Body Care Tips

2005-10-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Skin Care Regime for Dry Skin And Oily T- Zone

Genetly scrub your skin with a teaspoon of oatmeal or chickpea flour to soften your skin. Then , mix egg yolk with honey and spread all over your body. Leave it for 20 minutes , and then rinse off. a self body massage with seasame oil before bathing is very effective in stimulating sebaceous glands and improving circulation. Also apply cucumber paste over your skin to close open pores.

2005-10-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Carrot Mask

Grate a half carrot . Mix it with one tsp of honey and apply all over the faceand neck. Wash off after 15 minutes.

2005-10-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Creamy Cabbage Pack

Take 200 gm grated cabbage
two tsp fresh cream
lemon juice
grated carrot
two tsp besan
Mix into a thick paste and apply all over the face and neck. Leave on for 30 minutes and wash off.

2005-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Banana elbow Softener

Mix two bananas and add two tsp of sugar. Rub on knees and elbows to get soft , kissable skin.

2005-10-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

Cabbage Softener

Boil 100 gm cabbage in one litre water and use it to wipe the face to remove pollutants and smoothen the skin.

2005-10-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

Papaya Scurb For Sunburn

Mix together one tsp of fresh cream, one tsp sugar and a quater papaya that has been mashed. Freeze the mixture . Massage a spoonful onto the face until the sugar granules meltby your body temperature. Wash off to get soft and glowing complextion.

2005-10-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

Banana Hand Pack

Mix two mashed bananas, lemon juice and two tsp oatmeal. Apply on hands for 20 minutes. Scrub of in a rotating motion for soft , beautiful hands.

2005-10-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Banana Bounce Pack

Take six bananas , two eggs and half a cup of flat beer. Mash the bananas and mix in the other ingredients . Lavishly apply this energyising, volumising mask on scalp and hair for 30 minutes. Shampoo off .

2005-10-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

knuckle Lightener

Apply 10 almonds ground with coconut oil, juice of half a lemon on hands and scrub genetly into the knuckles to lighten them.

2005-10-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

Almond For Dark Circles

Paste of three almonds , five to six drops of lemon juice, one tsp of china clay and milk. Make a paste and apply under your eyes and leave it for about 15 minutes. Wipe off with milk and then water.

2005-10-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Pineapple Cuticle Softener

Take mashed pineapple slices and two tsp of vodka. Dip finertips in it and gently rub the mixture into the cuticles. Done daily this will soften the skin.

2005-10-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Tomato Smoother

Mix together one tsp of fuller's earth , the juice of one lemon , and a grated half tomato. Apply for a smooth and oil- free complextion.

2005-10-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Papaya Purifier

Mash the quarter of a papaya and massage on the face for about five minutes to cleanse and soften the skin.

2005-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Potato Tightener

Grate a raw potato and squeeze out the juice. Add the juice of one lemon and with a cotton wool pad, apply all over the face and neck. Leave on till skin becomes dry and tight. Wash off with tepid water.

2005-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Lemon And Tea Hair Rinse

Take one glass of strained tea water and juice of one lemon . Use this as a last rinse after shampooing to add shine and bounce to your hair.

2005-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Tomato Oil-Reducing Pack

Rub halves of raw tomatoes on the face and leave on till the skin dries and is taut. Rinse off .This helps to reduce facial oiliness.

2005-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Potato Under- Eye Pack

Make a thick paste of half a potato that has been grated, lemon juice, one tsp fresh cream, one tsp fuller's earth ( multani mitti) and apply on the eyes as a pack for twenty minutes. This helps reduce dark circles.

2005-10-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Potato Anti- blemish Pack

Mix together half potato (grated) , lemon juice and one tsp china clay to a smooth paste. Apply on the face. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water.

2005-10-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Banana Power Pack For Undernourished Hair

Mash three bananas and blend with one egg and two tsp of shikakai. Apply to the hair and scalp for 30 minutes. Shampoo off as usual.

2005-10-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Skin Tightening pack

Beat one egg into two mashed bananas . Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off twice, first with milk and then with water. This pack will get you soft and shiny skin.

2005-10-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

Honey And Vinegar Rinse

1 tsp honey
1 litre water
1 tsp vinegar

Mix and use it as a after- shampoo rinse to soften and give shine to the hair. Good for dry to normal hair types.

2005-10-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Banana Hair Pack ( For Dry Hair)

Mash two bananas in two tsp honey and apply on the hair for half an hour. Shampoo after 30 minuted for soft and shiny hair.

2005-10-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Presentable At All Times

Apply strawberry and papaya mask made at home from natural ingrdients.

