Cosmetics Tips & Tricks Archives

Here’s How You Can Get Rid Of Your Body Hair Easily!

Body hair – an aspect that no one likes to have on their skin as they not only look ugly but at the same time, act as a breeding ground for microbial life that ultimately leads to unbearable body odour.

So, what are the different methods that people have been using these days to get rid of their body hair? Well, there are plenty of ways to get rid of unwanted body hair. Some of them are as follows:-

Electrolysis

A fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle thereby killing the hair strand at the root. This process is slow and painful also.

Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams come packed with harsh chemicals that offer quick results but at a cost. Using these creams for a long time can cause irreparable damage to your skin.

Waxing

Melted hair removal wax is poured on the target areas of your skin, left to set in and then ripped out. It is also a painful and slow process.

Shaving

No one liked body hair, as it looks ugly look ugly and is a breeding ground for microbial life. Here are few methods to get rid of body hair.

As the name suggests, you will be getting rid of body hair using razors, electrical or manual. The results will consist of rough, scuffed and irritated skin.

Epilators

These are devices that basically rip out the hair strands from your skin. It is costly to buy an epilator and it takes a lot of time. Did we mention, it is also pretty painful!?

LASER hair removal

As per the opinion of a dermatologist associated with a skin clinic that offers LASER hair removal London services, a typical session of this amazing treatment begins with a certified technician who is trained to handle low powered LASER equipment meant for skin treatments.

The LASER beam is set as per the skin condition of the client and then the beams are projected on the target areas on the skin of the client.

The LASER beam penetrates the primary layers of skin and reaches the hair follicles. The heat from the LASER beam renders the hair follicle inactive for several weeks thus resulting in a complete stop to hair strand production.

Which is the best method?

LASER hair removal of course and the reasons are as follows:-

It is cheaper when you consider the annual costs.
Even if the hair strands in the target areas grow back, they will not be thick or dense thus making sure that they do not cause you any discomfort or bring down your confidence.
The results will be totally as you expected.
It won’t harm your skin as it is approved by the apex authorities.
It is a quick solution for unwanted body hair compared to other traditional forms of body hair removal such as waxing.

Conclusion

All of the methods that were (are) traditionally used to get rid of body hair are not only costlier than LASER body hair removal treatment but at the same time, they take a lot of your time and leave you with irritated skin. That is not the case with LASER body hair removal. All you would need to do is cautiously select a skin clinic that offers LASER hair removal London services and has been in the sector for a while. This is a way to make sure that the results will be on par with your expectations and worthy of your time as well as money.

Karwa Chauth Mehendi Guide

No Karwa Chauth is complete without gorgeous mehendi. So, here are some mehendi designs that you can choose from this Karwa Chauth.

It’s finally time for Karwa Chauth, the most awaited festival for any Hindu married women. Karwa Chauth is a festival in which married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and long life of their husbands. Apart from fasting, women also dress up in their finest clothes to celebrate this joyous occasion. No festival or wedding in India is complete without mehendi and Karwa Chauth is no exception. Mehendi holds a special place in the Karwa Chauth celebrations, as it is believed that the woman whose mehendi leaves a dark colour receives a lot of love and care from her husband. Women want their mehendi to be perfect, from design to its colour as Karwa Chauth is the most special occasion for any married couple. Find more mehendi tips here.

Now that you know the significance of mehendi on Karwa Chauth, here are some mehendi designs that you can choose from.

1. Indian Mehendi Designs

The most popular style during Karwa Chauth, it is detailed and unique with all things Indian. Inspired by nature, Indian traditions and culture, this style of mehendi usually feature animals, trees and bride & groom figures.

2. Arabic Mehendi Designs

Originated in the Arab countries this style of mehendi is very different from the Indian style. Bold lines and empty spaces are what make this mehendi style so different and elegant.

3. Indo-Arabic Mehendi Designs

A perfect fusion of intricate Indian designs & bold Arabic designs and a popular style among young people. There is enough detailing and empty spaces in this style to make it standout and capture attention.

4. Pakistani Mehendi Designs

Just as intricate and quite similar to Indian mehendi style, this one as the names suggests is inspired by Pakistani traditions and culture. This style of mehendi usually features domes, doors of mosques and mandalas

5. Indo-Western Mehendi Designs

This style is a perfect amalgamation of the east and west. This mehendi style is a mix of traditional Indian designs and modern patterns. If you are someone who doesn’t like to go all traditional with your mehendi, then this one’s for you.

Simple tips to darken your mehendi

By now you must have decided which style of mehendi you are going to get this Karwa Chauth, now let’s talk about some tips to get that dark, beautiful colour.

Wash your hand properly with soap before the application of mehendi.
Leave your mehendi on for as long as possible.
After the mehendi has dried, apply the mixture of lemon & sugar.
Heat cloves and place your hands over it’s smoke for a few seconds.
Avoid washing hands for a few hours after removing mehendi.
Apply mustard oil after the mehendi has dried
Rub vicks or balm on your hands after removing the mehendi.

I hope you liked the mehendi styles that I shared in this blog and it makes your Karwa Chauth mehendi choice a bit easy. Use these tips for your mehendi this time and let me know if you have more such tips.

MY FAVOURITE BEAUTY HACKS

Quick and easy beauty hacks that work are something every girl is on a lookout for. So, here are some of my top favourite tried and tested beauty hacks.

