The range is available in laced shoes, sandals and slip-ons and is priced between Rs 135 and Rs 225.

Lacoste forays into denim market

The French leisurewear maker, Lacoste, has entered the denim market with top-of-the-range denimwear. The premium label has introduced denims priced at Rs 1,650 for a pair of trousers. Lacoste claims its fabric is lighter, treated and finished to give softness that will appeal to the wearer of Lacoste's patent cotton wear. Right now, the denim wear has two colour options and one fitjeans and bermudas for men. The ladies range will be launched later. The denim collection will be sold only through the 28 authorised Lacoste retailers.

Innovative brollies for the monsoons

With the rain clouds covering most parts of the country, umbrellas have become an important part of the wardrobe. And manufacturers are getting more and more innovative with their styles. Stag Umbrellas has introduced one with a glowing handle. The battery-operated light in the handles and frame can light up your way in the dark and gloomy weather.

A colourful range of umbrellas with new designs are available in stores like Big Jo's, Ebony in Delhi and Akbarally's in Mumbai.

Lubricated lenses

Silklens, one of the oldest manufacturers of contact lenses, has introduced a new rigid gas permeable lens using Paragon HDS material. This new material will benefit patients with dry eyes as it does not allow the lenses to dry up the eyes and keeps them lubricated. The material is also deposit-resistant, hasdimensional stabilit and rigidness.

According to Dr Mohinder Singh, chairman of Silklens and an ophthalmologist, almost 20 to 25 per cent of contact lens wearers suffer from the dry eye problem which leads to foggy or clouding of the lens. The Paragon HDS material will eliminate this problem making the lenses more comfortable to the wearer.