Category: Top 5 Lists

Five Simple Steps to Better Skin

Skin

We all want better skin, but the problem is that achieving it seems to be becoming increasingly complicated. The fact is, though, is that it really doesn’t have to be so confusing. Bettering your skin comes down to five simple steps. We all know them, but sometimes we just need reminding.

1. Drink

Drinking enough water is the first rule to having healthy skin. Not only does water help to keep you hydrated, but it’s great for your metabolism, too. Make sure that you’re not substituting your water intake for caffeinated drinks, though, as the caffeine content is dehydrating and pretty much counteracts any goodness you’re getting from the water. Herbal teas are fine, though, as they are caffeine-free.

 2. Eat

Eating clean is crucial when it comes to achieving clear, healthy skin. Processed foods containing high levels of refined sugar and salt can be just as bad for your skin as forgetting to moisturise. Get rid of those nasty processed items and restock your fridge with lots of fresh fruit, veg and meat. When it comes to condiments such as mayonnaise, it’s always better to make your own so you know exactly what’s going into it. The same goes for baking.

3. Sleep

It sounds simply, but we lead such busy and stressful lives that sleep actually moves further and further down our list of priorities. Every adult needs 7-8 hours of proper, quality sleep every night. Set an alarm for half an hour before you need to be in bed, and start your bedtime routine then. Try to avoid screens for the last hour before you go to bed, and make sure you don’t eat too close to your bedtime.

 4. Sweat

Sweating is not only good for your body since it usually comes hand-in-hand with a workout, but sweating is actually really good for the skin in itself. It opens the pores, drawing out and releasing all the dirt and grime in the skin, also releasing all those toxins. Just make sure you wash your face after a workout, though, as the residue will otherwise just sit on the surface of your skin and seep back in over time.

 5. Work

Working out your whole body is great for your skin, but you can also work out your face itself. We often end up neglecting the hundreds of muscles in our face, which can result in headaches, poor circulation and even an increase in wrinkling. Working out the face increases the blood flow to the skin, making it appear more radiant and keeping the skin fresh and healthy. Relaxing all of those muscles will also keep you looking younger and relieving any tension you hold in the face.

 

5 Healthy Food Substitutions for Better Hair and Skin

Food sub for healhy hair and skin

One of the easiest ways to embark on your journey to healthy living is to substitute unhealthy food items for healthy options that serve the same purpose. Not only does this technique ensure long-term wellness; it also has multiple benefits for your weight, hair, skin and nails. Wedding season is right around the corner and every one of us wants our hair and skin to be looking their very best – these five food substitutions are the way to go!

Glowing skin: avocado puree instead of butter in baking

Though both these fats are quite different in nature, they have pretty much the same consistency and work the same way when it comes to baking. Plus, the subtle taste of the avocado works really well in chocolate bakes like brownies and cakes! Avocado is loaded with antioxidants that help in repairing damaged skin and protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Lots of antioxidants also create a gorgeous glow, unlike anything that a bronzer can give you!

Healthy hair: cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips

Cacao nibs are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and all that good stuff! Needless to say, they have multiple benefits for your health and skin, but did you know that they work wonders on your hair, too? That’s right! The most important hair benefit is that cacao increases the blood circulation in your scalp, which promotes hair growth and makes your tresses shiny and lustrous. On the flipside, it also minimizes the chances of hair fall. Win-win!

Softer skin: quinoa instead of oatmeal

Quinoa is a grain seed that is really, really good for you, which is why this super food has sprung into the limelight this year. It works as a really good substitute for oatmeal – just cook it with milk and add a dash of cinnamon. Quinoa is loaded with riboflavin, a vitamin that helps in restoring elasticity in your skin, making it soft and supple. It also prevents fine lines and wrinkles from developing prematurely.

Hair growth: chia seeds instead of cornflakes

Chia seeds are another type of super food that are loaded with protein and a host of other health benefits! Not only do they taste absolutely amazing when soaked in almond milk – they are also much healthier than your usual bowl of cornflakes, and they keep you full for longer, so your snacking tends to reduce. More importantly, chia seeds are made up of a lot of protein, which helps in restoring damaged hair, encourages hair growth and strengthens weak tresses. After all, our hair is primarily made up of protein, too.

Revitalised skin: lettuce instead of regular tortilla wraps

Apart from the huge number of calories that you are saving on, lettuce also works miracles on the skin. It can do a lot of things – fight acne, remove toxins, protect your skin from UV rays and give your skin cells the nutrition they need. Additionally, lettuce is great for revitalising damaged or tired skin because of its high vitamin A content. Give it a shot and say hello to healthier skin!

