How milk is so good for skin?

Milk has numerous ingredients including lactic acid, calcium, potassium, vitamin B12, B6, A and D2, magnesium and proteins. These wonderful minerals help in regenerating cells, hydrating and moisturizing the skin, repairing tissues, boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

Apart from these, milk acts as an amazing skin cleansing, exfoliating, anti-ageing, anti-pigmentation agent. With all these benefits, you cannot deny that milk is an excellent skin care ingredient.

How to get Acne free face

Many teenagers have acne, and for some it is a distressing and persistent problem. Outbreaks of pimples, blackhead, whiteheads, and cysts occur on the face and sometimes on the chest and back. The cause is a surge of hormones during puberty that stimulates the oil-producing glands in the skin, making them prone to blockage and infection. Acne tends to clear up over time, but the spots may leave scars. Attacks of acne in adult life can be triggered by factors such as stress, changes in the weather, and using certain cosmetics.

DRUG REMEDIES

How to stop dandruff and hairfall

In this harmless but sometimes embarrassing condition, excessive amounts of skin cells flake off the scalp. They show up as white flakes in your hair, and on your shoulders if you wear dark clothes. Your scalp may also be itchy and red, and your eyelids, nose, and forehead may be affected. Dandruff is usually associated with the growth of a yeast-like fungus on the scalp, or it can be a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis - a scaly, itchy rash that can also affect the eyelids. Dandruff I smore common in men and may be made worse by stress, illness, and some hair products. Scaly, flaking skin on a baby’s scalp is known as cradle cap.

How to Stay Beautiful with Proper Makeup

When you look good, your self-confidence automatically gets high. This is truer for women. It is therefore necessary for women to look for good beauty tips that they can follow and apply on themselves. Following the tips properly will enable a woman to attain a beautiful and attractive look. Women of every age, she can be a matured woman or an adolescent girl, always desires to look very beautiful. Getting a beautiful look does not imply that one has to spend in excess. Women always want to look really fresh. Middle aged women also try to make themselves look younger than what they actually are. It is important that as a woman, you follow some basic guidelines. First of all, you need to have a check on the type of food you eat on a daily basis. This article shares some beauty and makeup tips with you so that you do not have to spend a lot of money in the parlor in order to attain a beautiful look.

It is always advisable to keep the look as much natural as you can. Therefore, it is always wise to use very little makeup. Your rosy cheeks can be highlighted more with some gentle brushing. The makeup should b done in a limited manner. Especially, too much makeup on the cheeks can make you look bad. Your purpose should be to make the cheeks appear vibrant and healthy. Too much of makeup can disturb the balance of the look.

Eye Makeup

When it comes to makeup for eyes, it is good to apply dark coloured eyeliner. It will be very effective in making the eyes look lively. It will really help you to get a stunning look. Brown and black shades are the ones that fashionable women choose most commonly. The makeup for the eye must always be kept light and very balanced. If you use light shades. It can make you look older than what you are.

Makeup for the Lips

Lip gloss is a good option that you can choose when you want to make your lips look smooth and tender. A good lip gloss will be effective in keeping the lips dry. It will also protect the lips from the wind or the heat. Lip gloss with UV protection is very much useful in keeping the lips protected from extreme heat. You can also highlight the lips with the lip gloss.

It is important for you to highlight those parts of your face that are most attractive. It is vital that you know your face well so that you can apply the right makeup. It is also necessary for you to know the tricks of hiding the blemishes in your face with the makeup.

Discussed above are some very useful tips on makeup and beauty. You need to follow them well in order to get the beautiful look that you crave for. Along with that, as said before, it is also important to follow a proper diet.

source: thelosangelesfashion

Beauty Tips for Extreme Weather Conditions

Freezing rain, blinding sun, bone-shaking wind, hair-curling humidity—any sort of drastic weather condition can put a cramp in your style. But we've got the expert tips that'll keep your hair, skin, and makeup looking great, no matter what the forecast says.

For sunny destinations

Protect your hair

UV rays can turn your hair color, so brassiness is a big concern in sun-filled locations. Besides keeping your tresses covered, Luca Blandi, senior stylist at the Oscar Blandi Salon has a go-to tip: “I often tell my clients to dilute shampoo with a little water when they travel to new places. This prevents it from stripping your hair when combined with new water.” And that's key to keeping your color fresh and true.

Condition with coconut

When it comes to hair, post-sun-time is is when you want to reach for what Dr. Howard Sobel, director of skin and spa at the New York Institute of Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery, calls “super oil”: coconut oil. Yes, like the kind you get in the health-food aisle. Besides providing deep moisture, it helps to strengthen underlying tissues and remove excessive dead cells or flaky skin on the scalp. But, he warns. “A little bit goes a long way. Run just a dime-sized amount through hair down to your ends to hydrate from root to tip.” And as an added benefit, it also tames flyaways.

Don't forget these spots

When it comes to applying SPF, these areas are often forgotten: the neck, chest, hands, ears, and scalp. Simply reminding yourself to hit them with your regular face or body sunscreen will fix that problem for all those areas but one: the scalp, where you don't want a greasy liquid, especially in hot conditions. Dr. Sobel's solution? Dust a powder-based SPF along your hair part and on the other exposed areas of your scalp. One to try: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF.

For the extreme cold

Give your hair some help

The dry air in colder climates can make your hair go limp and lifeless. And while volumizer can help, most ladies will concentrate it on their roots. But Blandi has another suggestion for times when you really need a bodifying assist: Mist it throughout the length of your hair. “It'll give it great lift and texture!”

Prep your skin

To get the best canvas for makeup, makeup artist Elle Leary advises her clients to switch to cream cleansers in very low temperatures. Why? “They are richer in hydration and in general don't have as many harsh detergents in them that make skin dryer.” Then she has them exfoliate three to four times a week with their favorite gentle facial scrub to prevent patchiness.

