Beauty and Personal Grooming

Sure all of us have had our shares of happiness, successes, failures and sorrows last year but it makes sense to dwell on the happy moments and learn from our failures and sorrows. I sincerely hope that the coming new year has something wonderful to offer you all. And I promise to come with more informative, in-depth and ponder-worthy posts in the coming year and would love your valuable inputs and comments on them as well.

The year 2018 is coming to an end and how fast! Compared to 2017, I did manage to pen quite a number of posts, though nowhere near my expected goal.    I revisited quite a few older posts, updated outdated info in them and reposted them as new posts; that was quite a bit of work, which was much needed!   So now, without much ado, I’d like to list out some of the best posts from the year 2018.  

Wishing all my readers a merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

You all must probably be wondering why something as trivial as itching is being given so much importance and why researches are conducted to find ways of relieving it! Well, for most of us, if we do get an itch, we scratch it for a while and forget about it. Do read the post Why scratching an itch provides relief and home remedies to relieve itching .   But for those who have eczema , extremely dry skin , psoriasis or any skin ailment that causes chronic itching, it’s not at all that simple. They go crazy unable to bear the severe itching and the incessant scratching that follows to relieve it. It’s for this reason that a search for a long-term, effective cure for itching is still going on!   Image credits:Wikipedia

We already know that getting a body massage helps a lot when you want to relax. But a lot of people don’t know that a foot massage provides even more health benefits you never thought of. After a long day at work or walking around, our feet will feel tired and sore. In order to make it relaxed and in order to relieve sore muscles, a good foot massage will greatly help. It improves the blood circulation and improves one’s general health. With several therapeutic techniques, it can help heal even serious illnesses.

Winter weather can sometimes get in the way of one's fashion sensibilities. The colder weather forces women to shift from stylish layers to functional ones. Slim silhouettes are disrupted by puffy parkas. Scarves and hats put a damper on makeup and hair styling. Here are some fresh looks to keep the winter blues at bay.

Cosmetics have come a long way, to put it mildly! As standards of beauty have evolved, so have the various ways to attain that beauty. This list will detail six ways that cosmetics have changed over the years.

Christmas is just around the corner, and everyone is thrilled. This time of the year is all about giving and receiving, as well as spending it with your loved ones. You've probably outdone yourself with picking out the right gifts for your friends and family. On top of that don't forget to add all the constant cooking and baking, as well as cleaning and tidying off the house. In this mayhem it is easy to forget about yourself, and that is why we advise you to splurge and pamper, just a little. Get to your Christmas party as stylish as never before, and look your best with the right makeup. In this article, we will teach you how to look glam with beautiful & long-lasting results.

A recent trend in the beauty world is DIY beauty recipes made with safe, natural ingredients. These cosmetics and skin treatments do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives, or ingredients that will irritate the skin – at least in most cases. However, just because you are creating a homemade beauty treatment does not mean that you do not have to take care to ensure the safety and health of your products (even if you are just using them on yourself). The following tips will help you ensure your products are really as healthy as they are supposed to be.

Millions undergo the practice of straightening their hair each and every day, some in fact carrying on the process several times throughout the day. The idea of being able to tame curly or frizzy hair into sleek, manageable and elegant styles without the need for a hairdresser is indeed appealing, which is furthered by the fact that none of the dangerous chemicals used by professionals need to be added into the mix. However, just because the chemicals are taken out of the equation does not mean that home straightening cannot significantly damage hair, which is something that all users of straighteners should be aware of in order to limit the damage as much as possible.

Technology is such a sweetheart, isn’t it? It has given people countless options to communicate back and forth at practically no cost. It has also made getting tight, refined pores so inexpensive that literally does not leave you anything else to do to your skin than simply snap a photo, tap on the “edit” button and filter away your skin imperfection!

Do you have any idea how to pick out an outfit? Or you’re confused what style shirt work well with pants? Or what’s really appropriate for the event? If you need to know the answer of all of these questions, then there is a step-by-step guide for you! This guide will help you out to pick out the classic outfit without any hassle or stress free. It’s just as easy as 1-2-3-4? So, here you go:

The holidays are considered the most wonderful time of the year for a season that is filled with festive decor and sugary treats. Although most people pay close attention to their waistline with what they eat, the holiday foods consumed can also stain your teeth and cause them to become yellow. To prevent discoloration and protect your natural shade, there are a few foods to skip this Christmas.

