~ Face and Skin Care ~

[MysteRy]

Pimples on the Back   

Every minute our skin sheds millions of dead cells. Instead of simply falling off and giving way to fresh cells underneath, these dead cells hang on, causing innumerable skin problems. The solution to most of these problems lies in exfoliation.

Often, when we apply soap to our bodies, it is not sufficient to remove all the layers of dirt, oil, dead skin cells and sebum blocking our pores. Although it is easy enough to clean the face well with a face wash as we tend to spend a minute or so scrubbing it, the same does not hold true for our entire body. Most of us just layer on the soap and wash it off. While we may spend more time cleaning our hands and stomach with the soap, we tend to neglect our back. This leads us to develop unsightly pimples and boils on the back, and if you live in a warm and humid climate, you will be especially prone to such pimples. Readers often write in and ask me what they can do to cure such skin problems. The answer lies in exfoliation. All you need to do is to scrub your back with a loofah or washcloth when in the shower. Apply soap, scrub your entire body well, concentrating on your back, and wash off. Your soap will also foam up much more, with the result that you will need to use less soap while bathing!

Scrub your entire body, not just the back. Remember to scrub towards the heart, which means up from the legs and stomach, and down from the shoulders.

The benefits of scrubbing are many. Not only does it clean up the skin completely, clearing out pores and enabling your body to pump out toxins more effectively, but it also reduces the likelihood of developing unsightly cellulite. In addition, scrubbing pumps up blood circulation and aids blood flow to the heart.

Treat your body to a wonderful spa-like salt scrub. Salt scrubs are famous for their ability to transform even dry, coarse skin into soft, glowing skin. You will need:
1 cup sea salt
Enough water or oil to form a paste. Oil is preferable to water.
Loofah

Dampen your entire body and then massage this mixture all over. You should enlist the help of a masseur or your spouse to do this. Once you have applied this mixture on your entire body, take a loofah and start scrubbing in a circular motion, working the mixture into your skin. Work upwards, beginning at the feet. After a half an hour massage, take a shower with warm water, and towel dry. Your skin will feel incredibly soft, and will be glowing with richness! For maximum benefit, do this on a weekly basis, and if that is not possible, do this at least once a month.

[MysteRy]

Wrinkle Prevention   

If you thought it was impossible to look 25-30 when you are in your fifties, think again. With care, a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion can be yours for years to come.


Fruits

Face masks refresh and rejuvenate the skin. They provide intensive nourishment to the skin  nourishment that your skin is thrusting for, so make sure you use face masks regularly on your skin. Almost every seasonal fruit can be applied on the skin. Some fruits like peaches and avocadoes are rich in moisturizers and can be applied to dry skin, while other fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, strawberries, apples, are good for oily skin. Bananas too nourish and soften the skin. So the next time you sit down with a fruit, take out a small piece, mash it and apply it to your face. When you start looking a decade younger than your real age, you will be glad you persevered. For some serious skin firming and nourishment, mash a banana, add honey, and apply this on your skin, and all over your body.


Egg

Egg white tones the skin, while egg yolk nourishes it and prevents wrinkles. If your daughter has an oily complexion, she can put egg white on her skin, while you use the egg yolk on yours. Once you cross the age of 35, start applying egg yolk regularly to your skin. Whole egg mayonnaise too is excellent for the skin, since it is rich in skin nutrients like egg, vinegar and oil.


Essential oils

Essential oils too are excellent for the skin, and they have therapeutic benefits as well. When you are using two oils on your skin, you should make sure you mix them together a while before applying them, to give them time to energise each other. Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang all have effective anti-wrinkle properties and work very well when mixed with a moisturizer.


Massage

Every day and night, while you apply your moisturizer, massage your face for at least ten minutes. Massage it from the neck upwards, because you don't want a clear, wrinkle-free face to rest on a wrinkled neck as you age, do you? Regular facials too help keep your skin looking young till a later age, but if you cannot afford to spend so much time or money at the parlour, even giving yourself a regular massage at home will help. The correct massage strokes would be upwards and backwards toward your hairline. Don't pull your skin too hard. In fact, one of the great ways to massage your face would be to slap it quickly and hard, once again, in an upward and backward direction. This stimulates blood flow and increases circulation, which in turn ensures that a rich supply of nutrients are carried to the skin through the blood. Splashing your face with ice-cold water has a similar effect.

Some people have the tendency to develop puffiness in the face. Regular massage and skin slapping reduces puffiness and leaves skin tight and smooth.

If you feel the beginnings of a double chin, when applying your daily moisturizer slap your double chin area with rapid strokes. Your double chin will vanish.

When you apply under-eye cream, tap the under-eye area rapidly with your fingertips, to pimp up circulation and reduce under-eye puffiness.

[MysteRy]

Tomato Me

Not many of us relish getting pelted on the face with tomatoes, but believe it or not, tomatoes are excellent for the skin.

The humble tomato is one item no kitchen shelf is ever without, no matter what the season or location. Perhaps this is why most of us take the tomato for granted and do not appreciate the tremendous health and beauty benefits it brings.

