How To Take Care Of Your Skin In Humid Weather?

Tired of perspiring excessively during the summer months? Does your skin get tired even before the day starts? Are the heat and humidity taking over your life? If the answer is yes, then it’s high time you did something about it.

Wondering how to take care of skin in humid weather?

Worry not, the best tips for taking good care of your skin have been talked about in the paragraphs below. Go ahead and read on!

1. Wash Your Face

The first trick to keep your skin beautiful and soft this summer is by cleansing your face three times a day. Use a product that suits your skin. Also, remember to wash your face with cold water before you proceed with the face wash. This is because direct contact with heated skin isn’t considered very healthy. What cleansers do is that they remove clogged impurities, balance excess oil and sweat, and protect your skin from breakouts or acne. A good face massage while cleansing leaves the skin fresh and beautiful.

2. Use Deodorant

Humid weather leads to a whole lot of sweating, especially around the armpits and the neck region. However, you can always avoid this by using a fresh smelling deodorant. Not only will you prevent bad odour, but also stay fresh and clean at all times. Working professionals and college going students should definitely get hold of a good deodorant right away. It will definitely take better care of your skin this summer.

3. Weekly Facials

Your skin tends to get tanned very easily during this time. Not just that, it tends to collect more dirt, oil, and pollution. You can, however, take care of this problem by getting weekly facials done. No, you don’t have to hit the parlour! Just follow this amazing facial routine at home and you’ll definitely feel a difference in your skin. It takes only 20 to 25 minutes and promises to enhance your complexion.

Wash your face first. Splash some cold water a couple of times. Use a face wash if you like.

Exfoliator:

A good scrub is something you should purchase online. If you don’t have one at home right now, that’s okay! Use lemon instead. Cut one into two halves and scrub all over your face for about two minutes. Let it sink in for another minute, after which you can splash some cold water.

Another alternative is sour curd. The procedure for this is slightly different, however. Scoop out a spoon of curd (yogurt) and apply all over your face like you do with facial creams. Let it stay for a minute or so. When you start to get that dry feeling, rub it off using your fingers. This is where you are literally scrubbing off the dirt.

Face Massage:

You don’t have to purchase something fancy from the cosmetics store for this. Expensive products aren’t the only way to good looks. Try some face oil instead, like olive or coconut oil. To massage like a pro, start off with your cheeks first. Massage in a clockwise motion. After a minute or so, move towards your eyes and continue in the same direction. Massage your forehead and the frown line next. Repeat this twice to maximize the results.

Face Pack:

Finally, it’s time to use a face pack. See what suits your skin best while picking one. If you have dry skin, go for a banana and honey face pack. If it’s oily, try some orange peel and yogurt. If you are looking for a lighter complexion, use fullers earth with rose water.

Moisturize:

Your skin care for humid weather doesn’t finish until you moisturize your skin. Make sure your hands are clean before you start applying. Spread the cream equally all over your face and neck. Massage gently. Your facial is now done.

4. Prevent Acne

It is very important to know how to prevent acne, pimples and breakouts during summers. The condition tends to get worse when humidity increases. The best way you can prevent this is to simply avoid touching your skin with your fingers. Whenever you want to wipe your face, use wet wipes instead. Or you can even dip a piece of cotton in rose water and massage all over the face. You should also wash your face with lukewarm water at times, since it tends to open up the pores. Also, know the oily sections of your skin and refrain from using a moisturizer in those areas. That will definitely prevent breakouts during hot and humid weather.

Foods To Eat During Summer/Humid Weather

Here is a list of foods you should be eating during summer to keep your skin hydrated, balanced and glowing.

1. Black Plum

Plums are delicious, healthy and super hydrating. They contain Vitamin C and are also known for boosting the absorption of iron in the body.

2. Litchis

Litchis are not just used for making scrumptious teas, ice creams, and other cold drinks. They also improve immunity, boost digestion and contain anti-fungal properties as well.

