Pratigya 23rd July 2010

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Hasb-e-Haal 23rd July 2010

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Fashion : Evening Wear

STYLE TIPS FOR SUMMER PARTIES - Tanya Munshi
Summer parties call for careful selection of clothes and accessories so that you can enjoy without sweating it out. After all, it is most essential to strike a balance between comfort and glamour during summers. Here is how you can go about it: 1. Pick suitable fabrics Experiment with colours and fabrics suited to Indian summers like khaadi, cotton and linen. Stick to floral prints that have shades of lavender, mauve, white and light blue; shades of pastel, off-white and cream go well too. Wear kurtis or tunics with sequined V-collars or halter and sleeveless short tops. Beige cotton or linen trousers, linen shorts or Capri compliment all tunics or tops. Knee and calf length skirts and trendy linen dresses are also apt for summer parties. However, avoid sequined and glitter tops for day wear. 2. Lighten up your make-up Keep your make up as light as possible. Summers make us sweat and if it’s not in an air- conditioned venue, you wouldn’t want the make up to spoil the look. Go for water based foundation, kohl, mascara and nude lip gloss. If you tend to sweat a lot, avoid eye liners and liquid foundation. Powdered compacts are better, you can always reapply if you want, but do so lightly and evenly all over. If it’s an outdoor day party, use sunscreen. 3. Go for breezy shoes and accessories Compliment your summer party wear with nude colour shoes. Colours like beige, brown, pastel green and light yellow work well for summers. Avoid black shoes, boots and footwear that cover your feet completely. Instead, go for strappy sandals like studded gladiator shoes that are stylish and glamorous. Match your bag with a similar shade of your shoes. A clutch purse is ideal. Just ensure it’s easy on the eye, with not too much glitter. For accessories, silver and platinum with or without precious stones are classic choices but funky costume jewelry could spin its magic too, depending on what you are wearing. However, be careful not to go over board. 4. Keep your hair in control Tie your hair up high in a ponytail or straighten your hair and pull a portion back from the crown area with a clip and allow the rest of the hair to fall on your shoulders. The idea is to achieve a clean look. 5. Smell good, feel good Before a party, take a shower with citrus or lemongrass body wash with exfoliating beads or with a deodorizing menthol soap to cleanse and smooth your skin. Use perfumes or deos with 24 hour protection, powered with lemon scents like Caribbean lime. If you sweat excessively, use talcum powder as it absorbs sweat but don’t overuse it. Use a wet towel to wipe off extra powder from your body. Avoid using it if you’re wearing a sleeveless top. And just before you step out, sprinkle some foot powder between your toes and wipe out extra to keep your feet smelling nice. Now, go out there and sizzle in your summer best!
DAZZLE THE PARTIES WITH SKINNY JEANS!
Skinny jeans have been in vogue for quite some time now and still continue to rule the fashion scene. So, if you can't make up your mind about what to wear for a party, simply slip into skinny jeans and get ready to rule the evening. Here are a few essential tips on pulling off this runway look without looking over the top or weird... 1. Check out the fit You don't have to be a Kate Moss or a Jennifer Lopez to get into a pair of skinny jeans. So, even if you are a little plump do give them a try to see how they fit you. But remember, if they are too tight and you cannot sit or bend in them, you'd rather not wear them at all! 2. Choose the colour wisely Skinny jeans are meant to make you look skinny or rather make your legs look slim and sexy. So go for skinny jeans in black, dark grey, dark blue and navy blue as dark colours have a slimming down effect. Moreover, with classic colours (such as black and blue) you have more options when it comes to tops and other accessories that you can wear with them. 3. Enhance the look with the right shoes If you're short and curvaceous and look good in your skinnies, do go for a pair of shoes with high heels or stilettos. They'll make you look taller. Alternately, try on a great pair of boots and wear your jeans tucked inside the boots. You can also go for pointy toe pumps as well. But whatever you do, don't ever wear your pair of skinny jeans with flats! 4. Top it up The good thing about skinny jeans is that you can wear almost anything on top to go with them. Choose between a glam fitted top for that night out or a loose tunic top. A simple string top or tank top looks cool too for than chilled out look. If you are on the heavier side, go for a loose fitting top that adds volume. 5. Sport the right add ons Since skinny jeans more or less add to the whole look, we'd suggest you go a tad easy on the accessories. A broad belt over your tunic top and simple tear-drop earring should do the trick. Complete your look with a red, gold or black clutch bag and you're ready to hit the party!
IS YOUR EVENING WEAR SEDUCTIVE ENOUGH?
Do you feel confused and even harangued while dressing up for an evening out-- especially when there is a man involved? No doubt we all wish we could get away with a pair of jeans and t-shirt and top it up with no make-up. But at the same time we want to look our scintillating best, seductive, sexy and at simultaneously demure…Yet shopping for formal wear can prove to be a nerve-wrecking experience; besides you don’t want to spend a bomb on one slinky black dress. Browse this check-list for some groovy ideas… Use Colours Skip the all black outfit. Instead, mix subdued purples, ink-blues, russets and mustards. Team them with black basics for a softer look. Mix ‘n’ Match Choosing separates is less intimidating as they can still be worn to dazzling effect if chosen carefully. Key items such as a bustier or halter top can be matched with smart and slim trousers or a pencil skirt. Mix and match jackets with spaghetti tops. Go Feminine Experiment with a feminine look by matching a small bodice with a full skirt or even one with side slits. Show off your legs, once in a while. Pick up tops that have lace, sport v-shaped necklines or possess sleeves of sheer material. A transparent back can look very sexy.