Beauty hacks are something that excites me and I am always looking for some quick hacks to include in my beauty regime or for those lazy days. Over the years I have tried a lot of beauty hacks, some of them worked for me and some of them were a total fail. So, here I am sharing some of my favourite beauty hacks. You can also checkout more beauty tips and tricks here.

Concealer as a lipstick base

Want your lipstick to pop and to stay on for a longer time? Just put some concealer on your lips before applying your lipstick. Using a concealer on your lips will give more colour payoff to your lipstick and will help it to stay in place and not smudge or transfer easily. So, next time while applying your favourite lipstick, try this little hack and see how bright those lips look.

Concealer as an eyeshadow primer

foundation as eye shadow primer beauty hack

What if I tell you that you can use your concealer as a perfect eyeshadow base and the outcome will still be the same? Seriously, I have used this hack many times and the result never fails to amaze me. It works as good as an actual eyeshadow primer. All you have to do is, take a little bit of your concealer, apply it to your eyelids using your fingers or a brush and carry on with your usual eye makeup and believe me you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.

Bronzer as an eyeshadow for a natural look

Do you also have days when you want your eyes to stand out but don’t want to apply eyeshadow? Well, if the answer is yes, then this hack is all you need. Take your favorite bronzer, swipe it across your eyelids, and make those eyes pop. This hack is also best for those hot summer days when you don’t want to go overboard with makeup, but still want to look put together.

Lipstick as blush

I bet you have heard of this one before, after all, it’s one of the most common beauty hacks. We all are guilty of having some lipsticks that we don’t use anymore, so why not use them as a cream blush. Just dab some lipstick on your cheekbones and blend it using a brush or your fingers for a more precise application and voila you are done. This hack also comes in handy for all those sudden plans after work.

Dark eyeshadow as eyebrow powder

eye shadow as eyebrow powder beauty hack

Yes, you heard it right. You can use your eyeshadow to fill in your brows and the result will be just as good as using a brow powder. The only challenge is choosing the right shade and formula of eyeshadow. The blacks and browns in your palette are your best options and make sure you are using a matte eyeshadow. Experiment with different shades and once you’ve found the perfect one you are good to go.

Shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter

The first time I used this hack was a few years ago when I was in a hurry and my actual highlighter was nowhere to be found. So, I just picked up one of my eyeshadow palettes and used a coral shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter instead and went out and no one could tell the difference. Since then, I can’t even remember the times I have used this hack. I mostly use the beige, coral, and peach shades of eyeshadow, you can see what shade works best for you and go with it.

Flip your hair partition to another side for volume

This one is my favourite beauty hack and it is the easiest one out there. Changing your hair partition is the quickest way to add some immediate volume and bounce to your hair. When we part our hair regularly to one side, then overtime it starts looking flat, so this simple trick of changing your hair partition can make a huge difference in no time.

These are the hacks that I use the most on a day-to-day basis. Try them for yourself and see which one works best for you.

In conversation with Make-up Artist Ambreen

A summary of my conversation with UK’s Celebrity Make-up artist, Ambreen. We talked about all things makeup and some amazing beauty tips & tricks.

When it comes to bridal makeup or makeup in general, we all have various questions. We are always looking for some tips from the experts of the beauty industry, especially during this time when the world is going through so much. With this thought in mind, I recently did an Insta live chat with Make-up artist Ambreen, where she shared her insights on all things makeup. Ambreen is a celebrity make-up artist based in the UK, she has worked with various top celebrities and brands like M.A.C, OK magazine, etc. So, here are the things that she shared with me on the live chat. You can checkout more such blogs here.

I started the conversation by asking her how the lockdown has been and how it has impacted the beauty industry, and she gave a very positive answer. According to her, it has been a tough time, but social media has played a very important role during this time and has helped people connect more. It has allowed people to know and get in touch with people we don’t usually have a chance to speak to. She thinks now people are doing more things online. Everyone is doing lives, online tutorials, sharing their daily routines, their favorite products. It has given a lot of make-up artists a great platform and a chance to connect with their audience.

She also thinks that the way we look at weddings will change after this. According to her weddings will be lavish and beautiful but, they’ll become more intimate. People will focus more on who they want at their wedding, rather than inviting 400-500 people you don’t even know. She believes that the lockdown has given us all a new perspective on a lot of things, and we have started to look at life differently.

The work of a make-up artist has always fascinated me, so I asked her about the best thing about her job, and she says, “The job of a make-up artist is a very feel-good job. When you get someone ready, be it for their wedding, shoot, or an event you make them look a certain way that they want, and when they look at themselves, they feel more confident, and it gives great job satisfaction. Especially for weddings, as it is the most important day of a woman’s life and it feels amazing to be a part of it.”

She also gave some great advice for all the aspiring makeup artists out there. She asks them to always be prepared for early and long hours. She advises them to remember that things take a while to build up, to get to a certain stage where you are comfortable with the work you are getting, but you must not give up. It can take weeks, months, years, but you will get there if you are determined. She asks them to focus on what you have as an artist and to always stay on trend as people are drawn to what’s trending.

