Relieve Tired & Swollen Feet

Your feet are the most used and abused part of your body. You are on your feet all day and you rarely think of consciously resting your feet or relieving your tired feet. Sometimes your feet may even swell because they are very tired. You must take some time out and relax and relieve your tired feet. Here are a few ways in which you can relieve your tired feet.

If your feet are swollen then rest your feet above your head for about 10 minutes.

To do this lie at right angles to a wall, or on a bed with your feet on the headboard or on the floor with your feet resting on the edge of a chair. The swelling will subside as trapped fluids travel back from your legs towards to your heart.

Dip your feet into a tub of cold water or sit on the side of the bath with your feet under a cold-water tap. After this put your feet up for a while.

Take cold drink cans from the fridge and roll your feet over them.

Squirt your feet with cooling foot spray. Buy one with mint; they are easily available at the chemists. Refrigerate them when the weather is hot.

You should treat yourself to a foot massage every week. Before you begin the massage, wear loose comfortable clothes and sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported. You can make your own foot massage solution at home.

You need:
· 2 teaspoon of castor or jojoba or soybean or extra-virgin olive oil.

·3 drops of lavender essential oil.

·1 drop German chamomile essential oil.

·1 drop geranium essential oil.

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and massage gently into your feet. Once you do this put your feet up for sometime. Wash your feet with a mild soap and apply nourishing cream on your feet

Natural Foot Care Product

The skin on your feet needs to be taken care of in the same manner as the skin of your face. You need to clean it, exfoliate it and moisturize it like you would any other part of your body. There are a number of foot care products available in the market. But you can make your own natural foot care products at home. These products are simple and easy to make and use naturally available material. Given below are a few simple recipes of natural foot care products.

Lime Cleanser

Ingredients:
Paper towels
Lemon juice
Take a bowl and mix half water and half lemon juice. Then dip paper towels into the mixture and apply on to your feet. This will soften, smooth and remove odors from your feet. This recipe does not contain preservatives and requires refrigeration. The shelf life of this product is approximately one week.

Strawberry Foot Exfoliator

Ingredients:
8 strawberries
2 tablespoons of olive oil or safflower oil
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
½ teaspoon finely chopped almonds
Mix all the ingredients together and make a paste of it. Do not blend too much as the strawberries have a lot of water and this will make the paste too watery. Massage it onto your feet, rinse off and dry your feet. This foot care product has no preservatives and has to be refrigerated. Shelf Life is about one week.

Relaxing Foot Lotion Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon almond oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
12 drops eucalyptus essential oil or fragrance oil
Put all these ingredients into a dark colored bottle and shake it well. As and when you require rub into the feet and heels. Store in cool dry place. This recipe does not contain preservatives and requires refrigeration. Shelf life is approximately one week.

Make and use these simple natural foot care products at home and they will keep your feet healthy and beautiful

Homemade Foot Scrub

The skin of your feet needs to be exfoliated and renewed like the skin in any other part of your body. There are different types of scrubs that are available in the market today. But you can try this homemade foot scrub and you will realize that is just as good as any of the commercially available foot scrubs. Before scrubbing your feet you can soak it in a homemade foot soak. Given below is the foot soak recipe.

Foot Soak Recipe:½ cup sea salt
3 slices of lime
5 to 10 mint leaves
5 drops of essential lime oil
Combine all these and add to a basin filled with warm water.

Scrub Recipe

3 limes
2 tablespoons of white sugar
1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
15 fresh mint leaves (chopped)
5 drops of lime essential oil
Cut the limes into small pieces and pulse these pieces into a thick pulp in a food processor. Mix this lime and the remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

Soak your feet in the homemade soak for 5 minutes. Then apply the homemade foot scrub with your hands using circular movements around the foot, ankles and calf. Remove the scrub with a warm, damp towel and then apply a mint moisturizer all over your feet.

Carrot Facial Mask

There are a number of beauty treatments and skin care products, which women use to restore the beauty of their skin. One of the common beauty exercise practiced among them is application of face masks. Facial masks are one of the most inexpensive products available in the market. Moreover, they do not require much time and energy to be used. Another benefit of face masks is that they can also be prepared from daily household items, right at the comfort of your home. One such homemade facial mask is prepared from carrot. The carrot face mask is perfect for oily skin and helps prevent wrinkles. So, for that glowing and youthful skin, know how to make carrot face mask.

How to Make Carrot Facial Mask

To prepare the face mask, peel the carrots and steam them until soft. Mash the carrots to make fine paste. Carrots protect the skin from free radicals and promote regeneration of healthy skin cells.
To this paste, add 1 tbsp of natural honey. Honey is a known natural remedy for many types of ailments and helps reduce inflammation, swelling and also eliminates germs.
You can even add 1 tbsp of olive oil to this mixture. Olive oil is a beneficial skin care product, as it helps nourish and cleanse the skin, leaving it supple and glowing.
People who have oily skin can squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice into the face mask mixture, as it is a natural astringent that helps clean greasy skin. The quantity of lemon juice depends on your skin type. If your skin dries easily, add only 8 to 10 drops. If your skin is considerably oily, add around 1 tbsp of lemon juice.
To make a smooth paste, mix enough mineral water to the mask. Add water carefully, lest your face mask becomes runny. If the mixture is consistent enough, it is not necessary to include water.
Wash your face and neck with warm water and pat dry. Apply the mask evenly to your face and neck, allowing it to set for 15 minutes. Thereafter, rinse your face and neck with warm water again and pat dry

How To Use Cologne

Cologne is the term used on context of a perfume that is made in the style that originated in Cologne, Germany. It comprises of a mixture of citrus oils, including those of lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit and neroli, in a base of dilute ethanol. Apart from that, cologne can also have essential oils, like lavender oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, petit-grain (orange leaf) oil and jasmine oil, in it. In today's world, cologne is considered almost a necessary application, especially before you step out of the house. In the following lines, we will tell you the proper way to apply cologne.

How To Use Cologne
If you are using the cologne after a long time or have just bought the bottle from the market, first ensure that it is spraying out the correct amount. In such a case, you might have to take a few pumps to get the cologne out of the bottle.
Now, you should spray one pump of cologne on either your left or right wrist.
Rub the wrists together, so that the cologne gets evenly spread on both of them.
Spray the cologne on your hands/fingers and wipe them behind the ears, on the chest and on the side of your neck (where you feel the pulse).
If your cologne bottle doesn't come with a spray top, put your finger over the top and turn the bottle upside down.
Thereafter, apply it on the inside of your wrists, behind the ears, on the chest and on the side of your neck.

Some Tips
It is always advisable to pat the cologne on the desired body parts. Do not rub, as rubbing would make the natural oils on your skin cover the cologne.
While spraying cologne, make sure to keep it away from your clothes. If you spray it onto the clothes, you might end up running them.
Whenever you buy cologne, spray a little from the tester onto the inside of your wrist. Wait for a few seconds before smelling it. If you like the fragrance, buy it.
Remember that the cologne should be enough to leave a lingering presence after you have passed a person. But, it should not be so powerful that a room starts reeking of it the moment you enter.

Create Your Own Perfume

Perfume has become one of the essential cosmetic items in today’s world. No one, right from men to women and young to old, prefers to go out with applying a dash of perfume. The reason is that smelling good is one of the main requirements of a pleasing personality. However, with the high prices of perfumes in the market, it is becoming very difficult to buy perfumes. In such a case, making your own perfume seems to be the best bet. Yes, you read that right! It is not difficult to make perfume at home. If you don't believe us, go through the following and find complete information on how to create perfume at home.

Create Your Own Perfume

Items Needed
Concentrate of Essential Oils (2 drops Lavender Oil/ 4 drops Carnation Oil/ 3 drops Juniper Oil/ 2 drops Jasmine Oil)
2 1/2 oz 100-proof Vodka
2 tbsp Distilled or Spring Water
Glass Bottle, with a spray top
Coffee Filter

Instructions
Take a bowl and put the vodka/brandy in it.
Add the essential oil concentrate to vodka, stirring slowly as you go.
Let the mixture of vodka and essential oil concentrate stand for 48 hours.
Add distilled or spring water to the mixture, stirring slowly and thoroughly.
Again, let the mixture stand for 48 hours. (If you want a stronger perfume, you can go for a standing time of four to six weeks)
Smell the perfume. If you feel it to be too strong, dilute it by adding some more distilled/spring water and let it stand for 48 hours.
After the perfume has matured, pour it, through a coffee filter, into your bottle.
Your perfume is ready to be used.

How to Buy a Lip Liner?