3. Mangoes

There is no better way to beat the heat and humidity during summer than having some cold mangoes brought out straight from the fridge. They fight cancer, reduce cholesterol, and eliminate pimples as well.

4. Watermelons

Watermelons are not only sweet but also hydrating. They are very low in calories, full of antioxidants and serve you with several nitrifying properties.

5. Cucumber

Cucumber is excellent for those who love to go on a detox diet once in a while. It comes with refreshing benefits that will relax your body, mind, and soul. It opens the pores of your skin and also banishes thigh cellulite.

The Best Rainy Day Beauty Tips and Tricks

We’re all about presenting a united front, and no matter the weather, there’s simply no excuse for running around with fuzzy hair and melted mascara raccoon eyes. In fact, we’re armed with an arsenal of rainy day beauty tips and tricks that will help to keep your look in check with hardly any extra effort at all.

Close your hair’s cuticle for less frizz.

Regardless of whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, curly, or some combination thereof, rainy weather can only mean one thing: Frizz, and lots of it. The key to avoiding fuzzy texture is to keep the hair’s cuticle sealed. To close the cuticle use paraffin free conditioner and paraben free serums when styling and rinsing hair with cold water at the end of your shower. Use argon oil which is excellent in removing dryness and frizziness in your hair.

Go light on the makeup.
Aside from the obvious—read: waterproof mascara and eyeliner— steering clear of heavy moisturisers and foundation when humidity is high. We’ve all experienced the irritating face-melting effect of heavier makeup and high humidity, so instead try getting some colour from a lightweight illuminating product, a silky powder palette that combines bronzer, highlighter, and blush for a total about-face.

Ward off humidity.
While an umbrella can help to lessen the likelihood of getting completely soaked, there’s definitely no hiding from humidity, so arm yourself with hair products that protect against steamy weather. After styling, lightly coat hair in an anti-humidity spray that also offers hold. If you’re especially prone to frizz, carrying a travel-size version of styling cream, or even a moisturising hand cream, can be an indispensable help for touch-ups throughout the day.

Blending makes it better.
Whether you’re heading out into a light drizzle or a torrential downpour, makeup precautions need to be taken. To keep your makeup intact in humid weather, always make sure to rub makeup into your skin so that it’s not just sitting on top. The suede texture of the curved non-latex sponge perfectly blends makeup for a flawless finish that really works makeup into the skin.

Keep volume intact.
A high-volume updo or ponytail just won’t last in the drizzle, unless you’re adding some seriously formidable product to go with it. Spritz a texturising spray  to give hair weight and, well, texture, which will prevent it from falling flat, before back-combing at the crown. Hardy also suggests criss-crossing two bobby pins at the base of your tease to keep volume high.

The sun isn’t shining, so your face shouldn’t be.
Yet another humidity-induced problem we face during rainy weather is unwanted shine. Turn to skin care and makeup specifically designed to combat it, like lightweight mattifying moisturizers, both tinted and otherwise. A primer with a powdery matte finish, can also work wonders for repelling excess oil and shine throughout the day. We cannot emphasize enough how critical blotting papers are for keeping the greasies at bay. Pop them in your purse for a face fix-up any time.

Summer Hair Care Guide

During the summer we feel more compelled to let loose, enjoy the sun, take a deep dive into the ocean. By all means, you should continue doing these activities, but not at the expense of your hair’s health! Don’t worry, you don’t have to compromise, we have created the perfect summer hair care guide so your beautiful locks maintain their shine and health during the warmest (and most damaging!) months of the year.

Cover it

Whenever possible use a cute hat, cap or scarf to cover your hair when you know you are going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. It will protect you from the sun’s damaging UV rays, it will also help you against dryness. You should be especially mindful of this if your hair is color-treated or loses moisture easily.

