Friday, October 29, 2010

Skin and Body Care In Winters



 Changes in weather conditions in winters and summers can be hard on the skin. The dry and cold air in winter can drain essential moisture from the skin, making it look capped and dry. Follow these tips to maintain your skin healthy in winters.

Skin Care Tips in Winters

Use SPF sunscreen on face, neck and all visible parts of body when going out during winters.

Do not take excessive long and hot showers as this will deplete the natural skin moisturizer.

Keep your skin nourish by using good quality cleansing cream and mositurizer and wear warm clothes that does not create any iching sensation on the skin.

An ancient Chinese herbal remedy for detoxification during winter is drinking a glass of hot water with lemon. This cleanses the liver and gall bladder and the body cleans blood faster, thus toxins responsible for bad skin are eliminated.

Drink adequate water, say 12 glasses a day.

Take proper sleep.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Vitamins for Healthy Skin



Apart from using makeup for looking good, a healthy diet is also essential. A nutritious, full of vitamins, balanced diet is not only a delicious way to eat - it can work wonders for your skin. A healthy diet means diet contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre rich, low in fats and low in added sugar and salts that provides your skin all the required vitamins and minerals for proper functioning.
Vitamins Checklist for Healthy Skin

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for growth and repair of certain skin tissues. Its deficiency can cause dryness, itching and loss of skin elasticity. Foods like carrots, spinach, broccoli and apricots are good sources of vitamin A.
Eating for a Beautiful Healthy Skin

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is need for collagen production to help keep the skin firm. It is found in strawberries, citrus fruits, cabbage and tomatoes.

Vitamin E
It is an anti-oxidant vitamin that neutralizes free radicals - highly reactive molecules that can cause ageing. Vitamin E is found in foods like almonds, hazelnuts and wheat germ.

Vitamin B Complex
This vitamin is necessary to maintain a healthy skin tone and helpful in treatment of stress and acne. Wholegrain cereals including bread are an excellent source of B vitamins and also provide fibre needed by skin to stay healthy.

Zinc
Zinc works with vitamin A in the making of collagen and elastin which are the fibres that give your skin its strength, elasticity and firmness. Shellfish, wholegrains, milk and cheese are some good sources of zinc.

These are some of the essentials that your skin needs to keep your skin in healthy tip-top condition. However, the most important element is water. You should drink atleast two litres of water a day to keep your body healthy and skin clear.

Monday, October 18, 2010

10 Basic Principle for Buying The Best Perfume

Scent of a woman or for that matter any human being is unique owing to his or her unique body chemistry and pH balance. Consequently, fragile notes of a perfume interact with this human scent and create an individual scent for people. When you chose your perfume, you should remember this basic principle and then something that best defines your persona.
Here are some guidelines that can help you choose your perfume:

 
Here are some guidelines that can help you choose your perfume:
  
1* All perfumes have three notes - top note that evaporates first, middle note that develops a little later and finally the base which is the true scent. Choose sheer top notes.
 
2 * Focus on your favorite smells and take the help of the salesperson. Don't be hesitant to give a list of your favorites even if they include things like 'wet earth', 'rainforests' and so on. Every clue you give will point the salesperson in the direction of the perfume class you prefer - fruity, floral, woody and so on.
   
3* Don't try more than two scents at a time; you simply won't be able to make a judgment. Spray a spot and don't rub it, you will spoil the composition. Wait for ten minutes allowing the base note to develop and then make the purchase. Sometimes the base note can take hours to develop. It is a good idea to get a sample and make the purchase the next day, especially if you are buying an expensive perfume. Remember that perfume is an investment into your personality.
 
 4* Don't buy a perfume simply because it is the launch of the season. Check it and see if it really appeals you. After all, you have to walk around with it the whole day. You buy perfumes for yourself and not for people. Any perfume that satisfies you will reflect well with your personality.
 
5 * Expect a perfume to last about three years from the date it was bottled. Never store your perfume bottle where it is exposed to high temperature (near hot baths) or direct sunlight. In fact, colognes and eau de toilette should be stored in the refrigerator to increase their shelf lives.
   
