Dry & Chapped Hands Remedies...

Homemade Chapped Balm Recipe:


Ingredients:

1 cup Cocoa Butter
1 cup Shea Butter
1/2 cup Jojoba Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax

Directions:

* If you have a large enough Pyrex measuring cup, place ingredients in that or just use a deep casserole dish of some kind. Loosely cover the top with foil (for steam and moisture to escape).
* Heat in oven at 180°F for two hours or until all ingredients are melted.
* Stir very well then pour into heat proof jars with mouths large enough for your hand to get in. Once cool, cover with lids and let set fully.
* Use as needed on dry or chapped skin (it doesn’t take much).

If commercial hand creams and balms are too harsh for your sensitive skin (due to perfumes, additives, etc.), a couple quick & easy home remedies you could try:

* Crisco Shortening (Plain) - Rub into hands just like a lotion. Strange, but true.
* Mineral Oil (Baby Oil)
* Olive Oil - Rub into hands
* Vaseline - Coat hands then cover in cotton gloves (at bedtime)

Beauty Defined...

With a multitude range of beauty products in market today, consumers are often seen cashing in on them for enhancing their skin and look beautiful. But can beauty be achieved only through them?


We receive loads of books about longevity with preposterous titles like Stop Aging, Start Living, The New Anti-Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock and The Science of Staying Young.

These books contain some practical advice. But at this stage of medical knowledge among most people, one has about as much chance of thwarting time as he or she does in personally preventing an ice storm, so that the New Year resolution can start right now by forgoing such books.

There is no way around the fact that every body skin included ages biologically over time, a process over which humans have forever grieved. It is the blight man was born for, the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote in 1880, anticipating the Botox era. Still, many skin experts recommend practical steps to maintain skin as it ages and to mitigate external factors like sun exposure and chronic stress that could accelerate changes.

These eight skin-care resolutions for 2008 are simple and inexpensive. Research in medical journals supports some of them. Others are based on the experience of skin doctors.

Discard old, used beauty products:


Because people may transfer bacteria from their fingers to pots of face cream, possibly leading to the growth of micro-organisms, some dermatologists recommend discarding products one year after opening them. Because micro-organisms may also grow in mascara tubes, creating the risk of eye infection, experts recommend replacing mascara three months after opening it. In United States, beauty products manufacturers are not obliged to print the expiry date. But European regulations require products whose minimum durability is less than 30 months to display an icon a graphic of a jar with an open lid indicating a products shelf life after it has been opened.

Stop smoking:

What’s good for your lungs may also may have positive effects on your skin. Some dermatologists, for example, said that the nonsmokers among their patients generally had younger-looking skin than smokers, whose skin appeared to have aged prematurely. And sometimes smokers have sallower skin.

But the research into such observations is conflicting. One study published in England, based on interviews and physical examinations of elderly patients, suggested that smoking a pack a day over decades was associated with skin changes like wrinkles that added the equivalent of almost a decade of chronological aging to the face. But another study in Finland, in which researchers performed biopsies on the arm skin of volunteers, found no difference in skin elasticity between smokers and nonsmokers.

Several other studies have linked smoking to an increased risk of skin cancer. But doctors said it is not clear whether smoking per se may increase the risk of skin cancer or whether smokers tend to sunbathe more than nonsmokers.

Unhand those pimples!

For those who can’t help squeezing their pimples, think again. People think they are squeezing something bad out, but they could actually be pushing bacteria deeper into their skin, creating an infection, said Dr Bradford R Katchen, a dermatologist in Manhattan. Subsequent inflammation could cause pigmentary changes, or worse. It could scar your face, Dr Katchen said.

More sleep, less stress:

Psychological stress may impair the skins barrier function, which keeps bacteria out and water in.

Studies have shown that the skin of people under chronic stress caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients or medical students during exam time will heal more slowly, said Dr Ladan Mostaghimi, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Wear sunscreen:

Clinical studies show that using sunscreen regularly can impede the development of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Less conclusive evidence suggests that sunscreen might also hamper basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, deadliest form of skin cancer. But dermatologists encourage patients to make sunscreen a habit for another purpose: vanity. Sunscreen use may inhibit sun-induced changes to skin’s texture.

If you look at your derrihre when you come out of the shower, its obvious that the texture is smoother and the coloration is more uniform than your face, which gets regular sun exposure, Dr Katchen said.

Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX, ingredients that work against both the suns longerand shorter-length rays.

Simplify your beauty:

Some dermatologists advise their patients to restrict skin-care regimens to no more than three or four products daily.

Dr Katchen’s prescription: a mild cleanser; a sunscreen or moisturizer containing sunscreen; a product that contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, pomegranate, soy and green tea; and an anti-wrinkle product containing ingredients like retinoids, a form of Vitamin A, or protein fragments called peptides.

Wash your face:


Washing off minute dirt particles, along with makeup, every evening gives the skin a rest from exposure to possible irritants.

As a general hygiene principle, it’s good to wash your face at night, Dr Sundaram said. But if you apply a greasy night cream after that, it is just going to clog your pores.

Rethink products that cost more than $30:

Consumers do not have a proven, objective method by which to determine whether more-expensive beauty products work better or whether they simply look fancier and emit more exotic perfume than less-expensive items containing similar ingredients.

Your chances of achieving good skin are not directly proportional to the amount of money you spend, Dr Sundaram said. All too often, what you are paying for is the packaging, the advertising and the celebrity endorsements.

For all the doctors’ advice and the follow-up, 2008 may be declared Year of the Drugstore.

Source:Timesofindia

Tricks To Slim Down...

Check out these great tips and tricks to help you lose weight, without trying too hard!


Breakfast:

Eat a heavy breakfast. Needless to say, heavy does not include fried foods. Stick to corn flakes, brown toast, eggs and the like, and you will not feel so hungry at lunchtime. The best and healthiest way to go is to breakfast like a King, lunch like a Queen and dine like a pauper. If you're still confused, we'll translate for you: breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day. Lunch should be lighter than breakfast, and dinner should be the lightest meal of the day.

