Beauty Tips

The experience of “beauty” often involves an interpretation of some entity as being in balance and harmony with nature, which may lead to feelings of attraction and emotional well-being.

HAIR CARE

SKIN TYPE

FOR HEALTHY SKIN

FACE GLOW

LIP CARE

EYE CARE

FIGHT WITH SKIN PROBLEMS

MAKE-UP TIPS

MANICURE

NAIL CARE

PEDICURE

EXERCISES

STEPS TO LOSE WEIGHT

HAIR CARE

Make your own herbal hair oil for strong hair

• Take a bunch of mehendi leaves along with amla pieces (dried amla pieces which have been soaked overnight).Grind these mixture together. Now take about 150 ml of coconut oil in a cooking vessel and add the paste to it. Simmer on low flame till all moisture evaporates. Cool and strain use regularly.
• Keeps dandruff away and also makes hair roots strong.

For best hair:

• Massage hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing. Take some petals of hibiscus and grind it in the mixer. Apply this paste to your hair and then rinse it. For better result you can boil a few hibiscus flowers in coconut oil. Filter this oil and use it to control hair loss and thinning, you can also use Jaborandi oil which is again an extract of hibiscus flower.
• Soak some methi seeds in night and in the morning make the paste of the seeds and apply it to your scalp. After 1½ – 2 hrs rinse it with plane water. This will strengthen your hair and make them dark and shiny.

Some of the possible reasons for falling hair are:

• Tension
• Too much work
• Illness
• Poor diet
• Over-exposure to the sun
• Perming
• Bleaching
• Too frequent hair colouring

To prevent hairfall:

• Shampoo regularly. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp.
• Brahmi amla oil also promotes hair growth.
• A high protein diet with plenty of fruits, green vegetables and dairy products is a must.
• Drink 10-12 glass of water everyday.
• Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. When you do, make sure you rinse out the conditioner thoroughly, otherwise residue build-up will cause your hair to look limp and dull.
• Iron is important for healthy hair and brittle, limp hair indicates an iron deficiency. Spinach has a good iron content.
• Zinc helps prevent hair loss and greying. Eat adequate zinc rich foods. Overweight people tend to have zinc deficiency, which is inversely related to the body mass index. Thus if you are overweight and if your hair falls too much, you may want to increase your intake of zinc containing foods.Wholegrain flour are rich in zinc.
• Vitamin C ensures the health of capillaries supplying blood to hair follicles. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
• Vitamin E encourages hair growth. Switch from refined flours to wholemeal and wheatgerm, eggs, vegetable oil.
• Copper stops hair from falling. Studies show that the copper content in the blood serum of people with falling hair is less than normal. Include small quantities of nuts, especially cashews and peanuts, seeds, whole milk and beans in your diet as these contain minute but important amounts of copper.
• Apply almond oil on scalp and massage.
• Grind fenugreek seeds in water and apply on your scalp. Wash off after 40 minutes. Do this every morning for a month if it suits you! Remember, different treatments suit different types of hair.
• Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so it gets absorbed into the hair. Do this twice a week for healthy and shiny hair.
• Add 2-3 drops of honey to a glass of water and use this as the last rinse after shampooing.

Hair care conditioner:

• Mix 1 egg, 2 tbs castor oil, 1 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp glycerine. Massage lightly into your scalp. Wrap your head with a hot towel, steam, then wash off. This conditioner makes hair thicker, shiny, soft and manageable.

Honey conditioner:

• Take 1-2 eggs depending on the length of the hair, 1 tsp honey and 2 tsp olive oil. Massage gently into the scalp. Steam, and shampoo after an hour.

Alcohol conditioner:

• Take 1-2 eggs with 2 tsp brandy. Massage into your scalp. Leave for 10-15 mins. Rinse well. The egg nourishes your hair and brandy stimulates hair growth.

Egg conditioner:

• Egg is great for the hair. Egg strengthens your hair almost immediately, and the egg yolk leaves your hair shining. Whip an egg with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply it to your hair. Wash off after half an hour. Make sure you wash off with cold water though, or the egg will start cooking in your hair, and would be harder to take off! Use a scented shampoo to counter the smell of egg in your hair, and follow up with a conditioner. Do this for a month, and you will be amazed by the change in your hair texture and the reduction in hair fall.
• Before stepping into the shower, comb your hair lightly.
• The temperature of the water you use while washing your hair should ideally not be warmer than room temperature. In fact, the best thing would be to use the lowest temperature you can bear.
• Use cold water because cold water helps the hair scales lie down flat, making them stronger. On the other hand warm water opens the hair scales not only causing more frizz but also making the hair shaft weaker and more vulnerable. In addition, the scalp secretes certain oils that are good for the hair. These oils get dissolved in warm water, causing further dryness. Cold water does not dissolve the natural oils.
• Start washing your hair at the scalp, because that’s where grease accumulates. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair with your fingertips. It is a good idea to dilute the shampoo in a little water in a mug and then massage it on your scalp. This way the shampoo is even gentler on the hair.
• While applying shampoo to your locks, leave them hanging down instead of piling them on top of your head as though you’re posing for a shampoo commercial. Piling up your hair only leads to more tangles. Let it hang naturally so the lather works its way from the root to the ends.
• Try not to churn your hair too much. Work the shampoo gently so the strands don’t get untangled and result in unbearable knots. If you have long hair, apply shampoo to your scalp, divide it into sections, and massage each section gently with the shampoo from roots to ends.
• The best way to wash out shampoo is to keep combing it with your wide toothed comb while rinsing it out under the shower. This helps in the de-tangling process and also helps the shampoo to rinse out better. While you rinse your hair, do not rub it harshly. Hair is at its most fragile state when it’s being rinsed. The correct way is to just simply let water run down your hair.
• It’s best to rinse hair under running water. Dunking it in a tub is not so effective as residue may still remain. You have to make sure you’ve rinsed out all the shampoo. Once you are fairly certain it’s all gone, stay under the flow of water for another half minute or so, to be doubly sure. Wrap your hair in a soft, absorbent towel.

