Beauty Archives - Page 4 of 10

Skin Care Tips for Holi

A touch of green, a hint of blue and a tinge of red smeared on the happy faces of your friends is the perfect ingredient for a colourful holi. Holi is all about colours, friends, sweets, bhang, dancing, water balloons and more. It’s a festival that as awaited as Diwali and celebrate all over the world! The colours, music, and the rain dance may bring much joy and merriment.

But don’t you skin or hair suffer the damage from the colour spoils your mood this year. Holi colours were traditionally made using natural ingredients and plant extracts. But these days you a lot of people use metallic colours and other pakka colours which explain the colourful faces at work or anywhere a week after holi. Before you get ready to surprise attack your friends with colours, protect yourself with these easy tips which will keep your skin and hair safe this holi.

Organic Colours: Play it safe and have fun at the same time with organic powders which don’t damage your skin or hair. Keep a few extra pouches with you to offer others. People get done with their colours pretty fast.

If you have any cuts or bruises, cover them up well with a band-aid or adequate dressing to avoid an infection later.

Clothes: You are traditionally supposed to wear white during holi. But with the harmful chemical and harsh sun try wearing dark clothes, in cotton or synthetic material. Don’t wear jeans. They will get too heavy once you are drenched in water. Also, try wearing long sleeve t-shirts or kurta. The idea is to cover yourself up as much as possible to avoid exposure to chemicals.

Nail Colour: Don’t want your nails looking like you’ve never gotten them cleaned or heard of a manicure. Protect your nails by applying clear polish or any dark coloured nail paint. Rub off any excess colour by rubbing a slice of lime on your nails.

Oil: This is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Even as a child my mother would oil my hair and skin with coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil. It keeps your hair and skin protected from the harsh chemicals in the colours and makes sure it doesn’t leave you looking like a red ape the next day. Apply the oil at least 15- 20 minutes before going to play. Braid up your hair to avoid a mess.

Avoid getting any treatments done on your skin 3-4 days before and after playing holi. Avoid going for waxing, threading or bleaching as well. Your skin would be sensitive when you get the treatments done, and the colours may cause irritation. If your skin does get itchy, then apply some aloe vera gel on the area.

Wash off the colour, immediately after you are done playing. Your skin may feel extremely dry after playing holi. Avoid exfoliating your skin and use gentle glycerin based soaps. Apply a generous amount of body lotion or baby oil to hydrate your skin. You can even use oil to remove colour from your skin i.e. just like a makeup remover.

Now that you have all your bases covered with all the do’s and don’ts. Get all geared up to play a safe and fun filled holi.

VLCC Day Spa Event Review

Jasmine..Mogra..Rose..No, I am not checking my memory for names of flowers but these were the aromas I smelt when I walked into the VLCC Day Spa and Salon, Vasant Vihar for their special VLCC Style Statement event. The eyes were met with a bunch of girls getting a funky nail art session which was really tempting. One could just google a nail art picture and voila! These experts can reproduce it on your nail. It was a treat to meet the cheerful hostesses like the centre manager and marketing head Sushmita Verma, so I was pretty sure that I was in for a soothing, relaxing and knowledgeable two hours. The centre was spread across 2 floors in the posh Basant Lok complex of Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. It has all the modern facilities for a spa and salon like make-up, nail art, laser treatments, body treatments etc. You name it, they have it right at your command. One might think it is a very girly thing, but interestingly 30% of their customers are men, who are equally concerned about their body too.

VLCC was started by one of India’s first women entrepreneurs; Vandana Luthra who is now a renowned figure in the beauty and wellness industry. VLCC which is spread across 127 locations, is traditionally known for their weight loss treatments, but now is a famous brand in the beauty and wellness sector. A little-known fact that, the famous Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial treatment, wherein your protein-rich blood plasma is used to even out the skin tone and ageing signs were, in fact, introduced first in India by VLCC. Now they have expanded their services to complement every aspect of your body like preventive anti-ageing treatments, Laser treatments, Spa treatments, Hair and make-up…. the list is long. Not to mention their standards in hygiene and safety are comparable to any top class salon-spa in India. No salon or spa can ever be successful without the staff, and VLCC is proof of that because their staff is very courteous and professional.

Apart from these wonderful sights and smells, we even got to learn some new and latest techniques to enhance the way you look and feel. One of the biggest concerns which any person, men and women alike have is that how can one prevent ageing and wrinkles? While the natural process of ageing would occur no matter what but all we can do is to delay it as much as possible. So, here at VLCC they help reduce the ageing signs through a thorough skin test to check your skin type and suggest a variety of treatments like chemical peels, Thermage, products diet and even lifestyle changes to help you achieve your goal. For those of us who are worried about the sagging under-eye and puffiness, the Dermaheal eye mask treatment is highly recommended, so much so that one 30 minute session would help reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes.