I was very curious to know one make-up tip that she would like to give to people and she emphasized that one should always prep the skin before doing makeup, as it gives the makeup a good base and helps it last much longer. Her suggestion was to use a moisturizer, primer, eye cream, and something to condition your lips. And when asked about the 5 must-have product in a woman’s vanity, these are the products she recommended, “For me its concealer, mascara, lip liner, blush and something for your brows. With these 5 products, you have got the whole face covered.”

On being asked about the one product she can’t work without she said, “I will have to say my brushes. If I didn’t have my brushes, I wouldn’t be able to apply any product on my brides and I can’t apply it with my fingers.”

Looking at Ambreen’s amazing skin, I couldn’t resist myself from asking her for some skincare tips and she advices to read about your skin type, try a few products and brands to see what works best for you. She recommends following a skincare routine, using a good face wash, eye cream, moisturizer, toner, and exfoliating followed by a mask once a week.

I really love all the bridal makeup looks she creates, so I wanted to get her insights on the key bridal make-up trends of the year to which she says, “I think less is going to be more.” According to her brides nowadays are already stepping away from the flamboyant makeup that we had years ago, they want to look more natural. And with weddings getting more intimate brides are going to opt for less makeup than they normally would.

My chat with Ambreen really helped me gain an in-depth knowledge of the beauty industry and I would like to thank her for that. I hope it is helpful for you too.

Five Tips for Keeping Your Cosmetics Kit Tidy

Keeping your cosmetics kit tidy not only helps you get through your beauty routine more easily, but it also looks much nicer and has many other benefits too. Keeping makeup past its sell-by date could cause spots on the face and also makeup begins to not look it’s best when it has been open for too long. If you are awful at keeping your cosmetics de-cluttered and all in one place, then look no further. Here are five simple tips to help you sort out your morning routine.

Check the Expiry Date

One of the most important things we need to check when looking at our cosmetics kit is the expiry date of the product. Almost all makeup has some sort of expiry date or use by date on it, usually telling you to throw it away after 3, 6 or 12 months, as a rule. This helps to keep your kit de-cluttered and if you see you’re throwing away basically a full tube of something then this is also a great way to check what makeup habits are setting you back dollars for no reason.

Buy a Cosmetic Kit Holder

A cosmetic kit holder is a godsend for someone who is constantly routing through their drawers for their makeup or moisturizers in the morning. The beauty of cosmetic kit holders is there are so many to choose from and so many ways to organize your cosmetics that you can find a way that works for you and the space you have.

This makes the space look much better too, meaning you can have more fun doing your makeup. If you’re into DIY, then why not check out these DIY tips for storing makeup and cosmetics.

Clean Your Brushes Regularly

To keep your cosmetics tidy, you need to keep them clean. Failing to clean brushes can lead to all kinds of bacteria and dirt building up on the bristles. This leads to patchy makeup and can cause all kinds of skin problems. You clean your face daily, so why then put dirty brushes all over your face? Cleaning your brushes can be a pain but you can purchase brush cleaner to ensure your bristles stay intact and healthy between washes. Dedicate some time each week to do this and you will soon see the benefits.

Throw it Away!

We are all guilty of having cosmetics in our storage kits that we don’t use anymore. If this is the case it is time to let go. Whilst it can be difficult throwing away things that we have bought, sometimes cosmetics don’t suit us or aren’t right for our skin, but this is how we learn what is right for us. If you can and it’s hygienic, see if you can pass on the cosmetics to someone or sell it if the makeup is still sealed. If you want to save some money after throwing away your old cosmetics then check out these free offers for beauty supplies.

Organize by Category

An easy way to keep your kit tidy is to organize it by category. This means having different pots for different parts of your face or storing it in order of how you apply it. This makes your cosmetic routine so much easier and quicker and saves a lot of hassle. For those who like to keep things organized, this is the best way to do so. Many of the famous beauty Youtubers swear by this method as a great way to keep their cosmetics kit tidy.

Keeping your cosmetic kit tidy will save time in your beauty routine and ensure that everything stays clean. As you are constantly putting these products on your face, it’s important to keep your kit clean and tidy to ensure your face stays free from spots.

Loving It Series – New Hair Care Products

Love is in the hair. Your hair enhances the beauty of your face and has the power to illuminate and highlight your face. Moreover, hair is like 90% of our selfies. So, definitely, we need to take extra care of them. Being a woman, I can myself relate to the struggles us women has to face to maintain her hair. Recently, I used a few products and would love to share it with you all. Your hair is your crown. Don’t let it fall. So, Let’s check out my Loving it Series, as I call them:

Millionaire Hair Mist:

Suitable for all hair types, this one is just so perfect. This product is very natural and organic. It doesn’t harm your hair. Even it’s recipe is inspired by a traditional family’s recipe. Even a little spray of this lightweight oil can deeply nourish your hair. This product strengthens each strand of your hair as it is an anti-dandruff, anti-frizz and anti-hair loss. So, if you can’t style your hair because you think they look dull. You must use it to amazingly transform your hair. You can either use it as a conditioner on damp hair or even spread evenly to style and protect your hair.

Price: £ 27.00
Buy From: (link)

Keratese Voluminifique Hairspray

Do you have fine hair? Do you want to add more volume to your hair? This volumizing spray gel is perfect and suitable for fine hair. This milky spray adds volume and beautiful texture to your hair. It lasts long and helps your hair in getting a better shape. The best thing is it’s intra-cyclane technology and innovative products lifts your hair from the root itself without even making any effect on the hair’s lightness. Just apply this to your hair and get salon like glossy and bouncy hair.

