More Beauty Tips

Eyes Right  If eyes are the window to your soul, make sure they stand out. Instead of applying that same jet black liquid eye liner on the upper lid of the eye, try something different. Invest in a dark blue eye pencil and line your eyes all around with it.       Water  Want to lose weight but just can't seem to stop eating? Try drinking at least 2 glasses of water before your meal. Drinking subdues the appetite and tricks your stomach into feeling satisfied with less. You're definitely not starving yourself, and neither are you overeating. Perfect, isn't it?      Steam in'  Steam your face once a week to open pores, so it can be cleansed more effectively. Add a few herbs like basil (tulsi) for extra advantage. Don't steam face directly over the burning stove - too hot! Instead, remove the boiling water from the stove and form a tent with your towel.       wrinkles Though you can't prevent those tiny lines from forming around your mouth and eyes, you can certainly delay their onset. Try this simple exercise. Stretch your mouth into a wide grin and say 'eee' and then into a circle saying 'ooo'. Oh, and do this in the privacy of your room if you don't want to be shipped to the funny farm.                                                             Soft And Silky  For a deep, moisturizing skin treatments apply olive oil to your skin once a week. Let it soak in while you take a steamy shower, and blot out the excess with a tissue.       You Better Not Pout!  Lipstick applied to dry lips does not last long. Moisturize lips with lip balm or Vaseline and let it get absorbed before applying lipstick. For a final touch, add a bit of glitter to lips. It's dynamite, but do keep it subtle!      Cheating Mother Nature  The general rule of thumb is that light colors bring things forwards, while dark colors make them recede. So hide that prominent jawbone by brushing a dark shade over it. You could also brush a dark color in the hollow of your chin for a flirtatious cleft! Who said you needed plastic surgery?      Ice Baby  Keep skins looking young and fresh by splashing your face with ice-cold water. This rejuvenates the skin and delays the onset of wrinkles. (Don't try this if you are prone to broken capillaries.)                                                         Lime N' Lemony  For a great shine to hair, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a mug of water and give your hair a final rinse with this mixture, after shampooing. You could also use a tablespoon of vinegar instead of a lemon.       AND SO TO BED  Never, ever go to sleep without washing off your make-up. That's a surefire step to a disastrous complexion.

Pimples s.o.s

The rude shock in the mirror You wake up in the morning, stumble to the basement and wash your sleepy face. As you wipe it dry with a towel, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, and let out a loud groan. No, you're not having a bad face day. It's something much worse than that. It's the (shudder!) biggest darned pimple you've ever seen in your life! Ugh! Where did you go wrong?  What causes a Pimple? A number of things can cause a pimple:  An improper diet that includes too many soft drinks, spicy and fried food and snacks with high iodine content Pores clogged by dirt or pollution Stress Hormonal changes due to menstruation Genes - blame it on the folks Prevention is better than cure:  Wash Right Wash your face regularly, not more than 3 times a day, unless you're living in a highly humid and/or polluted city which requires more washing to unclog pores. The best way to wash the face is to first lather your face-wash in your hands, apply it to wet skin and rinse. Pat dry. Scrubbing only aggravates the skin and causes further problems.  Cleansing Routine Cleanse tone and moisturize your face twice a day. Don't skip the moisturizing step even if you have oily skin - just use an oil-free moisturizer. Exposure to the elements Avoid exposing your skin to the harsh elements. If you are going for a long drive, roll up your window slightly, so your face doesn't get plummeted by the wind, especially in polluted towns.  Water Drink plenty of water to clean your system. Impure blood and poor circulation is one of the primary causes of acne.  Eat Right Unless you are allergic to certain foods, eating junk food doesn't lead to the formation of pimples. But over eating certain foods, especially heating foods like chocolates and mangoes, can lead to an overnight zit congregation.  Get rid of that zit - ice baby! No! Don't burst it! That's the worst thing you can do! It may solve your problem temporarily so you won't go to that dinner with a large white bud blossoming on your mug, but the scar will remain for a long, long time. Instead, try wrapping an ice cube in a thin muslin cloth and place it for about three minutes on a pimple that is just forming. It kills the growth of the pimple. Believe it, it is true. If a pimple does burst accidentally (or intentionally!), wash the area with soap. Then reach for a lemon slice and squeeze ten drops into a cotton ball. Keep it on the burst pimple for about 10 minutes. The scar will vanish.   Lime n' Lemony Lemon maintains the pH balance of skin, and it is a good idea to give your face a rinse of lemon water once a day. Just squeeze half a lemon into half a mug of water and splash it on your face. Rinse off the residue with regular water.