With so much of pollution and stress plaguing us, it takes a toll on our skin in the form of pigmentation, darkening and dullness. They have a variety of treatments like the Extra lightening Glutathione, where the glutathione serum is added to your skin using Derma rollers to lighten your skin tone up to two shades in just one sitting. They are even bringing in the famous Q switch laser treatment for pigmentation and scar removal in India.

Still not satisfied? Then their ultimate Thermage radiofrequency treatment reduces the appearance of those lines or acne marks on our faces, troublesome cellulite or bulges on our bodies and uplifts the eyes almost instantaneously. There is something for keeping those tresses pretty too; the Metabeta treatment which is a two-hour treatment helps arresting hair fall, dandruff and scalp sebum. VLCC takes pride in being the only salon to be providing this treatment in the country.

I was super excited to know that VLCC is piloting the ‘VLCC At Home’ service wherein the services would be available at the comfort of your own home, so you would not have any more excuses to skip that beauty routine. With VLCC as a trusted brand, this one is bound to be a hit.

Phew! After that enriching session, it was time to pamper ourselves with some massages like head and foot massages, which are highly recommended after that tiring day. Our final pull towards vanity was strengthened by our hosts giving us lovely takeaways of a gift voucher and a goody bag filled with their body care products like massage oils, moisturisers etc. So, watch out for our upcoming blog to learn more about these products.

We also have a discount code for you all to use at VLCC. Code – U3A5M242

The T&C for the codes are as follows:

10% discount on availing any service with VLCC ( valid over and above the current discount )
One time use
Valid till 30^th April
Not applicable on high end Dermat services

What is Thermage treatment? Is it effective? How does it work?

In today’s times, due to our fast paced lives, we often find it challenging to remain fit. Fitness is something we all strive for, but only a few of us manage to attain it. Our skin is a very important aspect of our body, which too needs to be taken care of. Having a smooth skin not only makes you feel good but also makes you look younger. However, maintaining smooth skin can be a daunting task! It means sticking to a particular diet, avoiding your skin getting over exposed to the sun and numerous other things that demand persistence. Sometimes, you might get your skin damaged because of your sedentary lifestyle- be it your unhealthy eating habits, smoking or an allergy.

Luckily, there are various clinical treatments using which you can treat your skin in no time. Thermage (anti-aging treatment) is one such procedure which helps in attaining smooth and younger looking skin.

What is Thermage treatment?

It is among one of the clinically proven skin tightening treatments that improve your skin and makes it look younger. Not only is this treatment user-friendly, but it also delivers promising results in no time irrespective of the skin tone in just a single procedure.

How does it work?

The treatment consists of using radiofrequency (RF) technology for the treatment of the skin. It makes use of heat to strengthen the core layers of the skin. The RF technology heats the layers of collagen (which plays a vital role in the replacement of dead skin cells) in your skin, thus assisting in remodelling the existing collagen as well as producing new collagen. This, in turn, improves the texture and smoothness of the skin.

The procedure causes the skin to generate new collagen of its own as well as stimulate the already existing collagen fibres. It makes utilisation of the natural processes in the body instead of depending on surgery to improve a patient’s skin.

What can Thermage treat?

By undergoing this anti-ageing treatment, you can actually treat wrinkles and fine lines on your body including the eyes, arms, hands, thighs, buttocks, face, etc. Furthermore, it also helps in smoothening the uneven and dimpled skin of the body. Apart from this, the anti-ageing treatment can also reduce the appearance of the cellulite (the under skin fat that causes lumpiness of the skin) temporarily.

Who can undergo Thermage?

This procedure is constructed for patients who don’t want to do a surgical facelift. This does not mean that it is an alternative to a surgical facelift. Both these procedures i.e. Thermage treatment and surgical facelift have their pros and cons.

Those ideal for the Thermage treatment include-

Those who don’t want to undergo a surgical face lift.
Middle-aged women displaying signs of neck/brow/eyelid sagging.
Middle-aged women displaying signs of drooping jowls/cheek folds.
Those who want to strengthen their skin structure without undergoing surgery.
Those who have earlier had facelift, but want to strengthen the structure of their skin further.

Before the procedure, an individual needs to consult a cosmetic dermatologist who will give an in-depth detail about the treatment i.e. how to go upon with it, its cost, the results of it, etc.

Skin Tightening Treatments

– Difference between Thermage (RF) and Surgical Face Lift

The effects of doing a facelift can last up to 5 to 10 years, while an RF treatment effect can last for up to 2 years at an average. In a facelift, there’s a surgery involving tightening of facial muscles, the rearrangement of underlying facial structures and the trimming of excess skin. On the other hand, the latter involves reducing fine lines, wrinkles, cheek folds and droopiness on the face through a noninvasive facial cosmetic procedure.