Price: £18.45
Buy from: (link)

Redken Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner

A volume-boosting shampoo specially designed to create lift and give a polished and silky finish. This shampoo helps in making your hair look glossy and shiny. This formula helps in cleansing and lifting fine, flat and flat less hair. Just apply this to wet hair and massage for a minute or two. Also, this is suitable for all hair types. So, don’t worry and invest in them and see the best results. Use daily for better results.

Price: £ 19.45
Buy from: (link)

Creightons Curl Defining Mousse

A solution to your frizz-free curls. Now, don’t let any obstacle dull the shine of your curls. Let your curls rule the world beautifully. This mousse enhances your curls and waves by locking the moisture and controlling frizz giving the perfect curly look. Shake well and gently apply them to your hair.

Price: £14.95
Buy from: (link)

Calypso Sun & Sea Hair Protection

Calypso has every solution in case you need sun protection. Their sun and sea hair range helps in protecting your hair from sunlight, chlorine and dehydration. This powerful shield contains UV Filters and Argan oil which helps to rehydrate your hair and protect them from harmful radiations of the sun even reducing the colour fading. It also consists of keratin to help your hair from getting damaged. You can apply them directly to your damp hair or dry hair.

Price: £4.30
Buy from: (link)

I would recommend these products to you. You must invest in them to get perfect glossy, salon-like hair. Because great hair doesn’t just happen by chance. So, work a little and get the best one suited for you.

Best Dark Lipsticks to get you through winter

Spring and Summers went by leaving the love trails of corals, pinks, and, pastels, but intense winters call for some electrifying drama. The fashion is high on experimenting with patterns and colours. For one such thing, we are obsessing over this winter is our love for dark lips.

Dark, opaque lips radiate glamour and intense appeal but what does it take to sport it effortlessly. We tell you what are the trending shades and how can you carry them.

Find all the trending shades at Shoppers Stop.

Reds
Red is forever; it’s bold, glamorous and it defines a strong charisma. Not everyone can play with the colour, those who do, do it flawlessly.
How to wear the shade – Kohl-rimmed eyes, contoured face, and deep red lips. All good to go!

Browns
Brown shades are versatile, subtle, rich and make perfect workwear picks. Lots of mascara and kajal and brown lips are the perfect combination for a work wear look.
Maroons & Wine
The richness of marrons in unbeatable and they have been our favourites! The classic wine lips or the gorgeous deep maroon ones are perfect for sporting on winter outings. Light smokey eyes are perfect to compliment your wine tinted lips.
Burgundy & Berry
The plush and enchanted burgundy and berry shades make a bold dark colour preference that defines oomph and power. Keeping your face minimal and sporting dark lips is sure to get you a lot of compliments this season.
Blues & Blacks
Something too bold and daring for someone to sport, it is not an easy game to play black lips so effortlessly as Rihanna! When Rihanna was spotted flaunting the bold black lips, the beauty world took it with mixed reactions, some did not appreciate and some found it a daring trend. We pretty much give a thumbs up for the look, you create a gothic impression and it’s a fun look to try!

What do you guys have to say about it?

Top 10 Tips – For Your Skin

Love looking your best, but have no time to keep up with new, fab beauty mantras? Here’s the Top 10 tips that’ll help you look your best and take care of your skin!

For Your Skin

Always wear sunscreen when stepping out during the day, regardless of whether it’s sunny or not.
Don’t not skip your CTM routine – ideally you should do it twice a day.
Keep a pack of wet wipes handy at all times; you never know when dirt, pollution and sweat may get you!
Never go to bed with makeup on – worst rookie mistake.
Use a serum to improve your skin. Choose one based on your skin type and treatment required.
Exfoliate your skin once a week using a gentle yet effective exfoliating face-wash.
Do not use facial scrubs more than twice a week – you don’t want to irritate your pores and suffer a breakout.
Avoid sharing skin products with anyone (no matter how much you love them!).
Difficult as it may be, refrain from picking on any acne, blackheads, whiteheads or lesions that appear on your skin
– you don’t want them scars and marks!
Go in for a facial/clean-up/skin therapy once every fortnight.

Subscribe to the blog now – to follow the series of Top 10 Tips Coming your way!

Cat Eyeliner Stencils – Your Easy Guide For Eye Makeup

Useful Tips:

These stencils have proved to be a life-saver for most of us but with the help of some useful tip we can extend the use of these stencils and get professional results every time!

Tip A: Avoid using kohl pencils to fill in the gap for the cat eyeliner. Kohl pencils have creamier textures and they might add layers of products around the circumference of the stencil. This will not only waste the product but also make the application of the liner comparatively difficult. Liquid or gel eyeliners are perfect to work with such stencils.

Tip B: The closer you place the stencil to your lower lash line the thinner eyeliner pattern you can draw.

Tip C: Your eyeliner stencils are made of high quality plastic hence in order to extend their use washes them after every use. Take a flannel dipped in Luke warm water and clean the sides of the stencils properly. If the product doesn’t come off then dip a cotton ball in eye makeup remover and clean the stencils. Always store your stencils in a clean dry environment.