6* You don't have to wear a perfume like a uniform! Try different brands and class of scents. You can use different smells for different times of the day or year. After all, you do have summer and winter wardrobe!

7 * When choosing a perfume you must also remember the climate of the locale. Warm humid conditions will intensify a fragrance, making it cloistering. It is wise to choose lighter scents in such conditions and apply them more often. Keep in mind one thing: heat helps the scents to evaporate sooner and cool weather strengthens scents.

8* A scent is worth the pleasure it gives, not the money it costs. Be judicious.
 
9* Never buy perfume when you are in transitory phase like pregnancy. The body will be undergoing immense hormonal changes, which affect your sensory perceptions, especially olfactory perceptions.
   
10* Ask for a wrapped package when you make your purchase.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

8 Methods For Smooth, Sexy Legs


Legs do more than hold us up. Sleek stems can also stop traffic and turn heads! It’s never too late to get those gams ready for a skin-baring debut, even in the chilly winter months. After all, you’re not going to wear snow pants to a holiday party, are you? Here are a few tips for getting a leg up, no matter the season...


1. Shaving
Certainly the easiest, quickest and cheapest method. Obviously it doesn't last long, but razors are cheap enough (just don't buy really cheap ones, and it's best to shave in the shower). Or get yourself an electric shaver.


2. Waxing
It's a good method though for summer and holidays "“ just make sure that you allow enough time for any redness to settle down. Don't have your legs waxed the day before a big event!


3. Sugaring
This is a very old technique similar to waxing. As the name suggests, sugaring is done with a paste made of sugar and lemon juice. You can buy commercial products or make your own (pretty cheap).you can use cotton strips or just pull the paste off.



4. Plucking (or Tweezing)
Unless you're very patient, this is only good for very small areas. If you're worried about getting a good shape for your eyebrows, use a stencil or draw the shape you want with an eyebrow pencil and work around it. Contrary to popular belief, you can pluck hairs from moles and it will not cause them to turn cancerous.


5. Laser
The most permanent option of all, and therefore the most expensive. It works best on people with lighter skins and darker hair. Each area will need a number of sessions. It is important to note that, contrary to what many believe, laser removal is not permanent, although it will reduce the amount and thickness of hair by a very high percentage. Also, avoid home lasers.


6. Creams
If you want to try one, do remember to buy a product intended for the area you want to defuzz, and to do a patch test beforehand.



7. Threading
This ancient Indian technique uses a simple length of cotton thread to remove facial hair and tidy up eyebrows. I would recommend it depending on your pain threshold.


8. Epilation
Epilators pull out the hair, rather than cut them, as in shaving. It's recommended that the first time you use it is after waxing, as it will be less painful. After that you will be dealing with regrowth, which is finer.

Monday, October 11, 2010

8 Beauty Treat

There are some spa treatments everyone should experience at least once simply because they are amazing!

1. Full Body Massage
Full body massages are super relaxing, with the masseuse concentrating on your back, legs, arms and neck. They usually last around an hour, and are great for soothing muscle pains and getting rid of stress and tension. I sometimes find normal body massages too harsh, however, and would recommend opting for a Swedish massage the first time, which is a lot gentler and amazingly relaxing. It feels divine!

2. Body Wraps
There are many types of body wrap, including algae, clay, mud, seaweed...even chocolate! Of course they have different effects on your skin, but all of them will leave you glowing. An aesthetician will cover you in the wrap, and then wrap you in warm cloths. Typically, you stay in the wrap for around twenty minutes, before they are removed and you can wash. They make you glow! Your skin will look better than ever, and it's surprisingly relaxing too. Perfect!

 
3. Salt Glow
Salt glows are professional exfoliations, which make your skin look radiant and healthy. The salt glow is usually a mixture of salt, oil and an aromatic such as lemon or lime, which is applied to your skin by a therapist. Some massage the mixture around, whereas others allow it to sit, and then you wash it off. You don't moisturize afterwards, in an attempt to leave some oil on the skin, but you can follow this treatment with a massage or body wrap.