It is very important that you pick the right lip liner, when it comes to your beauty shopping. Infact, cosmetics of any kind demand that we devote some time and have some idea regarding what we are looking for. Random shopping never helps, when it comes to picking products that are required to complement your looks. Moreover, with such a wide variety of cosmetic brands in the market, one tends to get confused as to which brand, shade or quality of lip liner will do the magic trick. A lip liner can accentuate your lips and give them the perfect precision and shape that you always desired. Similarly, a lip liner that doesn’t gel well with the shade of your lipstick can spoil your entire facial make up. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you shop for your next lip liner.

How to Buy a Lip Liner

First decide which brand of lip liner you would like to go for. Different brand of lip liners are available in the market for different prices. You may take the advice of your beautician in this regard or simply choose a brand that you feel you can trust.

Next, decide if you would like to go for a wooded pencil type or a twist-up type liner. Twist-up liners are more convenient, as they do not require sharpening. Wooded pencils on the other hand provide a fresh and a fine point every time you sharp them.

Next understand if you are buying the liner to simply outline your lips, to fill your lips (like lipstick) or both.Choose a simple stick if you plan to use it in order to give shape to your lips. If you plan to use it like a lipstick, you can choose a liner that comes with a lip coloring stick and a brush.

If you are buying a liner to use it with a particular lipstick that you already have, see that its shade is similar to your lipstick or may be a shade lighter. Never pick one that is of a darker shade than your lipstick. You may also pick a neutral shade that goes with different shades of lipstick.

You may choose a long lasting lip liner that stays longer and is preferable if you have a busy lifestyle. You can put it under your lipstick for a long-stay effect. Otherwise, you may also go for a liner that might require some touch up every now and then.

Best Lip Liner Brands in India
Here are some of the best lip liner brands that are available in India.

Avon
Chambor
Christian Dior
Clinique
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
L’oreal
Lakme
Lancome
MAC Cosmetics
Max Factor
Maybelline
Oriflame
Revlon
Sheisido

How To Buy Lipstick

So, you think buying a lipstick is easy? Think again! A lot of women (including me!) find themselves completely lost and helpless when it comes to buying the perfect lipstick. Well, you may like that lovely shade of matt pink, but would it go with your skin tone? Maybe you love all those five shades of red-brown, but are you ever going to wear all of them or would they be an addition to your existing collection of ‘non-usable’ lipsticks? Sounds familiar? We are here to your rescue. In the following lines, you will provide instructions and tips as to how to select that perfect shade of lipstick for yourself. So, read on!

How to Buy Lipstick
Go to a store that sells reputed brands. You are likely to find a great selection there. Make sure you have a certain color or shade in mind before you start choosing. If you are looking for browns, then go through their collection of brown shades, and so on.

Once you have assorted a few shades out for yourself, open one and lift it up till your mouth. See if it suits your face complexion. Avoid using the lipsticks on lips, hands and palms, as it is very unhygienic. If they have testers, just dab a little on the skin behind your palm and check it in sunlight. There is a lot of difference when you check colors in natural and artificial light.

Check the ingredients that have been used. Since you tend to lick your lips often, you tend to swallow lipstick too. So, make sure what goes inside is at least harmless, if not palatable!

A good thought would be to go in for two different shades all together. It will favor most of your clothes. Buy a brownish or reddish-brown shade for clothes that are beige, black, green, yellow, etc. Get another shade in maroon, mauve or pink (depending on your skin tone) that will compliment dresses that are in blue, pink, white, etc.

Don’t buy a lipstick just because the sales assistant thinks it is good! Trust your instincts and love what you buy. In case your lipstick doesn’t stay for a long time or vanishes fast, consider buying a long lasting one.

It is better to go in for matt lipsticks than the glossy ones. They last longer and bleed less and even if you want a shiny look, you can always add some natural gloss after applying the lipstick.

Best Lipstick Brands in India
Avon
Bobbi Brown
Clinique
Cover Girl
Elle 18
Estee Lauder
Lakme
MAC
Max Factor
Maybelline
Oriflame
Revlon

How To Apply Bronzer

You want to amaze people in the party with your recently tan looks! Of course, neither do you have time to sit at the shore or tanning salon, nor are the negative effects of UV rays letting you take the natural tan. Obviously, you will be relying on bronzer to give your face a sun-kissed appearance. To assure you once more, you have chosen the right way to look great without being exposed to the bright sun. However, application of bronzer needs immense consideration, since uneven or excessive bronzer can make your skin look shabby and fake. If you’ve correct know-how about application, then bronzer is the best as well as quick and easy way to get that lovely golden tan. The powder form of bronzer is the most popular one, so here are given simple steps to brush on a natural glow.

How to Apply Bronzer

Things Required
Bronzer
1 Large Soft Brush
1 Cotton Pad/Sponge

Procedure
First of all, apply a base or translucent power over face and neck as it will absorb the oil and moisture from skin. Such oil and moisture can lead to steaks and make the bronzer look unnatural.

You can apply the bronzer to the whole face. However, bronzer is usually applied to the key areas such as forehead, nose and cheek-bones.

First of all, swirl the brush evenly in the bronzing powder and tap off the excess.
Start sweeping motions with the brush from the top of the forehead, working down the nose and then the cheeks.

Start working lightly and fabricate the color steadily for an adapted shade. You can apply it to chin also.

Check the application in daylight or natural lighting to make sure that there are no streaks or bronzer is not too heavy.

If bronzer is too much, then blend it down evenly with a cotton pad or sponge.

Tips
Apply bronzer mainly to the key areas i.e. the areas where sun mostly rests, like cheekbones and the bridge of nose.

Apply bronzer not only to face but also to your neck, otherwise it will create a fake look. Blend the bronzer well.

Don’t over apply bronzer; otherwise it will give you a fake and shabby look.
Don’t apply foundation instead of powder, because it can make the tan look appear muddy.

For dry skin, it’s better to apply moisturizer evenly before applying the base powder.

Prefer not wearing copper lipstick or eye shadow when wearing bronzer, otherwise you’ll look metallic.

While removing excess bronzer, don't blow on the brush because if a little moisture reaches the brush, it can lead to streaks.

How To Buy Sunscreen

The sun spares nothing, whether it is a dense forest or your exposed skin. The notion is not new and perhaps all of us know that the sunrays can be harmful. Though you cannot stop moving out of your house, you can guard yourself with adequate clothing, a hat and glasses. However, such protection isn’t viable at all times, so all you can do is use sunscreen lotion which is quick and easy means to shield yourself from the Sun. Now the point is which sunscreen to buy since the market is loaded with many brands and to choose the right one is a big deal. Don’t worry, here we are providing some requisites of a good sunscreen to help you buy the correct one for yourself.

To start with, make out the distinction between a sunscreen and a sunblock. A sunscreen could be any form of product, having a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or less. An SPF of 15 indicates that it would take 15 times longer to burn the skin with the sunscreen than without. An SPF of 30 or more is found in a sunblock.

If you have fair skin, use a sunblock with SPF 30 or more and you need it especially more between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, when you’re at high altitude, near the equator, or outside in a sunny day. It is essential for everyone, including kids. Throughout the life-span, skin mostly gets damaged before the age of 18. Fair-skinned people require more protection.

Ensure that your sunscreen is marked ‘broad spectrum’ as it will shield against, both UVA (ultraviolet-A) and UVB (ultraviolet-B) rays. If you are over-exposed to the Ultraviolet radiation, it increases the risk of basal-cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

Make out what protection you’re receiving. A sunscreen with SPF 15 provides you 94 to 95% UVB coverage, while SPF 28 gives you up to 96% coverage.

If you remain outside for longer duration daily, purchase zinc oxide or titanium oxide (or dioxide) to guard your ears, nose and lips. Such opaque and chemical-free sunblocks are perfect for sensitive skin. Z-Cote is the latest product that offers zinc-oxide protection. It is transparent; therefore you can evade that whitest look.

If you do swimming or sweat a lot, then but a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen.

In case you’re allergic to certain skin products, go for PABA-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen. Take a patch-test on your skin to verify whether the sunscreen is actually non-allergic.

If you’re prone to breaking out, choose a sunscreen which is noncomedogenic as it will not block the pores.

Based on your personal liking, select from the range of lotions, gels, ointments, wax sticks and sprays. Wax sticks are usually for lips. For restless kids, sprays can be an easy job.

30 minutes before going out in the Sun, sunscreen should be applied liberally to the exposed parts. Reapply the sunscreen in every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat too much.

