Beauty and Personal Grooming

A collection of posts which you liked and some which I wish you had liked… Skin care Oily skin , Normal skin , Combination skin . and Dry skin care Skin care according to your skin type Skin care for the teens, 20's, 30's and 40's Your skin care rituals according to your age. Skin care-follow these 5 golden rules Remember these rules as well. Skin care during daytime and at night You should treat your skin with heavy creams at night… Everyday care for a beautiful skin Care for your skin on a daily basis Skin care for dark complexion A dusky complexion looks great. Take care of it. The Wonders of Cream Bleach Bleaching has its own advantages. Skin ailments and infections Get rid of blackheads and Whiteheads You certainly don’t want these spots to spoil your looks? Do you? Fungal infections may affect your feet Those tiny fungi might eat away your toes…. So act fast… Hands and nails Strengthening weak nails Strengthen your

Did you know that you could use postage stamps in a unique way to decorate your finger nails? Here are the pictures from a Swiss-German site Atelier-v.ch , which demonstrates this. See also: The magnificent Mehendi (henna)

A good night’s sleep will leave us fresh and ready to face the world. Sleep plays an important role in conserving the energy levels and refreshing our mental and emotional equilibrium. Disturbances in the timing of sleep could be due to our lifestyles, stress or the nature of work which keeps us so busy that we have no time for adequate sleep. Or it could be due to some sleeping disorders which need medical attention. Sleep deprivation could have serious repercussions on our health. Studies from National sleep Foundation’s poll substantiate this. * Stress makes one to lose sleep and lack of sleep results in stress and thus it can be a vicious circle. Stress, depression and lack of sleep weakens the immune system making one vulnerable to a multitude of diseases, like common cold , diabetes, asthma, fevers etc. * A person’s attention span decreases and makes him/her drowsy and distractible. Anger, irritability and crankiness will follow. On further deprivation, there may be symptoms

There is bad news for beauty conscious women who are desirous of preserving their youthful charm and would like to have a taut and firm skin sans wrinkles even in their advancing years. A German study using a new laser-based technique to measure damage from sun exposure and aging has shown that a woman’s skin ages faster than a man’s . Looks like Mother Nature is partial towards men in this matter too. A woman's skin ages faster than a man's Now onto the details. Collagens are a group of proteins in the dermis, the connective tissue layer of the skin, and are responsible for  responsible for giving skin its strength and elasticity. As you get older your body produces less collagen so your skin looks droopy and wrinkled. Using a new laser imaging technique, researchers from Germany's Freidrich Schiller University in Jena and the Fraunhofer Institute of Biomedical Technology in St. Ingbert looked at the deeper layers of the skin and measured the amount of damage from s

Though tonsils provide local immunity to the oral cavity by devouring the bacteria that make their way to the body through the throat, they do suffer injuries and sometimes succumb to it. This inflammatory condition in the tonsils is known as ‘ tonsillitis ’ and calls for a surgery. But remember, “Treatment always begins at home”. Here is a collection of home remedies to provide relief and reduce the inflammation and swelling. Mustard should be powdered well and one pinch of this powder should be mixed with hot water. Gargle frequently with this solution for relief. Hot water fomentation with a clean soft cloth dipped in hot water, applied locally over the throat also provides relief. Turmeric root should be ground well into a fine powder and a paste should be made using water. This paste should be applied locally over the throat. Turmeric has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. One pinch of turmeric powder and some crystalline salt should be mixed in one cup of hot water. Garg

To counteract wrinkles and excessive dryness , apply these face packs- they will keep your skin supple and smooth. 1) Mash a ripe banana , mix with juice of roses and apply to face. Wash off with warm water after an hour. Use regularly to get best results; will keep skin soft, supple and wrinkle free. 2) A spoonful of onion juice mixed with honey is also extremely good for skin blemishes and wrinkles. 3) A cabbage pack is also very effective. Mix to a paste the juice of a few cabbage leaves, a tablespoon of honey and a little yeast. Apply and leave on face and neck for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water; ending in a cold splash. 4) An egg white (not beaten) spread over the skin near eyes and neck, left to dry for an hour before wiping off with cotton wool, dipped in ice cold water, removes wrinkles. 5) Wrinkles or lines around the mouth are caused by smoking, advancing age, dry skin and laughing movements. Keep lips moist with a coating of petroleum jelly every day, to disc