YOUR SKIN TYPE

Everything from moisturizer to soap to face wash to sunscreen to cleansers and toners is classified according to the type of skin. When you buy beauty products, you have to know whether you are a dry, normal, oily or combination skin.

The first step in pinning down your skin type is to get hold of a magnifying mirror to see what’s really happening with your skin. A magnifying mirror highlights every blackhead, whitehead, pimple and wrinkle. But most people’s skins don’t pass the magnifying mirror in that case test with flying colours.

Tissue test:

It is actually a simple procedure that just requires a paper tissue. Press the paper tissue to your nose and forehead for a few seconds. Do not rub it over the surface of your skin. Then remove the tissue and examine it.

If your glands are working overtime, the tissue will have greasy marks on it. If the tissue is spotless, don’t get too excited. It’s not a good sign. It means that your skin lacks lubrication. If the tissue is hardly soiled, you are one of the lucky ones with perfect skin.

The pH factor:

PH factor is actually a measure of the acidity of your skin. pH is a measure of hydrogen particles, which, in excess, cause ‘alkalinity’ and if deficient cause ‘acidity’. If the pH factor has a value of 7, it is neutral and represents perfect balance. When the figure is above 7, it is alkaline and when it is below 7, it is acidic.

To determine the acidity or alkalinity of your skin, you have to apply litmus paper to the surface of your skin. First clean your face thoroughly. Then wait for an hour before you apply the litmus paper so that the test result is not affected by the remnants of soap or cosmetics. Keep the paper against your skin for one minute and then remove it.

If the paper remains blue, your skin lacks acidity and will be prone to infections. If the paper is a rosy-lilac, your skin is sufficiently acidic. But if the litmus turns a pinky-red, your skin is too acidic as a result of which is delicate, sensitive and likely to show the effects of age prematurely.

Skin is classified into 5 categories:

• Normal
• Dry
• Extra dry
• Oily
• Clogged

Normal skin:

It’s ironic, but normal skin is a rarity. It’s the kind of skin you have as a baby and which rarely survives the ravages of puberty and pollution into adulthood. This type of skin leaves only faint traces on the tissue and turns litmus paper pink. When you squeeze it, the skin is smooth and you don’t see any pores.

Dry skin:

This type of skin leaves no traces on the tissue paper and turns the litmus paper red. It is a delicate kind of skin that wrinkles and burns easily under the rays of the sun.

Extra dry skin:

The skin is drab and dull and has a flabby texture. It wrinkles prematurely and its acidity varies from day to day.

Oily skin:

A shiny nose is typical of oily skin. It is not prone to developing wrinkles and has enlarged pores. It leaves very visible traces on the tissue paper and usually lacks acidity.

Clogged skin:
The skin is rough, thick, flecked with blackheads and whiteheads. It tends to be high on alkalinity and leaves no traces on the tissue paper.

FOR HEALTHY SKIN

• Water is the best medicine for your skin. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water throughout the day to maintain a clear skin. Water helps to flush out the toxins and other impurities from your system, thus giving you a radiant and hydrated skin.
• The daily diet also plays an important role in deciding your skin type and quality. Green vegetables and fruits must be consumed every day. Do not eat too much of fatty and oily food like fries or burgers. Try to include fish and nuts in your daily diet.
• Never wipe sweat from your face with your hands. The dirt in your hands will block the pores and prevent sweating and hence the removal of impurities. Always pat a clean towel or handkerchief to remove sweat from face.
• Use cold water to wash your face. Water is the best moisturizer and also the best cleanser. Splash the face with cold water at least twice everyday continuously for ten seconds. This will help to improve circulation of blood. Follow by patting the face with hot water. The steam will help to open up the blocked skin pores and enable flushing out of bacteria.
• Always remove makeup before going to bed.