Regarding cost, the radiofrequency treatment (RF) is comparatively cheaper than the surgical face lift treatment.

Things you need to keep in mind before undergoing the RF procedure-

There is no doubt that radio frequency skin tightening treatment acts as an alternative to face lift. However, it shouldn’t be considered as a substitute for it. Those showing signs of ageing like loose skin, heavy faces, wrinkles, etc. may not experience considerable improvement after undergoing RF. Also, those who are seeking RF treatment must be well informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Consulting a skin specialist is recommended to identify your skin requirements and also make sure whether RF treatment is really required for you or not!

The number of sessions required-

Regarding duration, the treatment does not take more than an hour, although it may sometime go beyond the stated time due to the preparation and utilisation of anaesthesia. On the patient’s side, there’s no prior preparation needed apart from washing the face clean.

The effects of the treatment-

The recovery time for radio frequency skin tightening treatments are pretty quick as compared to related surgical treatments. The patient will find his/her skin firm and elastic almost immediately; however the physical results will be visible only after a few months. This will, in turn, make you look younger as compared to earlier i.e. before the treatment.

Thermage side effects, although rare include having mild redness, bumps and blisters in the areas- where one has undergone the treatment. This may vanish eventually (within a few days) or sometimes may last for up to a week or more. In the rarest of cases, there have been reports of a symptom known as surface irregularity (which lasts for a longer period of time).

The results of RF procedure vary from patient to patient. To be more specific, it depends on the patient’s underlying skin (the collagen). There is no doubt that the procedure improves the appearance of the skin to a certain extent. The results can be even better for those having healthier skin.

What You Need to Know About Dermaroller Treatments

If you suffer from acne scars, stretch marks, or prominent facial wrinkles, you probably also suffer from diminished self-esteem. Our self-image plays a large part in how much confidence we have about ourselves. What if you could do something to change that? Would it be worth it to try cosmetic treatments to improve your image? If you are answering yes, then you need to learn about Dermarollers and how they work.

Origins of skincare issues

Many issues with skin conditions actually occur naturally. Anyone with oily skin is prone to breakouts as the oil clogs the pores in the skin, trapping bacteria inside. Puberty causes an increase in hormones which then create more oil on the skin. Too many dead skin cells on the skin’s surface also clog pores and cause breakouts. Ageing will cause wrinkles and sagging skin over time. Other skin conditions are a result of exposure to toxins such as smoking. Overexposing skin to the sun causes premature ageing of the skin. All of these things cause skincare issues.

How Dermarollers work

Dermarollers are designed for use in micro-needling applications. The manual device has a roller on one end that is covered with hundreds of medical grade, tiny needles. It is rolled across the surface of the skin and creates tiny punctures in the skin. These micro injuries stimulate the skin to create collagen and elastins to repair itself. These essential ingredients don’t just repair damage, but also plump the skin and make it tighter. The result is healthy looking skin.

The cost of treatments

If you’ve visited a clinic for treatments before and used cosmetic equipment like lasers to treat your skin issues, then you know how much they can cost. If multiple treatments are necessary, the cost can add up even more. However, Dermarollers don’t cost but a fraction of that amount. Many clinics will even offer price reductions on multiple treatments as a package deal.

What to expect during treatment

When you visit a cosmetic clinic for the first time, plan on arriving early to fill out medical questionnaires or forms. The trained technician doing the procedure can apply a topical anaesthetic or numbing cream to the skin before starting. They will make several passes over the skin with the Dermaroller to guarantee full coverage of the area. To make the procedure even more effective, they will likely apply a collagen or vitamin enhanced serum immediately after using the Dermaroller. The technician will give instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure.

What the Dermaroller treats

Dermarollers cannot treat every skincare issue, but they do treat many of them.

Acne scar removal – reduces or removes mild to moderate scars
Cellulite reduction – smooths the skin to remove or reduce cellulite pockets on arms, rear end, thighs, stomach, and legs.
Hair loss reduction – can stop hair loss or possibly even restore lost hair when used in conjunction with Minoxidil
Lines and wrinkles – very effective on facial lines and wrinkles.
Stretch mark reduction – reduces visible stretch marks

Your next step

If it sounds like Dermaroller treatments can work for you, then you will need to find a local clinic that offers this procedure. Remember to check out their reviews to make sure the clinic has a good reputation. Then make an appointment with confidence.

Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Review

Exposure to pollution and harsh weather makes your hair prone to breakage, dryness, dehydrations, frizziness, split ends and dull. But there is no reason for your hair to suffer like this. One of the best treatments for dry, damaged and unruly hair is using a hair mask. A hair mask not only nourishes your hair, but also protects your hair fiber and revitalizes dry and damaged hair. So today I would be reviewing a hair mask which I recently came across, Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. Black Seed is known for its powerful properties in the ancient culture of Middle East and Asia. Black seed is known to nourish and condition your hair.