Not many of us relish getting pelted on the face with tomatoes, but believe it or not, tomatoes are excellent for the skin. In fact, as far as anti-ageing products go, tomatoes rank high on the list.

Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants and so they counter the ageing effects on the skin, by cutting out the number of free radicals in your body. Free radicals break down the support system for your hair and skin, so it makes sense to eat a tomato a day.

In addition, tomatoes help preserve moisture levels in the body. In the summer or winter, when our skin is exposed to artificial heating or cooling, moisture levels in our body fall. We need to constantly replenish this water supply, or our body will start sorrying moisture from the skin and the hair. In addition to eating a tomato a day, it makes sense to drink no less than 10 to 12 glasses of water daily.

If your skin is oily, you can apply tomatoes to your face. It counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil and also helps get rid of pimples and acne. Apply undiluted tomato paste to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm, not hot, water. In addition, tomatoes also help lighten the complexion, especially if mixed with cucumber juice. This makes a great face mask for oily skin. Place a cucumber slice on each eyelid and cover the rest of your face with the mask, taking care to avoid the delicate under-eye area.

If your skin is dry, you can add some day-old curd to the tomato paste and then apply to your skin. Tomato masks have excellent anti-ageing properties, so start applying them once you cross the age of 25.

If your skin starts burning when you apply to tomato mask, wash it off. You should feel a gentle tingling sensation after applying the tomato but if it stings too much, you could wash it off and add curd before applying the mask.

Do you have a boil or a pimple? Apply tomato paste to it. The acids from the tomato will soothe the pain of a boil and will also speed its recovery.

Slightly red cheeks looks healthy and very appealing. Eating tomatoes regularly gives you a pink and glowing complexion, so eat up!


Hair Tip

If ever your hair has absorbed foul odour which you are not able to lose despite shampooing it, a great way to neutralize this odour and get rid of the smell would be to apply undiluted tomato paste to your scalp. Leave on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off. Your hair should be odour-free, and dandruff free.

[MysteRy]

Is Toning Necessary

It is universally accepted that we need to cleanse and moisturize our skin regularly, but do we really need to use a toner?

To tone or not to tone?

Although it is universally accepted that we need to cleanse and moisturize our skin regularly, opinion is divided on whether we really need to use a toner on our skin. Most women simply skip applying a toner because they don't understand what it does. Does it clean the skin? You use a cleanser, why do you need a toner? Does it remove traces of cleansing lotion? You clean your face with a face wash.

Why do you need a toner?

The first and most important job of a toner is to restore the skin's natural pH balance. The skin has a pH balance of 5.5, while water can have a pH balance as high as 9.5 depending on where you live and on how hard the water is. After washing your skin, your skin's pH balance is completely distorted and your skin starts working overtime to restore pH levels; a process which may take up to half an hour. On the other hand, if you use toner, pH levels are restored in an instant. Your skin is now prepared for the moisturizer.

What toner should I use?

Certain toners clarify and exfoliate the skin, leaving it completely oil and dirt free and removing all dead skin cells. Such toners are strong and tend to contain alcohol, which is ultra-drying. If your skin is very oily using a stronger alcohol-based toner like Clean and Clear should help reduce the oiliness, but there is a possibility that it could also cause more break-outs. The over-drying action of stronger toners causes skin to react by producing excessive oil to combat the dryness, leading to more breakouts. It is thus safer to use an alcohol-free toner. Different skins react differently though, so it is important that you stick with a regime for a couple of weeks before you can tell whether a particular product suits your skin or not.

If your skin is normal to dry go in for a gentle toner that doesn't exfoliate the skin but moisturizes it such as Nivea Alcohol-Free Moisturising Toner. Or you could go in for a toner with anti-ageing properties.

Natural option: One of the gentlest toners is natural rosewater. Splash it on your face to keep face moisturized, fresh and to balance pH levels. This may not be ideal if you have oily skin, but since it is so gentle, it may provide you with just the right amount of moisturizing level you need.


How should you apply toner?

If you apply the toner directly on your face without using cotton, your bottle will last longer. Exfoliating toners do need to be applied with cotton wool, but moisturizing toners can be just splashed on your face. Apply toner to a cotton ball and sweep it GENTLY across your face. The cotton wool should come out relatively clean when toning. If it doesn't, you need to change your cleanser; it's not doing its job.

There is also the temptation to scrub your face clean with toner every time it feels dirty, which should be avoided. This is why you should use these toners only after cleansing, when your skin is already clean so your toner functions as a toner, not as a cleanser.

[MysteRy]

Skin Care at 30

You've probably spent most of your teenage and early twenties trying to get oil off your skin. But now that you've reached your thirties and your skin is fabulous, here's what you can do to ensure it stays the same another thirty years.

Hydrate

At thirty your face needs moisture and hydration throughout the day. If thick, expensive creams are not for you, here's how you can make your own facial hydrator at home. You will need:

Distilled water, available at grocery stores
3-4 drops of rose or chamomile essential oil

Mix the above ingredients and pour the mixture into a small spray bottle. Carry this along with you in your bag, and keep spraying your face throughout the day, especially if you will be spending time in an air-conditioned environment. Always shake the bottle before use. Your face will feel refreshed and re-hydrated.