5 Exercises to Get a Perfectly Toned Stomach

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Having a fit and well-toned body is certainly everyone’s dream. While it may not endow you with Herculean strength, having a toned tummy raises overall fitness levels and helps boost your confidence. Also, check out more health & fitness tips at www.rewardme.in.

This said, acquiring a healthy body is no easy task. You need to eat healthy and include stomach exercises in your regular fitness regime to get that perfectly sculpted belly. Here are 5 tummy exercises to help you get the flat stomach you desire!

Exercise One – Sit-Ups

Sit-Ups are perhaps the most popular among the flat-tummy exercises. These exercises target and strengthen the muscles in your abdomen as well as the lower back, pelvis and hips.

Steps:

  1. Lie flat on the ground and position your hands behind your head.
  2. Bend your knees, while keeping your feet flat against the ground.
  3. Now lift your head and shoulders off the ground, while keeping your lower body posture intact.
  4. Hold this position for about 3 seconds before returning to the initial posture

Repeat the steps about 10 times in a routine. Gradually increase the repetitions to 20, as you get used to the exercise.

Exercise Two – Planks

Planks strengthen the inner core muscles, as you need to maintain balance in a particular posture for a considerable length of time.

Steps:

  1. Lie facing the ground and bend your hands so that both forearms touch the ground.
  2. Lift your body such that your weight is balanced on our forearms and toes, while your body remains parallel to the ground.
  3. Inhale deep breaths, while holding the position for at least 30 seconds before slowly returning to original posture.

Exercise Three – Leg Lifting

Leg lifts focus on the muscles in your lower abdomen, allowing you to stretch and tone them.

Steps:

  1. Lie on the ground with your hands and legs flat against the surface.
  2. Slowly lift your legs, while keeping your knees bent so that your calves remain parallel to the ground.
  3. Now straighten out your knees so that your legs and feet point to the ceiling.
  4. Keeping your back flat, slowly bring both your legs to the floor.

Exercise Four – V-Ups

Also known as V Sit-Ups, this exercise not only tones your abdomen, but also strengthens other crucial body muscles around your back and legs.

Steps:

  1. Lie flat on the ground in a relaxed posture.
  2. Slowly raise your head and shoulders, as well as both legs simultaneously, forming a V with your body. Ensure that your legs are straight.
  3. Hold the posture for about 5 seconds before returning to original position.

Exercise Five – Bridges

Bridges help shape the muscles in your upper abdomen, back, hips and thighs, making them slender and agile.

Steps:

  1. Rest your body on the ground so that your hands stretch straight by your sides and bend your knees, while keeping your feet flat against the surface.
  2. Now, applying pressure with your heels, raise your hips off the ground without bending your back.
  3. Take a deep breath and return to the initial posture.

Get started right away, as in addition to eating healthy, you need to exercise to reduce tummy fat!

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5 Makeup Tips For Flawless Photographs

5 Makeup Tips For Flawless Photographs

Wedding season is right around the corner and you know what that means – tons and tons of photo opportunities! However, it is important to remember that just because your makeup looks flawless in your bathroom mirror, it may not turn out the same way in photographs. Unfortunately, many women learn this ugly truth the hard way. To prepare for paparazzi moments in the months to follow (and avoid any unwanted surprises), learn these five makeup tips by heart and follow them like Holy Grail.

Never Skip Your Primer

I know many ladies who don’t wear primer on a daily basis and hey, that’s A-okay, but when you want to look your very best and you know that cameras will be around, primer is your best friend. This magical product should be the first step in your beauty routine after your moisturize your face and before you begin your base makeup. In a nutshell, primer evens out the tone and texture of your skin, so that your foundation just glides on and sets in an impeccably smooth finish. You can even find primers with a slight shimmer, which work really well to create some extra glow for the cameras.

Apply Your Makeup In Natural Light

It might be hard to find a good source of natural light wherever you are, but try to find a space that gets as close to it as possible. More often than not, artificial light tends to change the way you see your skin colour, resulting in under or over application of makeup. Natural light will give you a more realistic idea of how your makeup actually looks and how it will appear in photographs.

Blend Your Concealer Well

Again, on a daily basis, most of us just tend to dab our concealer below our eye and lightly blend it to cover the dark circles. But if concealer is not blended in properly, it can look a little out of place and even highlight fine lines and wrinkles rather than cover them up, especially in high definition, professional photographs. Take the time to blend your concealer into the rest of your makeup properly, even if it takes a couple of extra minutes, because this will make a world of difference to your look.