Pimples

KEEP PIMPLES AWAY FOREVER! Tanya Munshi
Now that you know how to make pimples you get disappear, here are some tips to make sure they don’t recur and you can live a pimple free life! Never touch your pimples. Continuous touching can spread the bacteria on your face and cause pimples elsewhere. Change the sheets of your bed and pillow regularly. At times, bacteria present on your pillow cover can lead to pimples. Have a lukewarm water bath. Never bathe with piping hot water as it removes the essential oils from your skin. After a bath, pat your skin dry. Never rub it harshly with a towel as you’ll only strip away essential skin cells and make it even drier and prone to infections. Remember, you should never share make up. You never know whose infection might ruin your skin. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily; this helps in flushing out the toxins in your body that cause pimples and other skin problems.
TACKLING THE PIMPLE MENACE Tanya Munshi
Pimples have a notorious habit of showing up just before that special date or a much-awaited party. It doesn’t matter how great your date is or how lovely the party is, you constantly feel that all eyes are on your face, with a pimple spoiling the show. Tone, Wash, And Moisturize Acne is mainly caused by bacteria build-up, so it’s best to use an anti-bacterial face wash. Usually, your dermatologist will recommend a safe product to use. Better still, use fragrance-free face wash that is free of any oils. Apply an oil free, vitamin E-enriched cream that is useful to heal pimple-prone and ruptured skin. You need to remove the impurities from your face to allow it to breathe. Never forget to use a toner and a face wash daily after returning from outside. An alcohol-free toner is best as it will keep a check on the bacteria on the skin. Use an oil-free sunscreen for your face. But remember, you need very little of it, else the sweat and your oily skin will lead to more pimples. When A Pimple Strikes Rule of thumb, never squeeze a pimple as this may cause scarring and infection. Squeezing a pimple reddens the area, causing the bacteria to spread. Instead, every half an hour, apply a cold compress on the pimple. Even if it gives you the chills, hold the ice on the affected area for a couple of minutes. Cold compress does wonders in reducing redness, swelling, and pain. Wash your face at least three times a day with anti-acne soap. Follow it up with an anti-acne cream containing benzyl peroxide. Seek a doctor’s advice before purchasing and applying as overuse of such creams can cause excessive drying of skin. Hide It Always go for water-based products as they are lighter on oily skin. Preferably choose a medicated concealer with anti-acne properties. First dab some toner with cotton wool on the pimples. The toner will dry up the excess oil, and then use the concealer. Remember, concealers can be creamy, so use them sparingly. You can spread the concealer with your finger tips, a brush, or cotton wool. Once you have applied the concealer, allow it to dry and use a powder brush to set it. Once done, apply oil-free foundation and compact to complete the picture. Ensure the foundation has a yellow base to reduce the redness of the pimples.
ACNE/PIMPLES, DR. RAO ON COSMETIC CORRECTION
DOs Do wash your face with a mild soap thrice a day. Do wash your face often (plain water splashes). Do steam your face at least twice a week. Do use a separate face towel and soap. Do eat a healhty balanced diet rich with fruits and vegetables. It is generally believed that oily food aggravate acne. This is not true. Do inform your doctor if you are taking any other oral medications like oral contraceptive pills, hormones etc. Do ask your doctor for any clarification regarding your medications. Do visit your dermatologist regularly. DON'Ts Don't pinch / pluck at your pimples or even touch them. They can scar. Don't stop your medications abruptly without consulting your doctor. Oral medications may have to be taken for at least 5-6 months. Don't use any strong medicated soaps. Don't use oily cosmetics. Cosmetic corrective procedures for Acne scars Chemical Peel : Various chemical agents like Retinoic acid, Trichloracetic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid or Phenol are used to induce exfoliation of superficial layers of skin. Dermabrasion: Abrading superficial layers of skin using emory or sand paper or motorized dermabrader. Collagen Injection: Used to fill up and level up skin unevenness and smoothen it. Excision & Punch Graft: Deep pitted scars can be excised and punch grafted. Acne, commonly known as 'Pimples' is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicle and oil producing glands). It is one of the commonest conditions affecting the teenage population. Usually they subside spontaneously within a few years, but a small percentage of them continue to have them even in their early thirties. Acne is due to various reasons. There is increased stickiness of the cells that line the opening of the hair follicle due to which the sebum which is normally secreted out through thisroute, gets blocked, resulting in the 'blackhead'. There is also an increased amount of the bacteria 'Propionibacteria acnes' which normally resides there in small numbers. There is also increased sebum production due to the hormonal variation that takes place at the time of puberty. Acne can either be non-inflammatory (just blackheads) or they can progress to larger lesions filled with pus, which ultimately scar. Topical medications in the form of lotions, gels etc. is sufficient for small non inflammatory ones, but once pus filled lesions are present, oral antibiotics are necessary, in addition to the topical medications. Source Credit: http://www.mohanraohospital.com
ARE YOUR STRETCH MARKS STRETCHING YOUR LIMITS?
It is very common that almost every woman in a specific time of their lives will develop stretch marks. Others simply have a generic predisposition to stretch marks and get them everywhere and others, never develop stretch marks at all. They look like reddish lines across the body, and with time they will turn white. In pregnancy it is common to have them since the skin is stretching very rapidly to accommodate the baby and the milk stored in the breasts. Once the stretch marks develop they will stay with you forever; but with time they will be less noticeable. The only way to avoid stretch marks is preventing them. We recommend: It is very important to exercise in order to get rid of stretch marks; toning your muscles helps your skin to remain firm thus preventing stretch marks. Make sure your diet contains plenty of protein and foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, they promote good tissue growth. Massaging your body with olive oil or Vitamin E may help. You can also try this homemade recipe: Mix one ounce of carrier oil (try avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, they are the best) with seven drops of lavender and five drops of chamomile. Apply cocoa butter and/ or elastin cream throughout the body as directed on label. These are very good for stretch marks. Here is another good recipe: 1/2 cup virgin olive oil. 1/4 cup aloe vera gel. liquid from 6 capsules of Vitamin E. liquid from 4 capsules of Vitamin A. Mix all the ingredients together in a blender. After that pour the mixture into a jar and store it in the fridge. Apply the oil externally all over the places where the stretch marks commonly appear (abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts). If you do this consistently every day, you may prevent stretch marks.

