Fashion-Lifestyle

Skin Care Treatment with FOODS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

2008-11-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

Your skin care treatment for your skin problems lies in your kitchen. Use natural skin care treatment and remedies. Why waste money on skin care products. They actually harm your skin.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is good for dryness of the skin and for removing scars of old pimples. Ground the outer cover of 3-5 almonds in with water and apply over the face daily.

Apples

Apply or drink juice of pineapple for body and facial pains.

Apply juice of green apples for fine wrinkles, cracked skin, itching and inflammations.

Apricots

Apply fresh juice of apricots on face good for sunburn, itching, and eczema.

Bengal Gram Flour

Apply a paste of Bengal Gram flour with yogurt for the treatment of pimples and other skin allergies.

Apply green gram flour mixed in water or glycerine for improving complexion.

Cucumber

Apply cucumber juice or grated cucumber or cucumber juice mixed with juices of carrot, lettuce or alfalfa over the face for skin eruptions.

Drumsticks

Apply a paste of ground drumstick pods and leaves with fresh lime juice for the treatment of pimples, black spots and blackheads.

Fenugreek

Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing pimples, blackheads, dryness, and wrinkles.

Apply a decoction on the face, made by boiling 1 tsp fenugreek seeds in 1 liter water for a few of minutes for preventing pimples, blackheads, dryness, and wrinkles.

Garlic

Rub raw garlic on the face for persistent pimples. The pimples will disappear without scars with repeated applications.

Mix 3-4 raw, skinned garlic, finely cut garlic with puffed rice, and swallow with water to clear skin infections quickly.

Peanut Oil

Mix 1 tsp peanut oil with 1 tsp fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .

Honey

Apply honey (1 tsp) mixed with water for all skin blemishes. This will turn your skin glowing.

Apply honey mixed with milk, yogurt, and ground sesame seeds in equal proportions for fair complexion and lovely skin.

Lime Juice

Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples blackheads, and cracked skin.

Mangoes

Boil mangoes leaves and skin in water and apply for skin infection.

Mint

Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

Neem Leaves

Swallow 10 fresh ground neem leaves with water to clear the skin.

Chew fresh neem leaves and then swallow with water to remove bad odor from the mouth.

Orange

Apply a paste of ground orange peel (dried) with water for acne/pimples.

Papaya or Paw Paw

Apply and drink the juice of raw papaya including the skin and seed for treatment of swelling pimples, acne, or any abnormal growth of the skin. It also removes whiteheads, boils, and spots.

Rub raw or ripe papaya on your face to get a smooth and glowing skin.

Pineapples

Apply or drink juice of pineapple for body and facial pains.

For removing fine wrinkles, rub the core of pineapple for a few minutes and leave for 15 minutes

Apply juice of pineapples for fine wrinkles, cracked skin, itching and inflammations.

Pomegranate

Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomegranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.

Potatoes

Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.

Radish

Make a paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.

Apply grated white radish or its juice for fairer complexion.

Rice

Apply a paste of rice powder with water as a poultice for soothing bleeding pimples and skin inflammations.

Sesame Seeds

Apply a paste of ground sesame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples.

Tomatoes

Apply red tomatoes pulp on your face for treatment of pimples for 1 hour, then wash thoroughly.

Turmeric

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with gram flour or whole wheat flour for minor skin blemishes.

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.

Wheat Flour

Apply a paste of whole wheat flour with vinegar to remove dark spots.

Yogurt

Apply a paste of yogurt with wheat flour as a cleanser.

Summer Exercises:

2008-10-28T02:10:00.001-07:00

Shed that stubborn roll around your middle with circuit training as it ensures that you work your muscles in a slightly different way while strengthening your body at every angle. Do the exercises as a circuit; moving from one to the next one without rest. Complete a total of three circuits of these five exercises, resting for 1 min after each.

Here are the five exercises:

Squats: Stand with feet wider than your shoulders, toes slightly pointed out. Pretend as if you are sitting on a chair until the top of your thighs are parallel to the ground. Don’t let your knees cross over your toes. Pull your abs in and squeeze your hips as you come up and exhale. Repeat this around 25 times.

Lunge pumps: Stand with your feet apart, wider than the shoulders, abs pulled in, take a step forward, lower your body to kneeling position. Bend your back knee close to the ground; your front knee should never cross over your toes. Exhale as you come up. Repeat this 12 to 15 times for each leg.

Standing bicycles: Stand with feet wider than shoulders, place the hands behind your ears. Move your left leg up and across your body. Bring the right shoulder and elbow down and across your body. Exhale as your knee comes up. Do 25 to 30 reps each side.

Push-up plank and move: Begin in a push up position, hand wider than your shoulder, draw back your navel, walk with your feet towards your hands as far as you can. Then walk your hands out to push up plank position. Repeat the move. Exhale as you bring your feet close to your hands and repeat it for 15 to 20 times.

Crunches with raised hips: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips off the floor, hold this position throughout the exercise. Pull your abs in and hands at your ears. Raise your shoulder blade off the floor and exhale. Don’t drop your hips down until you finish 20 to 30 reps.

Tips:

Always warm-up before workout and cool off with stretches after your workout. Keep sipping water during the workouts.

If you feel tired or fatigued, stop immediately. Remember it’s about working out smarter not harder.

Right kind of massage:

2008-10-28T02:09:00.001-07:00

Getting a massage has become a popular way to reduce stress and muscle tension. But one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to a massage. There are several different types of massages and it is important to understand the differences among them and the relief each can provide. Here are some of the common types:

* Craniosacral massage: Treatment focuses on imbalances or blockages in the head, neck and spine areas.

* Deep tissue massage: Targets deep muscle tissue through direct pressure and friction on muscles using heavy strokes.

* Neuromuscular massage: Concentrates on painful areas in muscles. A massage therapist uses deep massage techniques to locate and release tender points in muscles.

* Rolfing: Focuses on the connective tissue that forms a web of support throughout the body. Practitioners often apply pressure in an attempt to realign connective tissues, which they believe become out of alignment by everyday stress.

* Swedish massage: Most common form of massage that concentrates on soft tissues near the surface of your skin. Therapist uses long, smooth strokes and kneading movements along the skin, working all areas of the body.

* Sports massage: Designed for athletes to focus on the specific muscle groups used in a particular sport. A sports massage therapist might use a combination of Swedish and deep massage to attend to muscle pain or stiffness.

Flabby, unfirm hands are quite an ugly sight:

2008-10-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Flabby, unfirm hands are quite an ugly sight. Here’s a simple program for creating tighter arms in the comfort of your home. The muscles being focused on are the triceps (back of the arm) and the biceps (front of the arm just below the front of the shoulder). You’ll be performing a tri-set, which means three exercises in a row without any rest. Select a weight that’s challenging, focus on impeccable form and concentrate on the muscle you’re working. The triceps are a larger muscle than the biceps, so there are two triceps exercises and one biceps exercise.