Dry chapped lips are a common problem in winter. Some of these tips may help: * Apply Vaseline or butter on your lips as many times as possible during the day. This will keep them well moisturized. * If your lips have split use a medicated lip-balm to heal them. * Do not bite or chew your lips to remove the dry flakes. * Avoid licking your lips frequently. * Use a lip balm with an SPF factor as a base before applying a lipstick. * Use creamy lipsticks instead of matte ones. Lip exfoliating: You can exfoliate your lips with just a toothbrush and a little Vaseline or butter. Brush the lips gently to remove the dry flakes. Rubbing lemon juice or glycerin will also exfoliate the dead skin cells caused due to various factors like cold weather, smoking etc. and restore the original smoothness and color. Category: Skin care Pic source:amazon.com

Nails which are brittle and break easily can be very irksome, as it takes months together to make them grow to a reasonable size again. Unfortunately, most people injure their nails while cooking, gardening, washing up, etc. As a result, the nails become weak and break easily. Drinking too much alcohol, calcium deficiency, lack of zinc in the body, damage to the liver etc. leads to weakening of the nails. Toughening weak fingernails can be quite harrowing. If you have weak nails keep them short and square shaped. Make sure you trim your nails often, especially after a long bath or after soaking them in water for 15 minutes. Nails tend to weaken and peel when they are dry. You could even try moisturizing them at night using Vaseline and wearing cotton gloves. Avoid direct contact with detergents, by wearing rubber gloves, when washing up. Apply a nail hardener or a colorless nail varnish to give extra protection and hardness. However, avoid products which contain chemicals which cause

Tulsi (Basil is revered by the Hindus as a holy herb. This belief is not entirely due to any dogmatic religious conviction, but rests upon solid scientific foundations. In addition to its spiritually uplifting qualities, Tulsi has been found to possess extraordinary powers of healing and promoting health. Tulsi is found to be endowed with purifying and antiseptic qualities. The efficacy of the remedies of skin diseases is greatly augmented if they are used in conjunction with Tulsi. Here is a collection of a few such remedies: Equal amounts of 5 parts of the Tulsi plant should be dried and powdered together. An extract of this powder has a purifying action on the blood. Regular use of this extract therefore prevents skin diseases . Application of a paste formed by grinding Tulsi leaves with lemon juice is an effective treatment for ringworm . Continued ingestion of powdered Tulsi roots and leaves with hot water is believed to cure all skin diseases. Boil Tulsi leaves in mustard oil.

Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth makes an excellent cleansing mask, and possesses highly absorbent qualities. It is rich in minerals and when applied to the skin in the form of a paste, it helps improve circulation; it hardens slowly as it dries, and absorbing the dead cells on the top of the skin and dries up any excess oil. The mineral ingredient in fuller’s earth giving the absorbent action is the hydrated aluminium silicate. Grease of the skin, coats the particles of aluminium silicate and is lifted away from the skin when the mask is removed. It is therefore unsuitable for a dry skin but is excellent for an oily skin .

With the kind of lifestyle that we lead, back pain is very common nowadays. Pavanamuktasana is an excellent yogic posture which improves muscle power and stamina to relieve backpain. It also provides relief from flatulence or gas. ‘ Pavana’ means ‘wind’ or ‘gas’ and ‘mukta’ means to be free. Therefore, ‘Pavanamuktasana’ means to be free from gas.

If you want to color your hair then remember these points: First coloring should be done by expert hands. Consult a beautician about the color choice. A contrasting hair color clashes with your skin tone and eye color. Since black hair is more prevalent in Indians, chestnut brown color (reddish brown) and caramel (light brown) are perfect to tint either totally or in streaks. Always buy a good hair color from a reputed company. Do not go for cheap brand which can damage your hair and skin. Always read the instructions carefully. Consult the sensitivity test to check if your are allergic to that brand. If allergic symptoms like reddening, itching, rash or swelling occur, do not use it. Try another brand. If you are on medication do not use color at all. If your hair has been dyed, hennaed or bleached wait till the color fades before you use hair color. If you have boils, wounds or scratches on your scalp, this should heal before you attempt to use hair color. Apply uniformly from root t