Take 1/4 cup cooked peaches
2 strawberries
1/4 cup mashed papaya
1 tsp honey
some oatmeal

Mash the fruits together and add oatmeal to them so that you can make a thin paste. Apply this mask to your face for 10 minutes. The fruit acid will remove dead skin and leave you with a beautiful , hydrated glow. The oatmeal calms the skin.

2005-10-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Glowing Skin

Mix equal amounts of turmeric and basil powder. Add three tablespoon of honey and half glass of milk. Apply the paste daily on your body before taking a bath. It help improve your complexion.

2005-10-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Stinky Toes

There can be many contributions to this problem like fungal infection, a condition called athlete's foot and even stress, which can be cause of excessive sweating which turn mixes with the body's natural bacteria to produce stink.

The first thing to do is to stop synthetic socks and vinyl shoes. Soak your feet in warm water which has a few drops of the essential tea tree oil at the end of each day. Dry your feet well after this relaxing foot bath especially between the toes.

2005-10-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Home remedy for diarrhoea
Take one tsp of methi and half tablespoon of cumin seeds three times a day.

Relief from hiccups
Powder a pinch of cumin seeds. Mix with a tsp of honey and swallow the mix. This provides relief from hiccups.

2005-10-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Get rid of Dandruff

To get rid of dandruff , mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with four measures of rose water, leave it on your scalp for one hour and then wash it off.

2005-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hair On Your nose

There is a very simple method of permanently reducing the hair on your nose. This is by the use of the Diode Hair removing Laser. The melanin (black pigment) in the hair follicle absorbs the laser light and thus shrinks the hair root, due to which the next lot of hair from the area treated are weaker. The hair cycle takes about 1 1/2 months. Therefore 4 to 8 treatments done at 6 to 8 weeks of interval usually provide good results .
The hair in the armpit and bikini area can also be removed permanently. The laser does not work on grey hair because it lacks melanin pigment.

2005-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

For Silken skin

Use the baby oil before your bath and use deep moisturing agents in a vaseline base after a bath. These active ingredients penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and thereafter leave it smooth and silky. If your skin feels very dry , supplements of evening primrose oil and omega -3 fatty acid may be taken.

2005-10-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

Beat the Dry Daze

1/2 cup plainn yoghurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients together. Apply on the face for five minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Heals dry skin.

2005-10-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

Feel- Fab Fruit Pack

3/4 cup plain yoghurt
1 carrot (for soothing , anti-inflammatory benefits)
1/2 peach ( a natural emollient)
1/2 cucumber (to refresh and soften the skin)
Blend together. Apply and let sit on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse. Your skin will be left feeling renewed and moisturised.

2005-10-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Nice and Zesty

1 tsp yoghurt
1/4 orange or lemon juice
Mix together and smooth onto your face. Allow to remain on for five minutes, thense rinse off with warm water.

Zesting up your yoghurt facial pack by adding a tablespoon of fresh citrus fruit gives the pack an extra refreshing punch. Besides, lemon and orange restore the skin's normal ph balance, making it look fresh and young again.

2005-10-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

Protein Power Pack

1 egg white
1 tbsp yoghurt
1 tbsp fuller's earth
1 tsp honey
Mix and apply on face and neck for cleansing, tonning, moisturing and nourishing benefits all in one!

2005-10-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

Yoghurt pack

1/2 cup yoghurt
Apart from yoghurt zinc , plain yoghurt contains latic acid , a natural skin smoother, which makes it a simple, yet effective facial mask. To reap yoghurt's skin softening benefits, just spread it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutesbefore rinsing off with warm water.

2005-10-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

Tip for hands and nails

Your hands and nails can also benefit from yoghurt. Simply combine half a cup of plain yoghurt with the juice of a lemon. Refrigerate it for a few hours and then use it to massage your hands and nails. Rinse and pat your hands dry. Do this for a fortnight, and you will notice how soft and supple your hands feel.

2005-10-02T02:59:00.000-07:00

Itchy Scalp

If you've got an itchy scalp , apply some yoghurt on your head , wrap your hair in a towel and rinse after 15 minutes . Bonus: the yoghurt will chase away dandruff , too!

2005-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen or sunblock- what's the difference?

Sunscreen and sunblock are two very different products. At a basic level , a sunscreen works chemically, while a sunblock works physically. Sunscreens reduce the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin by actually absorbing the ultraviolet radiation. While older sunscreens were only effective against UVB rays or the burning rays , newer formulation are effective for both UVA and UVB.

Sunblocks , as the name goes, simply block both the UVA and UVB radiation from the skin by reflecting and scattering the light.