If distilled water is not easily available where you live, try and make your own by collecting steam by boiling water and condensing the steam.

Nourish

Masks are undoubtedly excellent for your skin, as they provide much needed nourishment. Think about it. Your face is exposed to the elements throughout the day, and the only form of nourishment it gets is a smattering of moisturizer every now and again. Although we should be applying face masks regularly, how many of us do so Some of us apply facemasks once a month, while others do so no more than 2-3 times a year. Ideally we should apply a nourishing (as opposed to deep cleansing) facemask weekly, even daily if possible. Can you imagine the difference applying a face mask daily will make to your skin ten years down the line You don't need to invest hundreds of rupees to do this. Make your own facemasks by using ingredients from your kitchen shelf. Egg yolk, honey, bananas, day old yogurt all are excellent for the skin, so just splat on whatever is handy. Don't stick to the same face mask all the time. Keep applying something different.

Diet

Diet too plays an important part in your skin's health. Always eat fresh foods, and opt for tanned food only in times of emergency. Your diet mantra should be:

Vegetables
Fruits
Nuts
Water

If you make sure you eat enough of these in abundance and lay off fried, greasy and junk food, you're all set and on the right path to fabulous skin at 60, and, who knows, maybe seventy! Just don't forget to write in and tell us how you did it!

[MysteRy]

Exfoliate Your Face!

How often do you exfoliate your skin? Is it enough? How should you exfoliate? Read on for information on exfoliation and a great homemade scrub recipe.

The older you grow, the more often you need to exfoliate your skin. As we all know, skin cells die and new cells keep getting regenerated. These dead cells come to rest on the top layer of our skin, making our skin look dull, and, in some cases, patchy. Although dead skin is replaced naturally by new cells, this process takes longer as we age, making our skin look duller and patchier for greater lengths of time. This is why regular exfoliation becomes a must.


How often should I exfoliate?

In your twenties, exfoliate skin twice a week with a granular face scrub. These are gentle on the skin. In your thirties, exfoliate skin every alternate day, or on a daily basis. You can do this by adding exfoliation to your 3-step routine. So your routine can be cleansing, toning and moisturizing once a day, and cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing the second time around. You can cut down the process by simply using an exfoliating face wash.

Once you enter your forties, you can consider going in for a few microdermabrasion treatments. This treatment entails the use of an abrasive crystal that removes dry, dead tissue and encourages rejuvenation. It is non-surgical, does not require anesthesia, and you can be back at work the same day. Around five to eight treatments should suffice through your forties, and when you reach the age of fifty, go in for a chemical peel.


How should I exfoliate?

Apply face scrub on wet skin after cleansing, and scrub using gentle, circular motions. Wash off with cool or tepid water. Follow up with toner and moisturizer. Once a week, go in for a deep cleansing treatment. Steam your face and then scrub it well with a face scrub. Apply a mud mask to your face and leave on for ten minutes. The properties of the mask will get well and truly absorbed by the skin. Then, wash off the mask make sure you use cool or tepid water, never hot water and follow up with toner and moisturizer. Do this once a week, or once a fortnight, no matter what your age.


Will regular exfoliation help get rid of blackheads?

Yes, exfoliation helps keep a check on blackheads. If an area is prone to blackheads, pay special attention to the area while exfoliating. For example, if you have blackheads on your nose, and even if you do not exfoliate daily, try scrubbing just your nose with your face scrub daily. Over time the blackheads will vanish.


Any homemade recipes?

Here's how you can make your own all-natural exfoliating mask at home.

1 tsp sugar (granulated, not powdered)
1 tsp honey
1 tsp plain yogurt

Mix the ingredients together and apply it to your face. Leave it on for ten minutes, and rinse with water, scrubbing gently. Your face will feel dewy and soft.


And finally

Remember that exfoliation dries out skin, so always apply moisturizer after exfoliating. If you apply moisturizer after exfoliation, not only will the dryness vanish, but the moisturizer will also be able to penetrate the skin deeper, since dead cells are not blocking its path. As a result, your daily moisturizer will become doubly effective!

[MysteRy]

Face Massage

There are numerous benefits to a face massage. If you have easy access to an inexpensive parlour, get a regular facial done. Alternatively, here's how you can give yourself a great face massage at home.

Glowing skin

Healthy and glowing skin is one of the most important beauty assets. It doesn't matter how light your skin if it looks sallow and pale. You will only look drawn, tired out and sickly. Most of us concentrate on trying to get our complexions pimple-free, or on lightening our skin. However, just a light, pimple-free complexion does not ensure good looks. Enhancing features with make-up does help, but nothing looks as good as healthy, glowing skin.


Puffiness

Some women have a tendency to develop puffiness on their faces. One of the best ways to counter puffiness is to massage your face regularly.


Wrinkles

Massage stimulates circulation and brings more oxygen to the face. It also stimulates the production of collagen and tightens the skin. It also delays the onset of wrinkles. In addition, wrinkles on the forehead are often caused due to involuntary tightening of the muscles. Massage relaxes the muscles, and delays the formation of forehead wrinkles.


Double chin

Do you have a tendency to get a double chin Even some extremely thin people develop double chins. Regular face massage tightens the loose flesh under the chin so it doesn't hang down.


