Beauty Archives - Page 9 of 10

Chic Hair-Dos You Can Make in Less than 5 Minutes

Have an important office event and running out of time to fix your hair? Or going out with friends but in no mood to make a fancy hair-do?

Well, you lovely lady, are suffering from either a typical time-crunch or ill-timed laziness, and that happens to all of us from time to time. But this is no reason for your beautiful tresses to go ignored and be subjected to uninspired and boring styling.

So we bring you some simple hair-dos which you can make in less than 5 minutes. They will give a chic edge to your look without taking up much time or effort!

The French Pony

You’re too lazy to go all the way and make a French braid? No worries. Just plait the crown and when you reach your nape, tie your hair for a ponytail with a French twist. Way to class up the ordinary pony!

Braid Headband

This is a great look for both official purposes and parties too. Take a small section of hair from behind your ear and braid it till the end. Then drape the braided strand across your head and secure with a bobby pin on the other side. Simple and stunning!

Cute Bow Hairstyle

Slightly elaborate but very simple hairstyle to make. Take two sections of your hair, one from the left and right side each, tie together at the crown. Make another loop through the rubber-band but only push half your tiny pony through. Part the protruding bunch of hair in the middle and pin them to the sides to form a bow. Take a section of the remaining pony hair and loop between the bow divide. Secure with another pin. Beautiful!

Low Knot Bun

An easy-to-do hairstyle for office goers, low knot buns take just two minutes of prep. Divide your hair into two sections at the base of your head. Tie them like you would when knotting a thread. Make another knot if you have longer hair. Secure a rubber band at the end of the knots to form a knotted pony. Tuck the ponytail under the knot and use bobby pins to keep it hidden. Done in no time!

Use them Bobby Pins

This is for when you have no time at all. Whip out your stash of coloured bobby pins and use them to create a pretty pattern on your hairs. Looks great each time!

Five Quick and Easy DIY Face Masks

Shop-bought face masks can be super expensive and full of all sorts of chemicals and unnatural ingredients. When it comes to treating our skin, natural is, of course, always best. If you’re looking for the most natural, skin-sensitive and cost-effective option for your face mask, it’s always better to do it yourself. Of course, it can be hard to know where to start, and what kind of face mask is best for your skin type, so we’ve done the hard work for you and researched and found the best five DIY face masks for the five most common skin types. All you have to do is make and apply the mask and watch your skin transform.

Oily Skin – Egg White Mask
Mix an egg white or two with the juice of one lemon and blend for about a minute to thicken the mixture enough to apply it to your face. Once applied, leave for 15 minutes before washing off with luke-warm water.
The egg white acts as a tightening agent, drawing out excess oil from your skin and closing those pesky pores that seep oil.

Dry Skin – Avocado Mask
Mash half an avocado, and mix with one teaspoon of runny honey and one teaspoon of rosewater. Once applied, leave to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. For extra-dry skin, use olive oil as a substitute for the rose water.
The avocado is, quite simply, the god of all kitchen ingredients. Full of good fats, it is the ultimate creamy delicious moisturiser.

Sensitive Skin – Yogurt Mask
Mix one cup of unflavoured yogurt and simply apply to skin. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
For those with sensitive skin, the acid in the yogurt works gently to tighten the skin. It will also lighten any facial hair and follicles you may have, which is a great way to mask those pesky hairy lips that are especially hard to treat for those of us with sensitive skin.

Acne-Prone Skin – Green Clay Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons of green clay powder with 2 tablespoons of water. Add a few drop of rosemary oil and mix until you form a thick paste. Apply the mask and leave for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water and a flannel.
The clay reacts with any impurities in the skin, drawing them out and neutralising them. Just make sure you use a good toner and moisturise after using this face mask, as it can leave your skin feeling dry which will only result in your skin producing more oil and making it more prone to breakouts.