How To Use:

Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
Even spread a generous amount of the hair mask on hair post wash.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel and leave it for 15 minutes
Rinse with water.

Product Features:

Easy to use hair mask
Moisturizes your hair
Gives extra shine
Strengthen and promote hair growth
For external use only

Final thoughts

It is a deep conditioning mask which is perfect for over-treated hair or dry hair. After using the mask, my hair feels very silky and nourished. The hair mask comes in a black pot packaging and is black in colour with a nice creamy texture. Overall, it’s a value for money product as one gets a good quality product at an affordable price. For best results, try using the mask twice a week and focus on the end of your hair.

Star Rating – 3.3/5 stars

Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balms Review

When we think about a multipurpose balm or a cosmetic product we always think of Vaseline. Vaseline has been a staple for almost every woman. From hydrating dry skin to chapped lips, Vaseline worked wonders in many ways. But recently, I came across a new multipurpose balm that I am totally in love with. Dr. Paw Paw is a multipurpose balm which can be used in various ways like for chapped lips, dry skin, as a makeup base, to smoothen out fly away hair, hydrate dull and dry hair, repair split ends, and as a cuticle balm amongst other things.

Dr Paw Paw has been an instant success with several makeup artist, celebrities and bloggers since its launch in 2013. The brand offers 4 variants, the original, tinted Peach pink balm, tinted ultimate red balm and a limited edition red sparkle.

The original is a clear balm which comes in a yellow coloured tube. It is an all-purpose balm which can be used for dry patches, elbows, lips, hair setting like fly away, or on your eye lid as a shiner.

The tinted peach pink balm is a good lip balm with a hint of a peach colour to it. The best part about this shade is that it also doubles up as a wonderful tinted blush. It is a very subtle colour.

My all time favourite out of the 4 is the tinted red balm. I love the colour and it is so versatile that you can wear with almost any outfit at anytime of the day. The colour has a depth and is perfect for my skin tone. The colour would also suit any woman with a dusky or pale skin tone. Those who are too shy to try a bold matte red lipstick can definitely try this tinted lip balm to begin with. Even this lip balm can double up as a blush for a warmer makeup palette.

The limited edition red sparkle is a great addition to the Dr. Paw Paw collection. I am really excited to try it one of these days for a night out, cinema visits or a dinner.

Dr Paw Paw is made from all natural ingredients which are beneficial for the skin. The balms contain extracts from the carica papaya fruit, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, aloe vera leaf juice, medicinal grade petrolatum and potassium sorbate. These ingredients are nutrient rich and have a variety of benefits for the hair and skin. The concentration of the product is thick, so you only need to apply a little. Thus the product is long lasting. I also love the packing of the product, as I don’t like the stick shaped lip balms. Tube shaped balms are much better, but sometimes you also end up pressing a lot of product out.

Overall I love this product and highly recommend it. It is an instant favourite with good quality, quantity and packaging for the price. The moment I tried it on I was excited to share my reviews with everyone.

Currently Stocked in Superdrug, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Look Fantastic and Ocado.- so feel free to have your pick from your choice of outlet

Top 10 Tips – For Your Makeup

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

To ensure that your makeup stays on for long without getting patchy, always start with a good-quality primer suited to your skin quality and complexion.
Never step out without lip colour, it is your biggest weapon. If nothing else, at least have a tinted lip balm on at all times.
Always use the appropriate makeup brushes when doing your makeup – it makes a huge difference to the final look.
Balance your makeup; if your eyes are bold, let the lips be soft and muted and vice versa; if your cheeks are highlighted, make sure to contour accordingly.
Use mascara on both lash-lines. It opens up the eyes, giving the impression of big, beautiful eyes.
Turn any lipstick into a matte-finish pigment by applying translucent powder on it through an issue.
It is not just how the face is made-up that matters – your hairdo also determines how good the finished look it. Thus, put some extra effort into styling those tresses.
Always check for some typical makeup flaws before leaving the house – smudged kohl/liner, lipstick on the teeth, unblended foundation on the face and neck, and makeup stains on your hands/clothes.
Whenever buying new makeup products, in particular, for the skin, try it out on your skin at the sales counter. Makeup looks different on everyone and distinct from its appearance in the container, so it is always better to test it first.
When putting on makeup, keep a bunch of q-tips and makeup remover handy. This is an easy way to get rid of smudges and tiny flaws.

Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes Review

Whether you are a beginner or an avid makeup enthusiast, it is hard to imagine your cosmetic kit without makeup brushes and Blank Canvas is one brand that has emerged as a favourite for many. Blank Canvas Cosmetics is known for high quality and amazing value. Recently, it has revamped all its brushes and unveiled the new Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes, which come in a variety of eye-catching metallic colours and combinations.