Best Brands of Sunscreen in India
Avon
Ayur
Biotique
Fair & lovely
Himalaya
Lakme
Lotus Herbals
Nivea
Oriflame
Shahnaz Hussain
VLCC

How To Buy Bronzer

A tanned look to the complexion imparts a healthy glow. In fact, this glistening look has now become a part of the latest fashion. However, the actual tanning could be harmful for skin and thwart the preferred upshot. To evade such situation, bronzer is a wonderful provisional solution that also aids to conceal blemishes and enhance features. With a little patience and right knowledge, you can buy the right bronzer matching your skin tone. L'Oreal, Avon, Nivea, Olay and Revlon are some of the best brands for bronzer in India. Follow the steps and give your skin a sun-kissed glow.

Procedure
Check out the stores and explore your options. Make certain that you're not allergic to the bronzer you select, by reading-through the constituents mentioned on the packet.

Decide the kind of coverage you would prefer, because bronzer can be applied to your entire face (including neck) or simply over key areas for enhancing features like cheeks.

Select the type of bronzer that can do best with your skin. Bronzer comes in the form of spray, liquid and powder. Try to find one which has numerous different shades so as to provide a more natural tan look to your skin.

Match the bronzer anchored in your skin tone. It must create a natural tan look, without getting too dark. So, the bronzer must be just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.

For application, take the appropriate applicator that goes well with your type of bronzer. A sponge-like applicator or fingers work fine for liquid, while a blush or powder brush work great for a loose bronzer.
Tips
Don’t go by the attractive packaging, but use your sense and refer the steps to land yourself in safe situation.

If you have fair complexion, go for a honey-colored bronzer and a rose-bronze or gold flecked bronzer in case of medium skin tone. For dark complexion, a tawny or amber bronzer is the best one.

While using powdered bronzer, buy a large and soft brush. Select a wide and fluffy powder brush, having a rounded top. A very small and stiff brush can lead to blotchy results.

Best Bronzer Brands in India
Avon
Clinique
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
MAC
Max Factor
Maybelline
Nivea
Olay
Oriflame
Revlon

How To Buy Eyeliner

The first and the foremost feature that you notice in a person comprise of his/her eyes. Infact, it is said that eyes can express even those feelings that lips cannot. Obviously, you will want to make your eyes look more beautiful. One of the cosmetics that can greatly add to the beauty of the eyes is eyeliner. You can use it to make more eyes look bigger, to change their shape or even to given them a particular look. Applying eyeliner is also one of the best ways to changing your look from office to party-going one. However, for the best results, make sure that you buy the correct eyeliner. Given below are a few tips that will help you do the same.

How to Buy Eyeliner
The first decision you have to take while buying eyeliner is about the type of eyeliner you want to buy - liquid or pencil.

Pencil eyeliners are easier to apply as well as easier to remove. On the other hand, you need some practice to apply liquid eyeliner. However, the latter gives a more smooth finish.

The next thing to keep in mind is the texture of the eyeliner. Since eyes comprise of one of the most sensitive areas in the body, buy eyeliner that is soft enough to glide easily.

Now, decide on the eyeliner brand you want to buy. You can take the advice of your beautician as well as the salesperson.

Make sure to test the eyeliner before buying. For that, draw a line on the back of your hand and smudge it with your finger. Choose the eyeliner that glides as well as smudges easily.

The next decision will be regarding the color of the eyeliner. If you are buying the eyeliner for a particular occasion, it is better to match the color of the eyeliner with that of your outfit.

For daily wear, black eyeliner works the best. It defines your eyes, but does not attract too much attention.

For giving a bright look to the eye, go for colors like baby blue, green, aqua, violet or gold. Navy blue, brown, indigo and deep green are good for creating a soft look.

You can also buy pencil eyeliner with shimmer or glitter. It adds a subtle shine to your eyes and gives your eyes a very sensuous look.

Best Eyeliner Brands in India
Given below is a list of the best eyeliner brands available in the Indian market.
Avon
Chambor
Clinique
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
L’oreal
Lakme
Lancome
MAC Cosmetics
Max Factor
Maybelline
Oriflame
Revlon

How To Apply Eye Shimmer

How often have you envied those celebrities in Page3 parties looking absolutely stunning with those ultra-glamorous eyes? Well, you can definitely have such lovely eyes in less than 20 minutes! All you need to have is appropriate eye shimmer, make up brush and patience! Follow these tips and guidelines given below that will tell you the correct way to apply eye shimmer. So get set, make heads turn and hypnotize people as you confidently strut in that club with those glamorous eyes.
Wash your face thoroughly and tap it dry with a towel. Apply some moisturizer just in case you have dry skin. Blend it nicely around your eyes and make sure it is evenly spread.

Apply concealer/compact all over the face and blend it evenly around the eyes to conceal dark circles, fine lines, moles, etc. Apply make up to the rest of the face before proceeding to the eyes.

Apply a bit of eye shadow to define the color and match it according to your attire. If you have an eye pencil of the same color, you can line the lower lid of your eyes with it.

Now very carefully take a bit of the eye shimmer on a brush. Apply it gently over the eye lid in one direction, preferably from inside to outside. If you are not confident about the powder shimmer, just wet your brush a bit and squeeze out excess water with your fingertips. Now, ‘draw’ a fine line with it over the eye lid.

Dip the tip of the brush in the powder and gently drag it over that wet line. The powder will stick nicely to your eyes. If you feel you have taken a bit too much of eye shimmer, just blot it out carefully with a tissue.

Cream based eye shimmer is easier to apply. You need to have a spongy flat brush to apply it evenly. Dust it with a hint of translucent powder for a glamorous look.

If you want to be innovative and not use the shimmer on eye lids, follow this. Sprinkle some eye shimmer on your mascara brush and apply it on your lashes. It looks fabulous and lends a distinct look to you

How To Buy Mascara

One of the most used eye cosmetics is Mascara. It is used to make the eyelashes thick as well as make them look longer. The application of mascara also defines the eyelashes and makes your eyes look beautiful. However, you have to make sure that you buy the correct brand and color of mascara. Otherwise, the effect will not be good, rather it will be disastrous. In this article, we have provided a number of tips that will tell you how to buy the perfect mascara.

Mascara Buying Tips
First, you should decide on the brand of mascara you want to buy. It is advisable to go for the same brands that you buy in case of other cosmetics.
Before buying mascara from the cosmetic store, make sure to have a look at its tester. It will give an idea as to its color, consistency and type of applicator
Do not test the mascara by applying the tester on your eye lashes. It will create a mess and is not hygienic also.
To know about the color of mascara that you should buy, check out your hair color. If you are a brunette, go for black mascara and if you are a blonde or have light hair color, go for the one in brown color.
Next, you need to decide on the type of mascara - waterproof or water-soluble. If you are a swimmer or perspire a lot in summers, water proof mascara will be the best. For everyday use, water-soluble mascara is better.
You also have to deicide on the kind of mascara brush you want. Most of the women go for curved brushes only. Straight brushes are good for getting to corner lashes.
After you buy the mascara, immediately open it to make sure that it is not dried out or clumpy. If it is, get it replaced.
Mascara usually begins to dry out if kept for more than three months. So, it’s advisable to replace your mascara every three months.

Best Mascara Brands in India
Avon
Chambor
Clinique
Estee Lauder
L’oreal
Lakme
MAC Cosmetics
Max Factor
Maybelline
Oriflame
Revlon

How To Pick Best Foundation & Concealer

There is a party in you family after two days and suddenly you have pimples appearing on your face. What to do? How to look your best, with the cruel beasts bent upon ruining your looks. Don’t worry! In the present day world, there is hardly any fault that cosmetic cannot hide. In the present scenario, using a concealer and a foundation will be your best bet. Not only will they hide the pimples, but also make your skin look totally smooth. To help you with the task, we have provided complete info on foundations and concealers.

How to Pick Best Foundation & Concealer
The type of concealer and foundation you pick will depend mainly upon your skin type and skin tone.

Those with oily
skin should always go for foundations and concealers that are water based or oil-free.

On the other hand, people with dry skin should consider oil-based products as their best bet.

Now comes, the tone of the concealer and foundation. Usually, products with yellow tinge work best on all skin tones. However, if you are pretty fair, go for pink shades.

To make sure that you select the foundation and concealer best suited to your skin tone, do a little testing. Dab a few drops of each color on your jaw line and spread it properly. Select the one that matches your skin tone the best.

Make sure to check the color of the foundation & concealer in sunlight, since tube lights and bulbs can be misleading.

Always choose the foundation & concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone and is as good as invisible.

How to Apply Foundation & Concealer

First things first. You should always apply the concealer before the foundation; otherwise your skin will end up looking patchy.

Cleanse and moisturize your face properly. Now, wipe out any excess moisturizer with a tissue.

Take the concealer and dab it over the problematic areas like under-eye circles, blemishes, scars, etc. But, don’t rub. Spread it gently.

Using fingers or sponge, apply dots of foundation on your cheeks, chin, forehead and tip of the nose.