Tricep dips
* Take two benches or chairs, sit on one.
* Place palms on the bench with fingers wrapped around the edge.
* Beginners should start with feet on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. As you progress, move your feet out further until your legs are straight with a slight bend in the knees. Then use another chair/bench and place both feet on the other bench.
* Slide your upper body off the bench with your elbows nearly but not completely locked.
* Lower your upper body slowly toward the floor until your elbows are bent slightly more than 90 degrees.
* Contracting your triceps muscles, extend your elbows returning to the starting position stopping just short of the elbows fully extending.
* Inhale while lowering your body.
* Exhale while returning to the starting position.
Perform 12-15 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

Dumbbell Double Biceps Curl

* Stand straight with a bit of distance between your feet. Your back too should be straight.
* Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at each side and palms facing forward. Contracting the biceps muscles, raise the weights toward your shoulders stopping just short of the weights touching the shoulders.
* Slowly return to the starting position.
* Exhale while lifting the weights.
* Inhale while returning to the starting position.
* Your upper arms should remain stationary throughout the exercise.
Perform 12-15 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

The Head Triceps Extension

* Stand with a dumbbell in your right hand. You can hold your left elbow if you need support.
* Press the weight over your head until your right arm is almost straight with a slight bend in the elbow at the top position.
* Do not allow the weight to touch your head or neck area.
* Slowly bend your elbow, lowering the weight until your arm forms a 90-degree angle behind your head stopping before the weight touches your back.
* Contracting the triceps muscles, slowly return to the starting position.
* Exhale while returning to the starting position.
* Inhale while lowering the weight.
* After completing the set on the right side, repeat on the left side.
* This exercise is not to be performed with very heavy dumbbells. The technique is more important than the weight.
You can also perform this exercise while seated on a bench.

All three exercises are considered one cycle. Beginners should perform one cycle on three alternate days of the week. Intermediates should perform two cycles on alternate days of the week and pros — three cycles. Wait one minute between cycles before repeating. To get best results this specialty arm workout should be incorporated into your exercise schedule which includes weight training and cardiovascular exercises.

Remove ugly splits successfully:

2008-10-28T02:06:00.001-07:00

The hair splits when the cuticle is damaged and the fibres of the cortex unravel. This makes the mane dry, brittle prone to tangling and split ends. Perming, colouring, insufficient conditioning, or too much brushing or back combing, especially with poor quality combs or brushes can cause hair to split. Spiky rollers and hair pins, excessive heat and irregular trims can also cause aggravate the problem.

Split ends can not be mended, the only long term cure is to have them snipped off. What is lost in the length will be gained in quality. Frequent shampooing too isn’t recommended as this in itself is stressful to hair and causes split ends to extend up the hair shaft. Never have the dryer too near to your hair, or set it on a high temperature. Try conditioners and serums that are designed to temporarily seal split ends and give resistance to further splitting.

A trim once in two or four weeks should keep the problem at bay.
But before you head to the salon, here are something you should know.

* Do not comb wet hair.
* Use a good shampoo and avoid frequently changing your shampoo.
* Make sure you drink a lot of water as water contains minerals.
* Henna is recommended once a month.
* Oil your hair with a combination of almond oil and castor oil mixed and warmed together. After this, use turban therapy (the method of wrapping a towel soaked in warm water around the head) on the scalp, that will help penetrate the oil well into the roots.

Pamper your feet:

2008-10-28T02:05:00.001-07:00

Apart from just looking ugly, neglected feet can also make life difficult for you. Here’s how you can avoid cracked feet.

Causes

Dry skin is one of the main causes of cracked feet. The sole of our feet has comparatively lesser number of sebaceous glands in comparison to any other body part. The skin in this area lacks the capacity to keep itself soft and this calls for more care.

Mild Cracks

Cracks appear when the area becomes very dry and starts peeling. If care is taken at the onset, it will save you a lot of trouble.

* Soak your feet in warm water, scrub off the dead cells and massage your soles with olive oil. This will increase blood circulation and the area becomes soft.

* Go for a professional pedicure which includes a treatment with paraffin wax, aromatic oils and minerals. This treatment activates the sebaceous glands, moisturises the feet and softens them.

* For an effective pedicure at home, soak your feet in warm water, scrub off the dead cells with a mixture of oatmeal and yogurt. Wash your feet clean after 10 minutes. Massage your feet with a rich vitamin E cream. Cover feet with a cling film and dip them in warm water. This helps the cream penetrate into the skin more easily.

Deep Cracks

Stop abusing your feet and try this enzyme pedicure.

* Clean the area with a chemical-free soap. Soak your feet in warm water till the skin becomes soft. Scrub off the dead skin gently with a pumice stone.

* Make a rich fruit pack with mashed banana, papaya or strawberry and apply a very thick layer on the feet. Cover the feet with disposable plastic socks. This cuts off the air supply to the feet, makes the area soft and kills bacterial infection.

* Leave this pack on for three-four hours. Remove the cover, massage gently and wash off with warm water followed by a cold rinse.

* Use a hydrating foot cream to moisturise the feet.

General care

* After a bath massage your feet with a moisturiser.
* Always wear good footwear with soles that are not hard.
* Don’t walk bare foot on hard surfaces.
* Wash your feet clean after spending time outdoors.
* Apply a foot cream at night.

Aloe Vera has many uses:

2008-10-28T02:04:00.003-07:00

Aloe Vera has many uses. Externally, it is applied for burns and sprains. Internally, it can be taken for jaundice, constipation, loss of appetite and gas formation in the stomach. In burns, the juice or the pulp of the fleshy part of the leaf is applied externally. For sprains, the pulp or the juice may be gently rubbed over the affected part two to three times.

For all these ailments the juice or pulp of this plant is given. You can add a pinch of salt or sugar to the juice, which is bitter. For treating children with aloe juice, you can add honey, sugar, or jaggery to it. For a patient suffering from jaundice, the juice or pulp should be given by adding jaggery or sugar (salt should not be added).

The dose: Both pulp and juice of the aloe should be given in a dose of one teaspoonful (5 ml) thrice a day, preferably on an empty stomach. Keep a growing aloe in your kitchen windowsill handy as it is a great first aid treatment for burns. Aloe Vera will stop the pain almost immediately and even help in healing if a little of it is freshly applied after a few hours.

Goodbye to bad and unhealthy skin

2008-10-28T02:04:00.001-07:00

If you want a healthy glowing skin first learn how to look after it and clean well.

Determine your skin type
There is no magic potion that can make ugly spots and pimples disappear overnight. But there are ways to rejuvenate the skin and bring it back to good health. Experts agree that taking regular care of your skin is the only way you can avoid problems and delay the ageing process. So cleanse, tone, moisturise and nourish your skin everyday. Within a week you will feel the difference. The skin has tremendous powers of self-regeneration when properly cared for and it is never too late to start.

Cleansing
Irrespective of the skin type, a thorough cleansing is a must. A film of dirt, stale sweat, oil deposits, stale make-up and other pollutants cover the skin and these are potent skin irritants. Cleanse your skin, according to your skin type. Splash your face with water then massage with a gentle face wash and work it up to a lather for about 30 seconds. A light massage will boost the supply of blood to the surface of your skin. Rinse until the soapy trace is removed. Pat dry your skin with a soft towel to absorb residual water from the surface of your skin.

Toning
Toning is again necessary for all skin types. It should follow immediately after cleansing. This helps in refreshing the skin. A good toning method is to keep cotton wool pads soaked in a bowl of skin tonic (any toner) in the refrigerator. After cleansing the skin, wipe with the skin toning pads and then pat the skin briskly with your finger tips. This stimulates the blood circulation. Gentle stroking movements can also be followed.

Moisturising
The most important part of the skin care routine is moisturising. Smooth your skin with moisturising lotions. Dot lotion onto your face, then massage it with your fingertips using light, upward strokes. This will leave a protective film on the skin, allowing make-up to be easily applied and ensuring there is a balanced moisture content.

Nourishing
Nourishing is a way of supplying emollients to the skin so that it can hold moisture better and perform its other functions. Use nourishment cream with Vitamin A to relieve dryness and maintain skin elasticity.

Facials
One should go in for a facial at least once a month. But before going in for a facial it is advisable to sit with the beautician to determine the skin type, its sensitivity and the damage on the skin. Facials must suit the skin type. Facials meant for tightening the skin is not meant for youngsters. Avoid facials that involve bleaches and scrubs. Scrubs sometimes leave the skin with ugly tiny grains making it rough. You know that your facial is going wrong is when the skin feels extremely dry and patchy, so watch out for those symptoms.