Go BB and CC

It's no wonder doing your makeup in humid spots seems harder, says Leary. “Makeup doesn't really work the way you are used too—it has a tendency to stick to dry spots and not blend into the skin very well.” Her suggestion? Skip your regular foundation and go for "BB" and "CC" creams (tinted moisturizers spiked with good-for-you ingredients and SPF), which let your skin breath and allow the natural glow of your skin to shine through. Then she says to skip blush—cheeks will be naturally flushed in low temperatures.

Think bold eyes

Here's something most women don't think about when it comes time to do their makeup in frigid conditions, says Leary: It's a safer bet to play up your eyes and leave your lips on the nude side. You see, since lips can get dehydrated, chapped and dry in cold weather, lipstick can settle into lines and cracks, despite your best efforts to keep them moisturized. So eyes it is. Just remember to stick to waterproof mascara and eyeliners in case your eyes tear up in those low temps.

For windy places

Tackle tangles

If you find yourself dealing with a knotted mess, here's Blandi suggestion: First, apply your favorite serum to the bottom half of your hair to give it some slip; then, very gently, work through it with a soft-bristle brush in sections, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. “Once it’s all detangled, put a few more drops of serum at the ends and secure your hair with a ponytail.”

Head off windburn

That red, ruddy, overly dry feeling you get in windy locations? “It's a combination of very cold temperatures and low humidity, causing a decrease in the natural oils found in the skin resulting in a dry, red, irritated texture,” says Dr. Sobel. So for skin that you can't comfortably keep covered, slather on an unscented moisturizer with SPF, and here's the key: Just like at the beach, you need to reapply every two hours to keep your skin both hydrated and protected from the sun's rays—an easy thing to forget without a crowd of bathing suits around you as a reminder!

Switch to blotting papers

Skin can still get oily in windy locations, which means you might find yourself needing a mid-day touch-up. But according to Leary, you need to skip powder, and instead use blotting paper to soak up any oiliness. The idea is to leave some oil on the skin for protection from the elements.

For humid or tropical locales

Tackle frizz

The war against frizz in humidity can be one tough battle. If serums and other products aren’t working, here's Blandi's trick: mousse. "It seals the cuticle and makes [the hair] more compact,” she says. Work it into wet hair and then dry as usual. Afterward, you can apply a serum or pomade for extra smoothness—just make sure to use a few drops only. Too much serum in dry hair gets greasy-looking really quickly.

Moisturize with a serum

When it comes to moisturizer, Sobel says humid climates call for serum formulations. “They still help to retain water into the skin which is needed in humid weather but won’t leave the skin feeling sticky or slimy.” So look for emollient formulations that are water-based or oil-free—they're lighter in texture and more likely to absorb into the skin quickly.

Melt-proof your makeup

Sure, you know to stay away from creamy formulas and reach for primer, but Leary has the real trick to getting makeup to stay in humid conditions: a setting spray like Merle Norman Expert Touch Finishing Spray. “They help the longevity by sealing the makeup and creating a small barrier between the skin and the environment,” she explains.

source: cntraveler

Beauty tips for perfect eyebrows

If you have light eyebrows, you may need to draw over them or shade them.

For this, you will need to choose the right shade of eyebrow pencil. If you choose a colour that's too dark, your eyebrows will look unnatural and stand out and if you use a shade that's too light, it simply won't help. So choose a colour that will suit your skin tone and features. Ideally, the shade must be two shades lighter that your actual hair colour — this way it will blend and still stand out.

While using an eyebrow pencil on your brows, remember not to colour outside your hairline. Stay within your boundary line. Also, always start with light strokes; if your use harsher strokes, the colour will be dark. If you make your eyebrows too dark, it can clash with the rest of your eye make-up. Never press the pencil too hard on your brows, especially the tip. Keep a light hand.

Keep the pencil down on your eyebrow — avoid using the pencil along the top end of the brow. Since the top arch of your eyebrow is thinner than the rest, keep the pencil as away as possible from this section.

Effective skin care tips for men

It may sound superficial but the fact remains – people do look at you and tend to judge you based on the image you project. You might be filthy rich but if you don’t look the part you will be the talk of the town. Needless to say, it is important to look your best when you step out or have company.

Contrary to the popular belief, skin care is not just for women! A man’s skin needs attention and nourishment just as much.

Before you start with a skincare routine, you’d need to find out your skin type: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. And once you’ve figured that out, you might want to know what products to pick, how to use them and also how to ensure they don’t smell too floral/feminine. Here are a few tips that will help you look your very best and of course make a lasting impression.

Start by Cleansing
If you are too lazy to do anything else, cleansing your face is the single most important thing you can do. Search for a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. If possible stay away from bar soaps as they often leave your skin feeling dry. According to Rona Berg, in her book, “Beauty,” a French cosmetics executive once told her, “Soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.” Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear cleanser if you have oily skin. But remember not to overdo it.

To shave or not to shave
Hair growth in men is fairly regular. There’s no need to shave daily. But whenever you do, ensure to choose a good razor and a shaving gel or cream that yields a close shave, kills bacteria, softens follicles and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Avoid using any shaving products that contain alcohol and parabens as they strip the natural oils from the skin leaving it dry and irritated.

Exfoliation is essential
In order to remove dead skin cells and debris, exfoliation is a must. Moreover it stimulates circulation to add a healthy glow to your skin. A recent study proves that one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.

Moisturize your skin
As men usually have oilier skin than women, they tend to wrinkle just as quickly. A light moisturizer and a nourishing cream can do wonders. If at all shaving irritates your skin, try moisturizing your skin after a shave & ideally before going to bed. A good quality moisturizer includes quality vegetable oils that do not clog pores.

Sunscreen
Celebrity Talk Show host Oprah Winfrey’s magazine ‘O’ ran an article featuring interviews with top skin care experts and dermatologists. Everyone claimed that that sunscreen is the most important part of skincare regime. Sunscreen only works if you use it properly. SPF 15 is a good start but apply it half an hour prior to stepping outdoors. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer, use SPF 30.

