5 OF THE BEST SUMMER SKINCARE TIPS

June has arrived and we are ready to hit the beach, pool, lake – basically any body of water that will have us. But first, skincare. We are sharing shares these tips for soaking up rays and keeping your skin looking silky smooth and protected.

AWS (ALWAYS WEAR SPF)

We know we don’t have to even explain why to you at this point but, as a reminder, aside from painful sunburn, one in five American will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Always remember to apply a “shot glass full” of your favourite sunscreen every 2-3 hours or immediately after swimming

DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS AND SCALP

When it comes to putting SPF on your face and body, you’re probably already a pro. But what about those forgotten areas like your lips and scalp? If you’ve ever had a scalp burn.

For the scalp, we love the easy application of a spray sunscreen. You can also use a mineral powder SPF.

KEEP EYE CREAM IN THE FRIDGE

There’s nothing more refreshing than a cooling eye cream straight from your refrigerator. You can also try cooling your moisturiser, or even a body spray!

DON’T SCRATCH BUG BITES

Often, the price to pay for connecting with mother nature is a souvenir of itchy bug bites. We know it’s tempting but (just like your mother told you) scratching makes bug bites worse and can even cause scarring! Instead, try keeping an anti-itch cream in your purse for any surprise insect attacks.

PREVENT RAZOR BUMPS AND BURNS

Since you’re probably shaving the most during the warm summer months, it’s important to always prepare your skin properly for the sometimes-harsh process of shaving. Here’s are a few shaving specific tips:

– Use a body scrub to gently exfoliate your skin before you start shaving.
– Swap out dull blades for clean, sharp razors.
– Apply a generous amount of shaving cream.
– Shave with the grain (i.e. the direction that the hair is growing).
– Moisturise liberally after you get out of the shower.

How To Take Care Of Your Skin Before And After Holi

 

 

Don’t we all look forward to Holi, the festival of colours? It sure is fun, playing with all those colours, especially when our family members join together from distant places and all of them come together to play. However, a lot of us are very reluctant to play Holi, even though we find it to be fun. This is because of the consequences that Holi brings along with it to our skin and hair. The harsh colours used during Holi can make our skin dry and flaky and stripped of all oils. skin care tips before an after holi While the entire family is enjoying the last thing you want to do is be a spoilsport and keep worrying about your skin. We have some tips for you so that you can avoid that from happening. Holi colours will stick on to your skin for a few days, but with our tips, we can make sure that only a minimal amount of the colour is left over on you. It is also a good idea to stick to colours that are natural or herbal, and definitely not use those permanent colours that have dark pigments in them. Those have a very high amount of chemical in them and can strip our faces of oil, cause rashes and even breakouts. So be sure to use mild colours, preferably herbal ones. Here are some tips to prepare your skin for Holi. 

 

1. Wear Full Length Clothes: 

Try to keep as many areas of your skin covered as you can. This will prevent the colours from touching too many parts of your skin directly. We know that in movies people are shown to be wearing short clothes while playing Holi. This is not right, as it exposes more parts of your skin to harsh colours. Wear loose fitting, full sleeved clothes, preferably in a light fabric like cotton. 

 

2. Use Oils:

Before you step out to play holi, make sure that you slather on oil on all parts of your body, and not just the visible areas of your body. This will make sure that the oil makes the skin greasy and that none of the colours seep into your skin. The oil acts like a barrier between your skin and the harsh colours. Try this tip, and you will see that the colours on your face and body get removed in no time at all. We suggest you use a thick oil like coconut or olive oil for this, as these oils will not dissolve into your skin. 

 

3. Petroleum Jelly:

Use a thick layer of petroleum jelly on your lips to prevent the colours from penetrating the skin of your lips. Also remember to apply petroleum jelly on all the hard to reach places, that the oil must have missed, like the back of your neck, the back of your ears and between your fingers. Petroleum jelly has a very thick texture and we suggest you opt for this and not a lip balm while stepping out to go play Holi. 

 

4. Hydration:

It is very important to keep your body hydrated as well, when you are playing Holi. This tip is often neglected by people as they do not want to stop playing just to go back to drink water. People tend to forget to do this. But, remember to hydrate yourself as the colours tend to dry out your skin anyway, and if you don't remember to hydrate yourself, your skin will get even drier, making it easier for the colours to stick to the skin. 