Don’t wash it too much

We know that during the summer heat that sounds awful, since after a long day enjoying the pool or tanning under the sun all you want to do is take a shower and take the day off. But excessive washing can do two things: one, take away the monster of your hair, leaving it dry and frail, or two, stripping your scalp of its natural oils, which will cause additional oil production, causing you to feel like you have greasy hair and need to wash it more often. It’s a vicious cycle, don’t fall for it. Try using dry shampoo, baby powder or rinse it with water and no shampoo to extend the washing period a little longer.

Put down the heat

Stop going for your flat iron or curling iron. Also, try to give your blow-dryer a rest. These tools are always damaging to your hair, but they are especially so during the summer when your hair is already receiving heat every day from the sun. Try to let it dry naturally and then style it with a little bit of argan or coconut oil.

Be gentle with your hair

Try not to put your hair in very tight hairstyles, since the pull and tear will probably cause damage. Nice and loose styles are the best during the summer, and they will also give you that natural, chic, “just out of bed” look. Try a messy bun, beach waves, a soft braid with a hat or a loose ponytail. Also, this might not be the best time to bleach it or color treat it too much.

Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize

A nice recipe from TreeHugger.com is a mix of water, aloe vera juice, and avocado oil, which you can keep on hand to spritz whenever a bit of moisture and control is needed. Coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter are also great options for controlling and detangling your hair after taking a shower, and you should definitely try to use a hair mask at least once a week for deep conditioning.

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.

Drashti Dhami’s Beauty Secrets

Television actress Drashti Dhami is one of the highest-paid actresses in the small screen industry. She is also one of the most liked personalities when it comes to the television industry. The actress has been blessed with gorgeous skin and hair, which is also the reason why she has made it to the list of 50 Sexiest Asian Women multiple times, starting from 2012 to the year 2015. If you have always wondered what makes Drashti’s skin radiant and her long  hair strong and lustrous, we share with you some of Drashti Dhami’s skincare and haircare secrets. 

Apart from the fact that Drashti makes sure she gets 8 hours of sleep and follows a proper diet plan, she takes care of her skin with a simple skincare regime. Her skincare regime is pretty simple. She thoroughly follows the CTM (cleanse, tone and moisturize) routine. She also exfoliates her skin and indulges in facials to keep her skin glowing and to prevent the early signs of ageing.
She loves to pamper herself, so she indulges in body massage once in ever month. Though she does not like using too many face packs, she likes to use a homemade natural toner for her skin. Yes, Drashti uses a natural homemade toner to stay away from the readily available toner with loads of alcohol. Another homemade remedy she uses makes her lips rosy pink. The actress uses a natural lip balm made with strawberries to keep her lips soft and rosy pink.

The secret to Drashti’s beautiful hair is that she uses oil treatments to massage her hair and scalp. She believes in using essential oil for her hair. A good hair massage not only relieves tension but also helps to increase the blood circulation and promote hair growth.

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.

11 Dos and Don’ts of Fall and Winter Makeup

It's not just your fall and winter wardrobe that needs to transition for the colder weather; your makeup and skincare routine needs a refresher, too. Here are all the swaps you need to make to look beautiful all winter long.

 

Do: Wear maroon and burgundy lipstick

One of the best ways to get a standout autumn look is to play up your lip color. During fall, turn to plum or burgundy shades of lipsticks, glosses, and stains. The look is somewhat vampy, but absolutely stunning on pale skin. Makeup artist and beauty consultant Tom Pecheux describes it as "sophisticated in a twisted kind of way," thanks to its darker elements. With such a bold lip, there's no need to also make a statement with your eyes, as you don't want to overpower the look. Keep your eye shadow minimal, but feel free to use simple black mascara and eyeliner.

Don't: Wear coral or pink lipstick

We all love wearing red lipstick as winter makeup, not only because it's festive, but also because red perfectly matches your black, gray, and browns of your darker winter wardrobe. However, it's important you stick to classic or dark reds without any coral or pink undertones. These colors signal warmer weather and will clash with your dark, winter outfits.

Do: Paint your nails gray or nude

Nail polish is much more than just makeup; it's also a great accessory. It serves to compliment your jewelry, long-sleeved blouses, and coats, so make sure your nail polish is always an appropriate color. Bust out the grays, nudes, blacks, cherry reds, Merlot, and even sparkly golds and silvers.

