MAKE-UP TIPS FOR BROWN SKIN...

Make up tips for Brown Skin:



Brown is beautiful...

The best makeup for brown skins would be colours from pale beige to rich brown.

Dark colours need shades that will complement their skin tones.

For South-Asians:

Fair : Natural

Brown : Beige

Dark brown:Tan

Foundation and Powder Compact: Use foundations and powder compacts according to your colour. If the exact shade you would like is not available then select a shade that is closest to your neck colour and add a little distilled water to make it more translucent.

Dark circles: On dark circles apply Foundation colour which is one shade lighter than the shade applied on the face. This will make dark circles around the eyes look lighter.

Mascara : Brown mascara looks beautiful on dark colour. A black eye pencil rimming the eyes can give a stunning impression.

Eye shadow : Soft eye shadow in brown giving the winged doe-eyed look would be excellent, this should blend into the upper brow bone, from a soft brown to soft brick brown. Soft brown eye shadow used on the lower lashes would complete the entire effect

Lipsticks : Shades of maroon or brown will look good on dark skin.

Blusher : Shades in Maroon and brown will go well.

HAIR COLORING TIPS...

Hair Coloring Tips:



Here are some handy tips that will make your hair look healthier and glow with the desired color and give you salon-like results along with quick and easy solutions to common problems related with coloring your hair:

* While coloring your hair for the first time, start at the crown or at the nape of the neck, where the natural hair color is darkest.

* Hair color at the hair ends fade more quickly as they are porous and do not hold color. Thus apply hair color that is one level darker to the ends, without adding the developer.

* You can add small amount of gold or yellow accent to the hair color at the ends or certain sections of your hair to add warmth to them or add a highlighting effect.

* If you go out in the sun or swim regularly, your hair color may wear off quickly. To avoid this, condition your hair regularly to negate the effects of summer heat and water.

* Chemicals used in swimming pool may give a greenish tint to blonde hairs. To combat this, use a good clarifying shampoo and them use a warm accent on your hair that can be red or gold, depending on the type of blonde hair you have.

* Hair colors with blue base may give a greenish cast to yellow or gold hair while those with violet base, gives more natural and better results.

* If light-reddish blonde tones fade to orange color, you can use a little red-gold accent to give fashionable highlights.

* If your current hair color is darker than the next shade chosen, use a color remover to completely lose the old tint. However, they are effective on only artificial colors and not natural hair color.

* Unwanted warm tone of hair can be calmed down using ash or violet accents.

* For gray hair, use a shade darker than the shade of color used on the rest of the hair.

* Always color your hair, when they are fully dry because color of damp and wet hair may get diluted later.

POST-NATAL ABDOMINAL EXERCISES

Top 10 POST-NATAL ABDOMINAL EXERCISES:



A number of women experience trouble bringing their abdomen back to its original tone and size after childbirth. For most, a combination of Kegel and abdominal exercises will work. The change in a most women's bodies is due to the laxity of the abdominal muscle wall. It is important to remember that your body has simply changed, and not necessarily for the worse. Some exercises can help your abdomen return to its original size. If your abdomen still does not seem to be returning to its original size and shape after you've give these exercises a try, you may wish to look into an actual physical reason for this.

It is important that you regain the strength of your abdominal muscles, after the birth of your baby as strong muscles help prevent lower back injury, prevent abdominal organs from " dropping forward" through lack of support and help you to regain a flat stomach. Try combining these with Kegel exercises to get the maximum benefit. The pelvic floor is a "sling" of muscles that supports your internal organs, e.g. your uterus, bladder and kidneys. To keep the pelvic floor (also called the Kegel muscles) strong, you need to exercise them. You can find your pelvic floor muscles by stopping and starting the flow of urine when you urinate. The squeezing that stops the flow of urine are the pelvic floor muscles contracting. Now try contracting and relaxing your Kegel muscles while sitting at your desk, driving in your car and watching television! Aim for a goal of 100 Kegels each day.

Regular abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and crossover sit-ups, which target the sides of your abdomen, should not be done until a few weeks after delivery. A woman must also allow her abdominal muscles to heal before putting more strain on them. Any weight loss should be gradual and any exercise should only be done if it makes you feel better, not worse.

If your muscles are weak, concentrate on the regaining the strength by performing "Pelvic tilt" before trying anything harder.

1. Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back, knee bent up and feet flat on the floor. Place hands on your stomach so that you can feel the tightening muscles. Gently tighten your stomach muscles and push the arch of your back towards the floor. Squeeze your bottom tight. Hold the position till the count of 6, and then relax.