Hair
Hair care depends on the type of hair and differs from person to person, but one important tip for everyone is to keep the scalp free of oil and dirt. People with extremely oily hair can wash it everyday, those with normal hair can wash hair twice or thrice a week, and people with extremely dry hair should go in for a deep conditioning treatment before washing the hair. Oiling hair twice a week is advisable for people with extremely dry scalp, while those with an oily scalp should oil their hair once in 15 days.

Fruit Pulp

2008-10-28T02:03:00.001-07:00

Our faces are usually the first to show the effects of seasonal changes. We then spend a small fortune on various products to restore our skin to its natural healthy glow. Often we don’t get the desired results despite using the best of products. Believe it or not, but your own fruit basket is filled with pure, natural ingredients which are not only good to eat, providing health and vitality on the inside, but are also beneficial externally. What’s more, fruit facials are being recommended like never before because of their gentle, non-abrasive properties.

The best way to look after your skin is to ensure you cleanse, tone and moisturise on a daily basis. Once a week treat your skin to a home facial to give your skin a boost of essential nutrients. And nothing works better than fruits.

First cleanse your skin, then exfoliate with a gentle face scrub and apply a fresh fruit or vegetable pack. To do this, gently scoop out the pulp, mash it and spread it on the face and body. Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes, remove with lukewarm water, tone and moisturise. Try the following natural solutions:

Skin types

Dry: Mashed banana or thinly sliced slices melon.
Mature: Mashed avocado or apple pulp.
Oily: Thin slices of cucumber or pear pulp.
Normal: Peach pulp or thin slices of zucchini
Blemished: Believe it or not shredded cabbage works wonders!
Dull skin: Papaya pulp restores natural radiance.

How do they work?

* Apples help to reduce skin inflammation, and are a good source of vitamin C, and peptin which tones and firms the elastin and collagen fibres. These are essential for skin turgidity.
* Bananas stimulate cell production and are a good source of potassium, vital for nerve function.
* Avocado contains essential fatty acids which stimulate cell renewal and deeply nourish the skin. They contain the anti-oxidant vitamins C and E, which fight free radical damage as well as high levels of potassium and vitamin B6.
* Cabbage contains a substance called S-Methylmathionine which promotes healing. It also has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin and is a good source of vitamin C, which stimulates cell renewal.
* Zucchini are a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C which all help in repairing environmental damage.
* Cucumbers are 96.4 per cent water and are therefore refreshing and cooling. They also have a neutralising effect on surface oil.
* Papaya contains a substance called papain which helps to break down the build up of superficial dead skin. They are also a good source of the anti-oxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
* Peaches are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, providing one-third of the daily requirement if eaten. They stimulate the production of fresh new skin, restoring radiance to the complexion.
* Pectin is present in abundant quantities in pears. It firms and tones the skin, and is an excellent source of the all important vitamin C and potassium.
* Pears and bananas are most suitable for sensitive skins as they rarely cause allergic reactions. However, all of these face packs can be used by even the most sensitive skins as they are all gentle in their action and non-irritating.
* So save your pennies on costly products, get yourself down to the market and let Mother Nature work her magic!

Caution: If you are allergic to a particular fruit or vegetable please do not use it as this will cause irritation.

Copper Benefits:

2008-10-28T02:02:00.002-07:00

Our skin, bones and brain benefit greatly from copper. Here’s how it can be beneficial to us:

Helpful component
Many are aware of the importance of iron in preventing anaemia, but few know that copper, also plays a critical role. Without small amounts of copper circulating in the body, iron cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract or released from its storage sites in the liver and elsewhere.

The healing agent
Copper is an essential ingredient in the making of melanin — the pigment that is responsible for your skin and hair colour. It is also necessary in the formation of collagen. Copper deficiency leads to white patches.

Strong bones
Copper compounds are used in the treatment of numerous conditions characterised by arthritic changes, osteoporosis and inflammations.

Brain and nerve power
Copper is needed to build and maintain myelin, the protective sheath of nerves. It is also needed for the development of the brain from the embryonic stage.

Required dosage
The required copper intake, as per WHO standards is 0.4 to 2.0 mg per day for children and 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day for adults. It should not exceed 10mg a day.

Dietary source
The best source of copper for vegetarians lies in whole grains, nuts, raisins, lentils, chocolates, all cereals, potatoes, dark green vegetables, papaya, apples etc. Shellfish and red meat should be consumed by non-vegetarians.

Grow younger year after year

2008-10-28T02:02:00.001-07:00

How old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you were? Most of us ‘feel’ atleast 10 years younger than we look. But the mirror seems to reflect a different picture. Being in the field of alternative medicine, I have a particular interest in foods and herbs that can hold back the ageing process. And what’s more, these foods are all around us.

By choosing to eat correctly, you can recapture many of your faculties that traditionally slip away with age. The way food and herbs fight disease, is by strengthening the immune system and combating free radical activity. Free radicals are the terrorists within the body that cause cellular damage and precipitate the ageing process. Antioxidants found in fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and vitamins douse free radical activity and prevent needless ageing. Here are some basic strategies to keep you young:

Take C0Q—10: As you age, your heart grows steadily weaker. Its pumping action becomes laboured as its machinery gets damaged by free radicals. Consequently, this leads to heart failure. Whilst we cannot stop the ageing process, we can control the rate at which we age. Much research documents that C0Q-10 restores energy production by heart muscle and improves heart function.

It has antioxidant properties that protect fat molecules from becoming oxidised. It protects arteries by preventing the oxidation of blood cholesterol. It strengthens the heart muscles thus preventing heart failure. Unfortunately, your body’s production of C0Q-10 begins to decline around the age of 30.
A prolonged deficiency affects heart function. Therefore, if you want your heart ticking, it is wise to take C0Q-10 supplements for its heart strengthening properties.

Lose weight if you are overweight: The heavier you are, the older you will feel and look. Being overweight also predisposes you to type II diabetes and a whole lot of other diseases like heart disease, osteoarthritis, cancer which are manifestations of premature ageing. Being 20 per cent above ideal body weight can make you more susceptible to type II dabetes. But the silver lining is that by just losing 7 per cent of your body weight you can reduce diabetes by 50 per cent and bring about better blood sugar control. Losing excess body weight has an amazing effect on insulin resistance. In other words, if you are an overweight, Type II diabetic and on antidiabetic medications, then by just losing a few pounds you can reduce medication and lower blood sugar effectively.

Take an antioxidant supplement everyday: Antioxidants are substances that neutralise free radicals, which play a significant role in the ageing process. Raw fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Therefore, it is wise to begin your day with a glass of freshly squeezed vegetable juice or fruit juice.

Control stress: As it causes needless ageing. While stress is all around us and is not necessarily bad, it is in the way we handle stress that causes ageing. Stress related medical and emotional problems have dramatically increased over the last few decades.

Stress, if handled incorrectly, can produce undesirable results. A student coming down with flu during the exams, an executive losing his job and suffering a recurrence of herpes. A person experiencing palpitations and difficulty in breathing when under fear are examples of stress affecting the body.
Under such stressful situations the inherent equilibrium in our body gets disturbed. When this disturbance persists over a period of time, we begin to age.

There are more antiageing strategies in this universe than one can think of. But the secret to the fountain of youth lies within each one of you rather than in global remedies. It is your commitment to your body that decides your state of health. It takes more than a New Year resolution to improve your health. Nevertheless, it is a beginning.

Eye Care:

2008-10-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Fundamental rule
Listen to your eyes. Whether they are sore, tearing, itchy or tired, they are sending you a message. Listen to them. If your eyes hurt when you have been working at the computer for too long, stop and take a break. Be receptive to your eyes.

Palming
A simple technique called palming can refresh your eyes when they are feeling tired( Remember the first rule! ).