4. Hair Therapy
I love this! There is nothing that relaxes you quite as quickly as a good head massage. A masseuse will give you an invigorating head massage, before applying a deep conditioning treatment  to your hair. This will soothe your scalp and make your hair shiny, and generally feel amazing. Your hair will be in great condition when you are finished, and you'll feel utterly relaxed.


5. Thai Bodywork
, it combines acupressure, reflexology and yoga; and a therapist will help you to move your body in order to release stress, tension and remove energy blocks. It's not only relaxing, but completely rejuvenating too.


6. Hot Stone Massage
This involves a therapist heating smooth stones in different sizes, and applying them to the back. A mix of the weight and heat is very relaxing, and feels utterly blissful. These massages can take as little as half an hour or up to three, and are a great variation from usual massages.



7. Flotation Therapy
This involves getting into a shallow pool full of Epsom salts, which mimics the effects of zero gravity. Regardless of your shape or size, you can float comfortably, and it's so stress relieving. It's also fantastic if you are suffering from muscle or back pain, as the lack of gravity really eases the pain. It's an amazing experience, and you'll feel blissful afterwards.


8. Facials
Sometimes, everyone needs a facial. Whether you need relaxation, rejuvenation or just pampering, there is a facial for you, and they all nourish your skin to make you look amazing. If you want something slightly different, try a light based facial. A bit strange, but you'll look and feel amazing afterwards!
Thinking about these treatments makes me want to hit the spa right away. They really are amazing, and anything that makes you feel and look great is worth doing, right? Take some time out and hit a spa, you won't regret it!

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Best Remedies For your skin & Hair


 Some of the best remedies are in your own refrigerator in the form of fruit. Read on for some great fruity beauty tips!
 
1. Banana Face Mask
Bananas have a lot of potassium, which is great for skin discolorations and smoothing out your skin! Simply mash up a banana and rub it onto your clean face. Allow to sit for 5-10 min, then wash off and see how your skin glows! Follow with moisturizer if desired.



2. Strawberry Tooth Whitener
Strawberries are full of salicic acid, which helps to whiten your teeth and fights acne. So here's a 2-in-1 for you: Mash up strawberries then spread them on your clean face and rub them all over your teeth. Allow to sit on face for 5 minutes then wash off. As for your teeth, its hard not to want to swallow them, so the best way to do it is put a lot of the strawberry pulp on your toothbrush, then vigorously brush your teeth for 2 or three minutes. Do this daily for a few weeks and you WILL see results!

 3. Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados are great for softening and conditioning your hair. Before you shower, mash up and avocado and apply it all over your hair. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap followed by a towel for 15 minutes. When you shower, wash your hair like you normally would, then be amazed by how shiny and soft it is!

4. Lemon Nail Strengthener
Do you have weak, brittle, yellowed nails? Here's your fast fix! Take a slice of lemon and rub it over your nails and cuticles once or twice weekly to strengthen your nails and bleach them back to white. Plus it has such a relaxing, fresh aroma you will feel energized instantly!


5. Peach Body Scrub
Peaches are great for gently exfoliating your skin. Take a peach, pit it and then mash it to as fine of a pulp as you can. Add a few tablespoons of sea salt, and enough olive or baby oil to make a paste. Scrub down all your dry scaly areas, then rinse off. Besides making your skin ultra soft, it smells divine as well!


6. Orange Body Spray
Make your own body spray! Squeeze and orange and strain the juice so it won't get caught in the spray bottle you use. Add¼ cup water, a teaspoon of vanilla and a little bit of rubbing alcohol (for staying power). Be sure and shake it well each time you use it. You'll be the lovely-scented attraction of the day!

 7. Citrus Hair Shine Spray
Want shiny, luscious-smelling tresses? Here's how to get them! Squeeze the juice from and orange, a lemon and a lime, then add a little bit of water and shake the mixture up. I sometimes add a drop of coconut flavor because it makes the scent smell so irresistible! Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist it over your hair for icy shine and such a sweet, fresh smell!