Hair Loss or Hair Trouble

SAY ADIOS TO PREMATURE GREY HAIR! Tanya Munshi
Are you in your twenties and already worrying about a grey hair that showed up? Well, there’s nothing to worry about. All you need to do is review your eating and lifestyle habits to get your natural hair color back. Food Tips A bowl of yoghurt a day keeps grey hair away. Basically, you need to include vitamin B in your diet. Avoid oily, artificially flavored and colored food products. Heavy-duty carbohydrates in your diet can reduce antioxidants in the body, making the hair dry and brittle. Incorporate cashews, almonds, fish and sea food in your diet. These are rich in melanin, iodine, iron and mineral copper that are essential for healthy hair. Home Tips Massage soaked tea leaves or concentrated tea water on the scalp and leave on for about 10–15 minutes after shampoo. Regular washing of hair with tea extract twice a week helps in converting grey hair to black or brown. Make your own hair mask! Mix olive oil and a mashed banana and apply it on your hair. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before a wash. Apply this hair mask once a week for about two months and then stop. You can start this routine again after two months. Henna leaves if boiled in coconut oil can be applied as a paste in the hair and washed after an hour of application. Coconut oil and henna make hair black. Healthy Habits Tension and worries are the key culprits causing grey hair. Practice physical exercises like yoga to keep tensions and worries at bay. Physical exercises are a must for proper blood circulation. Blood carries oxygen to every corner of your body, giving you a sense of well being and good health. Exercises such as toe touching are good for your hair as the blood reaches the head and scalp, promoting hair growth. As far as possible, avoid smoking and drinking. Smoking causes premature greying. Refrain from using too many hair products such as sprays or gels. Some chemicals may be harmful and can cause greying due to overuse or prolonged use. Heavy intake of caffeine — coffees, colas and teas — can cause premature greying. Keep your caffeine intake moderate — one to two cups per day is ideal. Brush your hair thoroughly every night before heading to bed. This will promote blood circulation in the scalp and sound sleep, both essential in preventing greying.
IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION TO PREVENT HAIR LOSS
Hope you apply oil in your hair. Take warm coconut oil & rub it on the scalp with cotton wool. Then apply this oil till the ends of your hair (from root to the tips). After this dip your towel in hot water (that which would be bearable) and then tie it on your hair. Keep it for sometime. If possible repeat this procedure. This helps the oil to penetrate into the roots of the hair. Moreover it helps in a good blood circulation in the areas near the scalp and helps in good growth of your hair. Then wash it with oil based shampoo. Your problem of dry hair will get solved.
VITAMIN DEFICIENCY CAN CAUSE HAIR FALL!
Vitamins not only have effect on the colour of our hair but also on the entire hair history. For dry, scanty and falling hair you should have plenty of fruits and vegetables. Leafy vegetables are best recommended, you could add more of spinach and (methi) fenugreek leaves to your diet. Best recommended fruits are amla and mangoes.
UGH! THOSE SPLIT ENDS
Yup, they can make you look impoverished. So gals, make sure you trim those ends before more notice it. Once in two to four weeks is fair enough to keep those splits away. But before you head for the salon, here’s something you should know: • Hair is basically made up of minerals and proteins. • Mineral deficiency can lead to split ends, and weak hair roots. So, to banish those splits away forever: • Make sure you drink a lot of water as water contains minerals. • Pamper your crown with regular oil massages, and make sure you massage the hair ends too.
CHECK! IS THERE LICE IN YOUR HEAD?
The thought of having lice in your hair may make you cringe, and you may think that you are immune to the onslaught of tiny wingless blood-sucking insects. Unfortunately, lice can turn up in your hair anytime. This normally happens through personal contact or when you share items such as combs, brushes, towels, pillows, clothing & hats with someone who has lice. Lice infestation can also occur at beards, eyelashes & eyebrows. So how do you steer clear of head lice & nits (eggs)? • Manually remove them one by one • Applying anti-lice medication (lotion, cream or shampoo) • Use essential oils such as herbs thyme & rosemary
WHY IS YOUR HAIR DRY, COARSE & BRITTLE?