2. Elbow to Knee lifts: Gently bring one knee and your opposite elbow together. Then bring your other elbow and knee together. Work up to 20 rep, altering sides.

3. Ab Crunch: Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor and ankles pressing down on the floor. Hold your hands behind you head and then raise your head as you contract your stomach muscles. Breathe properly and work up to 10 rep.

4. Sit-Ups: Lie on your back with your knee bent and hands alongside your head. Sit up and touch you knee. Swing your hands up into the air repeat at least 10 times.

These are some of best post-natal abdominal exercises. As pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles which support your bladder, it is important that you make Kegel a part of your workout routine. Kegel exercise strengthens muscles that hold the bladder and many other organs in place. You need to understand that any workout will show you long lasting effect only when combined with other parts of the body , a cardiovascular regime and a well balanced diet ,one that is especially designed for a postnatal woman.

Besides there are certain things you need to consider before starting on a post natal workout like. past experience with exercise, consultation with your doctor before commencing the workout, type of delivery you have had, stop immediately if you feel dizzy or sick etc.

Note: Let your body be the guide-never over do the exercises and stay committed.

GETTING RID OF UNWANTED HAIR TECHNIQUES (WAXING TIPS)

Waxing Tips and Getting Rid of Unwanted Hair Techniques:

Who doesn’t like to get rid of unwanted hair and feel the comfort of soft silky skin? However, a lot of people are still not comfortable with this act and think twice, especially when it comes to waxing.

Waxing, even though a bit painful, is one of the most favored and effective methods of hair removal. It is also the longest lasting temporary hair removal technique available. There are two types of waxing techniques – hot waxing and cold waxing. Hot waxing is the common method of waxing performed in salon while cold waxing is preferred by most people at home. However, hot or warm waxing is more effective than cold waxing.

Waxing involves a minimum amount of discomfort. However, following some easy to follow directions and simple tips you can perform this method perfectly. And once you experience the benefits of this hair removing technique, you would perhaps not think of any other means of hair removal but waxing.

Tips while preparing for a wax:

Whether you use hot wax or cold wax you must make sure that the hair is atleast 1/8 of an inch for hair to be embedded by the wax. You must also make sure that the skin is clean and thoroughly dry to get the best waxing results. Also ensure that the wax is not over heated, as it might cause a skin burn. The consistency of the wax should be like honey. However, to avoid mess try using disposable cellophane strips rather than the traditional cloth ones.

Tips on applying wax during waxing:

You should try and test a small area before proceeding with a large one to make sure that there are no allergic reactions. Also make sure to apply the wax in the same direction as that of the hair growth. While removing the wax strip make sure to pull it against the direction parallely and not straight up to the body.

Post wax tips:

* Applying hand pressure on the waxed area helps in soothing the skin. A lotion or the application of oil on the skin also does well. A lot of people tend to suffer from redness or itchiness just after a wax. Applying an ice pack can be the solution to this problem.

* Many a times it happens that the skin appears darker after a wax. One should avoid exposing the waxed area to the sun for a minimum of 24 hours or use a good sun blocker with a high SPF.

* Also make sure that you avoid waxing before and during your menstrual cycle, as the skin is much more sensitive during that period than what it is normally.

* Avoid waxing sun burned skin as well because it has a tendency to come off. People suffering from diabetes or teenagers prone to acne should also avoid waxing.

* If one follows these tips religiously and is also regular with the process, not only does the hair become softer but the growth of hair also lessens considerably.

LEGENDARY CLEOPATRA BEAUTY SECRETS...

IMAGINARY PAINTING OF CLEOPATRA

Legendary beauties have used milk and honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments for millennia.


Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, was known for her exquisite complexion and famous for her milk and honey baths. Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful.

By the time cosmetics were beginning to be mass produced in the late 1800s, honey was a popular ingredient. Today, manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturisers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations. They are also ideal ingredients to mix up some beauty treatments at home.

Though Cleopatra and Poppea were born beautiful, they realised that natural beauty can be preserved through the application of products. Though they weren’t aware of the science, they were using two of nature’s most skin-beautifying ingredients.
The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to cleanse and exfoliate the deepest layers of the skin. Milk works like a gentle glycolic peel, which results in smoother, clearer skin.

Honey has an abundance of health properties. First of all, it is composed of sugars such as glucose and fructose, so it is also a gentle alpha hydroxy acid, like milk. It’s made up of both minerals and vitamins to help nourish and heal the skin.