2005-10-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Back to the UVR basics

The sun's harmful rays or ultraviolet rays (UVR) are of two types- UVA , often called 'ageing ray' , which weakens the immune system of the skin cell; while UVB , the 'burn ray' , causes changes to DNA that can cause abnormal growths in the skin cells.

2005-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Does vitamin- E play a role in restoring skin's health?

Natural vitaminE helps in smoothening the fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. It has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks . Sources of vitaminE are wheat gram , vegetable oil , whole grain products , egg yolk and nuts. Body lotions with vitamin E are also a good source of nutrition for your skin.
Enriched vitamin E lotions nourish your skin and most of them are non- sticky which restores the delicate oil-water balance. So your skin looks radiant with health and feels soft and supple.

2005-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Tea leaves for falling hair

Left over tea leaves are very good for preventing the hair from falling and they also make the hair glossy and soft. Therefore, next time do not throwaway used tea leaves, use them for washing your hair. Put the leaves in a bucket of water and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from fire, cool and strain and use this for washing your hair instead of ordinary water. If lime juice is added to this water and it is used as a last rinse, it gives a lustrous sheen to the hair. These leaves are also excellent for reviving tired eyes. Mix some crushed ice in used tea leaves. Tie them up in two small pieces of cloth and put them on each eyelid for 10 minutes. They will not only remove tiredness from the eyes but will also make them brighter. They are also very good for treating sunburns. Dissolve four teaspoons tea leaves in boiling water. Strain and mix with clear, greasy surgical jelly and place in airtight jar.

2005-10-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Does skin need moisturisation in summers?

Excessive sweating in summers distrubs the water balance of skin. And despite of the sweat on the outside , the skin becomes dry from within. To add to it is the dust in the atmosphere, which leaves the skin sticky and unclean. All of this means that your skin needs protection even after the winter season.

2005-10-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

What happens in sunburn?

Sunburn is a result of skin cells being damaged and /or destroyed. The outer layer of teh skin comprised of dead cells on the surface and live cells directly underneath. These live cells continuously produce dead cells to revitalise the surface of the skin. When sunburn occurs , we know that the live cells of the epidermis have been over-exposed to the ultraviolet radiation(UVR) of teh sun and have been injured or killed. The result is flushed skin, as blood flow increases in the damaged area and white blood cells . The associated burning pain is actually a reaction from the chemicals released from the damaged cells.

2005-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Cranberry lip gloss

You will need : 1 tsp sweet almond oil, 10 fresh cranberries, 1 tsp of honey and a drop of vitamin E oil. Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil.( Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on astove top). Stir well and genetly crush the berries. Cool mixture for 5 minutes and then strain. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool , tranfer into a small portable plastic container or tin.

2005-09-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

How to pamper yourself with a satisfying facial

Facial massages can soothe away headaches, anxiety , replace new cells and also improve circulation giving the skin healthy glow.
1 Take very little nourshing cream and apply from neck to jaw line using upward strokes. Then , alternatively sweep one hand and then the other , along the jaw line towards the ear.Repeat several times.

2 For cheecks , use fingertips in circular movements , and in the upward direction.

3 The eye massage should be done with the ring finger with feather like strokes.

4 Loosely interlock your fingers and using the palms, apply genetly pressure over the forehead. Slowly unlock the fingers to release . Repeat three times.

5 With the third finger of each hand, place on the bridge of the nose, stroke out over the brows towards the temples at each side of the forehead, repeat the strokes towards the hair-line.

6 To finish place your hands on each side of your head and press lightly.

7 After that, apply a good quality face pack depending on your skin type.

2005-09-30T02:04:00.000-07:00

Natural manicure

File your nails in one direction only, and always do this when your nails are dry. Wash your hands and soak in warm water or a fruit acid solution such as buttermilk or organic apple cider vinegar, before applying a cold pressed fruit or nut oil into the cutile. Use the blunt end of an orangewood manicure stick to genetly push the cuticles back from the nails. Dry your hands completely. Sand and polish the top of each nail with a fine pumice-stone or sand stick to remove any ridges. Once the ridges are removed , smooth the top of the nail with a smoothing file and a buffing chamois. Massage your hands with a moisturising cream or lotion.

2005-09-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

Skin toner

A good time to make this toner is when the harvest is bountiful. Take 1/4 cup cucumber juice( the same PH as the skin), 1/8 cup carrot juice( rich in vitamin A) , 1/2 cup spearmint infusion ( considered one of the best cosmetic herbs) , 1/4 cup chamomile infusion( avoid if you are sensitive to ragweed) and 1/2 cup lemon juice ( an alpha -hydroxy acid). Blend and store in ice cube trays and pop out a cube needed.

