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3 Effective Dry Skin Remedies for Winter

Things You’ll Find in My Makeup Bag this month – November 2015

I have missed doing these posts for a while now and thought I must share with you all, the goodies that go into my make-up bag. So here’s a sneak peak into what all is part of my daily make-up regime this month. You can keep watching this space for updates next month, and you’ll know how things change from one month to the next!

Face Wipes – To wipe or clean makeup, or any unforeseen messes made that need to be fixed.
Sunscreen – To apply if it’s really sunny out there, for protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Mascara – I tend to touch up my mascara sometimes as it helps to make the eyes look bigger and brighter.
Prep + Prime Powder – To blot away shine from face sometime post midday.
Powder Brush – A brush to apply the Pressed Powder evenly and quickly.
Lip Colour – My current lip colour is …… , it’s a matte finish lipstick that gives deep, rich pigmentation and great lasting power.
Lip Balm – To provide moisturisation to the lips, when they get dry.
Hair Brush – To fix the fly-aways and get my hair looking tame, smooth and shiny again.
Blush – I reapply blush at midday again sometimes, to bring colour and brightness back into face and avoid ending up with tired looking skin.
Blush Brush – This is one of my favourite make-up tools. It helps to apply blush in a way that brings a healthy flush to the face and blends it well with the base makeup.

Come back next month to get insight into my december Make-up Bag! Subscribe to the blog or follow us on facebook to catch all the action in time.

TLC For Happy Feet- How to care for your feet?

We put our feet through drudgery every single day, but how often do we give them the loving care they need to recuperate from all that hard work? To my mind, the feet are the most important and most neglected parts of our body, but looking after them can make all the difference in the world. You do not have to shell out big bucks every month on fancy pedicures and foot massage treatments – small and simple steps can make a major difference.

Wash Them

This may sound obvious, but how many of you take the time to scrub your feet and in between your toes every single day? This is a very critical part of your foot hygiene routine and can simply not be skipped. Make sure to do this every single time your have a bath and dry your feet thoroughly afterward to prevent any infections and smells. I also prefer to wash my feet right before I go to sleep because it makes me feel really fresh – try it some time!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Even if your feet do not feel rough and dry, never skimp on giving them some TLC with a deep nourishing moisturizer. Do this every time you hop out of the shower and before you go to bed. During the winter months, moisturize several times a day. You do not need to invest in an expensive foot cream – any normal lotion will work just fine.

Never Put Your Feet Through Pain

Your tootsies are not supposed to hurt – not matter how beautiful those shoes are! Tight shoes will do a lot of damage to your feet in the long run by causing distortion, bunions and painful growths. When it comes to your feet, throw the “no pain, no gain” rule out of the window once and for all.

Let Your Hooves Breathe

You cannot do much about the fact that you have to wear shoes all day and every day, but when you get home, kick off your shoes and let your feet breath for a few hours. Remove your shoes, socks and stockings, wash your feet and then walk around barefoot or in open-toe slippers for a few hours. Your feet will thank you later.

Trim Your Nails Often

Not only do long and unshaped toe nails look really, really ugly – they can also be extremely painful if you don’t nip them in the bud before they develop into ingrown nails. Make it a point to cut your toenails every fortnight and shape them in the way that you look. Of course, be careful not to cut them too short either because this might lead to bleeding or pain.

Clarins 50+ SPF Sunscreen For Face Wrinkle Control Cream Review

We all think that SPF is something we should only wear in summers and hence I chose to write about this product only when we are heading towards winter season. In all honesty, SPF is not for summers alone, but is a necessity all year round, be it summer or winter or any other season. The bottom line is, whenever you are out in sun, or exposed to even indoor lights of a certain kind, you can get tanned – I know it’s scary, but that’s the truth.

For many years now, I have been wearing SPF most of the time when I am out and it has made a huge improvement to how my skin looks and feels. SPF helps in preventing aging of the skin caused by UVA and UVB rays, besides prevention of tan as well. I will go into more details about SPF another day – watch out for that girls, I promise you it will be a good read and very informative.