The term 'palming' was coined by William Bates, the author of 2 books on vision improvement (The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses/With Eye Chart) and (The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses).

You just close your eyes and cover them with your palms, resting them on your cheek bones. Make sure you do not put pressure on your eyeballs. Relax and think of pleasant images. A variation is to imagine the 'blackest' black that you can. But the important thing is to keep your mind relaxed. There are more eye exercises available on the Vision Improvement Site.

Computer work
Nowadays, people spend a lot of time in front of the computer screen. Thus it is even more crucial to give your eyes adequate rest. Here are some things you can do:

If possible, do computer work without wearing your glasses. I know this is difficult for most people but this is enormously beneficial. I can only see the screen about 8-10 inches away, so I move the monitor nearer and shift my chair forward. Now my eyes don't feel as tried as before.

Look up across the room or out of the window every few minutes. Take a few deep breathes before continuing your work.

Stop work after every 40 minutes or so. Get up from your seat and take a walk around the place. Palm for a few minutes before going back to face the computer screen again.

Whenever possible, make use of your distant vision. Extended periods of time spent at the computer can really spoil one's eyesight, as you may have noticed. Seek out opportunities to see things that are far away.

Reading
When you are reading, do try to read without wearing your prescription glasses. Most people will find they can do so at a comfortable distance. Put the material you are reading far away just so that the letters can be seen clearly. Gradually, the distance at which you can read will increase.

Hair Care:

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All the hair you’ll ever have on your head is determined at birth. That’s because hair grows from a root in your scalp and the number of roots cannot be changed.

Each hair grows from the root to a certain length depending on your unique genetic makeup, then slows down, then stops naturally. At some point, it’ll die and be shed. You lose about 100 hairs every day from this life cycle. The lost hair will be replaced by a new-growth shaft.

You can help make your hair grow longer by taking good care of each shaft: gentle brushing, using a mild shampoos, giving your self gentle scalp massages regularly, and limiting coloring and perms. You can increase the volume of individual hairs, and thus make your hair appear more full, with protein shampoos and conditioners that coat each shaft.

Your hair is mostly made of water. To be shiny and supple, your hair needs to be adequately hydrated. You lose water from the sun, too much processing, and blow- drying. Oil from your scalp coats each shaft and acts as a barrier against evaporation.

Your hair also needs proper blood circulation to remain strong, which can be increased with brushing and scalp massage. If you wear your hair pulled back in a French Twist or ponytail, give your hair a break once in awhile by letting it hang freely. Those styles put a lot of pressure on the hair, especially at the front hairline. Also, don’t use any uncoated elastic bands in your hair! Elastic grabs at the shaft and will break it.

Cellulite:

2008-10-28T00:47:00.001-07:00

Cellulite is a form of fat that builds up in the body especially near the thighs, buttocks, upper arms and stomach. The skin looks like an orange peel — lumpy and dimpled. Cellulite also causes sagging of the skin and on excess formation, the entire shape of the part in which it accumulates loses its natural shape. It’s common in ladies who are obese and the formation generally takes place during pregnancy and menopause.

Getting rid of cellulite is very difficult. In beauty parlours heavy duty vibrators and vibrating belts are used to break the same. One must follow a strict regimen — treatment, diet and exercise. Deep massage, taken twice a week followed by a steam or sauna bath or a warm water immersion bath also helps. Naturopaths recommend sitting alternately in hot and cold water bath tubs (3three minutes hot water and one minute cold water) three times in every session.

Though there are several expensive creams and lotions available across the counter claiming to break cellulite, nothing can beat a good massage.
Skin brushing with cotton gloves, both in the morning and evening is also a very valuable treatment. This technique helps in removing toxic wastes directly through the skin and helps in stimulating lymphatic circulation. The procedure is very simple. Put on cotton gloves made with a thick cloth and apply friction on the whole body, starting gently and then using a firmer action as you get used to the treatment.

Start the friction from the soles of the feet and then come up to the legs, back and front, with sweeping strokes. On the thighs, all around, use small circular movements first and then sweeping movements from the lower part to the upper part of the thigh, extending gradually to the buttocks. Then apply friction on the hands starting from the palms to the shoulders using straight and circular movements.

Now, apply friction on the stomach with clockwise, circular strokes, extending gradually to cover the chest and neck. Take a dry cotton towel and holding the ends of the same in both the hands, apply friction across the back and also in criss-cross movements. Lastly, take a warm shower for 30 seconds followed by a cold shower for 30 seconds, repeating thrice at least. After bathing, keep yourself warm.

Diet should be strictly vegetarian consisting of fruits and raw salads. The following vegetable cocktail is rather useful.

100 ml beetroot juice
50 ml celery juice
50 ml cucumber juice
20 ml lemon juice
Mix the above four juices and drink it everyday, half an hour before breakfast.
One hour of brisk walking is recommended along with regular yoga practice.

Anti-Aging

2008-10-28T00:46:00.002-07:00

Feeling like it’s time to correct years of sun damage, or do you just want to prevent wrinkles before they start? No matter what your goal is, here’s how to make your skin look fabulous

With all the recent advancements in skin creams, lately it seems as if the skincare industry has gone the way of rocket science (in fact, one creator of the pricey ‘cult’ cream Crème de la Mer used to work for NASA). Where once women made do with a dab of Pond’s Cold Cream, they now want anti-ageing products and lifestyle advice to help defy lines and wrinkles from a very young age. According to Nuala Briggs, skincare expert and founder of Harley Street’s Skin Therapy Clinic in London this is the right course of action – ‘you’re never too young to start taking care of your skin and protecting against sun damage with SPF creams’, she says. How, we wish we had listened to our mums and worn sunblock during all those summers as a kid.

Touch the mid-30s and everyone wishes that time stood still. Their biggest mistake? Taking their skin for granted when it was at its best. According to beauty expert Colleen Kirk, who has worked on famous faces like Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Vanessa Willams and Cher among others, abusing the skin at a younger age is the biggest beauty sin one can ever commit. She says, “When we are in our late teens and 20s we think we are invincible. We take our natural beauty for granted and wake up a little too late. Thankfully, with modern day beauty treatments, there is help even at late stages. But skin care should ideally start as early as your teens.” Here are some tips on age defying treatments.

Technology in skincare

One of the biggest advancements in skincare is the use of technology to make products that are powerfully intensive and help prevent further damage to the DNA so that your skin retains its youthful glow. These days new products are available in the market that are used on a seasonal basis. Says Coleen, “These are time defying intensive serums. They are meant to be used for 14 nights every season and they repair the skin, cutting down years.”

Stop wrinkles

The skin starts ageing right from the age of five. A good skin care regime right from your teens can make sure that you delay the onset of signs of aging and promote healthy skin. As skin ages, it loses its ability to restructure itself. An early skin care regime of proper cleansing and moisturising will be helpful in your early 20s. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is the most important aspect of caring for your skin. It not only protects you from cancer but is also required for a youthful appearance. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ and needs to be taken care of just like your heart. Never step out of the house without a sunscreen.

Tips:

I’ve been fortunate enough to be blessed with naturally beautiful skin. I never give it the attention it deserves. In fact I eat all kinds of junk food, drink aerated beverages and also enjoy heavy food.

Marooned on an island: The only beauty products I would want are a good moisturiser, a perfume and kajal. I don’t step out of the house without kajal.

Never forget to: Remove my make-up. I take as much time in removing it as I do in applying it. That’s the one important thing I always bear in mind.

Hair care: A warm oil massage once a week is necessary. I also pamper my hair with moisturising hair packs.

Home remedies: There’s nothing in particular that I follow, but I believe in the magic of fruits. I rub papaya and banana pulp on my skin regularly.