Having hair trouble? UK based professional hairstylist Diana Dudas gives a word of advice. She writes…. It seems like such an enigma. Of the hundred or so emails I receive daily, the same question pops up endlessly. "Why is my hair so, FRIZZY and dry, coarse or brittle?" I intend to try and solve this mystery. And my first clue has to do with moisture deficiency! Oil and Water... 90% of us suffer with dry brittle or frizzy hair because our hair is deficient of (moisture) WATER! There is a certain preconceived notion that has been passed on from generation to generation. That is the idea that our hair is dry, because we are lacking in natural oils. We are told that if we nurture our hair by brushing vigorously 100 times a day, or if we nurture our hair with hot oil treatments and cholesterols, if we do all of these things, then we are sure to be blessed with beautiful, shiny and healthy locks. This might be the case, if you have young virgin (hair that is not chemically treated) hair. But this is certainly not the case, once you have impaled your tresses, with harsh chemicals such as bleaches and alkaline permanents, or if you have naturally curly hair. Naturally Curly Hair... Those of you who have curly hair, have these curls, because of a curvature of the hair follicles. A normal hair follicle under a microscope would be seen as perfectly straight. However yours would have a definite bend in it. This causes the hair to curl. Where the hair curves it compels the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) to lift. The Cuticle... Under a microscope, A cuticle is similar in appearance to shingles on a roof. When the hair is in good condition, and is straight and has good porosity the tiles or cuticle layers are tight together and in perfect in shape, giving the hair a smooth appearance. This makes light reflect off the hair enhancing shine! When hair is in bad conditioner, is curly or has poor porosity, the cuticle layers are lifted and sometimes damaged and broken. This makes the hair feel coarse and brittle. It also causes the hair to absorb light, giving the appearance of dull lifeless hair. To sum up this scenario. Because curly haired cuticle layer is permanently lifted, it feels, coarse, and brittle and has no brilliance. Hence the dull, lifeless look. It also means that our hair has poor porosity. Porosity... Is the ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. The best way for me to explain this is to would be for you to imagine a sponge. First of all imagine a brand new sponge. It will have tiny holes in it, and when you immerse it in water, it will soak up a large quantity, and be able to hold that liquid for a long period of time. This is because it has good porosity. Now imagine an old sponge. Its holes have become damaged and distorted. It might even be torn in some areas. When you immerse this sponge in the same amount of liquid, it will absorb far less and will certainly not be able to retain the moisture so readily. It is the same with hair. Hair that has poor porosity will not be able to absorb or retain moisture as well as hair that has good porosity. making hair permanently dry. Hot oil treatments... Traditions have taught many of us that lavishly applying oil to our hair will give us the soft, shiny hair that we all desire. However more often than not, the opposite takes place. Most oils if they are not essential oils do not have the ability to penetrate into the hair shaft. Nor do heavy cholesterols. What they will do, is to lay on top of the cuticle, and coat the cuticle. This may give the hair some Brilliance. However, it will also coat the hair. And causes product build up. Product Build Up... Once the hair is coated, your problems will commence. First of all, the moisture that our hair so desperately needs will not be able to permeate through the wall of product build. The moisture is then not able to find it’s way underneath the cuticle layer. The hair cannot then be conditioned. Also the oils will not diffuse, but sit on top of the cuticle layer. If you use any kind of hot styling tools such as blow dryers or hot irons, what will happen to your hair, is exactly what happens when you put an egg into a hot pan. It will fry! If you live in a sunny climate, the oil will do the same thing. The sun will heat the oil and fry your hair. You must have heard the term, my hair feels fried. Optimum Condition... For hair to be in tiptop conditioner is has to have a moisture (water) content of at least 8%, and the right balance of protein and natural oil. Most of us produce enough natural oil (sebum), to keep our hair healthy, but lack the moisture. After having a chemical service your moisture level will drop as low as 2%, causing, drying of the hair, followed by split ends. The same will happen with constant use of blow-dryers and hot styling tools, such as curling or flat irons. If the moisture level is not restored to it’s optimum 8%; by the use of good moisturizing products your hair will ultimately become brittle and possibly break. What To Do... You need to give your hair lots of TLC, with shampoos that are designed to restore your hair’s moisture level to its optimum 8%. Along with intense conditioners that will help to repair damaged cuticles, improve porosity, elasticity and general health and appearance of your hair. Avoid: • Product build by using products that contain natural ingredients. • Also avoid hot oil treatments, heavy cholesterol type conditioners, petroleum-based and silicone-based products. • Also hairsprays, mousses and gels that have a high alcohol or butane content. Those of you with naturally curly, wavy or frizzy hair, those of you who use hot styling tools or who chemically treat your hair, will need to give your hair extra nurturing by supplying it with the necessary nutrition and moisture that it needs. Sun worshippers need to make sure that your hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect your hair from the damaging affects of the UV rays. Summary... Our hair needs MOISTURE, MOISTURE, and MOISTURE! Who needs to add moisture more than most? People with naturally curly hair, chemically treated, hot styling tool users or people who live in hot sunny and arid climates.