Massage Technique

You will need face cream, and a bowl of cold water.

Remove your top so you can massage your neck as well, without getting cream all over your clothes.

Wash your hands and cleanse your face.

Sit back on a chair, and apply a generous amount of cream on your face and neck. Massage it gently into your skin.

Take some cold water from the bowl, and apply it to your face as well. You could start from the neck. Lift your chin up and massage your neck using upward strokes.

Then massage the area just under your skin. Use firm strokes. Start from the center, move your hands under your jaw, outwards to the ear. Do this around 20 times or more, depending on how much time you have, and then using small upward strokes, work the entire under-chin area from side to side.

Massage the rest of your face, using upward and outward strokes, and circular motions. Keep reapplying water and cream on your face.

Circle your eyes, pressing down on the temples.

Similarly, use upward and outward strokes on your forehead.

Make a V with two fingers of one hand and put it on your face. Using the index finger of the other hand, massage the skin inside the V area. Move this 'V' all around your face.

Use quick, sharp slapping strokes on your cheeks. 'Slap' yourself for at least 2-3 minutes.

Remember that your entire massage session should consist of upward and outward strokes. Never massage the skin on your face in a downward direction, because your constant endeavour is to fight gravity.

In addition to a face massage, make sure you exercise regularly and drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day.

Some people may develop pimples after a massage. If you develop a few pimples, wait until the pimples go, and use another cream the next time.

Wash your face with cold water after a massage.

[MysteRy]

Puffy Face

Does your face tend to look puffy every now and again Here are some possible reasons, and what you can do to get rid of the puffiness.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder what happened to your face? It looks bloated and puffy, and you have no idea what went wrong. You just put it down to a bad face day, do whatever makeup you can to look a little better, and continue with your day believing that whatever went wrong will just correct itself eventually. There's nothing you can do about it, right Wrong.

First, think about this. Did you exercise today? If not, why not Perhaps because there is no real sense of urgency. If we don't exercise 3 times a week, we don't fall sick on the weekend. But, if our bodies did indeed tell us what we are doing wrong regularly, we would definitely pay more heed.

However, what most of us don't realize, is that our bodies do let us know, in various ways, that something we are doing is wrong, but most of us either don't notice, or ignore it until it goes away and we feel the full effects only years later,

Our face is an accurate indicator of our health. When our bodies are undergoing hormonal changes, we know because we start developing pimples, or thicker facial hair. When we are very stressed, we start experiencing hairfall. When we smoke too much, our lips go black much before our lungs collapse. Similarly, the effects of unhealthy habits such as an improper diet or lack of exercise are only visible years later. When we start putting on weight, develop high blood pressure, problems with our kidneys or lungs due to excessive smoking or drinking, heart problems, or when we develop any other of the numerous lifestyle related problems, we start getting more conscious about our health and habits. Our faces are thus telling us what we did wrong recently. We drank too much Coke or alcohol, ate too many burgers, or exercised too little.

Similarly our faces get puffy when:

We are dehydrated. If we haven't had enough water to drink, our bodies tend to absorb whatever water it can, and as a result blood vessels enlarge, leading to a puffy face. To prevent this, make sure you drink a glass of water every night before going to bed. Keep a bottle of water by your bedside table so you never forget to take that last glass of water. If you wake up and see that your face is puffy, reach for some water immediately and drink up. Avoid tea or coffee, since these are diuretics and will flush even more water out of your system. Keep drinking water through the day, and the puffiness, if caused by dehydration, should reduce.

Our diet is inadequate. We need to take in some fat, so that our skin stays supple. In addition, if your body lacks in beta-carotene or vitamin C, it will show in your face. One of the best things you can have to instantly nourish you and your skin is watermelon juice. Put a large piece of the fruit, along with the seeds, in a blender, extract the juice and drink up.

[MysteRy]

Oily Skin

Is your skin oily If so, here's what you can do to combat two of the most common problems that accompany oily skin: pimples, and shine.


If you have oily skin, we have some good news and some bad news for you. First, the bad news. People with oily skin have more of a tendency to develop pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, as you probably already know. In addition, your face starts shining due to the oil, making it look dull and dirty. Now for the good news. The excessive oil keeps your skin more elastic, so you will develop wrinkles at a later age than your friends with dry skin will.

This is a basic guide to what you can do to combat two of the most common problems that accompany oily skin.


Pimples

One of the most common causes for the formation of pimples is blocked pores. People with oily skin are more likely to have blocked pores, and so, are more likely to have pimples. Your best bet in this case would be simply to wash your face often, with a face wash for oily skin. Clean and Clear by Johnson and Johnson is fairly effective in this regard. How often you should wash your face differs from person to person. A good rule of thumb would be to wash it with a face wash at least 2 times a day once in the morning, and once at night, before turning in. If you are in an air-conditioned cabin the entire day, then you need not wash your face more than required, and stick to the once in the morning and once at night rule. If you exercise, whether your face is oily or not, wash your face also as soon as you are done with your workout. Wash it at the gym itself, and don't wait until you get home, because the perspiration will dry on your face, causing pimples. Similarly, if you travel by public transport and are exposed to a lot of dirt, pollution and warm, humid air, try and wash your face during mid-day as well, bringing it to a total of 3 to 4 times a day. Remember though, if you wash your face more than three times a day, use a gentler face wash like Dove, or wash it just with water.