Favourite colours: Though I love vibrant colours, when it comes to make-up, I use neutral, earthy tones. I love light browns and beige. The best part is they go with all kinds of outfits and look good any time of the day.

Activate the Anti-Aging Process

The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20's, the signs of aging start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.

Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte products.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and SkinScience products.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.

Idebenone -Idebenone is the synthetic variant of the natural compund ubiquinone. Both powerful antioxidants, idebenone and ubiquinone shield skin from environmental damge, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and smoothe skin texture.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.

Copper Peptides - Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.

Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.

TNS - The biotechnology of the skin's natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex.

Many customers ask which anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no "best" product. Since every individual's skin is different, the results of using anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with the first product you try, try another one. It's important that you choose a product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look and feel of your skin.

Customers also inquire about when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally due to the condition of one's skin prior to use. However, across the board, we say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.

To see the quickest results, you will have to undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional cosmetic procedures.

Please note that with the use of any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care professional.

Facials are good

2008-10-28T00:46:00.001-07:00

Contrary to what most people think, having a facial at a beauty salon is not a luxury. Professional facials help in a deep-cleansing routine that you cannot possibly do for yourself at home. Facials involve:

• Steaming, which helps to open out pores
• Cleansing to remove black heads and white heads.
• This is followed by a mask for skin rejuvenation.
• Then finally a skin dehydration treatment with a moisturiser.

Our skin regenerates cells about every three weeks, leading to an accumulation of dead cells. Facials help get rid of them. So a facial once a month would help you maintain healthy and glowing skin.
It's a good idea to mark a day off during the week to get a home facial. Follow these simple instructions for an exhilarating home facial:
• Place a head band or scarf just above the forehead along the hairline and tie it at the nape of your neck. This is to protect the hair.
• Start by cleansing the skin thoroughly. Choose a cleanser according to skin type. Apply on face and wipe off with damp cotton wool.
• While the face is still damp, apply a facial scrub for deep pore cleansing. If suffering from pimples or eruptions avoid using a scrub.
• If you have a normal to dry skin, apply a nourishing cream, wet your hands with water and massage the cream into the skin using outwards and upwards strokes.
• Wipe skin with damp cotton wool or a clean, moist face towel.
• Avoid applying cream if skin is oily but nourish neck area.
• Apply a face mask leaving out area around the eyes.
• Soak two cotton wool pads in rosewater and place these on eyes. Lie down, and relax as the mask dries off.
• After 20 to 30 minutes wash off face mask with water.
• Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and rub this on face.
• Do not apply ice directly on the skin, or keep it on one spot for long.

Laser Resurfacing

Cosmetic laser resurfacing, also called "laser peel", is a procedure that smoothes the facial skin by using a laser to refinish damaged areas and shrink fine wrinkles. It also corrects areas of uneven pigmentation. The result is a fresher, smoother complexion.

In laser resurfacing, a beam of laser energy is used to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin with accurate precision. As new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears.

You may be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you have any of the following conditions:

· Fine lines, especially around the eyes

· Vertical lines around the mouth

· Facial scars caused by injury or accident

· Scars caused by acne

· Areas of uneven pigmentation, such as "age spots"

· Line on the cheeks caused by sun damaged.

To achieve maximum results from the laser procedure mentioned in this article, Physicians often recommend that a skin care regimen consisting of products that contain anti-aging active ingredients like Vitamin A,E,C, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, etc. be started approximately two months prior to the procedure and should continue post-treatment as directed by your Doctor. These products and skin care regimens are also proven to be effective, painless and inexpensive alternatives to laser procedures and other professional cosmetic procedures.

Our most popular anti-aging skin care regimens are from TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, GlyDerm, SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals and Obagi.

Please note that before beginning any skin care regimen or use of new skin care products, it is recommended you consult with a skin care professional.

Sun Safety:

2008-10-28T00:42:00.001-07:00

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 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 sun and your skin

These lectures are not meant to replace your physician and are simply provided as a free educational service to all our visitors. If you feel that you have a skin problem, please see your doctor.

Many people, especially redheads with freckles, blondes and those with a fair complexion who burn easily or tan poorly on sun exposure should be warned about the dangers of damage to the skin from sun exposure. Unfortunately, these warnings often come only after considerable damage has already been inflicted on the skin.

The effect of sunlight over the years is to weather or to prematurely age the skin. While the brown splotches, thinning, wrinkling, drying, and exposure of many prominent tiny blood vessels at the surface in these sun exposed areas are of primarily cosmetic importance, certain scaling red spots, called ACTINIC KERATOSIS, are in some cases, of more serious significance. These can, in a small number of cases, become skin cancers.

An actinic keratosis can be said to be "going to college" to learn to become a skin cancer. Fortunately, natural skin defense mechanisms assure that the "drop out rate" is high. If they look like they are going to graduate and become skin cancers, they will have to be treated with local destructive techniques. These techniques may include surgery, freezing with liquid gases, certain acids, electrosurgery, and recently through the applications of certain externally applied medications containing anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil.

When an area of sun damaged skin forms a skin cancer (such as a BASAL CELL OR SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CANCER), they are usually only invasive into the local area where they are growing. For this type of cancer to spread to other areas of the body by the blood stream or lymph channels is unusual. Just like a "bad spot" on an apple, they can be cut off and the rest of the fruit is still good. Because of the mild character of these cancers in early stages, they are the form of cancer best able to be cured by early diagnosis and treatment.

SUNLIGHT IS A FORM OF X-RAY

The damage to the skin which results from sun exposure, like x-ray, will accumulate with exposure over the years. The effect is forever stored in the memory of the skin and cannot be erased. The effect of sun damage today is only seen in years to come.

IF YOU STOP ALL FURTHER UNNECESSARY SUN EXPOSURE YOU WILL PROBABLY STILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP SKIN CHANGES IN THE FUTURE. BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO INSULT THE ALREADY DAMAGED SKIN BY ADDITIONAL IMPROPER SUN EXPOSURE YOU WILL CERTAINLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF SUN DAMAGED SKIN

1. A patient with sun damaged skin should visit his or her clinician at least once a year for a thorough examination of the skin in light exposed areas.

2. A patient who has had a skin cancer with a sun damaged skin should keep all follow-up visits until the cancer is pronounced cured. After that, since he or she has a better than average chance of getting another skin cancer, he or she should be seen at least once a year for a similar examination.

3. Any skin growth in a sun exposed area which does not heal, bleeds, or keeps growing in size should be examined.

4. Avoid needless sun exposure whenever possible. Plan your recreational and nonessential outdoor activities for before 10 in the morning and after 3 in the afternoon. This is especially true in the months from April through October. Between the hours of 10 and 3, even the best sun protective lotion will not give adequate protection against the damaging rays. They are like wearing only underwear to keep you warm in Antarctica.

5. Use a sun protective lotion on all sun exposed areas from April through October.

6. Wear hats and protective clothing whenever possible in addition to using the sun protective lotions to shield the skin from the sun.

Skin Enemies:

2008-10-28T00:41:00.001-07:00

Every day, your complexion works to defend itself from a host of aggressors - discover the most common and find out what you can do to save your skin

UV Light
We should all know by now that excessive sun exposure can be skin ageing and dehydrating - if you've ever been to a Mediterranean island and noticed the sun-damaged, prune-like faces of the local fishermen, you'll understand what we mean. However, the good news is you don't have to end up looking like said fishermen, so long as you take action to protect your skin in the sun, and that doesn't just mean on the beach, as UV rays reach you even on cloudy days in the city; apparently, 90 per cent of sun damage occurs on a daily basis. Experts recommend an SPF of 15+, worn every day of the year, to protect your skin from ageing UVA rays. Fair skin types should be looking at sun protection of 25+, and all skin types should take into account the sun's intensity before choosing a suitable sun protection product.