Hair Dandruff

GET RID OF FLAKES WITH THESE HOMEMADE REMEDIES By Sunila Karir
In a world of perfectly glowing tresses, there is nothing more annoying than the ungainly appearance of the dreaded dandruff. But surprisingly, this pesky hair annoyance can be controlled… and the easy remedies lie right under your nose, around your house. 1. Beat it with beetroot While very few people actually relish it in their salad, beet root has been found to be an effective treatment for dandruff. Boil beetroot in water and cool this concoction. Massage this water into your hair with the fingertips every night and rinse it with a gentle shampoo the next day. 2. Fenugreek your hair Fenugreek seeds (methi daana) are a fantastic remedy for dandruff. Soak 2 tablespoons of these seeds in water in the night and grind the seeds into a fine paste the next day. Apply this sticky paste to your hair and leave it in for at least 30 minutes. You can wash your hair with soap nut (ritha) solution next morning. 3. Throw in some lemons Our hair welcomes a teaspoon of lime juice with the same enthusiasm as our bodies accept a tall, cold glass of lemonade. Rub 1 or 2 teaspoons of lime juice over your scalp and rinse with warm water to make your hair lustrous and free from dandruff flakes. 4. Aloha Aloe Aloe Vera has emerged as the popular elixir that works its wonder on the scalp and skin infections as well. Rub a bit of pure Aloe Vera gel on your scalp in the night and wash it off the next day. It is an excellent moisturiser and works magically to make your hair dandruff free. 5. Curd cure Curd (dahi) is known to be an excellent conditioner but do you know that it is also an excellent remedy for dandruff? Add a couple of spoons of green gram powder to curd which has been fermented for 2 – 3 days in the open. Massage it gently into your scalp and leave it for 1 hour before you rinse it off. The above remedies are tried and tested home remedies and are harmless with no side effects. But in case you have a persistent case of dandruff accompanied with severe itching and flaking, you should approach an expert to deal with your condition.
EFFECTS OF DANDRUFF
• Dandruff weakens the roots, and consequently hair starts falling off. • Dandruff sticks on to the skin of the scalp in a cake form and blocks free flow of air to the roots. • As a result, hair becomes weak at the roots and loosen their hold.
DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU GET DANDRUFF?
Studies indicate that 50% of adults are affected by dandruff at some time or the other in their lives. More often than not, it is the result of a disturbance in the body’s metabolic process. Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, is constantly renewing and shedding itself. Old cells die out and give way to new ones. And when the natural balance in the metabolic process is upset, the new cells form faster than the old cells can be shed off. These then accumulate on the scalp in the form of flakes. The metabolic process can be disturbed by • Drugs • The onset of puberty • Emotional stress and strain • Sudden changes in the climate or your diet. • It is also believed that dandruff is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp.
DO YOU REALLY HAVE DANDRUFF?
Before you start treating your hair for dandruff, make sure you really have dandruff. Sometimes a flaky scalp may be caused by too much sun, or excessive use of hair dryers. It can also be caused by the use of soaps on the hair, or harsh shampoos which do not wash out easily. But if you use a gentle shampoo plus conditioner like Sunsilk, you needn’t worry. Avoid home remedies as many of them can do more harm than good.
YOUR COMB /BRUSH AND DANDRUFF
Never use the brush or comb of the person suffering from dandruff as it is dangerous and contagious. Likewise, make sure that you wash your comb/brush after every shampoo if you have dandruff yourself! Many medicines, medicated soaps and shampoos are available to counter dandruff, but the most effective is cleanliness of hair. Brush your hair thrice a day and shampoo at least once a week. While washing your hair, take care the water does not trickle down your face. There are chances that you may get pimples.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF
• Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed. Tie a towel around your head to protect the pillow. Wash your hair next morning. After shampooing, rinse again with vinegar water. Continue this once a week for at least three months. • Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. • Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning. • Hair washed with methi seed paste prevents dandruff, falling hair, baldness and dandruff keeping the hair long, healthy and black. Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hairwash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.
EGG PACK FOR DANDRUFF WORRIES
Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water. This will keep both dandruff and hairfall problem away from you.

Hair Removal

COMBATING UNWANTED FACIAL & BODY HAIR

BY DR. PARUL KOLHE

In our liberated era of rising hemlines, plunging necklines, shortened sleeves and sometimes-absent garments– hairiness is no mere facial issue; but a whole body problem. Practicing dermatologist Dr. Parul Kolhe (M.B.B.S, D.D.V) gives her views on combating unwanted hair...

First and foremost - too much hair on a woman – esp. the thick variety on the face and body must be properly investigated. You may be having a hormonal problem or if you’re in your teens – something known as P.C.O.D (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). Get your Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH), male hormone (Testosterone, D.H.E.A) and female hormones (FSH and LH) levels assessed by a doctor before you conclude that your hirsute-ism is just physiological.

OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR RIDDING EXCESS HAIR

WAXING
History records ancient Egyptian and Arab civilizations using sugar, honey and lime syrup to strip off body hair and even parlours today, practice this ubiquitous technique of hair removal.

Advantages
It’s economical, so I still recommend this method. Secondly, it pulls out hair from the roots, so the regrowth time is reasonably long (4 weeks or more).

Disadvantages
A certain degree of pain (remember Mel Gibson in the movie “ What Women Wants”), danger of hot wax burns, unsuitability for delicate skin of face and other areas, unhygienic methods or allergic reaction leading to hair follicle infections, pustules and ugly red livers.

Quick Tips
• Insist on disposal strips (e.g.: - cellophane).
• Find a sensible beautician who doesn’t try to boil you alive in bubbling wax.
• Pop a cetzin 10 mg tablet at morning & night the day you wax & slap on lots of ice & ‘caladryl’ lotion immediately afterwards to avoid hives.
• If they still occur apply “Flucort” lotion twice a day. Pus filled boils however will require a full course of antibiotics.

EPILATORS
This method is less messy than waxing

Advantages
You can do-it- yourself at home and it is also hygienic.

Disadvantages
It is darned sight more painful than waxing and you have to invest in the epilator.