Shine

How should you get rid of the shine that accompanies an oily face. The best thing would be to splash water on your face as soon as it starts looking oily, and wipe it gently with a towel or tissue. You could also wash your face with a gentle face wash when it starts looking oily, but, once again, don't use a face wash more than 4 times a day, as this may cause your skin to produce more oil.

However, washing your face during the day may not be very convenient, since you may not have ready access to a washroom. Or, you may have applied make up, and would not want go through the procedure of re-applying all the make-up after washing your face. In this case, consider simply wiping your face with an absorbent face tissue. Carry tissue with you in your bag at all times it always comes in handy.

If you are satisfied with the lack of shine after wiping your face with tissue, great! If not, then consider carrying a compact powder case with you. Dab on the compact powder lightly, making sure it blends well. The compact powder should not be visible as your face will then look caked, and you will look older, and may even look a little haggard. Your compact powder may cause pimples too at times, so if you find your pimples increasing after applying compact, stop using your current brand, and try another brand after a few weeks.

To avoid any problems with compact powder usage, the best thing to do would be to remove the compact powder as soon as you get home with the help of a face wash or a cleanser. Also, never apply old compact powder on your face.

Use oil-free cosmetics as far as possible. Also, apply an oil-free moisturizer even if you have oily skin, as long as your skin is problem free. Although many beauticians feel that moisturizer is a must at all times, I would recommend that you lay off the moisturizer if you have pimples, until your face is clear.

[MysteRy]

Facial Hair

It's bad enough when you have a lot of hair on your body, but the most annoying is when you have a thick growth of hair on the face.

There are millions such stories of women struggling to cope with facial hair. If you too are one of the numerous women with the same problem, realize that you are not alone in this, and that there is a lot you can do without resorting to drastic means.


Threading

Thread the hair on your upperlip and chin. Read this article for step-by-step instructions to threading. Threading will help you remove even the tiniest and finest of hair, whereas, if you wax, you will need to wait for hair to grow before you can wax it off again.

If you don't have a lot of hair on the chin, instead of threading, selectively pluck just the thick hair. Don't get tempted to pluck fine hair, because it will grow back thicker. Also, thread your eyebrows, but you may want to leave this to professionals. Don't try threading your brows yourself unless you are skilled in threading, because you may mess up the shape. If you have a lot of hair on your forehead, you could thread it when you are doing your eyebrows. Don't thread your forehead if you are prone to developing pimples on this area. Bleaching would be a better solution.

If you don't live in India, and don't have easy access to someone who can thread your eyebrows, pluck them regularly, or get them waxed by a beautician.


Waxing

It is not very feasible to wax your entire face. You could, however, wax your sideburns. Fortunately, sideburns take a while to grow back, and over time, with regular waxing, the growth will reduce. However, be careful to ensure that you don't wax off very fine hair when waxing the sideburns. Wax only the very thickest portion of the sideburns, so the fine hair doesn't grow back thicker or gradually you will need to wax your cheeks as well.

So now you have tackled the main problem areas, which are the upperlip, chin, sideburns and eyebrows. If you have a lot of hair on your cheeks as well, instead of waxing such a large portion of your face, simply apply bleach to your entire face. If you bleach sideburns that are very hairy, blonde hair is often clearly visible. However, now that you have waxed off the hairiest part of your sideburns, bleach your entire face. Your face will look clean, fresh and free of hair.

[MysteRy]

5 Top Beauty Secrets

How to pluck the perfect brow, de-puff your eyes, and have skin that looks young and healthy for years to come. Read on for great beauty tips and secrets.

Brows

The perfect arch can make a word of difference to your face, but it is not always easily achievable. Often when we get our brows threaded by different beauticians at a parlour, there is bound to be some variation in the shape. It is important to get your brows threaded or waxed by the same beautician every time, as far as possible. If plucking your brows yourself, be very, very careful that you don't over pluck. It is possible that hair from some places may not grow back, leaving you with a permanent gap in your brows. Try this: take a white eye pencil and colour out the hair you want removed. Once you have a perfect brow shape, you can then start plucking out the coloured portion.

Face powder

Once swab of face powder, and your face will remain oil-free and fresh for a long time. Make sure you carry this with you wherever you go, so if your face gets oily again, you can simply dab on some more face powder. In addition, this can also be used to mask most imperfections in your skin, making it seem smooth and flawless so make sure you're never without this tool. On the other hand, don't forget to wash it off at night.

Eyes

Have your eyes been looking a little tired lately Internationally renowned make-up artist Trish McEvoy's favourite remedy for puffy eyes is to simply place a couple of spoons in the freezer for a few minutes. When the spoons get cold, she places them on the bags of her eyes. Immediately after this, she applies an under-eye cream for an instant moisturizing burst. To brighten eyes, always wear mascara so eyes stand out. Once this is done, try lining the inner lower rim of your eyes with white eyeliner.