Blend the dots together with fingers or sponge, moving from inside to outwards. Make sure that there is a smooth look on you face.

Now, the last thing to do is to apply light powder to give a matt finish and make sure that the foundation stays put.

Best Foundation & Concealer Brands in India
L’oreal
Chanel
Revlon
Estee Lauder
Avon
Lakme
Lancome
Elizabeth Arden
MaxFactor

How To Pick Best Foundation & Concealer

Dying hair is an easy way to change your looks. It provides a fresh appeal to your personality and definitely boosts your self-confidence, if done the right way! However, for different people, the reason for dying hair could be different. Perhaps, the most common reasons to dye is to cover gray hair, to enhance the facial features or to get a new look. If it’s for the first time that you’re dying your hair, then check out the given tips to ensure that you’re going on the right track.
Always pick a hair color which is approximately like your natural hair color. Keep in mind that after dying, your hair must not look odd as regards to your eyebrow.
If you’re not sure whether the color will suit you, then go for a temporary color or semi-permanent hair dye that would wash out in six to twelve shampoos. In case you don’t like the results, you can always go for another color. If the color suits you, go for a permanent one.

While buying color, always check-out that the temporary hair color should not contain peroxide which permanent dyes have.

If you’re going for permanent dye, then remember such dyes last the longest, if applied to the roots. It contains peroxide and ammonia. When exposed to sunlight, the color eventually fades away and leaving the requirement to reapply the dye.

To keep the color for long, wear a hat or cover your head when going outside in the sunlight. Permanent dyes remain up to twenty-four shampoos.

Different dyes manufactured by different companies might be different in their resultant colors and long-lasting affects.

Hair dye should always be applied to clean, shampooed hair. Before applying any hair dye, don’t condition your hair. Take a patch test near the neck to check if you’re allergic to it. If you experience any skin irritation, loss of hair or results are not what you have desired, bring the process to a halt and immediately wash the area.

Prior to applying color, cut off all dry ends to get the color equally. Never mix dyes with different color bases because the fallouts will not be what you expected.

People having gold or red skin tones, must prefer colors which are similar like gold red or auburn hair dyes.

Always follow the directions for application provided on the color box. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves during application.

Before applying color, keep a towel around the base of your neck so as to avert any dye from falling onto your clothing or skin.

Subsequent to dying your hair, in case the results are darker then expected, wash your hair over a couple of days. It will lighten the color so that you can again dye color the way you’ve wanted.

Use colors as less as possible they are usually harsh on hair.

Natural Hair Color Dye
Today, natural hair color dyes made of tree roots, leaves and barks, are also available in the market. If you find terms like cellophane or vegetable protein-based on the label, it shows that the dye is plant-based. Such dyes only coat the hair shaft and do not penetrate. They don’t contain any harsh chemicals either. Since earlier times, Henna has been considered as safest natural hair color. It not only colors the hair, but also nourishes and conditions the hair. Henna is anti-dandruff and offers protection from ultra-violet rays. It is suitable for everyone because it doesn’t have any side-effects. At times, henna is mixed with tea/ coffee or cranberry juice to get a reddish tint. Lemon juice and chamomile tea is added to it to get light color.

How To Apply Compact Powder

How you ever wondered why your face look like an oilcake in summers, while some of your colleagues end up looking fresh always?. The answer is very simple; it is all the magic of a compact! One of the basic makeup tools, compact helps give a non-oily and shiny look to your face throughout the day. It is also used after the application of foundation, to give your face a smooth look. Now, you know the reason behind that perfect and fresh look. All you have to do is learn the nuances of applying compact. Just follow the instructions given below and learn how to master that flawless look.

How to Apply Compact Powder
The first thing to be kept in mind about the application of compact is that it takes place after the use of foundation and concealer.
At the same time, compact is applied before the use of blush-on, lip makeup and eye makeup.
For application, take the puff and wipe it over the compact. Shake the puff to remove any excess powder.
Now, wipe your face with the compact puff in long, even strokes. Make sure to move from the inside, to the outside.
Make sure to apply compact over your neck as well as the entire area beneath the neck that is visible. Otherwise, your face will end up looking distinct from the rest of the body.
Take a tissue and lightly wipe your face with it. This is to make sure that you do not have excess powder over your face.
Make sure to keep the compact with you throughout the day. You can easily touch up your makeup, to remove any excess oil from your face and look fresh.

How To Pick Blush

Not everyone is born with a rosy complexion, but it does not mean that you cannot have it. Confused? Don’t be. I’m talking about blush on. God bless those who create makeup, especially blush on. It helps give the perfect rosy color to your cheekbones. Not only that, these days we have copper-shimmer blush also, which can give you a rich tanned look. However, it is very necessary to buy the perfect blush. Otherwise, you might end up looking like a clown, rather than sexy. In this article, we have provided tips on how to buy the perfect blush.

How to Buy Blush
A blush-on comes in five different forms, namely powder, cream, tint, shimmer and gel. Make sure to select the right type of blush on.
Powder blush is the best for females who have an oily skin. It will last much longer than the other ones and also absorb the excess oil from the skin.
If you have dry skin, it is the best to go for cream blush on. It will help keep your skin moisturized.
Tint blush works the best during daytime. However, it tends to get dry quickly, so it should be applied very fast. The best part is that once applied, it will come off only if you wash your face.
If you are planning to party at night, shimmer blush-on will be your best bet. It gives a light radiance to your cheekbones.
Gel blush is another blush that dries quickly. It is best for normal and oily skin and adds a glow to your face.
After deciding on the type of blush you want, it is now time to decide on the particular brands of blush on.
Thereafter, it is the time to test the various blush, to select the one with the best color. The best place to test the blush is your jaw line. Make sure to check out the effect in sunlight.
Before buying the blush, it is advisable to check the ingredients put in it. This will make sure that you do not buy the products to which you are allergic.
It is always advisable to test the blush on your cheeks after buying it. This way, you can be completely sure that it suits in color as well as texture.

Best Blush Brands in India
Given below is a list of the best blush on brands available in the Indian market.
Avon
Chambor
Chanel
Clinique
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
L’oreal
Lakme
Lancome
MAC Cosmetics
Max Factor
Maybelline
Oriflame
Revlon

Kajal Buying Tips

Kajal is one of the most popular make-up appliances worn by women. They enhance the eyes, make them look bigger and lend a much defined look to the face. Even if you wear no make up but just line your eyes with some kajal, you will look a lot different. Different women have different styles of wearing kajal. Some prefer applying it with the finger tip, some prefer a pencil and some may opt for a liquid liner. To know how to buy kajal, you need to look at certain important aspects and your particular style.

If you use the kajal pencil, go for a reputed brand. Some prefer a thick pencil while some prefer a thin one. Make sure the tip is not broken or blunt. At the same time, it should be smoothly rounded off at the top making it look a bit sharp, but not so much that it pokes you in the eye.
When going for a liquid one, make sure that the brush or the applicator does not have a distorted tip and is pointed perfectly. The consistency should be just perfect, not too thick and not too thin. Since you will be lining the inner lid of the eye, replace it as soon as it thickens or the brush wears out.
Some brands of kajal are also available in powder from. Please read the instruction manual carefully before applying it. Check the manufacturing date and then buy a reputed brand.
Do not buy kajal from roadside vendors who claim to have made them at home and talk of their medicinal properties. Most of them are made under unhygienic conditions and may irritate the eye if applied on a regular basis.
In case your eye feels dry or starts to water after using kajal even of a reputed brand, discontinue immediately. If the irritation or any redness persists, don’t use kajal inside the eyes and show to a doctor. Use liquid liner on the upper eye lid instead.

Best Kajal Brands in India
Given here are some of the best brands of kajal that are available in India. You can find them at most of the stores that sell cosmetics. Else, you may also go to their exclusive outlets to purchase kajal. These are available in the form of pencil, liquid liner and the ones that can be applied with finger.

Blue Heaven
Chanel
Eyetex
Lakme
Lancom
Lotus
MAC
Maybelline
Revlon
Shenaz
Streetwear

Homemade Face Paint

Face painting is such a popular activity to have at children's events, parties, and nearly any other occasion. Today, we will tell you some great face paint recipes. These easy face paint recipes will show you how easy it is to make homemade face paint using common household ingredients.

All you need to do to make homemade face paint is just mix these and store in some food jars or some other safe place. You can then use it for some kids’ party or any such fun event. To learn how to make homemade face paint, read on.

Recipe No.1
You will need the following items:
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon cream
½ teaspoon water
Food coloring; preferably, use a variety of colors

Steps
Mix cornstarch and cream together, until they blend well.
Add water and stir nicely.
Add a little food coloring to get the desired color.