Dinner:

Try sticking to tasty soups, mixed (baked or boiled) vegetables with mayonnaise, and garlic bread, at night. Not only will you lose weight, but you will also give your much-abused digestive system, a much-needed break.

Green Tea:

Did you know that green tea helps you lose weight? (Not if you add two spoons of sugar with every cup, though!) Opt for green tea without sugar or milk, but with a dash of lime, and try and drink at least 3 cups a day. In addition to helping you burn calories, green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties, and thus has great health benefits as well.

Spices:

Be generous with sprinklings of spices like garlic, Tabasco sauce and green peppers. They actually increase your body's calorie burning activity by 25%. Could there be an easier way to lose weight?

Yes! Surprise, surprise !

Sleep:

Get enough sleep. If you feel your body has a slow metabolism, getting sufficient sleep is a great way to boost it. This does not mean that you sleep for forty days and forty nights at a stretch and expect to wake up skinny as a bamboo stick! Sorry, but you're just not that lucky. However, if your body is not getting sufficient sleep, it slows down your metabolism. Try and catch eight to nine hours of sleep every night; you will end up burning more calories than you did with just six or seven hours of sleep.

Lights:

Did you know that dark rooms tend to make you feel low, and also cause you to overeat? And if you are one of those people who tend to eat more when they are unhappy, it's time to lighten up! Brighten your room, liven up the atmosphere - don't live in dingy surroundings. Add some cheer to your home! Bin those 60-watt bulbs and place 100-watt bulbs in your room.

Incentives:

Need some cutting edge incentive? If you have fat upper arms, get a tattoo high up on your arm. You can then work towards losing weight on your arms to show it off. If you want to lose weight on your belly, pierce your belly button or get a tattoo on your waist, just above where you wear your trousers. You will be aching to flaunt it!

Clothes:

Choose your clothes carefully:

* If you have large hips, wear shoulder pads so your hips look like they are in proportion to your body. Make sure the shoulder pads are not too big, nor are they too prominent. One should not be able to make out that you are wearing them.

* Don't wear clinging stuff in the hopes that it will make you look thin. Stay away from lycra.

* Don't wear clothes that are too loose.

* Steer clear from pleats.

* Wear one colour from top to toe to give an illusion of slimness.

* Wear fabrics like chiffon, that skim the body and show your curves, yet hide your fat.

Tips To Keep Hands Soft & Beautiful...

Hands very often are treated roughly. People treat them badly while washing clothes, dishes, scrubbing floors and working in the garden. Hands are so beautiful and important but one probably feels no need of taking care of them. One must take proper care of the hands.

Hands are the most precious gift given to the human beings from God. Like one takes care of other parts of body, hands too need proper care and protections. Hands are the most noticeable part of the body. One must give proper attention to them as one gives to the face.

By following some easy tips, one can maintain the natural beauty of the hands. The hands will definitely thank one for taking good care of them. Hands ask for a little care in turn of infinite jobs that they perform for us.

There are some useful tips that one can follow to keep the hands safe, soft and healthy:

* Always wear rubber gloves while working with harsh chemicals soaps and detergents. It is also necessary to wear rubber gloves while gardening or spading snow. Gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and prevent them from loosing natural softness.

* Prefer washing the hands with mild soaps or hand wash. After washing, pat dry the hands and apply a nice moisturizer to them. One should use a moisturizer that contains lactic acid’s urea, which is an essential hand care chemical that helps in binding water efficiently to the skin.

* For soft and beautiful hands, apply Vaseline or any other good moisturizer before going to bed. One will find hands amazingly soft by the morning.

* Exfoliate the hands at least once a week with a nice face exfoliater. One can also use weekly the night face cream on the hands before going to bed. One should use proper hand care lotion to prevent the hands from harmful sunlight and dry weather.

Vitamin C May Slow Skin Wrinkles...

Researchers now report that people who eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment that can cause aging of the skin. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

However, eating a bag of oranges every week is not going to bring about the desired results for your skin. In order to see the benefits of vitamin C on the outside of your body, you will need to find a way to combine a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin C with skin care products that contain this important nutrient. Scientists have now discovered how to use a variety of vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with less of the ingredient required for results.

Apart from intake of vitamin c there are also other ways to protect skin from damage and keep it glowing. Free radicals which damage the skin are accumulated due to excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Hence, skin has to be protected against these. Have plenty of water, when people are dehydrated wrinkles are much more noticeable. Use sunscreen and a good night moisturizer.

Mud Bath To Treat Skin Poblems...

Naturopathy

Since ancient period sand has been very effective in naturopathy, in removing the illness. It removes the inner obstacle of body & activates the blood.

MUD THERAPY:

Mud therapy opens the pores of skin & increases the blood circulation, till the upper layer of skin. It cures the inner obstacle & pain of body. It removes the toxic materials of body. In naturopathy illness like indigestion, skin disease, pain in knees, eye problem, head pain, chronic pain & metabolic disorder is removed through sand. In natural therapy treatment is done by applying:-

* Stripe of mud on eyes.
* Stripe of mud on stomach.
* Stripe of mud on the spine bone.

HERBAL MUD BATH:

* 2-3 foot pit is dogged near river or lake, & black oily sand is taken out. It is crushed & filtered. Than it is dried in sunlight. Before using it, soak it for 12 hours in water.

TO PREPARE THE HERBAL MUD:

* Black sand, yellow ochre powder, orange shell powder, white sand powder, rose leaves powder & turmeric is mixed.

* Pour the herbal mud in clean container, mix cold water in it. Make a paste by shaking it with wooden spoon in such a manner so that it can be easily applied on the whole body.

* After soaking it in water for 12 hours, apply it on the whole body & sit in sun for 15- 60 minutes, according to the need.

* When the paste is dried, remove it with cold water by massaging. This way mud massage will also be done.

Home Remedies For Skin Problems...

FACE - Skin Problems

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not a skin problem that only adolescents and teenagers face. In fact, many adults have it as well. However old or young, a commonality between the two lies in finding the ultimate solution to solving this painful condition. Here are some economical home remedies for clear and glowing skin.

Garlic has well known antibiotic properties making it an excellent treatment for pimples and acne. Peel and mash eight cloves of fresh garlic and apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on for about 15 minutes and wash off with a warm cloth.

