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.

FACEMASKS

SHAHNAZ HUSAIN'S NATURAL FACE MASKS!
According to beauty professional Shahnaz Husain, the best body care products can be found on your kitchen shelves! Here are some natural face masks recommended by her. Eggs For All Skin Types Eggs can have a tightening effect and also help to nourish the skin. Beat a raw egg and apply it on the face, like a mask. Rinse off with water after 20 minutes. For Oily Skin To one-tablespoon honey add 15 drops of orange juice, one-tablespoon Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) and one tablespoon rose water. Mix together and apply on the face. Wash off after 15 minutes. Mix egg white and honey and apply like a mask. For Dry Skin Mix together one-tablespoon cornflakes with almond oil or milk and grind into a paste. Apply on the face and wash off after 15 minutes. Take a little cream of milk (malai) and apply. Rinse off after 20 minutes. Note: Honey is a powerful natural humectant, i.e. it attracts moisture to the skin. About The Writer Shahnaz Husain is the pioneer of herbal care in India where herbal beauty care today is fashioned after the treatments and products devised by her. With a crusader’s zeal she has taken the Indian herbal heritage to every corner of the globe, achieving unprecedented international acclaim. Today, she heads the largest organization of its kind in the world, with an integrated system of more than 400 franchise clinics in India and abroad, supported by ranges of Ayurvedic formulations. She has been in the business for 32 years.
MASK YOUR FEARS!
Applying a mask is an art. But most of us don’t know that. We just plaster it over our faces so violently that it gets into our hair, our clothes and onto our floor! Take a leaf out of our tip list on how to apply and shop for a mask that’s ideal for your skin type.
HOW TO USE A MASK
• The first step is to equip your makeup kit with a flat wide brush. Avoid fingers! • Be sure to knot your hair back, or gather it in a scarf or a headband. Yourforehead should be completely visible and free of hair. • Wear clothing that will leave the neck area open. • Start applying the mask with your brush, using even strokes. Be careful to avoid the lips and the sensitive area around the eyes and include the neck area. • Retain the mask for at least 20 minutes (unless a particular timeframe is mentioned on the tube). • To remove the mask, moisten with some water and rub it off the skin gently. • In the case of peel-off masks, you will have to peel-off! Also rinse the face with plenty of water, incase the layer persists. • Use circular strokes.
SHOPPING FOR A MASK
• For dry to normal skin use a nourishing mask. • For oily skin use a mask with a clay base. • If you have blackheads, but no pimples and acne, go in for a grainy mask. • If you have acne, no grainy masks, please! • Peel-off masks are usually suited to all skin types (except if you have acne or a rash).
AMAZING FACE MASKS WITH HOMEMADE POTIONS
A few `must dos‘ before wearing a face mask. • Always clean face thoroughly before applying the mask. • Mask eyes and mouth area with a protective cream • Do not allow the mask to crack on face, wash it off with 20 minutes with warm boiled water. • Apply moisturizer after removing mask.
MASKS FOR OILY SKIN
• Apple mask works wonders for oily skins: Skin and grate apple, add corn starch, mix well and apply on face and neck area. • Slice cucumber into long thin slices, place on cheeks, chin and forehead. Wash off after 15 minutes. • Yeast easily dislodges dirt and grime from pores. Make a paste of yeast and water, apply to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
FACIAL MASKS FOR DRY SKIN
• Apricot - mash apricots mix it with warm olive oil to form a paste. Apply it on your face and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off. • Milk - mix 1tsp of dried milk with warm boiled water. Add 1tsp of honey and mix well. This combats the dry skin problem • Egg – mix well 1 egg yolk with 1tbsp. of olive oil and few drops of lemon to the consistency of mayonnaise. Brush it on your face and neck. Rinse off once dry.