Sun Fun

As summer fades and winter rears its head, people in certain parts of the globe are gearing up to try and stay warm and cozy. But others like us in Mumbai, who are blessed with sunshine all year round, barely feel the change in season, and continue to bask in the seemingly eternal warmth of the sun. While the sunshine is milder in winter, it can still wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you don't take the proper precautions before venturing out. Once your skin is damaged by excessive UV radiation, it will never repair itself. If you were in doubt as to the damage sun can wreak, here's a refresher:  Premature wrinkling Skin cancer Dries the skin Sunburn Freckles So keep these tips in mind before stepping out: 1. Never, ever step out in the sun without wearing a sunscreen lotion. 2. If you are dusky skinned and a tan does not show up, this does NOT mean you are any less at risk of suffering the damage caused by UV radiation. 3. What kind of lotion should you apply Well, look for one which has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. This means that it will protect your skin for 15 times longer than if you had no sunscreen. It does not mean it offers stronger protection, but that it offers longer lasting protection. It all depends on how sensitive your skin is to the sun. Thus, if your skin starts going red after you've been in the sun for ten minutes, you will be able to stand the sun for 1 and a half hours if you use an SPF of 15. 4. If your skin is extra sensitive, go in for a sun tan lotion with a higher SPF. 5. Apply the lotion at least 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. 6. If you are going swimming, make sure you wear a water-resistant sunscreen. The combination of chlorine and water is murder for your skin! 7. Don't forget your lips! Lips are sensitive, and they require special protection because they can't tan. Lipstick is better than nude lips, and if you can get your hands on a lipstick which offers UV protection, there's nothing like it! 8. Remember, a sun tan lotion will not prevent you from tanning. It will, however, filter out harmful UV radiation. 9. Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. The sun is at its hottest at this time. 10. When you get home after being in the sun for some time, apply an after-sun lotion. This moisturizes your skin, and it also has certain ingredients especially for sun-exposed skin.

It's About Honey !

Pour it on your paratha, stir it into your milk, dip your fruits in it, apply it to your face or hair, or simply pour a teaspoon down your throat. Whichever way you have it, rest assured, it's a treat for your health, skin and body.  Honey Cleansing Scrub Take 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds and mix it with a tablespoon of honey and ten drops of lemon juice. Apply this to your face and scrub gently. Rinse off with lukewarm water.  Firming Mask Whisk one tablespoon honey with the white of an egg. Add enough flour to this mixture so it forms a paste. You will require approximately quarter of a cup. Smooth this mixture over your face and rinse off after ten minutes with lukewarm water .  Hair Conditioner Mix half a cup of honey with two tablespoons olive oil. If your hair is very dry, add a third tablespoon. Section off your hair and coat it well with the mixture. Cover your hair with a shower cap so you don't mess up the entire house. In addition, the shower cap traps heat from your scalp, enabling the oils to penetrate further. Wash off after half an hour.  Skin Toner Puree an apple with one tablespoon honey in a blender. Apply this mixture for face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. This makes a great toner.  For Dry Skin Take one tablespoon honey in a bowl and add one teaspoon milk. Mix well and smooth it over face. Rinse off with lukewarm water after ten minutes. Your skin will feel soft instantly.  Smoothing Skin Lotion Mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon regular cooking oil and a quarter teaspoon lemon juice. Dip a cotton swab into this mixture and rub it into your elbows, hands and heels. Rinse off with lukewarm water after ten minutes.  Skin Softening Bath Fill up your tub with warm water and add a quarter cup honey for a smooth, silky bath.  Hair Shine Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups warm water. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as usual. Your hair will shine.  Vocal Cords Ever wondered what it feels like to have a voice as melodious as that of any famous singer? Now is your chance to find out. A teaspoon of honey a day soothes your throat and enhances the sweetness of your vocal chords. You’re set to be the singing sensation of the millennium. (All you need is ten hours of practice a day)  Energy Booster If you feel an instant boost of vitality after taking a teaspoon of honey, you're not imagining it. Honey is choc-a-bloc with vitamins, minerals, glucose and fructose, which is why it makes good sense to substitute sugar with honey whenever possible.  Healing Properties Applying honey on cuts and wounds helps them heal faster, as honey controls anti-oxidants which absorb the oxygen from the air and help the wound heal faster, without scarring. The ancient Egyptians used honey to treat cataracts, cuts and burns. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, prepared honey-based cures for skin disorders and ulcers. During World War I, German doctors used honey mixed with cod liver oil to surgically dress soldiers' wounds. So what are you waiting for? Rush to the kitchen and grab a spoonful of honey!