GLOWING FACE

• Make a paste of 2 table spoons of cream (malai), 1½ table spoons of Ata (wheat flour ) and few drops of lime juice. Daily apply this paste on your face for 5 minutes, then remove it and wash.
• For oily skin use besan (gram flour) instead of Ata for giving glow to your face.
• Think positive, take proper sleep and drink lots of water certainly no one can look more charming.
• Make a puree of 4 tomatoes. Soak some rice for 30 minutes and grind it coarsely. Add this to the pureed tomatoes. Apply this mixture all over the body and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Bathe with warm water; this is a good scrub recipe for oily skin.
• Mix equal amounts of Cucumber juice and Lime juice and apply them to your face before taking bath; wait for at least 10 mins.  Your complexion will improve.
• Tomatoes are Anti-Oxidant hence including tomatoes in your daily diet will make your skin Wrinkle Free. And using the paste of one day old curd with a tomato and applying it to your skin soft. Also, if you skin is oily then applying the its pulp on your face for 15 min. then rinse your face with warm water. This will absorb extra oil from your skin and improve your complexion.
• After removing the skin of the Cucumber and making a paste of the cucumber with raw milk and applying it on your skin will improve your complexion.
• Take 1 cup of tea water (cooled down), 2 spoons of rice flour and ½ a spoon of honey.
• The rice flour acts as a very good scrub and honey moisturizes the skin. Mix all these ingredients and apply on the skin. Leave it on till the mask dries completely for around 20 minutes or more.Before cleaning the mask with water, make sure you massage the facial skin in circular motions; this is very important as it removes the dead skin and evens out the skin tone.
• Then wash your face with cold water .This gives you a fairer and even skin tone.
• Take 1 tbsp of oats; cooked and mashed, 1 tbsp of lemon juice. If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the lemon juice with water. Mix the above ingredients and apply on the face by massaging into the skin. Let it dry for 20 minutes. Wash it and pat dry.
• Take gram flour, turmeric, lemon juice and milk. Mix all the above ingredients and apply evenly on the face. Scrub the paste gently on your face for 5 minutes and let it dry for 20 minutes. Once it’s dry, clean your face.
• Take turmeric and tomato juice. Mix turmeric with tomato juice. Apply on your face and allow it to dry. Wash your face with tepid water.
• Take out the tomato pulp and massage your skin with it. Leave this on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. This will help to bring about a change in your complexion if done every day.
• Take gram flour (Good exfoliator), pinch of turmeric (lightens skin tone) and milk (moisturizer). Mix all the above and apply the mask. Scrub the paste gently on your face for 5 minutes and let it dry for 20 minutes. Once it’s dry, clean your face.
• Take out  dried orange peel, fresh and unflavored yogurt. Dry the orange peels first under the sun. Grind the dried orange peels. Mix 1 tbsp of it with 1 tbsp fresh and unflavored yogurt to make a paste.Apply and keep on cleansed skin for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off.
• Take out  fresh and unflavored yogurt, fresh lemon juice. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of fresh and unflavored yogurt. Apply and keep on cleansed skin for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off. This will not only make your skin fairer but it will also reduce the acne marks and dark spots on your skin.
• Take out milk, lemon juice and honey. Use 1 tsp each of milk/milk powder, honey and lemon juice, and mix together well. It should be applied on cleansed skin and left for 15-20 minutes. After that you can rinse it off.
• Take cold 2-3 teaspoons raw milk and a few strands of saffron (also known as kesar). Put 5-6 strands of saffron in the milk in a bowl. Let it stay for 3-4 hours. Cleanse your face and neck, and apply this. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.This is one of the most effective means for achieving fairness. It also makes your skin soft and smooth.
• Take 1 tbsp papaya pulp and 1 teaspoon multani mitti, Mix the two together. Apply on cleansed skin. Let it dry and rinse off. This makes for a refreshing summer mask as well.
• Take potato slices, in pulp or juice form. Use potato slices or the paste of potato as a mask or you can even apply the juice on tanned portions of the skin. This can be applied twice daily on your skin. After 15-20 minutes, wash off with plain water.
• Take lemon or orange rind and Raw milk. Take lemon zest or lemon rind (the outer skin grated), or even orange zest; dry them out in the sun (do not microwave) and then grind them to powder. Store in a dry air tight container. Mix it with raw milk and use as a pack on the affected areas. Wash off with warm water only. Immediately use a cooling toner.

Ubtan:

This traditional country treatment includes the use of a mixture of besan, turmeric and yogurt. Turmeric removes the blemishes and dark spots. Yogurt clears the excessive tan. And, besan handles the cleansing of your skin. It suits all skin types and can be done every day as it is very gentle.

Vinegar:

Vinegar has antioxidants which fight free radicals and also keep bacterial and fungal infections away. More than these reasons, however, the pH level of your skin is restored effectively with the use of vinegar. Take a clean spray bottle and fill it with some vinegar. Spray it directly on the affected areas and allow it to dry. Normally vinegar dries within 2 to 3 minutes, and you can instantly feel the cooling and relaxing sensation on your skin. You can follow the same procedure once in every 5 hours to prevent the burning sensation and to cure your sun burn faster.

Grate raw coconut and squeeze milk out of it. Apply this milk over your lips and face. It adds grace and glow to your skin.

Mix one tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of cream. Apply this mixture on the face and wash off after a few minutes.

Skin conditioner:

Simple and excellent skin conditioner that can be made out of 1 tbsp. honey blended with 2 tbsp. cream of milk. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off.

Sunscreen lotion:

Prepare a homogenous mixture of cucumber juice, glycerin and rose water. Apply this mixture on face. This mixture can be refrigerated.

Prepare skin tonic using equal parts of vinegar and water.

Buttermilk has astringent qualities. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off with cool water.

Egg white also helps tighten skin. Beaten egg white should be applied on the face with cotton wool and washed off after 15 minutes.

There are some home remedies to whiten and soften the skin on your neck. You can make a skin tonic by mixing 3 teaspoons of borax powder, 2 tablespoons of glycerine and 2 cups of rose water. You can also apply this tonic on your arms and shoulders. We also have a recipe for an overnight cream for the neck, throat and shoulders. Mix equal parts of lanolin and butter. Beat them thoroughly in a double saucepan over boiling water. Rub this cream over your neck and shoulders in upward motions. Leave it on overnight and wash it in the morning.

Skin cleanser:

Dip a piece of cotton wool in raw milk and wipe the face with it. It cleans unseen dirt.

Take raw milk. All you need to do is dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and wipe your face with it. It also cleans unseen dirt and goes down into your pores. Another fine cleanser is almond oil, especially effective in protecting the delicate skin under the eyes.

Skin moisturizer:

For normal skin care, you can take 1 cup of yogurt, 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice and mix it into a paste.  Apply it on your face as a mask and keep it on for 15 minutes.  Then clean it off with a wet tissue watch your complexion glow.  For dry skin, you could use a mixture of cooked oatmeal and honey; it will not only help moisturize the skin but also acts as a good cleanser.

Nourishing the skin:

For nourishing your face try a protein mask.  You can prepare this mask by first soaking 1 tablespoon urad dal and 4 almonds in water overnight and then grinding them into a paste. You can then apply this protein mask to your face and wash it off after half an hour. This mask nourishes the facial skin and also enhances the complexion.

Skin blemishes:

For skin blemishes, you can try rubbing a raw potato on your face.