Cracked Heels

PREVENTING SHOE BITES Tanya Munshi
Your swanky new shoes are the talk of the town. But what you don’t talk about is how much it hurts while wearing that fancy pair. As soon as you return home, your feet are sore, crying for mercy. Here are some handy tips to give your feet a breather. What Causes A Shoe Bite? Shoe bites are largely caused by ill-fitting shoes. Contrary to popular opinion, shoe bites are not only caused by new shoes. Sometimes, the feet expand with age and then an old shoe can cause a bite as well. Preventing A Shoe Bite Rule of thumb for brand new leather shoes; polish them and leave them overnight before wearing them the next day. This will soften the leather and minimize the pain. Apply petroleum jelly, coconut oil, castor oil or raw potato juice on the insides of the shoe and leave overnight. You can keep re-applying the oil until the shoes don’t hurt anymore. Remember to clean the shoes from the inside before wearing them.
3 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO CURE CRACKED HEELS
A common problem in the winter months is cracked heels. Here are a few ways to combat the problem. • Soak your heels in lukewarm water and use a pumice-stone to scrub off dead skin to smooth the heels or use a foot scrub after soaking the feet in lukewarm water. Apply a deep moisturizing lotion or Vaseline and put on the socks to cover it for sometime. This method will protect the feet from excessive dryness. • You could also heat up some Coconut oil, add some wax into it and after cooling apply it onto your heels. • Another solution is to melt paraffin wax and mix it well with little mustard oil. Apply on the affected area of your heels. Wash it off in the morning. Do this for 10 or 15 days and see the difference.
KEEP YOUR FEET BEAUTIFUL IN THE RAINS...
Tips4me well-wisher, R. Ranganathan contributes this great tip for the monsoons. He writes… While the monsoons bring showers of blessings, there are also the monsoon blues that one has to contend with. One of them is wet, mucky shoes! How do you protect your feet this monsoon? While your shoes get wet, the feet within are exposed to wetness for the entire day. Your feet will turn pale when you reach home after a grueling ride in the crowded trains, buses & roads. Here is what you can do to nourish your feet: • After you reach home, wash your legs with soap and water. • If possible add few drops of Dettol or Savlon to the water you use. • Then clean them with dry towel. • Powder them and keep them up on a stool or centre table for sometime, to encourage the blood circulation. • At night wear loose cotton socks while going to bed. Your feet will thank you for this extra care. Quick Foot Care Tips: 1. Try keeping a pair of sandals at office if possible, so that you don't have to torture your feet in those wet socks, shoes or sandals. 2. Before wearing your shoes or sandals, clean them thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove any fungal growth / moulds that grow in your wet leather sandals. 3. Preferably wear sandals or shoes that have perforations on the side or front, through which water can drain out, when you wade through wet roads. 4. If you’re a stickler for leather, then select shoes with rubber or polyester soles / heels. This will also prevent your from slipping. Better Safe than sorry! The Tips4me Team thanks R. Ranganathan for the excellent advice!
YOUR EVERYDAY FEET CARE ROUTINE
Beauty is not just about looking good but being healthy. This pertains to every part of your anatomy. From head to toe, literally! When you make your next appearance at a party, watch the feet of all those beautiful people you see. Do you see corns, callouses, chipped nails and skin growths? Ugh! Feet maintenance is a part and parcel of your beauty treatment. Here are a few tips on how to make your feet look as fresh as possible. • To keep your feet smelling good and looking fresh dust some deodorizing talcum powder onto your feet every morning. • You need to exercise your feet. Walking is a good form of exercise for the feet. • When you get back from a long day, soak your feet alternatively in hot and cold water. Add some salt to this water. • If your feet are itching, then apply some lemon juice and vinegar. • Try massaging some onion juice between the toes. This will relieve itching and athlete’s foot. • When shopping for shoes, comfort is the operative word. Ill-fitting shoes which are too tight have really high heels and pointed toes are largely responsible for the ‘ill-health’ of your feet. Your shoes must support the arch of your foot and also provide enough room to accommodate your toes.
WALKING BAREFOOT IS GOOD THERAPY
Shoes trap energy around the feet, and that could be one of the reasons for feeling tired at the end of a long day. So take them off whenever you can and give them as much air as possible. Barefoot walks help tone the muscles of your feet, keeping them young and strong. An early morning barefoot walk on cool, dewy grass is refreshing and invigorating for the entire system, not just your feet. It is also believed to have a very good effect in improving eyesight. Do walk barefoot as much as possible to help the bone structure of your feet function according to its natural shape.

Lips Tips

FOR BEAUTIFUL LIPS

The skin on your lips is tender. That is why it gets drier faster and also dulls easily. We have said in the past that rubbing the cream of milk every night can give you luscious ruby red lips. The other lip treatment is to use a drop of glycerine, lemon juice and honey. Homemade butter (what is called ghee in India) is also an excellent lip treatment. Just massage your lips for about a minute every night with these natural ingredients for flawless, rich lips. Also note that there is not very much you can do about the natural colour of your lips, but these treatments will help you get the best of your natural colour.

GLOSS FOR A LIP-LIFT

To create a trendy or different look to your regular make up, shimmer up your lips with gloss.
• While, lip-gloss is best recommended in summers, it can perk up your look at any time of the year.
• Remember that even the shade of gloss colour can make a difference. So make sure you pick the right one out.
• Also, be careful not to over apply. And for the evening out, add a dash of shimmer to the gloss.

HOW TO GET SEXIER LOOKING LIPS

To make your lips look fuller and sexier, especially if you have thin lips, use light-coloured or neutral-shade lipsticks. Pale shades make lips look fuller. Finish with a shimmer-gloss for Party-wear. To enhance a pout, dab a silver/shiny lip-gloss onto the centre of your lower lip.

TRY THESE FOR KISSABLE LIPS!