Pollution and the Environment
The environment in which we live has become a threat to our skin, and pollution is a significant enemy, coating our skin in grime and clogging our pores. And wherever there are motor vehicles there is pollution, so don't think that by living the rural life you are immune. Take action by using a good moisturiser containing UV protection and antioxidants, and by wearing make-up which acts as a barrier and prevents any nasties reaching your skin. At the end of the day, cleanse thoroughly to remove every last trace of make-up and dirt. Continually moving from centrally heated to air conditioned atmospheres can also be a source of complexion confusion, which is why skin often acts differently from season to season. Struggling to maintain its moisture levels and pH balance, skin will eventually become dry and dehydrated, so treat it in a similar way to how you dress to suit the temperature outside - use a richer moisturising cream or barrier product when it's cold, and a lighter lotion when the weather is warmer.

Stress and Lack of Sleep
Everyone suffers from the occasional bout of stress, but when emotions spiral out of control, your skin is among the first organs to suffer. Dryness, sensitivity, spots and excess oil are the external signs of internal stress, while constant frowning can lead to deep-set facial creases and lines which only surgery will be able to rectify, so it pays to learn how to wind down and chill out at the end of a hard day. Switch on the answer phone and try a little meditation, yoga, an aromatherapy bath or treat yourself to a massage or the latest blockbuster; all are effective de-stressers that are easy on the pocket and relatively simple to incorporate into the most hectic of weeks. Plenty of sleep is essential for good skin, as burning the candle at both ends will inevitably result in a tired and drawn complexion. If your sleepless nights are not due to all-night clubbing sessions, try cutting out caffeine after 6pm, and have a hot bath containing a few drops of lavender essential oil, followed by a milky drink. Take a book to bed and read until you feel tired (nothing work-related though), and you should be in la-la land in no time at all...

Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the appearance of the skin permanently. Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the skin, and therefore depleting it of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking also produces free radicals which trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body, ultimately ageing you faster - in general, people who smoke tend to look up to a third older than those of the same age who do not smoke. The habit also thins, dehydrates and reduces collagen levels in the skin, which is needed for a plump, youthful look. Antioxidants are required, so step up intake of vitamins A, C and E, take nutritional supplements and apply products containing ingredients such as green and white tea and vitamins for an added boost. However, no amount of pills or products will guard against future damage, because every cigarette you smoke depletes the levels of vitamins and antioxidants in your body, so it's time to kick the habit for the sake of your looks and your health. Allen Carr's Easy way to Stop Smoking Clinics have a 90 per cent success rate, and take a unique approach by focusing on why we do smoke, instead of why we shouldn't smoke.

Alcohol
Ever suffered with a red, blotchy or spotty complexion the morning after a full-on night out? It's no wonder post-party skin often flares up, when you consider that a heavy drinking session puts the body's detoxification system into overdrive, and a direct strain on the liver, kidneys and skin, all of which have to suddenly deal with and filter out a huge amount of additional toxins. While you may or may not be regretting that last vodka shot of the evening, your body will be crying out for water, so work on rehydrating your skin both internally and externally by applying a hydrating or detoxifying face mask when you get in or the following morning, and downing a couple of pints of water, both of which should soon get you back on track.

Beauty tips by Deepika Padukone~!~

2008-10-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Runway queen-turned-Bollywood star Deepika Padukone speaks about the secret of her radiance

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Deepika Says......

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

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

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Deepika Tells.....

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

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

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Deepika Tells how she takes time out for herself after a hectic work schedule..

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

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

Beauty advice for all the girls out there......

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

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

What are head lice?

2008-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

What are head lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasitic insects that are found on the heads of people. Having head lice is a very common occurrence in the U.S. and they are spread by close physical contact, especially among children.

Head lice are usually found on the scalp near the neckline at the back of the neck and behind the ears.

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Head lice photo as adult, nymph and nit.

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There are three forms of head lice:

Nit - Head lice eggs are called nits. They are very difficult to see and are often mistaken for dandruff. They are usually found attached to the hair shaft.
Nymph - The nit hatches into a baby louse which
is called a nymph.
Adult - The adult louse is very small, is tan to
greyish-white in color, and has six legs. In people
with dark hair, the adult louse will look darker.

Photos of lice nits(eggs).

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Signs that your youngster may be infested with head lice:

A tickling feeling in the hair and on the scalp
Itching on and around the head area
Unexplained irritability
Sores on the head caused by your child's scratching

How to rid the infested person of lice:

Visit your pharmacy and get a bottle of pediculicide
(lice medicine) and follow the instructions
Have the affected person change into clean clothes.
Run a fine comb through the hair every few hours
to remove the lice, nymphs, and nits.

If this treatment routine fails to remove all of the lice, see a doctor.

Sugaring Hair Removal

2008-09-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sugaring Hair Removal

Sugaring hair removal is one of the best methods for hair removal because of how affordable it is, how efficient it is and how inexpensive it can be as well. If you are looking for a way to remove hair from your body, you will want to consider this method.

It uses products that you probably already have within your home. There are plenty of reasons to give it a try and with its lasting results, it may work just fine for your needs.

The sugaring hair removal is quite simple. You will apply it and use it just like you would a wax solution. The liquid is warmed, but not hot. It is then applied to the location where you want the hair to be removed. Usually, you will work in small locations at a time. Once the sugar product is applied, you will apply a clean cloth strip to the area (sometimes waxing papers can be used as well.) With a bit of pressure on the area, the fabric or paper will latch on to the hair and skin. Once this happens, a swift pull and the hair is removed. It will stick to the fabric and come right out.

The bit of pain that is associated with sugar hair removal is generally just a second's worth. It will be just from the sensation of the hairs being pulled, and usually will leave a bit of redness on the area and that is about it. In a few minutes, the skin is back to normal and there are no lasting effects.

To make a sugaring hair removal, you can do this. Mix together one cup of sugar with ¼ of a cup of honey and the juice from a half of a lemon. Place the mixture in the microwave for about a minute to two minutes. You want to have a good, mixed consistency here. Stir it as needed. Then, you should put the mixture down and allow it to cool for several minutes. While you want it to be warm, you do not want it to burn you.

When applying this sugaring hair removal, make sure to apply it and the fabric in the direction that the hair is growing. This makes for a more efficient removal. You should also insure that the area is clean and that you wash off any remaining sugar from the area as necessary.

Sugaring hair removal techniques have been used for quite a long time. It is an effective and affordable method of hair removal.

Care for Lips: Dark and Cracked lips

2008-09-20T19:47:00.001-07:00

Care for Lips:

A beautiful smile lights up a day. It makes your face more beautiful and lively. Your lips are the most important and exquisitely sensitive part of your body. And therefore you have to take special care of your lips.

Beauty Experts tells you what are the common problems and how to take care of them..............

The common lips problems are:

*Dark Lips
*Cracked lips

1) Dark Lips:

You will be surprised to know that our lips unlike most part of our body do not have any melanin pigment to protect them. Lips are covered on the outside by a thin layer of skin and on the inside by virtually transparent mucous membranes.

Therefore it is necessary to take care of our lips and to eat well-balanced food and lots of fruits.

If you have dark lips you have to do the following………

*Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

* Stop smoking.

* Avoid lipstick.

* Apply a layer of oil and leave it on for several hours. Best apply before going to bed

* Mix coconut oil and almond oil in equal quantity. Apply a coat of this on the lips and leave on overnight. This has to be done daily for at least two weeks for best results.

* Massage lips: Every night with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. Glycerine and 1/2 tsp. Castor oil with 1/2 tsp. Lemon juice and leave overnight.

*Apply cream from curds with saffron on your lips.