5 Helpful Makeup Tips for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be quite a bother to many women, because in addition to leaving you prone to common blemishes, it can also make it a lot harder to apply makeup. Nevertheless, following a systematic and well planned skin care routine can eliminate some of these common problems. Oily skin often causes clogged pores, acne and other skin blemishes, making skin maintenance and routines all the more important.

A common challenge with makeup for oily skin is to make it last longer and to avoid a patchy look. It is therefore not to only important to mask the blemishes but to control oil levels. Take a look at these useful makeup tips for oily skin. Also, check out 75+ expert makeup tips at www.rewardme.in.

Begin by Cleansing

Be sure to rid your skin of any impurities or dirt particles before you begin applying makeup. Cleaning your face before applying makeup helps ensure that the makeup does not mix with excess oils from your skin. However, for oily skin, simply washing is often not enough, so use a toner for some extra cleansing.

Use Matte for Long-Lasting Look

With oily skin, there is a high risk of makeup wearing off or melting away. Applying a matte base layer for your makeup will lower the risk of it blending with skin oils. To ensure that your makeup remains unspoilt for a longer period apply a solution of matte foundation and powder.

Spread it Evenly with a Sponge

Some parts of your face may have higher levels of oil than others, which may end up making your makeup appear blotchy and uneven. Use a good quality makeup sponge to gently dab your makeup on so that it is spread more evenly across your face.

Control Shine with Blotting Papers

Oily skin usually causes certain areas such as the nose, cheeks and forehead to shine. This unwanted effect often takes away from your appearance. Carry blotting papers to swab away the sweat and oils without ruining your makeup.

Oil-Free Products

It is important to be watchful while picking out cosmetics and beauty products. Make sure that the products you use are oil-free so that you do not add to the existing high levels of oil in your skin. Also, as oily skin tends to be sensitive, avoid using products with harsh chemical contents.

Along with these tips, it is also important to know how to apply makeup for oily skin to get the best effect. Common makeup steps for oily skin include starting with a primer or concealer to set an even base, following it with foundation and blush. Remember to gently pat the makeup instead of spreading it on.

With these daily makeup tips for oily skin, you need not worry about that unwanted oily shine playing spoilsport. You can get a perfect and long-lasting look for every occasion!

My Experience with Microdermaberasion (MDA) & LED Facial

Hello Ladies!

This post is inspired by my recent visit to a skin salon (Spa Beauty Coventry), where I pampered myself with a session of Microdermabrasion (MDA), followed by an LED Facial. Unless you are aware of what exactly an microdermaberasion or LED facial is, you might wonder about how these serious-sounding procedures could qualify as “pampering”. Well, you can read on and find out what these skin treatments are all about – maybe soon, you’ll also be lavishing your skin with MDAs and LEDs as well!

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a method of superficial exfoliation that helps remove dead and damaged cells from the surface of the skin. Far more intensive a skin therapy than your over-the-counter exfoliation products, Microdermaberasion are performed using a small cleaning tool, that has vacuum-cleaner-like suction power. The cleaning tool is used to vacuum fine crystals across the skin, often with other therapeutic agents being infused alongside as well. Based on the kind of effect you are hoping to achieve, you can either go in for a basic microdermaberasion to treat worn out skin or get more advanced microdermaberasion for moisturization or acne-control purposes.

What are the skin benefits of Microdermaberasion?

MDAs are usually recommended to be performed 4 – 5 times in a period of 2 – 4 weeks, depending upon one’s skin quality. However, you may go in for single sessions at your own convenience as well. Based on how frequently you go in for an microdermaberasion, you can expect to incur these skin benefits over a period of time:

Smoother skin which feels supple and refreshed.
Cleansing and unclogging of facial pores.
Instantaneous glow on the treated areas.

Generally, even with just one session, there is visible improvement in one’s skin texture and quality.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Forewarned is forearmed, ladies! Here are some things you need to know before you drop in for an MDA.

A microdermaberasion cannot remove deeper wrinkles, lines or excessive sun damage.
It can cause skin inflammation and irritation, but only if the microdermaberasion is too aggressive on sensitive skin.
While it is being performed, you’ll feel a slight sensation of your skin being tugged or pulled (due to the suction) – that is normal, as long as you are not heavily discomforted by it.
Sometimes, microdermaberasions are paired with LED facials for achieving better results, and specifically, a clearer complexion.

Thus, we move on to LED facials and what they can do for you.

What is an LED Facial?

An LED facial is a procedure which uses laser-based photorejuvenation to improve skin in varied ways. It helps with acne, fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and scarring, making it an ideal therapy for just about anyone. During an LED facial, one’s face is exposed to different coloured laser lights, each having a different therapeutic effect on the skin. The skin technician will determine the duration of exposure to each light, based on a prior inspection of your skin and the effect you are looking to achieve. A high frequency tool is then used to remove bacteria, usually followed by the application of a soothing mask on the skin.

What are the Skin Benefits of LED Facials?

Depending upon the nature and severity of skin damage, LED facials are recommended with a frequency of 4 – 8 sessions in a period of 4 – 8 weeks. However, most people claim of having seen the following positive results with the very first session

Diminished fine lines and lighter age spots.
More glowing and supple skin, that feels fresh and hydrated.
Lightened scars and acne marks.