2005-09-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

Sunburn Salve

The succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant provide such a healing gel for burns. Many burn centres use it on their patients. The gel contains aloectin B, an immune system stimulant, and penetrates all three layers of the skin. If you have an aloe vera house plant , simply snip off two inch leaf end, slit it open, and rub the inside over the burn.

2005-09-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Body scrub

Take 2/3 cup ground nuts or seeds, 1/3 cup oatmeal, brown rice flour, or whole wheat flour, enough liquid to make a paste(water, yogurt, milk or aloe vera gel can also be used). Optional :1/2 to 1 teaspoon herbs( lavender ) . Combine the dry ingredients in a blender until they are reduced to a coarse meal. Pour the meal into a glass jar with a screw top. When you want to have a body scrub , scoop up the paste with your hands or a washcloth , and rub over your body. Store the jar in the freezer.

2005-09-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Polish them right

When applying nail polish always apply the polish vertically to the entire nail, then swipe the brush sideways across the tip of the nail to seal the polish for a longer lasting manicure.

2005-09-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Stretch marks

Stretch marks occur due to the permanent snapping of the elastic fibres in the dermal layer of the skin. When they are new they are reddish -purple in colour and very marginally respond to creams of retinoic acid 0.1 per cent strength. They are very difficult to treat , once the slivery scars form. Certain lasers claim to correct these, but microdermabrasion followed by a TCA ( trichloroacetic acid peel) done once a month can lighten the stretch marks. Do seek a dermatologist's advice.

2005-09-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

How to apply mascara

1 Consider the type of mascara and select one appropiate for your lashes and the occasion. For day , choose a lenghthening one, while at night go for a thickening formula.

2 Darker-lashed women should consider brown for a casual look, and black or brown-black for dramatic look.

3 Remove the wand from the tube in one pull. Pumping the mascara will push air into the tube , drying out the formula and introducing bacteria into it.

4 Begin with the upper derside of your upper lashes, moving the brush slowly upward toward the tips of your lashes. Always hold the wand parallel to your eyelid. Roll the brush slowly on the upward stroke to promote seperation of the lashes.

5 Allow the first coat of mascara to dry before applying the second coat in the same manner.

6 Use an eyelash comb to seperate the wet lashes.

7 Use less mascara for the lower lashes. Begin where the lashes meet the rim of the lower eyelid, genetly stroke downward.

2005-09-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Five Fabulous Foot Fixers

1 Sea salt: once a week , take time to de-puff and polish away the flakes from your knees down, with a lovely sea salt glow.

2 Foot spray: Heal the heels with arefreshing foot spray. Look for a product containing calendula, which is especially soothing for feet.

3 Creams: Enjoy no sweat days with a cooling anti-fungal days. For that extra-fresh feeling, get a product with a hint of mint.

4 Balms and Oils: A good quality foot balm is a must to have. This is especially beneficial for dry skin. Take a tub or a bucket , add a few drops of essential oils with water and soak your feet . Rosemary and peppermintwill invigorate your feet in the morning, and lavender or rose will help relax them after a long day.

5 Masks: Masks are not just for faces. Treat your feet to a hydrating, thirst-quenching clay mask. The most feel-good ones contain moisture-rich shea butter and avocado.
Check out a good cosmetics store for boots instant hydrain foot butter, or otherwise just grate a fresh green cucumber at home , and slather its juice all over your feet.

2005-09-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Don't own a pumice stone or brush?

Dish up a natural oatmeal or lentil- based exfoliator. Simply mix 1/4 cup of oatmeal or ground lentils with 1/8 cup of water until it reaches the consistency of a grainy paste, then gently rub it all over your feet in small , circular motions. Be careful not to exfoliate too much of the outer skin.

2005-09-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

Lustrous Locks

If your hair is thin and delicate, here's a sure- fire head-helper for you. Beat together olive oil , a bit of shampoo, an egg yolk, beer and a little lemon juice and wash your hair with the mixture. Repeat as requried.

2005-09-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

Lush Mane

Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into your scalp and hair. Cover your hair with aplstic shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes or more, then shampoo as usual. This helps repair split ends, heels dandruff, and makes your hair shiny , silky and lustrous.

2005-09-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

No More Wrinkles

Twice a week , massage your face with olive oil mixed with lemon juice.

2005-09-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

Beautifying Bath

Add several tablespoons of olive oil to your bath , along with a few drops your favourite essential oil to soothe and nourish your skin.