Recipe No.2
You will need the following items:
3 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon flour
¾ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon liquid food coloring

Steps
Start by mixing cornstarch and the flour together in a bowl.
Then, mix the corn syrup and water in it, until the whole mixture becomes smooth.
Pour the mixture into individual containers as required and then add food coloring, as you like.

Recipe No.3
You will need the following items:
5 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon flour
A little Vaseline
Food coloring

Steps
Blend all the above items nicely on a paper plate.
Add food coloring judiciously to get various colors.

Recipe No.5
You will need the following items:
Corn syrup
Red and blue food coloring
Milk

Steps
Add some red food coloring to the corn syrup
Next, add a drop or two of blue color to get more realistic dark color.
Finally, add milk which will make the color appear opaque and realistic.

Tips
Remember, face paint generally works best when a child's face is clean.

Always apply the paint in layers and with the help of regular paintbrushes.

Let the first layer of paint dry before you apply the second layer.

Always, wash your hands between colors

How To Choose Eyebrow Pencils

An eyebrow pencil gives your brows a well-defined shape and makes them appear uniform. If your eyebrows are very thin or very pale, eyebrow pencils help in giving them the perfect contour that brings the focus of the onlooker to your eyes. It also lends a vibrant touch to your face, making your face look more expressive and bright. Eyebrow pencils are available in different brands, colors and types. So, it is necessary that you understand how to choose the right eyebrow pencil for yourself. An eyebrow pencil that does not go well with your face might make you look like a frowning mask or give you the appearance of an ugly mannequin. Learn these quick tips that will help you to pick the right eyebrow pencil for yourself and do full justice to the beauty of your face.

How to Buy Eyebrow Pencils
First decide which brand of eyebrow pencil you would like to go for. There are various options for you to choose from. Don’t go for cheap brands, as you might easily get allergic to them. Pick a good brand that you trust.
Decide if you would like to go for a wooded pencil or a twist-up eyebrow pencil. Generally wooded pencils provide you a sharp point and hence fine lines. The twist-up pencils glide more easily and come with a brush.
Next see that the tip of the eyebrow pencil is not very hard and has a dry finish. It is difficult to draw fine strokes with a hard pencil. Continuous strokes with a hard pencil will make your eyebrows look very unnatural.
Eyebrow pencils come in different colors. Choose a one that is closest in color to the color of your hair. Pick a soft black pencil if you have dark black hair. Ask the salesperson to guide you, if necessary.
Some bold colors are also available in the market (like metallic green, purple and sapphire). You can try them if you have a bohemian sense of dressing and generally prefer the unconventional look. Avoid otherwise.
You can buy an eyebrow pencil that has a shimmering effect or simply buy a gold eyebrow pencil. This will accentuate your brows during the night and make them ideal for parties.
You can also choose a long lasting or waterproof eyebrow pencil, if you don’t find time for frequent touch-up. Try eyebrow pencils from Christian Dior. They sometimes last for 2-3 days.
Best Eyebrow Pencil Brands in India
Avon
Chanel
Christian Dior
Clinique
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
Lakme
Lancome
L’oreal
Maybelline
Max Factor
M.A.C
Oriflame
Revlon
Shiseido

A collection of acne home remedies to prevent and cure acne or pimples fast and naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider or even regular plain vinegar can be very helpful for clearing up acne. It can kill off acne causing bacteria, balance skin's pH, and absorb extra oil from skin.
First clean and dry your skin than apply diluted vinegar (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to skin with a cotton ball, and leave it on. Rinse off after ten minutes.

Garlic in acne cure
Garlic is also one of the oldest home remedies for clearing up acne. Gently rub your affected areas with raw garlic several times a day. Garlic is known to have cured the toughest of pimples problems. The external use of garlic helps to clear the acne scars, skin spots, and boils. But the key point is gentleness, any harshness will even worsen the lesion. Acne can further be cured by eating three seeds of raw garlic once daily for a month.

Tomatoes
When pulp of raw tomatoes is applied over active acne lesions, it gives a soothing effect. However one thing must be kept in mind that while dealing with active acne lesions always be gentle, any scratching or squeezing may worsen the condition. Tomatoes slices or pulp can be left over for sometime to let it work. Then rinse with cold water.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a cheap and easily available acne solution. Regular use of coconut oil over a period of time helps to clear your skin.

Baking soda
It is a very cheap cooking ingredient that most people have in their kitchens. This can be used as a great scrub to exfoliate the skin, thus removing dead skin that can eventually clog pores and finaly lead to pimples and zits. For this purpose, mix a small amount of baking soda with some water to form a paste and gently massage this paste into your skin for ten to fifteen seconds. Then rinse the baking soda off, and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Surely, this is an easy and quick acne natural cure. Baking soda is also an effective home remedy for burns.

Orange peel
Homemade Acne Treatment using Orange peel has been found very effective. Pound the orange peel with water on a piece of stone and apply to acne affected areas.

Mud Mask
Some people with oily skin may benefit clay or mud mask.

ToothPaste
One of the home remedies for acne redness is common tooth paste, any brand will work best. It gives a soothing feeling on any burning sensations and help in clearing acne when used regularly.

Clove and Mint
Another acne solution is to make a paste of clove powder and mint by adding a few drops of water. Apply this every night for some twenty minutes after washing your face thoroughly. The paste will also give a soothing sensations (like tooth paste) due to mint and help to control any redness and burning. It will take about two to three months to clear your skin and get rid of pimples.

Honey Paste
Another easy and effective homemade acne treatment is to make a paste of honey with cinnamon and nutmeg. All you need is about one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and about half of it nutmeg powder. Add some honey to make enough paste to cover the inflammed area completely. Just lie down as honey may dribble down. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and wash with luke warm water.

Easy tips to prevent and cure acne or pimples,

There are certain easy tips which help to clear existing acne and prevent appearance of new lesions.

USE SUNSCREENAvoid exposure to sun rays as it has a very damaging effect on skin especially face. If sun exposure is inevitable use some good sun block. This really helps for facial acne. While selecting a sunscreen, look for "oil free" or "acne free" labels.

NO MORE SMOKING.
If you really want to prevent acne and have a healthy glowing skin, stop smoking immediately. It destroys vitamin C in your body that is one of the most effective antioxidants, resulting in different unwanted skin effects, including early aging signs and aggravation of acne lesions.

REGULAR EXERCISE.
Regular exercise will nourish your skin with oxygen. When you exercise each cell in your skin is bathed in blood and lymph travels rapidly in your lymph vessels. This helps to clear skin all over the body resulting in reduce acne lesions.

SHAMPOO REGULARLY.
Have a bath regularly with lukewarm water. Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week and keep them away from face. Keeping yourself clean will remove all dirt on your skin and opens the skin pores for successive sebum discharge.

AVOID STRESS.
Stress has a profound impact on your skin. It turns your skin black, rough and rigid. Most acne sufferers complain provocation of their pimples during stressful days. Try to avoid stress to keep you and your skin healthy and acne free.

STOP SQUEEZING
Or touching your pimples, this helps to clear acne lesions more rapidly

An Easy Almond Mask

A simple mask made up of almond powder and rose water is easy to make and effective against pimples and blackheads. You only require;

Almond powder 1 tablespoon
Rose water 1/2 spoon.

Just add the two and make a paste. Now apply this paste for ten to fifteen minutes. Remove it by gently rubbing

against the skin with your fingertips, paying special attention the problem areas. This helps to exfoliate skin, remove blackheads and treat pimples.

Homemade Facial Masks to cure Acne

Cucumber Mask
A very easy mask for all skin types, particularly acne prone skin. All you need is;
1/2 peeled cucumber
1 egg white
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 cups dry oatmeal
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup flour

Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl to form a thick paste. After washing your face apply this mask to entire face and let it dry for half an hour. Now remove and rinse with cold water. Repeat weakly and continue as a combination therapy with other acne remedies to get rid of pimples fast.

Honey and Baking Soda Mask
This is a very effective homemeade mask to clear acne. It has both cleansing and anti inflammmatory effects due to baking soda and honey contents. A regular use help to cure acne fast and naturally.
Ingredients;
Honey 1 tablespoons
1 Cucumber (peeled)
Baking Soda
Vinegar
1 Egg White
Oatmeal

All you have to do is to blend cucumber in a blender, add some vinegar, honey, oatmeal and lastly egg white. Blend them well to form a paste and spread over the entire face. Wait for twenty minutes to let it work. Rinse with cold water and repeat twice a week. This is a simple and effective acne solution.