Cracked Lips:

Lips do not produce oil like our skin, because they have no oil producing glands. The skin on our lips is actually mucous membrane, so for them to remain smooth and chap free is a bit of a challenge. The most common cause of cracked lips are allergic reaction to cosmetics, skin infections, extreme weather conditions like excess sun and wind exposure, biting of the lips or a vitamin B deficiency.

If you have cracked lips you have to do the following………

*Protect the lips from weather by applying heavy plain cream.

*Avoid licking your lips.

*To cure dry chapped lips apply peanut butter or coco butter to your lips before going to bed.

*Grind rose petals with cream on the top of milk and apply on lips to cure the cracked lips

*Take vitamin B, C foods in diet.

*Mix 2 drops of glycerine with 1 tsp of cream on the top of milk and apply to lips to cure the chapped lips and keep overnight to get smooth and shiny lips.

*Mix equal quantities of nutmeg, turmeric, and fresh butter and apply to lips.

*Hot water fomentation, followed by a mixture of Vaseline and honey applied on the lips at least thrice a week will prevent lips from chapping.

*Lips should be moisturized and exfoliated. Exfoliate lips with your gentle facial scrub using a toothbrush or just the tips of

your fingers. You can make a paste using baking soda and water to exfoliate lips as well. Work it for a minute and then rinse with lukewarm water.

General Care for lips:

*Apply cold cream or moisturizer or lip balm before applying lipstick.

*To get natural pink lips apply beetroot juice before bed.

*Grind rose petals and apply on lips to get smooth pink lips

*Apply menthol based lip balm and take an old brush and brush gently on lips (don t rub too hard, because lip are very sensitive) to get rid off chapped lips.

Celebrity Beauty Secrets

2008-09-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Who says you have to earn the salary of a celebrity to look like one? Follow these cost-effective and simple tips from the stars to get you looking red-carpet gorgeous.

1. Hair

Gwyneth Paltrow takes prenatal vitamins to strengthen and keep her hair healthy. She has been taking them since her pregnancy with her daughter, Apple.

Catherine Zeta Jones keeps her hair looking shiny by brushing castor oil through it.

Reese Witherspoon washes her hair in baby shampoo to keep it soft and manageable.

2. Eyes

Sandra Bullock uses haemorrhoid cream under her eyes to keep wrinkles at bay. It constricts blood vessels and tightens the skin to keep it smooth.

Pamela Anderson banishes puffy eyes by placing a fresh slice of potato over each eye while lying down for 5 minutes.

Kate Hudson refreshes her face and tired eyes by washing her face with iced water.

3. Lips

Claudia Schiffer uses jelly powder as a lip tint and says it is an amazing stain. Dip a damp cotton swab in the powder and drag it across your lips. Leave it on for 5 minutes then lick it off. Top with some gloss to add a final touch. Mmm, delicious!

Mariah Carey keeps her lips perfect by adding a drop of mint extract into her lip gloss before applying it. Mint stimulates the blood flow and intensifies the lip colour.

4. Complexion or Skin

Cindy Crawford keeps her complexion fresh by spraying her face with a mist of whole milk and mineral water. This creates a fresh-faced, dewy effect that lasts throughout the day.

Gwyneth Paltrow swears by organic food to keep her complexion glowing. She also drinks lots of water and regularly wears sunscreen.

5. Body

Teri Hatcher loves her red wine so much, that she even baths in it! She pours 2 cups of red wine into her bath every night to help soften her skin.

Angelina Jolie Pitt keeps her feet silky smooth by using a homemade remedy foot exfoliant. Mix ½ cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds, ¼ teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice. Scrub feet and rinse.

6. Diet

Kelly Osborne cut out the booze in her lifestyle and the kilograms melted off. If you can't completely ban the alcohol, indulge in one glass of red wine or a lower calorie cocktail such as rum and diet Coke.

Courtney Love and Gwyneth Paltrow are huge fans of green tea, as it nails 3 healthy habits at once: you're not snacking, you're adding more water to your diet and you're getting antioxidants.

Fergie swallows 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar after lunch and dinner as it appears to slow down the rate of foods emptying from the stomach.

7. Teeth

Catherine Zeta Jones keeps her Hollywood smile bright by brushing her teeth with mashed up strawberries as they contain Malic Acid, which acts as a mild astringent when mixed with baking soda.

8. Nails

Julia Roberts soaks her nails in olive oil for a few minutes each week to keep them moisturised, to prevent hangnails and to keep cuticles soft.

9. Pimples

Jennifer Love Hewitt treats the occasional pimple with a dab of toothpaste. When applied and left overnight, the toothpaste dries the pimple out and hopefully by morning the inflammation has disappeared.

10. Brows

Celebrity make up artists suggests that you apply a small amount of hairspray to your fingers and smooth over your brow to keep unruly hairs in place.

World's 8 Most Expensive Perfumes

2008-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

__._,_.___

Modern Makeup

2008-09-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Beauty Foods

2008-09-06T10:51:00.001-07:00

Beauty Foods - What To Eat Each Day For Looks And Health

Carrots

Maintain the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature

Aging. What you'll find in is the same as you'll get in

Retin A.

Cheese

To ensure a happy smile, add a slice or two of hard cheeese

Into your diet. Choose Swiss, cheddar, or gouda to block

Bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Citrus Fruits

Hold the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen

Cannot be added to the skin topically, which is why fruits

And fruit juices are such an important part of the daily diet.

Cranberries

Keep urinary tract lining healthy.

Garlic

Helps combat wrinkles and restores tissue.

Nonfat Yogurt

High in calcium, which keeps your smile white and your teeth

Cavity-free.

Sweet Potatoes

Vitamin A is known to be a remarkable anti-wrinkling agent.

Sweet potatoes are full of this important vitamin. The pleasing

Results is clearer, smoother skin.

Tomatoes

These "love apples" will keep you loving your skin. Tomatoes are

Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Wheat Germ

If you want to get rid of pimples quickly and efficiently, make

Sure to include two or three tablespoons a day in your diet. Add

It to cereal, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

You should choose foods that you enjoy, of course, but you need

To include the following:

Vegetables

Three to five servings daily. Try to include one serving of raw,

Leafy greens.

Meat

Have no more than three three ounce servings a day. Cut off all

Fat. Try to make two servings of turkey or chicken. One serving

Of fish a day is ideal.

Fruits

Two to three servings daily. A 1/2 cup of chopped or sliced fruit

Is a serving. Fruit salad

Dairy

At least two servings daily. A serving would be eight ounces of

Milk or yogurt.

Fats

Salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, and mayonnaise should be

Beauty home remedies

2008-09-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Skin is one of the most beautiful possessions in our body. A good skin reflects good health and displays beauty of a person which requires a special beauty skin care . According to the latest fashion trends a beautiful skin is also a must for good looks along with the choice of good dress and right makeup. Without a good skin all your makeup will look a waste. A good skin is also one of the most attractive features for a sexy body that only comes out from a proper beauty skin care. A beautiful skin attracts everyone. If you maintain your skin it will help you to keep yourself healthier and look younger.

Having said all that, you might be thinking that a good skin would be a complex core but it is not exactly so. A good skin care routine is very natural, simple and easy to follow. Explore the ways in which you can make your skin glow out with smoothness, beauty and radiance of good health.