 

5. Sun Protection:

Do not neglect using a sunscreen just because you think your skin will be covered, with all those colours there. It is very easy for the skin to get tanned during Holi. Use an SPF product and make sure you use it before you put on any of the oils, because the oils would also prevent the sunscreen from getting absorbed by your skin. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, for best results. 

 

6. Wash Your Face Before Using Oils And Sunscreen:

Keep your face as clean as possible before you put on the oils or the sunscreen, as skin that already has dirt and dust on it, will be more prone to damage than a face that is clean. 

 

7. Use Cleansing Oil Or Balm:

It is best not to use a soap to remove the colours with, because soaps can be really harsh on the skin that is already suffering due to the colours. The alkaline in the soap can dry out your skin even more. Use a cleansing oil or balm as the first step to removing the colours from your face. Cleansing oils and balms are used for removing heavy duty makeup, while keeping the skin protected at the same time. These would ensure that the colours are removed from your face without stripping the face of oils. 

 

8. Avoid Exfoliation:

We know that it can be frustrating to have colours left over on your face, but avoid exfoliating or scrubbing your skin too much, as scrubbing is another thing that can be too harsh for your skin at this time, because the skin is already sensitive. Keep using cleansing oils and balms till your skin is free of colours. 

 

9. Moisturise:

Moisturise your skin. We don't mean just skin on your face, but the skin all over your body needs moisture. Use a face cream that has hyaluronic acid in it, as this acid absorbs moisture from the environment and the moisture seeps into your skin. With all the colours making your skin dry, you need all the moisture you can get. For the skin on your body, go for a moisturiser containing shea butter or cocoa butter, to provide your skin with maximum moisture. 

 

10. Give Your Skin A Break:

Avoid using makeup or anything too harsh on your skin for a few days. Let your skin heal and get its moisture back. Let the colours go away, and then you can go back to doing all the normal things you do with your skin. We hope you enjoy your Holi and do not worry about your skin while playing.

The 5 Spring Skin Changes to Make In the New Season

Our Allure motto? New season, new skin-care regimen. And since spring skin is probably on your mind, given that the official start to the season is just around the corner. There's no better time than the present to start prepping your complexion for the impending rising temps and sticky, heavy humidity that lies ahead. Here are the five top tips to help stave off vernal skin-related freak-outs.

Start scrubbing.

Stretch Marks: How to Minimize Appearance

Season-long buildup on the skin—of dead skin cells, leftover product, and environmental toxins—which is why we recommend exfoliating in the new season. "Light micro-dermabrasion, followed by a moisturizing mask, will help get rid of that old dead, winter skin." To keep skin smooth and hydrated, it is recommended masking up to three times a week.

Lighten your load.

Gone are the days of duck boots, fur-lined hoods, and loading up your visage with thick creams and serums to help fight off the wicked winter wind. Come spring, it's time to swap out your heavy formulas for lighter lotions. "While ingredients like petrolatum help protect the skin, certain products can weigh you down especially in humid weather." Which is why we recommend an oil-free moisturizer.

 

Apply (and re-apply) sunscreen.

After a months spent bundled up in beanies and parkas, slathering on sun protection is a must once temps start to rise. "Springtime is actually a high risk time for sunburns and sun damage." Although the weather is warmer, it's still so mild you might not feel how strong the sun is. Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply it again before any outdoor activity during the day.

 

Add an eye cream.

Because the sun's more prominent in the spring, people are more prone to squinting. To combat the fine lines and wrinkles that can form around the eyes, find an eye cream with a high concentration of antioxidants and peptides. The duo work to both ward-off the collagen-destroying effects of UVA rays, and plump up the fine lines and wrinkles that have already formed.

How Seasonal & Weather Changes Affect your Skin

Everything from cooler, less humid weather and overly hot baths to hanging out too long in dry, stuffy indoor environments can deprive your complexion of moisture and wreak havoc on your skin.

Cooler low-humidity weather

Humidity levels tend to drop off in the autumn and winter months. The drier the air, the more moisture it sucks from your skin, so you're more likely to experience dryness and flakiness during the colder months of the year, especially if you're prone to eczema or other dry skin conditions.
Ideally, you want to amp up your skincare routine as the season changes and swap your summer products for richer, more nourishing autumn/winter alternatives. Just as you change your clothes with changing temperatures you should do the same with your skincare. You need to switch up your lightweight summer moisturiser to a more heavy duty face cream.