All said and done, remember that you need not spend lavishly on expensive lotions and creams. And you don’t need to be worried about carrying the label of a metrosexual anymore. Taking care of skin is perfectly normal. So, think of us as your one-stop resource for all things grooming related and then breathe a sigh of relief because looking your best just got easier.

How to prevent genetic hair loss?

Temporary hair loss often occurs after an illness or period of stress, or because of a skin infection such as ringworm. Chemical hair treatments and hairstyles and hats that pull on the hair can contribute to the problem. Some drugs and long-term illnesses cause hair loss, and women may lose hair temporarily after childbirth. Permanent hair loss is usually hereditary and can begin to affect men as early as in their twenties. Women who inherit the trait develop thin hair later in life but do not usually become bald.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor if :
* You have been losing hair rapidly or in patches in recent weeks
* You think your hair loss may be due to a medication or an illness
* You are pulling your hair out

NATURAL REMEDIES
Protein and iron protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, including hair. Make sure about on sixth of your total calorie intake is made up of foods such as meat, fish, cheese, and nuts. Iron also helps maintain hair health, so eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as cereals, beans, fish, poultry, meat, and leafy green vegetables.

DRUG REMEDIES
Minoxidil preparation can slow down or prevent hereditary hair loss in a proportion of men and women. The treatment is applied twice daily and needs to be used continually, as its effect starts to wear off as soon as it is stopped. You may have to wait for up to a year before you notice any improvement. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Using minoxidil
Apply the lotion to areas of hair loss using an applicator and spread it with your fingertips.

What you can do yourself
There is little you can do to prevent hereditary hair loss, but treatments may reverse some of its effects. For temporary hair loss, try the following to slow hair thinning and encourage regrowth.

* Fad diets and crash diets may contribute to hair loss. Make sure you include plenty of protein and iron in your diet.

* Avoid using hair dyes and treatments to perm or straighten your hair. They contain chemicals that may make hair brittle and liable to break at the roots.

* Don’t wear your hair in a style that pulls on your scalp, or wear a cap or hat continuously unless you have to wear headgear for your work.

* Let your hair dry naturally if possible, rather than using a hairdryer. Don’t pull on your hair with a brush or comb when it is wet.

* If your hair is thinning, a good haircut can make a difference. Short, blunt cuts can make hair appear thicker. Some men prefer to cut their hair very short, or shave it off, to disguise a receding hairline.

* If you are in the early stages of hereditary hair loss, you can try a preparation containing minoxidil that may restore hair.

Top remedies for dry skin

When your skin lacks moisture it tends to be itchy and flaky. It may look red, rough, and scaly and, in severe cases, become cracked and inflamed. You are most likely to develop dry skin on your lower legs, arms, and the backs of your hands because these areas produce less of the natural oils that seal moisture into the skin. Your skin also becomes drier as you get older and during the menopause. You may develop sore, rough, chapped skin on your face in dry, cold weather, or if your face gets wet repeatedly and is not dried properly.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Oatmeal bath oil is soothing and moisturizing for dry, itchy skin. Add it to a warm bath and soak for 10-20 minutes.

Seek medical advice if:
* You still have dry, chapped skin after trying the measures described above

* Your skin becomes inflamed and bleeds

What you can do yourself
There are plenty of easy-to-use remedies that reduce the discomfort of dry, itchy skin and improve its appearance. Use the following measure.

* Have baths rather than showers (which tend to strip oils from the skin) no more than once a day in warm, rather than hot, water. Don’t use perfumed or medicated bath products or soaps.

* Use moisturizing cream or ointment instead of soap or add an emollient bath additive to your bath (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* After your bath, apply a moisturizing cream (see DRUG REMEDIES). Reapply it frequently to exposed areas such as your hands and face, especially after washing or if you are outdoors for long periods in cold weather. Keep tubes of cream around the house and at work to use during the day.

* Alternatively, use a bath oil containing oatmeal (see NATURAL REMEDIES).

PREVENTION
Preventing dryness if your skin tends to get dry or chapped, try the following measures.

* Don’t overheat your home. In centrally heated rooms keep the air moist by fitting humidifying devices to radiators, or put bowls of water near them.

* Wear rubber gloves for household cleaning and gloves for gardening and other outdoor activities.

* Limit sunbathing. Use a sunscreen when you are out in the sun. At high altitudes, use a sunscreen formulated for skiing or a total sunblock.

* Rinse your laundry well and don’t use fabric conditioners; they may irritate your skin.

DRUG REMEDIES
Emollient bath additives

contain substances such as light liquid paraffin that disperse in water to make a soothing, milky bath that also cleans the skin. Soak for 10-20 minutes and pat yourself dry gently to keep the emollient on your skin.

Moisturizers can be used for washing and to protect and soothe dry skin. Use aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment in the bath and when you wash. Rinse of thoroughly, pat your skin dry, and then apply more aqueous cream.

Aqueous cream Apply aqueous cream liberally to your skin while it is still moist after a bath.

How to prevent morning puffed face?

There are a few things we don't like to look at early in the morning; a basin full of dirty dishes, a dozen work emails waiting to be answered, zero food for breakfast, and topping the list - a bloated puffy face. In order to look your best at all times, there are a few bed-time habits that will serve you well. Want to know how to avoid the morning bloated face? Take a look...

Lack of water: If your body is dehydrated, your blood vessels will enlarge especially around your stomach, ankles and face. To reduce your chances of water retention, one glass of water is advised before you sleep. Your swollen face will be a thing of the past.

Wipe out: After an over night party, we are just too lazy to wipe off the make up, even if it’s just the eyeliner or lipstick. If you have sensitive skin you will tend to look like a bubble gum the next morning. Also remember to check the contents, avoid products that contain additives, colours and fragrance, it will only irritate your skin. Wash it off completely with cool water and pat dry.

Hit the snooze button: You need seven to eight hours of sleep. Say no to caffeine related beverages and tea if you don’t want to wake when everyone is asleep. Also elevate your head when you're sleeping as it will help you avoid water retention. Alcohol is also a big no no, better to avoid booze the previous night if you have that life changing business meeting the next morning.