Lips

Who wouldn't love to have thick, full lips Always remember that a matte lipstick may make your lips stand out more, but a gloss lipstick makes your lips look fuller and more sensuous. And if getting injected for fuller lips is not an option, stick to glossy lipsticks. The best way to apply lipstick so your lips stand out is to first line your lips with a lip liner. Line just outside your natural lip line. Lining your lips far outside your lip line looks obvious and smutty. After lining your lips, apply a soft, moisture-rich lipstick and follow up with gloss.

Water

The best thing you can do to make your skin look young and healthy is to moisturize it. And we don't just mean moisturize it from the outside, but from within. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your skin looking supple and young. If you have ever worked with models or actresses, you will see that many of them never venture out without packing a bottle of water, and keep sipping through the day. Pair this with regular application of moisturizer, and you're all set.

[MysteRy]

The Nose Job

On a hunt for the perfect nose? If you have been toying with the idea of going in for a nose job, here's what you should know.

Your nose sits pretty (or not so pretty) at the centre of your face, and one that is too large, bumpy or bulbous can take away from otherwise attractive features. Here's how you can tell if you are a good candidate for a rhinoplasty - or a nose job.


Do you really need a nose job?

Firstly, understand that you are by no means the best person to answer this question. Not only have you seen your reflection in the mirror millions of times, but you have also mentally magnified every imperfection in your face and body. That bump on the nose that seems so glaring to you may be invisible to most others, including your closest friends. So take a few honest opinions before committing yourself to surgery and remember, what you consider as ugly often passes unnoticed by others. After all, those minor imperfections in your nose could be your sex appeal!

If you have been upset about your nose for many years, if it makes you self-conscious and affects your confidence, you could perhaps consider going in for a nose job.


Are you in good health?

Needless to say, persons with certain health problems may not be able to withstand the demands surgery places on their bodies. You need to be fairly fit and healthy before going in for surgery.


Are you psychologically stable?

A nose job can have emotional ramifications. Results from the surgery will not be immediate. You will have swelling, and may develop blotches on the face. This swelling will go down after a few weeks. Thus, you will definitely come out looking worse for wear in the weeks following the surgery. It can take anywhere from a month to two for you to fully recover and enjoy your new nose! A person who is not mentally strong may go into depression when their reflection in the mirror day after day seems to only get worse.


Do you have realistic expectations?

Often, a person undergoes a nose job after years of debating whether or not he should have one. As such, his expectations tend to be extremely high. Remember, your life is not going to change after you get a nose job. In fact, chances are, people may not even realise you have had plastic surgery! Add this to the fact that recovery time is slow, painful and uncomfortable, and you have a huge chance of being disappointed and depressed after the surgery.


Will the benefits outweigh the risks in your case?

Surgery is not a matter to be taken lightly. Risks associated with rhinoplasty are very few, but make sure the benefits outweigh these risks. You are likely to develop redness on your face, and at times, although not often, these red spots can be permanent. However, they can easily be concealed with makeup. A lot of people swear that they prefer a little redness to an ugly nose. Others report increase in allergies, nosebleeds and side effects to the anaesthesia.

[MysteRy]

Fighting and Living with Acne

Acne not only affects skin adversely but also dents self-confidence. Read on if you want to be confident while you get treated for acne.

You have been fighting acne and everyday seems like a mountain. You do not feel like moving out of your house. Your dressing table is full of different acne solutions that you have tried. You are forever trying some or the other treatment in the hopes that something might just work. You prefer to remain indoors and are scared of attending any social events. You might even be worried if people think you are ugly. You keep craving for the radiant skin models and actresses who keep flaunting their skin in ads. Sometimes you feel like giving it all up and just let the situation be.


Do you think your Acne is a menace?

Your daily fight with acne simply drives you crazy. You are looking out for a solution everywhere and acne does not want to leave you. At such times you need to be very patient. Never pick and pop zits, this can spread infection and add to the problem.

Acne takes time to heal and you must be kind to yourself till your acne gets cured. You must remember that there are other skin diseases that are far more difficult to combat. Skin problems like Psoriasis and Rosacea take time to heal and people suffering with them would find living with acne much easier. So think about it and seek medical help if your acne is difficult to deal with.


Is Acne affecting your Self-Confidence?

In a world where a lot of importance is laid on looks, a person with acne may find it difficult to cope with the social demands. You must never allow others to judge you or allow others to make you feel inferior because you have acne. You are fighting it and with help you will have clear skin.

Never let your self confidence get affected because of a bunch of pimples on your face. Difficult it may and sound be, you are as unique as anyone else in the world. It is just a matter of a treatment and with care you can say bye-bye to pimples.


Never get stressed with Acne

Do not allow acne to stress you since it only adds to the stress that gives rise to pimples. The first rule for beautiful skin is rest and relaxation. Stressed skin ages faster and develops wrinkles earlier. Be happy for what you are and sometimes try taking your mind off pimples.


Healthy skin Rules

Being healthy is the first step towards being beautiful. If you are fighting acne you must learn to love your skin in and out. Have enough water, sleep well and eat healthy. These three things are very simple but if followed religiously, they can make a big difference to skin quality. Use products that are for acne prone skin. But avoid something that is too harsh. Always keep skin clean by washing your face with an anti-acne soap or face wash. Tone skin and keep it hydrated. If your pimple problem still persists then it is time you consulted a dermatologist.