Most people have a hard enough time doing their own makeup, but if you're one of the gifted few that can look at anyone's face and see the potential beauty hidden there, just waiting to be brought out with a wave of your magic wand (or brush), perhaps you should think about becoming a makeup artist. You might be surprised to find that there's more to it than making up brides for their special day; there are actually several avenues to explore when it comes to this artistry of appearance. Here are just a few potential jobs you could tackle when you become a licensed makeup artist.

Women are certainly a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. From every genre of music, women have led the way to have some of the most iconic and powerful voices. And whether it's their style, the way they do their hair, or the way they transform themselves, female musical performers are not only an inspiration to women to live strong and be proud, but a powerful motivation to people of all walks of life. The past couple of years have seen a number of amazing female musical artists take the highest ranks for beauty and style. However, what makes a female performer beautiful is not only her physical appearance, but also what she represents and stands for. 

We love to save money on products, especially beauty products which is why affordable products like Neutrogena 洗面 are so popular among young women. However, the face is the first thing that other people see and oftentimes, we find it necessary to invest in our appearance especially as we leave our 20’s hoping the products will sustain lengthy use. Everyone always has preferred brands and products, but sometimes maintaining a beautiful face with high-quality products can be expensive. It is one of the many reasons why some people make use of do-it-yourself products with materials that can easily be found at home. You can make these beauty items just as you use them and then store them for future use.

While growing up, a lot of us probably stayed up to watch the Miss America or Miss Universe pageant while quietly dreaming about being the woman who, at the end, would be in her evening gown with roses in her hand and a tiara on her head as she waved to all of the people admiring her beauty while she sashayed across the stage.

If you are a smoker and need to have a tooth pulled, you are likely wondering whether you’ll be able to smoke after the procedure. The truth is that smoking immediately after a tooth extractions is extremely risky and delays your healing process. You will be encouraged to wait at least 72 hours after your tooth has been pulled.

That boy you’ve secretly had a crush on at work finally calls you after weeks of encrypted text messages back and forth. He wants to meet you after work, which, you realize, is only in a half-an-hour! There is no way you will have time to go home and change into that cute red dress you just bought. You start thinking this might be a fashion and beauty emergency . You will not allow yourself to have both, as you thank the Sephora gods in heaven for that cherry lip-gloss you brought with you today. You convince yourself everything is going to be ok, as you practice your yoga breathing exercises and examine your Prada handbag for items that will give you a much-needed quick fix. It’s time to turn on the survival mode and get creative.

If you’re not using a serum as a part of your daily skin care routine, you might want to consider adding one…or two. There is a lot of hype around serums lately—and for good reason. The right serum can do wonders to brighten, tighten, and transform your skin. However, all serums are not created equal. There are endless serum products available and many contain unnatural ingredients and fillers which are no good for the skin. If you’re going to add a serum to your routine, it’s best to use an all-natural version. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use serums and how to find the right serum for your skin.

Buck teeth are present if two or more of an individual’s front teeth extend so far out that they cover the lower lip. They are often the result of genetics, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or the overuse of a pacifier. Children and adults may develop this severe overbite and feel embarrassed about their smile, especially if they are overtly conscious of their so called "rabbit teeth". Ashamed of your buck teeth?

Fashion is a form of self-expression. Your clothes on the outside reflect who you are on the inside. Your personal style can change depending on your mood, confidence level, and seasonal trends. Remember that clothing is something more than just something that you need to wear to cover up your body. It's used to make a fashion statement, and to express your true inner self. Here are some ways you can express yourself through fashion.

Dental implant surgery is done to replace missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants are metal posts or frames, usually made of titanium, that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums and are used to support artificial tooth. Once in place, the dentist will be able to to mount replacement teeth onto them. The benefits of implants is that dentures mounted on them won't slip or shift in the mouth which is an extremely helpful advantage over ordinary dentures when eating and speaking. They also feel and look more natural. Also read 5 dental implant myths .