Clarins 50+ SPF Sunscreen For Face Wrinkle Control Cream is an anti-aging sunscreen that protects your skin while defending it against wrinkles and age spots. “Wrinkle control cream” here doesn’t mean it’s only for people above a certain age but simply that it has antii-aging properties which will prevent your skin from aging because of exposure to sunrays.

This product has Clarins’ patented Phyto-Sunactyl 2 Multi-Cellular protection complex – which in layman’s terms is designed to strengthen and reinforce the skin and protect against collagen damage.

The above photos capture the UVA logo is in a circle which means that at least a 1/3 of the UV protection is against UVA.

The formula of this product is a richer SPF Cream but with more of a liquidy consistency. It absorbs into the skin in about 10 minutes or less. I always prefer to wear my sunscreen about 10-20 minutes before I head out for it to be most effective. It can be a bit oily for some but you can easily control that translucent powder and even wear makeup on top if you like. For me, some sunscreens can cause breakouts as I have a slightly sensitive skin, but that has never happened with Clarins.

When it comes to sunscreen products, I am very selective and have done lots of research on the same. I have tested more than 4 Sunscreen products this summer itself, and for me Clarins is always the product I return to. It has worked for me every time and protected me when in the sun. Simply put, I love Clarins’ sun products.

This Clarins Sun product is also available in SPF15 and SPF30, with a wider selection for the face and body. They also have a range for kids which I am yet to try.

Final Verdict:

Pros:
Great sun protection.
Value for money (Good size for a decent price).
Lasts a long time.

Cons:
Maybe a tad bit too oily

Star Rating: 4

Price in UK: £19.50

Clarins Hydraquench Cream SPF 15, Normal to Dry Skin Review

The season is changing and I have changed my face cream to accommodate for the shift in weather. I had been planning to buy Clarins Hydraquench for a long time but it doesn’t sit easy on pocket. But this time I gave in to the temptation and well, it was worth the wait!

Clarins is one of my go-to brands for skin care products and you might find me talking about them on and off, quite freqeuntly. The cream I am using is for Normal to Dry Skin with SPF 15, and you would know from my previous posts that I do prefer products to have SPF because I tan and burn too easily.

On the box it says this lightweight cream offers effective UV protection and was specifically formulated to provide a softer, more radiant finish for those with normal to dry skin. Katafray bark extract and hyaluronic acid help maintain an optimal level of hydration while Sorbier bud extract helps restore a fresher looking appearance.

In my opinion, it’s a light weight cream which is very good for the “in-between” autumn/fall weather; we will have to see what I get for winters soon. The absorption of the cream is also very good and it doesn’t sit heavy on your face like some of the cheaper creams out there. The problem with those is that you can’t wear them underneath makeup whereas you can wear this cream under other products without feeling any heaviness.

I wasn’t expecting to see any noticeable difference in my skin… But my skin does actually feel significantly softer. I noticed it more so after using it for few days (I never post a review on a product unless I have tested that product on myself for a good amount of time)s. Also, the cream has a mild fragrance which is the case with most of Clarins’ products. This could be a problem if you don’t like your products to have a distinctive smell, but I liked it so it works for me.

One thing I feel I need to highlight is that he cream pot is thick glass, so it’s really heavy, and totally impractical for travelling. But it does look very chic on the dressing table.

The hydraquench range has many more products to try for different skin types from creams to masks and gels. I am definitely going try some more very soon.
Have you tried any of the products in HydraQuench Range? Whats your take on the products, specially the cream? Let me know in the comments!