Rosemary is an attractive evergreen shrub with pine needle-like leaves. There are different species of this evergreen shrub. The differences are in their heights, color of flowers, taste and appearance. Medicinal/Cosmetic uses of Rosemary Rosemary essential oil is used as an anti depressant, anti-septic, digestive stimulant and tonic properties. Extracted by steam distillation of flowers and leaves it has a strong, clean mint aroma. In today’s aromatherapy it is used to energize and stimulate the central nervous system. It is believed to aid in memory retention. Rosemary is used externally for rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia. One traditional use of rosemary has been to stimulate hair growth. It is advised for use during pregnancy or if a person suffers from epilepsy. Place a couple of sprigs or a sachet in your sweater drawers because rosemary is a moth repellant. Add rosemary to sachets, soaps, bath salts and candles for a delightful fragrance. Culinary uses: The leaves are used

Hoarse voice (laryngitis) is the term used to denote the inflammatory condition of the larynx- the voice box. In Ayurveda this is called ‘swarabheda’.

Today women in their 40s feel much younger and vibrant than their earlier generation. The 40s today reflects the age when women are in their most independent and confident self. This is also the time when you will regret if you ever had these habits in your youth- overexposure to the sun, poor diet, squinting, smoking, attending late-night parties etc. because you will start looking much older than you actually are. On the other hand if you had followed all the good skin care habits along with a proper diet and exercise regimen in your 20s and 30s it will show up on your skin, making you look years younger. But it is true that things start slowing down. Cell production decreases, pigmentation becomes uneven and skin begins to lose its elasticity. The skin cannot repair itself, as it used to do earlier. As a result fine lines start appearing around the eyes and laugh lines also get deeper. Now you should give a proper treatment to the skin with vitamin E based creams as it will stim

Teeth could be naturally dark or could be discolored by repeated exposure to beverages like tea, coffee or red wine, smoking and also medications apart from decay and trauma to the tooth. If you want your captivating smile to be adorned by a row of glistening pearly white teeth, then try these treatments and remedies: ‘In chair’ bleaching at the dentist for teeth whitening Though there are several options available for teeth whitening, bleaching at a cosmetic dentistry clinic can significantly lighten your teeth within an hour. A large percentage of the people who have undergone bleaching have experienced a positive change in the color of their teeth. Read about it at About Cosmetic dentisty . ‘At home’ teeth whitening bleaching kit The ‘at home’ teeth whitening technique is also a popular bleaching procedure to whiten your teeth. You can obtain the bleaching kit from your dentist or make an over-the counter purchase. Use it conveniently at night and the gel should work while you sleep

Vaseline a.k.a. petroleum jelly is the oldest and the most popular cosmetic product used all over the world. Its versatility can be recognized from the fact that it is extensively used in innumerable skin problems and ailments’ including chapped hands or lips, toenail fungus, chest colds, nasal congestion, cracked feet – the list goes on! It is also used as an ingredient in skin lotions and cosmetics. This wonderful multi-purpose product has one more delightful use in its kitty. Vaseline can actually make your eyelashes grow longer and thicker .

Home-made cleansing milk Ingredients: 1 tsp yeast 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon carrot juice ½ tsp curds 1 tsp orange juice 1 tsp olive oil Method: Mix all the ingredients and use it as cleansing milk. Apply it over the face massaging the face in circular motions and then remove it with a cotton ball soaked in warm water after 10 minutes. Home-made toner After the pores have been opened and cleaned, they need to be tightened and cleared of all cleansers. After that try and use this toner: Ingredients: ½ large cucumber 4 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tbsp witch hazel Method: Liquidize the cucumber, add other ingredients and apply. Home-made astringent Ingredients: 1 tbsp milk powder 1 mashed ripe pear Method: Mix to form a smooth paste and apply.

Fragrance is an essential feature of your grooming. A mind-boggling range of perfumes has hit the market, so take time in choosing the perfumes, ensuring that you buy the best one that suits your personality best. Consider these points while applying a perfume: In most cases perfumes need to be reapplied every 3 to 5 hours. During the day it is a good idea to wear a cologne or eau-de-toilette rather than a concentrate, which is more suitable for the evening. Do not mix your perfumes and do not allow a fragrance to become altered by scented soaps, deodorants or bath oils. For optimum effect, try applying a few drops on your pulse points (i.e. the inside of your wrists or behind your ears). These spots help to disperse the fragrance more effectively. If you are allergic to fragrance, spray them on the inside of your clothes instead, but be careful that the scent does not stain your clothing. Do not throw away a perfume bottle when the contents are finished. Place the empty bottle (witho

A positive attitude or outlook on life can lead to positive behavior and success. A person with a positive behavior draws others’ like a magnet. After all, everyone would like to be around with a person who is strong and motivated, with the confidence to keep moving forward and not with a person who always stays stuck in one place and whines about his/her imaginary or real worries and insecurities.