Since honey also contains phytochemicals that kill viruses, bacteria and fungus, it has a natural anti-inflammatory effect, which heals spots and wounds quickly. This makes honey a good substitute for wound dressings. All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.

The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. This makes it particularly suitable for s variety of moisturising products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Cleopatra’s honey and milk bath:

Ingredients:

120ml powdered milk
120ml pure honey
2 teaspoons jojoba oil (optional)

Method:

Mix ingredients in a large bowl and pour your warm bath. Soak for up to 20 minutes to infuse these beneficial ingredients in your skin. This recipe makes enough for one bath.

Hair shine:

Stir one teaspoon of honey into 950ml warm water. Blondes can add a squeeze of lemon, too. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Don’t rinse out and dry as normal.

Milk and honey rinse for wrinkled skin:

Ingredients:

15ml raw honey
125ml skimmed milk
1 teaspoons aloe vera gel

Method:

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake well. Apply to your face morning and evening with a cotton ball. Store mixture in the fridge and use within milk’s sell by date.

GENERAL BEAUTY TIPS...

Beauty Tips:


Try these beauty tips and beauty secrets:

* Mix your favorite lipstick with a dab of Vaseline. This will serve as excellent lip gloss.

* Keep nail polish in the refrigerator to make in easy to apply. If the nail polish hardens, warm it up in a glass of hot water before use.

* Mix juice from one lemon with equal quantity of honey and double quantity of yoghurt. Massage on spot of skin discolored by exposure to sun or for other reason. Do so for a fortnight. Lighter and clearer skin will result in most cases.

* Raw potato slices applied on skin repeatedly around eyes will either drive away or lighten the dark circles under the eyes.

* Try this for smooth lovely fingers. Dip fingers in a bowl of warm water mixed with juice of one lemon. Keep soaked for five minutes, Rinse dry. Then rub the lemon peel from which you had taken the juice, vigorously on the nails.

* If bags of frozen peas are placed on skin under the eye, puffiness and swollen eyes will turn to look natural.

* If you color your hair for best results do it on hair that has not been washed for a full day. the color will cling better to hair.

* For dandruff, try shampooing hair with shampoo added with one plain aspirin. There will be better results.

* Before applying perfume rub Vaseline on skin to allow perfume to linger longer.

* If you have heat boils, apply rose water mixed with soda bicarbonate (one table spoon)

SUPERMODEL CINDY CRAWFORD BEAUTY SECRET !

Cindy Crawford

The 80s supermodel and mom of two, 41, keeps her complexion fresh by spraying her face with a mist of whole milk and mineral water. This creates a dewy, fresh-faced effect that lasts all day long!

Here's a celebrity beauty tip that's out of reach for most of us - Cindy goes to a Parisian plastic surgeon who injects her skin with vitamins. According to Cindy, "Pretty much every make-up artist I work with says my skin looks better than it did twelve years ago."

FACE STEAMING...

Steaming is a skin care fundamental. It helps draw out toxins and impurities. Steaming function is to open the pores more, which also helps the skin have the benefits of masks, face scrubs and creams used straight after.

Nothing easier like to do steaming:

1. Fill a large pot with hot water.

2. You should add fragrant herbs such as peppermints, rose petals, mint petals or essential oils in the water.

3. Lower your face over the pot which should cover the head and pot in a way that steam is directed towards your face. Don't let the steam burn your face though.

4. Use a soft towel to dry your face.

A steam won't remove dirt and grime, but it will soften the skin's surface enough to help cleanse and unclog pores. Another benefit is the heat increases circulation and relaxes facial muscles. You may feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension.

As a good skin care practice, steaming should be done once in a week. For better results, before steaming your face you can apply a moisturizer and massage the face and neck. You cleanse/exfoliate after you steam. You can just cleanse your face how you normally do, using a cotton towel to gently wash your face. This will clear the dead cells off and increase the blood circulation.

If you have dry skin, frequent steaming is not recommended as it will devoid the skin of its natural moisture. Before going for a steaming, use an oil-based moisturizer.

TIPS TO REDUCE HAIR LOSS...

For both men and women, having a full head of healthily growing hair is an essential key to having a good self-image. We spend so much money on products that will ensure that our hair is healthy, glossy and full of life, products such as shampoos, conditioners, styling aids, and so many others. A great many of us also go to salons on a regular basis to keep our manes as beautiful as possible.

The condition of the hair is so important that it can actually boost our self-confidence or aid to its collapse. So when the hair is lost, it can cause so much trauma and uncertainty on the person experiencing the hair loss.