Here are a few tips to get luscious looking lips in minutes:
• Always outline lips with lip liners. Opt for a shade that is darker than the lipstick. Unlike pencils, these are felt-tipped and the colours are easier to apply.
• Lip liners should be followed with a stroke of lip pencil. Some pencils are available in dual shades, which means you get two colours on one pencil.
• Applying lipstick with a lip brush brings out the colour of the lipstick. Clean these in warm, sudsy water.
• Matt shades are not shiny and make lips look less full.
• Pearly shades on the other hand accentuate emphasis on lips, making them look fuller. Pearly shades go well on shimmering fabrics.
• Though transfer resistant lipsticks may seem like an expensive buy initially, they last longer and are a smart buy.
• Always touch up lip make-up with lip gloss that adds shimmer to lips and creates a glamorous look.

HOW DO I ALTER MY LIPS’ CONTOURS?

Want lips that pout? Apply lipstick except in the centre of the mouth. Apply a lighter shade in the centre of the mouth and touch it up with lip gloss.
• To tone down protruding lips, use lighter coloured lipstick, this will ease down the protruding effect.
• For thinner lips apply foundation on the lips and outline lips with lip pencil (within the natural lip line). Fill in lipstick with a lip brush.
• To make thin lips look fuller, apply foundation on mouth area. Use a lip pencil to outline the lips just beyond the natural lip line and fill in with desired colour.

EYE MAKE-UP

BRING FOCUS TO YOUR EYES
Eyes are the windows to your soul. Enlightening your eyes with mascara helps to maximize your lashes and bring focus to your eyes. Here are a few secrets to help you sport great lashes. • Clean your mascara wand at least once a month to get rid of clumps and prevent build up of bacteria on bristles. Coat the wand with a little Vaseline and gently wipe mascara from the bristles but don't damage the wand. Vaseline works best. Water won't remove the entire mascara residue and soap can irritate your eyes. Shelf life of mascara is 3 - 4 months. • Always have a dampened Q-tip handy when applying your mascara to clean up any smudges before they dry! • Use a lash conditioner to improve brittle, dry lashes, extend the life of the lash and to help mascara adhere better and longer. Look after your eyelashes just like your do your hair and skin. If necessary curl lashes using mascara curler before applying mascara. • For best results, draw the mascara wand out of the tube and gently scrape off any clumps on the side or wipe with a tissue before applying. • Start at the lash roots and gently sweep mascara to the ends. • Allow lashes to dry between coats. Use lash comb or spiral brush to remove any clumps. • Applying mascara to bottom lashes is not necessary and only draws attention to dark circles and wrinkles below the eye area. Try brown on bottom lashes for subtle definition. • Always remove the mascara before bedtime with a gentle eye make up remover before going to bed.
BROWS THAT SAY WOW!
Ever wondered what makes Demi Moore look like a drop dead bombshell? Just shift your gaze neck upwards and the answer will bounce back. Yes, the petite lady has exquisitely carved eye brows that make her look great. Most of us tend to ignore eyebrows and allow them to grow into unmanageable bushes. But did you know that eyebrows too need grooming? Here is how you can get the near-perfect pair: • Try and maintain a natural curve as far as possible. Thin, arched types are out, they only give you that `perpetually surprised’ look! • Castor oil works wonders for those with scanty brows worries. Massage in the oil before retiring for the day. • To get the perfect curve hold a pencil against your nose and draw an imaginary line that reaches just above the inner corner of the eye. Where the pencil touches, is where your eyebrow should begin. Now hold the pencil diagonally from the base of the nose towards the outer corner of the eyes, going just past it. This is the point where it should end. The highest point of the brows should be just above the iris. • Tidy the brows regularly by brushing them into shape. Pluck out stray hair between the brows and along the bottom of the brows. Never pluck hair from above them. To redefine brows, use a sharp eyebrow pencil. Brush the brows into shape and then make short feathery strokes following the direction of hair growth. Avoid harsh black lines.
WHICH IS THE RIGHT EYE SHADOW?
When deciding which eye shadow to buy, first consider your priorities. • If cost is on the top of the list, you should go in for powders. • And if time is your primary concern, you will be better off with a stick. • Not only are powders more economical, they usually come in one compact with a choice of colours and even highlighters. • But if you’re in a rush, try an eye-shadow stick that is sliced in an angle. • It will enable you to cover your lids in just a couple of strokes.
ADD GLAMOUR TO YOUR EYELASHES
If your lashes are thin and sparse, do not despair. You can make them appear thicker and darker with skillfully applied make-up. A little practice is what you need. But, first things first – take good care of your lashes to protect their natural beauty. Actually the main function of the lashes is to protect the eyes, but they also help to enhance their beauty. • Remember to use a cleansing cream at night to remove eye make-up, with a gentle touch. • Once a day, apply a little castor oil on the lashes. This is said to thicken and darken them. For eyelash make-up choose good quality mascara. Roll-on mascara is easy to apply. You should also have a small brush, to brush out the lashes, after applying mascara. • Be sparing when you apply mascara - too much of it will make the lashes stick together. • Use a hand mirror, looking downwards into it. Application is best this way. • Apply it in two or three light coats, using upward strokes for the upper lashes and downward strokes for the lower ones. • Brush out the lashes and then apply the second one. • After applying the final coat and letting it dry, brush out the lashes to separate them. Useful Tip If you apply a little powder on the lashes between the coats of mascara, they will appear thicker.