Advanced LED facials may have more targeted effects on the skin, so you may go in for a specialized facial to treat a particular skin condition.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Before going in for an LED facial, make sure you got your facts right and expectations in check. Here are some things you should know:

There are extremely few recorded instances of adverse skin reaction to LED facial treatment.
During the procedure, targeted skin begins to feel warm – this is normal.
Some types of skin are more sensitive and the procedure may cause mild discomfort when going on; very mild stinging is not something to worry about.

Well, these are facts, but what about personal experiences, you ask? I can give you some details on how I feel about microdermaberasion and LED facials.

My Experience

I went in for a microdermaberasion, followed by an LED facial because I have just returned from a vacation and my skin needed it. Tan removal and skin brightening were my main concerns and I was positive that an microdermaberasion was the way to go; I have got this done in the past and it removed tanning effectively with minimal downtime. It had produced dry patches on my skin once, but with adequate moisturization, it is no problem at all! My skin felt clean and healthy after the microdermaberasion and the LED facial only added to the glow. In fact, even several days after getting it done, I can see the effects – my skin is brighter and glowing, which makes me very happy! I have added some pictures to show what the whole process is like. Hope you are now well-informed about these wonderful skin treatments.

If you have any questions about the procedure feel free to ask, I will be happy to answer them from my personal experience

How To Make Your Pout Look Plumper (Without Fillers!)

Like most women, I absolutely crave lips that are plump and full; however, I am not the biggest fan of lip fillers and the like (no matter how great Kylie Jenner’s smackers may look!) There are a lot of clever ways to make your lips look plumper than they are without harming your body. All you need is your regular lip makeup and a couple of extra minutes. Read on to find out more!

An easy way to achieve a naturally amped up effect is to opt for a shiny finish over a matte one. The light will bounce off the shiny surface and create an illusion of plumper lips. If you can’t do without your matte lipstick, finish off your lip routine with a swipe of clear lip gloss, which has the same effect. I like to apply clear gloss to only the centre of my pout for a bold effect. When it comes to your lips, drama is a good thing.

Another trick that I like to use is to line my lips using a nude lip liner. This is one of the easiest and oldest tricks in the book to enlarge your pout. I love the natural finish that nude lip liner provides, enabling you to sport this look on a daily basis.

If you’re feeling bold, you can use a coloured liner to overdraw your smackers. Find a liner that matches your lipstick (or just use the liner to fill them in later) and draw your lips slightly outside of their natural line, while following their shape. Fill them in completely, using translucent powder to set the products in place and you are good to go. Take it a step further by lining the outside of your overdrawn lips with concealer and watch your pout take the spotlight!

There are a lot of ways that you can play with your Cupid’s Bow (the centre of your top lip) to achieve a superstar pout, too. If you feel like going au naturel, simply dab a tiny bit of highlighter onto your Cupid’s Bow for some drama, and finish off the look with your trusty lip balm or clear gloss. For the days that you want to sport a coloured lip, define your Cupid’s Bow by drawing an X at the centre of your upper lip with liner. Apply your lipstick as normal and say hello to luscious lips for the day!

Finally, remember that darker shades will always make your lips look smaller than they are so opt for light or vibrant hues to make your job easier.

Kisses!

How To Sweat Proof Your Makeup

When the heat is beating down outside, maintaining a perfectly made up face can be really hard. Runny mascara and a patchy face is simply not a good look for anyone. Lucky for you, I have picked up many tips and tricks in the time that I have spent in India, many of which I regularly use to help me overcome the Mumbai heat. The next time it is scorching hot outside, try out one of these handy tips to save your makeup!

01. Always opt for long-lasting formulas that will not budge from your face. Because these products tend to be thicker than your average, mix them with a dollop of your facial moisturizer for easy application.

02. To prevent your eye shadow from creasing and looking tacky, make sure that you apply primer to your lids. It makes a world of difference!

03. Never leave the house without blotting papers to prevent that nasty shine that tends to develop in our oily spots after a couple of hours. Either that, or keep a nifty blotting powder on standby!

04. If you are going to wear mascara, it should not be anything by waterproof! It might be harder to remove than a normal formulation, but it is definitely worth the effort.

05. Take a chance and skip lipstick altogether. Instead, enhance your pout by treating it to some lip balm and a brush of highlighter in the center of your top lip.

06. Choose a cream blush over a powder blush for easy blending and a more natural look.

07. I would recommend using a tinted moisturizer instead of your regular foundation. If you simply cannot live without the latter, ensure that it is an oil-free one so that it does not clog your pores.

08. I am one of those girls who cannot live without a good eyeliner but when the temperature shoots up, you will not find me using anything but a reliable, long-lasting gel product. Do not even try to experiment with anything else.

09. When it comes to lipstick, matte ones are the way to go because they have an immense staying power and will definitely not melt off your face.

10. Before you start applying your makeup, set it in place with a makeup spray. You will instantly see the difference.

My Latest Eye Makeup Routine

You may have already seen the picture of my current eye makeup routine on my Instagram or Facebook page. As promised, here is the story post decoding the process and how I go about it on an everyday basis. I have also listed all the products in the picture towards the end of the post.

These days I am experimenting with a lot with my eye makeup, especially eye shadows – will definitely post some more tips once I have tried and tested them fully.