When you wake up: This may sound unconventional, but a good home remedy for puffiness is tea bags; place them on your eyes in the morning for 10-15 minutes. Or you could use refrigerated cucumbers. Or another method is to place a cool refrigerated towel on your face for 10 minutes. Another cooling solution is to immerse your face in a large bowl of cold water for ten seconds.

Watch your salt intake: Most of us overlook our bloated swollen face, but it is a sign from the heavens that something is not right. Puffiness is a symptom of hypothyroidism that targets the elderly. Or you could be a victim of Addison's disease that affects adrenal glands stopping the production of cortisol. Allergies also make your face balloon out of proportion. Another reason behind your extreme water retention could be increased intake of salt.

Face & Neck: effective tips to take care

1. Tomatoes cut in half and rubbed over the face are useful in toning up and whitening the skin, and refining the pores.

2. To give a velvety smoothness to your skin, just throw in little starch to your bath water.

3. For a good complexion, wash your face in the morning, with rain water stored in glass jars

4. Clean the face with cotton pads soaked in raw milk. Tub the face gently with it from the chin upwards.

5. For a supple skin, put a spoonful of ground nutmeg, in water and splash this over the face.

6. Apply a solution of lemon juice and basil leaf juice on the face. Allow it to dry and wash off

7. Grated raw potato applied to the face keeps the face cool and smooth

8. Mix a little lemon juice with barley powder and milk form a thick paste. Apply this of on the face

9. Massage your face with a mixture of equal parts of baby oil and table salt to remove dead surface skin and to soften the skin.

10. The paste of fenugreek seeds blended with boiled with milk is an effective cosmetic

11. A teaspoon of gram four mixed with cream, sandal paste, and turmeric powder to form a paste and applied on the paste half an hour before the bath is an excellent beauty aid

12. Drink the juice of basil leaf mixed with a little honey twice a day on a glowing face.

13. For men, who have rough and hard skin due to frequent shaving apply 20 per cent solution of hydrogen peroxide in water with a cotton pad.

14. Use a mixture of lemon juice and glycerin as an excellent substitute

15. Rub the leaves of ride gourd on the face couple of times daily to remove dark
patches from the face

16. If yiu have hollow cheeks try massaging gently in slow circular movements from mouth and chin upwards towards the ear with warm almond oil. This will, to a certain extent being fullness to your cheeks.

17. For a lustrous and glowing skin, apply the paste made with dry basil leaved powder and water. Leave it for one or two hour before washing your face.

18. A little rouge blended into the chin and eyelids will help to give length to a round face.

19. Grind dry lime rinds with bengal gram dal store in fridge. When required mix with curd and leave on face for 10 minutes. Your skin will be bright and soft.

20. Grind some rose petal with sandal wood. Apply on face after 10 minutes wash off. Your skin will be bright and soft.

21. Rubbing an ice on the face is healthy for the skin.

22. Beat a yolk with one tablespoon of olive oil. Smooth the mixture over your face
and leave for 20 minutes. Wash with wamr water, pat dry.

23. Beat two tablespoon of lemon juice, one yolk and tablespoon of honey till it
thickens. Apply and leave until it dries. Rinse well

24. Apply a tablespoon of raw papaya paste on the face and leave for 15 minutes.
Rinse off to get clear skin

25 Make a paste of two almonds, two tablespoon of milk, one tablespoon of carrot
juice, and one tablespoon of orange juice. Apply a thick coat on the face and leave
for half an hour. Wash off. It will leave your face tingling and glowing

26. Yoghurt and mashed cucumber have a toning and freshening effect

27. Egg white with yoghurt softens the skin

How to apply perfume effectively?

Most effective ideas to use perfume

1. To allow the perfume to set before stepping outdoors apply perfume at least 20 minutes earlier

2. To give a lovely smell to your clothes add a little perfume into your steam iron

3. Rub perfume on the palm of your hand the press the palm in the nape on your wrists and elbows and on the hairline of your elbow.

4. Smear a drop of Vaseline on the areas where you would like to dab on your
perfume. The scent will linger for long hours

5. leave unscrewed unused perfume bottles among your lingerie for that lovely smell

6. Soak a small pad of cotton and pin it up inside your clothes or dress for the
scent to waft around you.

7. A little perfume in the hair goes a long way.

8. Soak leftover pieces of bath soap in warm water. Wash your handkerchief in the
soapy water for a mild perfume

9. If you have not had the time to wash your hair before attending the party,
freshen it up by dabbling cologne on the hair roots

Energize by Brushing and Bathing Away Toxins

I first heard about dry skin brushing from my friend Ann Louse Gittleman, Ph.D., who highly recommends the practice as part of her famous “fat flush” program. I’ve since become a convert.

Think about it. The skin is the Body’s largest organ, eliminating about a pound of waste a day through the pores. If you’re trying to rid your body of energy-depleting substances, helping the skin perform its natural functions makes a lot of sense. Detox experts believe dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to promote the body’s natural detoxification process.

If you want to give this a try, use a natural-bristle brush – soft, but stiff enough to cause some friction – with a long handle for those hard-to-reach parts of the body. Before you begin, make sure the room is warm and you have plenty of towels and a comfortable place to sit. (Note: It’s a good idea to make sure you won’t be disturbed so you can do this quietly without interruption).

Using firm, rhythmic strokes, brush the sole of your right foot, then move to the top of your foot and ankle. Brush your shin and calf, then your knee to the top of your thigh, covering the area several times. Next, brush your buttocks. Always brush in an upward direction, and cover the whole surface. Repeat on the left side of your body, again starting with sole.

The skin is the body’s largest organ, eliminating about a pound of waste a day through the pores.

Brush your back from the waist to the shoulders and neck, covering the whole surface several times. Now brush your right arm. Begin with the palm of your hand, then the back of your hand, and brush from your wrist tot your elbow in an upward direction. Male sure you brush your entire forearm. Next, brush from your elbow to your shoulder, in upward strokes, covering the surface of your upper arm. Repeat the procedure on your left arm.