You may be washing your hands at odd moments during the day, whenever they are dirty or you may be applying soap on them and washing them during bathing but this is not the same thing as cleaning them. The care of your hands should also be a part of your daily beauty routine, because hands reveal a lot. Neglected worn out, wrinkled hands will make you look older than what you actually are. You should shower the same kind of attention on your hands as you do to your face. Every night you should wash your hands with soap; scrub the nails, cuticles and knuckles, whiz over the hard bits with pumice stone. While many aestheticians advise you to push the cuticle back  in order to keep your nails in a good shape, it certainly isn't a healthy habit says Dr Schultz of DermTV.   This can even result in an yeast or a bacterial infection, the same yeast that causes vaginal infection and it may take months to heal, warns he. However if your fingers have been stained due to some reason, ru

Use eye make-up to emphasize the eyes. The type of eye make-up varies depending upon the occasion, the time of the day (whether daytime or night) and also according to the shape and setting of your eyes. You have to first use the eye shadow, then the eyeliner, kohl pencil or kajal, and lastly your mascara. When applying eye make-up, it is best to do so in natural light. 1. Eye shadow: Eye shadow should be applied as close to the roots of the lashes as possible and then blended over the lid and outwards with a brush or your fingertips. Carry a little or the color around the outer corner and smudge it gently to give the eyes a soft look. Eye shadow, when applied and blended properly, helps accentuate your eyes. This is especially true if you have dark eyes. 2. Eyeliners: Eyeliners are available in pencil, liquid and cake varieties. Each type has its positive features and the one that you use would depend on your preference. Draw a very fine line with a pointed brush from the inner to t

Did you know that Kapalabhati Pranayam / kriya can also be used to enhance your beauty and ward off skin aging? Done the right way,  Kapalabhati Pranayam can be used as a beauty aid - it can give you a wrinkle-free, luminous forehead and radiant complexion. Kapalabhati For Beauty   ‘Kapalabhati’ Pranayam breathing exercise is an excellent way of maintaining good health and fighting diseases. ‘Kapala’ means ‘skull’ (and ‘forehead’ also) and ‘bhati’ means ‘shining’. By doing kapalabhati, the ‘nadis’(nerves) of the brain get good exercise. This is achieved by exercising the diaphragm. There will be a glow on the forehead. After the age of 25, the tell-tale signs of ageing start making their appearance in the form of fine lines on the forehead. A regular practice of Kapalabhati for 10-15 minutes everyday will give you a tight forehead sans wrinkles for many years to come. Avoid Botox, try Kapalabhati Why resort to Botox   and other expensive chemical or surgical procedures t

Popularly known as jeera in most Indian languages, cumin seeds are one of the most common ingredients in Indian cuisine. The sweetened version of these dry yellowish looking seeds help in digesting the food. They are also used for preparing various medicines of unani and ayurvedic systems. Grown all over India, it is used for dyspepsia, fever, swelling, and uterus problems. It is also a germicidal insecticide.

Does that premature gray in your hair embarrass you to no end? Has the natural process of ageing made your hair turn gray, with those first few strands of gray mocking at you, reminding you of your advancing age? Well, if you are the kind of person who has an aversion to chemical hair-colors and dyes , then try out this simple home-made henna hair-dye and cover your gray.

The most useful techniques for fixing torn or split nails quickly are by gluing and patching and you can do this at home. Gluing Place torn section together; then apply nail glue sparingly using a toothpick. To seal peeling layers back together apply a drop on the damaged area and spread out with a manicure stick. Make sure the hands are clean and the nail in question is perfectly free from polish before you glue. Keep glue away from the rest of the hands because it is very strong and can seal fingers together. Patching If the tear is big, then cover the damaged area with a piece of plastic or paper and attach it with nail glue or liquid nail adhesive. After, mending, apply polish to the nail to conceal the patch. Don’t bite Bitten nails look frightful. The best cure for this grubby habit is will power. Polishing up Polish protects nails by giving them an extra, strengthening layer and even a colorless polish finishes off hands nicely but constant use of nail polish isn’t advisable. Na