Harsh central heating

You'll no doubt be switching on your radiators sometime, which unfortunately will not do your skin any favours. Heated air inside causes low humidity, which leads to water evaporating from our skin. This can cause cracking, flaking and irritation and leave skin with a lacklustre, parched appearance.
You can mitigate the drying effects by investing in a humidifier to keep the air moist in your home or a portable device that you can also bring to work and pop near your desk. If you can't stretch to a pricey humidifier, placing a few bowls of water near your radiators should do the trick, too. And don't forget to drink lots of water and slap on your rich moisturiser as often as necessary, along with replenishing lip balm and extra-thick hand cream.

Sudden temperature changes

Going from the cold outdoors into balmy centrally-heated buildings and vice-versa can take its toll on your complexion. Unfortunately, this process causes the capillaries in the face to contract and expand rapidly leading to broken veins and skin redness.
Keep the risk of spider veins and inflammation to a minimum by wrapping up warm in the cold and not overdoing it on the central heating to reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outside. A light layer of barrier cream will help protect the skin, and products with anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant ingredients such as chamomile and green tea should help control any redness.

Hot baths and showers

When temperatures plummet, a hot bath or shower is super-enticing, especially if you've spent the day outdoors in the freezing cold, after all, there's nothing more relaxing than a long soak in the bubbles or a nice soothing shower.
Sorry to rain on your parade but try to resist the temptation for the sake of your complexion if you can. "Hot baths and showers can dissolve the protective barrier in the skin which will eventually lead to dryness. Have warm baths and showers to reduce this damage."

Cold weather comfort eating

For many people with oily, acne-prone skin, the drier weather can actually help with breakouts and reduce flare-ups. But autumn/winter comfort eating might have the opposite effect. Studies suggest that diets high in refined carbs may trigger or exacerbate acne. Foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) spike sugar which is thought to increase the levels of hormones in the body that are responsible for oil production.
If you want to avoid diet-related breakouts this autumn/winter, try not to go overboard on the carby comfort foods. That means going easy on the sugary treats, white bread, pasta, crisps and potatoes, whilst upping your intake of slow release carbs like oatmeal and brown rice.

 

9 Skin and Hair Benefits of Vitamin C Serum

Benefits of Vitamin C serum for your skin and hair. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for a glowing, flawless and radiant skin. And, it is required for optimum hair growth too. So let’s read on to know more about the benefits of Vitamin C.

 

Protects your skin from sun damage

Vitamin C keeps your skin protected from the sun and its damaging effects. Vitamin C keeps your skin protected from free radicals also, which may harm your skin and make it age faster. Due to the high amounts of antioxidants, Vitamin C promotes clear and radiant skin. Hence, it is excellent for tanned skin.

Keeps the signs of aging at bay

Vitamin C serum can keep your skin forever young. Vitamin C contains a high amount of antioxidants which help to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and other aging spots. It also prevents dryness caused due to aging. Massage your Vitamin C serum and keep it overnight to get the best results on your aging or mature skin.

 

Treats under eye circles

Vitamin C serum prevents dark circles, too. Vitamin C promotes even tone skin and also heals puffiness or eye bags around the eyes. So invest in a good Vitamin C eye serum if you’ve been dealing with dark circles.

 

Promotes younger skin

A good Vitamin C serum can promote younger and glowing skin. It fades away the signs of aging and tightens the skin too. Application of Vitamin C serum promotes collagen on the skin, thus keeping your skin younger and beautiful. It is a great skin care must-have for bright skin, too.

 

Reduces skin inflammation

Regular application of Vitamin C reduces skin inflammation easily. This serum is good for people who often wake up with inflamed or slightly red skin. Massage a few drops of Vitamin C serum at night and wake up with gorgeous skin.

Improves hair growth

Vitamin C serum is not only beneficial for skin, it is equally good for your hair also. Vitamin C contains antioxidants, which kill free radicals that cause dry, weak and brittle hair. Generally, Vitamin C deficiency may lead to dry and brittle hair. In order to use Vitamin C serum on your hair, take half a cup of yogurt and add 5-8 spoons of Vitamin C serum to it. Mix both the ingredients well and apply on your hair as a mask. Wash off with cold water.