SKIN PROTECTION

MAKE YOUR SKIN SUMMER PROOF
The summer months can wreck havoc on your skin. Pimples, blemishes, dull and dry skin, patchy complexion and increase in fine lines are some of the problems you are likely to face. Here are a few handy tips to help you keep these troubles away: Cleanse your skin properly Keeping your skin squeaky clean is extremely important. Wash your face 4-5 times a day with cold water and a soap-free cleanser. This removes the build-up of sweat, dust and make-up from your skin and keeps the pores clean. Exfoliate and get regular facials Since facing the sun cannot be avoided, exfoliate twice a week and get a facial every fortnight to maintain healthy and balanced skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, tones and adds a glow to your face. A facial provides thorough cleansing and toning, prevents excessive darkening and helps in delaying ageing and the onset of wrinkles. Drink enough water Your body tends to lose a lot of water in the heat due to excessive perspiration. So ensure you drink plenty of water in the summer. Moisturise Your skin loses its natural moisture in summer. Hence, you must use a moisturizer daily irrespective of your skin type. Apply it on duly cleansed skin before going to bed at night, so that your skin regains the moisture it has lost during the day. Wear a sunscreen Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays may cause sun burn, tan, rashes and pigmentation, not to mention the possibility of skin cancer. Thus, you must wear sunscreen always, to protect your skin from these harmful effects. Remember that your skin is unique and different from others. So you must take care to buy skin care products that suit your skin type and offer maximum protection from the sun in the summer months.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOLI COLORS
Holi is that festival on which we all usually let our hair (and our guards) down. But in the process of having fun, we end up damaging our skin and hair. How can you have fun and yet take care of yourself? Here’s how! 1. Before the festival of colors begins, cover all exposed parts of your body with mustard oil and let your skin absorb it for 15 minutes. Then apply waterproof sunscreen. 2. Vaseline can be used on those hard-to-reach parts such as between your toes and under your nails. This will protect your skin from harsh colors and keep it hydrated. 3. For your hair, again oil is your best bet. Massage it in generously and protect it from the excessive dryness Holi colors bring with them. 4. After playing Holi, shampoo your hair and don’t forget to condition it. You might want to oil it again the following day if it is too dry. 5. Holi colors can be stubborn and cling to your skin. To remove them safely, use a mild soap with water, and do not rub too vigorously. Use cleanser and finally top it up with moisturizer to keep your skin soft.
SHAHNAZ HUSAIN RECOMMENDS THESE HOMEMADE CLEANSERS...
Renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain shares her ideas on how to keep your face spotless and sparkling by using these natural ingredients from your kitchen: Facial Cleansing: 1. Almonds (Badaam): Pour hot water on the almonds and allow them to soak till the skin comes off. Dry them and grind them into a powder. Keep this in a jar. Daily add a little milk to some of the powder and use the paste to cleanse the face by rubbing the skin gently with it. Almond powder can also be added to face packs. 2. Lemon: Lemon is a natural cleanser. If your hair is oily, add the juice of one lemon to the last mug of water and use it as a last rinse. 3. Cabbage: Cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals. Boil cabbage in enough water. Cool the liquid and use it to wash the face. Hands: A mixture of sugar and lemon juice can be rubbed on the hands to soften the skin and cleanse it. Elbows And Knees: Lemon: Take two lemon halves and rub them on the elbows and knees. It cleanses the skin and lightens skin colour over a period of time. However, this remedy should NOT be used on facial skin. Gums: Baking powder: Take a little baking powder and rub on the teeth. This helps to whiten and cleanse the gums. Do you prefer using home remedies to readymade products for cleansing your skin? Express your views
SUNSCREENS - YOUR PROTECTIVE SUMMER UMBRELLA
Excessive sun-exposure can lead to loss of moisture from the skin, dark patches and even premature aging. The skin needs physical protection against harmful rays which is provided by sunscreens. A few tips on buying and using sunscreen lotions: • A good sunscreen should provide protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. • Check the SPF or Sun Protection Factor on the label. This is denoted by a number and is related to duration of sun-exposure. If your skin is more sensitive, choose a sunscreen with SPF of 20 and above. • Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun-exposure. This gives the skin time to absorb it. • Carry your sunscreen while holidaying by the sea or in the hills. Reflective surfaces, like water and snow actually increase the effects of UV radiation. • Reapply sunscreen if you stay in the sun for a long time. It's a good idea to carry one in your handbag. • Rubbing a mix of papaya, cream and sugar into the skin before your bath is also said to remove skin tan. • Juice of ripe tomatoes when applied over tanned body parts helps in getting rid of the tan!
TO AVOID A SUN TAN
To avoid tan and an oily face during summers avoid being under the harsh rays of direct sunlight as much as possible. It would also help to use a good sunscreen on your face with SPF (sun protection factor) ranging from 20 to 40. If your job demands that you remain outdoors for a major portion of the day, reapply sun tan half way through the day (but do wash away the grime that would have settled on your skin before reapplication). Avoid usage of an oily cream on your face, as more than doing good it could be harmful. Avoid creams especially during the nights since it clogs the pores.
THE IDEAL SUNSCREEN FOR INDIAN SKIN…
For Indian skin, the most relevant measure of sun protection is not SPF but TPI or Tan protection Index, which measures the effect of tanning caused by UVA / UVB rays. The TPI is therefore a measure of Tan protection when evaluated against unprotected skin. • It should be 100 per cent oil free. • It should maintain the skin’s natural balance. • It should provide the optimum protection from tanning due to UVA rays and adequate protection from sunburn caused by UVB rays. It should have a TPI measure of 42.