Consult a Dermatologist

Consulting a dermatologist is the best thing to do for any kind of skin problems. Instead of spending on expensive cosmetic acne solutions, take medical help. The earlier you consult a dermatologist, the better. Taking help on the onset of acne can reduce the chances of it spreading all over. Find out a good MD and follow the treatment to a 'T'. It will surely lessen down the recurrence of pimples. Your pimple might not even return if you keep following the healthy skin rules.


Tips to live with your Acne

Acne is best treated with dermatological help. But till the time you take the journey from pimple prone skin to flawless radiant skin, read our tips to learn to live with your acne. Guard your self confidence to keep going through pimply times.

Avoid being upset about acne

Speak promptly to people who embarrass you

Avoid judging people on their skin value. People with good skin may have other problems that
you might never experience in your whole life.

Read a book or listen to music if you are feeling blue

Remove make-up before going to bed

Wash your glasses often, if you wear any.

Change your pillow cover every alternate day

Avoid picking and popping pimples

Use make-up to cover pimples and blemishes. Actors, celebrities, and many others use this
technique

Avoid exchanging cosmetics, towels and napkins

Follow your dermatologist's advice

Stay away from stress

Avoid comparing yourself to others

Avoid self-medication

Take rude remarks in your stride. Even the most gorgeous looking people receive the rudest comments

Be patient

Live acne free

Acne can affect your confidence and potential of achievement. If you are suffering with acne, fight it to overcome it. Always take help from a doctor. Medical help is the best if you are seeking relief from acne. Every acne problem is different and the same solutions do not apply to all. This makes medical support very important. Self-medication can be dangerous. A doctor identifies your skin type, lifestyle and the kind of acne and prescribes treatment accordingly.

While you are on your way to live acne free, the biggest support you need is from yourself. Do not hide your acne behind strands of hair. Feel proud to be who you are. Do not miss out on life because your cheeks have bumps that are blocking your self-esteem. Show the world that a bunch of acne cannot stop you from living the life you want.

[MysteRy]

Make-up with a right face foundation

Choosing the right shade is very important while buying your foundation. Read on to find out if you are using the right foundation or not.

Are you heading to a party in the evening but looking dull and tired already? Try using a face foundation to perk up your face and look radiant. A foundation can help cover those puffy eyes, sullen cheeks and gives flawless look to the skin. But how do you choose the perfect foundation? It is extremely essential to understand your skin type to find out which type of foundation will suit your skin the best. Read on to know how to select a facial foundation that can keep looking you beautiful for a longer time.


Types of the foundation

The market is cluttered with many types and brands of foundations. Foundations are available in the forms of liquids, creams, powders, gels, cakes and concealer sticks.

Foundations in the form of creams are packed mostly in the jars. They contain high amount of oil. Liquids are usually light shades foundations and are available in bottles. Foundation in gel form comes in the squeeze tube. Cakes and sticks are considered heavy for everyday use but are best to be used on special occasions as they hide dark spots and blemishes effectively.

You may choose your foundation according to your need. Moisture rich foundation is good for dry skin which helps to retain hydration and keeps irritation at bay. Those with oily skin should prefer foundation with oil control effect. Light reflecting foundations are good to bring back that gloss on dry and dull face. There are also foundations available for acne-prone skin. So if you wan to hide those little pimples on a special date, don't hesitate to use a foundation.

Using a wrong foundation may form dry flakes on your skin making your face dull. Some foundations tend to form cracks if you sweat, avoid them. Try brands like L'oreal, Neutrogena mineral foundation, Oriflame, MAC or Body Shop. The right foundation is the key to get that drop dead gorgeous look.


Foundation for your skin type

To understand which type of the foundation is suitable for you, first, you need to understand your skin type. Oil based foundations do wonders on dry skin as they add that additional moisture to the skin. On the other hand water based foundations are recommended for oily skin.

If you are blessed with normal skin type then you are free to use any kind of foundation. Foundations in the cream and liquid forms are recommended for normal skin. Unlike oily skin normal skin can easily carry cream and liquid foundations.


The colour of your skin

The shade of your foundation should blend with the colour of your natural skin. Pick up the shade that will match perfectly with your complexion. Selecting darker shade of the foundation for fair skin tone can mar your look. Whereas a lighter shade for dark skin can look very bad. Remember foundation is used to covers flaws and enhance your natural skin tone.


Choosing the right foundation shade

The easy way to test the colour of your foundation is by applying it near your jaw line. The other area where you can test the shade of your foundation is the inside of your wrist or on your cheek.

Do not make the mistake of testing the shade of the foundation on the back of your hand. The back of the hand is usually much darker than the face. You may end up picking the wrong shade if you use this method of testing.

Always check the colour of your foundation in the sunlight. The natural light will show you the right shade of the foundation. It will help you to pick up the perfect shade that will match with your skin tone.


Cover blemishes, scars and pores

The use of the right foundation helps balance the moisture level of the skin. Foundations work as oil blotters. They absorb the excessive amount of oil on the face and make it look clean.