 

Treats dandruff problem

Dandruff is generally caused after the pores get clogged. This serum helps kill the bacteria and also keeps dandruff away. Take some Vitamin C serum and apply on the scalp directly. Massage your scalp and leave the serum on overnight. Wash off with cold water. Due to the antiviral properties, Vitamin C serum can treat dandruff effectively.

 

Promotes thick hair

By improving blood circulation in the body, Vitamin C strengthens the hair and also repairs damaged hair follicles. Regular use of Vitamin C promotes younger, thicker and stronger hair. Apply some Vitamin C on your scalp, massage a little and wash it off after some time to get the best results.

 

Prevents greying of hair

Vitamin C not only treats several hair disorders but also prevents premature greying of hair. You can take Vitamin C capsules to treat this problem. Apply some Vitamin C serum directly on the roots and wrap your hair with a warm towel. Rinse off after 3 hours.

7 Treatments for Dark Upper Lip

Skin discoloration or skin pigmentation can leave you with unattractive areas on the face. Generally, skin discoloration happens when the body starts producing excessive melanin. Unfortunately, 90 percent of women suffer from dark upper lips which may be due to several reasons.

If you want to treat dark upper lip, check out these treatments available in the market. So, here, we mention you the different ways to brighten and lighten the skin.

 

1. Use bleach:

Using bleach is an easy remedy that can help to lighten the dark upper lip area. Bleach contains a lot of active ingredients which can help to bleach your skin naturally and also brighten it. You should choose skin-friendly bleach which does not contain a lot of chemicals. Bleaching can be done at home or can be performed at salons as well. Oxyglow Pearl Facial Bleach Cream, Aryanveda Haldi – Chandan Bleach Cream are some of the best bleach creams available in the market to lighten your upper lip.

2. Using skin lightening cream:

Using skin lightening cream can be another easy method that can help to lighten the dark areas. Skin lightening cream can help to promote brighter and glowing skin. In order to prevent and repair dark or hyperpigmented areas on the upper lip, you should consider using skin lightening creams. Garnier Skin Naturals White Complete Night Cream, Dr. Batra Skin Lightening Cream, Kozilite H Skin Lightening Cream, Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Lightening Day Creme are some of the best skin lightening creams in the market.

 

3. Skin whitening treatment:

  Using skin whitening treatment is one among those processes which can give you 100 percent results. Although skin whitening treatment is done on the complete face, if you want to get it done just on the dark upper lip, you can ask the expert to do so. Skin whitening treatment involves the use of tiny needles which help to slough off the dead and dark pigmentation on the surface of the skin. You will generally need just one day sitting to brighten your upper lip.

4. Vitamin C serum:

Vitamin C serum contains a lot of Vitamin C and other active ingredients which can help to promote brighter and younger looking skin. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help to lighten the skin naturally and also helps in maintaining the skin firm and elastic. You should consider using Vitamin C serum regularly to brighten the dark upper lip area. Vitamin C serums are easily available in the market.

 

5. Using chemical peels:

Using chemical peels is another great option to consider for brightening and whitening of the upper lip. Chemical peels contain a lot of alpha hydroxyl acid which can help to exfoliate the skin and also remove the dark layer of the skin easily. Using chemical peels may sometimes leave you with mild irritation and itchiness, but it can come back to normal after some time.

 

6. Use lemon and honey therapy:

Using lemon and honey therapy is another common way to treat dark upper lip. Due to a high amount of Vitamin C present in the lemon, it can help to lighten and brighten your skin naturally. Honey contains natural humectants which can help to nourish and moisturize your skin. Take two spoons of honey and mix one spoon of lemon juice to it. Mix together and apply on the upper lip. Wash off with cold water after some time.

7. Arbutin extract:

Arbutin is one among the most popular yet unheard skin whitening ingredient that can help to brighten your skin regularly. Arbutin is a skin whitening ingredient which is extracted from bearberry plant. Using arbutin helps to prevent the formation of melanin in the body or hyperpigmentation on the skin. It not only treats dark upper lip but also heals the dark spots or patches on the skin. Opt for creams with a large amount of Arbutin extract in them.

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.

11 Things You Should Know About Eyebrow Threading

Eyebrows’ main function is to prevent dirt and dust particles from going inside the eyelids, but in today’s beauty-conscious world, we have become used to modifying them for aesthetic purposes as well. So, stay tuned to know some interesting facts about threading eyebrows.