Soon it will be time to winterize our wardrobe. Depending on what part of the country you live in, a fall wardrobe can be worn during the winter months. This is the season where the cold weather is based on El Nino or La Nina. No, these are not clothing items, it is a weather cycle. El Nino is the warmer side of winter and La Nina is the opposite. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the 2018 winter months may bring warmer temperatures .

Dear Readers, Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous Deepavali! May this auspicious festival of lights illuminate your home with  happiness, peace and contentment! Have loads of fun and enjoy!

The human skin is the largest organ of the body. So with that much exposure, you need to find ways to take care of it and ensure that it is always looking good. Here we look at some simple and inexpensive ways to pamper your skin...that will leave you feeling good, too!

Your hair is one of the first things that people notice when they see you. No matter how nice your clothes are or how much makeup you put on, your hair can make or break your appearance. This is why it is important to have hydrated hair, no matter what hair type you have.    If your hair is dry and considerably damaged, it can affect how you look and what others think about you. Here are some of the consequences of not having hydrated hair and what you can do about it.

Living in today’s modern age allows us to benefit the various innovations that technology has brought. However, this fast-paced lifestyle can also take a toll on our bodies, where many of us may even begin to neglect taking care of ourselves simply because we do not have time. This can do more harm than good since constantly neglecting basic self-care can take a toll on our bodies.

 It may sound unethical and unfair, but the hard truth is that beauty is indeed skin deep. There’s a great deal of emphasis being placed on looking good, dressing well, and being groomed to your last finger nail. Style does win over substance, at least at first glance and with the first impression. And so it follows that well-groomed individuals are able to attract immediate attention and get people to take notice of them. They find it easier to prove themselves because the foundation and groundwork are laid by the way they look – that’s how important personal grooming is.

Insomnia is a condition that affects your normal sleeping patterns. If you stay up late because you find it difficult to sleep, then you may have insomnia. Averagely, an adult requires between 7 to 8 hours of sleep to function well. Losing sleep hurts your health.

There is a lot of debate going on about co-sleeping. Some claim it is necessary for bonding, while others swear that it comes with a lot of dangers, some of which may be fatal, hence no need to even risk it. If you are a mother, or a couple planning for a family, this is a debate you will not avoid and it is imperative to arm yourself with the right information so that when the time comes, you will not face it with fear and doubts which tend to surround it at the moment.

This homemade hair-pack conditions as well as imparts shine and bounce to lifeless, dull hair . Start using this pack twice a week for a month before your wedding. Soon you will have shiny, breathing, voluminous hair sans dandruff . Be prepared to expect compliments galore on your D-day.

The health benefits of lemons are immense and most of us know about it already. It's widely used in home-remedies to deal with minor ailments too. But most of the time we only make use of the juice and discard the rind or peel.  Now that's a shame because the lemon peel contains more nutrients than the juice. In order to get the most out of a lemon,  it's better to consume it as a whole. Now I do admit that it's not possible to use a whole lemon every time, but you must at least try using it in at some of the dishes.

In 2010, the International Spa Association reported that the US spa industry made about $12.8 billion worth of revenue – actually up 4.3% from the previous year. And that’s up over $5 billion total since 1999, when spas were just becoming popular outside the upper classes.

A long haul flight can sometimes feel a bit like limbo. A whole day suspended in a 200 square foot box surrounded by two inches of aluminium, possibly squashed between two complete strangers. There’s no hopping off to run those forgotten errands, or even, unless you’re travelling wifi-style, answering those beckoning emails! As such, there’s a tendency to pack for every possible kind of boredom or inconvenience that might occur. Image source

Getting older is a natural part of life, and you can make the most of every year by taking care of your appearance and making sure you lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips for looking your best in your later years, from skin care to hairstyles to fashion. Photo by  David Castillo Dominici at freedigitalphotos.net

Do you know that October 1 of every year is observed as the International Day of Older Persons ?   The United Nations (UN) announced celebrating Oct 1 st as a day dedicated to elderly persons and it was celebrated for the first time on Oct 1, 1991.   It’s essentially a day to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It’s also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. This year that is in 2018, the theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”. On this elders   day, let’s   recall some of the wonderful things that our elders did for us and and also pledge   to take care of them in their twilight years.