Application of the foundation covers pores making skin look even and smooth. Choosing the right shade of foundation will help you to hide those blemishes and dark circles under the eyes effectively. Foundation improvises your skin tone, texture and colour.

Once you have bought the right foundation you are just a few minutes away to get creamy complexion that will get you showered with compliments. Apply tiny dots of the foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Blend it quickly but evenly with your fingertips or with a wet sponge. Blot the face with a dry tissue. Proceed with your make-up to to be the star of the evening at the party you are off to.

[MysteRy]

Learn to love your natural skin

Your skin mirrors your health. Be it fair or tanned, learn to love your natural skin and be on your way to a flawless complexion.

All parts of our body including our skin are precious gifts of nature. The skin that we live in is the largest organ of the human body. We all admire, revere and desire beautiful, flawless skin. Having bad skin can be a physical as well as an emotional threat. But the good news is that nature has provided us with many things to combat skin problems and heal them.

Many people have problems with their skin colour. The dusky ones want to be fair; the fair ones want to look tanned. Finally, no one loves what they have. The saying rightly goes, 'the grass is always greener on the other side'.

The desire for a different skin tone rather than healthy skin usually ends in making huge investments in having a whiter or tanned skin. But such skin obtained with cosmetics and bleaching is temporary. Bleaching face using chemical products not only harms skin but also makes it rough. Tanners can be bad for skin. Similarly getting a plastic surgery done for your skin requires lots of money. Remember your skin belongs to you whether dark or fair. It makes you different from the rest. So put your money to good use and read on so that you learn to love your natural skin.


Beautiful skin is healthy skin

Cosmetics cannot change your skin they can only hide flaws and highlight areas that you want. But beautiful skin is skin without infections, scars and other disorders. All you have to do to love your skin is keep it healthy. Look after it and love it, be it any tone.

Protect your skin naturally, from the effects of pollution, chemicals and ageing to keep it looking radiant. Here are a few natural remedies that your skin will love. Begin by protecting your skin with these blessing of nature.

Make it a habit to add neem leaves in your bathing water everyday. Neem will help keep away any kind of skin problem. Add neem leaves in boiling water, wait till the water becomes slightly green and mix this water with cold water. You can also use Neem soap if it is difficult to find neem leaves.

Use milk powder to remove tanning of your hands legs and neck. If you want a glowing skin you can use curd on your face, avoid using it if your skin is oily. You can also use honey mixed with few lemon drops which acts as a natural bleach for your face. You should be very careful while applying this mixture, as it acts as bleach. Avoid its contact with hair, do not use this mixture if your skin very sensitive.

Use "Besan" or gram peas flour mixed with a pinch of turmeric and milk to take bath. It can be a good replacement for soap. It will help you manage problems of dry skin in winter.

Experience a royal bath. Use "Uttan" which is a traditional mixture of sandalwood powder, turmeric powder, almond powder and rose water. It was used by Indian princesses, queens and maharanis. The ingredients can be mixed with milk which helps you keep your skin beautiful. It is also easily available in market. Ensure you get a genuine mix.

Use a pinch of turmeric powder to rinse your face once or twice a week, this will help your to keep your face clear.

Massage your face with almond and sandal wood powder mixed with milk twice a week.

Rub a tomato slice on your face sometimes to cleanse your face.

Rub papaya peels on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes, it will work for you as a face mask.

Keep cucumber slices on your eyes, it will help you reduce dark circles.

Wash your face whenever you come back from outside. In a day wash your face at least thrice or twice.

Diet for healthy skin

Do you know that your face speaks for you? When you are happy, sad, angry, serious, tired your face says it all. Similarly your face can also tell people the kind of food you eat. So be conscious regarding your diet if you want a healthier skin. Here are some of the easiest things that you can try.

Drink lots of water every day, this will help to drain out all the toxics from your body. You should have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.

Make leafy vegetables and salads a part of your every day meal.

Drink lots of fruit juices and eat fruits. If you do not like to eat fruits you can make fruit salads and eat them along with ice-cream.

Lessen the proportion of oil and increase the proportion of water to cook your food.

Eat red fruits like plum, apple, cherries, strawberries etc to get red cheeks. You can also eat a tomato.

Avoid eating lots of sweets.

Drink a glass of milk every day with a pinch of turmeric powder in it.

Safe natural products for your body

Treat your body and face equally. Do not ignore your body just because you think no one is noticing it. Hydrate your skin and nourish it with the goodness of natural ingredients and delay the onset of wrinkles. Check out these simple but great ingredients that you will find right in your kitchen.

Use almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil for massaging your body especially your hands and legs during winter.

Multani-mitti (Indian fuller's earth) can be used for excessive oily skin. Avoid its repetitive use since it dries skin. You must use it only once in a week. Note that it is not suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

You can use Jojoba oil for a wrinkles and lines free skin. You can even get rid of dandruff by massaging it on your scalp.

Your skin reflects your health. Protect your skin and keep it away from skin damaging beauty products. Give your skin a natural treat and be a natural beauty. Wear a lovely smile and you are set to turn heads.