Lightly brush your abdomen in a circular, counterclockwise motion, to follow the flow of your intestines. Brush lightly around and over you breasts, avoiding your nipples. Because the skin on your neck is very sensitive, either avoid brushing it or brush very lightly.

Either with a softer brush or a dry flannel, carefully brush your face. Take a warm shower or bath. You may want to end with contrast showers – 3 minutes of warm water, followed by 1 minute of cold water. You can repeat the cycle, but be sure to end with the cold rinse.

WORTH KNOWING
You can accelerate the detoxification process by soaking away toxins in an Epsom salts bath, which many people find both relaxing and energizing. Epsom salts are nothing more than magnesium sulfate, and magnesium is one of the most relaxing nutrients on the planet. It’s absorbed into the skin and may help flush toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Make sure your tub is very clean before filling it with the hottest water you can stand. Add 2 cups (96 g) of Epsom salts (you can build up to 4 cups. Or 195 g) and soak for at least 15 minutes (or as long as half an hour). Then take a shoer and dry off with a clean towel.

Dry skin brushing is a great accompaniment to your Far infrared sauna experience (see below). Try brushing before or after your sauna – it’s a totally energizing experience that will relax and invigorate you at the same time.

Great Ideas For Natural Facial Mask

Facial Mask

1. Make a mask that is ideal for sensitive skin as well as useful to rid eruptions like acne. Mix together almond, sandalwood, egg white, honey and yoghurt into a paste and apply on the face.

2. Milk cream mask is another great mask. With a few drops of lemon juice in raw milk, the mask brightens up dull, sallow and dry complexion. It is best to apply it half an hour before bath.

3. Beat the white of an egg until stuff. Add five tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply it on the face. Wipe clean with a soft towel dipped in hot water followed by dipping it in cold water. For oily skin, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. For a dry skin add a teaspoon of honey.

4. To make turmeric cleansing mask, combine one and half teaspoon of turmeric powder and lemon juice

5. For an oatmeal mask, mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with enough milk to make a paste. Beat a yolk and beat into a paste. You can substitute glycerin for yolk.

6. For a cleansing mask mix together equal quantities of oatmeal and cucumber juice

7. To prepare Fuller’s earth mask mix two tablespoon of fuller’s earth and three spoons of milk

8. Extract the juice of potato. Add Fuller’s earth to make a thick paste

9. Cucumber mixed with Fuller’s earth helps to clean dirt in the skin

10. Boiled and mashed turnips mixed with a little yoghurt is good for cleansing mask

11. Mashed strawberries have excellent cleansing properties.

12. Regular application ripe mashed papaya on the face leaves the skin clean, smooth

13. Carrot mask containing juice from half a carrot, and a quarter teaspoon honey is excellent for a sensitive skin as carrot has plenty of vitamin A

14. Avocado mask made of the pulp of a quarter avocados a beaten yolk and half a teaspoon of honey is perfect for dry skin.

15. Potato mask comprising one tablespoon raw grate potato and half teaspoon of curd is an ideal mask for dry skin

16. To make simple oatmeal, soak one and half tablespoon of oatmeal in a little milk for 15 minutes.

17. Cucumber mask made of half a cup of mashed cucumber the white of an egg and two teaspoon skimmed milk powder is ideal for a sluggish and tired face.

18. Beat an egg and one teaspoon honey for dry skin, and lemon juice instead of honey and oily skin

19. Prepare honey mask by combining one tablespoon each of Fuller’s earth and honey for combination skin.

20. Use parsley mask comprising one bunch of parsley leaves and one tablespoon honey gives elasticity to the skin

21. Honey and egg mask having an egg a teaspoon each of sesame oil and honey gives and elasticity to the skin

22. Make starch mask with one tablespoon of starch and water. Massage your face with little olive oil. Then apply mask and leave for 20 minutes

23. Honey face mask can be made with half a teaspoon each of honey and barley into which is added a frothy egg.

24. Make an egg nousse facial mask with an egg white, one teaspoon cream and a quarter of castor sugar all beaten well

25. To prepare all purpose masks, mix together a teaspoon of curd, lemon juice, carrot juice, and gelatin, two teaspoon of brewer’s yeast, and half teaspoon each of barley powder and olive oil. The fruit and vegetable juice supple minerals and vitamin, barley give protein, yeast stimulates blood flow, and curd cleanses the skin

26. Make an almond mask with four almonds soaked in water &grounded and mixed with two tablespoons of milk and one tablespoon of orange juice, and the contents of one vitamin A capsule.

Facial Packs

1. The cream of milk makes a good facial mask

2. Fuller’ earth pack is good for an oily, large pored skin

3 Make banana honey pack with half a banana and half a teaspoon of honey

4. Make a winter pack of one tablespoon of wheat germ mixed with olive oil to make paste

Nose

1. Dab some cucumber juice before applying foundation or powder. This will give a smooth effect to the nose

2. Tweeze the inner corners of the eyebrows to counteract the upturned shape of the nose

3. For a long nose, the hair of your eyebrows should be tweezed to forma line at a decided angle to the line of the nose

4. To offset a broad or puffy nose, apply darker shade of powder on both sides of the nose. Blend well with usual foundation

Pores

1. Ice wrapped in cotton wool, and rub gently on the face closes open pores.

2. Add a grain of camphor to beaten egg white. Mix well and spread this on the face then rinse well

3. The fresh juice of cucumber and honey are usually beneficial

4. Massage tomato pulp on the face to close open pores. Tomatoes have astringent and anti ten enzymes

5. Soak a cotton pad in buttermilk. Pat over face and allow drying. Rinse off.

6. Apricot with tomato pulp is an excellent pore shirker.

7. Equal quantities of tomato juice and buttermilk rubbed of the face shrinks the large pores.

8. Lettuce leave juice and a few drops of lemon juice make an excellent pore tighter

9. Soak five almonds for an hour. Grind and mix with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply on the face. After 15 minutes rinse off with tepid water

10. Clean your face with warm water. Add two tablespoon of milk of magnesia, rinse off after 20 minutes, with tepid water then cold water.

