9 Easy Steps To A Pedicure

9 Easy Steps To A Pedicure

1.Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make sure your feet skin is in good condition. With these easy nine steps you too will have silky feet. So go ahead get ready to do your own pedicure.soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in warm water containing Epsom salt or foot soak

2.Use a pumice stone, exfoliating scrub to gently scrub the soles of your all over your feet and heel to remove dead skin.

3.Dry your feet.

4.Trim your toenails and push back cuticles.

5.Rinse feet once again and pat dry.

6.Massage feet with plenty of foot lotion. Body lotion, petroleum jelly or cream can be use to replace foot lotion.

7.Wrap feet on plastic bags and cover for at least 15 minutes.

8.Paint toe nails. Make sure to apply at least to coats of nail polish and a top coat of clear nail polish to give it more shine. Give it enough time to dry, before putting on any shoes. If you put on shoes too soon your pedicure will get ruin.

9.Enjoy your self given & low cost pedicure!

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Banana Mask for Oily Skin

Banana Mask for Oily Skin

Ingredients:

* 1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
* 1 tbsp honey
* An orange or a lemon

Preparation:
Mix the banana and honey together.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon.
Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth.

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Winter Makeup tips

For winters, regular skin care and cosmetics products are necessary for heavy makeover.

In the winter season, everybody wants to polish properly and look very glamorous.

One can use smoky shades for eye makeup, matte understated shades like chocolate, coffee and for lips use berry tones during wear winter makeup.

For women, velvet shades are the best for winter makeup.

One should keep in mind the following tips during winter makeup:
If one is using nude shades, a little sheen can be used on eyes for getting some change. These shades are used on lips for looking voluptuous.
People should use matt-based foundation during winters. Always use moisturizer or foundation with sun protection factor before going outside during the day in winter.
For getting fragrance, one can use spices, any natural aromas and essence of essential oils.
If one wants to give sport eyelashes as long, one should try fake eyelashes, which may be applied by using tweezers.
For subtle makeup, one can use sheer layer of creamy blushers.
During winters, Smokey eyes are looked very beautiful and best than other eye makeup. One can use coffee and cinnamon shades for eye shadows for getting sultry effect.
During winter season use black mascaras after using eyeliner. One can use shades of Aubergine for mascaras. One can also use waterproof mascaras in dark brown shade.
In winters, always use tinted lip balms in blackberry, red currant tones and blackberry.
For winter makeup, women should use tinted powder with little shimmer.
For winters, use small quantity of skin-priming moisturizers on the face and neck. Do not forget to apply the waterproof moisturizers behind the ears. Use of night cream will be heavy during winter season.

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10 mantras to beat hair loss

* Eat lots of paneer, spinach (palak), green veggies and milk.
* Regularly oil and shampoo your hair. That's a must at least three times a week, to nourish your scalp. Applied oil must be washed within 24 hours or else it could mix with dust and clog the pores.
* If you are allergic to oil then try to use medicated oil. Or else go in for a potion or hair tonic which has no component of oil. These too can nourish your scalp. They are also known as hair vitalisers.
* Henna is also a good scalp conditioner, but not a good hair conditioner as it tends to make the hair dry and brittle. Hence you must use oil after washing off the henna, before shampooing.
* Washing your hair after a session of rigorous exercise like gymming, jogging etc when the scalp tends to sweat a lot is a must.
* Once in a while chemical treatments like perming, chemical straightening etc are alright, but too much of it causes breakage of hair.
* Another reason for hair getting damaged is heat exposure to the hair and scalp, with a blow-dryer, hot oil or hot water and usings combs with sharp teeth.
* Never comb your hair when it is wet. Towel drying is the best way to dry your hair.
Why does hair fall?

Lack of hair oil, acute illness, dandruff, emotional shock or stress, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiency and hair colouring, sans the correct regime to go with it. Of these, stress is a major cause of hair loss and baldness, in India and this condition is called Alopecia areata. The cure for this is simple - learn to live a relaxed life through regular meditation, occasional massages, music, yoga and prayers, which are all excellent stress busters. Last but not the least, good hair is the barometer of good health, so practice these mantras and let your hair shine.

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Tips for Clearer Skin

Tip #1: Cleanliness is Key

Perhaps it is not news to you that washing your face regularly will help to keep breakouts at bay. But do you know exactly how to wash your face properly? First, begin with a cleanser for your skin type, and avoid a lot of additional fragrances and ingredients that might irritate your skin and give you more issues than when you started. Use a clean washcloth with every washing to avoid putting bacteria and other substances back on your skin from previous washing. Finish off with a cool water rinse that will close pores and give you a healthy glow.

Tip #2: Don’t Touch!

Messing with your skin is only going to cause more trouble, so keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. The touch-free zone should apply to your hair as well, so pin it back as much as possible. It is a good idea to wear a headband or ponytail at night as well, so your hair doesn’t fall on your face while you are sleeping and contribute to more blemishes in the morning.

Tip #3: Relax and Rest

Getting plenty of rest and avoiding stress is good for you in so many ways. It shouldn’t be any surprise that you skin will benefit from these healthy habits as well. Find ways to deal with your stress, whether it is deep breathing exercises, yoga or the occasional massage. Getting your forty winks every nights will also give skin a chance to rest and rejuvenate, leaving it looking clearer and healthier as well. Make sure that you are sleeping on a clean pillowcase every night so that your shut eye does not contribute to oil and bacteria buildup on your face.

Tip #4: Take it Off Every Night

Your makeup, that is. There are few things that you can do to clog your pores and contribute to breakouts more than sleeping in your makeup products. A clean face is a happy one for sleeping, so take off your face with a makeup remover or a gentle soap and water.

Tip #5: Choose Wisely

Anything that you put on your skin should be oil-free, whether it is your cleansing products, makeup or moisturizer. Even better – find an oil-free moisturizer with a built in SPF, so that your sunscreen does not contribute to your breakout issue. Another word to look for in your cosmetics is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.

By following these five easy tips, you will be on the road to clearer, healthier skin. Say goodbye to breakouts and hello to a healthy glow!

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Haircare Advice from Celina Jaitley

Haircare Advice from Celina Jaitley


Tip 1: My hair is like my mother's so I am genetically blessed with good hair. Honestly speaking, my hair doesn't require maintenance. However, the daily blow drying or curling does take a toll on my hair. So to counter those effects, I oil my hair regularly. Pure castor, almond, coconut and olive oils are very good for the hair.

Tip 2: I have never coloured my hair and I don't use any modern methods or treatments to care for my hair. I rely on dadi maa ke nuske to care for my hair. I put a mixture of curd, henna and lemon in my hair.

Tip 3: My mother used to wash my hair with beer and I continue to do so to this day. It makes my hair shiny and bouncy.

Tip 4: I trim my hair every month, about 2-3 inches. It is important to trim your hair regularly to get rid of damaged hair. Quality is more important than quantity.

Tip 5: Lastly, don't fret too much over hair fall. When you stop worrying about it, hair fall will automatically stop. Don't fall for the latest hairstyle trends like coloring, layered cuts or bobs. If you have straight and thick hair, maintain a uniform length because that makes your hair shine better than layered hair. If you have long, thick and straight hair, value it and don't cut it. Nothing looks more gorgeous than long hair that shines with health.