Most of the days in I am in rush to get ready and be off to work. Hence, this routine is for all those ladies who like me, have a little less time on hand and still want to get awesome, lasting eye makeup. After all, we all know that it’s the eyes that make you stand out in the crowd

I generally tend to start my routine by applying an eye primer on the lids to help get them ready for the eye shadow. Primer, as you may or may not know, makes your eye shadow stay for longer. The M.A.C. pot I use is one my favourites as it also brings out the colour of the shadow and makes it pop a lot more.

Next step obviously is to use a good quality eye shadow for application across the eye contours. If you are a novice and can’t do the two shades look, try to use a lighter, nudish shade on the eye during the day rather than a darker one. Most of the times, lighter shades are much more easy and forgiving than the highly pigmented ones.

Then comes the eyeliner, followed by the mascara. Make sure you use a dark eyeliner in shades like midnight blue or black for office. You can use either a thin line or a thick one depending on how comfortable you are with wearing makeup. And please don’t forget mascara on both the lower and the top eyelashes since the dual stroke widens our eyes and makes them stand out!

Here is the list of products I am using these days for my daily Eye Makeup Routine.

1. MAC Paint Pot Groundwork
2. Loreal Super Liner Eye Liner Gel Intenza in Black
3. Urban Decay Naked Eye Shadow Pallete
4. Rimmel London SacandalEyes Mascara

Any questions? Simply comment below and I will make sure I respond to them personally as soon as possible.

Summer Beauty & Makeup Tips

Hello, summer! By now, most of you are well aware of the fact that I am a complete summer baby. Nothing makes me happier than dipping my toes into warm white sands and taking in the glorious sunrays (after applying sunscreen, of course!)

Unfortunately, summer isn’t always white bikinis and poolside cocktails – it can be panda eyes and runny makeup if you do not take care to alter your makeup routine in preparation for the heat. When it comes to summer beauty, remember that your mantra should always be “less is more.” With those three words in mind, read on to discover five summer beauty tips that will have you looking fabulous all season long.

Never Leave The House Without Sunscreen

So, this tip really is not restricted to the summertime because you should be doing it every single day. If you aren’t, it is a good time to start! Many women downplay the importance of sunscreen until their skin has already started aging and by then, it is too late. Always apply sunscreen before you begin applying the rest of your makeup and not only to your face but to every body part that is exposed. An SPF of 30 or more is essential!

Replace Foundation With Tinted Moisturizer

To be honest, I am not an avid user of foundation at all, but I stay especially far away from it during the summer. The combination of sweat with a heavy foundation will do nothing but clog your pores and make your skin feel icky. This summer, replace your foundation with tinted moisturizer, which will give you the ultimate sun-kissed glow sans the detrimental aftereffects.

Matte Lips Are The Only Lips For Summer

Ladies, do not get me wrong when I say that matte lipstick is the way to go this summer! I absolutely dig glossy lip products as much as the next girl, but I find that such formulations are more likely to smudge and/or fade away than their matte counterparts. The latter tend to have a really long staying power, which is exactly what I look for in a lip product. This summer, I am all about neutral hues like pale pink and beige.

Waterproof Eye Makeup Is Non-Negotiable

There are no two ways about it – if you are going to wear eye makeup during the summertime, every single product that you use must be waterproof. Even if you are not planning to take a dip in the ocean, it is important to note that waterproof makeup is also sweat proof. When I’m hitting the beach, I don’t take any chances – I skip the eyeliner and let my lashes do all the talking by applying a few coats of waterproof mascara.

Cream Blush Is Better Than Any Other

As a rule of thumb, try to keep your summer makeup look as sheer as possible so that it stays put on your face from morning till night. I love using a hint of blush on my cheeks for a lovely flushed look, but powdered formulas just don’t work when the temperature rises. Instead, I opt for a smooth creamy blush that blends into my skin naturally.

Five Eyeliner Hacks That Will Change Your Life

From past experience, I can safely say that eyeliner can either be your best friend or your biggest enemy. Most ladies dread the thought of trying their hand at the elusive cat eye and you know what they say – never ask a lady with winged eyeliner why she is late! Over the last few years, I have tried and tested many different products and processes to perfect the art of eyeliner. Through this post, I will share the five hacks that I use on a regular basis to keep my eyeliner game on point!

Make Your Liner Last Longer

Before we get into the technique of wearing eyeliner, it is absolutely critical that you know how to maximise your eyeliner and make it last for as long as possible. Here in India, summer is upon us, and nothing is worse than seeing a beautiful girl with runny eyeliner. There are two ways to make your eyeliner last longer – the first is to set it in place with an eye shadow in a matching colour. Lightly dust the shadow on top of your liner to set it in place. The second way is to use concealer – using the right brush, lightly blend concealer right under your lash line.

Pencil to Gel Liner

What do you do when you want the dramatic feel of gel eyeliner but are stuck with a blunt pencil? All you need to do is heat the tip of the pencil for 10 seconds, let it cool for another 15 seconds and then use it to line your eyes to your heart’s content. Hello, bold, black amazingness!

White Eyeliner To Make Your Eyes Pop

In the summer time (and pretty much all year around), I love makeup looks that make me look as fresh as a flower. Last year, I discovered just how well white eyeliner could help in doing that. To make your eyes pop, use a white eye pencil along your lower lash line – not only does it counter the redness, it also makes your eyes look really big! You can also use white eyeliner to highlight your brow bone by gliding it under your eyebrow and blending well.