Choose Dark and Matte Over Light and Shimmer

When it comes to choosing the right makeup for photographs, dark shades with a matte finish are definitely the way to go. While the subtle sparkle in shimmery shades looks beautiful in real life, it tends to reflect light right onto your face and make you look oily in photographs. Matte shades are great because they are flat, so they appear as they are. Additionally, light and pastel shades don’t really appear strongly in photographs, so dark and deep hues are always a much better choice if you want your eye makeup to be seen. If you want to play it safe, shades of brown and gold always work well.

Blush Is Essential

Again, while your face might look healthy in real life, it will look completely washed out in photographs if you do not apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Even a light shade can make all the difference and give your skin the lovely flush it needs to glow in photographs. Trust me!

Top 5 Must Have Items for Your Festive Makeup Kit

In the time leading up to the festive season this year, we must all prepare to look our best – that’s the most exciting bit of the whole festive frenzy, isn’t it?! To have you all looking your best, I have collated some of the makeup & beauty products that should be staples in your cupboard or vanity during this time of the year. Here’s my take on the best products that will help you get all dolled-up in no time!

Also, here is a snippet of the items I have in my festive makeup kit

1-Festive Makeup Kit

  1. Natural Looking Foundation – I personally like to wear less makeup on the skin. I fell it is better to look natural rather than heavily covered in potions and lotions. Foundation should be used to enhance some features and hide imperfections, and not layer the face thickly, giving you the “pancaked look”. Go for a foundation which gives light to medium coverage and doesn’t hide your skin completely. My own favourite is Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation.
  2. Bright Lip Colours – The trend this year is bright lip colours, and I love the pop it adds to one’s appearance. Try and wear colours which match or complement your attire. My personal favourite lip colours these days include fiery reds and tangy oranges. I would recommend pink shades for day time functions, though.
  1. Highlighter – A good quality highlighter should be your go-to product for getting that dewy finish that most celebrities are sporting these days. Use the highlighter on the high planes of the face and if you don’t want to spend oodles of money on one, you could even use a light eye shadow for the same effect.
  2. Eyeliner – Eyeliner is the one single product in eye makeup that I wouldn’t recommend forgoing at any cost. This festive season, rock your outfit by complementing it with properly lined eyes; that is sure to make a huge difference to how you look. You could use a fine black liner or experiment with navy blue or metallic colours. You could also use bold, deep shades to create a sultry, smokey-eyed look.
  3. Primer – Most of the times at festive events, we end up staying out late which obviously takes a toll on our makeup-laden skin. But no one wants to look run down by the end of the night and the best way to prevent that is by using a primer underneath your makeup to make it last longer. Primer acts like a base and moisturises the skin, minimising the pores so as to prep it for makeup application. Think of primer as similar to that used by artists on their canvas before starting their masterpieces’ – you will then never forget to start with it!

If you have any questions or comments regarding what’s been mentioned above, feel free to send me a note or drop a line below. I’ll be glad to know how you are going to be doing your makeup this festive season.

5 Essentials For Your Bridal Survival Kit

5 Essentials For Your Bridal Survival Kit

Being a bride is no easy feat – in fact, I can guarantee that many of my married friends would say that it is one if the most stressful times in a woman’s life. To make the period easier, I strongly suggest that you put together what I like to call “The Bridal Survival Kit” – the important but often overlooked bits and bobs. Here are the five essentials that you simply must have in your kit!

01. A Good Face Pack: I’m sure that you would have indulged in bridal spa rituals before your wedding shenanigans began, but after a couple of late night functions, your skin is going to look and feel tired. Having a nifty face pack on hand is perfect for revitalising your skin in between events.

02. A Big Packet Of Safety Pins: Seriously! Safety pins are a godsend for Indian brides and so many embarrassing moments can be avoided with the help of these trusty babies. Always good to have some on hand!

03. Sugar Lollies: Let’s face it – between meeting all of your relatives and taking a bucket load of photographs, your energy levels might dip. Chances are that you won’t be able to eat until the very end of the function so keep some sugary sweets in your kit and your bridesmaids’ clutches.

04. A Big Packet Of Bobby Pins: Like safety pins, bobby pins are totally essential and you can never really have enough of them. Your makeup and hair artist will probably have them with her but carry your own stash just in case.

05. An Acne Spot Treatment: Zits have a habit of popping up when you least expect them and should one find its way to your skin during the wedding celebrations, you have to be prepared to deal with it. Find yourself a good spot treatment and make sure that you have it around, just in case. Concealer is a good idea too.