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Homemade Skin Care Tips

For Glowing skin

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
Take 1/3-cup cocoa, three teaspoons of heavy cream, 1/3-cup ripe papaya, 1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix it all together. Apply on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water. This is best for oily skin
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.

Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

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How to Get Beautiful Straight Hair

How to Get Beautiful Straight Hair

Having Beautiful straight hair has become almost every girls wish so I have just post this info to guide garls !

1) Choose a right and good brand straightner . Other unknown or cheap brands can spoil ur hair. Prefered straightner : Remington or GHD.

2) Using protection Before, During and After straightening is as essential as this will protect ur hair from getting thin or damaged.

3) Don't use any cheap gels for ur hair after or before straightening especially the ones that say " Ideal For Straightening " Those are the gels that make ur hair more hard and rough especially when used while straightening. If you want to keep moisture in your hair even though when hair is straightened use above mentioned protection. Thats the best solution.

4) Don't straight your hair too often. Many girls keep on straightening them even though their hair are straight. So avoid excessive straightening.

5) Take good care of your hair. Eat healthy vegetables especially the ones that are good for hair will also make straightening easier for you but will also look natural. So this is all what I have got for u garls but I sure will post more on hair care cozz I am also the one who gives a fair bit of priorty to hair.

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Deepika Padukone Beauty Tips

My daily skincare regimen involves cleansing, toning and moisturising. Healthy skin needs mild cleansing, for which I use gentle soaps. I use products that are mild and do not strip my skin of essential proteins. I am not much of a make-up user and stick to basics like a moisturiser, lip balm and a neutral foundation.

I don’t go for regular facials, but do indulge in clean-up sessions once in a while. Also, I am very particular about taking off the make-up before I go to bed. As a ritual, I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil every week. I think working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. It is also equally important to maintain a high emotional quotient and a positive attitude towards life.

How do you take time out for yourself after a hectic work schedule?

I take care of myself with homemade remedies and a balanced diet. Working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. I try and work out as often as possible. Since, I travel regularly, it becomes difficult for me to have a daily workout routine, but whenever I hit the gym I do cardio training and some light weights.

Thanks to my years dedicated to badminton, I have an athletic body. Also, since relaxation matters, no matter how busy my shooting schedules are, I always keep some quality time aside for family and friends.

What is your beauty advice for all the girls out there?

A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet and the correct skincare and fitness regimen all go hand in hand to make possible a beautiful you today and tomorrow. I am a firm believer in skincare the natural way. I am careful about using skincare products that are the right mix of nature and science.

One should never try to go overboard on any products, as I think the more you try to be experimental with your skin, the worse it gets. Just stick to the basics of skincare and witness the splendid results. There are a host of natural effective products available that are a better bet than harsh chemically enhanced ones.

How important is a healthy diet for looking beautiful?

A healthy diet is the first step towards a healthy and fit body. I take a balanced diet with carbs and proteins, and I’m very particular about dietary proportions. I have three main meals in a day, breakfast being the most important of them all. I try to keep my meals balanced and simple.

What are your reasons for being associated with the brands that you represent?

I associate myself with a brand that I can identify with. I have felt in tune with these brands and hence the association. Brands which signify style, good looks, youth, fun and have a universal appeal are the ones that I associate myself with. (Deepika endorses Fiama Di Wills, Kingfisher, Maybelline, Levi’s Strauss, Tissot, Pepsi.) I am also very conscious of the quality of the brands I endorse.

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Natural Beauty Products

Natural Beauty Products

Bananas. Make great moisturizers as well as cleansers. They are rich in protein and natural fats so this fruit can be used by all skin types without worrying about irritation. Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain large quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E, and F. Mash some bananas and massage all over your skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Mashed banana with a teaspoon of honey can also make for a fruity hair conditioner.

Strawberry. If you’re worried about acne, look no further because strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many acne creams. Mix about ½ cup of strawberries with a tablespoon of sour cream for a weekly facial mask. Eating the fresh berries would also whiten your teeth and make for a great dessert.

Papaya. Papayas are good for cleansing your body and ridding your skin of dead skin cells. Papayas are rich in natural enzymes and the greener the papaya the higher the natural enzyme content. Mix together mashed papaya with several teaspoons of aloe vera gel and massage all over your body monthly. Leave on your skin for no more than five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Do not use on your face and avoid sensitive skin areas.

Peaches: Peaches are especially soothing for dry skin. Mash a fresh peach and combine with a tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a smooth paste. Spread the mixture over damp skin and let sit for 15 minutes, rinse well with cool water.

Pineapple: Like papaya pineapples are also good skin softeners, especially for classic rough skin spots like knees, elbows, and heels. Pineapples contain an active enzyme called bromelain, which cleanses and rejuvenates dull skin. Use a slice of pineapple as you would a sponge or loofah to scrub your body in the bath or shower. To soften rough feet try a pineapple juice footbath. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse and follow-up with a rich cream.

Lemons: A classic home beauty ingredient, lemons are used to cleanse and freshen the skin and hair. Use lemon slices to soften rough skin spots such as elbows and heels. Lemon slices also help deodorize and deep cleanse your hands after a messy job, add a bit of cornmeal for extra cleansing power. Lemon juice can be added to your favorite cleanser or shampoo to refresh and tone your scalp. For subtle hair highlights, comb some fresh juice through clean hair and sit in the sun for 15-20 minutes. (Make sure to condition your hair as lemon juice can be drying.) In the bath float fresh slices in your tub for an energizing start to your day.

Apples: Apple juice makes a breath sweetening mouth rinse and can also be used as a skin toner. Add a cup of juice to your bath to cleanse and soften your skin. The juice contains malic acid, which acts as an antioxidant. Fresh juice can also be used as a hair rinse to control dandruff. Use as a final rinse after shampooing your hair.
Honey. If you’re looking for a facial mask honey could be better than any on the market. Honey has the natural ability to attract and retain moisture as such it can maintain the skin’s softness, suppleness and elasticity. Honey can also add sheen to hair, prevent acne and can even cure a hangover. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open up the pores. Smear honey on and leave for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with cold water to close the pores. It’s is advisable not to go outside during the process because you might attract real bees.

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Eye Shadow Tricks

Eye Shadow Tricks

Cream eye shadows are great for this look -- light to medium tones work best. Add mascara and brown pencil as needed.

Emphasizing the crease line for depth: Begin with the lightest color first. Dust a light tone over the entire eyelid with a medium eye shadow brush using the following technique: Hold your brush very lightly and go from the lashline to slightly beyond the crease (where the eyelid meets the browbone). Glide up to the browbone and the brush will naturally lift off your face -- just where you want to color to end.

Then dust a medium shade in the creaseline (something with a bit more depth than what went on the eyelid), using a small to medium shadow brush. Extend slightly beyond the crease, up toward the browbone. This adds depth to the eyes. And by going slightly beyond the crease, you can create a contour that's visible even when your eyes are wide open.

You can stop here. But if you want more drama, place a medium to deep tone on the upper lashline, using an angled eye shadow or eyeliner brush. And keep this line soft and smudged. Still more drama? Brush more of this color under the lower lashline -- apply with the smudge brush in mini downward strokes (don't brush across -- that creates too strong a line).
Emphasizing the lashline for shape: For definition of eye shape, dust a light to medium tone over the entire eyelid (see first step in Basic Technique #1). At the lashline, apply a darker tone with an eyeliner brush to create a smudged, dramatic line.