Friday, October 08, 2010

How To Get A French Manicure



manicure photo STEP 1
It's essential to prepare your hands and nails before applying nail polish. First, exfoliate your hands by massaging them using a small amount of body scrub. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. One of the main causes of chapped hands is not drying them properly after washing.



manicure photo STEP 2
File your nails. If they are brittle or tend to split, keep them flat across the top with smooth, rounded edges. When filing, move in one direction, from outer corner to centre-sawing movements can damage the nail plate. Choose a nail file with a fine surface that glides over the nail.




manicure photo STEP 3
Coat hands in a layer of sweet almond oil, to norish and soften, then wrap in a warm towel and relax for 15 minutes. Unwrap, and gently push back cuticles using a rubber hoof stick (available from most chemists). Never use cuticle clippers, as they can nick the skin. Rinse hands with warm water and dry thoroughly to remove any oil residue.


manicure photo STEP 4
Apply one coat of base coat over your entire nail and allow a couple of minutes to dry. This will help strengthen the nail. Some products also level fine ridges and imperfections, leaving a smooth surface to apply polish. There's a wide range of base coats to choose from.




manicure photo STEP 5
For a square look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in from each side to the centre. Some manicure kits include sticky strips to use as a guide. when applying, lay your hand on a flat surface and keep the ball of your painting hand steady and keep the ball of your painting hand steady by resting it on the same surface. Leave to dry.


manicure photo STEP 6
Finally, apply a coat of translucent shell-pink
nail polish over the entire nail to seal the whitened tip and complete the look. Allow 10 minutes for it to dry. For extra shine and protection, apply a clear, glossy top coat.

French manicure

Thursday, October 07, 2010

11 Manicure Tips


Step 1. Remove your old nail polish …
First things first! Take your time removing old nail polish.  If it’s a bright shade (red, bright pink, black), place the cotton round dipped in nail polish remover on the nail and wait for 5 seconds before removing – it will come off faster and easier!
 
Step 2.Shape the nail …
Shaping the nail is the next step. The fingernails should be filed into oval tips. Begin on the left hand with the little finger and work towards the thumb. Hold the finger between your thumb and the first two fingers of the left hand. Hold the fingernail file in the right hand. Slant the fingernail file so that the filing is done mostly to the under side of the nail. File each fingernail from the corner to the center, going from right to left and then from left to right. On each side of the fingernail, stroke in one direction only. Repeat the process on the right hand.
 
Step 3.  Soften the cuticles …
Softening the cuticles is accomplished by soaking the fingers in a small finger bowl filled with soapy water. A few drops of mild dish soap added to water in the finger bowl works well. Carefully dry the hand by holding a small towel and place, the hand on the towel. Dry the hand while simultaneously pushing back the cuticle and skin on each fingernail. Be very gentle.
 
Step 4. Remove the cuticles …
Apply cuticle remover by following the directions on the cuticle remover tube or bottle. Gently loosen the cuticle with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Keep the cuticle moist while working. Wash gently and dry.
 
Step 5.  Clean under the edge of the nail …
Clean under the free edge of the fingernail by dipping a cotton-tipped orangewood stick in soapy water and cleaning under the nail from the center outward to each side.
 
Step 6.  Remove extra-pieces …
Sometimes it is necessary to remove dead cuticle or hangnails with small scissors or cuticle nippers. Be very careful when you do this.

Step 7.  Moisturize cuticle area …
Apply cuticle oil or cream at the base of the nail. Brush nails gently in a soapy water with a downward motion. Dry hands and nails thoroughly. Next use a very fine emery board. Buff nails giving them a smooth beveled edge. Wipe nails to remove any particles of cuticle or dead skin.
 
Step 8.  Apply base coat …
Apply base coat using long strokes. When the base coat is dry to a light touch apply polish.
 
Step 9.  Apply nail polish …
Apply polish lightly with strokes from the base to the tip. Excess polish on cuticle or nail can be easily removed with cotton tipped orangewood stick moistened with polish remover.

Step 10.  Apply top coat …
Apply a top or seal coat. Brushing the top or seal coat around and under the tips of the nail will give the nail added protection.