For some of us, hair loss is inevitable. It can be because we have inherited genes that make us predisposed to losing our hair once we reach a certain age. Hair loss can also be a sign of illness in the body, or a result of having that illness treated, such as the way people undergoing chemotherapy lose their hair. It can also be because we exert too much pressure on our hair strands with constant styling.

We should take note that it is perfectly alright to lose around 50 to 100 hair strands a day. Our hair grows to a certain length for a certain time before our scalp sheds it to lead to the growth of new hair. Sometimes, it looks like we are losing more than 100 strands a day, but that could be because hair previously shed got tangled with the other strands and only got freed with the shampooing or the brushing.

If ever hair loss does happen to us, we should remember that it is not the end of the world for us. There are solutions to dealing with hair loss such as medication, transplantation or replacement.

When you go to a hair restoration clinic, you can expect the doctor to advise you to take medication first to treat your hair loss. Or, he or she could diagnose that your hair loss may be the result of another underlying illness, and he or she will look for symptoms of such illnesses in your body. Anyway, if the doctor tells you to take medication first, he or she will either prescribe to you the drugs Propecia or Rogaine.

Propecia is the brand name under which finasteride is marketed. Finasteride is a formulation that is intended to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that is thought to be responsible for hair loss. Propecia is taken orally, but its effect lasts for only as long as the drug is consumed. Women are not usually prescribed to take finasteride, because it can result to birth defects on male babies.

Rogaine, on the other hand, is the brand name of minoxidil. It is applied topically on the scalp. Just like finasteride, the effects of minoxidil last only as long as the drug is used.

If you wish to undergo hair transplantation surgery, your attending doctor will have to determine if you are a candidate for such a procedure, because not everyone can go through this kind of treatment. But if you do proceed through the surgery, what the doctor will do is to graft individual hair strands onto your scalp, imitating the natural growth pattern of your hair as closely as possible.

For people who do not wish to spend so much money on surgical procedures or on medicine that may or may not work, there is always alternative medicine like acupuncture. Some experts claim that acupuncture works in encouraging hair to grow back onto the scalp. What acupuncture does is to stimulate nerve endings on the scalp and improve the circulation of blood to the scalp. With increased circulation, more nutrients are brought to the scalp, encouraging new cells to develop in the hair follicles. The blood flow also enables the quicker repair and replacement of damaged cells.

If medication and hair transplantation does not work, there is always hair replacement - another term for wearing a wig. Wearing wigs can be fun, trendy and stylish. The really good wigs are now made so that the wearer does not have to fear the wig being blown away by the wind or skewed by sudden movement. If you choose to wear wigs, just take care to wash them often so it does not irritate your skin.

Hair loss can be inevitable for some of us, but it is not the end of the world. There is always a solution to it.

Easy Tips For Fairer Skin Complexion...

Whitening Complexion:

For a person to look beautiful he should be fair in color. The person can not be changed from dark skin to totally fair skin but noticeable changes could be done.

Whitening can be done by following ways:

* Apply the mixture of sandalwood paste and rose water on your face daily.

* Make a fine paste of grinded almonds and rose water and apply it on neck and face. This brings glow on the face.

* Soak the raw potatoes for ten minutes in cold water. Rub these slices over face, neck and hands.

* Soak four almonds every night. In the morning grind them after removing their skin till they become fine. Add one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk and four drops of lime juice. Make a paste and apply in on face. Massage the face gently.

* Apply the seeds of grapes on face and neck.

* Make a mixture of grinded cucumber and mix it with coconut water and then apply on face.

* Mixture of turmeric powder and sandalwood paste should be applied daily on face.

HOW DIET CAN IMPROVE APPEARANCE !

The old adage, "you are what you eat," is getting a 21st century makeover.


Until recently, most dietary advice has focused on weight management and disease prevention. That focus is now expanding to specifically look at how what people eat can affect how they look.

New research is examining the role of key nutrients in preserving a youthful appearance.

* Vitamins A, C and E, for example, are essential to healthy skin.

* Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, helps block UV radiation. Carrots, spinach, butternut squash and cantaloupe are all great sources of this complexion-protecting nutrient.

* Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants that help encourage skin cell turnover and collagen formation. Broccoli, citrus fruits, red peppers and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C, while vitamin E is found in almonds, avocados and dark, leafy vegetables.

* It's always best to choose food sources of such nutrients over supplements, which may not deliver the same benefits and can even increase disease risk, according to some studies.

Other alimentary advice to consider for people who want to put their best face forward:

* Eat good fats like those found in seafood and walnuts to reduce the inflammation that may lead to wrinkles.