When eye color is complete (you shouldn't be able to see where any of the colors begin or end) use a large eye shadow brush and dust the entire eye area with loose powder to help set and blend. Add mascara and brow pencil, as needed.

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Oily Skin Care Tips

You've just washed your face and ten minutes later, voila, your skin feels oily all over again. Sound familiar? Prepare yourself to glow with confidence, even if your skin usually has an oily shine. Relax and follow a few simple steps and you'll soon be on your way to drier, cleaner-feeling skin that glows with radiance!

When trying to look your best, having oily skin can pose quite the dilemma. Having your picture taken when you've forgotten your powder compact can be a nightmare. The shine from your face may appear in your photograph as well, giving your visage a glossier look than is natural. In hopes of clearing up your complexion, you may worry about what kind of moisturizer to use, which cleansing products and which types of makeup. First things first decide if you'll be using a liquid or a powder makeup product to combat your complexion conundrum. If you opt for a liquid foundation, select one in your skin tone that is specially formulated for oily skin.

If you don't like the way it feels to cover your entire face with liquid makeup, a pressed powder compact can really tone down the shiny look that results from an oily complexion. Check out powder compacts in your local drug store if you've got a budget to consider. If you have a little more cash to burn or if you really want a nice compact, consider checking out the designer makeup in department stores. If you need help picking out the right color for your skin tone, you can request assistance from a cosmetologist in the department store.

To battle this annoying skin problem, always try to keep some pressed or loose powder handy. Wash your face in the morning and before bed, and up to once or twice additionally if necessary. Do be careful not to over-wash your face, as too much cleansing may cause excessive dryness and flaking.

To further tend to your complexion, complete the following steps:

Drink lots of fluids - especially water.

Follow a balanced diet, and consume low-fat foods, fruits and veggies.

Enjoy a diet rich in proteins but avoid excessive amounts of salty and sugary foods. This includes chocolate and junk food! (Sigh!)

Take vitamins.

Maintain a regular facial cleansing routine.

Use hot water when cleansing and avoid harsh cleansing products.

Use an astringent to deep cleanse your face.

Stick with oil-free makeup products.

Exercise as often as you can, and avoid wearing makeup while doing so.

As tough as it may be, try not to touch your skin unnecessarily.

Change your pillowcase more often to prevent residue from clogging your pores overnight.

Exfoliate with a facial scrub product a minimum of once a week.

Apply a facial mud masque at least once a week to zap the oil from your skin.

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Laser Hair Removal - Permanent solution of unwanted hair

It really depends on who looks at it, but hair found on the face, on the back, on the chest, under the arms, on the legs and in the bikini area is generally thought to be unsightly. Such unwanted hair prevents us from wearing some types of clothes, like sleeveless tops, skirts or skimpy bikinis. It also affects our self-confidence to a certain degree.

We women really spend some time and effort into getting rid of the unwanted hair on our bodies. Shaving is the most convenient way of doing it, but also the most time consuming. Sometimes, shaving the underarms and the legs can be a daily chore, and it puts us at risk of having in-grown hair. Some women resort to plucking and waxing, but oh boy, don't they hurt. Besides, they grow back, anyway.

There is a way, however, of dealing with unwanted hair more permanently, and that is undergoing laser hair removal treatment. In laser hair removal treatment, a dermatological surgeon focuses a laser on the part of the skin that is to be treated. The laser then creates a reaction in the melanin in the hair follicles of the treated area. The reaction is supposed to make the hair strand shed and to discourage the hair follicle from producing new cells that will lead to hair growth. Laser hair removal treatment takes four to six sessions to complete, as hair enters different phases of growth.

Laser hair removal treatment, however, works best only with people who have fair skin and dark hair. The laser machine is set to react to the melanin in the skin, so dark-skinned people stand the risk of having their skin being burned by the laser. The laser focused by the machine also generally does not react to blond or red hair, because hair with such colors does not have enough melanin in the strands.

If you think you are a good candidate for laser hair removal treatment, the first thing you should do is to check out the dermatological clinics in your area. You can come up with a list from the phone directory or from the Internet. Look for a clinic where the one operating the laser machine is a real doctor specializing in dermatology or cosmetic surgery. If you are comfortable with it, you can also go for clinics where the machine is run by technicians, as long as there is a doctor supervising the session. Read reviews as you make your list, or you can ask your friends or family members who have undergone the treatment for recommendations.

Once you have picked a clinic, the next step would be to make an initial consultation with the doctor of your choice. Visit the clinic and take note of how clean the premises are and how friendly and helpful the personnel in the clinic are. When you come face to face with the doctor, ask him questions about the field he or she is in, about the machine he or she is using, and the credentials he or she has. Ask as well what form of payment the clinic accepts.

If you already feel confident with your choice, then go ahead and make a schedule for your first session. On every session, all the people involved in the treatment - the doctor, the technician and you - should be wearing eye protection. After all, it is laser you people will be handling, so it is important to keep the eyes protected on every treatment. The treatment is not really painful, but the doctor or the technician will nonetheless apply a gel on your skin to make it numb.

The parameters of the laser hair removal treatment, such as the condition of the skin on the area to be treated and the condition of the hair, will be entered into the machine. The laser will then be allowed to pulse on the skin briefly to check if the data entered on the machine is correct, and then the treatment commences.

After every session, take a couple of days off to rest if you think it is necessary. Keep the treated area clean and moisturized, and use only products that are gentle on the skin. Avoid exposing yourself to the sun, because if your skin gets darker, the effectiveness of the succeeding sessions might lessen considerably. If there is a little swelling, apply an ice pack or cover the skin with soft and clean cloths soaked in ice water to relieve the swelling.

It is possible for complications to arise after each session of the treatment. If the swelling does not go away and blistering of the skin is present, you should go and see the doctor who did the treatment on you as much as possible. They should be equipped to handle such complications.

Laser hair removal treatment is a good way of getting rid of unwanted hair permanently. However, you must remember that this treatment is not for everybody. Consider your choices carefully before going through the process.

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Easy tips for a beautiful & sexy lips

1. Exfoliate Gently
Lips are more sensitive than the rest of your face, so facial scrubs can be too irritating. To remove dead skin, rub a soft, dry toothbrush over your lips once a week. Lip treatments containing salicylic acid can also peel off the dead skin without harm.

2. Add Moisture
Put on lip balm then blot away the excess before adding lipstick. Avoid flavored lip balms, however, as they may tempt you to lick your lips (causing chapping). Lips that are cracked ot bleeding need treatment with 1 percent hydrocortisone cream and an over the counter antibacterial ointment such as Polysporin.

3. Stop Lipstick Bleeding
Choose a long-wearing lipstich which is less likely to seep into the lines around your mouth. You can also lock your usual lipstick into place by starting with a layer of foundation followed by color then dusting around your mouth with powder. Don't do this with sheer lipstick or glosses because base distorts their color.

4. Make It Last
The obvious solution is to switch to a transfer-resistant formula. But if you don't like their matte finish, then pencil in the entire lip with a neutral liner so you don't end up with a ring around your mouth when the lipstick fades. If the pencil is hard to spread, smudge it on your palm first to soften. Then top with any shade of lipsitck.