Sunscreen lotion:

Take cucumber juice and equal amounts of glycerine and rose water and make a concoction. This should be refrigerated.

Use lime juice as a scrub:

Mix lime juice with sweet almond oil and sea salt. Use your fingers or a cotton wool and apply it on your face in a circular motion. This natural scrub will remove dead cells from your face giving a radiant glow. Lime peel also aids in fading scars and pimple marks from face.

Use besan to get rid of tan:

To treat sunburns, you may apply a mixture of one spoon of Gram Flour and two tablespoon of curd on your face. Let it dry for half an hour and rinse off with cold water. For sensitive skin, mix curd with this mixture and cleanse the sun tanned skin with the paste.

Cleanse, tone and moisturize:

• The rule of thumb for flawless facial skin still remains a regular cleansing, toning and moisturising routine. When it comes to cleansing, rose water is the best cleasing agent. Take cotton wool, dab it with rose water and apply it on the face to feel fresh and clean immediately. Cleansing your face twice a day will from pimples. Always follow your cleansing routine by toning.
• Tulsi water is a great nourishing toner and you can use it with a piece of cotton wool. Now, make a mixture of onion juice, multani mitti and honey. Use this as a natural moisturiser to bring back freshness and glow on your face.
• You may improve your complexion by applying a paste of cucumber mixed with raw milk. It will take 15 minutes for cucumber juice to seep into your skin then wash off with fresh water. It also helps in soothing and softening your skin.
• Tomatoes are great anti-oxidants. For wrinkle-free skin, mash two large tomatoes and apply it evenly on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with cold water. To make a paste, use one day old curd and mix with a tomato pulp. Apply this face pack daily in the morning to reveal a brighter and sparkling fresh complexion.Tomatoes are great for the skin as they have cooling and astringent properties. Its naturally acidic, so it helps balance the skin and get rid of excessive oil. Evenly apply tomato pulp on your face. Let it dry for 15 minutes and wash your face with warm water.
• To naturally remove blackheads and have a fairer skin, prepare a paste with equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice. Apply this paste on your face and neck before taking bath. Let your skin absorb it for at least ten minutes. With regular use you will find lesser blackheads and a fairer skin tone.
• If you have dry and rough facial skin, prepare a paste of equal amount of mashed muskmelon, pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon. Blend the mixture with milk cream and apply it on your face. Leave the paste to dry for one hour and rinse it using plain water.  It lifts away the dry skin, giving a fresh vibrant look to your skin.

LIP CARE

• Use branded lipsticks and remove the lipstick before going to sleep.
• Take some turmeric powder and add in the milk cream. Do 5 minute massage of this mixture on your lips for proper care. Make it your routine to rinse your lips with cold rose water to get softer and fresher lips.
• Apply lip balm or Vaseline on your lips on regular basis for soft lips.
• To take care of your lips apply some milk cream on your lips before sleeping. Leave this cream on your lips for whole night and get up with softer and shinning lips.
• Massage your lips with glycerin.
• Take lemon ridges and scrub your lips. It will remove all darkness of your lips and your lip’s will become fresh.
• Massage your lips with beet slice for natural pink lips.Sometimes you see lines appeared on your lips. There are many reasons of lines on lips including repeated movements of mouth, smoking and poor health care practices. Here are some tips to get rid of lip lines.
• Take a clean toothbrush and a small amount of Vaseline and brush on your lips for a few seconds. It is best to remove patches from lips.
• You can use beeswax or glycerin. Make use of lip creams that are moisturizing and are not made of petroleum products because they dry out lips.
• Make sure that the lipstick you apply is made up of natural ingredients.
• Avoid using matte colors as they dry out lips and result in lines on lips.
• Avoid going in sunlight as lips lack melanin in them and are more likely to be affected with sunlight.
• Don’t smoke and develop good eating habits.
• Avoid biting your lips as it damages protective layer of lips and result it lines on lips.
• Protect your lips before applying makeup by using lip balm as base to t them from harsh effects of cosmetics.
• Use lip liner to make your lips. Select a shade of liner at is nearest to shade of lipstick and use lip brush to gently spread in the lip liner but maintain line. Lip liner prevents lip color from spreading around the lines.
• Apply it 50 times to make your lipstick last longer. Choose a shade that do not complements your skin tone and dress color. Red color of lipsticks suits to young women with fair and darkest complexion and neat skin.
• Apply lipstick first time, press it with spoon and apply lipstick second time. It will make your lip color strange. Now you can add bit of lip gloss on your lips to get gorgeous looking lips.
• Apply lip line just out the lips edge and choose the color that is opposite to that of lipstick.
• For duller lips, you should apply lipstick without using lip pencil and blend lip liner with blush on.
• Make sure to use lip makeup concealer when your operation is  over and you are going to school because prolong effects of lip cosmetics can affect color and texture of lips.
• Clean some rose petals with water. Soak the washed rose petals in uncooked milk for two hours. Make a paste of these rose petals by mashing them. Apply this fine paste on your dry lips.
• Massage of cucumber or cucumber juice will give you relief from chapped and dry lips.
• Drink plenty of water in a day to regain the required moisture level.
• Apply ghee or butter or milk cream of uncooked milk on your lips before going to sleep.
• Apply lip balm frequently when you are at work.
• Take food rich in vitamin B and C.
• Mix glycerin with milk cream and apply on lips before sleeping and leave for the whole night. Avoid lip biting.

How to make your lipstick long lasting:

You will need to prepare a few things in advance for this secret tip: lipstick, baby powder, concealer, lip-gloss, lip-balm and a tissue. First make sure your lips are clean, wash them with water and never use toxic soaps such as Dettol. They can harm the delicate skin of your lips. Next, dry them with a soft paper and apply a small layer of lip-balm. This is needed to keep the soft skin of your lips moisturized during the day. It prevents cracking and roughness of your lips.