Available in unusual shades of Metallic Champagne Pink, Metallic Rose Gold, Hot Pink Gold, Metallic Gold and Rose Gold Black, these brushes are as amazing in looks as these are great in quality. The soft bristles and gorgeous looks make them a pleasure to own and use. The quality makes them comparable to most of their high-end counterparts in the market. I have had the pleasure of using a few of the Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes and would like to share my feedback with you.

I have been sent F41, F20, F11 and F06 as samples to try and I must say they all are well made, but I have now formed a special liking for the metallic F41 and F20 Brush

F20 Flat Buffer Brush is the one I utilise for the everyday blush application, and it is simply the best one I have used till date. But you can use it for the foundation as well.

F41 Flat Tapered Cheek Brush is my favourite for blush or powder application as it is ideal for creating the shape for my face. The best part is that it works for both, powder as well as cream products.

F11 Large Eyeshadow Brush is designed for application of eye shadow, though I also it for face detailing too. Again, this one can be used for powder and cream products.

F6 – Bevelled Foundation or Contour Brush is excellent for applying and getting an even finish with your foundation and also for contouring bigger sections of the face. I have been using it in everyday makeup application as it blends the foundation well on the face.

Some of the other ones on the list from Blank Canvas are –

F34 Large Powder Brush is ideal for application of loose, pressed powder and bronzer. It has super soft bristle and nice grip to facilitate smooth usage.

F08 Dome Buffing Brush is again a foundation brush, though it can be used for contouring as well as applying blush and concealer. The best part is that you can use it with powder, gel, mousse or cream based products.

F33 Extreme Angle Contour Brush is a contouring brush used for highlighting the cheekbones and nose, with powder or cream products.

E36 Large Concealer/Eye Shader is a handy one that is ideal for eyeshadow application as well as concealer purposes for hiding the blemishes.

E27 Cute Mini Detailer is another eye brush that is apt for the under eye area, particularly if you love smokey eyes.You can use this one for getting a flawless, natural look by blending the eyeshadows seamlessly.

L29 Lip/Winged Eyeliner Brush will be a fantastic lip liner brush but can double up as an eyeliner brush too. It works as a sharp pencil, ideally suited for lining the lips perfectly and can similarly be used for the eyes.

I have had such a wonderful experience with all these brushes from the Blank Canvas Dimension Series that I would definitely love to buy a few more of these. Plus, their good looks make them a must-have for all makeup lovers!!!

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?

Simply Argan Scrub – Argan Oil, Coconut and Vanilla Coffee Scrub Review

Coffee is a stimulating drink for many people across the world especially in the morning. I am never completely awake without a nice cup of hot steaming coffee. But did you know coffee also has several benefits for the skin.

It contains antioxidants, fatty acid and vitamins which are beneficial for the skin. It helps brighten up tired looking skin. The natural oil moisturises and nourishes your skin, while it helps reduce cellulite and restores the skins texture by reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Caffeine stimulates dilation and scrubbing motion increases blood circulation, which plumps up the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Coffee is also a great exfoliator and is used in several face and body scrubs.

I recently tried the ultimate Coffee and Argan Oil Scrub from Simply Argan and I can see the difference in my skin. If your skin is flaky and dry this product is suitable for you. The natural ingredients like argan oil nourish the skin. Argan oil is also known as liquid gold and it works wonders for your skin. It helps maintain your body’s radiance.

The scrub also helps get rid of dead skin, brightens up the skin and leaves it smelling heavenly. It comes in a re-sealable pouch and once you open the pouch you are overwhelmed by the smell of coffee in a good way. When using the product, remove a small portion in a bowl and mix it with about 2 teaspoons of water to make a fine paste. One warning the product is a bit messy, as its a loose scrub my tip is to take a muslin cloth and wrap the scrub in the cloth and then use as a scrub.But on the plus side it will leave you and your bathroom smelling amazing.

The scrub can be used for your body as well as face. But if you have sensitive skin or oily skin then use only a pea sized amount for your face and scrub gently. After using the scrub for 2-3 times a week I feel that my skin looks healthier and softer. Also the smell lasts for a few hours which is a huge plus.

Overall this is a great body scrub which will leave your skin silky smooth, smelling great and reducing scars, marks and cellulite. Priced at £19 for a 200 gm pouch.

Have you tried the Simply Argan Scrub? Comment and let me know your favourite products beauty products this season.

Top 10 tips – For Your Nails

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 nails!