5. Fatten Your Lips Up
Dab a dot of gloss on the center of the lower lip to create the illusion of dimension. Gloss reflects light to give the appearance of fullness. Dark colors make thin lips appear to recede, so use sheer pinks and neutral colors. Pale, shiny lipstick is your secret shortcut!

6. Slim Down
Although many women pay good money for a bigger pout, plus-size lips can overpower the rest of the face. A dark, shiny color on extra large lips is going to look like all lip which usually makes your eyes look tiny. Instead, play down puffy lips by using nude and matte formulas.

7. Add Shimmer If dark red or burgundy feels vampish for you, top it with a dab of iridescent gloss to lighten it up and make it feel fresher. For lips that are pearly, use a light hand and concentrate shimmer in the center of your lips - rather than all the way to the corners of your mouth.

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How To Pluck Eyebrows

Plucking Your Eyebrows

Eyebrows and beautiful eyes Well-shaped eyebrows can take your face from ordinary to dramatic and beautiful. As long as you do not over pluck it, today's eyebrows are natural looking with a tapered arch, and you can groom them yourself in a few easy steps.

1. Look for photos of women in the magazine, same face shape like yours and the brows you like.

2. Draw your desired brow with a white pencil.

3. To ease the pain, numb brow area with an ice cube.

4. Finally, pluck out stray hairs that lie outside the white area you have penciled.

5. If you are nervous about shaping your own eyebrows, ask friends to refer you to a salon that does it well.

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All Natural Face Cream

This is recipe is good in removing excess oil in the face and to prevent the growth of pimples and acne.

Materials:
1/3 cup cocoa
3 tsp of heavy cream
1/3 cup of ripe papaya
� cup honey
3 tsp of oatmeal powder

Procedure:
Mix cocoa and heavy cream in a container. Add the ripe papaya and continue stirring with honey. Mix them thoroughly and add the oatmeal powder. Continue Stirring until it will turn into thick creamy paste. Apply on the face and wait for 10 minutes. Rinse face with lukewarm water. It is safe to do this everyday or use this alternately.

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Haircare tips for the monsoon

Slicked down wet hair may look sexy on a bikini-clad babe in a Bollywood flick, but the truth is that constant drenching in the monsoon and high levels of humidity spell bad news for your mane. We can fall prey to a number of scalp problems and bad hair days during the rainy season and diligent hair care is needed to maintain the heath and good looks of your locks.

Certain scalp diseases become more prevalent in the monsoon -- exposure to dirty rainwater and consequent warm, humid conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp. Painful pus-filled boils due to bacterial infections are fairly common in this season, not to mention severely itchy, flaking patches of fungal infection, which result in hair loss in the affected area (most often seen in children).

Much as we hate to admit it, lice infestations are also way too common in the rains; lice breed during this season. And what's more, such infestations are not just a poor man's problem -- well-to-do, hygiene-conscious people can also be easily infected. The person travelling next to you on the train or your domestic help can easily pass them on to you.

For some, dandruff worsens as the fungus responsible for causing it flourishes in humid weather. Non-specific itchiness of the scalp and irritation are also common.

To prevent these problems, frequent shampooing and keeping your hair dry as far as possible is a must in the monsoons. Contrary to popular belief, frequent washing does not lead to hair loss -- you can even wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo if your hair is exposed to rain every day.

For boils on the scalp try Betadine AD shampoo twice a week; for fungal infections and dandruff you can try ketoconazole-based shampoos like Nizral, KZ etc. For lice, apply Perlice, leave on for a couple of hours and wash off. If the problem is not resolved in a few days or become very severe, please do consult a dermatologist immediately.

You must also dry your hair after shampooing thoroughly. Use a hair dryer with a diffuser attached and keep it six to eight inches away from your hair to avoid singeing/ burning. If you're caught unawares in a rain shower and don't have a hair dryer (say at the office or a cinema hall) flip your hair under the hand dryer in the bathroom and run your fingers through it till dry.

Conditioning is very important in the monsoon as excess humidity in the environment tends to frizz your hair. A good conditioner neutralises this frizzing and smoothens out the hair, making it manageable. Severe frizziness in curled or permed hair can be tackled with anti-frizz serums available in the market (TIGI, Schwarzkopf etc). If you're planning to colour your hair or perm it, it's advisable to wait till the rains are over as such treatments don't always give their best results in highly humid conditions.

Keep your nourishment levels up with a high protein diet and plenty of whole grains and nuts, which are rich in biotin (the vitamin that helps hair growth). You can also try protein-rich hair packs. Blend an egg white, olive oil, soaked and crushed fenugreek (methi) seeds and yoghurt and coat sections of your hair with it using a pack brush. Leave on for half an hour and shampoo out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Severe hair loss or breakage should be tackled by a dermatologist to determine the exact cause and to institute effective treatment for the same.

And here's the golden rule for healthy hair in the monsoons -- keep hairstyles short and simple and your scalp clean and dry.

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Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We've been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers.

1. Skip the foundation: If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Don't. Foundation is for women over 35. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder or tinted mosturiser. Tinted moisturisers tend to be lighter than heavy foundations.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in: We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both: If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.

And never, ever line lips in a darker color than your gloss or lipstick.

4. Less is more: Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you're overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara and a concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

5. Natural hair is always hot: If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle.

6. Vaseline is your best friend: Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers: Long layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy. Just make sure you don't get too many layers cut in. Too many short layers are dated.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist: Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those Rs 1500 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you'll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products: Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? We give you the scoop in this article. See if you should splurge or save on cleansers, mascara, concealer and more.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder. Buy these products in a grocery store and you'll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

11. When can you skip sunscreen? Never: Here's a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves: There's nothing cooler than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink: Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. These are pricey and don't last long, so make sure to do it a day before the big event.

14. Don't let nails go: Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.

15. Don't line the inside of your eyes: It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn't look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have oily hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower: Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual.

18. Know your best feature and play it up: What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you're told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it's your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. Scrubs are great for dry skin: If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal - think about a girl you know who's overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she's confident. If you aren't wearing makeup and your toes haven't been repainted in weeks, if you're happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the a babe sitting next to you in class. Trust us.

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Fashion Dos and Don'ts

Dos

1. Wear monochromatic clothes for a slimming effect.
2. Stick to a single strand pearl necklace if you're doubtful about jewellery.
3. Avoid fishnet stockings.
4. fashionAdapt trends to make them work for you. If denim is the fashion and you don't wear jeans, try denim skirts, shirts, etc.
5. Add stylish things to your wardrobe every now and then.
6. Carry a small handbag for an evening out.
7. Emphasize your best feature and underplay your worst one.
8. Make sure your hemline suits your legs. Wear longer skirts if your legs aren't what you'd like them to be.
9. Use dark lipstick if you're dark-skinned.
10. Make sure to use the same shade of foundation on your face and neck while applying make up.

Dont's

1. Wear clothes that are too tight for you. They only make you look bulky.
2. Wear sunglasses indoors or at night.
3. Wear a casual watch with a dressy outfit.
4. Wear jewellery that jingles as you move.
5. Dress like a teenager if you are above 25.
6. Wear a dainty choker if you have a have a heavy neck. It doesn't look nice.
7. Wear see through clothes. It isn't classy.
8. Mix metals in jewellery. Gold and silver don't really match.
9. Wear over large earrings.
10. Wear printed scarves with printed outfits.