Now apply a little layer of concealer. You need to cover the whole lip area and when you’re done wait for half a minute for it to settle. Now you are ready to apply your lipstick. Make it evenly and not too thick. If you want it to look more elegant I advise you to use a brush instead of the stick.

When you are done you will need to apply a little layer of baby-powder over the lipstick. Blot it a little with the tissue paper and re-apply a little more of the baby powder until the color looks nice. Don’t re-apply lipstick over the baby powder, it will make a mess and doesn’t give a good end result. If the color is too light you might want to wash everything off and start over again using a darker lip-stick. The final step is apply a good layer of lip-gloss.

If you really want to look classy, line your lips with a lip-liner just before applying the lip-stick. It really gives that extra special look.

EYE CARE

• Apply cucumber juice on the black circles with cotton for 2-3 weeks regularly.
• Mix equal amount of almond oil and honey and apply a few drops on black circles for 2 weeks. Both wrinkles and black circles are cured.
• Do not take oils, spices, tea and other hot products.
• Dip your eyes in cold water after the bath for 10 minutes. It protects your beautiful eyes.
• Wash your face daily more than twice.
• Apply vitamin E oil around eyes to get rid off dark circles.
• Clean your eyes using rose water before going to bed every day it get glowing eyes n dirt free.
• Put a piece of cucumber on your eyes, you will be relaxed.
• Mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity and apply around the eyes.  After 30 minutes wash it off with cold and hot water alternatively.
• Rotate your eyes to relax.
• Do simple eye exercise by moving eye ball to extreme right and left.
• Hold pencil at arm’s length and keep your eyes focused on it. Then slowing bring it to the nose. It helps to prevent blurred vision.
• For Puffy eyes grate the potato and apply it on your closed lids for 20 minutes and relax.
• Follow 20-20-20 Rule for healthy eyes. Between 20 minutes of work take a break for your eyes for 20 seconds and look at the objects at 20 feet distance.
• Healthy diet is vital for good eyesight.
• Green and leafy vegetables -particularly spinach, collards and Kale are very good for eyes.

FIGHT WITH SKIN PROBLEMS

For Chicken Pox Marks:

Raw milk with chiraunji (bheegi hui) mix it well and make a paste, apply it on chicken pox marks, they will disappear in few days.

For dryness and roughness of skin:

Take equal amount each of Melon, Pumpkin, Cucumber and Watermelon and make a paste of these. Then blend it with milk cream and apply it on your. After 1 hr rinse your face with plane water.

Sunburn:

Mix 1 teaspoon of Besan with 2 teaspoon of curd and apply it on your face. Let it remain on the face for ½ hrs. Rinse with plane water. Helps in curing sunburns.

Preventing wrinkles:

Application of pure castor oil prevents wrinkles and softens the skin. This slows down the aging process. To prevent wrinkles and soften your skin, you could try pure castor oil; it is also known to slow down the aging process of the skin.

Removing skin marks:

Rubbing a raw potato on face removes marks and pigments.

Pimples:

• A simple soap and water routine can help dry out pimples. Make sure your child washes her face at least three times a day, with soap and water. If skin of your child is very oily, she should apply soap before wetting her face.
• Camphor solution dries out pimples, and it soothes the skin. Keep a bottle handy so you can pat the solution onto the problem areas at regular intervals. If a pimple-head has already formed, put a hot towel on the pimple repeatedly until it comes out. Then pat on some camphor.
• Onions are also useful in dealing with pimples. Cut a few onions and cook them in lard until they become transparent. When they have cooled, tie the mixture in a muslin cloth and apply it to the pimples in the form of a poultice.

As in the case of pimples, camphor works well towards tightening and closing open pores. A few drops of camphor spirit mixed with rose water or cool water makes a nice pore-tightening solution.

Blackheads:

• Soap and water combined with a steam routine seems to be the best treatment. Add dried lime flowers to a pint of boiling water and steam the face in this solution for 10 minutes. As a result, pores will open up. Press the skin around the blackheads with cotton wool or tissue. Then close the pores with an astringent solution, and wash with soap and water. A steam face bath with Epsom salts added to it is also effective. If the blackheads are still clinging on stubbornly, pat some almond oil on them and gently squeeze them out.Also try 6 ounces of distilled water and 27 grains of soda bicarbonate. Rub this solution over the blackheads.
• Milk also helps treat blackheads. Wash the face with warm water and then sponge it for fifteen minutes with tepid milk every day.
• Apply a little warmed honey to the face, and wash off after fifteen minutes to get rid of blackheads.
• Exfoliate your skin with a facial scrub, twice a week. Make your own homemade exfoliating scrub. Dissolve four ounces of powdered almonds, two ounces of glycerine soap and one ounce of multani mitti in a little water. Then rub this solution onto the blackhead-affected areas on your face.

Large pores:

While there is no permanent remedy to close large pores, astringents do help to temporarily tighten and close them.

• Tomato juice contains vitamin C and potassium and works wonders on large pores. It can be used alone or mixed with curd or multani mitti to make an excellent pore-closing paste. Lettuce juice is another alternative.
• Pastes made of cornmeal or oatmeal have also been found to help closing pores. The paste should be made with hot water, applied and left on for about half an hour. It should then be washed off with cool water.
• Powdered alum mixed with hot water or rosewater and egg white is also good for tightening and closing large pores.

How to close pores naturally:

Slice an apple into thin slices. Place these on the face and leave for 15 minutes. These soak up the extra oil and helps to close pores. You may even make paste of apple peel, honey, vinegar, and a dash of multani mitti. Apply for 30 minutes and rinse off with rose water. Your skin will visibly tighten and will develop a healthy, radiant glow.