Dilute some lemon juice with water and dab on pimples to kill germs, cool inflammation and improve blood circulation.

To loosen and cleanse blackheads, make a paste of oatmeal, honey and an egg white. Apply to the skin, massage for 10 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples. Most facial masks can be applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes then washed off with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.

Build Your Personality...

Tips for growing your relationship

SELF SACRIFICE:

It is not feasible to get your way all the time and expect to have a good relationship. You have to give in occasionally. Another thing to remember is avoid keeping score as some couples do.

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY:

Yes you sacrifice but it still bothers you that the other person doesn't reciprocate. You do not say anything but all the while resentment is quietly building. If you are upset then do not let it fester. Tell your partner why as soon as possible.
What's more, be ready to listen and try to understand their point of view.

THE SPACE:

Sharing intimacy and affection on a regular basis is healthy for any relationship but so is giving the other person room. Being in close proximity to your partner for an inordinate amount of time can feel downright claustrophobic.

Dry Mouth Causes Bad Breath

Dry Mouth Causes

It's a simple fact that having a dry mouth causes bad breath. It is probably not immediately obvious to many of us

why this should be so, but the explanation makes sense when you think about it. Our mouths are being constantly bathed by saliva. It keeps the tissues moist and contains antibodies and enzymes that help fight off infection. It plays a key role in controlling the population of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our mouths.

There are billions of bacteria living in our mouths - and before you rush for the antiseptic mouthwash, you should know that they are meant to be there. In most cases, they do no harm at all and even assist in breaking down food particles and preventing infection. Having a dry mouth causes some bacteria to do better, and others to do poorly. To make matters worse, among the causes of dry mouth are things that actually provide nutrients for an undesirable group of bacteria - the ones that cause bad breath.

What are the causes of dry mouth? Well, first, there are things that decrease saliva flow. Sleep is one. Advancing age is another. Many drugs cause a decrease in saliva production as a side effect, as do alcohol and coffee, and of course, some medical conditions are dry mouth causes. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the environment at the back of the tongue where odor-producing bacteria live becomes more anaerobic, that is, there is less oxygen there, which favors the proliferation of these undesirable bacteria.

Other causes of dry mouth include exposure to air with a natural drying effect. Breathing through the mouth is the main factor here. It happens when we sleep and is worse if we snore. It happens when there is nasal congestion or inflammation of the sinuses, and some people just habitually breath through the mouth. Unfortunately, nasal congestion and sinus drainage, besides being dry mouth causes, contribute to bad breath by delivering nutrients to the back of the tongue in the form of nutrient rich drainage down the back of the throat.

Clearly, there are some causes of dry mouth that can be avoided. Coffee, alcohol, and some drugs are optional. Snoring can sometimes be treated, and humidity can be added to the air in a bedroom with a humidistat or humidifier. Colds and sinus problems can often be treated if they don't clear up on their own. Other dry mouth causes, however are simply not going to go away, and for these, you'll need to tackle the resulting halitosis with a good commercial product that acts on the odor-producing bacteria causing the problem at the back of the mouth.

Asian Beauty Tips...

The eyes are the most enchanting Asian feature and so special attention should be paid to them.

Remember this: black mascara and black liquid eyeliner are your best friends. If you have a fair amount of lid, then you may escape the use of eyeliners and mascara, but to enhance your almond shaped eyes, you can't do without these essential tools.

* Skin tone is a big factor when choosing hues for foundation, eye makeup and lipstick. Lighter shades will create a "washed out" look, while intense hues will add dramatic effect and bring to life the eyes and cheekbones.

* Use foundation and powder with a yellow undertone. Although many Asian women believe they need to wear pink makeup shades to counteract their natural skin tones, this creates a very unnatural, outdated look. Using yellow-based products do not make Asian women look more yellow, but rather they produce a natural, flawless look that is modern and beautiful.

Eyeshadow: The most important factor in deciding what colour and how to apply eye shadow is to take into consideration the amount of fold you have above the eye lid. If you possess a fair amount of fold, then you can boldly apply dramatic colors such as black, deep purple, deep turquoise (really stunning) and navy blue for night time wear and utilize the technique of multilayering colors. Colors that are especially flattering for daytime wear are bronze and light colours applied close to the lashes while more intense colors are blended on top.

Asian Hair: Most hair-color products on the North American market just don't work well on Asian hair, which is the thickest of all hair types. More often than not, any amount of lightening turns out brassy; even black comes out looking unnatural much of the time because it's a difficult color to match. Your best bet is to go to an experienced colorist. If you decide to try it at home, remember that thick hair tends to absorb dyes fairly quickly, and very dark hair is especially resistant to bleaching, so always do a strand test to get the timing right.

How To Get Fabulous Feet:

It's time to take off the sneakers and socks and slip your feet into a sexy pair of sandals. Here's how to make sure that your feet look terrific.

1. Soak your feet for about ten minutes.
2. Pat feet dry.
3. Clip toenails straight across. Or, if you would rather, use an emery board (but wait until toenails are completely dry).
4. Using pumice stone, remove any rough areas.
5. Massage cuticle area with a little oil or moisturizer.
6. Gently push back cuticles.
7. Apply foot lotion and massage into each foot.
8. Remove any excess lotion.
9. If you wish to apply polish follow the procedure below.
10. Put a small amount of polish on your brush; paint one stroke down the center of your nail. Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done.
11. Wait until polish is set (dry to the touch) and then apply the top coat. Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your pedicure, it will protect your nails as well.
12. Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next manicure or pedicure.

Which soap is best?

All soap contain alkali which break up the horny top layer of skin, allowing water to penetrate more (as well as to escape). Although normal skin renews this horny layer, repeated use of soap may weaken the repair process. This can cause extreme scaling and dryness known as chapping.
Perfume added to soap makes it much more appealing to use, but has no other virtue.... So then?

The safest soap to use is the simplest kind which has no added disinfectant, and no purfume.
While on the subject, remember that detergents, which are synthetic chemical compounds, will remove grease from the skin more effectively than soap. But their actions are too harsh for regular use and they easily cause chapping.

Glow Like A Rose:

For a rosy face...