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Face Cleansing Beauty Tips

The most important physical aspect of our body-it looks back at you looking dry, or oily or listless or the way you make it i.e.: glowing and radiant. Start by giving yourself 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at bedtime. The weekends can be used for longer treatments.

Lets start with the cleansing routine.
Tips 1:

Take 1 tbsp of un-boiled milk, dip a small pad of cotton wool in this and rub on the face gently. Use circular movements, use upward strokes on the neck area. Leave this on for 15 minutes. Wash with cold water.
Tips 2:

Take a thick slice of cucumber. Don't peel the slice, rub in a circular motion all over the face and neck areas. Wash after 15 minutes.

Tips 3:

Halve a tomato, gently rub over face and neck and wash after15 minutes.

Tips 4:

Take the half of a lime peel, from which the juice has been
After washing off the milk or juice - take a tsp of oat bran or wheat husk or gram flour (besan). Make a paste with a few drops of water and rub the face and neck gently with this. This sloughs away the dead cells and gives the face a glow. Don't use soap, just splash on cold water that will act as an astringent and close the pores.

Tips 5:

Use green gram powder or rice flour mixed with curds instead.

Oily Skin: If the face is oily,

After a bath as a base for make-up use some diluted limejuice to dab on before application of foundation or any other make-up.

Tips 6:

Diluted buttermilk dabbed on the face and left for 15 minutes,gently wipe with moist cotton wool before applying make-up.

Tips 7:

Rub the face well with an ice cube.

Tips 8:

Slice an Apple into thin slices. Place these on the face andleave for 15 minutes. These soak up the extra oil and helps toclose pores.extracted, rub this firmly on the face and the neck. Using a Scrub-(once in 3-4 days).

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Hair Removal Information & Techniques

For decades now, women have been removing unwanted body hair, using different techniques. Not only does it add to the woman's beauty but it is better for her personal hygiene as well. Today getting rid of unwanted hair has become easier than ever. There are a number of easy techniques that you can use at home or you can visit a beauty parlor for professional treatment. Given below in some information about the different techniques that are available today.

* Shaving: Shaving is a popular technique as it can be done at short notice and gives you instant results without much effort. Most women still continue to shave inspite of alternate techniques being available. This method is quick and cheap, though the hair grows back rapidly and when the hair grows back it is very coarse. You should soften the hair by washing the area with warm soapy water. Use light gentle strokes in the direction of the hair growth, to remove the hair. After you finish moisturize the skin. There are different kinds of razors, electrical, disposable, with twin blades and moisturizing strips. Choose one that suits you the best.
* Hair Removal Creams: These creams are manufactured in such a way that they dissolve the hair. These creams have an ingredient called keratolytic that will damage the skin if it is left on for a long time. Use a patch test the first time you are using a cream. But there is no doubt that they make the skin hair free, smooth and soft.
* Waxing: Though this method is a little painful, it is good to remove hair from the arms, legs and bikini line. Hair re-growth after waxing is slow and may take as much as two months. It is best to do a patch test for waxing as well. For best results one should continue waxing on a regular basis. Hair is removed from its root and when it re-grows it is finer. The problem with waxing is that the hair has to grow a little for waxing to be efficient. It helps to dust a little talcum powder on the area before waxing.
* Sugaring: This technique is similar to waxing. Here the removal solution is warmed and then applied on the area required with the help of a palette knife. The solution is applied in the direction of the hair growth. Then a cotton strip is used to cover the solution and torn away in the opposite direction and thus the hair is removed. Hair re-growth takes about six to eight weeks and it is fine.
* Electrolysis: This is a salon treatment and is expensive, but last longer and could be permanent as well. This requires a series of sittings if the results are to be good. A fine needle passes a very low electrical current into the hair follicle. After a session there will be slight swelling, redness and scarring which will take a few days to disappear.
* Laser treatment: This is another salon-based treatment that is expensive too. You need a few sessions for good results. Black activating lotion is applied over the area, to enable the hair follicle to absorb the laser energy. In this technique the best results are got from people with thick body hair.

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Get rid of Acne

Acne is the word every teen hates but faces this nightmare at one point or the other during her growing years. There are as many numbers of creams and lotions available as the number of teens with acne! New research suggests that a diet with foods containing low glycemic loads could help people suffering from acne to get rid of their acne.

Scientists from th RMIT university in Melbourne studied the effect of food on about forty three patients aged between 15 and 25 years. They were randomly assigned a normal diet and a low glycemic load diet for 12 weeks. The diet consisted of 25 percent energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates.

It was found that people whose diet consisted of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates had a significant reduction in the total acne when compared to people on a normal diet.

What is Glycemic index?

The Glycemic Index (GI) relates to the way your body’s sugar levels respond to certain foods. Foods are given a rating from 0 -100 on the glycemic index with glucose in the highest position. High Glycemic Index foods (such as simple carbohydrates) will increase the body’s sugar levels rapidly whereas low glycemic index foods will increase the body’s sugar levels slowly according to HWF.

The new findings suggest that diets that contain low glycemic loads may not only improve insulin sensitivity and helps reduce weight but clears up acne as well.

So, if you want to get rid of acne and have a blemish free skin, foods that have high glycemic index like white bread, sugar, potatoes are a strict NO. However you can eat low-glycemic foods like whole grains, vegetables, fish and lean meat as these foods are kinder to your skin and say good bye to acne forever.

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Secrets of glowing skin

It is the dream of every woman to have a beautiful, fresh and youthful skin. The first step in looking younger begins with what you decide to put into your mouth. Your diet and lifestyle plays a major part in deciding the beauty of your skin. Most people think of a diet as being appropriate only for getting a beautiful figure, however eating the right kind of foods and following a proper diet will put you on the fast track to a healthy body and healthy and glowing skin. The secret to a beautiful, healthy and glowing skin is FRUITS. Include plenty of fruits in your diet and you will see the difference within a week. Fruit is essential for both inner and outer beauty since it enhances the beauty of your skin and hair.

What makes fruit so wonderful is that it is rich in skin and hair enhancing vitamins, acids, and enzymes. Fruit can be used in just about every beauty product to cleanse, freshen, tone, and condition our bodies.

Find out the characteristics of the following fruits and what wonders they can do to your skin:

Apples: Apples can used as great conditioner and toner. They have been used for centuries for their skin-healing powers. Add a cup of apple juice to your bath to cleanse and soften your skin. The juice of apple can be used as breathe freshener. Apple juice when applied to your hair scalp can prevent dandruff. Use as a final rinse after shampooing your hair.

Lemons: A classic home beauty ingredient, lemons are used to cleanse and freshen the skin and hair. Use lemon slices to soften rough skin spots such as elbows and heels. Lemon slices also help deodorize and mix a few teaspoons of lemon juice in your bath and you will feel fresh the whole day. Lemon juice can be added to your favourite cleanser or shampoo to refresh and tone your scalp. It also helps prevent dandruff.