MAKE-UP TIPS

Invisible make-up for your face:

• Use a face wash for cleansing your face. Go in for one that suits your skin type. Use a towel for drying your skin. Make sure that your face is free of dirt, oil as well as any traces of make-up.
• Apply a good foundation so as to give a flawless look to your skin. Go in for a base that suits well with the tone of your skin. If you fail to come up with an exact match, you can try out a tone lighter than your skin tone.
• Once you are done with the foundation part, you need to next apply a concealer. With the help of a concealer, you will be able to hide any flaws of the skin.
• Blush your skin using a blusher. If you have a fair complexion, then you can go in for a light bronzer. However, make sure to apply the blusher only on the cheeks and not on the overall face.

Invisible make-up for your eyes:

Eyes are the best features and to add to their appeal, the invisible look works the best.

• If you are interested in a natural look, then don’t go in for eyeliners or heavy make up. Instead you can apply mascara for curling your eye lashes and highlighting the same.
• For the perfect look, brush a blusher on your eyelids.

Invisible make-up for your lips:

• Apply a lip balm on your lips. This will soften your lips and give them a smoother touch.
• Use a lip liner for outlining your lips. Go in for a shade that matches with the shade of your foundation. After you are done with the outline, color the lips using a neutral shade.
• Apply a coat of lip gloss for a perfect invisible look.You need to choose which color is appropriate for your skin tone. For example, if you have a pale skin tone, then light pinks and peachy colors work best. If you have olive skin tones, then go in for pale beige or cream shades.
• To get the perfect invisible lips, go in for a light colored lip balm. You can also choose a lip exfoliate.

For a invisible face make up:

• If you forget a foundation, make sure that you apply a generous amount of concealer so as to hide any flaws in your skin.
• Begin by washing the face and hands clean using a face wash suited to your skin type.
• Apply a sunscreen lotion during the daytime or a primer during the evening. Foundations blend better if the skin is properly moisturized or hydrated. Primer works better if your skin is broken, giving it an even surface. Leave the primer or sunscreen for two minutes before application of foundation. If skin appears too greasy after application of moisturizer, wipe the face with a wet tissue.
• Use the tips of fingers or makeup sponge to apply foundation in dots on the cheekbone, forehead, chin and nose.Blend the dots of foundation using your fingertips, sponge or a foundation brush. Special attention must be given to the jaw line and hairline since marks or natural lines appear more on these areas of the face.
• The foundation must be set on the face by applying translucent loose powder. This gives a matte look to the skin; the makeup too looks more natural.

Tips for using Foundation:

For your brown eyes make up, you can apply black or dark blue mascara. However, be careful while curling your eye lashes. For a natural look, you can always go in for brown mascara. For the perfect look, ensure lining the upper lids as well.

• With your eye makeup, you need to also focus on the eyebrows for that perfect look. Make sure to pluck them at regular intervals so that they appear well-maintained and add to the appeal of your eyes.
• Make sure to use a concealer for a great look. You can start from the inner corner of the eyes and then slowly move forward towards the outer corner. This will hide any discoloration or dark circles.
• Choose shades that will in no way cover your brown eyes. In general, you can go in for soft colors like gold metallic, bronze, pink and peaches.

 

Tips for eye makeup:

• Metallic in bronze, gold, pinks and browns adds to the appeal of your brown eyes and helps them stand out from the crowd.
• If you want to give your brown eyes a natural look, then opt for neutral shades like peaches and browns.
• When choosing an eyeliner, choose black for an intense look and dark brown for a neutral look
• Deep shades of brown and blue, nutmeg, blue gray, plum, purple, violet, gold and vanilla are great choices for brown eyesThere are various types of eyeliners available for brown eyes. Each of these types offer a unique texture as well as look to your eyes. One of the less expensive and easiest options are the pencil eyeliners. You don’t necessarily need a brush for applying the eye make-up as the chances of smudging are pretty less. Besides, you may also apply a liquid liner for your eye makeup. In case you are going in for the latter option, prefer applying the liner using a brush.
• You should go in for eye shadows that are in sharp contrast with the color of your eyes. For example, for brown eyes, you can also go in for shades like purples, greens, teals, and blues.

Get the perfect eyebrow:

• Use a pencil and a small ruler to shape the eyebrow. The shape should be in accordance with the features of your face.
• The start of the brow must be lined up with the edge of the nostril.
• The highest point of the eyebrow must be in line with the pupil of the eye.
• Use a mascara wand or a brow brush to comb the eyebrow straight up. Use a pair of cuticle scissors to trim all excess hair that stands above the shape of the brow already drawn.
• Brush the hair of the eyebrow down. The excess hair sticking to the skin outside the natural shape of the brow must be plucked out using a tweezer. Remember to pluck the hair in the direction of growth of the hair strand.
• Even after the eyebrow has been shaped, there may be gaps which will have to be filled in using a powder gel or a brown pencil.

Apply makeup for an evening look:

• Hide the dark circles under your eye using a tinted moisturizer or an under eye cream. Apply three dots of the cream under the eyes and pat with the ring finger until the cream disappears.
• Apply an eye base on the eyelid to ensure that the eye shadow stays in place for at least eight hours.
• Apply eyeliner starting from the inner corner of the upper lid proceeding to the outer corner of the eye. The liner can be applied on the lower lid as well but only from the middle to the outer corner of the eye. To get a smudgy eye appearance, rub the liner of the bottom lid with the Q-tip of the finger.
• Apply an eye shadow matching with your skin tone and the color of your dress. A three tone shadow works best for an evening party. First apply a skin colored shadow covering the eyelids and extending up to the brow bone. Next apply a medium color only on the eyelids. Follow with a darker color only on the crease of the eye. All the shades of the eye shadow must be blended well.
• Use an eyelash curler to make your lashes gorgeous. A trick is to heat the curler under a hair dryer for a few seconds before curling.
• Finish the look using mascara. Placing the mascara wand at the bottom of your eye, wiggle back and forth until the mascara covers all the lashes. Mascara must be applied to the bottom lashes also.