For Your Nails

Do not bite your nails; apart from having unsightly fingertips, you also become more prone to skin infections.
Always have your nails filed to perfect. Always. It’s the mark of a true fashionista.
Use good quality polishes and removers only. Cheap, low-quality products tend to dry the nail bed and make nails brittle.
Alternate dark and light nail polish to prevent discolouration of nails. Ideally, there should also be a 1-2 day gap between polish change so your nails can
If your nails are already discoloured – a yellowish hue due to too much product usage – use lemon juice. Dip cotton in it and place on each nail for 2-3 minutes. Follow up with moisturization.
Always apply a coat of clear nail polish beneath and over your coloured nail paint. This prevents yellowing of nails and chipping of coloured polish.
Keep your nails well moisturised to prevent chipping and breakage. Invest in a hand-and-nail cream and use regularly.
When filling your nails at home, move the nail file in one direction and not back and forth – this makes them less brittle and prone to breaking.
If a nail gets chipped, cut and file it immediately – don’t leave it looking shabby and uneven for too long.

Get a professional manicure done once every month. Admit it; you can’t clean, buff and remove cuticles the way the salon guy do

Top 10 Tips – For Your Hair

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 hairs!

For Your Hair

Always shampoo and condition your hair for maintaining optimal quality and texture. If worried about slathering on too many chemicals, go in for herbal products.
Do not skimp on heat protection before blow-drying and/or styling hair with heated irons. Heat protection products are expensive, yes, but worth every penny in terms of keeping hair healthy.
Apply a homemade hair mask once every week. Find a recipe suited to your hair quality and scalp condition.
Do not brush your hair too often – your grandma’s advice of 100 strokes each night may actually harm hair and the follicles.
On a windy day, cover your hair with some headgear or keep it tied to prevent tangling and knots.
Serums and leave-in conditioners can improve hair quality significantly, especially when it comes to dry hair.
If your hair gets too oily and you don’t have time for a wash, sprinkle some baby powder on your locks – it will soak the oil up instantly.
To remove split ends without going in for a haircut, twist your hair and inspect the strands that protrude outwards – they are usually the split ends. Get chopping!

Top 10 Tips – For Your Lips

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 lips!

For Your Lips

Chapped lips are such a turn-off; be kiss-ready with well-moisturized lips at all times.
Do not lick your lips when they get dry; this will only worsen their condition. Fall into the habit of always having lip moisturisers handy.
Always use a lip balm with SPF to prevent darkening of lip skin.
Every few days, buff your lips to remove dead skin – use a toothbrush for gentle exfoliation and follow up by moisturising them with a soothing balm or lip butter.
Always go in for quality products when it comes to lip care and makeup; it’s better to have fewer high-end lip colours than a truckload of inexpensive, low-quality lip products.
Never share your lip products with anyone, unless of course, you also have a makeup brush that can be cleaned once used after application by someone else.
If you have dark pigmented lips, rub a slice of potato on them before bed and rinse off in the morning.
To have naturally pink lips, use a natural lip stain like fresh beetroot or pomegranate juice. Apply a few drops and night and wake up to a lovely pinkish pout!
Don’t throw money on expensive lip plumpers to get that sexy pout. Instead, rub a little peppermint oil which irritates the lip-skin (mildly) and gives a fuller effect.
On special occasions when you have to bring your A-game, massage your lips with an ice-cube before putting on makeup – this will provide them with a supple, healthy glow; the best base for any product application.

Top 10 Tips – For Your Eyes

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 eyes!

For Your Eyes

Use a high-quality eye cream every night to lighten dark circles and prevent wrinkles.
Keep a gel-based eye-mask handy for those days when your eyes are puffy. Chill and apply for 10-15 minutes for instant improvement.
Apply castor oil or olive oil on your eyelids before sleeping for longer, thicker eyelashes.
Go in for eye makeup comprising of more natural ingredients – eyes are very sensitive, so best not lavish them with too many chemicals.
Keep your eyes well-lubricated using mild eye drops on a daily basis.
Do not rub your eyes too often – those delicate beauties are not meant for rough handling.
Always wear your sunglasses when out in the sun.
When applying sunscreen, make sure to cover the under-eye region as well.
Be gentle and careful when curling your eyelashes; do not tug or pull at the curler, your lashes can do without the brutal treatment.
Be most thorough while removing eye-makeup. Always use either a specialised product or a solution of water and olive oil for the purpose – only rinsing with water leaves residue behind.

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.

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Laser Hair Removal – All You Need to Know

Hair growth in unwanted places has been a major concern for most people. In the earlier days people used to use extreme measures like plucking each hair, using a clam and so on. But thanks to modern technology hair removal is no longer so painful. There are several ways to get rid of unwanted hair like waxing, bleaching, shaving and so one. But these methods do not provide a solution for permanent hair removal or reduction. That’s where laser is a boon. Laser hair removal is a treatment which promises permanent hair reduction or removal and is less painful than any other hair removal method.
How does it work?

The hair growth has three phases, the anagen phase, catagen phase and the telogen phase. The laser hair removal works laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle in the anagen phase.

The laser light targets the melanin in your body and disables follicle. The laser hair machine aims a beam of light at the hair follicle. Melanin in the skin absorbs the light and disables the hair follicle. The laser hair treatment can be used anywhere on your body like the face, leg, arm and so on.