Oatmeal Mask to Clear Acne
All you need is
Oatmeal = 1 cup
Salt = 4 tablespoons
Milk = 1 cup
Strawberries = 2 only
Mayonnaise

Mix milk, mayonnaise and salt in a bowl. Now use a blender to blend strawberries with oatmeal till they form a mesh. Add rest of the ingredients and mix well to get a smooth paste. Apply to the whole face as well as back and chest where ever you have acne. Let it harden, then wash away. Repeat weakly. This will be immediately improve the skin texture and help to get rid of pimples within a few weaks.

Almond and Honey Mask
This is an easy to make facial mask that is a natural cure for acne and pimples.Once you ground the ingredients, store in an air tight jar and keep in the refrigrator. Now it is very easy and fast to prepare.
Ingredients;
Honey 1 table spoon
Almonds 1/2 table spoon
Macadamia Nuts 1/2 table spoon
1 egg
Rolled oats
Lemon Juice
Ground almonds and macadamia nuts. Now add rest of the ingredients and blend well to form a paste. Add lemon to get required consistancy. Apply to the acne areas as well as whole face. Wash away after fifteen or twenty minutes. Repeat twice a week and your acne will be gone in a week or two.

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS FOR NORMAL SKIN

Gram Flour and Orange Peel Facial Pack
1. 1 tablespoon of gram flour,
2. 1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder,
3. 1 tablespoon beaten yogurt,
4. 1 teaspoon olive oil,
Mix them well and apply this paste on face and neck. Wait till it dries, then remove by gently rubbing with finger tips. Never be harsh; this will do more harm than any benefit.

MIlk and Egg Facial Mask;
1. 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder,
2. 1/4 teaspoon of egg white,
3. 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice,
Mix them all and apply on your face. Leave it till it dries away, now remove it by gently rubbing in circular movements and finally rinse with tepid water. This gives you smooth, soft and clear skin.
Read more on Egg Facial Masks.

Carrot Juice and Gram Flour Facial Mask
Every one knows that carrot are a good source of anti oxidants and and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes.These anti oxiadant compounds are not only good for optimum health but also help to maintain good skin care. Beside taking them orally, you can also apply their juice direcly on your skin to get the desired results. An easy skincare treatment is to make a paste of gram flour with carrot juice and use it as facial peel. Leave it till it dries then wash the cold water.

Coconut Milk for Facial Skin Care
Coconut milk has a high fat contents which makes it good skin moisturizer and softener. It is due to this quality coconut milk is widely used in many skin care products as one of the main ingredient. You can also use it in your at home facial treament In fact you can try coconut milk in multiple skin care recipes till you find what really suits you. If you do have to buy a commercial skin products, look for coconut milk in the ingredient list near or at the top.

It can be applied directly to face and body then massaged well and finally washed away to get younger looking skin.
Add almond powder to coconut milk and make a paste, you can also add some honey and almond oil. Mask the face and neck and wait till it dries. This is a wonderful facial skin treatment that thoroughly cleanses the skin while leaving it silky, smooth and completely moisturized.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and coconut milk and apply on the face for to get a glowing skin.

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS FOR NORMAL SKIN

Nail art at Home

Gone are the days when a simple manicure was enough. Today, nail art has become a rage. From simple designs to funky ones, your nails will, quite simply, do all the talking! Nail art is the art of painting attractive designs on your fingernails to give them a classy look. In fact, it's a fun way to brighten up your monotonous look oe accessorise a special occasion outfit.

There are a variety of nail art designs available, ranging from delicate and understated to funky and outrageous.

1. Now all of us cannot go to professional nail artist everyday... but it's now possible to create nail magic at home.

2. Apply nail vanish remover even if you have no nail paint on. It helps remove dirt and grease so that your nail polish will last longer.

3. Let your nail vanish dry properly. Give time for each layer to dry to ensure a lasting finish.

4. You can match your nail colour with your apparel or lip colour to give a complete co-ordinated look.

5. Always try to apply lots of thin layers rather than giving one quick layer. It not only dries quickly but also lasts for a longer time.

6. Make sure each coat is dry before applying the next. Never mix colours together before application since it can give a messy look to your nails.

7. If you love wearing rings, wear cool and aatractive ones as your nails will attract attention to your hands so do dress them up a bit!

8. Nail piercing can give a trendy look to your nails, but it can also weaken the nails.

9. il piercing could, and preferably be done on the upper portion of a long nail so that the hole could be filed away without losing much length.

10. t remove or re-apply nail polish more than one or two times a week as it may dry your nails.

11. se a remover with built-in moisturisers that will limit the damage.

12. ys keep your nails clean as it reduces the chances of nail breakage by keeping healthy.

13. do not clean your mails with hot water.

14. ou have long nails try painting the underside with a contrasting colour and paint the upper part with light coat.

15. polishing the underside of the nail, avoid polishing the area the nail and the skin meet.

16. can also use fake tattoos for giving a funky look to your nails.

Make sure you maintain your nails properly; as proper maintenance will help keep your nails in good condition for a longer period.

Natural Face Masks

Depending on your skin type, here are some great masks to try. For oily skin use some plain Milk of Magnesia, rub it on and let dry, then rinse with lukewarm water. It absorbs oil wonderfully!

For Normal/combination skin mix one egg and 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal and a teaspoon olive oil until smooth. Spread on your face and leave 15 min then rinse.

For dry skin, mix one egg yolk, one teaspoon honey and a teaspoon olive oil and some vitamin E oil if you have it. Smooth on and leave on for 15 min. , rinse in lukewarm water and pat dry. If your skin is a bit dry you can put a dab or two of either olive oil, or any other light oil.

Homemade Facial Scrub Instead of Soap
This is for the lady who wanted a homemade facial mask. First, clean your face with water only. Never use soap. You can open your pores with hot compresses (washcloth) For a facial scrub, moisten oatmeal to a "goo", use it to scrub your face (not around your eyes). Wash off with cool water.You may also make a paste of the oatmeal and allow it to dry..remove with cool water.You may also beat an egg white, put it on your face and let it dry, rinse with cool water. Sliced fresh cucumber placed on your closed eyes will reduce bagginess and dark circles.To make your hair shine, rub in some regular mayonnaise,shampoo out after 15 minutes.

Honey for Best Facial
The best facial mask that i have found is honey. Use warm cloth to open pores, smear on honey, leave on 15 to 30 minutes, rinse off with warm water, and then use cold water to close pores. Use for 3 days in a row and then once a week. Sometimes I mix a little gound oatmeal with the honey, which makes a great mask.

Facial Feels Good
One my daughter and I had fun with and found to have a cleansing and softening effect was to mix regular clean kitty litter, the clay kind, with water and strain out the grit. It really felt good.

Exfoliating Mask
For an easy exfoliating mask, mix three tablespoons olive oil or any good oil and one tablespoon kosher salt mix and gently rub into dry skin. Do not use around eye area. This works great on elbows and feet, but it can also be used on cheeks and forehead

Egg Yolk
The best homemade facial mask that I have used is a raw egg yolk. just apply the raw yolk to your face and neck for 30 minutes and rinse with cool water. Egg yolks are high in vitamin A. The mask is very effective in healing blemishes.

Match Mask to Your Skin Type
For trouble-prone skin, mix oatmeal with water to form a paste.

For normal to oily skin, use an egg white.

For dry skin, use an egg yolk.

In all cases, spread mixture on face and allow to dry. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

For oily skin, witch hazel makes an inexpensive toner.

For dry skin, you may want to add moisturizer while skin is still damp.

Oatmeal
The cheapest and best facial mask I have ever come up with is oatmeal processed to a powder in the blender and either skim milk or if you are trying to fade spots lemon juice. Really works well for me and I have dry skin.

More Facial Maks Choices
The kind of the mask you want to use depends on your skin type.

For dry skin, try:

an egg yolk mixed with olive oil and warmed honey
sour cream
plain olive oil
avocado
For oily skin:

dissolve a teaspoon of baking yeast in a small amount of warm milk, wait until foamy, then apply (best done in the bath tub);
puree flesh of a tomato and mix with some potato flour to make a paste;
cucumber (it will whiten your skin);
beaten egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice (great for getting rid of blackheads);
carrots (but don't use this one more than about every other week because it can overdry your skin). This one will make you look tanned.
General refreshing masks:

grapes (just cut a berry in half and rub lightly)
strawberries (test behind your ear first, because many people are alergic to strawberies used this way even thougth they can eat them just fine)
honey and ricotta cheese
Many fruits and vegetables can also be used to good effect. Anything acidic (lemon, strawberries, etc) will tend to whiten and refresh your skin, but you need to be careful if your skin is dry.

In general, don't apply masks more often than about twice a week, and try to vary the ingredients.

It is a good idea to test the mask first. Apply a small amount behind your ear, wait 20 minutes, then wash off. Then wait 24 hours. If the skin behind your ear is normal, then go ahead and use the mask.