* Avoid refined carbohydrates, which can cause insulin spikes and breakouts.

* Drink plenty of water and keep alcohol to a minimum to make sure skin stays hydrated.

* Strengthen nails by including biotin-rich foods in your diet (such as cooked eggs, soybeans and rice bran).

Looking great also means keeping body weight under control. Natural, whole foods like fruits and vegetables provide the foundation of a well-balanced diet. People will get more than just age-defying antioxidants. The high fiber and water content of such bulky, low-cal fare will keep hunger at bay.

TIPS TO REDUCE FACE WRINKLES...

FACE WRINKLES:

Wrinkles generally are due to age, Stress and dry skin. You should always keep the areas around the eyes mouth and nose and also the neck well cared for and moisturized.

Take 1 tbsp of cold milk and add 3-4 drops of lime juice. Rub this paste well into the wrinkles before going to sleep. The next morning wash with warm water and dry with a rough towel firmly. Once again rub in the cream - in the direction opposite to the wrinkles. Wait for ½ an hour and wash, avoid using soap.

Tip 1:

Rub the pulp of a ripe Papaya on the face and leave for ½ an hour before washing.
This is a very good toner also.

Tip 2:

Rub almond oil on the wrinkles in upward strokes. Leave overnight and wash with warm water next morning.

Tip 3:

Cut open a Vitamin -E capsule, add ½ tsp of glycerine and apply. Wash after 15- 20 minutes.

Tip 4:

Add ½ tsp honey to 1 tsp rice powder. Smoothen the lines with this paste. Leave for ½ an hour and wash.

Tip 5:

Mix 1 tsp honey with 1 tsp of milk cream. Apply well. Wash after 20 minutes.

Note: Treatment for wrinkles should be done everyday for a period of 30 - 40 days to have visible results.

HOMEMADE REFRESHING FACIALS...

Facial Recipes:



Treat yourself and your skin to some TLC. Give yourself a facial.

It's not only good for you, if feels great too. You can make a facial from ordinary kitchen goods. Here are some recipes which are inexpensive to make and you probably have the ingredients right in your kitchen.

Honey Facial: * (warning - do not use this if you are allergic to eggs!)

* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 egg yoke
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Beat the egg yoke with a fork, add the oil and blend well. Add the honey using a spoon that you have rinsed with hot water and blend well again. Smear it all over your face with your fingers, except do not cover your eyes. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse it off.

Cucumber Facial:

*1 cucumber
*1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
*1 teaspoon witch hazel (you can buy this in any drug store)
*1 egg white, beaten with an electric beater until fluffy.

Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through, catching the liquid that comes out in a bowl underneath. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Put it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse off.

Refreshing Fruit Facials:
PEACH TIGHTENING MASK:

* 1 Peach, ripe, peeled, pitted
* 1 Egg white

Whip the peach and egg white together in a blender until smooth. Gently pat the mixture all over your face. Relax for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.

APPLE MASK FOR NORMAL SKIN:

* 1 Apple, cored & quartered
* 2 T Honey

Drop the apple pieces into a food processor and chop. Add honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat the mixture onto your face with a light tapping motion, tapping until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

CUCUMBER MASK FOR OILY SKIN:

* 1/2 Cucumber
* 1 Egg white
* 1 T Lemon juice
* 1 tsp mint

Puree everything and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm, then cool water.

STRAWBERRY DRAWING MASK:

* 1/2 c Strawberries, very ripe
* 1/4 c Cornstarch

Mix strawberries and cornstarch together to make a paste and apply it to your face, avoiding the delicate area around your eyes. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.

CITRUS FRESHENER:

* 2 cups boiling water
* 1 vitamin C (a preservative)
* Lemon peel (zest) from 2 lemons

Dissolve the vitamin in water. In a glass bowl put the lemon zest and pour the water over them. Let it sit over night. Remove the zest and put in a spray bottle. You can use any type of citrus peel.

BLEMISHED SKIN MASK:

* 1 Tomato, ripe, chopped
* 1 tsp Lemon juice
* 1 T Instant style oatmeal or old-fashioned rolled oats

Blend everything until just combined. Apply to skin, making sure the mixture is thick enough to stay on blemished areas: cheeks, forehead, or chin. If necessary, add a bit more oatmeal to thicken the mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then scrub it off with a clean washcloth dipped in warm water.

TIPS ON WEARING & BUYING A SAREE...

Tips on wearing and buying a Saree:

* Women on heavier side should buy sarees (saris) in Georgette, Chiffon or Chignon. Heavy Mysore Silk sarees (saris) look beautiful and one tends to look slimmer.