Know More About Microdermabrasion

WHAT IS MICRODERMABRASION? Microdermabrasion is a simple cosmetic procedure to get rid of wrinkles and scars. Read on to know if this cosmetic procedure is meant for you. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that makes use of tiny rough grains to remove the outermost dead surface of the skin totally or partially. The plus point of this procedure is that it is not painful and does not need anesthetic. Microdermabrasion is one the most recent and popular skin care techniques. How microdermabrasion works?  Microdermabrasion can be a great substitute to other expensive and cumbersome cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery, Chemical peeling and Botox injections. Stratum Corundum is the uppermost layer of our skin and this layer is prone to most of the skin problems including infections, acne blemishes and wrinkles . Microdermabrasion is also referred as skin polishing. It works on the topmost layer of the skin to treat skin problems. The process of microdermabrasion does not require a doctor's attention. Microdermabrasion is done in spas or by beauticians in salons. Crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion are the most common methods of skin polishing. Crystal microdermabrasion  Crystal microdermabrasion is the traditional process to carry out microdermabrasion procedure. In this process tiny crystals are used to exfoliate the skin. It is believed that this method is a natural method to get glowing skin without any chemicals, surgeries, lasers or side effects.  Aluminum oxide crystals are used as an abrasive agent. Doctors believe that aluminum oxide is safe for skin resurfacing treatments. The irregular shape of the crystals makes them effective for skin resurfacing. Diamond microdermabrasion  Diamond microdermabrasion is the alternative for crystal microdermabrasion. No crystals are used in this process, instead exfoliation takes place when diamond tipped head abrades against the skin to remove the dead skin layer.  Diamond microdermabrasion does not make use of crystals, thus preventing the contact of the crystals with eyes. Some experts say that this procedure of abrasion is not completely safe. Diamond microdermabrasion helps reducing wrinkles, acne scars and brown spots. Microdermabrasion at home  Many people prefer home Microdermabrasion systems. Microdermabrasion home kits usually contain crystal creams and applicators. Applicator is a hand held resurfacing wand or foam applicator which massages foam deep into the skin. In some products you need to massage it with your hand instead of using a massaging tool.  Micro abrasion at home is milder as compared to microdermabrasion at clinics or spas. Home microdermabrasion is cheaper than in spas. You just need to cleanse your face and then start massaging with microdermabrasion wand all over your skin or on the affected area. Microdermabrasion at home takes just a few minutes. Benefits of microdermabrasion  Microdermabrasion helps revitalize dull skin and makes it glow. Microdermabrasion is beneficial for reducing dilated, enlarged pores and controls wrinkles. It lightens blemishes, age spots, mild pigments and stretch marks. Microdermabrasion renews skin and helps the growth of the new skin cells.  Microdermabrasion is not a complicated skin treatment. It does not have any side effects and does not make use of harsh chemicals.You can immediately carry on with your daily chores once you are done with the procedure. One should keep in mind some facts in mind before opting for microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion should not be used on patients who have taken the medication Accutane in the last twelve months.  The crystals in the microdermabrasion machine should be more than 99% pure to get most out of the process.  Instruments those come in contact with skin during process should be free of bacteria or other microorganisms.  Avoid microdermabrasion if you are pregnant or less than 14 years of age. Due to hormonal changes during these periods microdermabrasion may not show its effects. Microdermabrasion will make you look young and will make your skin supple. Age will be no bar to flaunt baby soft skin.If you are combating age related skin problems, microdermabrasion can help. Why live with blemishes when you have a choice. Microdermabrasion may give you the skin you desire.