FACIAL MASKS FOR NORMAL SKIN
• Lettuce leaves are best home remedies for normal skin. Dip two large lettuce leaves in olive oil and sprinkle on them a few drops of lemon juice. Place them on both sides of your face, and then cover them with a paper towel dipped in mineral water. • Wipe your face with a cotton ball soaked in warm milk, then rinse with boiled warm water.

THE BENEFITS OF FACIAL MASSAGE

TRICKS TO HANDLE OILY SKIN Tanya Munshi
Is your skin oily? You need not fret. If you think people with dry or combination skin are better off, you’re mistaken. Having oily skin isn’t all that bad! In fact, oily skin has quite a few advantages. We tell you all about it, while arming you with useful tips on taking care of it. Why oily skin occurs Sebaceous glands produce a healthy lubricant called sebum. When these glands run on an overdrive, it results in oily skin. Did you know that sebum actually protects your skin from becoming excessively dry, brittle or cracked? That’s why on a positive note, oily skin is less prone to skin ageing. While oily skin is prone to pimples and blackheads, the good news is that such outbreaks can be controlled. Skin care for oily skin Use a soap-free face wash at least 2-3 times a day. Never over-use a face wash as that will disturb the natural sebum levels of your skin. Avoid cream-based cleansers as they will leave your skin oilier. Avoid alcohol-based astringents as that may leave your skin feeling stretched. Preferably use rose water or an alcohol free toner/astringent. | Exfoliating oily skin Use an exfoliating face wash with tea tree oil. Tree tea oil has an anti-septic property that prevents acne. Once a week, gently massage a scrub on your face to keep blackheads at bay. During a bath, wash your body gently with a soft loofah and a mild exfoliating body wash. More tips for oily skin Always bathe with lukewarm water. Hot or cold water will tamper with your skin texture. Half an hour before a shower, rub cucumber and lemon juice mixed in a ratio of 1:1 on your face. Add a few drops of eau de cologne to your bath water. The eau de cologne will act like a mild astringent thereby cleaning the pores and preventing pimples. Apply a clay/fruit mask once a week to keep the glow and not the shine on your face. Apply an oil-free moisturiser after a bath. Avoid any kind of body butter, mineral oil or petroleum based lotions/creams. Before stepping out, apply oil-free sunscreen lotion (SPF 15).
TEXERCISES FOR YOUR FACE! By Sunila Karir
Your face represents the person you are, and yet, while we treat our skin externally with creams and lotions, we forget that like the rest of our body, our face can do with some exercise too. Here are some exercises that will increase the blood circulation to your face, giving your skin that extra glow and extended youthfulness. 1. Let’s begin with your cheeks Smile as wide as you can. Take your three middle fingers, place them on your cheeks and pull down your cheeks at the same time. Tilt your head backwards while doing this. This exercise works wonderfully on the cheek muscles and helps in keeping them firm. 2. For the forehead Place your index fingers above your eyes and pull them down very gently; at the same time, attempt to raise your eyebrows. This exercise will work the muscles on your forehead making them firm. 3. Improve circulation Take a deep breath and exhale with some force, opening your mouth as wide as possible. Also, stick out your tongue while breathing out as far as you can. Keep your eyes open and look towards the ceiling. This exercise is excellent in improving the circulation in your face. 4. Beat that double chin The bane of an otherwise pretty face, a double chin can be effectively tackled with this exercise. Sit in a chair and tilt your head back to look at the ceiling with your lips closed. Now, purse your lips and count till twenty. Relax your head and bring it to the normal position. 5. For a smooth, sensuous neck Sit straight and tilt your head back towards the ceiling. Relax and close your lips. Move your lower lip over your top lip for as far as possible and maintain that position for 10 counts. Repeat this exercise 10 times. And finally, open your lips as wide as you can and feel the stretch on your lips, cheeks and all facial muscles. This exercise will increase circulation to your entire face, relieve stress as well as relax your face muscles.
SUFFERING FROM DRY, CHAPPED, WRINKLED SKIN?