 

1. It’s not painful, but bearable:

Depending on how experienced and skilled your practitioner is, you may feel a little to no discomfort during the procedure. Apart from that, the pain experienced depends on each individual’s personal capacity. If you are generally more sensitive to pain, it is advised that you take a painkiller one hour before the appointment or ask your practitioner for a numbing cream.

 

2. You will be asked to co-operate:

During the procedure, you will be asked to co-operate by holding your skin tight from different angles, various times. If you are new to threading, they will instruct you on how to pull your eyelids in different directions. Also, it hurts way less when you co-operate by pulling your skin tight.

3. You may want to avoid wearing too much makeup:

Avoid wearing thick foundation or heavy eye makeup when your threading appointment is due because makeup clogs pores and makes the whole procedure a lot more painful. Also, there is an increased risk of getting a nasty infection due to tugging and pulling of hair follicles when you are wearing too much makeup.

4. There can be small bumps afterward:

You may experience little red bumps on your brow bone and above your brows, afterward. Fret not! They are there due to tugging and pulling of hairs, but they will disappear in two-three hours. In case they do not, you can apply some ice on the region to fasten the recovery process. However, don’t try to squeeze the bumps mistaking them to be pimples, it may lead to infections.

 

5. You need to talk about your preferences:

Let them know beforehand how you want your end look to be. Whether you prefer thick and dense, or thin and sharp brows, or something else. Talking about your preferences will make it clear to your consultant about how you want your brows to look afterward and they would do them according to your needs, instead of doing what they think will look good on you.

 

6. Massaging the area will help:

Massaging the area with a bit of Grapeseed oil or other lighter density oils will ease the pain and bumps, that might have appeared on your face afterward.

 

7. It’s better than waxing for sensitive skin:

If you have an exceptionally sensitive skin which revolts to any kind of pain, then threading will be your best bet in place of waxing, as it is much gentler on your skin. Unlike waxing, it removes only the hair follicles and not your skin layer while giving you the eyebrows you dream of.

 

8. It’s pretty quick and not time-consuming:

You do not need more than 10-15 minutes to get your brows shaped and trimmed, so you can easily get them done on the go. Take out some off 10-15 minutes from your work schedule or while you run errands and you will have hassle-free eyebrows for quite some time.

 

9. It is more hygienic as compared to waxing:

Yes, you heard it right. You are prone to nasty infections while waxing, but threading keeps them at bay. While waxing, often the same stick is used to apply the wax on different people, while your practitioner is bound to use a different piece of thread every single time.

 

10. It gives more precise shaping:

Because threading gives more control and provides precision, you will have much better-shaped eyebrows than what you would have got had you waxed them instead.

 

11. Exfoliating beforehand will go a long way:

Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells on your skin’s surface and will make threading almost painless. Apart from this, exfoliating will help in getting rid of ingrown hairs as well.

7 Amazing Night Face Packs for Skin Whitening

Skin whitening is one among the most common skincare concerns, especially for girls with dark skin. Although there are innumerable skin whitening creams available in the market, most of the girls opt for simple and effective home remedies. With no long preparation time or hassle of purchasing expensive products from the market, using these night face packs can surely give you glowing and bright skin.

So, check out some easy, effective and amazing night face packs for skin whitening.

1. Strawberry Mask:

Strawberry mask is one of the best night face masks that can help to promote brighter and lighter skin. Strawberries contain a large amount of Vitamin C which can help to promote clear skin. Also, strawberries are rich in folic acid, which can help to boost collagen production. Take some strawberries and mash them to make a paste. Now add some raw milk to it and mix together. Apply on the face and wash off with cold water after 20 minutes.

2. Turmeric and Gram Flour Mask:

Turmeric and gram flour mask are one among the most effective and age-old remedies that can help in skin whitening. This concoction makes for an excellent night mask for a simple and oily skin. Take one spoon of grounded turmeric and mix it with two spoons of gram flour. Now add one spoon of raw milk and mix together to make a thick paste. Apply, and leave it for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water. The gram flour helps to soak excess oil from the face, while turmeric works effectively on the acne. Milk helps to soothe the skin and whiten it naturally.