Winged Eyeliner With A Business Card

When I discovered how easy it was to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner with the help of nothing but a business card and your product, I could not stop wondering how I had ever lived without knowing! Simply hold your card at the edge of your eye at the angle that you would like your flick to be. Use the edge of the card to trace a line for your flick with pencil. Join the tip of this line back to your eyelid so that it forms a triangle. Finally, trace over and fill it in with liquid liner for a dramatic effect!

Switch It Up

Black eyeliner is always a classic, but do not hesitate to experiment with other colours as well! This summer, I am absolutely feeling aqua and emerald green. Another fun way to play with colour is to draw a double line – start with black and then use another colour to draw a line directly above it. For nights out on the town, experiment with metallic shades like gold and silver.

How to Achieve Sweat-Resistant Makeup this Summer

Since things are heating up a bit now, you may have noticed that your makeup isn’t quite staying place in the same way as when the weather was cooler. Of course, we all want to look our best at all times but there’s no need to hit the shops and spend a fortune on new makeup in the hope that it’ll stay put. Instead, see our seven useful tips and tricks to keeping makeup in place so you’ll have perfect make up all season long.

Eyeshadow with damp brush
Using a damp brush when you apply your eyeshadow just helps the powder to stick that little bit more, meaning that you’ll find it harder to rub and sweat off throughout the day. The same goes for using a powdered eye liner.

Use primer
Making a simple adjustment to your makeup routine such as using a primer before your foundation can really make all the difference. Not only does it create a nice, smooth surface for your makeup to be applied to, but it actually helps the foundation to stay put, as it sticks to the primer rather than your slightly sweaty face.

Waterproof mascara
The one thing that’s absolutely worth investing in is a good waterproof mascara. Using a waterproof mascara will leave you assured that you won’t be getting the dreaded panda eyes halfway through your day. Simple. Sold.

Hairspray
It may sound odd, but lightly hairspraying your face once you’ve applied your make up really can make all the difference. The hairspray acts as a coating to your make up, sealing it firmly in place. Just make sure you only very lightly coat your skin, as too much hairspray can really clog up those pores. Remember to close your eyes when spraying, as well.

BB Cream
BB Cream is an amazing summer alternative to regular foundations. It’s great for your skin, protects against sun damage and provides that natural summer glow we’re all seeking. Acting and feeling like a moisturiser, BB Cream is far more likely to stay in place than a heavy foundation.

Powder
The trick is to blot up any moisture that appears on your face as soon as possible, so always carry some translucent powder with you for those shiny noses and foreheads. Just touching up with powder every now and then will keep your makeup feeling and looking fresh all day long.

Don’t overload
The biggest trick is not to overload. It’s summer, so go minimal with your makeup to avoid a look and feel of heaviness. Keep things light and simple, and only use what you really have to. In short, let your natural beauty shine through.

Common Nail Problems and How to Fix Them

Beautiful nails, either painted or bear, are the best accessory ever! The one fashion statement you can make without spending a fortune is sporting wonderful nails that everyone envies.

But I have to admit that good nails do not come easy and can’t be grown overnight. Most people who have naturally strong and sturdy nails are either genetically blessed or maintain a very healthy diet. Either way, if you are not one of those people, having nice nails is going to require some extra effort.

Most of us can judge nail quality based on their shape, size and colour as well as frequency of chipping and breakage. If you are victim to the following nail problems all the time, there are some natural remedies which may be of help. Read on and find out.

Slow Nail Growth

The average fingernail grows at the rate of one-tenth an inch per month. But if yours aren’t able to keep up that face here are some things you could try:

Apply warm olive oil or coconut oil on your nails and cuticles before bed every night. Both deeply nourish the nail bed, thus promoting growth.
Soak your nails in fresh orange or lemon juice for 10 minutes every day. Follow up by washing and moisturising them. Vitamin-C-rich, these juices aid collagen production and hence nail-growth.

Brittle Nails

Sick of your nails chipping and breaking every other day? Your brittle nails need some natural goodness which you can get this way:

Prepare a solution of equal parts raw apple cider vinegar and water. Soak your nails in it for a few minutes every day. Rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, apple cider vinegar will make your nails stronger in no time.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with vitamin E oil. Apply on nails and leave overnight. The solution will deeply hydrate your nails, nourishing them such that breakage reduces.

Yellowed Nails

Those whose nails are always painted find them to have yellowed when they remove the polish. There are other medical causes for yellowing of nails which must be treated differently but if it’s polish-based stains, here’s what you can do:

Always apply a clear base coat before putting on other colours.
Mix two parts of baking soda and lemon juice each with one part olive oil. Apply this thick paste on your nails and leave for a few minutes. Rinse off and moisturize. Repeat procedure every 2 weeks.
Apply whitening toothpaste on your nails for a few minutes and then scrub it off gently using a toothbrush. Rinse off and moisturize. Do this 2-3 times a week till stains are removed.

Nail-Biting Habit

The awful habit of biting nails is as much a health hazard as it is off-putting. There are several ways in which you can curb the instinct if you are a nail-biter:

Always keep your nails trimmed so there is less potential to bite.
Apply neem oil on your nails and allow it to dry. Whenever you bite on them unconsciously, the bitter taste will deter you for sure.
Wear artificial nails for a few weeks which will prevent you from accessing and biting your real nail. Hopefully that should cure you of your addiction.