11. Rub half a lemon over the entire face and allow it to dry. Wash off

Neck

1. Mix the juice of lemon with a little oatmeal or gram flour. Apply on the neck and leave for 15 minutes. Wash it off. This takes care of wrinkles and whitens the skin.

2. Mix together rose water, glycerin and egg white. Apply over neck. Allow to dry before rinsing off. This is an excellent for lined and wrinkled neck

3. To bleach and smoothen dry skins on the neck rub the pulp of an avocado with lemon juice.

4. Rub pure cucumber juice to bleach the neck

Winter Skin-Care Secrets From Celeste Hilling

Winter is finally here! And with it comes several things that could ravage your skin -- from whihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifpping winds to sub-zero temperatures. To protect your face -- and put the best one you can forward -- we nabbed some healthy epidermal tips from Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority, a beauty line carried at Murale.

When it comes to winterizing skin, what should everyone be doing?

"Winterizing skin is all about hydration. During winter, skin cell production slows way down and goes into a bit of hibernation. This slow-down means, without daily exfoliation, dead cells sit on the skin's surface. With this build-up, regardless of the price of the moisturizer you put on, it will not sink in. I recommend using a natural resurfacing agent such as glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead surface skin cells to be replaced with new, plump ones."

Why is it important to protect skin from the elements?

"In winter, people with sensitive skin tend to have more reactivity than other times of the year because of dry air inside and cold temps outside. To replace moisture that is being lost during the day, I recommend carrying a hydrating mask in your bag that you can spritz on easily and quickly. Think of the frequency of spritzing as you do with sunscreen application while at the beach: reapply every two hours.

And, speaking of sunscreen… the glare of sun bouncing off snow is intense. To ensure your sunscreen works for you this winter: Apply to all exposed skin, which in the winter months often includes our faces, neck, ears, décolletage, hands, forearms, feet and ankles. Use a sunscreen that gives you full-spectrum protection. To determine the quality, check the SPF number on the label (those with SPF 15 or greater yield the best results)."

Indoor heat and chilly outdoor temperatures can leave your skin rough, dry and itchy. Most of us reach for that bottle of lotion to cure this common winter woe. But the ingredients list on most brand-name lotions usually reads like a science experiment. Go back to basics with an all-natural fix that will quench your skin without chemical additives.

DIY Fix: Soothing Beeswax Body Lotion

What you'll need: Avocado oil, grape seed oil or jojoba oil, beeswax pellets, water, aloe vera gel and the essential oil of your choice.

How to make it:

1. Start by melting three tablespoons of cosmetic-grade beeswax pellets - which you can find for less than $5 at a local health food store. For best results, put your pellets into a glass bowl, and place the bowl over a pot of boiling water until pellets are melted.

2. Gradually stir in 1 cup of the oil of your choice. Jojoba oil works great for sensitive skin or skin that is prone to breakouts, while avocado and grape seed oil soothe extra-dry skin. All can be found at your local health food store on the cheap.

3. Remove the mixture from heat, and stir in 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. If you have an aloe plant at home, just squeeze some gel out of an aloe leaf, or purchase pure aloe vera gel from your local natural foods store.

4. Use a hand blender or whisk to whip your lotion. Slowly add five tablespoons of water and continue to whip. The mixture should begin to thicken and resemble store-bought lotion. Add a few drops of essential oil , and mix some more.

5. Allow your lotion to set for at least 20 minutes before using, and store in a glass mason jar for up to two weeks.

What are some of your trade secret ways to protect skin?

“Use anti-inflammatory ingredients to beat redness and irritation. I love moisturizers that include mango, shea butter, olive oil, bergamot and aloe.

Take quick, lukewarm showers. Hot water can be damaging to skin when indoor air tends to be dryer. Exfoliate from head to toe to slough off dead skin cells and apply lotion as soon as you step out of the shower to seal in moisture.

Think about your alcohol consumption at holiday parties. Have one glass of water per each alcohol drink to avoid dehydration.

The eye area is a reflection of dehydration and late nights. I suggest eye massages in a.m. and p.m. with your fingers to reduce puffiness.

Forget hoarding 20 skin-care products. In reality, you need two or three. In the morning, you need a mild gel cleanser, an antioxidant such as Vitamin C and a sunscreen moisturizer. Before going to bed, use resurfacing ingredients such as AHAs and retinols in addition to restorative peptides."

What is the one thing people always forget to do/add to their skin-care regimen when it comes to winter skin care?

"Even though we talk about summer as the time a lot of hyper-pigmentation is accumulated, the effects (freckles, red spots, uneven skin tone) don't show until the winter. So, change your way of thinking about only treating sun spots in the summer. Treat them in the winter too!"

source: huffingtonpost

Makeup tips for evening party

Makeup changes your look completely. Based on the occasion, time and your outfit, you do makeup. Makeup is basically known to glam the evening as it is the time to highlight your beautiful face with sparkling eye makeup and blusher. New Year parties are round up this weekend so plan your outfit and makeup before! Take a look at the party makeup for the perfect evening.

Makeup tips for evening party:

1. Prepare your team for makeup by cleansing, toning and moisturizing. This is an important makeup tip to cleanse the skin and make the makeup last longer.

2. Now apply little foundation on your face and neck. Pick up the foundation shade which is lighter than the skin tone. Blend on the skin to get the natural look.

3. If you have pimples or dark spots on your face, use a concealer. The concealer shade should match with the foundation shade. Take a drop of the concealer on your fingertip and apply on the face. Let the concealer blend with the foundation. Follow up with little powder.

4. Now use a blusher on your cheeks to get the glittery shine. You can also go for non-glitter blusher. With a brush, apply it on the cheeks. Blusher can be of the skin tone or any other colour such as pink or rose to get the rosy cheeks.