Egg Yolk and Honey
I reader recently asked if anyone had a recipe for homemade facial masks. I often use an egg yolk and honey mask. Just mix one egg yolk with a little honey and spread it on your face and neck. When it dries, rinse it off. Your skin will feel so fresh and soft!

Guide To Skin Whitening

Home Remedies for Skin Whitening Care

Here are some simple home remedies for skin whitening that you can do to lighten the skin tone and get a lighter complexion. However, they must be done regularly and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily routine.

Mix 1 tsp of milk powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and ½ tsp of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.

Place sliced raw potato on the face. It helps reduce blemishes and other marks.

Applying turmeric powder along with lime juice removes the tan. Lime juice is a natural bleach.

Dried orange peels mixed with curd also help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

A tbsp of gram flour mixed with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Apply a paste of fresh ground mint leaves and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wash with cold water, continue for 15 days.

Apply a mixture of grated tomato with 2-3 drops of lime juice on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice a day for 15-20 days for best results.

Diet for Getting Rid of Dark Skin

Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a healthy glow. Drinking an optimum amount of water hydrates your skin and keeps it blemish free. Some recommendations regarding diet are as follows –

Avoid excessive consumption of heavy and oily foods.

Incorporate whole cereals, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day. Water washes out the toxins from the body.

Other suggestions for Dark Skin

1)
Use a good quality sunscreen when going out in the sun to protect the skin from tanning as well as the sun's UV rays.

Be regular and persistent with the home remedies for skin lightening as suggested above.

Choosing The Best Hair Style

Here are some good suggestions that can help you select a proper hair cut or a proper hair style for you, which will help you look younger.

Your goal: To firm up the jaw line.
Try: At least nape-length layers that are shorter in back. Adding some swing this way helps minimize flaws in general, and longer pieces in front will give the illusion of angles where they're needed.

Your goal: To emphasize good features
Try: Cutting layers that "point" toward the area by ending at the same level. If you have a great smile, for example, ask for chin-length pieces in front that will hit at lip level.

Your goal: To hide forehead wrinkles
Try: Eyebrow-skimming bangs (think Goldie Hawn). They'll cover lines and play up your eyes.

Your goal: To sculpt cheekbones
Try: Creating volume at the crown. Ask for layers on top. Then, when styling, take a few strokes with a teasing comb (easy -- we're not talking Marge Simpson) five inches from the hairline.

Your goal: To downplay neck wrinkles
Try: A few wispy, longer strands in the back, even if the cut is short.

Your goal: To brighten a dull complexion
Try: Highlights concentrated around the face "to add dimension and give your skin glow," says Ronald Braso of New York's Frédéric Fekkai Salon

HAIR DYING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Dying hair or coloring hair has now become a necessity. As you don’t want to look out dated. But there are many reasons and different opinions as far as hair dying is concerned. Some dye their hair just for fashion and some do it to hide their grey hair. Not to mention old folks want to look young too. No matter what may be the reason for dying hair, the procedure should be right and correct.

Choosing the Right Hair Dye Color:

Before going for a hair dye try to figure out what sort of shades suit best on you. You can also consult your hair dresser for this. Another most important thing is that you should go for shades that are not more than 2 shades lighter or darker from your original hair color. The reason for this is that after some time your hair starts to grow out and the hair line that appears or the re-growth that appears does not have the dye that you have applied. And if you have wisely selected an appropriate dye then the effect won’t be that visible on your re-growth. On the other hand if you have applied a very bold shade than your own hair color then the re-growth will look horrible and there will be no other way but to get the touch ups done as soon as possible.

Types of Hair Dyes:

There are mainly two types of hair dye available. Namely as Permanent Hair Dye and Semi-Permanent Hair Dye.

Permanent Hair Dye:

Permanent hair dyes are long lasting in a sense that they don’t get spoiled due to sunlight and shampooing. Only way it can be removed is to apply another color on it. Also the re-growth that emerges also has no color. They are economical in a way that you only have to do the touch ups and not to do the whole head hair dying. They stay in as long as you want them.

Permanent products for hair dying usually consist of a package containing two bottles and possible a small bottle or sachet of conditioning cream for use after the dying treatment. One of the aforementioned bottles contains a hydrogen peroxide solution (usually 6%) and the other bottle contains the actual hair dyes dissolved in ammonia. Only when the contents of these two bottles are mixed will the hair dye perform its task.

The bottle containing the ammonia and dye solution and the contents of the hydrogen peroxide bottle are mixed well.
The mixture is applied to the hair and the ammonia solution causes the hair to swell up, after which the hair particles open and separate, enabling the hair dye solution to enter the hair shaft, to change the color of the hair.
The dye and hydrogen peroxide need time to develop the new color in the hair, explaining why you usually have to wait for half an hour or longer before hair dye can be rinsed out.
The hair dye is rinsed out and the hair is conditioned, after which it can be styled.
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye:

Semi-permanent dyes have the shortest lifespan for dyes. After 6-12 washes, the color will start to fade. This is recommended for first-time users and those who want to experiment with colors.

Semi-permanent hair dyes do not contain a developing chemical like permanent hair dyes do. This type of hair dye is sold as a liquid, gel or foam and can generally be applied directly to the hair without any mixing. As the color does not enter the hair as is the case with permanent dye, the new color will fade with time depending on exposure to the sun and the number of times the hair is washed. The effects of dying hair with this dye are equal when it comes to color, but cause less damage to the hair.

How to Dye Your Hair Safely and Professionally:

Separate hair into four sections. Then clip each part.
Wear plastic gloves while mixing dye solution. Follow the directions written on the box.
Squeeze a small amount of coloring into one section. Streak thin stripes of color over the whole area of the section. Put a clip on the colored part.
Repeat the process after you have completed coloring the four sections.
Consult instructions on how long you should leave it. Add a couple of minutes of wait to that of the suggested treatment time.
Put on left over color mix to the entire head after a few minutes.
Rinse with cold water.

Things You Should Care for While Dying Your Hair:

· Do not apply dye to dirty and tangled hair. You hair should be clean and combed well before you dye them. Deep condition your hair a month before dying to maintain color. Trim hair especially dry and split ends to even out color. Hair should be slightly damp when dye is applied.

· Do not condition your hair a few hours before applying hair dye, shampooing will do the trick. Your hair needs to be free of free radicals such as dirt and oil as much as possible.

· After choosing a brand, apply a tiny amount of hair dye near your neck or behind your ear to see if irritation, redness, inflammation, allergy, hair loss or any bad reactions occur. Wash the affected area right away if this happens. Remember the instructions carefully. Do the patch test 1-2 days before hair dye application.

· Protect your skin by wrapping a towel around your neck as the dye can irritate your skin or affect your clothes.

· Gloves should be used and must be included in a hair dye kit. Applying petroleum jelly or cream around your ears and neck part will keep off stains. Wipe off oil after shampooing. If you do happen to stain your skin, don't worry, rubbing alcohol will remove dye stains from your skin