2005-09-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Silken Skin

Massage a small amount of olive oil into your skin , whenever you need softening and moisturising. Apply extra oil to rough or cracked areas. Apply a compress soaked in virgin oil to tired skin , for 15 minutes , then rinse off with tepid water.

2005-09-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Lovely Lips

Dab on a little olive oil to soothe and smooth dry, chapped lips.

2005-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Fab Feet

Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with five or six drops of essential oil of lavender. In the night , before going to

2005-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Hands

Slather on a generous amount of olive oil before going to bed , put on white cotton gloves, and go to sleep. Your hands will be softer and smoother in the morning!

2005-09-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Cuticles and Nails

If your cuticles are ragged and your nails brittle and dry, olive oil can help! Soak nails for 30 minutes in a small cup of warm olive oil to soften cuticles and help brittle nails become more resilient.

2005-09-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Moisture Boost

Mix together a tablespoon of olive oil with half cup mashed avocado.
Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry.

2005-09-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

For youthful skin

To moisturise dry skin, apply olive oil directly to dry spots and stretch marks. Make a face mask with olive oil and good quality clay and avocado.
Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes , then rinse off. Try this daily, and you'll see results within no time.

2005-09-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Factors that lead to skin aging

Being the most exposed part of the body, skin is largely subjected to two kinds of aging.
1 Is intrins-natural ageing process whereby, as we age , the skin becomes drier by losing elasticity - resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.

2 Is extrinsic aging that is due to overexposure to the sun and an unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, excessive alcohol intake and low protein diet.

2005-09-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Firmer Breasts Recipe

To firm breasts and tighten the skin, mix one teaspoon of vitamin E oil with one tablespoon of yogurt and an egg.
Massage this mixture into breasts and wear an old bra over the mixture for at least twenty minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.

2005-09-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Getting rid of the dark circles is not a dream anymore

To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the residue and apply an eye cream.

Shaweeds:
This is a specialised mask that has been formulated for this delicate area. It contains Seaweed, which has a reviatalising effect on the skin . Apply it under the eyes. When it dries, wash off with water. This should be used once a day.

2005-09-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Grooming tips for men

Trim your nose hairs regularly .

If you wear a beard, it should be neatly trimmed. Mustaches should also be trimmed.

If you don't iron your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer so wrinkles don't set.

Do not have dirty fingernails no matter what type of job you are applying for. Trim nails and scrub hands if necessary.

Consider trimming your arm pit hairs in warm weather. Less hairs, less bacteria, less smell. Think about it.

Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.

Do wear your hair clean and styled neatly.

2005-09-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sandalwood and Vetivert after shave Balm ( home made)

The sweet, woody and musky aroma of sandalwood is a particular favorite in After Shave. Sandalwood is a natural bactericide and soothes the skin after shaving. Vetivert has a deep, earthy aroma that blends beautifilly with the sandalwood, creating a strong, deep male fragrance. This after shave is suitable for all skin types and is particualy good for young men just beginning to shave.
1 tbsp (20ml) high proof vodka8 drops sandalwood6 drops vetivert3 drops neroli4 tbsp (50ml) witch hazel6 tbsp (100ml) rose water
Pour the vodka into a 7 oz (200ml) glass bottle. Carefully add the essential oil, one by one, and shake vigorously until the oils have dissolved.
Add the witch hazel and shake well. Then add the rose water and shake again.
Label the bottle and the Sandalwood and Vetivert After shave is ready to use.
Make sur to shake the bottle befor using each time to disperse the oil.

2005-09-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Shape your eyebrow at home

First the lower section of eyebrow, then the upper area and finally the centre of the eyebrow's hair are removed.
Very little wax is applied at the time and a small strip is placed on the wax and pulled against or even in the direction of the hair growth.
You don’t need to use much, and you should not let the wax dry.
Never wax above the eyebrow, only ever shape from below. Waxing from under the brow will widen your eyes and help to get the line even.
Gently hold the skin taut and pull off the waxing strip.
Clean eyebrow area with cotton pad soaked in an antiseptic lotion after the eyebrows are shaped.
Massage the eye skin with cream.
To give the gorgeous new eyebrow shape emphasis, use an eyebrow pencil or tinted brow shadow to subtly fill in any gaps, and even out the natural color tone.

2005-09-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Shiny hair

Rinse your hair with baking soda to get rid of shampoo build-up and styling residues. Rinsing your hair with lemon juice is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair. Apple cider vinegar mixed with water will give your hair shine and bounce.

