7 Life-changing Tips on Makeup for Acne

Whether or not one should wear makeup during an acne breakout might just be the biggest conundrums plaguing the beauty world. While some of us may think that makeup helps hide the bumpy, red acne lesions, the rest of us are worried that wearing layers of foundation and concealer can actually cause the zits to get worse. So, the most important thing to do when trying to decide whether or not wear makeup in the case of acne is to find effective and lightweight products that do not aggravate the breakout and still do a good job at covering it up. Most foundation and concealers don’t go on smoothly over acne and pimples, and in turn make them look worse! So, the key is to find the right products and follow the best way to apply them. Here are some tips for you in case you have acne-prone skin and still love to wear makeup.

1. Don’t skimp on the right skincare: When wearing makeup for acne, the right base is very important. Make sure to start with clean skin. Don’t skip the toner and moisturizer. Go for a super hydrating (but oil free) moisturizer to combat any dry patches or flakiness caused by the acne.

2.  Go for a very lightweight and oil-free foundation: The next step is to find the right foundation. Getting the perfect colour match is key. Anything too light or too dark will only accentuate the acne. Choose a lightweight and oil-free formula.
Recommendation: Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

3. Apply in thin layers and with a light hand: You may be tempted to apply thick layers of foundation to conceal the acne, but that’s where most people go wrong. The key to a natural and concealed look is to apply the foundation in very thin layers with a light hand. Make use of a Beauty Blender for a more natural finish. Don’t attempt to conceal too much with your foundation. Your foundation should only even out your skin tone.

4.  Make use of a colour corrector: If there’s too much redness and inflammation on your skin, then let a colour corrector come to your rescue. Apply a green colour corrector to the parts where you need to combat the redness.

5.  Choose a full coverage concealer: Over the colour correct, apply a full coverage concealer. Like I had mentioned earlier, don’t apply thick product all over your face. Focus on spot concealing for a more natural look. Make sure that the concealer you pick offers sun protection. You don’t want to aggravate your acne by exposing it to sun damage.

6.  Distract from the area of breakout: Suppose you have a lot of breakouts on your cheeks, then it’s important to keep in mind that you should distract from that area. Skip products like blush, bronzer and highlighter that are actually designed to draw attention to the cheeks. If your cheeks have acne, then focus on dramatizing your eyes (try a winged liner or smoky eye, maybe) or any other feature of your face.

7.  Go for a bold, bright or dark lip: Unless you have acne right around your mouth, going for a bold, bright or dark lip is a great makeup tip for those suffering from breakouts. It takes away the attention from your skin and makes your lips do all the talking. However, when wearing bold lip colours, make sure that you’ve concealed your skin properly.

10 Home Remedies to Treat Acne for Dry Skin that you can do when you are going to be the Bride

Hello, everyone!

Hope you all are doing well. We are doing a post after quite some time and it always feels good to be back to the family. We have been planning to do this post since a long time. Today, one of the biggest concerns among not just women, but also men is acne. The numerous causes of acne include clogged pores, bacteria, excess oil production, dead skin cells, hormones, diet, stress, and sleep deprivation. We have seen so many people spend so much money and time on chemicals to treat pimples, only to end up with no results or scarier still, with the condition getting worse. So, here is a list of remedies you can try because they cost you no extra money, can be done at the convenience of your home and have no side effects at all.

1. Aloe vera

 

 
Aloe vera has soothing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that helps in treating acne as well as the scars caused by acne. Not just acne, with regular use, it also helps in treating other skin problems and makes your skin clear. You can either buy aloe vera gel from the market or prepare it yourself from the leaves of aloe vera plant. Apply it on the affected areas and leave overnight.

2. Lemon Juice with Honey

 

 

Lemon juice being acidic, dries up the acne while honey has anti-bacterial properties and also helps in moisturizing the skin. Hence, this combination is suited for dry skin. You can mix the two and apply it with the help of a cotton ball on the affected areas. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.

3. Garlic

 

 

Since long, garlic has been used for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It helps in treating acne without dehydrating the skin and is thus, suited for people with dry skin. Just crush a few garlic cloves and apply the paste to the affected areas.

4. Ice pack

You may know that an ice pack helps relieve under eye bags but did you know it also helps in the case of acne? However, ice packs should be used in combination with other acne treating home-made masks like a fuller’s earth (multani mitti) mask. They are of little benefit when used alone.

5. Epsom salt

 

Epsom salt is an excellent remedy for treating acne. It removes dead skin cells, kills bacteria and also balances the pH level of the skin. However, this ingredient should be used to treat acne on the back, buttocks or any part of the body other than the face. You can also use body scrubs made of Epsom
salt regularly.

6. Tomato pulp

 

 

The tomatoes are acidic which helps in drying up the acne. Tomatoes also contain vitamins A, C, and K which are found in most OTC acne treatment creams. Make a paste of tomatoes or simply cut it into halves and rub over the affected areas.

7. Papaya

 

Papain, an enzyme present in papaya, helps reduce inflammation and prevents the formation of pus. Hence, papaya makes a great home remedy for most skin problems. Mash the papaya to make a coarse paste, apply, and leave it on for about 30 minutes.