Dull Skin – Banana Mask
Mash two medium bananas and mix with 2 tablespoons of runny honey. Apply the mask and leave for 10 minutes before massaging it into the face for another 5 minutes, the rinse off with warm water.
The banana is choc-full of potassium, which will leave your skin looking and feeling radiant. The honey adds the extra glow, and the massaging process stimulates the blood flow in the skin, creating further radiance. With such a cheap and easy recipe, you need never have dull skin again.

Improve Your Morning Skin Care Routine with these Five Additions

When you wake up in the morning, the way you slept the night before is reflected on your face. A good, unbroken snooze would lead to fresh, supple skin, whereas inadequate or disturbed sleep would result in a puffy, dull face.

While you cannot undo or fix the way your sleep pattern has affected your skin once you’re up, there are ways in which you can fortify it for the rest of your day. It is an established fact that your morning skin care routine has a vital impact on your overall skin quality. What’s more is that just as the previous night’s nap determines your morning look, AM-skin-habits affect how your skin looks and feels for the rest of the day.

Experts recommend making small additions to your morning skin regime which will definitely improve its appearance in the long run. Here are five measures you can take to have your face glowing and radiant every day.

Hydrate – After sleeping for several hours, your body is dehydrated which naturally impacts the skin. So, the moment you wake up, rehydrate it with a glass or two or warm water. This will slowly flush your body of toxins and add a healthy glimmer to the skin. You could also squeeze in some lemon, which being Vitamin-C rich, helps boosts collagen production.
Mist your face – Store some mineral water in a spray bottle overnight. Gently spray its contents on your face as soon as you wake up, before you get on to other things. The chilled mist will reduce puffiness, wake you up and remove signs of fatigue and dullness.
Have some green tea – Green tea contains flavenoids which are powerful antioxidants – they help minimize cell damage, slowing the ageing process. So have a cup of green tea early in the morning for long term gains. If you prefer some other morning caffeine fix such as coffee or tea, just fit in some room for a small cup of green tea before or after that.
Eat a protein-rich breakfast – Proteins help in producing collagen which is a protein that prevents skin from wrinkling and sagging – something that one should start worrying about from their 20ies onward. Thus, eat a high-protein breakfast of eggs, nuts, milk, sprouts, yoghurt and so on – your skin will look tight, bright and beautiful at all times.
Use an anti-oxidant serum – Before you put on any other beauty product, use an antioxidant serum (after washing your face and using toner, of course). Antioxidant serums protect your skin against the sun, pollution, ageing, dehydration and even the ill-effects of poor eating habits. Follow up with your sunscreen or SPF-loaded makeup as usual.

If you improve your morning skin care routine with these additions; you will certainly witness a change in your skin in a couple of weeks. The best part is that such habits will not only make your skin look more lush and nourished every day, but improve its quality intrinsically, so you can feel the benefits for years and years to come!

Trend Alert: Sock Bun

I have been searching for the “perfect bun” for years now. In order to fit the bill, the hairstyle must be easy to create, last from morning till night and of course, be nothing less than chic. When I first laid eyes on the “sock bun,” I knew that I had finally found my match. As the name suggests, this bun is formed using a single sock. Let me show you how!

For starters, find yourself an old (clean) sock in a thin material. Ideally, the colour of the sock should match your hair colour as closely as possible to prevent any telling peek-a-boos. To prepare the sock for hairstyling, snip off the toe section with a pair of scissors so that you are left with a tube of fabric. Now, roll the tube inside out to create a shape that resembles a donut.

Next, sweep your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Pull your hair through the sock “donut” and hold it in place at the end of your ponytail (the tips of your hair). Now, begin rolling the sock towards the base of your ponytail, taking your hair with it as you roll and ensuring that you spread your hair across as evenly as possible. As a rule of thumb, try to roll it downwards using the same motion that created the donut in the first place.

Once you have reached the base, tuck in any loose ends and secure your bun with bobby pins. Use hairspray to take care of any fly away strands. It really is that easy! To make your bun look slightly larger, gently tease the hair from the center of the bun in an outward motion.