Lime And Lemony !

If there's one beauty item your kitchen shelf should not be without, it's the humble LEMON. Here are just a few of the ways you can use it, to achieve spectacular results.  Skin Sense Mix a few drops of lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Apply it on your face with a cotton ball. This makes a great astringent. Beset by blemishes? No problem. Simply dab the area with lemon juice a few times a day. This removes the redness from the blemished area. Mix the juice from 1 lemon with 2 parts coarse salt and 1 part olive oil to make a paste. Step into the shower and massage into body. Turn on the shower and rinse. Pat dry and apply a rich moisturizer. This makes a great exfoliating scrub and leaves your skin soft and glowing. Turmeric powder is also excellent for your skin. Mix turmeric powder along with a little lemon juice and wash off after 10 minutes. Be careful though the yellow tends to stain the face, so do this before going to bed. You can make an excellent face mask by mixing 2 tablespoons papaya pulp with 10 drops of lemon juice. Rinse off after 20 minutes. You've heard it said again and again - you can never drink too much water, but what's even better is water to which a twist of lemon has been added. (No sweet or other spices - we're not talking lemon water here!) This is not only great for your health, but good for your complexion as well.  Step by Step to Steam Cleansing Most skin types benefit from regular steaming, but don't steam your face if you have thread veins as it would only worsen the condition. Also, don't steam your face more than once a week. it may dry your skin excessively. Bring a quarter of water to boil and take it to the table. Add the juice of half a lemon and a handful of any herbs (basil or mint). Tie back your hair and drape a towel over your head and the bowl to form a tent, to trap the steam. After you've steamed your face for fifteen minutes, gently squeeze out blackheads, if any, and splash it with cold water to close pores. Apply a moisturizer 15 minutes later.  A Natural Bleach Streak your hair the natural way. Add lemon to strands of hair and sit in the sun for fifteen minutes. Do this sparingly because it could damage dry hair. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on hyper-pigmented areas like your elbows and knees to lighten them. Mix a few drops lemon juice with an equal amount of honey if you have dry skin, or with cucumber juice if your skin is oily. Wash off after 15 minutes. Get rid of age spots. Cut a lemon wedge and hold it directly on the spot for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this every day until the spots lighten or vanish altogether! Lemon is good for removing stains on teeth - rub with the peel, then rinse with water. Hair Care For hair that shines, add the juice of a lemon to one cup water. Pour it over your hair after shampooing as a final rinse. Do not rinse off. Squeeze lemon juice in your hair while rinsing off the shampoo. This removes shampoo residue from your hair and smells great! Troubled by hair loss? Try this: Mix the juice of one lemon with 4 tbsp coconut milk. Massage it into your scalp and wash off after half an hour. Do this at least once a week to arrest hair fall.  And More... Instant refreshment for your face: Add lemon to water and freeze it. Rub your face with this lemon and ice cubes whenever you're hot, tired or simply bored... Soak your fingertips in a mixture of 1 cup warm water and the juice of 1/2 lemon for about 5 minutes. Rinse and pat dry, pushing back cuticles as you dry. Rub lemon peel over your nails and buff with a soft cloth. This is great for your nails. Do this once a week. Adding lemon to a warm bath helps to invigorate the body. You come out from your bath feeling fresh and fabulous!

5 Mins To A Creamy Complexion

If you don't apply foundation before going out, you're making a mistake. Foundation, if applied well, can make your skin look soft, smooth, flawless and simply spectacular.  Make sure the foundation matches your skin tone.  Do you have a sponge for applying foundation? If not, get one. It ensures an even application.  Mix a little moisturizer in your foundation. Most skins are dehydrated even though we may not realize it. In any case, moisturizer adds a sheen to the foundation.  Mix an equal amount of foundation and moisturizer in the palm of your hand, and wipe it over your face.  Blend it with a damp sponge and finish off with a dusting of compact powder. And voila! You won't be able to tear your eyes away from the mirror.