2005-09-26T01:53:00.000-07:00

Tip for frizzy hair

Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair. You don't want to overdo it - too much will make your hair look greasy. Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

2005-09-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

Get rid of body odour

The most basic way to hold body odor at bay is to scrub yourself with soap and water, particularly in those areas of the body that are most likely to smell, such as the armpits and groin.
Body odor is most often caused by a combination of perspiration and bacteria. Scrubbing with soap and water will wash both culprits away.
The best type of soap for a body odor problem is a deodorant soap because it will hinder the return of bacteria.

2005-09-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

General eating guidelines

Take food less than your hunger.
Take your meals preferably two times a day- Avoid meals after sunset.
Include in your daily diet - Curd, emblic myrobalan (Amla), Sprouted black grams, Apple, Honey, Almonds, Soyabeans, Lemon, Raw Onion, Garlic.
Avoid Sugar as far as possible; it causes aging, cataract and acidity.
Don’t take salt in excess. Use as little salt as possible. Excessive salt corrodes our body like seawater.
Take hot water after every meal to control the fatness and improve digestion.
Preferably drink water after 20 minutes after food and not along with the food.
Preferably do not have any other food or drink while having milk.

2005-09-26T01:18:00.000-07:00

General body care

After washing your face with water don’t wipe it off. Let it dry itself on the face. It keeps the face skin young and healthy.
Instead of soap a mixture of gram flour (besan) and milk may be used to bathe the baby.
To massage the baby a mixture of gram flour (besan) and cream with a pinch of turmeric can be applied on the baby's body and gently rubbed off.

2005-09-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

Fair glowing skin

Take a sandalwood stick (chandan) and rub it on a stone with water or rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on the face for 10 – 15 minutes till it becomes dry and then remove. This is to make your skin glowing and fair.

2005-09-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

Why are lip balms important

Lip balms are mainly for lip protection, because the skin of the lips is different from skin elsewhere, in that they do not secrete protective oil, they are more prone to drying out, cracking and chapping so not only do they look unattractive but may lead to bacterial infection. Lip balms are protective against most elements such as the wind, cold weather. Lip balms are made with delightful fruity flavours and give a nice shine to lips even over lipstick.

2005-09-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

How to apply blush

- Keep application soft, blush should never appear as an obvious stripe. Apply softly, with light strokes.
- Build up the colour slowly, start with less and add more if needed.
- After applying your contour to shape your cheek-bone, focus your blush colour on the apples of the cheek;blend upward and outward, sweeping the blush up to meet between your temple and the top of your ear.
- Finish by highlighting the top of your cheek-bones with a light shimmer to accent shape. This subtle emphasis will give the illusion of higher cheeckbones and the appearance of a sheer healthy glow.

2005-09-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Smoothing lumpy thighs

Skin-toning solutions can reduce the puckered appearance of cellulite, but to see real results, you need to use the lotions every morning and night for six to eight weeks. Skin tonning solutions contain plant extracts ‑ uncaria tomentosa, geranium and agrimony ‑ to inhibit the storage of fat in the treated area and help eliminate it from your system. Some contain, retinol, which stimulates cell renewal to help skin appear firmer and more even. These products provide short-term cosmetic results, but once you stop using them, your skin will start to slacken again. Exercise combined with a balanced diet is still the only recipe for a permanently firm body.

2005-09-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Bikini wax

Waxing and sugaring are the best ways to remove hair from the bikini area. Though temporary, these methods give a clean, smooth surface and the longest-lasting results (so less maintenance is required). Hair grows back finer because waxing pulls the hair out below the surface of the skin. Plus, waxing does not irritate the skin and nerve endings as shaving and depilatories do, so red bumps and irritations are kept to a minimum.

2005-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Make up tips

For the most natural look, I like sheer liquid, gel or tinted moisturizer just a hint tawnier than your skin tone, coupled with a translucent honey-pink to sepia colored blush applied to the cheekbones.

If your complexion is oily you may have noticed that make-up tends to turn a bit darker, to combat that, make sure to use an oil-free tint and a powder, not cream, blush.
To apply the liquid, gel or tinted moisturizer, place a dab to the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Lightly blend, diffusing outward.

For the blush, with light strokes, apply a tawny blush directly to the bones of the cheek. The idea is to mimic where the sun would naturally catch you. For powder blush, use a wide-headed blush brush, for cream or gel, use fingers, and remember, be conservative and apply sparingly in a good, broad light.

2005-09-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Manicure in just 5 simple steps

STEP 1 Remove nail polish.
STEP 2 File nails where necessary using single strokes towards the center of nail from the sides.
STEP 3 Take a buffer and gently rub along the base of your nail where cuticles may be rough and overgrown.
STEP 4 Liberally apply cuticle oil and massage it into nails.
STEP 5 Apply hand lotion often to keep nails moisturized

2005-09-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

Home made cleansers

Astringent lotion - Blanch a small peach, remove its stone and grind and squeeze out its juice. Add to it onefourth teaspoon each of lime and tomato juice. Mix well and spread on your face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes.