When you think of a well-groomed dog, you may first imagine a French Poodle, actually they’re classified as a Standard Poodle, who often appear that way because they just got back from the groomer. But when you really think about it, most dogs and cats look absolutely adorable, practically all the time. That’s because they’re pretty well-versed at grooming themselves, especially felines, and they perform these routines on a regular, daily basis.

You can look fantastic and regain your pre-pregnancy figure if you spare a few minutes every day for your body. With a little effort a woman can look beautiful at any time of her life. Motherhood is a unique experience in every woman’s life, her very special dream. But in the age of “figure-consciousness” retaining a good figure after childbirth becomes a definite problem for many a young mother. In this age of “figure consciousness” retention of a graceful and slim body after childbirth warrants a regular regimen.

Have you always wished for the soft, shiny, gorgeous hair you see on models, actresses, and those girls in shampoo ads (without having to pay through the nose for the salon treatments, professional products, and hours of styling required to keep your strands glossy and perfectly coifed)?   Perhaps the thought of damaging your hair with chemicals, high heat (from a dryer and an iron), and excessive amounts of product gives you pause.   

One day when I was doing my regular yoga poses / asanas in the privacy of my cozy room, the doorbell rang. I hastily rushed to open the door only to find the courier boy who had come to deliver some parcel. Strangely, the very next morning, I found that I was unable to move my left arm. Photo by sixninepixels at freedigitalphotos.net I carried on somehow for days, asking my part-time maid to help me while dressing and doing my hair. I decided that age was catching up on me and that I would have to put up with all these body ailments, joint pains, disability of movements, etc. But I started feeling more and more uncomfortable as the days passed by and my whole body slowly started to get stiff. Eventually, I consulted a surgeon.

Women have always had the upper hand on the fashion quotient. Has one ever wondered there could be some fashion statements that don’t make the men turn their heads? Instead, there are some fashion trends that women think are quite fashionable but men hate. Certain clothing in the women wardrobe can be quite men repelling. There are lot of clothing items which are displayed on the fashion ramps and catwalks, but those are rarely seen on the local mall shops or the high street. All the statements made on the ramps are not head turners. You often wonder why the models don’t look like normal women, it shall remain a mystery.

Dear Readers, May Lord Ganesha destroy all your worries, sorrows and tensions and fill your life with love and happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all those who are celebrating!!

An easy to-do recipe for an invigorating body scrub, all organic, and delicious! It is way too easy to get wrapped up and spend thousands of dollars to have beautiful skin . We go to spas and salons to stay young and have the best, most youthful glowing skin, but do we even know what the ingredients are that we are using? Personally, I believe that if you can’t eat it, then neither should your skin. In this day and age of wanting to economize and save some money, it’s so simple to use everyday household goods to take amazing care of your skin for a fraction of the price you would spend in any store. I have tried every product under the sun and I have found that some of the best ingredients are the ones made by Mother Earth, herself.

If you run out of a styling cream or a hairspray which you normally use to style or set your hair and manage fly-aways, try these substitutes:

When  people are questioned as to what is most important for them - family or work, most of them will respond saying that family is their top priority and everything else is secondary. But their actions seem to betray their words! Even though most people claim to love their families more than themselves, they seem to spend more time at their workplace and with their work associates than with people they claim to love the most.

As soon as you get out of the shower and dry off, does your skin immediately feel tight and dry? When you shave your armpits or your legs, do you break out with razor bumps that eventually scar? Do thick, heavily scented lotions irritate your skin or clog your pores? Are your prone to itching attacks when its dry and hot outside? Well perhaps you have sensitive skin and you never even knew it.