8. Neem

 

 

Neem constitutes a very popular ingredient of most ayurvedic medicines. It is used for not just skin problems but also to treat hair problems and other conditions. It has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties which reduce redness and inflammation. Make a paste of tender neem leaves with water. You can add turmeric to the paste. Apply and leave for about 20 minutes.

9. Fenugreek Seeds

 

Fenugreek is an excellent ingredient for treating acne. I have tried this and I loved the results. It has anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-septic properties. Use fenugreek leaves or fenugreek seeds with water and make a paste. Apply on the affected areas and leave for 20 minutes. Do this regularly. Also, make a habit of drinking a glass of water with soaked fenugreek seeds early in the morning to get healthy hair and skin.

10. Red Lentils

 

 

Finally, here is the secret remedy for treating acne, that has worked for me every single time. I have suggested this to so many of my friends and it has worked for all of them. My magic ingredient is masoor dal or red lentils. Soak it in water for a few hours and make a paste with little water or milk and honey. Apply this to the affected areas and leave on for 20 minutes. You can add other ingredients as per your concerns. Also, since this is somewhat drying for the skin, people with dry skin should use a good moisturizer immediately after washing it off.

Let us know if you want me to do a post on how we make this face mask and all the ingredients we add to this mask.

Along with the above ingredients, make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle. Make wise choices with the skin care products you use and you’ll definitely start seeing the results soon.

How To Use 5 Essential Oils For Skin & Hair Care

With the stern heat pollution dust in the environment our skin and hair condition gets deteriorated day by day taking away the real shine from the skin and hair, thus our skin and hair needs full attention and care to protect them against any damage. For such damages essential oils seems to be working faster since they are highly concentrated and vigorous in terms of their performance by targeting the very problem of the skin. Let’s see how we can use essential oils to give the boost to our skin and hair.

Before we precede further let me brief you about what essential oils are. “An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived”.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is one of the most extensively researched essential oils, and one of the most backed by the findings and conclusions discovered from the studies done on it. You can use the same for your face and hair.

• FOR FACE ACNE: To treat the acne just add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil in coconut oil and clean your acne using the same solution with the cotton. This oil works wonders if included in skincare routine for acne prone.
•  FOR DARK SPOTS AND BLEMISHES: Take 2-3 drops of tea tree oil along with 10 drops of lemon mixed in aloevera gel. If applied on the dark spots and blemishes you will surely see them fading in a day or two.
• FOR TREATING DRY SKIN: Apply few drops directly to the skin to curb the dryness.
• HAIR GROWTH: To promote the hair growth: For promoting hair growth, mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 1-2 Tbsp almond oil or coconut oil. Since this essential oil is very strong, the base oil should be first applied on the scalp before the oil mixture is used. Wash off after 15-20 minutes.

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Not just it smells heavenly, but it works great for the skin and hair, and the best part is the easy availability. This oil is so easily available in any store.

• FOR THAT BRIGHT GLOWING SKIN: Mix few drops of sandalwood essential oil in a curd, mix and apply it on your skin to find you skin bright glowing and flawless.

Lavender Essential Oil:  This Sweet smelling lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. It is mild and soothing.

• FOR HAIR: it’s highly effective onto your hair. When massaged into the scalp, it can improve blood circulation, promote hair growth, and prevent hair loss. Best part that it suits all types of hair. For scalp massage, mix 8-10 drops in 2 Tbsp of warm olive oil or coconut oil. Work it into the scalp with your fingers. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning. Treat yourself to this enchanting smell by adding a few drops of oil to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products. this is the best way to Use Essential Oils For Skin & Hair Care.
• BODY SCRUB: Make a basic homemade body scrub with coconut oil, sugar or coarse coffee, and Lavender essential oil.

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil, also known as ‘Nilgiri tel ‘(Hindi) is one ingredient that can have far-reaching effects on our overall well-being right from Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Infectious, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral agent, Antispasmodic, Insecticidal, Expectorant properties.

• FOR HEALTHY HAIR: this oil helps in regaining the good health texture shine of your hair. This can be applied with olive oil or amla hair oil. This also gives relief to rough and itchy scalp.

Rosemary Essential Oil: The astringent properties of rosemary essential oil make it beneficial for skin care. It contains a wide array of nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamins and antioxidants. Thus, this oil is effective for all skin types

• FOR ANTI AGING AND WRINKLE FREE SKIN: Being rich in powerful antioxidants, rosemary oil slows down the effect of ageing on the skin. It helps in tightening loose skin, thus making it firmer and more elastic. Besides, it stimulates cell regeneration and cell growth to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• PREVENTS SKIN INFECTION: The properties of rosemary essential oil make it beneficial for treating chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties are useful in reducing the swelling and puffiness of the skin as well as healing burns.

Hope these tips would help you to use Essential Oils For Skin & Hair Care. Do share your favourite way of incorporating them in daily routine.