Well, you are not the only one to suffer the vagaries of nature. Even the most fair-skinned amongst start wearing our age on our face after a certain time and it is not always easy to camouflage it behind a ` I accept smile'. Massaging the face is an easy and important part of beauty regime to keep wrinkles at bay. Besides softening the skin, another good effect of moisturizer massage is that it stimulates blood circulation and removes dead skin. Massage is also known to tighten certain skin tissues that tend to go flabby and give the face a worn out look.
A FEW MUST DOS FOR FACE MASSAGE
• Remove all traces of makeup, dirt and grime before massaging the face. • Never exert pressure on the face while massaging it. Massage should always be done with a light, feathery touch of fingers. • Fingers should move in a swift, light but firm way. • Fingers should move in an upward and outward manner towards the temple. • Facial massage should not last beyond 20-25 minutes. • Tie a head band and drape a towel below the shoulder before you start the facial massage. • Dry skins should be massaged with cold cream. Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice is ideal for oily skin.

BASIC SKIN CARE

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG THIS SUMMER?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are known to damage the skin. As the sun intensifies during the summer, it is more important than ever to prepare your skin, lips and hair to endure these dangerous sunrays. Here is a list of must-have items your bag needs to be loaded with this summer: 1. Water resistant sunscreen A water resistant sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied after swimming or perspiring. Typically, one ounce of sunscreen lotion is enough to cover exposed areas of the body properly. 2. Medicated lip balm with SPF For lips, the best protection against sun damage is a water resistant lip balm that keeps the lips moist and has an SPF of 15 percent or higher. 3. Wide-brimmed hat Aside from providing shade for your face, a wide-brimmed hat also can help protect hair from being damaged by the sun, which erodes the outer layer of hair and can cause coarse, wiry or brittle locks. Choose a comfortable-fitting hat with extra covering that drapes down the back of your neck, and sit in the shade whenever possible. 4. Spray-on sunscreen for hair Another way to protect the hair from sun damage is to use protective sprays specifically created for hair. Leave-in conditioners and sun sprays offer sun protection before, during and after outdoor exposure.
A GUIDE TO IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE!
There are 5 basic skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive. Before buying your cosmetics, toiletries and other products, do make sure that it is suitable for your skin type. Here’s how to classify your skin correctly… NORMAL SKIN: It is smooth textured and evenly toned with tiny pores. This skin type has a balanced oil and water content. Feels smooth and velvety. The colour of the skin glows below the translucent surface. This skin type definitely needs care if it is to last. What you need to follow as a rule is regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing. OILY SKIN: This type of skin has over reactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, which makes the face shiny especially down the central panel-of your nose, forehead and chin. The pores of this skin type are enlarged making it prone to black-head, pimple and Acne. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged. Women with oily skin need to adopt a daily proper method of cleansing to prevent accumulation of dirt on the skin surface. DRY SKIN : This type of skin lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks fine textured, transparent, patchy and fragile. This type of skin flakes and chaps easily compared to other skin types. Tiny expression lines may be obvious. Signs of a dry skin are: (i) Flaky patches that disappear with regular moisturizing. (ii) Finely textured with the pores not being visible. (iii) Tiny expression lines that do not disappear. (iv) The skin of neck and cheeks looks creepy. To prevent further drying up of the skin what is needed is a good, healthy balanced diet, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, 7-8 glasses of water, eight hours of sleep, exercise in fresh air and daily beauty regime. Avoid harsh soaps to prevent loss of natural oils and exposure to sun and air-conditioners which rob the water content of the skin. Contributed by: Women Ftness (http://www.womenfitness.net), a complete online guide for women to achieve optimum health and fitness. Headed by Ms Namita Nayyar, Women Fitness offers latest information on diet, exercise, beauty, motivation and other women-related issues." “COMBINATION SKIN: It is very common and requires separate treatment for each area. It is oily down the central panel and dry on the cheeks. The forehead, nose and chin need extra attention as they may be prone to clusters of blackheads and enlarged pores. Remember that oil is not moisture, and regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing has to be done with the area being dealt in mind. Clean and tone up the oily patch and moisturize the dry patch with extra care. Guidelines for caring a Combination Skin SENSITIVE SKIN: This type of skin reacts externally and internally to changes in life. Can be both oily and dry, it can be easily disturbed by skin-care products and cosmetics. It tends to go blotchy and have broken veins at the same time, it might show a flushed or reddened look or might even itch. You might need to consult a Dermatologist in serious cases, in other instances proper care and attention can help you to survive with this kind of skin type. Apart from these major skin types, there might be other exaggerated versions of major skin types, like dehydrated skin, acne-blemished skin, ageing and hydrated skin.