Once you have practiced this look a few times, it will take you less than five minutes to create it, making it the perfect savior for those dreaded “bad hair days.” The cherry on top is that this look can take you from dawn to dusk and works equally well for office, brunch with the girls, shopping, weddings, dates and parties. Is it any wonder that celebrities like Lauren Conrad and Kate Bosworth are jumping on the bandwagon?

Photo Credit: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Three Fun Braided Hairstyles For The Summer

Braided hairstyles are absolutely perfect for the summertime. Not only do they keep your hair out of your face; they also add a tinge of effortless elegance to any look. I love to experiment with different ways of braiding my hair. These three hairdos have made it to the top of my favourites list this year and I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I do!

The Classic Fishtail Braid

The timeless fishtail braid is your best friend on that bad hair day when nothing seems to work. While the end result is rather elaborate and elegant, this braid is really easy to create and will take you no time to master. Start by combing your hair to remove any tangles and brush it behind your shoulders. Divide your hair into two neat sections. To begin the braid, take a small section of hair from the outer edge of the right section and cross it over to add it to the left side. Now, repeat the same action with a small section of hair from the left side. Keep repeating these alternate actions until your braid is complete and secure it with a hair tie. It really is that simple, ladies!

The Beautiful Crown Braid

The crown braid, also known as the braided halo, has become a hot favourite amongst celebrities and with good reason, too. It is a gorgeous hairstyle that can be dressed up and down to suit the occasion. Begin the braid by brushing your hair and parting it down the middle to create two sections. At this point, I would suggest that you secure the left side with a clip so that you do not mix the sections while you are braiding. Start by braiding the right section as normal. Once you reach the end, secure the plait with a hair tie. Now, bring the braid over your head to form a headband and secure it in place with bobby pins. Next, repeat the same steps with the left section of hair. Use hairspray to take care of any loose strands and you are good to go. I reckon that this makes for a lovely date night hairdo!

The Fierce French Braid Bun

We all love a good French Braid from time to time, but have you ever thought about taking the hairstyle one step further? Start by creating a Side French Braid. If you need help with this technique, a quick search on the Internet should sort you out. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie before proceeding. Now, twist the end of the braid around the base in a circular shape to form a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the braid bun in place and hairspray to tame any frizzy hairs. For the ultimate music festival hairstyle, add some fresh flowers to the bun. Voila!

Five Home Remedies For Dark Circles

Dark circles have plagued women across the world since time immemorial. More often than not, this problem is attributed to a severe lack of sleep and overall exhaustion, but your genetic makeup also plays an important role. The market is flooded with numerous products that all claim to lighten and eventually eliminate dark circles, but few of them actually live up to their tall promises.

I have always been a big believer in home remedies so when I started to develop dark circles under my eyes in my late teens, I decided to use ingredients from my kitchen to solve the problem rather than experiment with chemical-filled products. No matter how dark your circles are or how long they have been around for, these five home remedies are guaranteed to help you say goodbye to them!

Potato Juice

When it comes to home remedies, potatoes are often sidelined; however, they are of great help in getting rid of dark circles. In order to extract the juice, peel and grate two chilled potatoes. Use a cotton ball to apply the juice below your eyes each night and wash it off the following morning. The natural bleaching and anti-inflammatory properties of potato will help you notice results within a week!

Green Tea

Everyone knows that green tea is a great potion for digestion and weight loss, but most people do not know that the used tea bags can actually come in handy. The antioxidants that are found in green tea work wonders on puffy eyes and dark circles. Simply chill two used teabags in your fridge for twenty minutes and then place them over your eyes for another twenty. Repeat this ritual everyday to lighten your dark circles in no time!

Cucumber Juice

Cucumbers are widely known for their cooling properties, which is why most women like to place two thick slices on their eyes while indulging in a facial. When it comes to lightening dark circles, there is a more effective way to harness the natural goodness of cucumbers. Grate half a cucumber and extract the juice into a separate bowl. Apply the juice directly onto your dark circles using a cotton ball, allow it to dry for twenty minutes and then wash your face as normal. Voila!