Make your eyes look bigger by using makeup:

• Always apply mascara on the lower lashes by holding the mascara brush vertically. Sweep the bush in back and forth movements while applying the mascara. Also, use only a pencil eyeliner on the lower lid, smudging after use, so as to make eyes appear larger than they actually are.
• Use very light colored eye shadow on the inside ridge of the eye. Try to use a white or cream color shadow exactly on the tear duct of the eye, where the upper eyelid meets the lower lid. Eyes not only look bigger but also brighter this way.
• Use the same light colored shadow on the brow bone. Blend the color with brisk movements from the middle to the outer brow.
• Always keep eyebrows manicured. Waxing is suggested for women whose eyebrow hair growth rate is high. Others can opt for threading. Regular touch ups with the tweezer is important as hair starts growing back.

MANICURE

For a manicure:

• Never ever use metal implements for a manicure.
• Start by removing the old varnish with a good nail polish remover.

The elbows:

• Rough and darkened elbows are a common problem. There are several remedies to this problem. Regularly rub lemon on your elbows as lemon juice has a whitening and softening effect. Almond paste mixed with honey or milk, vinegar diluted in water, and warm milk are also good alternatives.
• 1/4 litre of milk mixed with 4 teaspoons of glycerine, 4 teaspoons each of powdered borax and bicarbonate of soda make an excellent lotion for rough skin of elbows. Refrigerate this lotion. Equal parts of rose water and glycerine also has a softening effect. Rubbing elbow skin with kitchen salt can also be very effective.
• Take an emery board and use the rough surface to shape the nails. But do it gently and carefully so as not to file down the sides too steeply. Use the other side to smoothen out the ragged edges. Always remember to hold the emery board at a slight angle to the surface of the nail to prevent flaking and file in one direction only from each side to the centre.
• Now put your fingertips in a soapy solution and scrub gently. But do not soak them. Make sure that you dry them thoroughly after they feel smooth. Also be careful not to damage fingernails when wet.
• It is now time to use a cuticle cream or lotion which should be applied gently around the cuticle. You can do this with the help of an ear bud or a cotton wool tipped orange stick. Apply the cream gently, as this is the most delicate portion of the nail. Now clean the nails once again with a good nail polish remover. Then apply a base coat and give it time to dry completely.
• Next you can apply a good varnish of your choice. To do this, take out the brush from the nail polish bottle and make an outline of a half-moon on your nail. Then spread the colour in deft broad strokes from the beginning of the half-moon to the tip of the nail. Use the same method for all the nails. Remember that practice will make you perfect.
• Remove a thin hairline of colour with the help of your thumbnail, from the edges to prevent chipping.
• After the polish is completely dry, you can apply a topcoat for added gloss and protection.Lastly, use a good hand cream or a hand and body lotion to massage your hands right from the tips of your fingers to your wrists, as you would smooth on a pair of gloves. Wipe off any excess cream.
• Enjoy your brand new pair of hands. Now your beautiful hands are ready to apply Mehendi.
• After the Mehendi dries, remove it and apply some Vicks Rub on your hands, let it be there for 5-6 hours. The color of your Mehendi will darken.

NAIL CARE

• Protect your nails and hands by wearing gloves when you do housework like washing dishes or cleaning, gardening etc. Too much moisture makes the nails soft and prone to peeling.
• Avoid using your nails to open soda cans, remove staples or do anything else that might cause them to chip or break. Use tools instead of your nails.
• Trim your nails down to a manageable length so they won’t break easily. When you trim your nails, ensure that they are trimmed straight across and filed down at the edges for a smooth shape.
• Wash your hands with a moisturizing soap and warm water to keep them clean and prevent nail infections. While it is important to keep your hands and nails clean, don’t wash too frequently as this can dry your skin and fingernails out. Apply a moisturizing lotion to your hands after each time you wash and dry your hands. When you moisturize your nails, gently push back your cuticles. Do not cut them.
• Brush a nail strengthening treatment or clear nail polish over your nails, to help strengthen them and keep them from breaking. Remove the nail polish weekly with a nail polish remover that is free of acetone and reapply it.

PEDICURE

For a Pedicure:

Our feet have a tough job. We walk around all day in high heels, stand for hours. And our feet not only have to put up with all this, but they have to do it while supporting our entire body weight. So give your feet a break and inject some tender loving care into their lives. Indulge your feet with the perfect pedicure.

• Soak your feet in a tub of hot, soapy water. Add salt and essence oils.
• Using a foot file (or a pumice stone or any other scrub), scrub your feet lightly.
• Remove from tub and wipe your feet with a soft towel.
• Apply a generous amount of cream on your feet till a few inches above the ankles.
• If you have rose water, keep some in a spray bottle and spray on your feet before starting the pedicure, and a couple of times during the pedicure.
• Push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle buffer. You can also use this buffer to clean your nails.
• Clip your toenails. The best way to clip toenails is to go straight across, rounding them off slightly at the ends.
• Dab a cotton pad with nail polish remover and use it to take off your old polish. Gently press the cotton on your nail, and wipe the polish off, using strokes in the outward direction only.
• Massage each foot for 5-10 minutes. Concentrate on the heels, and any other dry and cracked areas of the foot.
• Separate your toes with tiny wedges of cotton, and apply two coats of nail polish. Remember to let the polish dry before applying a second coat.