Cucumber tonic - Grate and squeeze out juice from a small cucumber and mix in one-fourth teaspoon each of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave on for 15 minutes. This tonic improves a dull and greasy complexion.

Cleansing lotion - To one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice stir in one teaspoon each of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This lotion cleanses and purifies the pores of the skin.

2005-09-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Clear skin the easy way

Basil leaves - The leaves of Indian basil are very beneficial to the human body. Make a habit of taking a teaspoon of these leaves mixed with honey once a day to put a glow in your cheeks and to keep all the diseases away. This juice is also very effective for getting rid of lice. Apply it liberally to the head in the night and cover it with a towel. Next morning, wash your head in the usual way. Do this for a few weeks to effect a cure. If your baby has lice, scatter them on his pillow for a couple of days. These leaves also help in cases of almost all the skin diseases and removal of patches from the skin. Grind them to a paste and apply to the affected portions of the skin a few times daily for a few days and you will be completely relieved of your ailment. These leaves help even when all the other medicines have failed. It is rightly said-'A basil leaf a day keeps all diseases and skin ailments away.

2005-09-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Beauty from natural source

Celery leaves - Clean, slice and boil a couple of handfuls of celery leaves in a small bucket of water. Remove from fire, cool and strain the water. Mix in a tablespoon of vinegar. Rinse your hair after shampooing with this water and see how your hair grows long and lustrous.

Leaves of ribbed gourd - Clean, slice and grind the leaves of this vegetable to a paste and apply over dark patches (on your body) left-over from some skin disease a few times daily. Within a week the patches will vanish, leaving no trace behind.

2005-09-25T01:31:00.000-07:00

How to take care of the toe nails

Special attention should be paid to the toe nails. The most common mistake that people make is to trim the nails and round it off.
Rather the idea is to cut them in a square shape to prevent ingrown nails. Gently push back the cuticles with an orange stick.
The next step is to moisturise and massage. Take care to ensure that you massage in long upward strokes, moving from your toes to your caves. Finally finish with polish . Apply a base coat and two coats of your favourite polish, followed by a top coat.
Let your nails dry for atleast an hour , then rub a dab of oil into your cuticles and nail bed to moisturise them.

2005-09-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Soak away stress ( how to take care of your feet)

Fill a tub or foot bath with warm water and drop in a few drops of your favourite bath or sea salts. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Massage your feet with an exfoliating body scrub. Leave the scrub on, and use a pumice-like surface to buff down calluses and slough away dead skin cells. Rinse your feet with cool water.

2005-09-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

Before make-up tips

An eye lash curler is an important tool

Wash your make-up brushes regularly to disinfect them

Dry them at an angle whereby the water just drips out

Use Q tips to dust or wipe away excess colour.

2005-09-25T01:04:00.000-07:00

Methods to apply eyeshadows

To get smoky look
Apply a deep shadow on the eye lid. Dab some black eye shadow on the lower line on the kohl. Blend well , smudge and leave it at a darkish tone.

To get natural look
Apply pale, neutral eye shadow on the lids. Make sure the eye-lineris very thin. Curl the eyelashes.

2005-09-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

Henna packs

Hair experts agree on the efficiency of henna packs- not only to control dandruff, but to faster hair growth, thickness and shine as well. After all , it was used as a hair nutrient and dyes thousands of years ago in Egypt.
Apart from the packs , there are some instant pick me ups when you don't have time.

2005-09-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

Packs for dandruff control

Mix 2 tbsp of vinegar with 6 tbsp hot water. Dab all over scalp , parting hair evenly with a comb
. Leave on for 4 hours and shampoo.
T o reduce dandruff, it is also essential to cut down on oily food, fatty, fried foods, chocolates, butter and iodized salts and drink plenty of water.

2005-09-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Dandruff menace

Many women suffer from this problem and only a regular hair cair programme can control it. Hormonal and dietary irregularities are some of the reasons why the sebaceous glands under the hair malfunction ( causing the scalp to flake and shed skin) but most cases respond to weekly hot -oil massage , followed by a steam 'turban' therapy.

A head massage should be in slow , circular, relaxing movements. You should be very gentle or u'll end up with alopecia. Apply the juice of one lemon to oiled hair and shampoo after an hour.