5. Eye makeup for evening is the most dramatic. You can easily highlight your eyes with sparkling makeup. Party makeup is basically based on the eye makeup. You can go bold with doe eye makeup for party or try glittery eye shadows to get the stylish chic look. Depending on your outfit, pick up eye shadow colours and highlight those beautiful eyes.

6. You can also blend 2-3 eye shadows for the perfect party makeup. Finish the eye makeup with an eye liner and kajal on the eyelids.

7. Lip gloss finishes any party or evening makeup. Go for nude lip gloss if your eyes are already highlighted with dark eye shadow. Loud makeup can look odd so, a light lip colour is best for the elegant evening look.

8. Hairstyle can vary depending on the mood and outfit. You can make a French bun or leave your hair open. Don't forget to apply serum or mousse to set the hair and make it manageable.

Follow these makeup tips for the perfect evening party!

Easy Tips to Fix Hair Disasters

No more bad hair days, but without the help of a stylist? Yes, it's not impossible if you use these 6 simple tips to fix hair disasters.

The list of hair disasters we often do to locks is almost infinite.
Those who are addicted to experimenting with homemade hair trimming and coloring can tell us a lot about the unfortunate results of various beauty sessions.

However, there's no need to shy away of sculpting adventures, just make sure you keep these 6 simple tips to fix hair disasters at hand.

1. Choppy Bangs Disaster

Don't panic if you've trimmed your fringe and happened to cut it too short. There's a stylish and quick fix for your beauty disaster. Brush your bangs to the side and use a cute bobby pin to secure the locks. In order to keep locks in the perfect spot, apply a tiny amount of styling cream with an oily texture. This formula will soften the locks and makes styling way more easy. Finish up styling your bangs with a blow dryer to seal the effect of the styling cream.


2. Dry Hair Disaster

Lifeless locks can ruin your look, especially if you over-use the blow dryer and other heated appliances. In order to solve this beauty disaster, it is highly recommended to apply a leave-in-conditioner on your tresses.

Leave at least 5 minutes for the formula to penetrate into the depth of your hair follicles. Keep in mind the fact that the crown section dries the fastest. Therefore, start the drying process with the lower strands and leave the delicate areas for the end. This secret will help you keep frizz at bay.

3. Oily Hair Disaster

Greasy locks scream for a lifesaving beauty fix. In order to preserve the revitalized condition of your tresses all you have to do is use a conditioner.

The secret to success is in the way you'll apply this common hair care product. Work your way up on the strands and make sure you massage the conditioner into the locks uniformly. If your hair is extremely greasy, skip applying any conditioner on the roots. An extra tip would be also to keep away of frizz serums and hot-oil treatments along with combined shampoos.

4. Super-Fine and Limp Hair Disaster

In order to bring out the most of your super-fine strands it is important to pay special attention to styling. Besides using volumizing products, it is also important to keep in mind the fact that it is highly recommended to towel-dry tresses first and then start the blow-drying process. Furthermore, you can also boost the volume of your locks by tying your strands in loose braids or a bun before going to bed. Apply a tiny amount of mousse on your hair beforehand and notice the dazzling result of your beauty session in the morning.

5. Over processed Hair Disaster

The solution to this hair disaster is super-simple if you're ready to take up the fight against deterioration. Hair gurus recommend the use of organic coconut oil, yogurt and egg masks to restore the flawless condition of your tresses. Massage the hair pack into your locks to take full advantage of the revitalizing effect of natural recipes. In addition to this beauty ritual you must also apply a tiny amount of olive oil on your dry and frizzy strands. Do this at least twice a week to repair the harsh damages.

6. Blonde Hair Gone Green Disaster

Blonde hair is extremely vulnerable. Therefore, it is a must to pay attention to your shade. Excessive exposure to the rays of the sun along with chlorinated water can do great damages to your hair color. Once the disaster happened, you can use ketchup to restore the fabulous shade of your tresses. Massage ketchup into your hair and leave it on for 25-30 minutes, finally rinse it off with tepid water. The red pigments will neutralize the green ones.

source: hair.becomegorgeous

How to Keep Your Skin Healthy

What You Need To Know

* Your diet can have a big influence on your skin, with foods rich in antioxidants bringing the most benefits.
* Yo-yo diets can damage the skin by causing stretch marks and wrinkles.
* Smoking reduces blood flow to your skin, accelerating the appearance of ageing.
* Make sure, that whether it comes from natural or artificial sources, you don’t allow your skin to be over-exposed to UV light.
* Getting a good nights sleep and doing plenty of exercise are two of the surest ways to keep your skin looking healthy

Watch your Diet

What you eat can have a massive influence on how healthy your skin looks, meaning sticking to a sensible diet is imperative.

In particular, foods rich in antioxidants have been identified as being best for the skin.

So, top skin-friendly health foods include spinach and other green, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, blueberries, beans, peas and lentils and, of course, fish, especially salmon.

Conversely, certain foods have been linked with skin damage, with greasy junk food in particular having been identified as being among the worst culprits when it comes to bringing on premature ageing.

However, rather than worrying about which specific foods are the best for healthy skin, the Mayo Clinic advises that you "concentrate on a healthy diet in general", as many of the foods that promote good overall health are also beneficial to the skin.

Also, note that extreme yo-yo diets can be damaging to the skin, causing unsightly stretch marks and wrinkles.

You should also make an effort to drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to your skin drying up and looking older than your years.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Aside from watching your diet, you should also aim to maintain a healthy all-round lifestyle if you want your skin to look as good as it can.

Above all, if you’re a smoker you should either cut down or quit the habit altogether.

Smoking serves to narrow the blood flow to the skin, accelerating the onset of wrinkles and making you look older than you actually are.

In comparison, enjoying regular exercise increase blood and oxygen flow around the body, sending more to the skin and keeping it fresh and young-looking.

Stay Positive

Being stressed or worried can play havoc on the skin, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing, as well as even ‘adult acne’.

This is due to the fact that, when a person is under stress, the adrenal gland is stimulated into producing too much of the chemical that keeps the skin moisturised, causing this to block pores and even leading to eventual infection.