Step 11.  Apply lotion …
The final step is to apply lotion. This can be done if time permits. Nails need to be completely dry. Start at the wrists moving down to the fingertips with light rubbing motion.

Monday, October 04, 2010

Beauty Tips for Looking Gorgeous in Glasses


Eyes:

When it comes to eye makeup and glasses, beauty experts agree that less is more. As makeup guru Bobbi Brown explains in Prevention, “overdone eye makeup will clash with your frames and look garish.”

Instead, keep it subtle, but match your makeup with your frames and lenses, which can alter the appearance of your eyes. Here’s how.
 
Thick, colorful frames:  Resist the temptation to apply heavy liner, mascara and eye shadow — especially if you wear thick or colorful frames. Instead, beauty expert Val Monroe of O Magazine recommends pairing soft black liner with volumizing mascara. And, if eye shadow is a must, choose a neutral shade.

Thin or unframed glasses:  Monroe also points out that women who wear thin or unframed glasses can get away with a bit more when it comes to color and amount of makeup. So, for those days when you feel playful, consider having a special set of glasses for a bolder look.

Nearsighted lenses: According to Bobbi Brown, prescription lenses for nearsightedness can make the eyes appear smaller. To make eyes look bigger, line the top and bottom with liner. Fair-skinned individuals should select a dusky charcoal or deep brown, while anyone with darker skin looks great with a bold shade of black.
 
Brows:

Glasses draw more attention to your brows. So, whether you decide to DIY or see a stylist, don’t forget to keep your eyebrows clean and well groomed. Fill in any gaps with a brow powder and, in between waxes, be sure to pluck those stray hairs.
 
Glasses are an everyday reality for many women — but they don’t have to complicate your beauty routine. Remember, for makeup to compliment your eyewear, try not to overdo your application. Embrace a look that naturally fits your features and personality. And, if it’s within your budget, consider having several different styles of frames to give you plenty of options when creating a look for every occasion.

Friday, October 01, 2010

Methods For Applying Eye Shadow



Method I :

1. Prime the lids by applying a light touch of foundation or concealer to the lids to even skin tone and help shadow adhere to the lid. Blend well, but use a gentle touch and use your ring finger on this sensitive skin area.
 
2. Apply mascara second so it won’t mess up your eyeshadow by getting those little dots of mascara on it before it dries when you blink.
 
 3. Sweep a color similar to your skin tone (or a touch lighter) over the entire lid from lashes to brow bone. Start at the bottom of your eyelid and work your way up.
  
4. Sweep a light white shadow (shimmer or matte, your preference) directly under the brows from the middle of the eye outwards. This is your brow bone highlighter and will help to open up the eyes.
  
5.  Take the next darkest color and sweep shadow across the eyes from lash line to the crease. Blend well outwards.
  
6. Apply dark shadow. For the most impact, the darkest color can be applied to the crease of the eye from the corners to the outer edges, blended well. Blending is key to avoid a drastic line across the crease. Another option is to use the darkest shadow to create a sideways “V” on the sides of the eyes. Lightly apply shadow to the outer third of the crease and blend into the outer edges of the eyelid, creating a sideways “V” shape (The pointed end of the v would be pointing away from the eyes, to help visualize). This helps to define the shape of the eyes, and makes them appear bigger by bringing the focus outwards. For a more natural look, apply a medium-dark shadow in the crease and a slightly darker color in the corner.
 
  7. Finish with a careful application of eyeliner to the top lid in a complimentary color. There are so many fantastic eyeliner colors available today, so experiment with what is out there. Plums, greens, and browns are flattering to many eye colors. Tilt the head forward while looking down, and dash short lines along the lash line to avoid drags and smudges.
 Method II :

1. Apply concealer and mascara as described previously.
 
2. Apply eyeliner under the eyes (above eyelashes) and a thin line above the eyes close to the eyelashes.
 
3. Grab your thinnest eyeshadow brush and dab it in the black eyeshadow.

    * Raise your eyebrows, find the crease of your upper eyelid (where you might feel the bone for the top of your eye socket), and then take the brush and line it with the eyeshadow. Do it as if you’re holding a pencil and you’re using it to draw on your eyes. Do this to make a half circle above your eyes. (Don’t go too far out to the side of your face when doing this step)

4. Dab the same brush in your black eyeshadow

    * Fill in the space between the line of eyeshadow you just created, and the eyeliner on your eyelid.
    * Make sure to do this lightly so the first line of eyeshadow stands out more

5. Grab your thicker eyeshadow brush and lighter color of eyeshadow (of your choice, it doesn’t necessarily have to be yellow) and dab it in that.