Strawberry: Strawberry can be used for conditioning and skin toning treatment. They are rich in salicylic acid an ingredient found in many commercial acne creams and thus are the best treatment for troubled or teenage skin. Mix 1/2-cup fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of sour cream for a weekly facial mask. Eating fresh berries will also help whiten your teeth and keep your breath fresh.

Banana: Banana can be used for moisturising and soothing your skin and hair. They are rich in protein and natural fats and can be used by all skin types. An easy facemask that will make your skin smooth is to apply mashed banana over your skin and keep it for 15 minutes, rinse off with warm water and moisturize well. Mashed banana also makes a wonderful hair conditioner mixed with a teaspoon or two of honey.

Pineapple: Like papaya pineapples are also good skin softeners, which cleanse and rejuvenate dull and dry skin, especially for classic rough skin spots like knees, elbows, and heels. Use a slice of pineapple as you would a sponge or loofah to scrub your body in the bath or shower.

Papaya: Papaya is rich in natural enzymes and is the best treatment for cleansing your skin. For having a fresh and glowing skin apply the oaste of mashed papaya and 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and massage all over your body monthly. Leave on your skin for no more than five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Do not use on your face and avoid sensitive skin areas.

Peaches: Peaches are best for soothing and cleansing dry skin. Mash a fresh peach and combine with a tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a smooth paste. Apply on the skin and keep it for 15 mins and then wash off with cold water.

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5 Tips for Your Bridal Outfit

Just when you are ready to tie the knot the priest says that there are no dates for the next one year after the coming week.

So you have one week to get your wedding outfit ready and two thousand things are running through your mind. Here are some points to keep in mind while searching for your Just when you are ready to tie the knot the priest says that there are no dates for the next one year after the coming week.

So you have one week to get your wedding outfit ready and two thousand things are running through your mind. Here are some points to keep in mind while searching for your Just when you are ready to tie the knot the priest says that there are no dates for the next one year after the coming week.

So you have one week to get your wedding outfit ready and two thousand things are running through your mind. Here are some points to keep in mind while searching for your perfect wedding outfit....

Ghagra-Choli

1. When you go for trial don't wait till the entire outfit is ready. Try the outfit when the slip of the ghagra and the choli is ready.

If that is ok there won't be any difference in the fittings. You can spend time focusing on other things, such as, jewellery.

2. If you are opting for a readymade one then go to a store, which specializes only in ready-made garments. Here you will get better options than a store that mostly has unstitched fabrics.

Plus all you will need to do are some minor fitting, which will be done on the same day unless it is nearly closing time when you reach the store.

3. Keep your mind focus on the cut of the ghagra you want, once you have decided that choosing would be much easier and faster. This is because the pattern of the blouse is rarely restricted to body types and usually suits everyone.

4. Make sure the embellishments do not cling to the fabric. If this happens the duppata will cling to the ghagra or visa versa.

5. Go for a simple pattern in the ghagra, which makes it obvious how it will be stitched. For instance, kalis make the job simpler as then you know in which style the ghagra will be stitched.

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How to make your lips look beautiful

Do you sometimes think that you would kill for beautiful full lips? Sure, you could get Collagen implants, or tattooed outlines around your lip... But it's a little bit excessive, I'm sure you'll agree! There are other cheaper, and much more practical, ways of achieving a similar affect. Here's how to get beautiful full lips in four easy steps...

Step one: Lip balm
Prepare your delicate lips by applying lip balm in advance. Nobody likes cracked and frayed lips! And in winter it's important to take more care than usual. (Cold weather will dry the moisture from your lips). Make sure that the lip balm has sunk a little before you go on to step two, otherwise your lip liner won't work.

Step two: Line and define
Get a natural lip liner, and carefully draw around the very rim of your lips. If you get a wobbly line, don't panic (and don't think nobody will notice it)... just carefully remove it and start again! When you have a firm line, fill in the rest of your lips with the same color.

Step three: Now add some shine!
Here comes the glamorous bit, the lip-gloss! Again, keep the color natural. Forget lipstick that's too dark or too light. One thing you've got to remember though, gloss looks better but doesn't have the staying power. Make sure you keep it in your purse and re-apply during the day.

Step four: Plump them up
This is the 'hard bit'. But actually it's not! All you've got to do, (after you've completed steps one through three), is dot a white shimmery product like eye shadow or an eyebrow highlighter in the very center of your lips. Start slowly, and blend very carefully. What you are looking to achieve is natural looking shading, with your lip color being lighter where your mouth opens. This will create the illusion of beautiful full lips.

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Marriage Makeup Guidance

The wedding season is here and every bride wants to look her best. So if you are preparing to tie the knot, here are our top tips to ensure you dazzle all day long.

Practise your whole look beforehand and check it out in the daylight as it will look completely different in artificial light. And take a picture so you can see if you are happy with the result.

Base: Start with a good control which will guarantee a shine-free complexion. Cover any blemishes with a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin colour or your foundation. Always apply foundation with a sponge or brush. A damp sponge will give you a lighter base and a brush will give slightly heavier coverage. Choose a long-lasting foundation that won’t rub off.

Eyes: Stick to safe colours – browns, taupes and beiges. You can always add a touch of gold or silver under the brow or in the inner corner of your eyes if you want a bit of sparkle. Avoid bright blues and green – these will be too harsh, especially if you are wearing white or cream. Pick a palette of colours to add depth and shade.

Cheeks: Go for a powder rather than a cream blusher as it will last longer. To create the illusion of defined cheeks, apply blusher over the cheekbone and use a slightly darker shade just under the bone.

Lips: Stick to soft pink, peach or nude colours whatever your colouring. Lipstick is back in fashion so try Revlon’s Colour Stay Soft and Smooth in Natural Cashmere.

Others: Finally, decant some of your wedding scent into a small bottle so you can spritz throughout the day. Also pop in some blotting sheets which contain a small amount of powder and are perfect for dabbing off shine.

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10 mantras to beat hair loss

10 mantras to beat hair loss

Trichologists Dr Apoorva Shah and Dr Sonal Shah, who have trained at the Institute of Trichology in London, are certified hair specialists advisors from the International Association of Trichologists, Australia, offer a few tips. The husband and wife duo are also the official hair advisors for the Miss India contest.

Their mantras:

* Eat lots of paneer, spinach (palak), green veggies and milk.
* Regularly oil and shampoo your hair. That's a must at least three times a week, to nourish your scalp. Applied oil must be washed within 24 hours or else it could mix with dust and clog the pores.
* If you are allergic to oil then try to use medicated oil. Or else go in for a potion or hair tonic which has no component of oil. These too can nourish your scalp. They are also known as hair vitalisers.
* Henna is also a good scalp conditioner, but not a good hair conditioner as it tends to make the hair dry and brittle. Hence you must use oil after washing off the henna, before shampooing.
* Washing your hair after a session of rigorous exercise like gymming, jogging etc when the scalp tends to sweat a lot is a must.
* Once in a while chemical treatments like perming, chemical straightening etc are alright, but too much of it causes breakage of hair.
* Another reason for hair getting damaged is heat exposure to the hair and scalp, with a blow-dryer, hot oil or hot water and usings combs with sharp teeth.
* Never comb your hair when it is wet. Towel drying is the best way to dry your hair.

Why does hair fall?