These are homemade treatments that will put a rosy glow on your face :

1. Boil fresh rose petals and use this rose water instead of plain water for your skin treatments.
2. Prepare a rose facemask by grinding a handful of petals into a paste. Apply on clean skin and leave the application on for 15 to 25 minutes. Then wash with plain water (no soap). Your complexion will be smooth and glowing.

Oily Skin Controlling Cream...

To extensively remove oily skin that may cause pimples.


YOU WILL NEED:

* Oatmeal
* Egg white

PRODUCER:

Mix the egg white with oatmeal enough to create a creamy paste. Mix thoroughly and apply to face and neck liberally. Leave the mixture for 20 minutes and wash with clean water. Do this as often as needed.

Treatment For Your Feet...

TOP 5 TIPS FOR FEET

* If you haven’t treated your feet for a while, just this once go to a chiropodist and get your feet spoilt for a session. And it has to be a chiropodist - a pedicurist will pretty things up, but they won’t do the mega-makeover your forgotten feet probably need right now.

* Once your feet have been treated by the chiropodist, don’t wait for them to revert to their previous state before you deal with them again. You feet will now be at their best, so work on maintaining that perfection.

* Before every bath or shower, spend two or three minutes whisking over your feet with a foot file or pumice to remove dead skin. In a pedicure you do this after you’ve soaked, but day to day it’s better done before your bath as water hydrates the dry skin and you won’t always see which areas need to be tackled.

* Give yourself a major pedicure once a month to keep nails under control.

* Treat any unusual problems quickly. While you may not like to think about it feet do get some nasties on them - and pretty quickly too. So if you get corns, verrucas or fungal infections, sort them out as soon as you notice them. That way they’ll go more quickly and nothing evil (like lost toenails) will occur.

TREATMENT FOR YOUR FEET:

Treat your feet with this homemade foot bath, which will soothe aching limbs and speed up circulation:

* Boiling Water
* Green Tea (loose or bags)
* Peppermint Oil

Fill a bowl full of boiling water. Add five green tea bags - or two scoops of flaked green tea - and three drops of peppermint oil. Wait five minutes and check the water has cooled enough to put your feet in (if it hasn’t, add some cool water). Soak your feet for five minutes. Get out, pat them dry and apply foot cream or body lotion.

Tips To Make Your Hair Shiny...

Your hair is an important part of your appearance. If your hair does not look good, your entire appearance can be ruined. All of us would like to have beautiful, silky, shiny hair. But like a number of other beauty secrets many of us do not know how to make our hair shiny. Different hair textures need different ingredients to make it shiny. Healthy, shiny hair enhances the beauty of a person.

Fine Hair: for fine hair look for a shampoo with wheat proteins and polymers. These ingredients coat the hair shaft making it look thicker. Use spray volumizers. These are light enough and will deposit a light mist of shine in the form of droplets without wilting your hair.

Normal Hair: for normal hair use a shampoo that has silk amino acids, this softens and repairs hair structure. Lecithin restores hair texture. To add shine you can use gels and creams. First apply the product on your palm, rub your hands together and pat gently on to your hair.

Thick and Coarse Hair: Use pomades they will not only make your hair shiny but will moisturize your hair as well.

TIPS FOR SHINY HAIR:

* Use heat-activated shampoo

* Deep condition at least weekly

* Don’t use a lot of styling products as they can dull the hair by coating it.

* Use Strawberry hair mask: mash eight strawberries with one-tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage this into washed but damp hair. Cover it with a shower cap and then a warm towel. Wash out with a shampoo and then condition. This mask will give your hair a rich gloss.

* Increase the shine in your hair by giving your hair a cool blast of air to seal the cuticle after it is completely dry. If the cuticles are ragged then your hair will not shine.

* For blonde hair use a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water. This will make your hair shiny.

* For brown and red hair add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your rinse water.

* For shiny hair you can also mix one teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair, but do not rinse. Dry as normal.

Tips To Have a Baby Soft Skin...

Don't you hate having dry, ashy, or rough skin? By taking on a few simple habits, you can be well on your way to having baby-smooth skin.

STEPS:

1. Cleanse your skin once a day with soap, water, and a soft sponge.

2. The MOST important step- Ex-fo-li-ate! Exfoliate once a week or once a fortnight if you have sensitive skin. It will remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil and will leave your skin baby soft!

3. Pat dry with a towel. Don't rub or scrub - this damages your skin and also creates wrinkles later on in life.

4. Apply lotion or cream before you leave the steam-filled bathroom. This is the best time to moisturize your skin because your pores are still open and your skin is still moist.

5. Wear sunblock if you're going to step outside of your house. One of the reasons babies have such soft skin is that they haven't been exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays!

6. Moisturize especially dry or tough areas, especially the feet, elbows, knees, and hands, right before going to sleep.

7. Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs., you should drink 70 ounces of water every day. This will keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

8. Take a daily multivitamin to help your skin fight off damage and wrinkles.

9. After your shower put baby oil on your skin. Another step that is important to getting baby soft skin!

10. If you take a bath put 5 capfuls of baby oil in the water

11. After bath or shower dry skin and put on lotion

12. Put on powder after bath or shower

TIPS:

* Gentle, unscented soaps are best for your skin.

* Remember that your skin is your body's largest and most vulnerable organ. Take good care of it!

* In step 4 one can use baby oil, preferably with aloe vera and vitamin E, instead of lotion. Make sure there is some water left on the skin after patting dry, simply to avoid excessive oiliness.

* Add a handful of sugar to your favorite lotion and mix. Rub it into your dry skin and then towel it off.

Trendy Gym Clothing For Men...

With health, nutrition & stress relief taking centre stage in our ever more frenzied lives, gym, health club & fitness are more than buzz words today. Getting with a fitness regime is today seen as less a fad and more a necessity of life.

DRESSING FOR EXERCISE:

Before starting a fitness routine, you need to determine what kind of clothing and shoes you will need. Here are some tips for dressing for comfort when you work out.