* Shorter women should buy sarees with small borders or no borders. They should definitely avoid big borders as big borders make one look shorter.

* Thin women should buy Organza, Cotton, Tissue and Tussar Sarees. These Sarees (saris) gives a fuller effect.

* In printed Sarees, avoid big prints, as it gives a gaudy and a huge look. Delicate print on a Saree, gives a delicate look.

* Dark skin color women should generally buy dark colours like maroon, green, dark pink etc.

* In office Pinup your Saree, this looks smart and is manageable too.

* For an outing or a function, just pinup the tip of the saree and let the rest fall on your hand. This gives a very graceful look. But of course the Saree should have a good fall.

* Cotton, Tissue or any starched Sarees should be ironed properly and at the time of draping, the pleats should be done with your hands pressing and shaping it properly.

* Put the pin on the back shoulder as this keeps the saree intact and does not show the pin too.

* Don't wear a very flared petticoat inside.

HOME REMEDIES & HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR HAIR...

Having healthy & shining Hair is one of the greatest asset. It has now become a multi million dollar business and is still growing very rapidly. One who can't afford extra expenses can manage it through natural herbal ways as well as through some effective home remedies.

Herbal Shampoo for Hair:

1. Shampoo of Multani Clay: Immerse 100 gm multani clay in water. After two hours make a paste and apply gently in the hair. Wash the hair after 5-10 minutes in winters with warm water and normal water in summers. If hair is very dirty do it twice a week; the hair becomes soft, silky and long. It brings a cool and light feeling.

2. Shampoo of flour of gram pulses: Apply paste of flour of gram pulse made with water on the hair twice a week and wash the hand after an hour. The hair becomes black, dense, clean, shining and soft. It also relieves itching or cures boils in the head.

Home Remedies for Hair Care:

1. Add one-gram black pepper in 100 gm of curd and apply in the scalp. Now wash the hair with warm water once a week. The hair becomes black and beautiful and stops falling.

2. Mix eclipta alba, black sesame, dry emblica myrobalan and sugar candy in equal quantities (all in powdered form). Take six grams in the morning on an empty stomach daily and drink 250 gm of milk over it. Take this treatment from one years, along with it take vegetarian food, and do not indulge in sex.

3. For graying of hairs, add black sesame and eclipta alba in equal quantity, chew one teaspoonful of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and drink fresh water over it. Take daily for six months. It is successful for all persons up to 40.

4. To prevent hair fall, mash beetroot leaves in heena paste and apply on the head also cures dandruff.

5. Warm 300 gm coconut oil with 3 gm of black pepper added in it. When it starts boiling stop heating, sieve with a fine cloth and keep in a bottle. Massage with fingertips in the night gently.

Immerse peels of lemon in coconut oil for 8-10 days in sunshine. Now sieve and apply in the hair. Hair becomes black and shining.

FACE SCRUBS...

Face scrubs are very good as they slough away dead cells and give a glow to the dead and lifeless looking complexion. Take care not to use a scrub when you have angry looking pimples on the face. A scrub can at times aggravate the situation.

To make it easier use the scrub under the category of your skin type. The same with face packs. Use only what is suitable to your skin. Though the homemade packs are very gentle and will not cause any harm, do keep in mind, any allergies you may have.

Oily Skin - Scrubs:

1. After a bath, and as a base for make-up use some diluted lime juice. Dab it on very lightly on the face. Wait for 10 minutes before using foundation or make up.

2. Diluted buttermilk is also dabbed on the face and left on the face for 10-15 minutes before any other application.

3. While preparing for a night out or a very special party, rub a cube of ice all over the face. Let it dry and then use make up.

4. Slice an apple very thinly. Place these on the face and leave for 15 minutes. These soak up extra oil and also helps to close pores.

5. Take 1/2 a cup of rice flour, and 1/2 a cup of mashed ripe papaya. Add the juice of 1/2 a lime. Wet the face and gently massage the face with the paste. Always do the neck also.

6. Take 1/2 cup of green gram powder, add 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Add enough water to make a paste. Use it to scrub the face gently. Wash with cold water. Do not use soap after the treatment.

Homemade Masks For Fairer Skin Complexion...

FAIRER COMPLEXION:

The masks mentioned below are very good to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. They must be followed for the specified time and inculcated as a daily routine.

Tip 1:

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Make a very fine paste with them, using milk to grind them.

Apply this paste on the neck and face before going to bed. Wash with cold water in the morning. Repeat daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

Tip 2:

Take 1 tbsp of gram flour and 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice. Mix well and apply. Wash after 15 minutes. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Tip 3:

Grind a cup of mint leaves to a fine paste. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash. Continue for 15 days.