Lack of hair oil, acute illness, dandruff, emotional shock or stress, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiency and hair colouring, sans the correct regime to go with it. Of these, stress is a major cause of hair loss and baldness, in India and this condition is called Alopecia areata. The cure for this is simple - learn to live a relaxed life through regular meditation, occasional massages, music, yoga and prayers, which are all excellent stress busters. Last but not the least, good hair is the barometer of good health, so practice these mantras and let your hair shine.

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Eyebrow Shape and Shades For Your Face

Eyebrow shapes nonverbally express simple facial features that highlight individual personality. So choose and create perfect eyebrow shapes with right shades that transcend the beauty of your face. Own the shape you always admired with these useful tips.

Some useful tips to remember while shaping your eyebrows.

* The primary rule of shaping the eyebrow is that the tweezers should have slant edges and rough textured point. Make sure to replace them every year.
* Main features of face such as mouth, eyes and eyebrows are never balanced symmetrically. Therefore while doing your brows it is important to bring all the features into balance with each other in order to produce a proportioned look.
* Before shaping the eyebrows always remember to spray a little hair spray on your brows and brush them using your toothbrush to keep them in place.
* Wipe the brow area with a cotton ball soaked in astringent before tweezing your brow, as the cooling effect will help you not to feel much pain due to numbness.
* Eyebrow should be shaped according to the natural line of your brow bone.
* It should extend and taper slightly beyond the eye.
* The arch should be highest at the outer corner of the pupil.
* Avoid slanting upward eyebrows as they give angry look on your face.
* To add volume to your brows, use stiff slanted brush to apply eye shadow in short gentle strokes.
* People with thin brows can apply little colour to the top of each eyebrow and brush it in place for denser look.

Perfect eyebrow shapes

* Angular eyebrow shape works well for those with round face.
* Round fuller eyebrow is suitable for woman with large eyes or wide forehead. These brows should follow the frontal bone and taper gently. A heart shape face can also be emphasized with slightly rounded eyebrows with sharp angles.
* Women with wider jaws and round cheek should go for arched shape eyebrows like many celebrities. It gives width and expression to the eye and balances prominent nose or a large mouth.
* Low arched shape is appropriate for those with small forehead as it gives illusion of more length.

Brow shades

Eyebrow colour can either dominate your face or disappear entirely. So, be careful when you are using brow shades. Here are some of the shades for your help.

* Olive complexion women can use tawny or brown brow shades
* Dark African-American complexion women can use gray shades
* Fair complexion women can use blonde shades

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Manicure your nails for good ones

The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks that make up the body. The nails help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects. Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection. Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week. Every 4-6 weeks it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional manicurist. A professional manicurist best knows how to keep your nails looking healthy and beautiful.

Weekly Nail Care (15-20 minutes each week)

* Remove any old nail polish. To remove the old polish, first moisten cotton with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Then with a firm movement, bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat this process until all of the polish is gone.
* Shape the nail, using a file or emery board. File each nail tip from corner to center; do not file in a see-saw motion with the emery board because doing so can cause ridges in the nail and nail splitting.
* Soak the hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Clean under free edge of nail with orangewood stick. Nail Care
* The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root). We recommend that the cuticle should not be pushed back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection of the nail growing tissue.
* Now apply clear nail polish. There is no reason to waste money on several different kinds of clear polishes such as a ridgefiller, base coat, topcoat or nail strengthener. They all do about the same job. After the clear polish dries, apply a color polish of your choice if you wish. Let dry. You may then reapply the clear polish as a topcoat. This will help strengthen the nail and prevent chipping of the nail polish.
* Finally, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of the nails.

Manicure at home - A simple cleaning routine

* Soak the hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Clean under free edge of nail with a blunt edged stick.
* Remove traces of the old nail polish. To remove the stain, first moisten cotton with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Then with a firm movement, bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat this process until all of the polish is gone.
* Shape the nail, using a filer. File each nail tip from corner to centre; do not file in a see-saw motion with the filer because doing so can cause ridges in the nail and nail splitting.
* The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root). We recommend that the cuticle not be pushed back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection of the nail growing tissue.
* Now apply clear nail polish. There is no reason to waste money on several different kinds of clear polishes such as base coat, topcoat or nail strengthener. They all do about the same job. After the clear polish dries, apply a colour polish of your choice if you wish. Let it dry. You may then reapply the clear polish as a topcoat. This will help strengthen the nail and prevent chipping of the nail polish.
* Finally, apply a moisturising cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of the nails.

Painting your nails

* Paint nails in a well-ventilated room (e.g. near an open window or switch on a fan).
* Shake the bottle of polish well or roll between your palms before opening.
* Apply a layer of base coat (clear nail polish will also do) before painting over with a coloured polish.
* Give every nail 3 strokes of polish; starting either from the centre-left-right or from right-centre-left, it's really your preference.
* Two layers of nail polish is enough on each nail. Too many layers could just turn messy.
* Allow the polish to dry in between coats - it prevents the trapping of air bubbles and allows each coat to stay smooth.
* Add a top coat (clear nail polish) to protect the polish and keep nail under wraps away from the sun.
* Storing nail polish in a refrigerator can keep its consistency just right.
* Never peel or scrape off nail polish or use metal instruments on the nail surface to push back the cuticles. This can scrape off the protective cells of the nail surface.

Keep your nails out of your mouth! Biting nails can damage the nail and the cuticle leading to a deformed nail shape or uneven nail growth. You can also transfer harmful organisms to the nail that lead to infection or even increase one's chance of catching a cold or flu.

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Home Mask For Weak And Dry Hair

A good remedy for weak and dry hair is the hair mask with lemon juice. You will need: 2 tbsp. castor oil /or almond oil/, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. honey.

Add the honey and the castor oil to the lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mixture generously first to the roots and then to the entire length of the hair. Wrap your hair with a towel. Leave the mask on for approximately one and a half hour.

Use gentle shampoo and wash your beautiful hair. Do the mask twice to achieve best results - the mask will nourish and hydrate your hair deeply, while making it appear healthier and more shining.

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Skin Care In Monsoon

Cleansing: Your skin will require regular cleansing in order to keep it looking fresh and healthy. Follow these home remedies.

Dry Skin: You can use almond paste or honey cleanser. Take ten crushed almonds and make a paste and add two tsp of honey. Massage on face for 5 to 7 minutes, rinse face and pat dry.

Oily Skin: You need a very mild cleanser to get the dead cells and grime off from skin. Use pure oatmeal scrub to cleanse oily skin or use ripe papaya pulp as a mild exfoliant.

Toning: It’s a must at night. During monsoon, a lot of airborne and waterborne microbes are let loose. So a good anti-bacterial toner will go a long way to prevent skin infections and eruptions. It is a good idea to get anti-bacterial face wash too. You need to mildly tone a dry skin since the pore size is small. Use five drops chamomile oil in a one tsp milk to tone dry skin and ten drops Lavender oil in one tsp water to tone an oily skin.

Moisturising: During monsoon, moisturising is as important as it is in summer. Monsoons can mean a de-moisturising effect on dry skin and an over-hydrating effect on oily skin. The skin gets wet often and with the constant wetting and drying, a lot of dehydration (yes, in the rains!) takes place. That explains the itchy feeling one gets during monsoons. Use a non-water based moisturiser, if you happen to get wet often. Otherwise a water- based moisturiser will do.