Pros:
Moisturizing
Good Nourishing capacity.
Sun protection

Cons:
Pricey
Heavy Box

Star Rating : 3.5
Price in UK : £35 for 50 ml
Price in India : Rs. 3318 for 50 ml

5 Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads

I am sure that all of you will agree with me when I say that blackheads are the bane of every girl’s existence and unfortunately, getting rid of them requires regular treatment and a lot of patience. After years of dealing with these pesky things (mainly on my nose), I think it is safe to say that I have tried and tested all of the techniques out there. If you want to get rid of your own blackheads, these five methods are great! Try them one at a time or all together.

Clay Masks

I find clay masks to be very effective in keeping my skin clear and getting rid of blackheads. Most major brands will have some offering in the clay mask category and you can even make your own with one tablespoon of betonite clay and water. My favourite product is the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask by The Body Shop. So good!

Homemade Pore Strips

More often than not, the pore strips sold at supermarkets are terrible and really do not do anything to solve your blackhead situation. One of my friends introduced me to a homemade version last year and I have not looked back since! All you need a clean strip of cotton, one teaspoon of milk and one tablespoon of organic honey. Mix the honey and milk together (warm the mixture in the microwave for ten seconds to make it easier). Apply a thin layer to your affected area and then pat the cotton strip on top of it. Let it dry for 10 minutes and then peel the strip off. Voila!

Use Toner

Many ladies tend to skip using a toner but I find that it is very effective in keeping your pores tight and clean. Use your toner about four times a week after you wash your face and before you moisturize. The results are mind blowing!

Break A Sweat

Clogged pores cause blackheads so breaking a sweat can actually help to clean the pores and minimize the appearance of blackheads. You could do this by squeezing some exercise into your routine or just treating yourself to a spa once in a while. Plus, it will make your skin glow like a diamond! Win-win.

Orange Peel

Citrus fruits are known for their skin benefits and the dried peel of an orange is a great way to rid yourself of blackheads. Use the dried peel to scrub the affected area everyday and you will begin to notice the effect in no time!

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed Review

I have been using the same brand and face wash for many years and thought – Well, maybe, it’s time for a change, and hence I bought Clarins’ Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed this time around. As said on the box this product is for Normal to Combination skin and I do suffer from T-zone issues in dry or hot weather. When it gets cold, I am planning to switch to something that is more suited for dry skin.

On the package it says that the product will leave the skin perfectly clean, thanks to the refreshing foam that rinses off with cool water. As gentle as a cleansing milk and as effective as a soap, this mild foaming cleaner preserves the skin’s PH balance and thus natural radiance.

Now coming to my experience with the facewash:

Being a cream cleanser that lathers into a thick foam, it rinses away clean, refreshing the skin. The scent is mildly herbaceous, which I’m not bothered by. In the morning, I use this alone to clean off the night’s oil/sweat/product residue. However, I don’t use this product at night as I have different regime for night time. This cleaner leaves the face squeaky clean and there’s no trace of the product left on the face after rinsing, to the point that I have started skipping skin toner 😉 and have become one of those baddies who doesn’t follow the CTM routine to the T.

I think this product will not suit anyone with dry skin and I would probably try a different cleanser for winters; maybe its sister cleanser Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter – instead. This cleanser will probably work well even for oily skin types, at least in the harsh winters when we all need intense moisturization

Do keep in mind that though it might be pricey, it will last you a long time; far more than other high street ones, for just a little bit of this cleanser goes a long way in doing the job. In fact, on my first day, I even wasted some of the cleanser when by default I squeezed out a coin size blob, as I would with other facewashes. Now, I only use a pea-sized amount of this cleaner on my face daily.

Pros:
-Deep Cleansing
-No residue
-Last you a long time

Cons:
-Can be drying in winters
-Might be expensive

Price in India: Rs. 1400
Prince in UK: £19

If you have used this or are planning to use it, or even any other cleanser for that matter, do let me know – I am always happy to hear and recommend wherever I can.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Antioxidants – Does Your Skin Really Need Them

In the past one decade, we have all been hearing much about antioxidants. From over-the-counter supplements to ointments for topical application, there are just so many options out there.