Don't: Paint your nails neon

As pretty as fluorescent pink looks on your fingers and toes, bright and colorful varnishes are a serious winter makeup faux pas. If your favorite color is turquoise blue, turn to navy instead. As fun as rainbow polish colors are, save them for your next beach vacation.

Do: Apply rosy, pink blush

One benefit of braving the cold in winter is returning home with flushed, rosy cheeks. You can recreate this flattering look by generously swirling on pink blush. This can add rosiness to medium skin tones, which can go a touch sallow when pale. It adds that warmth and punch to the skin that we miss when it's cold out.

Don't: Continue wearing bronzer

As your tan fades with the passing of summer, it's best to embrace paler skin and find ways to complement it, rather than try to paint on a fake, summer glow. Ditch your bronzer this fall and winter, and instead stick to pink blush. A brown contour won't match the rest of your body, and rosy cheeks look far more endearing.

Do: Always apply kohl eyeliner

For fall and winter makeup: it's all about the kohl eyeliner. Whether you opt for a sharp cat-eye or smudgy, morning-after look, black liner is a winter staple. It looks stunningly dramatic on pale skin and pairs well with a dark, winter wardrobe. You really can't go wrong.

Don't: Line your eyes in purple or blue

Purple and blue liners are daring and often considered high-fashion, but they're sadly out of place during fall and winter. If you need a colorful alternative, you can certainly play with gold liner. Otherwise, it's best to stick to charcoal black.

Do: Wear copper and bronze eye shadow

Gold and copper eye shadows are the way to go this fall and winter. These colors easily go from day to night, add a smoldering shimmer, and are conveniently festive. If you don't feel brave enough to apply these metallic shades, deep purple, taupe, and gray are beautiful alternatives.

Do: Focus on moisturizing makeup

As the weather gets harsher, your number-one concern should be keeping your skin hydrated. Instead of your usual foundation, it's best to apply especially moisturizing primers, BB creams, and sunscreen (yep, you still need SPF in winter) at the start of your beauty routine. The last thing you want is to let your face dry out, which will result in cracking and flaking makeup.

Don't: Hold onto the same foundation

It's a common mistake to hold onto our favorite liquid foundation during the changing seasons, but as your skin gets a few shades lighter, do not continue applying makeup that's too dark for you. Instead, find a matching powder or foundation, or ditch that coverage altogether. As your skin battles the elements, it's better to focus on hydrating skincare than faking a tan.

No Makeup Makeup Glow

If you want to do a no makeup makeup look – almost nothing on the skin but lots of glow. So use very thin layer of foundation and literally massaged it in the skin.  Use cream blushes in shades of pink and coral from Tata Harper to get that glossy finish on the skin. But if you have nothing, you can just blend a bit of lipstick on your cheeks and put a little bit of lip balm to get that little glow. Or you can even use a cream highlight. If you want to keep lips in a shade of soft brown but keeping them healthy looking.  Use a lip balm on top of a liquid lipstick. A little bit of contouring, some nude eyeliner on waterline and mascara finished off the look. And for this look, it is okay if a bit of your spots / freckles show through. It’s all about making your skin looking healthy and glowing.

7 Makeup Tips for Round Face

Are you a woman who is blessed with a perfectly round face? Well, makeup tips differ according to the face shape, and today, we would be especially speaking about how to beautify your round face using these makeup tips. Using these makeup tips can help to accentuate your facial features rather than hiding them.

In my opinion, round chin, broad forehead and large cheeks have nothing to do with shame! Instead, you should flaunt off these features with pride by following these quick and easy makeup tips. So, let’s get started!

1. Contouring Round Face:

Contouring your round face is the most important task that can help to make your face look slimmer and thin. Contouring should be done in such a way that it does not make your face look quite round. The most important makeup tip for the girls with round face is to contour your face properly. Contour in the downward direction as it will help to make your face look elongated instead of round.