Dry Skin: Take I tsp honey, I tsp fresh curd and I tsp jojoba oil. Mix all of these together and apply on your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 mins and then wash off with plenty of water.

Oily and Combination Skin: In 2 tsp rose water add 2 drops of strawberry oil and fresh orange oil. Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 mins and then wash off.

Makeup: Make skincare your makeup during the monsoon. Clean skin with less makeup is the best way to brace yourself for a rainy day. Mix a few drops of foundation in water-based moisturizer. For a light weight canvas treat foundation like a moisturizer and smooth over clean skin till it completely disappears. The use of loose powders and oil-based products should be kept minimal during the rain.

Tweak, pluck or thread your eyebrows in the correct shape, as an eyebrow pencil is not recommended during a downpour. Keep eye makeup light and moisturize lips with lip conditioner at regular intervals.

If you must use colour on your cheek, opt for a cream based blusher. Apply it sparingly and blend well into the skin. For the eyes use waterproof mascara and eye pencil.

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Dark underarms

How to get rid of Dark underarms

Tips 1:

Take 1 tspn of Cucumber juice, 1 tspn of Limejuice and a pinch of Turmeric powder. Apply and leave for 20 minutes before washing.

Tips 2:

Apply a paste of 1 tspn of Gram flour, a pinch of Turmeric powder and 1 tspn of Sandalwood powder, some limejuice and milk. Wash after 20 minutes.

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Get that slim look!

Bootcut pants create an illusion of height and longer legs. Steer clear if you are below 5'5, as they tend to make you look shorter. Bootcut pants flatter any body type.

Never go by the size specifications on the tag. Make sure you try on a variety of sizes to earn the best fit. Also keep in mind that wearing something that's too small for you can make you look a lot bigger than you actually are.

While wearing a pair of trouser or skirt, ensure that they are long. The longer the better, as they create an illusion of slimmer look. Shoes can affect the way you look too.

Rounded platforms give you a stumpy look, while stilettos can be uncomfortable; therefore go for the pointed toe shoes or flats or slight heels. Your secret weapon would be the darker colours. While black is a favourite, charcoal, navy blue or deeper shades of maroon make great allies as well.

Do not dress in one uniform colour. Pair dark pants with a funky top and vise versa. Never ever go in for clingy clothes! Flowy fabrics in light shades are better than just complimentary. While doing all this, do focus on your assets as everyone has been blessed with plenty of them. They only need playing up. Flaunt them and continue turning heads!

Source: India syndicate

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Seductive Make-up Trends

Looking for makeup lessons in the art of seduction? The faces on the New York runways for Fall 08 had it all- a bit of shimmer and an overall embrace of rich. Read on to get the latest in international make up trends.

The look for this season is smudgy, blended, slightly slept in shadow and yes the lips to be painted red for kissing or bitten-stained into kissed-off rouge was pretty much the definitive trend of the week.

Last season’s fake colors and matte textures was sidelined and replaced with super blended naturally inspired pigments (desert golds, wine reds, midnight blues, and leaf greens).

Just remember to have layers of pigments, an attitude radiating sultry sophistication, play of textures, a little bit of shimmer and an overall embrace of rich, wintery tones notwithstanding, are what look to be setting the pace into. That’s the look this season.
The models at the New York runways had put on royal blue, purple and dark burgundy on the eyes and outer edges of the eyes were smudged out to give a deep dimensional and dramatical look.

The indulgence wasn’t limited to the eyes, there was staining of lips in Night Moth and Deep Wine lipsticks. For the skin they had put M•A•C’s soon to be released Prep+Prime Instant Line Filler, which kicks out shine but keeps up on transparency. What went missing quite conspicuously at the fashion week was lavish mascara. The lids were looking blank and bald.

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How to get Your Own Lucky Lips!

When lips have to do the talking, make sure you create an impact with sexy lips! Devil red or chocolate brown; matt or glitter kissed!

Suitable Shades

For those with fair complexion, there are a whole lot of shades you can try. Go for pinks, natural shades, blood red and dark brown and peach. Wear bright shades for the day and darker ones at night.

Coffee, caramel, magenta and lilac shades are for those with medium or tanned skin. Coffee and caramel look great on dark skin too. If you love metallic shades, pick copper over gold or silver. Lilac and purple shades will make you look like you have been poisoned, so avoid.

Always pick shades according to the occasion. Wearing a metallic shade for a job interview is not going to impress the boss!

Wear it Right

* Step 1: Moisturise your lips with a lip balm or a lip conditioner. If you are out of both, use normal face moisturiser.
* Step 2: Create an outline using a lip pencil or a lip liner. Make sure you choose a shade lighter than your lipstick. Start by making a 'v' in the upper lip and then move on to the corners.
* Step 3: Fill your lips with the colour of your choice, preferably using a lip brush. Use lip gloss to add shine and make your lips appealing for special occasions.

Glossy Lips

Gloss looks great but make sure to choose a shade that is close to you skin tone. To bring out your sensuality, use natural shades the way Bipasha Basu did in 'Jism'. To prevent gloss from running out, make sure you line your lips using a lip liner. When filling gloss, start from the upper lip and then move to the lower lip.

Never use too much gloss; just fill on the inner side of lips.


# Source: Indiwo

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Clear Skin Before Your Wedding

Don't depend on make-up to conceal those acne scars on your wedding day. If you have three months at hand, then there a lot you can do to get gorgeous skin. Get the best treatment and follow a healthy diet, here what you need to do for clear skin…

Skin Analysis

The first and the most important thing to do is visit a dermatologist, who will check your scars and will then recommend the required the suitable treatment. There are three basic types of scars, which require their particular type of treatment…

You could have superficial scars, which are only on the surface and can be healed by proper medication and diet. For such scars dermatologist recommend microdermabrasion, which is a procedure used to cure scars.

If you have deeper scars you will have to go through a treatment that will remove the dead cells from below the top layer of your skin making way for new cells. But in case of very severe scars you may have to undergo a surgery. The surgery will remove the dead cells and fill the space with filler, similar to those used in wrinkle lift creams.

Start your treatment the day you decide to get married. It is best to start these treatments six months in advance, but if you don't have enough time start the treatment now and continue even after marriage. The treatments start showing on the skin.

Hydrotherapy

'I drink lots of water' - heard these line before? Most fashion models never fail to mention this when asked about their beauty regime. Water will flush out all the toxins from your body making it look fresh. So make a habit to drink about two liters of water per day.

Diet do and don'ts

Fruits and vegetable always help to keep skin healthy, but if you are looking for something in particular here are some foods that will help…

* Aloe Vera Juice
* Proteins will be good, but not too much, include just about 40gms per day.
* Carbohydrates
* Also include a lot of coloured vegetables in your diet, as they act as anti-oxidants.
* Make sure you don't have too many sweets. If there is an excess intake of sugar, it can delay healing. That means the time required for your scars to heal will be doubled!

Beauty Regime

Make-up doesn't always help the skin. If you are undergoing a treatment it is better to avoid it or use only eye and lip make-up. If have dry skin don't forget to use a moisturiser.' Also use a sunscreen, as the UV rays might disrupt the healing process.

Follow these tips and medical treatement regularly and your scars will vanish forever.


# Source: Indiwo

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