Orange Juice

The natural bleaching properties of all citrus fruits and the inherent goodness of oranges make orange juice a great remedy for dark circles. Simply mix the orange juice with a few drops of glycerine and apply the potion under your eyes. Wash it off after fifteen minutes. Repeat this process every alternate day for quick results and an added glow where your dark circles used to be.

Cold Milk

Milk is the holy grail of home remedies because it has so many different benefits. I love using milk to lighten my dark circles, as it comes with the added bonus of softening, strengthening and healing the skin below my eyes. The best technique is to use milk as cold compress of sorts. Soak two cotton balls in a bowl of milk and place it in the fridge for half an hour. Once chilled, remove the cotton balls and place them directly over your dark circles. Leave them there until the cotton balls become warm. Repeat this process as often as possible for the best results.

Acne Myths Debunked

Ladies, we all know how frustrating a pimple can be, especially when it decides to sprout up before an important day. By now, you must have been privy to at least one hundred different folktales about how to get rid of blemishes faster. Read on to find out if the word around town is fact or fiction!

You can’t eat chocolate if you suffer from acne.

Whilst it is true that your diet does have an impact on your skin (two flawed studies in the sixties and seventies said otherwise – these have now been disproved), there is no need to give up chocolate entirely. The problem has nothing to do with the cocoa found in this sweet treat, but rather with the sugar and dairy content. Opt for dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more and you will be just fine.

Adults should not get acne.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but this is one of the biggest lies ever told. Adult acne is far more common in women than in men. Whilst hormonal changes are the root cause of severe acne during teenage years, women experience these changes throughout their life, making it extremely common for ladies to have acne again as they grow older.

Make up makes acne worse.

Ladies, this one is a half-truth. Yes, certain makeup can clog up your pores and make your skin condition worse, but using the right products can actually improve your acne and keep it in control. Using a water based foundation allows you to have the coverage your desire without having a detrimental effect on your skin. Brownie points if you opt for a foundation with soothing ingredients like silica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which will have a cooling effect on your skin. Same goes with sunscreen so no more excuses about SPF, please!

Toothpaste can banish my zits in no time.

Again, this is a half-truth. Toothpaste contains baking soda, menthol, essential oils and other ingredients which cool your acne and can help in drying pimples out. However, you must remember that this product was not made to be used on your skin! Toothpaste can often cause irritation and rashes – basically, you are swapping one skin problem for another. Use a spot treatment which contains benzoyl peroxide instead – it will be far more effective and your face won’t smell like spearmint!

Stronger products are more effective.

Busted! Have a look at the labels of the acne products available at your local pharmacist. Most of them will contain two key ingredients – benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria and salicylic acid to unclog your pores. Having said that, going overboard (especially with benzoyl peroxide) can actually have an adverse effect on your skin because strong products often cause irritation and inflammation. As a rule of thumb, stick to products that contain roughly 2% of benzoyl peroxide – nothing less and nothing more.

10 Beauty Secrets From Around The World

To my mind, the world is an enormous treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered and explored. One of the reasons I love travelling is unearthing these very secrets, whether they lie in the realm of culture, fashion, food or beauty. In fact, upon my recent travels, I discovered a host of beauty recipes that the locals of the country in question had been using for centuries – recipes which women across the world needed to hear about!

This revelation got me thinking – what beauty secrets do women from different parts of the world know that we could use?

Without further ado, I present to you: ten beauty secrets from around the world!

France

The French women are known for their glowing skin and their trick is quite simple. Mix three cups of milk and a dollop of honey in your bathtub for smooth, lustrous skin.

Philippines

Ladies from this beautiful country are known for their wonderful hair. Their trick is to massage aloe vera juice into their scalp for strong roots, a clean scalp and shiny locks.

Australia

Dandruff being a bother? Take a tip from the Aussies and massage tea tree oil into your scalp for some instant relief and a long-term fix.