    * Lightly sweep it across the top of your dark line of black eyeshadow. (don’t go too low on the sides of your face)
    * Dab it back in the eyeshadow and again lightly dab it where you already swept it across. Dab lightest at the edge of your outer eye and the edge of your inner eye to
create a smoky, well maintained effect.


7. To do the bottom part of the eyeshadow, take out your thin brushed eyeshadow brush again and dab it in your black eyeshadow. (Tap it on the rim to get rid of excess eyeshadow that could fall off the brush and leave unattractive black spots of eyeshadow under your eyes or on your cheeks!)

    * With one easy motion, start by putting the brush under your bottom lashes and sweeping it from side to side in a straight motion to create the point under the eye on both sides.

8. Touch up by making sure no excess eyeshadow fell onto unwanted places on your face and adding a little more concealer to seal the deal. and you’re done!


10 Secrets For Applying EyeShadow


Secret #1: Blending is key
 You use three different colors: The base, usually a very light taupe, a highlighter for the crease and a main color for the lid, but how to get them to look as if they merge into each other like the colors of a rainbow?
 
Start light then go darker. Brush the base color to the entire eye up to the brow bone (base is the lightest color), apply the lid color (the medium color) and THEN apply the highlighter (the darkest color). Also, don't be too heavy-handed or you'll have to start over.

Extra tip: Practice makes perfect. Play with your makeup a few days before a big event.
 
Secret #2: Choose shadows that make the color of your eyes pop
Gone are the days when beauty experts advised against blue shadow. Matching the color of your eye with a shadow actually brings the color out (think blue shadow on blue eyes). At the same time, contrasting colors make eyes pop too (think a deep jeweled blue shadow on deep brown eyes or gorgeous golds with blue eyes).


Secret #3: Never apply deep color to your browbone -- unless you're doing a cover shoot for Vogue
You don't want the drama too much shadow brings. Apply shadow up to the browbone but don't apply shadow ON the bone unless it's a neutral color.
 
Secret #4: Highlighter can make or break your look
When applying dark shadow to the crease of your eye, be careful to blend only on the outside edge. Get to close to the eye and you'll cause your eyes to look teeny and beady.
 
Secret #5: Set shadow with a great base
Primers are super hot right now because they help set makeup that stays for hours.
 
Secret #6: Shimmer is hot, but shows off wrinkles
Shimmer makes eyes really pop, but it also highlights heavy lids, lines and wrinkles. If you don't have wrinkled eyelids yet, try this great look for shimmer: create a "nude" lid, but apply a bit of gold shimmer to the browbone. Gorgeous!
 
Secret #7: Smokey is great, but keep it to the lid
Making up a smokey eye? Keep color to the lid and just under the lower lashline. Don't extend color above the crease.

Secret #8: You should splurge on a good eyeshadow
A great eyeshadow  will stay on your eyes all day long, while a cheap palette will have faded by the time you finish your mid-morning coffee. What's more, quality department counter eyeshadows typically have richer colors.
 
Secret #8: How to pair shadow with red lips
Remember the beauty rule "Thou Shalt Not Play up the Lips AND the Mouth." If you're going for dramatic red lips (never out of fashion), cover unsightly blue lines on lids with a concealer or shadow primer and then keep eyeshadow light.
 
Secret #9: Make eyes brighter with white
A dot of white shadow or pencil on the inside of the eye near the tear duct will make eyes look brighter. You won't believe how eye-opening this is. It works so great,
 
Secret #10: Go for color
Consider mixing shades if you bought a color that's just too bold for you. Mixing an electric blue with taupe can turn out the most perfect color.