Types of Lasers used for Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light/ BBL Laser: it is suitable to treat the fine hair.

YAG Laser: It is suitable for people with dark skin or tanned skin.

Ruby Laser: It is suitable for people with light to medium toned skin.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a treatment which requires a skilled specialist and has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Before choosing a salon or doctor for the treatment make sure to check the credentials for the same
If you are using an at home IPL machine make sure you do a patch test and ask your doctor if you can use the machine if you are on medication.
Let your hair grow for at least 6 weeks. Try not to pluck, wax or epilate your hair as this will remove the hair root and make laser ineffective.
Avoid sun exposure during, before and after getting the laser treatment. Make sure you apply SPF before stepping out in the sun.
Make sure you do a patch test for the laser treatment as well.
Consult your doctor before opting for laser treatment and avoid taking any photosensitive drugs before the treatment
Apply aloe vera gel or to the treated area to reduce redness or swelling and heal the skin.
Avoid scratching the treated area and using cosmetics on it.
Make sure you protect your eyes as there are chances of eye injuries during laser treatment.

Cost

The cost of getting a laser treatment is one of the major factors people consider when opting for the treatment. If you are investing in something you expect to see results. The cost of a laser hair removal in london or anywhere for that matter of fact is based on several factors. But it the cost of getting a treatment for a small area starts from £ 50 and for large areas like the hands, back or legs starts from £150. The cost of the treatment is based on the type of laser you are opting for, the number of sessions required, the salon or doctor credentials and so on.

Pros

No more waxing, shaving, bleaching or anything, as laser hair treatment gets rid of unwanted hair. Since the hair follicles are disabled laser gets rid of hair permanently most of the time.
Laser Treatment is more long lasting than any other hair removal technique.
Home IPL machines are user friendly and cheaper to use when compared to going to a salon for laser treatment.
Laser treatment can be used for getting rid of hair from all parts of the body.
Laser is less painful when compared to threading, epilating or waxing.
In case you experience hair re-growth, the growth will be less dense and thick when compared to before getting the treatment.
If you are getting laser treatment at a solon which has skilled professionals then the treatment is usually accurate, faster, and safer.
A skilled professional will advice the best treatment based on your skin type. This makes the laser hair removal treatment more effective and there are lower chances of you getting an infection.
Smooth hair free skin. You don’t have to worry about going to the parlor or using any DIY techniques for hair removal.

Cons

The cost of getting a laser hair removal treatment is usually high. The cost of getting a treatment for a small area starts from £ 50 and for large areas like the hands, back or legs starts from £150. The cost differs from place to place and is based on the type of treatment you are looking for.
The effectiveness of laser depends on your skin type and hair type. If you have dense hair then there are chances of experiencing some re-growth.
One of the side effects which can be experience is skin burn as laser removes hair by burning the hair.
There are also chances of hypopigmentation, which means that there are chances of skin darkening or hyperpigmentation which means that there are chances of lightening of skin.
Multiple sessions: For a long term effect one has to go for multiple sessions and complete the course of the treatment. The duration of the session is based on the area being covered.
Laser hair removal treatment is not suitable for all people. It does not work for people with blonde, red or gray hair.
Laser hair removal treatment is also not effective for people with dark skin.
Laser hair treatment does not guarantee permanent hair removal and cannot prevent growth of new hair follicles.
You might experience some stinging, redness or itching.

Here is a video from Pulse Light Clinic, giving you some more details on the Laser Hair Removal.

To get the best results, consult an expert go for a treatment which is most suitable for your skin type.

Skinade Collagen Drink 30 Day Course

I have to share something great with you. I never really had much faith in anti-ageing skin products. I mean, of course there are some luxury brands that do have potent skin-renewing products to offer. But I really didn’t believe that any there is much that can be done to halt the skin’s ageing process.
That’s when I came across Skinade which is essentially a collagen drink – yeah you heard me right! – a drink that claims to boost the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in one’s body. Skin begins to show signs of ageing when these very compounds are no longer produced in ample amounts as when one was young. Now, I’m no expert, but the fact that Skinade has a fine balance of active ingredients that can naturally aid your body’s ability to renew itself, seems like a sure-shot fix for fine-lines, dull skin, dark patches and so on.