SHOES:


These days, it seems like they make a shoe for almost every activity. It’s important to wear the right shoes depending on your activity of choice. For example, for running, you might want a lightweight shoe; for kick boxing, ankle-high sneakers will help protect your ankles. But the most important thing is to choose shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Make sure you have
enough room for toes with socks. Choose shoes that give your foot enough support, especially the arch.

Choose between regular lace up shoes or contemporary slip on type. If lace ups are your style of choice, then be careful to keep them properly tied while using gym equipment. If you don't, you risk injury.

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a sturdy pair of athletic shoes. Factory outlets are increasingly the best place to get branded shoes, at earthly prices. Do check the shoes carefully before purchasing though, as there maybe minor visible defects.

CLOTHING:

What you wear will depend on what your activity is, whether it's indoor or outdoor, and what the weather is like. When exercising you should make sure you don't get overheated, or too cold.
When exercising outdoors in chilly weather or indoors in air conditioned environs, make sure you wear enough layers. You can shed them if you feel too hot. Several light layers often work better than one heavy layer.


• The layer closest to your skin should absorb moisture & take it away from your skin. This could be a muscle vest or t-shirt.

• Another layer should provide warmth (if needed) and support to keep you comfortable as you move, such as a zip front jacket/ hoodie.

* Most importantly make sure your exercise clothes are comfortable. Loose-fitting track pants, cargos or shorts, paired with a comfortable t-shirt or sweatshirt are best. These work for most activities like weight training, hiking and kick boxing.


* Your clothes should allow you plenty of room for moving and stretching. Avoid pieces that have unnecessary cords, tight elastication and fastenings, especially around the neck, wrists and ankles. These could restrict your breathing, movement and circulation or get caught in equipment and cause injury.

* Fabrics like cotton that breathe (allow air to circulate) are best, so that your clothing doesn't stick to you too much when you sweat. It’s best to take into account a ‘support’ for high intensity cardio activities like running, kick boxing, aerobics and cycling.

Remember, you don't need to dress to impress just to be at ease and active!

Sole Searching !!!

Footwear is becoming the cynosure of all eyes. Shoe fetish or not, it’s nice to avoid footwear faux pas

THAT’S THE verdict: Flats are the new footwear imperative. They’ve been around for a while – the ballerinas, the gladiators and wafer-thin thongs. But this is when the craze for flats reaches grandiose proportions. It’s time to sit up and take stock of your shoe closet.

Sure, on the ramp, designer ensembles look uber glamourous when waif-like models are propped up on four-inch stilletoes or hefty-sole platforms. But as you saunter through the mall on a Saturday afternoon or even as you sip coffee, sitting crosslegged in front of your date— flats lend a free-spirited, vivacious vibe to your persona. Besides, anyone who plans to wear this season’s thigh-skimming baby doll dresses, micro minis, tents and leggings, should take the lead.
The new silhouette is youthful and flirty. And flats, with their effortlessly earthy look, can do
wonders for it.

Many of you might have gone “Pas moi!” seeing a pair of flats. Like the perpetually high-heeled goddess, Malaika Arora-Khan admits, “I have to be really unwell to wear flats. I love my heels. So for me, they’re never out.” But fashion pundits recommend the low road every once in a while. Think of Twiggy who looked fresh and gamine in her minis and flats way back in the 1960s.

PROP ME UP:

It starts with basic physiology. Shoes really determine the way we walk and carry ourselves. Any woman would agree that her shoes dictate her comfort level at any given time of the day. “Those accustomed to heels are used to arching their lower back out and being pitched forward. This instantly sexualises a woman’s silhouette and hence her mindset,” says stylist, Pria Agni. Agreed, the hopelessly heel-addicted might feel rather inelegant without that extra prop. Supermodel Jesse Randhawa points out that while she does walk the ramp in some dangerously high heels, she personally likes flat footwear, “I prefer staying closer to the ground and kick some ass when the need be,” she adds cheekily.

HOW TO WEAR FLATS:

Flats needn’t spell out virginal princess all the time. “A jewelled flat with a revealing cut can be fabulously sexy,” says model and actress Munmun Datta. Embellished flats seem to be the way to go. Pria recommends tie-ups or flats in candy colours and innovative materials like chiffon and straw to add the required style quotient. “Mary Janes, a retro style in an open toed option is very hip too,” she adds.

Sujata Assomull, Director Communications, Murjani Group who is bringing the very swank Jimmy Choo to the country, says, “We’re going towards the shift dresses of the 60s and flats look great with skinny jeans as well. They’ve transcended their role from practical musthaves to ultimate fashion accessories.” Touché to that. If Jimmy Choo says so, who’re we to disagree? Also featured in their upcoming Fall-Winter collection are gold and anthracite strappy nappa sandals with long ties that wind around the ankle.

PAIN AND GAIN:

While stilettos have acquired a bad name for the evil things they do to our feet and backs, Dr. Gaurang Desai explains that wearing wafer-thin flats for long periods can be equally harmful. “They have zero shock absorption and no arch support. Heels aren’t the greatest but flats are no better. Ensure that your soles have some sort of padding if you’re going to be wearing them for long hours,” he says. The perpetually high-heeled end up getting their Achilles tendon permanently shortened and calf muscles tightened. Desai mentions a painful condition called ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ which results from an inflamed fascia— the fibrous band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes.

To counter other such unmentionables, shoe divas recommend alternating between flats and heels. It appears that there is no ideal heel height. Flats are ultra hip but we need some heeled comfort once in a while. Get swinging! Alternation is the way to go.

BEST FOOT FORWARD:

* Slip-ons or thongs in leather or jute: for a casual afternoon in lounge pants or even teamed with a summer dress.

* Roman sandals in basic leather: you could tie these up to your ankles or mid-calf to go with that shift dress.

* Flat pumps or ones with slight heels: the all purpose shoe.

* Close-toed basic heels in black: for the quintessential formal look.

* Flat boots or flat slouch boots in suede: for when the fashionista strikes.

* Embroidered jootis: to lend an ethnic aura to your Indian wear of fusion ensembles.

Skin Care Tips For Men To Look Young & Feel Young...