As such, it’s a good idea to try and avoid getting wound up and maintain a positive mental attitude whenever possible.

Keeping a positive mental attitude can also ensure that you don’t turn to alcohol or unhealthy foods and thereby cause even more damage.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Though you may think you look good with a glowing tan, the truth is that too much exposure to the sun can cause significant long-term damage to the skin.

That’s not to say you should avoid the sun at all times. Far from it, in fact, as sunlight has been proven to boost overall physical and mental wellbeing.

However, you should always use sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours or after being in water and, if possible, try and avoid the midday sun, when the rays are at their strongest and most-damaging.

Look out for higher ‘SPF’ sun creams containing the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both of which reflect sunlight and can help combat the anti-aging process.

Don’t think that getting a tan using a sunbed is any better for your skin. Cancer Research UK advises that sunbeds also give out harmful UV rays, damaging the skin’s DNA, causing premature ageing and increasing the risk of cancer.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

As well as all of the above, you should also aim to get a good night’s sleep as often as possible in order to maintain a fresh look.

So, work out how much sleep you need each night in order to feel refreshed the morning after and try to get this amount as often as you can.

Investing in a vitamin-packed night cream can also help ensure you wake up feeling fresh-faced.
Invest in Lotions and Potions

For sure, a large number of the so-called anti-aging creams, lotions, oils and gels available over the counter are largely ineffectual and, as such, likely to be a waste of money. But don’t tar all of them with the same brush.

However, it’s not enough to just invest in skincare products. You also need to keep a diligent cleansing routine, taking care to remove any make-up you may be wearing at the end of each day, and it’s recommended that you exfoliate around once a week.

Moreover, regular facial massages can also work wonders; by stimulating circulation and toning up the facial muscles, facials can be a great way of holding back the years.

source: uknetguide

Beauty lies in the lens

Considering the risks and responsibility involved, no ophthalmologist will be quick to approve the use of lenses.

In high school there are divisions and cliques, maybe not as distinct as those in Mean Girls or Freaks and Geeks, but they are still there. The groups give rise to a number of stereotypes and labels. One such example is that of the ‘nerd’—the typical hallmark of one are the spectacles. However, with the coming of Harry Potter and even some Indian movies such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, spectacles aren’t considered as dorky anymore. There are stories of kids deliberately doing poorly at the eye doctor’s (ophthalmologist) to get a prescription. However, the wish to be rid of them, at least on occasion, still persists every now and then.

In this scenario, the contact lenses make their entry. They may be used to just correct the vision, but some may also want to use coloured lenses. Parents and ophthalmologists are reluctant in allowing the use of contact lenses in preteens and teens. Firstly, the eye continually changes throughout the first 20 years, when finally the vision becomes static. Secondly, contact lenses are high maintenance and failing to adhere to the lens care regimen can have permanent consequences for the eyes.

Considering the risks and responsibility involved, no ophthalmologist will be quick to approve the use of lenses. But, if you must, then precautions are necessary. Here are a few to guide you:

Before buying contacts, visit your eye specialist with a list of all the relevant questions. Buy them from a reputed optician; don’t sneak off with your friend to a dingy shop where they are available on sale. Negotiate with your parents to allow you their use on a trial basis. The most widely used lenses are the soft lenses. Also get a case and a recommended lens solution to go with it. The most convenient to use are the daily wear disposable lenses but they are expensive. Lenses are available in a wide price range depending on brands, how frequently they need to be replaced, quality, etc.

Learn how to properly insert and remove the lens. Perhaps watch a video or ask someone to demonstrate it for you. Handle them only after washing your hands and always deposit your lenses in the case at the end of the day, in the respective right and left side. This can be a hassle in people with different visual acuity in different eyes. Do not reuse lens solution or solution that has expired. Lenses should be never washed with water because it can contain very harmful bacteria. Regularly rinse or air dry your lens case whenever lenses have been removed, perhaps by turning it over so the solution cleans it. Again the case is not to be cleaned with water either. The lens solution should not be put in another bottle. And most importantly, never share lenses and follow the additional instructions of your doctor and on the labels.

If you ever experience redness, itching, dryness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, visit your eye specialist immediately. Contact lenses affect the tear film of the eye and natural protective barriers to infection, prevent the surface of the eye from getting adequate amounts of oxygen, can injure the eye mechanically, and finally, can allow germs to grow with improper care.

With dust and humid weather, lens care becomes even more essential. Always keep your lens case and a backup of glasses with you. Remember, using contact lenses is not the same as using hair gel, so if you must, I suggest you invest in a chic pair of specs.

Published in The Express Tribune.

How to remove old tattoo without damaging your skin?

If you have tattoo which you want to remove, you must consider first your options and decide which method would be best for you and these are:

Laser Removal
Laser removal or lasers today are the most common method for tattoo removal. It works by targeting the ink with highly concentrated light impulses which break the ink into tiny fragments that are cleared away in the immune system. The more laser can penetrate to destroy the ink based on the number of laser treatments since it isn't all done in just one treatment. The side effects of more treatment could cause painful blisters and scabs which could lead to scarring. Aside from physical pain, it is also an expensive form of treatment depending on the tattoo and it's effectiveness still isn't guaranteed.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
IPL or impulse light therapy is a dermal enhancer which is currently used in some spas. It also uses the same high intensity form of light. A gel will be applied on the skin and the wand is is used to emit light pulses onto the area being treated. This method is less painful than laser therapy and more effective which results in less total treatment sessions. The bad part of this treatment is this is more expensive since it offers a $10 price per pulse depending on how many pulses per session your tattoo will require.

Other Medical Methods
There are other methods of tattoo removal, but most of them are so painful and ineffective that laser removal replaced them as soon as it became available. These other methods include dermabrasion, which would actually “sand” away the top layer of skin through abrasive friction. Another method is excision, where the tattoo would be cut away and the skin sewn back together. These methods have proved to cause much damage to the skin and result in severe scarring, and are only used today in extreme cases where laser surgery is not an option.