5 Hairstyles for Wavy Hair

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Wavy hair looks suits women of all ages and face shapes. Not only does it have a texture of its own, the curls add body and volume to the hair. Besides, many hairstyles look good only on wavy hair. Learn how to do your own hair like a professional with these hairstyling ideas at www.rewardme.in. If you do not have naturally wavy hair and wish to create waves in your tresses, there is a simple and natural method to get this look.

Begin by simply wetting your hair slightly and brushing it thoroughly. Divide the hair into two sections. Tightly twist each of the section and coil them into side buns securing each with a hair grip. Tie a turban with a soft towel or old tee shirt, and let the hair dry naturally over night. This is how you curl hair without a curling iron. The next morning when you open the buns, you will get amazing beachy waves.

Some of the hairstyles that you may try with this kind of hair are as follows:

Messy bun

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The correct texture required for a messy bun is achieved when you have curly hair. You do not have to put in a lot of efforts to get the perfect look. The messy bun is a great party hair do. It has been a favorite among women of all ages since many years.

Fishtail braid

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The look of a fishtail braid is enhanced when you have frizzy or wavy hair. The imperfection of some strands left loose make it look ultra-chic. You may make a puff from the front to get a youthful and romantic look. It is one of the trendiest hairstyles to opt for.

Ponytail

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A high ponytail is the most sophisticated look to adopt with wavy hair. The magnificent flow of the waves adds an extra charm. You may try this hairstyle for a formal event or for a dinner party. Apart from this, you may also make a side ponytail and let the soft curls gently flow along the shoulder.

Braided bun

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The combination of braids and a bun looks good if you have curly hair. It is a stylish look to flaunt. It is also comfortable especially for women who love updos. The braids cover the bun like a crown. The braids from both the sides finally end into a low bun. As an alternative, you may also make the braids appear as a headband.

Loose waves

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Leaving your hair loose is the most stunning wavy hairstyle. Simply run your fingers gently through your waved tresses and let them fall in soft curls. You may also work a shine serum through it for added bounce and shine. You can accessorize with a hairband or tuck a flower on your nape for a fun casual look.

Do try this natural method of hair curling without heat. This method of waving your hair is safe and leaves your hair undamaged; unlike styling products or heat tools whose long term use may damage your hair.

5 Tips For Organizing Your Wardrobe

Organizing Wardrobe

Recently, I have realized that I have a perpetual need for order and organization in my life – both in the intangible and tangible sense. I have come to understand that it is much easier to put your best fashionable foot forward when your wardrobe is neatly organized in a manner that makes sense to you. Of course, when you have put off the daunting clean up for so long, jumping into the task of clearing and sorting your wardrobe can be quite daunting. To help you get through it, I have put together five tips that will help your organize your wardrobe quickly and efficiently!

Out With The Old

Before you embark on the big clean up, it is really important to remove items that you do not wear, because these are simply taking up valuable space for no reason. Take stock of all of your clothes and accessories, removing the ones that have not been worn in over a year. You don’t have to chuck them out – try to sell them on websites like eBay and Depop.

Think About Storage Solutions

It might cost you a little extra, but the money that you spend on good quality storage solutions is well worth it! Invest in items like jewellery cases for your baubles, specialized hangers for belts, shoe storage cabinets and the works. You do not need to go all out and buy really expensive items, but these small details can make a huge difference to the ease of access to your items as well as the life of your clothes and accessories.

Create Specific Zones

I have seen many wardrobes organized by colour, but I personally prefer to organize mine by the type of garments and the occasions they are meant for. Thus, I have separate sections for work wear, casual wear, semiformal fashion and formal clothes. These are further divided into t-shirts, shirts, pants, skirts, shorts and jackets. I find that this style of categorisation makes it much easier to navigate through your wardrobe and put together an outfit.

Fold It or Hang It

Everything items of clothing that you own must be folded or hung – there is no in between. If you get into the habit of dumping items without doing either of the two steps, you wardrobe will return to a messy state in no time. Plus, folding and/or hanging prevents your garments from getting creased or losing their shape.

Use Containers For The Rest

After you have folded and/or hung all your clothes, you will be left with bibs and bobs that can’t go into either section – namely, accessories. Use small and large containers to store items that are similar so that they do not float about and get lost – for example, have a box that is exclusively for scarves, another section for jewellery, a hat box that is only used for hats…you get the gist.