Skin care tips for men

The new-age mantra is to look young and beautiful always, have a good physique and glowing skin. Anti-ageing creams, cosmetic surgery and television makeovers are ruling the psyche of every man, woman and child today. People are willing to spend huge amounts of money on beauty products and procedures to look and feel younger. The fashion conscious male of the 21dst century too is going to great lengths to feel younger and stay younger.

But, if truth be told, you do not need to spend a fortune on your appearance to look good.

These simple and inexpensive ways will help you look young and feel young.

Keeping your skin looking healthy and young:

Dry skin look dull and makes you feel that too. Use a moisturizer on your face, hands and feet daily to prevent your skin from drying and cracking. A good eye cream will keep the dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes away giving you a fresh look. Always keep a special hand cream at the sink and desk and use periodically, to prevent chaffing and drying especially in cold conditions.

Whitening agent for your teeth:

You can use tooth whiteners to give your teeth a pearly look or ask your dentist to recommend some professional grade options. A whiter and brilliant smile goes a long way in adding allure to your countenance.

Protect yourself from excessive and harmful rays of the sun:

The sun’s rays though in small doses is good, excessive amount of sun can damage your skin and can even lead to skin cancer Always protect yourself with a good sunscreen. It will give your skin glowing and make you look younger

Hair problems:

Ensure that you keep your eyebrows neatly trimmed. Beards and goatees may add to your charm but a clean shaven look makes you look better and younger. Many men have hair sprouting from their ears and noses. Keep these under check through careful trimming. You can pick up an ear and nose hair trimmer at your local drug store. They are simple and easy to use.

The importance of color:

Always wear colors that complement your skin and eyes and those that suit your image.

Managing dark circles under your eyes:

A good night’s sleep and eating healthy will help rid you off your dark circles. For hereditary or chronic problems of dark circles use products such as Hylexin by Bremmen Research Labs. Under-eye concealers can do the trick during emergencies.

Eye-care:

Substituting contact lenses, soft, hard or even colored will help you to look attractive, handsome and younger.

Exercising to maintain a good physique:

Try to incorporate some form of exercise in your daily routine, whether it is jogging in the park, running on the treadmill or simply a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Exercise helps you maintain good posture, boosts energy levels, alleviates stress and increases blood flow to keep you looking fit, healthy and young Looking skin.

Causes & Remedies For Dark Skin...

Though a lot of people have naturally dark skin, darkening of skin could also be due to hyper pigmentation and various other reasons. A dark colored skin has more of skin pigment Melanin, as compared to a fair skin. Unfortunately, increased quantity of melanin can cause the skin to look blemished and patchy.

Causes for Dark Skin:

The causes for a dark skin or complexion could be many. Some of the most common ones are

* Heredity - People who have a dark skin often have children who are dark-skinned too. The genes seem to pass on from generation to generation.
* Hyper Pigmentation - In this condition the skin produces too much of the pigment melanin, causing the skin to become darker than usual.
* Skin Disorders - Conditions such as Lichen Simplex Chronicus is a skin disorder that causes severe itching that leaves the skin thick, dark and patchy.
* Sun Rays - Over exposure to sun causes the skin to tan. This is a natural mechanism, wherein to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun, the skin produces more of the pigment melanin which shields the penetration of UV rays into the skin.

Remedies for Dark Skin:

Here are some simple home remedies that you can do to lighten the skin tone and get a lighter complexion. However, they must be done regularly and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily routine.

* Mix 1 table spoon of milk powder, 1 table spoon of honey, 1 table spoon of lemon juice, and ½ table spoon of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

* Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.

* Place sliced raw potato on the face. It helps reduce blemishes and other marks.

* Applying turmeric powder along with lime juice removes the tan. Lime juice is natural bleach.

* Dried orange peels mixed with curd also help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.

* Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

* A table spoon of gram flour mixed with 2 table spoon of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

* Apply a paste of fresh ground mint leaves and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wash with cold water, continue for 15 days.

* Apply a mixture of grated tomato with 2-3 drops of lime juice on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice a day for 15-20 days for best results.

Diet for Dark Skin:

Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a healthy glow. Drinking an optimum amount of water hydrates your skin and keeps it blemish free. Some recommendations regarding diet are as follows

1. Avoid excessive consumption of heavy and oily foods.
2. Incorporate whole cereals, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
3. Drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day. Water washes out the toxins from the body.

Types Of Womens Perfume...

The common person often does not understand and know about the types of womens perfume that are available providing different fragrances for different body chemistry. By understanding and knowing about the different types of womens perfume a person can buy and wear scents that are suited to them and will produces the positive benefits of perfume. There are some simple basic bits of knowledge that will prove useful for the perfume buyer and wearer.

Types Of Womens Perfume Groups:

The basic breakdown of womens perfumes is in the type of scent that is the basic ingredient. There are different smells that a perfume is created from and that will be an asset or detriment to the wearer. Perfumes can be defined as floral, oriental, woody, fresh, and fougere. These labels of perfume types are determined by the type of scent that they create and the ingredients they are created from. A basic floral will be the scent of a flower, a fresh scent will be a citrus or natural smell and a woody will be created by using the barks and oils of different woods. By understanding these simple breakdowns in the fragrances a person can choose the type of women's perfume they want and that will blend with their body type to create a tantalizing aroma.

Types Of Womens Perfume Strengths:

The most basic type of womens perfume strength is a true perfume. A person who wears true perfume will have an expensive small bottle of the strongest concentration of the scent. Perfume is concentration of aromatic oils that will be at least twenty percent. By using the true perfume a person will have the full essence of the fragrance offering an unmistakable aroma.

For the average person on the average day a less expensive, lower concentration of a perfume will be completely appropriate. The eau de perfume, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne will all be reduced concentrations in order of listing. These concentrations can be bought in larger quantities for less money making them affordable types of womens perfume strengths.

Learning Types Of Womens Perfume:

For the person who wants to learn more about perfume taking the time to study these various groups and strengths will be very useful. By looking at the more popular brand names and perfume and defining the group of scents they fall into a person can quickly determine what the fragrance will be like. Some scents are obvious as to their group. For example, Lily of the Valley is a floral. Other classic scents are well known in the perfume industry but a newcomer will need to investigate their category.

Not In Vein !