Spain

Dark circles can be really difficult to get rid of, but the Spanish chicas have found a great solution. Cut two thin slices of potato and place them on your eyes for ten minutes to lighten the skin around your eyes and eventually banish dark circles.

Dominican Republic

This trick might be a smelly one but it is well worth the strong odour! If your nails are prone to splitting and breaking, all you have to do is apply garlic juice on them every week and bid your worries adieu. The only downside is that your hands will smell like garlic for a couple of hours – no pain, no gain!

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian ladies definitely know a thing or two about skincare! They tend to skip the chemicals and use rose water to keep their faces clean and supple instead.

Greece

I am a sucker for wild, bouncy hair and this nifty trick from Greece is exactly what I need. Simply boil fresh rosemary in water, allow the tea to cool and then strain out the herb. Pour the rosemary tea into your hair for extra oomph!

Japan

To get skin as smooth as a Geisha, wash your face with rice water whenever you make rice. The concoction is loaded with nutrients that work wonders to smoothen and brighten your skin.

Scandinavia

Ever wondered how the skin of Scandinavian women is always so firm and fresh? The trick is to splash your face with icy cold water every morning and night. This is also a great way to banish puffiness.

China

Have unsightly stretch marks got you down? The Chinese women have a great tip to make them go away! Get your hands on camellia oil and massage this magic potion into the area twice a day to fight stretch marks quickly.

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.

Five Tips for Flawless Skin

Every lady dreams of having flawless skin – think Lucy Liu, who looks as beautiful at 46 as she did in her heyday, or Nicole Kidman who knows that protecting her fair skin from the sun can go a long way. In contrast to what many believe, flawless skin is not always hereditary. Your personal skincare routine, dietary habits and overall lifestyle have a huge impact on your skin. Give your skin the TLC it needs and watch it evolve from dull to delightful. After all, great skin is always in.

Drink at least two liters of water everyday without fail. Whilst water has many health benefits, it works especially well to rid your skin of impurities, prevent wrinkles as you grow older and instil a healthy glow. To supplement your intake of this magic potion, embellish your diet with water-rich fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, peaches and cantaloupe.
Prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can do a whole lot of damage to your delicate skin. As far as possible, try to avoid basking in the sunlight for long periods of time. Ensure that you never step out of the house without applying sunscreen to your face, neck and lips, even in the winter. Your skin will thank you in the years to come.
When you come home after a tiring day of work or a long night of partying, the only thing you want to do is grab some shuteye. As tempting as it may be to hit the pillows straight away, you must take out five minutes to remove your makeup before you go to bed. By ridding your skin of the impurities and chemicals that are present in makeup, the ritual of removing makeup will reduce the chance of breakouts and let your skin breathe. Start now.
Take it easy! Stress is one of the biggest culprits of blemished skin. To achieve a flawless façade, you have to bid adieu to the sources of stress in your life. If you are unsure about where to start, try your hand at early morning yoga or indulge in a leisurely bubble bath with your favorite bath salts. Alongside your mission to reduce anxiety, you must also make it a point to get enough sleep – we recommend 7 to 8 hours every night. Beauty sleep is essential!
Pay attention to your skincare routine. Cleanse your face with a gentle foaming wash every morning and then tone it before you begin to apply your makeup. Remember, there is no such thing as too much hydration when it comes to looking after your skin! Pat on some moisturizer in the morning before you apply your makeup and again at night after you have removed it. Ensure that you choose a product based on your skin type – get in touch with an expert before purchasing. Many skincare fanatics invest in a hydrating mist to keep their skin feeling supple all day long. Finally, remember to exfoliate twice a week to rid your face of dead skin and you are good to go!

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.

Coconut Oil – A Multipurpose Beauty Essential You Can’t Do Without

Most of us have grown up with grandmas’ tales of how wonderful coconut oil is, especially for hair. Well, our grandmas didn’t give us complete information; there’s so much more the coconut oil can do!