3. Cucumber and Olive Oil Mask:

Cucumber and olive oil mask is an excellent detoxifying mask that can help to clear the dirt and dust from the face easily. This is an excellent night face mask to promote young, gorgeous and glowing skin. Cucumber is rich in Vitamin C, while olive oil is rich in antioxidants which can benefit your skin in many ways. Take one cucumber and grate it. Extract the juice and add some olive oil to it. Mix together and apply this on your face. Allow it to dry and wash off with cold water.

 

4. Almond and Milk Mask:

Almond contains a high amount of Vitamin E, which can help to promote glowing and gorgeous skin. Loaded with Vitamin E and antioxidants, using almond night face mask can prevent damage caused due to harmful rays of the sun. To make this almond mask, soak 7-8 almonds in milk. Now, grind them to make a thick paste and spread on the face. Wait for some time and wash off with cold water. Using this mask can help to give you silky and smooth skin.

5. Chamomile Tea Mask:

Chamomile tea contains a lot of antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to remove the impurities from the face. In order to make this paste, take two spoons of oats, two spoons of almond oil and five spoons of freshly brewed chamomile tea water. Blend together and apply this mask on the face. Wait for 30 minutes and wash off with cold water. Use this mask regularly, to get the healthy, glowing and bright skin.

6. Tomato and Honey Mask:

Another great night pack that can promote skin whitening is tomato and honey mask. Tomatoes contain natural skin bleaching properties, which can help to lighten your skin naturally. Honey contains hydrating properties, which can help to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Take two spoons of tomato juice and add one spoon of honey to it. Mix together and apply on the face. Wash off with cold water after 20 minutes.

7. Yogurt and Oats:

Yogurt is a natural skin lightening and whitening ingredient that can help to promote glowing skin. Oats contain exfoliating properties which help to slough off the dead skin cells easily. Take two spoons of yogurt and add one spoon of oats to it. Mix together and apply on the face. Scrub for some time and wash off with cold water. Use this remedy twice or thrice in a day to enjoy whitening of the skin.

What to do for your hair during pre-wedding days

“Regardless of how long or short you decide your hair will be, get a trim two weeks before your wedding to eliminate dead ends and freshen bangs, if you have them. Switch to a cleansing shampoo that removes residue, and pay more attention to conditioning — “consider overnight treatments or oils.” A week before your wedding, use a gloss or mask on your hair to boost shine.“

TRY THIS OVERNIGHT DIY SERUM FOR A TRANSLUCENT GLOW BEFORE YOUR D-DAY

With the changing environment and lifestyle, there is no escaping from skin issues. The good old CTM works, no doubt. However is it good enough? I won't agree to that. Hence, serums came into being. The usual cleansing-toning- moisturizing regime is now better replaced by cleansing-toning- treating-moisturizing. This is where the serums come into action. You can pretty much say in an Army of soldiers, they are the marines, employed for specific target oriented operations. Let’s have a look at them.

WHAT IS A SERUM
Face serums are lightweight moisturizers with a gel or light lotion consistency and have a higher concentration of ingredients meant to provide more effective and focused results.

HOW TO USE
These are used after cleaning and toning then face. Pat on the serum on with the help of your finger, gently dabbing and pushing it into the skin

SO…I CAN SKIP MY MOISTURIZER RIGHT?
Absolutely not. Serums are an addition to your CTM (Cleansing-Toning- Moisturizing) and no way substitute a moisturizer. They have targeted action and address a specific skin issue such as acne, hyper-pigmentation, aging etc.

There are tons and thousands of serum available in the market, and I won’t deny they don’t work. They definitely do. But, wait for it!!!What if I told you, you can make one in a jiffy, that won’t cost you gazillion bucks and works just as fine as any other serum? Actually more than fine. Shall I say….works BRILLIANT.

Ready? Ladies and Ladies, I give you my magic potion


DIY OVERNIGHT GLOW SERUM
YOU WILL NEED:

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

 Pure Rose Water

Pure Aloe Vera Gel

-4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil
-4 drops of pure rose water
-a pea sized amount of pure aloe vera gel


PROCEDURE:

1. You do not need a bowl for this as it is better to use it fresh every day. Take 4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil on your palm.

2. Add in a pea sized amount of aloe vera gel

3. Now finally add in 4 drops of rose water and mix all the ingredients with your fingers till they become an emulsion.


HOW TO APPLY

1. Dot it all over your face and neck and massage with very light hands in upward-outward motions, till you are satisfied that the skin has completely soaked in the product.