QUICK TIPS FOR CLEANSING YOUR SKIN
One of the most important factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt, pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging process. Here's what you need to do, obvious may be, but not practiced as it should be: • Always wash your hands clean first. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria to your face. • Start with your hairline first, as hairstyling products attract dirt, and then sweep cleanser over face and lips and down the neck to beyond where you apply foundation. • After you've applied your cleanser, gently massage it in with the balls of your fingers and leave it on for a minute or so to allow make-up to melt away. Then use a soft cotton ball to wipe away dirt, pollution, and cosmetic build-up without tugging at the skin. • Then wash face clean with water and a good quality face wash so that all traces of dirt is gone and skin becomes perfectly clean.
SKIN TONING
Toning is necessary for all skin types and should be made a part of daily skin care routine. Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin. • Soak cotton wool pads in skin tonic and wipe face in outward and upward strokes. • Each movement should end at the temples. Apply gentle pressure at the temples. • While applying toner on the forehead, start from the centre and go outward on either side, again ending at the temples. • Apply toner on chin in circular motions. • Tone the neck too, stroking downwards from the chin. • Tone around the eyes, but very lightly. Making skin tonic at home is simple and easy. All you require is rosewater and witch-hazel. Rosewater is one of the best-known skin tonics and is easily available. Witch-hazel is available at a chemist or homeopathy shop. Toners vary according to skin types: For normal skin Mix ¾ cup rosewater with ¼ cup witch-hazel and store in a jar. For very greasy skin Mix equal quantities of rosewater and witch-hazel and store in a jar. For dry skin Mix ¾ cup rosewater, ¼ cup witch-hazel and ½ teaspoon glycerin or honey and store in a jar.
USE A FOAMING BATH TO TONE YOUR SKIN
• Bathing foams with plant extracts like mint and rosemary are ideal for maintaining your skin’s firmness. • They tone the skin by providing nutrients and improving blood circulation. • For instance, balsam (which contains pine extracts) improves breathing by improving oxygen intake. • And finally remember that toning foam baths are also great energy boosters.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SKIN THIS WINTER?
Winter’s here and it’s time to watch out for dry skin, coarse hair, shriveled cuticles and rough hands…Caring for skin becomes a daunting task during winters. Skin turns ultra sensitive and tends to give in to the pressures of pollution and seasonal imbalances rather easily. A few simple tricks will however, ensure that skin stays supple and pretty pink, here is how: • Use cleansing milk to dislodge dirt and grime especially during winters and if you suffer from dry skin. • Use a generous helping of moisturizer for a smooth, clean complexion. However do not apply moisturizer while stepping out of the house, that way you will only attract more dust, the best time to dab on the magic option is in the evening, after a warm bath. • Your face will thank you for the invigorating cold cream and skin tonic massage you give it just before hitting the sack. • Limit the use of make-up during winter months, as skin tends to burst into pimples. To give body skin a glow, add a spoonful of olive oil to a bucket of hot water for your bath. This gives a glow to the skin. If the skin is very dry massage with warm olive oil fifteen minutes prior to bath.