Varicose veins are enlarged veins, mainly in the feet and the legs. They are largely a cosmetic concern, but sometimes can cause pain and discomfort, which can lead to complications. Women are more likely to suffer from it specially during pregnancy and menopause. Aging reduces the tone in the veins and also causes wear and tear of the valves. Sedentary lifestyle and standing for long periods are other reasons. Corrective surgery is available, but should be considered only if other treatments fail.

DIET:

* High protein diets are recommended.
* Proper nutritious diet should be taken during pregnancy.
* Avoid high calorie foods as obesity can lead to varicose veins.
* Watch your salt intake.

EXERCISE:

* Calf muscle exercises improve blood circulation in the legs.
* Proper antenatal and postnatal exercises reduce risk of varicose veins in pregnancy.
* Wearing elastocrepe stockings for 10-12 hours, and walking in it for an hour, help to support veins in the legs and improve blood flow.
* Yoga also helps.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

* Position of legs should be changed frequently.
* Avoid sitting cross legged.
* Avoid high heels. Wearing proper footwear is important.
* Watch your weight. I Use staircase instead of lift.
* Tilt your bed to raise its foot end.
* Stop smoking.

Source: Timesofindia

No Gain Without Pain !!!

If pottering about the house is your idea of fitness, you have got it all wrong, says Norbert Rego

YOU walked to the railway station this morning, marched up the escalators, and when you get back home, you’ll walk your pet. Is this sufficient to remain fit? Sadly no, says research.

“Light exercises do not provide the required cardiovascular reserve. One has to indulge in a variety of fitness programmes — treadmill, swimming, light running and jogging. These exercises decrease fat, enhance and improve circulation, increase muscle mass, regulate body metabolism and keep a person fit, physically and psychologically, says Dr Sanjeev Jain, consultant, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai.

Keeping fit generally means having a good exercise tolerance so that one does not tire easily. The main systems in the human body involved in day-today functioning and directly affected by exercise are the cardiovascular system (heart for pumping blood) and pulmonary system (lungs for supplying adequate oxygen for energy). A healthy cardio-respiratory system leads to a well-functioning gastrointestinal system (stomach, bowels, etc), which is then able to absorb the required nutrients and supply the body with proper nourishment. This leads to a healthy mind and body.

“To improve efficiency of the cardio-respiratory system, one needs aerobic exercise, ie, a workout which increases exercise tolerance. However, to be effective, it should be done at a pace that will surprise the body and force it to keep up with the higher level of activity. It is ideal to push heart rate up to 80 per cent of the maximum advisable limit for your age and health, after seeking medical advice. This will increase the overall Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) , and make the body more efficient,” says Dr Kaushal Malhan, consultant, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai.

“To remain fit, one has to keep all the joints moving and keep muscles toned to support skeletal system. This improves posture, controls muscular and joint aches, improves skin circulation,” adds Dr Jain.

A research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that women who did more than eight hours a week of heavy housework were actually slightly more likely to be overweight than those who did none — and no amount of vacuuming, scrubbing and cleaning lowered resting heart rate, which is an indicator of enhanced aerobic fitness.

Since we all have different levels of fitness, it's impossible to prescribe any single activity or target heart rate as suitable for all. There is evidence that brisk walking protects women from diabetes and heart disease, but for most middle-aged men, walking simply isn't challenging enough. Men who want to reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease should consider jogging, circuit training, running or competitive sports.

Source: Timesofindia

Body Speaks A Thousand Words - Body Language

Your body speaks a thousand words. You can tell so much about a person by looking at them and by observing their movements. Does the person you are talking to, like you? Is he enjoying your company? Is she trying to wriggle her way out of the conversation? What kind of a person is your prospective employee, employer or partner? Here are a few dead giveaways that will give you insight into the personality of a person, and indicate what he or she is feeling during a conversation.

Slouching:

A person who stands erect gives the message that he is emotionally strong, knows what he wants and how to get there, and has confidence in his abilities. A person who slouches is essentially an introvert, (though he may have overcome his shyness with the passage of time) is self-conscious or is simply laid back.

Arms crossed:

Observe the way your companion is sitting. Are her arms crossed around her chest? This is a closed position, and it shows that she is not very comfortable with the direction the conversation is taking. She is possibly trying to protect herself emotionally, and is involuntarily shutting you out. If she is leaning back and sitting with her arms across her chest, she could be feeling defensive, and is possibly trying to draw away from you. She could also be disagreeing with what you are saying. This stance doesn't denote lack of interest it is a combative, defensive or self-conscious stance.

If you see a lady standing with her arms crossed, it shows that she is feeling uncomfortable, and that shed really rather be somewhere else. She is slightly nervous, and doesnt really know what to do with her hands, so she crosses them across her chest.

Leaning in:

If a person leans towards you while talking, it indicates interest, while if she leans away from you, it means that her attention is starting to waver. Change the subject, quick!

Touching:

If your companion gently taps you on your hand or on your shoulder when you are saying something, it indicates a definite interest in the conversation. It could also mean that the person is attracted to you, or is extremely comfortable in your company.

Feet:

If you are standing and conducting a conversation with someone, observe where his feet are pointing. Are they pointing towards you, or away from you? If they are pointing towards you, it is a good sign and it shows that he is interested in what you have to say. If they are pointing in another direction, it means that he is looking to walk away from you.

Eyes, eyes baby!

Is your companion making eye contact with you? If eye-contact is good, the person comes across as comfortable in the present situation, and interested in what the you are is saying. So if you want to pay attention to what a person is saying or convey interest in the conversation, make sure you look into your companions eyes. This doesn't mean that you stare non-stop; staring is a little rude, not to mention psychotic! But constantly looking around the room while taking indicates lack of interest. It could also indicate that you are a shy person, or that you are feeling self-conscious. So if the person you are speaking to is avoiding eye-contact, don't jump to conclusions that she is not interested in what you have to say. Shes probably just shy.

Direct eye contact is also good to use when being interviewed, as it shows confidence and conviction in what you are saying.

Liar, liar! Is the person you are speaking to, looking to his left or to his right? Studies suggest that if someone is fibbing, he will look slightly to the left while speaking to you, as he is using his creative brain, while if he is being honest, he will look to his right!