5 foods to avoid to remove stubborn acne and look flawless on your D-day

Let’s start with a scenario today. It’s a beautiful morning and your alarm goes off. You wake up to a fresh new beautiful day, get off the bed, go to your bathroom, look at the mirror. And, there it is another tiny little bump on your face. Darn it!!! Not now! Not today! You got your big meeting at 11 and date at 8! You have tried every little thing. Serums, treatments even the dermats know you by name now.

Frustrating isn’t it? Been there, done that. Although my acne story was much different, as I never (touchwood) faced severe acne, but one of my closest cousins did. Last month she got married and we haven’t had been in touch for about a year lately. I don’t exactly know what magic potion worked for her but, there she was on her marriage day, without a bump on her face (before makeup) and glowing. I couldn’t help but ask her, what really worked for her.

Me: Hey, like…what did you eat? I mean you look gorgeous girl, not that you didn’t before but your acne problem..?
She: Haha..Nope ask me what I DID NOT eat.
Me: Okay, go on!! I am all ears.
And the conversation went on…

However me being the curious little Nancy Drew that I am, did a little bit of my own research to testify her words, and guess what? She was right

So, my lovelies here is my list of top 5 baddie food you should avoid when going through bouts of acne.

WOAAH WAIT WAIT!! HOW DOES THIS EXACTLY WORK??
Well, this is called the process off elimination. If you can’t find out what is causing your acne outbursts, try eliminating some food items from your diet that have a bad reputation of triggering acne. Otherwise healthy, these 5 foods can worsen existing acne.


1. Fast Food

I bet you love your plate of ‘Gol gappa’ and ‘Aloo tikka chaat’ with extra Mirchi. But hold on their sweetheart. Did you know greasy fast foods will leads to body inflammation that causes pimples appear?

Includes: Fish & Chips, Pizza, Burger, Fried chicken, Sausages, Noodles, Pasta, Noodles, Snacks & Desserts: Hot-dogs, Donuts, Potato chips, French fries, Crisps, Popcorn etc



2. Sugar

We all have our sweet tooth, and sometimes it’s too hard to resist. Excessive sugar intake shoots up your blood sugar level causing pimples. Try to avoid candy bars, sugary drinks as well as other sweets saturated with sugar. Follow this with dedication and you will soon see a major difference.

Includes: Sugars, Syrups & Sweeteners, Drink Powders & Soft Drinks, candies, cookies, pies and unfortunately everything yum!!!


3. Cow Milk

Cow’s milk not only shoots up blood sugar levels leading to pimples, it also leads to growth in hormones resulting in overgrowth of skin cell that leads to blocked pores. So, you might just want to avoid dairy products for a while and check if it does any good for your skin condition.

Includes: milk, cheese, yogurt, other cultured dairy foods, ice cream etc.


4. Coffee

Nothing wakes you up better than a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Ahh, the smell! But hold that thought. Science has shown that an organic acid inside coffee beans that raises cortisol levels.

Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can act like an androgen. It stimulates sebaceous glands and inflammation, a.k.a PIMPLES. You might want to skip that and check for some results

Includes: Expresso, mocha, latte, cappuccino, even the decaf versions


5. Soy:

Soy is one of the richest sources of protein you can lay your hands on. The natural plant oestrogen is found in soybeans. “Phytoestrogens” which are otherwise good, mimic natural oestrogen levels and play around with our hormones. Result? Acne and more acne. So if you are experiencing any bumps around your mouth and chin, the culprit MIGHT be soy.

Includes: Soybeans, soy milk, soy sauce, soybean oil, tofu etc.


SO YOU ARE BASICALLY TRYING TO STARVE ME TO DEATH.RIGHT??!!!
Not at all. All I am saying is, eating in moderation never hurts. Once you find out what triggers your acne, yes you definitely have to cut it out from your diet sweet heart.


A FEW TIPS FOR THOSE HORRIBLE PHASES OF ACNE:

1. Visit a good dermatologist, home remedies and DIYs do work, however, common guys those guys have sweated their brains out in med school for 5 years. Let’s give them some credit.

2. Keep your skin as well as belongings clean. Do not let any product build up on your face, neck as well as other affected areas. It is equally important to keep your sheets and phone germ-free.

3. Avoid using a lot of makeup ( I recommend no makeup at all!!!) for the time being. Although a lot of companies claim to be safe to use on any skin type, it is always better to let your skin breathe. Give it time to heal.

4. Check your stress levels. Now this one is the most difficult, at least for me. You all must be thinking “better said than done”. This one is coming from a person who has years of history of anxiety and depression on her sleeves. What helped? Yoga, meditation, and good life practices. Before I was a Life Coach, I used to be a wacko. If I can do it, you can too.

5. Keep your scalp clean and dandruff free.

6. Finally, have patience. I get it. I totally do. Dealing with acne can be a lot irritating, but don’t let that put you down. It might be difficult, not irreversible. And you cares if you have acne or not, you are gorgeous anyway!!

Hakuna Matata baby!!!

Any comments, suggestions and ideas are always welcome 🙂

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” – Marilyn Monroe