But I feel that one must know exactly what antioxidants are all about before stocking up on them for long-term usage. Once you know about them, you can make the right choices, both in your daily diet and otherwise.

What are antioxidants?

This is slightly scientific, so bear with me for a bit. If you have seen a cut apple turn brown, you’ve had a fine visual of the oxidation process. When oxygen is used in our body, a similar chemical process takes place.

Basically, the byproduct of oxidation in our body is free radicals, which are unstable atoms that latch onto healthy ones. This messes with the cell structure of skin cells, causing signs of ageing to appear over time.

Before I explain what antioxidants do, it’s important to stress on the fact that free radicals, though produced as a natural bodily function as well, can also be attributed to exposure to sunlight, air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and mental stress. To minimize their production thus, stay away from these beauty-hampering evils!

Now coming to antioxidants, they step in to combat free radicals. They are minerals and enzymes which neutralize the action of these bad boys, thus slowing the skin ageing process. Found in a large variety of foods and beverages, antioxidants are now also being sold in packaged form as tablets, creams, etc.

The Debate:

Most dermatologists swear by antioxidants claiming that beyond a certain age, they become necessary for maintaining healthy skin quality. They enlist a variety of benefits of antioxidant-consumption including:

Even skin tone due to improvement in cell metabolism.
Skin firming and reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reparation and diminishing the visibility of scars.
Prevention of sun damage.

Now while majority of skin experts agree on this, there are a number of researches and studies that do not. They maintain that the widely proclaimed anti-ageing properties of antioxidants are an exaggeration of their potential. Some go as far as to suggest that they are detrimental to one’s health even. So the question now is, what does one do?

I personally believe that the evidence in favor of antioxidants far-exceeds that which is against them. Also, the science behind it has a pretty convincing logic, so I personally have much faith in the pros of using antioxidants.

For those who are still confused, here’s a suggestion. Rely more on natural sources of antioxidants so your body doesn’t receive them in concentrated forms. This will do you no harm and only make your diet more wholesome and healthy!

Antioxidant-Rich Foods:

Vitamin C in citrus fruits, berries and dark, leafy greens.
Vitamin A in vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and fruits like prunes and apricots.
Vitamin E in whole grains, nuts, vegetable oil and liver oil.
Beta-carotene in pumpkin, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.
Selenium in grains, eggs, red meat, fish, milk and garlic.
Lignan in oats, barley, rye and flax seed.
Flavnoids in red wine, soy, tea, blueberries and cranberries.

Hair Care: Healthy Diet Is More Important Than Expensive Hair Products

Many girls keep complaining that they are using expensive products for their hair, but still hair looks dull and lifeless. The thing is not just products are going to do you any favor, you need to add vitamin, lean proteins and iron rich food to your diet so that your hair gets healthier from inside. You also need to make exercise a regular habit, workout at least 30 minutes a day and try to avoid carbonated drinks all together for healthier hair. So here are some important diet tips for healthier hair.

Diet

Eat whole grains at least a little bit every day, there are some young girls who avoid grains all together because they think it will make them fat, but whole grain is important for good hair, so it should be part of your diet.
You should take at least 6 portions of fruits and vegetables daily for the essential vitamins. Take seasonal fruits and avoid the canned ones. Also try to eat the vegetables as raw as possible or boiled, do not add too much salt, oil, or spice.
If you suffer from extreme hair loss then you can try to go for protein rich diets for sometimes, it prevents the hair loss. Try eating eggs, fish or skin free chicken every day.
Take dry fruits, nuts, flex seeds as snacks and oats with milk as a breakfast.
Omega 3 and Vitamin C make your hair shiny, so take Oranges, avocadoes, fish, tomatoes daily.
Avoid fad diets, it causes hair loss.
Give up smoking, it is neither good for your hair or heart.
Stress is bad for your hair, try yoga and meditation on an empty stomach.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

Follow these steps and you will have healthy hair day by day.

Category: Skin Care