Adjusting clothes/hair:

If your companion sub-consciously adjusts her clothes, it indicates that she is interested, and not just in your conversation! If she pats her hair, it could also be a possible indicator of interest, but don't read too much into this. Women love their hair, and tend to enjoy playing with it, whether or not they are really interested in the person they are talking to. However, if men pass their hands through their hair, it's a dead giveaway that they want you to perceive them as attractive.

Remember, look for more than one sign before you jump to conclusions. If your companion crosses her hands, it may simply be because she is feeling cold, but if she crosses her hands, leans away from you and glances around the room instead of at you, she's definitely losing interest in the conversation. So use your judgement while observing body language.

Homemade Skin Cleanser

Save face (and neck) with this soothing and moisturizing treatment.

Unless you spend the summer at the movies, your skin is bound to suffer. Sun, sweat, and wind can leave the skin on your face irritated, greasy, parched—in other words, a mess. To the rescue: this Yogurt-Honey Cleanser created by Linda Collins of Salon Blue in Carle Place, New York. "The lactic acid in yogurt softens and soothes the skin," Collins says, "while the honey cleanses and moisturizes it."


What you need :

1 cup plain yogurt
2 ½ tablespoons of unflavored honey
teaspoon lemon juice (for oily skin)
Cotton pads (optional)
Warm water

How to get started :

* In a bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey. (For oily skin, add teaspoon lemon juice to help absorb excess oil.) You might want to patch-test the mixture first, behind one ear. Wait one hour, watching for any irritation.

* With clean hands or cotton pads, apply the mask liberally to your freshly washed face and neck (even your décolletage), and leave on for 5 minutes.

* Rinse well with warm water, lightly pat dry, and follow with your favorite moisturizer. Repeat one or two times a week.

Look Good Instantly !

It is the time of year when you gear up to look your best. You need to look naughty and natty, gorgeous and glamorous -- all at once! Feeling good has a direct bearing on looking good. Even if you are not regular with exercises and do not think much about your eating habits, here are some quick tips . The instant glow that fills your body and mind might be the best stimulus for the hectic partying season.

* Have gallons of water and herbal tea. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water that can include coconut water as well. A well-hydrated face and body always looks fresh. Here is an easy recipe of herbal tea that keeps your digestive system in check. It can be taken after your meals or just before you go to sleep. Pour a teaspoon of cardamom, one tablespoon of clove, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of black pepper into a teapot. Then pour three cups of boiling water into the mixture, and keep it for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. You may sweeten it with honey.

* Eat an apple and drink water or vice versa before attending a party. You will eat less if you are someone who likes to monitor calorie consumption.

* Eat a little dark chocolate if you are feeling low. It will pep you up in a trice. l People prone to acidity should be extra careful during festive time. A simple solution is to sip a glass of warm water, to which one or two cloves have been added.

* A good way to beat a sluggish digestive system is to put ajwain (carom seeds) in boiling water. Add rock salt or a pinch of common salt, strain it after 10 minutes or till the water becomes warm, drink straight.

* Another excellent potion that will take care of your digestive system as well as keep you warm this winter is the following: mix a teaspoon of cardamom, one tablespoon of clove, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of black pepper. Put the mixture into a teapot. Boil three cups of water and then pour it and keep it
for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. You may sweeten it with honey. Drink this after your meal.

* Tired eyes are the first signs of heavy-duty partying. Here's some quick-fix tips to bring alive the glint to the windows to your soul. Do it 5-6 times a day and don't forget to remove your contact lens while doing the following:
(1) Rub your palms together for about 25 seconds thrice, then place it over your eyes (shut)
(2) Splash your closed eyes with cold water.

* A breathing exercise that relaxes taut nerves. Shut your eyes. Take a deep breath. Slowly inhale. Take a pause. Then exhale equally slowly.

* Another technique guaranteed to make you rock at any party. Try it just before you set out for the night: Lie down. Feet slightly apart, palm facing upwards. Eyes shut. Follow your breath caressing every part of your body. Then shift your attention to the thoughts clouding your mind. Let it pass through your mind like a stream of consciousness. Gradually you will feel very relaxed. Do not sleep as this is conscious relaxation. Once you get up, you are fully charged.

* Take a walk or jog gently for about 20 minutes in the morning. See the energy and radiance that emanate from you.

* You have had a depressing day at work and have little time or inclination to feel upbeat about that party. Despair not. Just take a few drops of lavender essential oil, rub it in the centre of your palm, a little bit on the upper portion of your tummy and under your feet. Now lie down and relax. It will calm you. And you'll find yourself looking forward to the evening.

* For that instant glow, make a pack out of one papaya, quarter cup of yogurt and two tablespoons of honey. It'll take away your tan, dead cells and keep the skin silken soft.

* Put a little salt in yogurt and massage your face, body, neck, hands and feet. Leave it on for five minutes before taking a bath. It works like a skin polisher.

* To get rid of those puffy eyes, eye bags and dark circles, take a teaspoon of milk powder, a
dash of lemon and make it into a paste with tea-water. Apply an under eye gel. Then put on the paste. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with plain water.

* To impart that lustrous shine to your hair, take half a cup of grated coconut, half a cup of coconut milk, two teaspoons of honey and two drops of lavender essential oil. Mix them into a bowl, pour it onto your palms, apply on your damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Shampoo your hair and use conditioner if required.

* Bath is always rejuvenating, but this pack peps up your soul as well. In one teaspoon of carrier oil (almond/sunflower) add 4-5 drops of ylang ylang/vanilla/rose (to relax) or grapefruit/lavender and rosemary (to invigorate), lemon, orange or neroli (to refresh). Put this mixture into your bath water and laze about in the luxury of soothing aromas.

* For soft and sparkling hand and feet, clean with soap and pumice stone. Take a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of sugar. Add a few drops of essential oils like sandal wood/jasmine/rose, any massage oil like almond/olive/sunflower, and massage.

* To get rid of hangover, take a teaspoon of almond oil and add two drops of rose essential oil to it. Then massage the mixture around your face, neck and a bit of your stomach. In no time, you will be up, about, and raring to go.

Source:timesofindia