5 Tips For Online Shopping

Shopping Online Tips

Online shopping is definitely one of my favourite hobbies at the moment – fashion delivered to your doorstep? Yes, please! I know that many women tend to find the entire concept of buying something without seeing and touching it quite strange but once you wrap your head around the idea, you will wonder how you ever did without! To make your venture into the wonderful world of online shopping much easier, I have compiled five helpful tips that will help you ensure that you get the bang for your buck!

Do Your Research

Contrary to what most people think and do, I believe that it is really important to start your online shopping with an hour or two of research. Fine-tune exactly what you are looking for so that you can make easy comparisons without any confusion! I love using product and price comparison sites to help me scope everything that is available on one page – try them, sometime!

Know Your Numbers

It sounds quite obvious but the number of ladies who purchase items online by simply “guessing” their size is way too high. Usually, you can return the item but if you cannot, then you’re stuck and your money has gone down the drain. You should know your measurements (as opposed to size) because different brands have different sizing. Before you select the size, make sure that you check their guide – even if you are always a small on ASOS. Trust me.

Check The Shipping Fees

Have you ever been in a situation where you have found the perfect item at the perfect price, you throw it in your basket, hit order and then realize that the shipping cost is more than the item itself? I have. Sales and discounts are really quite ineffective if you have to pay massive shipping fees so try to shop at e-stores that offer minimum to zero fees.

Look For Deals

I am a sucker for anything that allows me to save a few dollars so I am always on the hunt for good deals and there are simply a bunch of them available online at any given time. I know that constant emails from online stores can be annoying, but if you are subscribed to their mailing list, you will usually be the first one to know about their sales and deals. It is also a good idea to look for promotional codes and shop through cash back websites to save a little bit more.

Always Check The Return Policy

Never place your order without getting the low-down on the return policy first. Unless you are one hundred and ten per cent sure that the item will fit like it should and is exactly what you want, try to shop on websites that enable easy returns because trust me when I say that some of them can be really frustrating and give you a really hard time!

5 Types of Bridal Braids

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Braids are the perfect way to complement Indian attire for bridal functions. Not only are they beautiful and sophisticated, they are also low maintenance and allow you to enjoy your big day hands free without trying to manage your tresses all the time.

Some of the braided bridal hairstyles are:

1. Side braid

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The one-sided look is stunningly attained with the side braids. If your dress is worked on a single side or along the neck, then this hairstyle will ensure that it is easily flaunted. To get a side braid, you first need to make a side parting. Take a section of your hair and begin by making a regular braid. Extend it till the end of the ear. After this, take the hair from the opposite side and pull them horizontally in the front. Continue doing this till all the hair is braided. Finally, tie the hair with a rubber band from the bottom and add flowers at different levels.

2. Crown braid

A crown braid looks like a braided crown set on your head; very lady-like and old world. There are many different ways to create one; among the easiest is the two-braid method. Divide your hair into two sections along a really deep side parting. Start braiding hair from close to your forehead (above your left ear) from the smaller parting. Keep including one-inch sections of hair from the larger parting as you move towards your right ear. Continue till you reach below where you started. Complete the braid and secure with a rubber band. Pull this last braided section over your head once more and tuck the end into the braid, secure it with a bobby pin. Spritz some holding spray and your ‘do is ready. You can also tuck in small flower buds or seed pearls along the braid for a fresh, princess-like look

3. Braided bun

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The braided bun is the most fuss-free hairstyle to carry on your wedding day. Amongst the various versions of the braided bun, this is perhaps the simplest. Divide your hair into two sections. Create 4-6 tiny plaits on each side of the partition. Take the rest of your hair and make a bun using hair grips. Finally, take the hair braids and fix them into the bun with bobby pins.

4. Fishtail braid

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A fishtail braid complements Indian attire perfectly. Begin a fishtail braid by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck. Divide it in two sections; keep taking smaller sections from each of these two strands and cross them over the opposite section until you reach the bottom. Secure with a clear rubber band and your neat and elegant fishtail braid is ready.

5. Waterfall braid

This style of braiding allows you to leave your hair loose while keeping flyaway strands of hair off your face. It is a perfect look, simple to create and easy to maintain. To begin with, start making a normal braid with three strands from your hairline just above your ear. Begin adding strands as you encircle your head. Keep braiding until you reach near the opposite end. Finish the braid and pin it up diagonally or horizontally.

These styles add a twist to traditional Indian braid hairstyles creating a touch of the ethereal and unusual to your hairdo.

For more DIY hairstyles & tutorials visit www.rewardme.in