Over time, with more exotic (and expensive) beauty products being available to us, we don’t go in for more effective natural products. This is quite a pity for if you were to realize the multipurpose quality of coconut oil, you could almost halve your expenditure on basic cosmetics that you use every day. Imagine how much more makeup or clothes or shoes you could buy with that (or maybe save up too, that’s always an option)!

So what kind of goodness does coconut oil promise? Well, it’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, deeply moisturising and also readily available at affordable rates. Clearly, all this spells beauty-essential-par-excellence! Let’s see how you can utilize this wonder product.

Conditioning Hair

If you have dry, frizzy hair of the kind that most conditioners fail to tame, what you need some coconut oil. After shampooing and wash-off, take a quantity of coconut oil (when it’s more solid than liquid) and massage it into your strands like you would any conditioner. Leave it in for about 5-10 minutes (shave, brush or something in the meanwhile). Then say hello to shiny, hydrated hair that are easy to tame! If you don’t like the smell of coconut oil, add a few drops of lavender oil to it before applying.

Shaving Legs

If you want to have a silky-smooth shave and well-moisturized skin after a shave, coconut oil is what you need. Instead of using shaving cream, soap lather or shower gel to shave, use this and you will not even need to moisturize after your shower. Also, you legs and arms will have a dewy glow – an effect that takes multiple cosmetic products to achieve!

Removing Makeup

We buy such expensive makeup removers and often still end up struggling to remove all the residual products on the face. Worry not. Take some coconut oil (perhaps scented with the essential oil of your choice, if you like), dab it onto a cotton-pad and gently swipe across face. All makeup will come off in a jiffy; yes, that stubborn eye makeup too!

Keeping Lips Soft and Supple

Coconut oil is the best quick fix for dry and chapped lips. Apply it at night to wake up to soft, supple lips. Remove dead skin by brushing lips with a toothbrush. Reapply coconut oil and use like a lip balm whenever needed. Your lips will be nourished back to hydrated goodness with just 2-3 days of this routine; no need for lip balm.

Improving Nail Quality

Do your nails break very often? Are they surrounded by tough cuticle? Do not have time for a manicure? Well, just whip out your coconut oil and use it as a substitute to your hand and nail cream. It’ll not only strengthen your nails but also soften up the cuticle which then allows for faster nail growth.

Making the Best Homemade Body Scrub

Combine half a cup of sea salt or sugar with coconut oil of liquid consistency. Then you can use this mixture to scrub off all dead skin with just one application. What’s more is that moisturizing coconut oil will balance against the harsh action of salt/sugar, leaving your body nice and supply after your shower. Use salt for mild scrubbing and sugar for tougher areas like your foot and heels.

Improving Fat Metabolism

Saturated fats are supposed to be the devil, yes, but the kind that coconut oil contains is a good variety. Without going into the science of it, coconut oil contains fatty acids which optimize energy expenditure and control the appetite. In fact, many dieticians recommend switching to coconut oil for everyday cooking as well.

With all this beauty info at your disposal, you have probably come to realize that coconut oil is a must-have for your cosmetics-counter. Use it and you’ll be an even bigger fan!

Eight Easy and Effective DIY Hairstyles

Bored of wearing your hair the same old way every day? Yep! Well, you’re in luck, because here are eight easy and effective hairstyles that anyone can do, and that don’t take a ridiculously long time! In fact, none of them should take any longer than ten minutes! So, whether your hair is long, or short, curly or straight, all of these simple and easy hairstyles will work for you!

Knotted ponytail
The knotted ponytail is an excellent variation on the ponytail. It’s super quick and super easy and, most importantly, super effective. This classy look can even be adopted for simply, elegant and understated evening wear. What’s not to love? Just grab your hair and divide into two sections, and then knot them just as you would a piece of string.

Twisted ponytail
Again, this is a really quick and easy way to transform your bog standard ponytail into something a little bit different. The twisted ponytail is best used for casual day wear. It’s just a question of inverting your ponytail by threading the tail through just above the hairband.