2005-09-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Aloe's role in reducing heart diease

- Aloe contains active calcium isocitrate salts, which increase the force of heart contraction, helping to improve blood circulation . An improved circulation prevents hardening of the arteries.

- These isocitrate salts also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels: decreaing the bad and increasing the level of good cholesterol.

- Aloe also contains potassium, helping to maintain the heart rhythm, which stabilises the blood pressure.

- Anti-oxidants like vitamin A, C and E , which are present in aloe, neutralise the free radicals. This gives vital protection against heart disease.

2005-09-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Natural Acne Remedies

1) Make a face pack of bran plus baking soda and water. Mix into a paste, apply to the face, leaving on for 15 minutes. Rinse with solution of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 8 parts water.

2) Parsley: Use an infusion of fresh parsley to wash the skin

3) Mint: Peppermint is an excellent antiseptic wash for acne.

4) Garlic: Peel and mash eight cloves of fresh garlic. Apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Wash off with a warm cloth. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

5) Wine: Breakouts can be controlled by applying wine with a cotton ball, white wine for fair skin, red wine for darker complexions.

2005-09-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Glowing skin

Crush watermelon and leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cold water. It helps to glow your skin

2005-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

A body scrub

1/4 cup red masoor dal
1/4 cup walnut powder
1/4 cup almpnd powder
1/4 cup honey
Mix all with required quantity of milk and scrub back well. Use vegetable loofah dipped in almond milk after the above pack is scrubbed for extra shine.

2005-09-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Walnut scurb

2 tsp of walnut powder a little coarsely ground
2 tsp of coconut milk
1 tsp of jojoba oil
This scrub is good for those with ageing skin and those with mature skin.

2005-09-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

Exforliator for mature skin

Almonds ground (not to fine) 1 tsp
2 tsp of papaya paste (ripe)
2 tsp of papaya (raw)
Blend togther and massage them twice a week.

2005-09-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

Beauty from milk

To make your skin soft and smooth dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and pat all over your face. Leave on for half an hour and wash off with water.
- Mix two tablespoons of milk in one teaspoon of salt and apply on the face at bedtime.
This makes the skin petal soft and silken smooth.
- To lighten your complexion grind a couple of almonds in milk and apply on the face at bedtime. - To brighten a dull complexion mix two tablespoons of milk powder with enough hydrogen peroxide to a thick paste. Mix in a few drops of liquid ammonia. Leave on for 15 minutes.

To improve a dark and dull complexion soak bengal gram pulse (chick-pea) in milk overnight. Next morning, grind to a paste and mix in a pinch of turmeric powder and a few drops of lime juice and leave on for half an hour.
- To lighten and brighten your complexion take a tablespoon of milk and mix in one teaspoon each of carrot, orange juice and melted honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- An excellent mask for a dry and blemished skin is made by taking a tablespoon of gram flour and mixing in a big pinch of turmeric powder, one-fourth teaspoon of orange peel powder, a teaspoon of beaten curd and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on the face and neck. When the skin starts feeling taut, rub it with your hands until it glows. Then, wash with tap water.
- To make the skin soft and smooth grind one fourth tea spoon of chironji to a paste and mix with one fourth teaspoon each of milk and curd. Leave on for 20 minutes.
- Another mask for making the skin soft and smooth is prepared by taking one fourth teaspoon each of watermelon, cucumber and gourd seeds and grinding them to a paste in milk. Mix in half teaspoon of cream or top of milk and a few drops of rose water. Leave on for 20 minutes.

To lighten and brighten the skin and improve blood circulation fry a teaspoon of green gram in a teaspoon of olive oil to a red color, grind to a paste in milk. Apply on face and leave on till the skin feels taut. Then, rub the skin till it glows and wash off.
- For making the skin fair, grind as small piece of sandalwood in milk to a paste. Mix in one fourth teaspoon of turmeric powder and leave on for 20 minutes.
- To remove itching and other blemishes from the skin grind one teaspoon of yellow mustard to a paste and mix with a tablespoon of cream of milk and leave on for 20 minutes

2005-09-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

Face pack for glowing skin

1.Gram Flour
2.Sandalwood Powder
3.Orange Powder
4.Turmeric
5.Olive oil or Almond oil
6.Milk..or Rose water...(Dry skin=Milk, Normal and oily skin=Rose water can be used )

Mix all the powders...like Gramflour,sandalwood powder,orange powder,and turmeric....and can store it in a container.Whenever you want to apply.just take this powder..and mix it with milk or rosewater..or with both.and mix it with either olive oil or almond oil...If you dont hav both.then you can go for some vegetable oil.and apply to the face...and keep it for..10 mins...just before bath..or before going to bed..