Home remedies for your feet:

• Soak feet for 10 minutes in warm water to which salt has been added. Remove and scrub dry, especially between the toes. This is the easiest way to relax tired feet. In the case of a sprain add Epsom salt to the water for best results.
• Alternatively add a shampoo to warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This will also improve the texture of the toenails.
• Mix a few drops of lemon juice in vaseline and apply gently on cracked heels.
• Scrub heels with a pumice stone while bathing.
• Use a good hand and body lotion on your feet too.

Trimming the legs:

All the oils, waxes and massages cannot make stocky legs look slim. You have to exercise. Here are a few simple exercises to improve calves, thighs and leg muscles.

Smooth skin:

• Waxing or shaving too often can result in gooseflesh or ugly goosebumps that spoil the beauty of shapely legs. So it is time to get to work with a “loofah”. Start at the ankles and work your way towards the top of the thighs with a rotary action using lots of soap. Dry your legs with a towel using a strong upward motion from your feet. Then massage in a good hand and body lotion or baby oil while the skin is still warm and the pores are open, so that the skin gets well nourished. Concentrate a little more on the knees and rough heels, as these require more attention.
• You can also use 10 drops of sandalwood oil in 100ml coconut oil or olive oil and massage your leg or the entire body just before your bath.

SIMPLE EXERCISES:

• Stretch your fingers wide and clap hard, so that your fingers of both hands are aligned – i.e. thumb to thumb, forefinger to forefinger. Not only is this exercise good for the hands, it aids blood circulation as well. Don’t do this in public though, unless you want to be mistaken for the alternate species of humankind.
• Stretch your hands out in front of you, pull back curling in fingers with as much pressure as possible, as if you are trying hard to pull in something heavy.
• Hold both hands in front of you with palms facing inwards, loosen their wrist grip and flap them backwards and forwards. Feel them tingle as the blood rushes to them.
• Squeeze the tip of each finger as hard as possible for about five seconds. Any longer, and you’ll be getting into acupressure – which is another story entirely.
• Close your fingers and circle your wrists ten times in each direction.
• Here are a few simple exercises that can help you tighten those neck muscles. Breathe slowly and bring your neck down to rest on the chest. Then raise your head slowly and bend it backwards as far as you can. Another exercise is to breathe deeply and turn your neck on your left side as far as you can without moving your shoulders and body. Repeat these exercises at least ten times daily.
• To improve calves stand absolutely straight with your hands on your hips and your legs together. Now keep your spine straight and bend only the knees until you assume a squatting position. Hold it there to the count of four and rise slowly, keeping your spine as straight as possible. Repeat this exercise at least ten times.
• To slim your thighs firstly lie flat on the floor and then draw your knees up towards your chest. Now push your legs up in the air and keep them as straight as you can. Slowly start moving your legs as if you are riding a bicycle. Do this about 5-6 times and then repeat the movements at a fast speed for another 5-6 times. Repeat the whole routine 5-6 times, including the slow and fast movements.
• To improve leg muscles firstly sit straight in a chair. Your back should be absolutely erect. Keep your feet on the floor and slowly stretch your legs out as far as is possible. The feet and knees should be together. Now raise your legs until your feet are off the floor and your knees are completely straight. Keeping this position, bend the feet towards you, pushing your heels out as far as possible and then point the toes down as much as you can. Do both these movements about six times each. Now relax. For the next step, raise your feet once again, and keeping them together, turn them outwards until the soles support each other. Then turn them inwards until the ankles and big toe joints touch each other. Repeat each of these movements six times and relax.

SMART WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

• Instead of forbidding yourself certain foods – just eat less of them. If you must have sugar in your tea, cut it down from two spoons to one.
• Try eating more regularly, even if it means more frequently. Eat an average of 5 small meals a day, instead of 2 or 3 large ones, where you stuff yourself.
• Be conscious about what you eat. Keep a food diary and note down everything you eat. You may be shocked at the results.
• Eat or snack only on the dinner table, not on the couch in front of your television. Once you make a policy out of this, you’ll cut down on snacks tremendously. Don’t get too comfortable while eating. It’s always better to eat on the go. Always sit straight on the chair.
• Make rules for yourself. If you experience cravings, give yourself ten minutes before you attack the refrigerator. In most cases, the craving would just die down and you’d walk away.
• Drink a lot of water. This reduces hunger pangs and gives you more energy.
• When you decide to finally attack your weight problem, you want it gone by the weekend. But realize that that is just not a realistic approach. If you want it off permanently, you’ve got to take it slow. It may even take up to a year to get to your desired weight – that’s fine, because you’ve got more of a chance of maintaining it.
• Join an aerobics class. It’s more disciplined and it’s always better to work out in a group.
• Stay busy. Don’t just sit around wasting time. Chances are your mind will wander to that delicious chocolate cake Partake in activities that are not conducive to eating. Join a singing class, take up oil painting or gardening – cultivate a hobby.
• If you have to snack, try this. Put your hand in the packet of wafers and take out a fistful. Finish off whatever you get your hands on – and that’s it.
• Don’t stack up on fattening yummy foods. It’s easiest to control food intake if you just don’t have it around. If you feel like chocolate cake, buy a pastry so it doesn’t hang out in the refrigerator all week till you polish it off. Similarly, don’t keep tubs of ice cream in the freezer. Buy a cup or two and eat it when the mood strikes.
• When you reach for the refrigerator, stop and question yourself. Are you just bored or are you really hungry? In most of the cases the answer will be the former.
• Stick little post-it notes on the refrigerator saying, Stop! Or Reach for a glass of water.
• Buy clothes a size smaller and work towards fitting into them.
• Don’t beat yourself up or lose heart just because you’ve slipped up a few times. You need to keep a positive outlook and keep encouraging yourself.
• Visualize how you will look without those extra kilograms.
• Take up yoga.