Single side braid up do
This look is great for when you really need to keep your hair off your face, and it keeps all those whispy little hairs around the face kept nicely away. Just do a simple plait on one side, no need for a french or a fishtail or anything like that, then gather it up with your ponytail and clip it neatly in place.

Low side knot bun
This super-classy low side knot bun is great for summer, keeping your hair off your neck. It looks great and if one of those amazing styles that looks complicated but is really easy to achieve. Just tie your hair in a low side ponytail and tie it in a knot in on itself. Fasten in place and you’re good to go!

Tuck and cover
This style works really well with shoulder-length hair. Just grab an elasticated headband, place it over your hair, and tuck your hair up and over and into it.

Invisible ponytail
This is perhaps the oldest ponytail trick in the book, and you can do it in one of two ways. You can either just take a strand of hair from your ponytail, or leave a strand out when you tie your ponytail. Then, just wrap the loose strand around the hair tie, covering it, and fasten it underneath your ponytail with a bobby pin.

Chunky side plait
To achieve super-full volume in your side plait, try using some hair spray or dry shampoo and backcombing your hair from about hallway down ever so slightly. Then, just do a normal side plait, but tie the end off before you get to the end of your hair. That way, you’ll keep loads of chunky volume.

Plaited bun
Much like the knot bun, this is a great variation on a regular bun. This style works particularly well for those with layers cut in, as it prevents pesky whips from poking out of your bun. Just tie your hair in a normal plait and then wrap it around itself, fastening in place for your super-chic bun.

The Ten Best Foods for Your Skin

The quest we all face for great skin can be tiring and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Just making sure you’re consuming the right things can make a huge difference to your skin, so you may not need to be forking out a small fortune on specialist products. Here we’ve compiled a list of the ten best foods for your skin to keep you looking and feeling great at minimal cost and minimal effort.

Water
It’s no secret that consuming enough water works wonders for your skin. In many ways, hydration is the key to great skin as it keeps it from drying out.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is the best kind of oil to consume when you’re looking to better your skin. The majority of the fat found in olive oil is monosaturated fatty acids which keep the skin looking young and fresh. On top of this, there is an antioxidant found in olive oil called polyphenols which works against free radicals found in sun rays that damage skin.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are, surprisingly, a little-known protector against sun damage to the skin. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which improves the skins natural SPF. Just make sure you use sunscreen as well.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, unlike more processed chocolates with a lower cocoa content, is rich in cocoa flavanols. These flavanols contain antioxidants that both keep the skin hydrated and improve circulation, making dark chocolate the perfect solution for when you’re craving a sweet snack.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great alternative to other breakfast foods, as it doesn’t contain refined sugar like bagels, jam and white toast. These refined sugars created an insulin spike, causing the skin to secrete more oil, opening pores and triggering breakouts. Sweeten oatmeal with fresh fruit and honey to get a healthy filling, sweet fix in the morning.

Sardines
Sardines, like all fish, are full of omega-3 fatty acids, the best kind of fat for your body and skin. Sardines, however, also act as an anti-inflammatory, preventing acne and angry spots in general, as well as keeping your pores tight and your complexion even and clear.

Green Tea
Aside being great for the metabolism and digestive system, and being a purer, healthier source of caffeine than coffee and black tea, the antioxidants found in green tea increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin, creating healthier, more elastic and radiant skin.

Kale
Not only is kale packed full of iron, but it is one of the very best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin which protect your skin against sun damage by neutralising the free radicals created by UV light. If this weren’t enough, just one portion of kale a day gives you more vitamin C and vitamin A than you need! Talk about a super food.

Walnuts
All nuts are full of good, healthy fats, but walnuts are especially full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for keeping the skin moist. Keeping topped-up on omega-3 can help to prevent against dry skin which can lead to eczema.