2. Focus on Strong Points:

While you are doing makeup, you should always focus on the strong features of your face. You should use a highlighter and bronzer on the strong features of your face so that it draws the attention from not-so-perfect areas. Dab some blush on the chin and also at the forehead, so that it creates an illusion of more of a sculpted face.

 

3. Add Gloss:

No matter whether you are wearing a nude shade lipstick or the darkest red, you should always choose to apply gloss on the lips. Adding gloss is a perfect secret tip that every girl with round face should remember. Adding a dash of gloss on your lipstick will help to bring the focus to the bottom of the face, thus, allowing your face to look longer and slimmer than usual. Dark shade lipsticks work much better!

 

4. Using Blush:

Most of the women prevent using blush on the face because they think it will make their face look more round. Well, that’s not the case because it depends on the application and placement of the blush on the face. You should always opt for matte finish blush and apply in the upward or downward direction. Apply blush under the cheekbones and blend it till the cheeks. Always opt for a warm shade of blush to enhance your features.

 

5. Winged Eye:

One easy and quick tip to follow for girls with round face is to opt for a winged eye look. Apply regular makeup and then use black or brown eyeliner to create a winged eye. The deep curve of the winged eye can make your face look slim and thin. Also, it allows your cheeks to look slimmer and thinner.

 

6. Concentrate on Your Cheeks:

Never, ever forget your cheeks! As we mentioned earlier, a woman with round face often feels shy to flaunt off her large-sized cheeks. But girls, don’t be afraid the next time. So, some of them are not sure how to apply blush on cheeks, and hence, they skip it. Well, you should apply blush in the upward direction of the cheek so that it makes your face look slim. Also, you should start applying blush from your cheekbone and move towards the temple of the face. This will draw the attention from your round face and make it look slim.

 

7. Proper Shades:

You should always use proper shades on your face. The golden rule for choosing the proper shade is choosing what looks good. Always choose a lighter shade as it helps to bring facial features forward, while dark shades may recede them. Choose a proper shade which blends well with your skin and also highlight your features. Always feel free to use a cream or powder, or a combination of both which will highlight your face.

DIY Miracle Scrub for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. This is my second pregnancy and I did get some stretch marks during my first pregnancy. I tried a lot of creams and lotions but nothing worked on them. This time around I started using this scrub and it has prevented new marks from forming. So let’s begin this DIY to know more.

You need:

⦁ Instant coffee powder
⦁ Vitamin E oil
⦁ Coconut oil
⦁ An empty bowl
⦁ A spoon
⦁ Some water

Procedure:

Step one:
Take about one to two teaspoons full of instant coffee powder in an empty bowl.


Step two:
Then, add a little water and make a thick paste out of it.


Step three:
Add about 10 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Step four:
Add 10 drops of coconut oil.
 
Step five:
Mix the ingredients well and make a nice paste.


Swatch:

How to use:

Apply this mixture on your stretch marks every day before you take a bath. Just apply it on damp skin, massage it well and then have your bath.

Benefits of coffee:

• It is a rich source of antioxidants
• It protects against harmful sun rays
• It makes the skin smooth and bright
• It enhances circulation

Benefits of coconut oil:

• It removes blackheads
• It acts as a moisturiser
• It makes the skin soft
• Prevents and reduces stretch marks

 

Benefits of Vitamin E oil:

• It helps in repairing the skin
• It prevents the skin from cracking
• Prevents and reduces stretch marks
• Prevents skin aging

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.

7 Awesome Ways to Get Glowing Skin Overnight

This post is all about the many ways in which you get glowing skin overnight. Who doesn’t love naturally glowing and radiant skin? And there’s nothing to beat some simple and natural ways in which your skin can get that glow while you sleep. The trick to getting glowing skin overnight is to do the right things before you go to bed, as a part of your nighttime skincare routine.