Tip 4:

Grate a tomato. Add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply and wash after 20 minutes. Do this morning and evening for 15 - 20 days. Apply well on the neck area also.

Tip 5:

* Diluted Vinegar
* Potato juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
* Cucumber juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
* Diluted lime juice.

EYE CARE TIPS FOR COMPUTER USERS

Eye care for computer users:

Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it.

It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.

Which is why these tips should come in handy.

1. Know your eyes:

Tears: The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.

Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.

Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.

Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.

Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.

Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.

Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.

2. Exercise your eyes:

Dr Harish S Belvi, a practising ophthalmologist (eye specialist) based in Mumbai, says that regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: "First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work." It serves as a good workout for the eyes.

3. Look away:

While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.

4. Palming:

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

5. Splash water on your face:

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

6. Take a walk:

After you're done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.

7. Use tea bags:

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

8. Drink water:

Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.

9. Eat healthy:

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

10. Know your contact lenses:

"Ideally, a person who uses lenses should wear it for not more than 10-12 hours a day and occasionally for 14 hours a day," suggests Dr Belvi.

Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. The pool water houses various micro-organisms as there are several people using it. This may lead to fungal infections in the eyes. In addition, the chlorine in the water can damage your contact lenses.

"Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt," says Dr Belvi.

11. Eye dos and don'ts:

* Visit your doctor

"One should ideally visit their ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner," suggests Dr Belvi.

In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don't forget to check the prescription. It is always advisable to visit your ophthalmologist prior to visiting your optician. Remember, your ophthalmologist is trained to detect several other eye related diseases, apart from the reading of your eye power.

* Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work

"Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light -- such as full beam car headlights -- and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer," says Dr Belvi.

Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.

* Use re-wetting eye drops

An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.

In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? "When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes -- whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates)," says Dr Belvi.

"Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when required, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible."

The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.

* Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake

"Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight," warns Dr Belvi.

* Never rub your eyes

If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. "Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt," advises Dr Belvi. "If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist's help immediately."

Quick tips:

* Shelf life

Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.

* Discard

All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.

* Protective eye gear

While driving, wear protective eye gear -- especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.

Being healthy is a personal choice and one has to work hard at it. A balanced diet, regular sleep habits, a balance between work and rest, ad exercises -- all play a vital role in restoring our health and helping us maintain our eyesight.

FOUR MAGICAL WAYS TO BUILD SELF CONFIDENCE...

You have probably noticed those people at work, school, and in your daily life that always appear to be self confident and on top of world.


Everything seems to go right for these people and they always seem to present themselves as calm, collected and successful in everything they do.

If you are paying attention you have probably noticed that these self confident people usually are successful in every area of their lives.

Is this because they are smarter? Or is it because they have more money? Maybe they are just lucky?

The reality is that none of these things are necessarily true. Self confident people understand the impact of believing in themselves and relying on their abilities.

This confidence ultimately creates opportunities for success and with each new success another self confidence building block is put into place. Success builds upon success reinforcing self confidence with each new achievement.

Self confident people perceive themselves as able to achieve those things they set out to do and this perception creates reality in their lives.

Yes, perception creates reality. You can become the person you want to be. You have heard it said that if you can believe it you can achieve it.

So start believing in yourself, acting on that belief and you will start building self confidence in your life.

Here are some helpful tips to build self confidence one success at a time.

1. Make a list of your strong points.

All the positive things about yourself and the things that you are good at doing. Think of compliments you have received or things that come easily to you. It doesn't matter what it is, if it's good, write it down.

2. Choose two of those things that you want to work on to improve even more.

It's important to succeed and by concentrating on the areas you are already good at you will have a better chance of becoming even more sure of yourself. Remember that success builds upon success.

3. Exude confidence even if you don't feel like it.

Talk to yourself in an encouraging way and stay away from negative thoughts and people as you can.

Instead surround yourself with positive, confident, and successful people. This will become a habit and one that will build confidence.

4. Look at yourself in a different way than you are used to doing.

It can change your life and help your confidence level to rise. See yourself as the self confident person you want to be and before you know it you will become that person.

If you have a set-back do not let it get the best of you. Remember the times when you exhibited self confidence and how good it felt and then try again and each time will help you to build confidence and confidence building will become a way of life.

SLIMMING EXERCISES FOR KEEPING BODY IN SHAPE...