Rosemary
Herbs are packed full of anti-oxidants, rosemary being one of the best for this. These antioxidants protect your skin against sun damage. Just be sure to use fresh herbs rather than dried, as drying out herbs saps all their scrummy goodness.

Five Tips For Flawless Skin

1. Water- Drink at least two liters of water everyday without fail. Whilst water has many health benefits, it works especially well to rid your skin of impurities, prevent wrinkles as you grow older and instil a healthy glow. To supplement your intake of this magic potion, embellish your diet with water-rich fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, peaches and cantaloupe.

2. Sunscreen- Prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can do a whole lot of damage to your delicate skin. As far as possible, try to avoid basking in the sunlight for long periods of time. Ensure that you never step out of the house without applying sunscreen to your face, neck and lips, even in the winter. Your skin will thank you in the years to come.

3. Makeup Removal- When you come home after a tiring day of work or a long night of partying, the only thing you want to do is grab some shuteye. As tempting as it may be to hit the pillows straight away, you must take out five minutes to remove your makeup before you go to bed. By ridding your skin of the impurities and chemicals that are present in makeup, the ritual of removing makeup will reduce the chance of breakouts and let your skin breathe. Start now.

4. Sleep- Take it easy! Stress is one of the biggest culprits of blemished skin. To achieve a flawless façade, you have to bid adieu to the sources of stress in your life. If you are unsure about where to start, try your hand at early morning yoga or indulge in a leisurely bubble bath with your favorite bath salts. Alongside your mission to reduce anxiety, you must also make it a point to get enough sleep – we recommend 7 to 8 hours every night. Beauty sleep is essential!

05.Hydration- Pay attention to your skincare routine. Cleanse your face with a gentle foaming wash every morning and then tone it before you begin to apply your makeup. Remember, there is no such thing as too much hydration when it comes to looking after your skin! Pat on some moisturizer in the morning before you apply your makeup and again at night after you have removed it. Ensure that you choose a product based on your skin type – get in touch with an expert before purchasing. Many skincare fanatics invest in a hydrating mist to keep their skin feeling supple all day long.

Finally, remember to exfoliate twice a week to rid your face of dead skin and you are good to go!

How to Find the Colour Palette for Your Skin Tone

Identifying and finding the colours that best suit your skin tone can be confusing, but it really needn’t be. The first thing you need to do is to identify whether you have a cool or a warm skin tone, and this in itself couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is look at the underside of your wrist. If your veins are bluish or purple in colour, then you have a cool skin tone. If your veins are more green or yellow in colour, then you have a warm skin tone. It really is as simple as that.

Now, the next thing you have to do is to understand the colour wheel. It’s not exactly difficult to differentiate the warm half of the colour palette from the cool. On a very basic level, the cool colours will suit those with a cool skin tone, and the warmer colours will suit those with a warmer skin tone. So, as a general rule, if you have a warm skin tone, look for earthy colours like reds and oranges, browns and tans, stretching through to leafy greens. If you have a cool skin tone, sea-type colours will work for you, blues and jades and turquoise and blue-purples.

However, it’s not always as simple as that. For example, I have a cool skin tone and I love wearing oranges and pinks. Some colours can straddle the cool/warm divide with their undertone, just like our skin. Reds, oranges, pinks and greens are the most prominent in these, as reds, oranges and pinks with a blue undertone are technically cool colours. The same works for green with a yellow or even red undertone. This is especially important to consider when choosing lipstick. Cool-skinned ladies, do not despair for there is a statement red lippy out there for you! You just have to find one with a blue undertone.

One last thing. As a general rule, when it comes to metallics, golds, rose and bronze suit those with a warmer skin tone, whereas silver suits those with a cooler skin tone. Ultimately, it comes down to each individual, but it’s absolutely useful to know your skin tone and know your colour wheel to work as a guide when it comes to determining what colour you should buy that dress in. Knowing your colour wheel will also help when it comes to pairing block colours that you wouldn’t usually see together, or even clashing patterns which is oh-so-in right now. Just remember: work with what you’ve got, girl!