Do you wish you had a nicer smile? Do you look in the mirror and wish your teeth were a little whiter or a little straighter? Or maybe you just don’t have confidence showing your smile when you’re around other people.  Whatever the case, you’re not alone. A lot of people struggle with their smile and put it away as a result. (Read the post Girl worried about her ugly smile .) However, you don’t have to live like this. With a few changes you can easily improve your smile and become more confident in showing it. Here are a few things to try that will hopefully yield you some great results.

There are a lot of people who are clamouring for health supplements that will keep them healthy. But, there is no other health supplement better than the real one. Fruits and vegetables are the best natural health supplements and black radish is one such super food full of nutrients. Black radish has been known throughout the world as both food and medicine. In fact, it has been used since the ancient times as medicine and as home remedies for common ailments. Black radishes are sautéed or braised even stir-fried and mixed with other vegetables to prepare delectable dishes for consumption. So, what are the best health benefits of a black radish to the human body? Here are some of the top health benefits you get if you consume black radish.

If you are considering a plastic surgery, you may be wondering whether there is a health insurance plan out there that can cover it. The good news is that a procedure that is considered a medical necessity may be paid for by a health insurance plan even if it also enhances your physical appearance .

Check out this simple recipe for a rich hair- conditioner :

While there are several differences between dentists and orthodontists, it’s important to understand what sets them apart. Although both dentists and orthodontists graduate from dental school, only orthodontists further their education to become specialists in straightening teeth. Since orthodontics is such a specialized field and requires the utmost precision and knowledge, only the top 5 percent of dental school graduates are considered for an orthodontic residency. Believe it or not, there are some top-rated orthodontic residency programs that only accept five out of hundreds of doctors.

The golden rule of self-improvement is positive thinking and believing in your own skills. Self-improvement is the activity of improving oneself and improving one’s life. It’s a process that can be ongoing or focus on specific goals. It involves many things – positive and negative. It requires you to be absolutely honest about who you are, what you are capable of, what your weaknesses are and to work on them. Self-improvement also includes working on your attitude towards life, work, relationships and emotions. By improving your attitude and way of thinking, you can improve your life considerably. Here are some of the best self-improvement tips and how you can incorporate them.

‘You are immature’; ‘Anger is a sign of immaturity’. The word ‘maturity’ is loosely used by all and sundry. But what exactly does it mean? Is maturity just a process of ageing or growing up? Growing mature is a lifelong process. At no stage can anyone stand up and say that he is fully mature. Growth and development goes on as long as the person tries to improve. Maturity is indicative of one’s readiness to share adult experiences, privileges and responsibilities.

Activated charcoal at home teeth whitening has become immensely popular these days. Social media is replete with images and videos of people brushing their teeth with charcoal to get whiter, brighter teeth. Activated charcoal is a finely milled powder made of coconut shells, coals, sawdust and then processed under high heat to remove its impurities and make it highly porous. These small pores increases the adsorption capacity of activated carbon  and makes it highly efficient in trapping unwanted substances. Pic Credits: Wikipedia

We are all familiar with the golden yellow spice called turmeric ( haldi ), which is  used in everyday cooking by almost all families in India. It's for sure a  miracle healer from the kitchen. Turmeric is used in a wide variety of therapeutic preparations for both prevention and treatment of many ailments.The presence of an active substance called curcumin in turmeric imparts it with several medicinal properties. For instance, there is this Turmeric Milk / Turmeric Latte or the quintessential Haldi Doodh that is used as a remedy for sore throat , colds and coughs and is known to most people all over India. Turmeric milk is a highly potent beverage and its efficacy is unmatchable to OTC medicines for the same ailments.   Do check for more medicinal uses and home remedies with turmeric in this post. Turmeric, with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties is widely used in skin care, to treat acne , hyperpigmentation etc. Read all about it in Turmeric as a beauty aid

We all have have been bombarded with advice such as "Think positive", Banish negative thoughts", "Always try to be in a good mood.", "See the brighter side of life" , "Count your blessings" and so on and so forth. Self-help books are rife with such advice about positivity and the superiority of being in a state of happiness all the time. But is forcing oneself to be happy all the time a good thing?

Instead of reaching out for that cough syrup when your child is suffering from an incessant, nagging cough that worsens at night, you might try good old honey as a home-remedy .