Given that Skinade is a beverage and not a cosmetic product or pill, I was willing to try it out without having gone through any reviews. I got the 30 day course which has 30 bottles of 150 ml each – one to be consumed on each day. And believe it or not, after just two days of having Skinade, I could already see the difference! My skin looked brighter and more smooth but I first thought that I was probably just imagining it. But after about a week of regular consumption, the results were undeniable for even other people noticed and complimented me about how healthy and radiant my skin looked.
The drink itself isn’t exactly delicious, but it has a natural peach and mangosteen flavour, so I don’t mind the taste really. I was advised to take it with breakfast because that is when absorption of ingredients is highest. The best part is, it’s very convenient to have these little bottles of anti-ageing elixir because with the 30 day course, I even got a travel pouch. So even when I’m running late and take my breakfast to go, my daily dose can be easily carried alongside.
I would recommend that women above 30 consume Skinade every 1 to 2 months on a cyclical basis to maintain good skin quality. And those over 40 could even take it regularly for that’s when skin retardation really begins to set in. Fortunately, the product is well-priced with the 30 day course costing £99.00. You can buy it online here, and if you want your skin to be plump, glowing and porcelain smooth, you should give it a try too!

SmoothSkin Gold IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Review

Hair grooming has been a part of the beauty regime for ages. People have been using drastic rituals to get smooth hairless skin. Thanks to technology we don’t have to go through any of those. Recently, I talked about at home IPL machines vs. professional laser hair reduction solutions and since then I have been doing a little experimentation and went on to try a home IPL machines.
I have been using the SmoothSkin Gold IPL device and currently am on my fourth session. Read on if you want to know my thoughts about the product.
There are a million techniques you can adopt for hair removal like laser, waxing, epilators and IPL is one of them. So far, I feel that using an at home IPL device is a cost effective and painless way for hair removal or hair reduction. There are a lot of IPL devices available in the market and I chose to go for SmoothSkin Gold due to the features it had. SmoothSkin Gold is a hand held device with an automatic skin tone selection feature which supports the skin tone from 1 -5. The speed time between the shots is 0.9 to 1.9 seconds and the device has a lamp life time of 200,000 and 300,000 flashes.

It is one of the most powerful devices currently available in the market. The key features of the product are that it has two modes, the glide mode and the stamp treatment mode. The glide mode is to cover small areas like the upper lip, chin or side locks, whereas, the stamp treatment mode is for covering large areas like the hands, legs or bikini line. The product is safe to use on the face and also has a gentle mode for those with sensitive skin. It is simple and effective and does not need any type of gel for hair removal.

How does SmoothSkin Gold work:

The light energy transmitted through the device is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle disabling it and preventing and further growth.
Treated hair falls out over the course of 1-2 weeks.

How to use SmoothSkin Gold:

Prepare your skin by shaving any visible hair on the area you want to treat.
Plug in the device in a power source and press the power button to start the device.
The device is ready once the power light turns white.
Place the device firmly on the area you want to treat.
The power bars on the side indicate your skin tone and the device customizes appropriate settings.
Press the activation button once you are ready.

Since the device has two treatment modes if you are using the glide mode:

Keep the activation button pressed continuously and move or glide over the area you want to treat.

If you are using the stamp mode:

Press and flash the activation button.
Move on to the next area when done.

Usually the results are visible in about 3 sittings but it really depends on your skin and hair type and tone. Currently I am on my 4th session for some parts and can see visible difference. Each flash gives a warm sensation on your skin and is completely painless. For best results, the device and routine is recommended for 2-3 months.Tips for better results:

Exfoliate your skin to have an effective treatment. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and allows for better light absorption.
Keep your skin hydrated and moisturize it daily.
Use the correct treatment mode. For tricky or small areas like the underarm or the face use the stamp mode. For large areas like the legs use the glide mode. When using the glide mode ensure you use a steady pace to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
The best part about using an at home IPL device is that you can control the settings. If you are not comfortable with the settings then use the Gentle Mode until you are ready. The gentle reduces the power output.
Before using any IPL machine or treatment for hair removal make sure you do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to it.
Keep the device in a pouch free from dirt and clean it regularly to get rid of any hair.
The Reflector should be cleaned after every treatment with a lightly damp cloth. Make sure the part is dry before re-fitting it.
Do not use water to clean the device.
Use SPF cream after treatment since your skin is sensitive.

Pros

Automatic skin detection technology which customizes the treatment for you.
Cost effective method for permanent hair removal when compared to salon treatments.
Easy to use, mess free and painless method for hair reduction.
Dual Treatment mode: Stamp and glide mode.
Gentle treatment mode for sensitive skin
Safe to use on face
No need for cartridges.

Cons

Takes a bit longer and you have to do the hard work
For best results the treatment is supposed to be carried out for 12 weeks or 3 months.
The device is not safe for very dark skin.
The device is not suitable for people with grey, white or red hair, as these hair types don’t have much pigment in the hair follicle to absorb the light, so it doesn’t work as well
Results vary based on skin and hair type.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Price: £299.00 for 200,000 flashes.

I would recommend SmoothSkin Gold if you are looking for a cost effective at home IPL Machine for permanent hair removal. But before using any hair removal or reduction technique make sure you consult a doctor if you are taking any medications and do a patch test. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have you tried any IPL machines at home? If so then, let me know your reviews in the comments section below.