After dying, always rinse with cold or tepid water to avoid your own hair from falling out.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair is not only painful but also leaves very ugly scars on the skin. Ingrown hairs cause ugly and painful little bumps on your skin as well. Why it happens is that Waxing will remove the hairs straight from the root, leaving the hair shaft empty for a while until a new fresh hair grows. When that hair grows sometimes it won’t grow straight and it meets the skin at the top of the pore instead of growing out through the open pore. It will carry on growing along the skin and can then become infected.
Another reason can be that the skin grows over the top of the pore, therefore not allowing the hair to grow through and out into the light. The hair continues to grow and has nowhere but into the skin to grow.
It's not just waxing that can cause in-growing hairs: it's shaving as well. The shaver skims over the surface of the skin cutting the hair: this can leave a very sharp pointed hair behind and that sharp hair now has the ability to cut right into the skin where it will happily continue to grow.
Preventing Ingrown Hair:
You can prevent ingrown hairs in the first place by exfoliating your skin before waxing/shaving and every time you shower. You can use a loofah or sponge, but if you have delicate skin the abrasion can hurt your skin. Body scrubs are available at online stores, drug stores and department stores in every price range. The only problem is that the less expensive scrubs tend to use abrasive ingredients. Whipping up an all-natural and mild scrub is a home remedy to prevent ingrown hairs and it only takes only a few minutes. You can make a body scrub by mixing sugar with equal parts liquid soap.
Preventing ingrown hairs after shaving:
After shaving, try using witch hazel (available at any health food store and some drug stores for a few dollars) to the skin. Applying an antiseptic can also help offset ingrown hairs by cleaning the area.
Getting rid of itchiness caused by ingrown hairs
If it's too late and you already have ingrown hairs, you can reduce any itchiness you have by pureeing half a cucumber and adding 1/3 cup of milk. Mix the mixture and store (covered) in the fridge for a few minutes until cold. Soak gauze or a cloth in the mixture and apply for a few minutes to the irritated areas, then rinse off. This will not make the ingrown hairs go away, but it will take away the itchiness and irritation for a few minutes.
Facial ingrown hairs
If the ingrown hair is on your face, you can wait a day or two and then look at the hair in direct sunlight with the help of a magnifying mirror. If you notice a bit of hair sticking out, it is possible to remove the hair by plucking it out. You will need to clean the area scrupulously before and after tweezing. Tweezing will hurt far more than it usually does, so don't bother if you have more than one ingrown hair on your face. Don't even think of trying to yank ingrown hairs on other parts of your body - you'll have a very hard time trying to see the hair properly. It is suggested that you leave the hair alone if at all possible, and only resort to pulling it in case of a dire emergency - like an important event. Pulling at an ingrown hair can cause an infection and may lead to scarring, so it is not a technique to be taken lightly.
Simple Homemade Tips for Getting Rid Of Ingrown Hair:· Using a hot compress against ingrown spots at least 10 minutes thrice daily for the purpose of soften the skin and improve the hair properly. This process is essential and shall not be missed.
· To prevent friction, it is recommended loose-fitting underwear and clothing to be worn at all time. Not tight underwear or undergarment is allowed until the bumps are gone.
· It is a good practice to exfoliate the location prior waxing. During this process, certain quantity of top layer dead skin cells that has the effect of trapping the hairs will be removed. Exfoliating treatment not limited to lotions, creams or body gels, a hard-type of washcloth or glove is used for this exfoliation purpose. It can be purchased at the beauty service counter or beauty salon at your city or department stores.
· Whenever performing the waxing process, make sure the roots of hairs to be pulled out completely. It is a wrong practice to allow the hair to be broken below the skin surface.
· Mix four to five table spoons of sugar with some drops of lemon juice, one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, half a teaspoon of cornstarch, two teaspoons of honey and heat the entire thing till it forms a sticky mass. Dust the painful area with cornstarch. Then spread the cooled mixture on the area and leave on for twenty minutes. When you wash this off with warm water you will notice that the red mumps have gone down. Your skin will also feel very soft.
· Just moisten the hair with warm water soaked cotton sponge. Press it upon the ingrown hair for 2 minutes. Take spirit and wipe the part of the ingrown hair then take a needle dipped in spirit and finely take the hair out and direct it towards the outer normal growth. Again wipe the part where ingrown hair was removed. If there is septic then dressing may be essential after removal of the hair.
Hope these tips and home remedies will help solve your problem regarding ingrown hair. Curly hairs are more prone to ingrown hair problem. Exfoliation is the best tip as far as my personal experience is concerned. Also keep your skin clean after and before waxing. Make sure all the waxing stuff is sterilized and hygienic. Always use fresh wax when you go to any beauty saloon.

How To Remove Frizz From Curly Hair

Curly hair are great, as they can be given any style. You can even straighten them out if you like to. But you also need to give extra care to your curly hair. Curly hair demand some special care and treatment. And if you keep them unattended they will really make you feel bad and look bad. So better start taking good care of them.

Curly hair can get frizz very easily they are some what pron to frizz. There are certain things that you need to take care about.Curly hairs are porous comparatively than straight hair. Curly hair absorbs moisture easily from air causing the shaft to expand and it results in fizz or tangles. There are ways to handle little frizzes.

Hair frizz is a problem faced generally by all the women. By experimenting hair with different styles, gels, moistures, hair sprays etc. one weakens and damages her hair. This result into frizz and finally leads into split ends. It is a problem that everyone wants to get rid of as it gives an older and untidy look. By following some do's and don'ts anyone can say good bye to it.

Suggestions for hair frizz

Do not wash your hair everyday. It devoid your hair of natural oil and dries them up and hair getting dry is initial step of hair frizz. Go for deep moistening treatment once a week to moisten your hair.
Always have cold water bath. It makes hair silkier and softer. Hot water bath means inviting hair frizz
Do not comb your hair when wet. Use hair pick or wide toothed comb during emergencies.
Take special care of your hair while using hair dryers. Do it systematically. Divide your hair in sections and then use the dryer section wise.
Wear a hat incase you need to be outdoor for long.
After bath, be gentle with use of towel on your hair.

Measures to control hair frizz

Products available in market- Pomade, anti frizz serems, oil based conditioners, hair gel for frizz control are some of the products available in market and if use wisely can prove beneficial. These products help in giving volume to the hair and repair the damage of the hair. They also provide the hair with minerals and protein required for the strengthening of the hair.

Home remedies-

Washing hair with vinegar balances pH level of the hair.
Natural veg. glycerin can be added to gel or mousse to make hair soft.
Applying mixture of egg and olive oil 2 hrs before shampooing also help eliminating frizz.
Getting rid of hair frizz is not a big problem all you need to invest is your time and effort. Remember, if you help your hair look good they'll help you look good.

Beauty From Milk

To make your skin soft and smooth dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and pat all over your face. Leave on for half an hour and wash off with water.

Mix two tablespoons of milk in one teaspoon of salt and apply on the face at bedtime. This makes the skin petal soft and silken smooth.

To lighten your complexion grind a couple of almonds in milk and apply on the face at bedtime.

To brighten a dull complexion mix two tablespoons of milk powder with enough hydrogen peroxide to a thick paste. Mix in a few drops of liquid ammonia. Leave on for 15 minutes.

To improve a dark and dull complexion soak bengal gram pulse (chick-pea) in milk overnight. Next morning, grind to a paste and mix in a pinch of turmeric powder and a few drops of lime juice and leave on for half an hour.

To lighten and brighten your complexion take a tablespoon of milk and mix in one teaspoon each of carrot, orange juice and melted honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes.

An excellent mask for a dry and blemished skin is made by taking a tablespoon of gram flour and mixing in a big pinch of turmeric powder, one-fourth teaspoon of orange peel powder, a teaspoon of beaten curd and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on the face and neck. When the skin starts feeling taut, rub it with your hands until it glows. Then, wash with tap water.

To make the skin soft and smooth grind one fourth tea spoon of chironji to a paste and mix with one fourth teaspoon each of milk and curd. Leave on for 20 minutes.

Another mask for making the skin soft and smooth is prepared by taking one fourth teaspoon each of watermelon, cucumber and gourd seeds and grinding them to a paste in milk. Mix in half teaspoon of cream or top of milk and a few drops of rose water. Leave on for 20 minutes.

To lighten and brighten the skin and improve blood circulation fry a teaspoon of green gram in a teaspoon of olive oil to a red color, grind to a paste in milk. Apply on face and leave on till the skin feels taut. Then, rub the skin till it glows and wash off.

For making the skin fair, grind as small piece of sandalwood in milk to a paste. Mix in one fourth teaspoon of turmeric powder and leave on for 20 minutes.

To remove itching and other blemishes from the skin grind one teaspoon of yellow mustard to a paste and mix with a tablespoon of cream of milk and leave on for 20 minutes.

To improve a dry and rough skin take two tablespoon cream of milk and add a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of essence of rose. Leave on for half an hour before removing with water. Besides using milk externally, drink a glass every day in order to keep your teeth, hair, nails and eyes in good condition and to put a glow into your face.

Body Glitter Recipe

What you need:
3 tablespoons of unmedicated aloe vera gel
1/2 teaspoon very fine glitter, color desired
1 drop essential oil with fragrance desired (optional)
Food coloring (optional)

Procedure:
Add as much glitter to aloe vera gel as you like (you can always experiment).
If you are using food coloring, mix a few drops at a time in with your gel until you get the desired color.
Add essential oil, if desired.
Stir to blend, then store at room temperature in a small, airtight jar or container.
Enjoy the body glitter!

NOTE: Some people are sensitive to essential oils. Test the body glitter on the inside of your arm before applying to face. DO NOT USE NEAR YOUR EYES.

Recipe For Beautiful Feet

Everyone wants to have smooth skin and beautiful feet :-)

If you take 1 cup Lemon Juice, Cinnamon (for smell), 2 tablespoons (or less) olive oil, 1/4 cup of milk, and water you can make a wash that leaves skin refreshed and fragrant (the amount of water does not matter).
If you do not like the cinnamon smell you can replace it with another spice, perfume, or flower petals such as roses.
After you make it, you can put it in a tub were you can soak your feet or body.
Next dry your feet or rinse them with water and a MILD soap.

After a few weeks of doing this your skin will be silky smooth

Minty Fresh Massage Oil

10 tsp. grapeseed oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
4 drops rosemary oil
2 drops peppermint oil

This is a green-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well.
Warm up oil before doing any massage

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