2. Follow up with a very light weight moisturizer and have off you go to bed Sleeping Beauty.
IS IT EFFECTIVE?

1. This serum works greatly towards brightening the skin and especially fading away dark spots.

2. Gives you healthy illuminating glow.


WHY THESE INGREDIENTS??

Virgin Coconut Oil: Cold pressed Virgin Coconut is a boon for the skin as it helps to improve certain skin conditions by healing wounds and reducing rashes. Its anti-inflammatory effect works wonders for soothing skin ailments. VCO contains Lauric Acid that helps to combat acne and even is a great whitening agent.
Rose Water: With its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties, rose water is the life saver for irritated skin. Apart from being an excellent skin toner, it also brightens up the complexion and makes the skin more radiant and even.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. Application of aloe vera speeds up the process of healing of burns, lightens blemishes, reduces acne and also prevents wrinkles. It even acts as a great natural moisturizer.


HOW OFTEN AND WHEN DO I USE IT

Use it once a day, before you go to bed. You have to be consistent with the use to see great results, in less than a month.


IS IT SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

It is 100% safe for any skin type, however, it is always wise to go for a patch test first. In case you experience any irritation (which most probably you won’t), do not use it further.

Here is a little after picture of me. Unfortunately, I don’t have any before picture as I had never planned to write this piece. After a month of usage, it has reduced my marks and scars to a good extent.

you must not forget these few pointers:

1. Cut out processed food as much as possible from your diet.

2. Stay hydrated and stay away from aerated drinks

3. Nothing!!!!!can substitute a good beauty sleep of 6-7 hours.

Please come back and let me know your experience with this serum. Any suggestions, comments, and ideas are always welcome 🙂

5 Super Powerful Anti-ageing Ingredients from the Kitchen you can try while preparing for your Bridal Makeover

Skin ageing is a major problem. It is an inevitable process that will set in with time. However, it becomes a problem when it sets in way too soon. Ageing of the skin can cause it to sag, leading to wrinkles and patchiness. Pigmentation is another off set of skin ageing.

While there are a number of cosmetic products available to counter the effect of ageing on the skin, most women find it daunting to use them. Either they are priced way to high or have high chemical agents that in the long term, may cause serious skin damage.
We hear you ladies!

That is why, we have come up with 5 powerful, all-natural ingredients that are perfectly safe to use and are proven to be great deterrents to the ageing process. The best part it, they are all sitting right in your kitchen!

  
1. Organically cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil

The benefits of olive oil cannot be stressed enough! It is really healthy as extra virgin olive oil is known to contain mono-saturated fats. These fats are known to improve the heart function and the cardio-vascular system in general. This would mean a better blood circulation in the body resulting in a slowed down ageing process.

Use it in your daily cooking or drizzle it onto your salads as the perfect dressing! Make sure that you buy only the organic and cold-pressed variant for complete benefit.

2. Walnuts

 

It is generally advised that you include a sizable portion of nuts in your daily diet. For specific anti-ageing purposes, walnuts are your best friend. They are full of Omega 3 fatty acids that are known to improve brain health and also boost the nervous and cardio-vascular functions.
A handful of these nuts every day are all you need to keep ageing at bay!

You could even crush them; mix them up with some milk and honey to create the perfect face scrub. Apart from exfoliating your skin, they will also keep your skin hydrated.

3. Avocados  

Now this one is a bit tricky. Avocados are notoriously famous for their high fat content. So, should you eat them, or shouldn’t you? Are you ready to gain a bit of weight in your fight against ageing? Such tough life decisions, right?

Relax! Avocados are full of the good kind of fats, namely, mono-saturated fats. Just like olive oil, these fats improve blood circulation and help you fight ageing. A better cardio-vascular functioning means a better metabolism and consequently, you burn more calories by eating avocados!

Make avocados a staple in your daily diet!

4.Garlic

Ever wondered why Italians look so young? It’s all in the garlic! Jokes apart, garlic are a known ingredient that helps to improve skin health, boosting collagen formation. So, start using the ingredient liberally in your diet, or better still, turn Italian!

5.Blackberries

These sweet summer berries are great for your skin. They are packed with tons of anti-oxidants and your skin loves anti-oxidants. These nourish and detoxify the skin and help boost its youthfulness.

Have more of these sweet treats to delay the ageing process of your skin naturally!
  

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.