There are a lot of slimming exercises out there. But, in order to keep in line with the theme of this site , i.e.: Health, Fitness, Beauty. We pick several exercises as follows. From A to D, they are solely slimming exercise; and from E to H, they are exercises to keep your body line as firm as you like. However, though these exercises are harmless to perform in most case, it is better to consult with your exercise coach or medical advisors.

Get Rid of Excess Meat:

(A) Say goodbye to double chin:

1. Sit down relaxly on a floor. Legs put close together and stretch forward. The upper part of your body push slightly upwards.

2. Your hands put backward with your palms on the floor to help to support your body weight. After you feel comfortable with your position, start to do the exercise.

3. Raise your chin as backward as possible, then move your chin towards your chest as close as possible. Repeat these movements for 10-20 times.

(B) Get rid of excessive meat from your thighs:

1. Lie down and face up, raise your legs upwards and make it at a right angle to your body.

2. Open your legs as wide as possible.

3. Cross both legs together as hard as possible until you feel sour and pain at the legs muscles. Repeat for 20-30 times.

(C) Intensify shank muscle and get rid of excessive meat:

1. It needs a slightly raised platform to do the exercise. Height of platform should be between 10-20cm . The building of the platform should be rigid and cannot be easily moved. Stand relaxely with one third area of shanks on the platform.

2. Use the muscle at the shanks to lift up the body as high as possible.

3. Then slowly let the body down. Repeat this exercise for 20-30 times.

(D) Get rid of excessive meat at shoulder part:

1. Held dumb bells with both hands , with the palms facing forward.

2. Hold up one hand first, and hold it up until it reaches to the shoulder level without bending the elbow.

3. Then slowly put the hand down. Repeat the same movement but with the other hand. Repeat the whole process again .

Build up Good Body Line:

(E) Get rid of excessive flesh below hips for more slender legs:

1. Put both legs close to each other, stand up straight. Place both hands behind the head, hold up the back, use nose to breathe in.

2. One leg steps out on a platform prepared earlier, slightly bend the kneecap, press down another leg until the knee cap almost touches the floor.

3.Then breathe out completely. Then take turn with the other legs and repeat the whole breathing process.

(F) To get rid of excessive flesh above hip to make it firmer and raise it higher:

1. Kneel with one knee , both hands hold the upper body; one leg stretch to the back with toe touching ground lightly.

2. Use force on the hip , breath while holding and stretch hind leg straight, hold still for one second, take turn for the other leg.

3. Retract tummy muscle during exercise; lower abdomen should not be droping. Repeat both legs for 10-20 times.

(G) Quick Slimming from Back to Hip:

1. Lie forward, hands and legs slightly open straight while breathing in .

2. Stretch all muscles of the whole body by raising up the hands and legs as much as possible. And slowly breathe out in the process. Do not bend kneecaps, use strength on hips.

3. Do it for about 10 times.

Note: This exercise is more difficult to do, do not do it after meals.

(H) Beautify the thighs and hip line:

1. Open both legs wider than the width of shoulders, place hands before the head, stand upright with chest out.

2. Hold back straight, bend kneecaps, breathe in, press down body like sitting on an unseen chair. Breathe out and return to the original post.

3. Repeat the movement slowly for 10-20 times.

Warning : Those with lap troubles are not advised to do this exercise.

AYURVEDIC BEAUTY TIPS (FACE PACKS)

We all are creations of beautiful nature. There is no word as ugly in nature's creations. The judgment of grades of beauty lies in the vision of viewer. One looks beautiful and radiant only when his inner beauty surfaces. This inner beauty is gained through yoga, meditation and use of natural beauty enhancers.

Face Packs:

(1) Silk Cotton tree thorn paste ( For Pimples)

Ingredients :-

1. Big thorns of Silk cotton tree.
2. Milk

Method of preparation :-

Rub thorns briskly and circularly on a grinding stone (Available in Indian stores or temples) sprinkling milk at intervals. The paste start accumulating on grinding stone as the process continues. Collect the paste so formed and apply it as a face pack. This removes pimples and their marks.

(2) Split Orange lentils (Masoor dal) Flour pack ( Gives glow to Skin)

Ingredients:-

1. Split orange lentils (Masoor dal flour which is available in Indian stores) flour
2. Milk
3. Ghee

Method of preparation :-

Prepare a paste by mixing the flour with ghee and milk .Apply this as face pack. This enhances the glow of skin.

(3) Sandal wood powder pack (Rejuvenates skin)

Ingredients:-

1. Sandal wood powder
2. Turmeric powder
3. Milk

Method of preparation:-

Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. Apply this as face pack. This rejuvenates the skin.