I have compiled a list of some very easy and natural remedies that can get your skin to glow overnight. Keep in mind that before applying any of these ingredients to your skin, you have to take off every trace of makeup, cleanse your skin deeply and follow that up with a balancing toner and a hydrating moisturizer.

Let’s take a look at how you can use these ingredients to get your skin to glow while you sleep.

 

1. Massage with a facial oil:

After you have cleansed and toned your skin, take a few drops of any essential oil of your choice and gently massage it into your skin in an upward circular motion. You could pick from almond oil, rosehip oil, or any other blend of oils available as a facial serum. Follow this up with a moisturizer and wake up with a glowing skin.

 

2. Apply coconut oil:

Yes, you can actually apply coconut oil on your face to get a glowing skin! Instead of a regular moisturizer, use a few drops of coconut oil and massage it in, to deeply hydrate your skin. It will help your skin glow, and its antibacterial properties will help improve the overall health of your skin. Make sure to first do a patch test if you have an acne-prone skin.

3. Raw milk face pack:

Raw milk works wonders to give your skin that natural radiance. It is also great in removing tan. After your have cleansed your skin, apply a layer of raw milk to your face and gently massage it until it is completely absorbed. Leave it on for overnight and rinse it off with cool, plain water in the morning.

 

4. Hydrate with aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera gel is a wonderful natural moisturizer that also heals your skin. Apply a layer of natural aloe vera gel and massage it in. Leave it on for overnight. You will wake up with incredibly soft, supple and glowing skin. With regular use, this will also tackle all your skin ailments.

 

5. Apply glycerin with lemon:

Add a few drops of lemon juice to some glycerin and gently massage it into your skin. The glycerin will deeply hydrate your skin, while the lemon juice will take care of any dullness and pigmentation. The combination of these two ingredients is sure to give you glowing skin.

 

6. Honey and fuller’s earth:

Prepare a DIY face pack using honey and fuller’s earth (multani mitti). Apply this generously on your face, once you have cleansed it. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and wash it off. Now, take a little bit of honey and massage it into your face. Leave this on for overnight and wash it off with cold water in the morning. This is a great way to get your skin to glow with health.

 

7. Rose water, sandalwood, and turmeric:

Rose water is a super hydrating ingredient for your skin. Add a little bit of turmeric powder and sandalwood powder to some rose water and apply it as a face mask. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and wash it off with plain water. Follow this up with a spritz of rose water and watch your skin glow in the morning.

5 Homemade Foot Scrub Recipes for Brides's feet

Foot pampering is a must this monsoon with so much mud around us taking a toll on our feet health. And going for a pedicure is a sheer waste of money this season! So why not make your own foot scrub at home and do a little pampering in your own comfort zone? Listing 5 DIY Homemade Foot Scrubs.

5 Homemade Foot Scrub Recipes

 

Brown Sugar And Olive Oil: Brown Sugar and Olive Oil is one of the most popular homemade scrub recipes that we can find. You can mix normal crushed sugar too but brown sugar just works better. Olive oil moisturises skin and relieves from dry feet issues.

 

Mint and Tea Tree: Tea Tree oil is one of the best for removing any infection in your feet and combining that effect with crushed mint leaves just accelerates the effect. The combination soothes your feet, makes them beautiful and fresh.

Lemon Juice and Tea: Take some normal tea leaves and crush them. Add lemon juice to it and make a paste out of it. Then apply all over your feet. The natural antioxidants present in tea will work with the bleaching properties of lemon to make skin glowing and even.

Camphor And Honey: If you are suffering from smelly feet and need something really natural to get rid of it then you must try this foot scrub. Camphor is known to cure bad odours of feet and honey will nourish feet from within. So you will be left with soft and odourless feet.

 

Rice Flour and Yoghurt: Rice Flour is one of the best anti-tanning agents which help to prevent tanning from our feet and mixing it with yoghurt helps to get back the lost moisture from it. Yoghurt also helps to even out the skin tone and so mixing both and applying as a foot scrub will help to get back the original colour of your feet.

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