Some of the most healthy and useful beauty skin care:

Wash your face to remove the makeup completely. It is suggested to put off the makeup nicely before you go to bed to avoid skin problems and recharge your skin beauty. The reason is your skin pores will get blocked by the makeup and all the harmful oils and excretory of the skin will stay inside your body (i.e. skin). This damages your skin and your health. So don?t forget to wash your face with water before going to bed and in the morning.
Exfoliate daily: After washing your face at night, don?t forget to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub for beautiful skin care. Use a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal to keep you skin healthy and fresh.
Use Facial masks: Facial masks helps a lot keeping a beautiful skin. It is a great beauty skin care. Find recipes for preparing your own facial mask here, Face masks.
Pamper your skin with enough of moisturizer: Your skin needs it badly. You can apply moisturizer at night. You can also treat your skin with alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any similar cocktail treatment. Apply your moisturizer after these treatments gets absorbed in your skin.
Don't trust blindly on any cosmetics: You will have to find it out which works well for your skin. Take a test of all those trusted names to find beautiful skin care the one that suits you best.
Treat your skin gently: Don?t pull, scratch or scrub your skin harshly. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it beauty skin care. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles.
Keep your skin protected from direct sunlight: Use proper lotions in your skin before you go out for sunbath. You can also try artificial skin tanning nut from the trusted hands only that has serious affects on your skin beauty.
Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water: This plays a very important part in keeping your skin healthy and beautiful throughout your life, naturally.

Secrets of great hair

2008-08-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

Good hair is not an impossibility - all you need to do is take care of it.
Here are some pointers

      1. De-frizz!

      On weekends or once in a fortnight, dab an

       intensive conditioner or coat
       your hair with protein liquid (available at

      beauty salons as a power dose
       treatment for hair).

       Applying good Jojoba oil at the ends of your

       hair or the frizziest parts
       of your hair is another good option.

       Pin up your hair or wrap it in plastic and sleep

       on it. This will restore
       the absent moisture and control the frizz.

       2. Ensure your hair is completely dry before

        you step out

       When wet hair is exposed to direct sunlight, it

      can get damaged. It might
       result in hair fall and discolouration.

      3. Avoid hair dryers and hot curling tools. Try a

      desi trick!

      Hair dryers and hot curling tools heat up your

     hair and tend to make it
      dry.

      If you really want to go for the curly look, braid

      your hair when
      semi-wet.

      This will settle into beautiful waves when dry.

      4. Be careful with those hair serums

      Do not overuse shine products to control

     frizzes

      -- they often contain
      silicone that can coat your hair after just a few

     applications and can
      prove harmful.

      5. Swim safe and use the sun to your

    advantage!

      A summer swim can be blissful. But chlorinated

     water can play havoc with
      your hair.

      To prevent damage, wet your hair with tap

    water before you swim. The more
      wet your hair before you swim, the less salt

     water and chlorine it will
      absorb.

      After the swim, rinse out the chlorinated water.

     And comb a dollop of
      deep-conditioning treatment on your hair. Let

     the heat of the sun help the
      treatment penetrate.

     6. Stay dandruff-free

      Not washing hair properly, frequent use of hair

     sprays and gels, excessive
      use of hot curling irons, poor hair-friendly diet

     or even stress can cause
      dandruff.

      So stay clean and nourished and steer clear off

     dandruff.

      Dr Prashant K Palwade, a consultant

     dermatologist, reveals that dandruff
      not only leads to itchiness and irritation of the

     scalp, it can also cause
      problems like acne, skin rashes and hair loss.

      He says, "It is not necessary to use an anti

     dandruff shampoo if the
      dandruff is not excessive. Use a shampoo that

     is suitable for your hair,
      regularly, and keep your hair squeaky clean.

    That is good enough to drive
     dandruff away.

      "Use an anti-dandruff shampoo only if the

      dandruff is excessive. Continue
      the use for two months after the dandruff is

    gone. Shampoos with lemon and
      olive oil extract are particularly good for

     dandruff-prone hair."

      Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff shampoo (Rs 37, 100

     ml); Clinic All Clear Dandruff
      Shampoo (Rs 125, 200 ml); Head & Shoulders

     Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Rs 122,
      200 ml) are good bets.

      Neutrogena Shampoo is a medicated anti

    -dandruff shampoo that works well as
      well.

      Note: Anti-dandruff shampoos are harsh on

your hair, so make sure you use
a good conditioner after you shampoo it.

The 11 Signals Your Nails are Giving You About Your Health

2008-08-23T09:21:00.001-07:00

The 11 Signals Your Nails are Giving You About Your Health

Many people put a lot of effort into keeping their nails perfectly trimmed, cleaned and manicured. If the nails aren't perfect, the solution is often to cover them up with fake nails or polish. But ignoring such signs and viewing them as only an aesthetic problem could be dangerous to your health.

Like your skin, your nails are excellent indicators of what's going on inside your body. If your nails are healthy (smooth and pink with a slightly curved surface), your body is probably pretty healthy too. But if your nails are discolored, brittle or otherwise appear unhealthy, it may be because of an underlying health problem.

"The nails can be windows to a patient's overall health, and while the nail itself is dead tissue, the areas under the cuticle and beneath the nail are alive," said dermatologist Richard K. Scher, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

Here are 11 signals your nails may be giving you about your health.

	1. Yellow Nail Syndrome: This may cause a yellow or greenish color to your nails, thickening of the nail, slowed nail growth, a lack of a cuticle and the nail may detach partially from the nail bed. This condition often signals a respiratory disease.
	2. Pitting: "If you see pits on the nails, it could be a sign that you are about to develop, or that you already have, psoriasis," said Dr. Amit Pandya, a dermatologist at the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center in Dallas. The small depressions on the nail could also be a sign of chronic dermatitis of your fingers or alopecia areata.
	3. Clubbing: This condition describes when the nails curve around your fingertips, which are usually enlarged. It's caused by low oxygen levels in the blood and may indicate lung disease.
	4. Spoon Nails: If your nails look scooped out, like a spoon, it could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.
	5. Terry's Nails: In this condition the nails look opaque with a dark band at the tip. This can be due to aging or a more serious illness including cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes or liver disease.
	6. Beau's Lines: These horizontal indentations across your nails could be a sign of malnutrition. They also may appear after serious injury or illness like a heart attack interrupts the growth of your nail.
	7. Nail Separating From Nail Bed: When your nail becomes loose and separates from the nail bed, it could be related to injury, thyroid disease, fungal disease, drug reactions, reactions to acrylic nails or nail hardeners or psoriasis.
	8. Brown or Black Colored Streak: This could be a sign of a melanoma under the nail. "Subungal melanoma should be suspected whenever a nail streak appears without known injury to the nail, the nail discoloration does not gradually disappear as would a bruise or the size of the nail streak increases over time," said Dr. Scher.
	9. Vertical Nail Ridges: These are fairly common and may worsen with age. They do not signal any serious underlying disease.
	10. White, Crumbly Nails: This is often due to a fungal infection.
	11. Small White Spots: These are very common and usually recurring. They're caused by injury to the base of the nail and are not a cause of concern. The spots will grow out as your nail grows.

Skin Care Tips

2008-07-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Protect yourself from the sun -- use sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 and 2.

Don't -- repeat – DON'T smoke. Your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs that dramatically. That's why smokers' skin looks dull and gray. Instead of having oxy-generated blood delivered to the surface of the skin, they're getting poisons and oxidants.

Get adequate rest and nutrition.

Protect yourself from stress -- both emotional and environmental stress.

Wash your face twice a day and put on the proper treatment product. I'm amazed when women tell me they don't wash their face in the morning. A lot of icky stuff collects overnight -- dead skin cells, dirt, and dust!

Don't neglect certain areas of the skin. Elbows, heels, neck, and décolletage need moisturizing, and your scalp and the tops of your feet need sun protection.

Touch your face less and wash your hands more! Don't get too surgical on yourself. It's very tempting to pick, poke, squeeze, and scratch in front of the mirror. But the more you traumatize the skin, the greater your risk of scarring. Apply treatment products and let them work.

Keep your makeup clean. Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis. Now and then, toss the whole works and start fresh -- the average shelf life for cosmetics is 6 to 12 months. Don't buy products so expensive that you'll be heartbroken if you have to throw them away.

Exercise moderation. More is not always better. Moisturizer, for example, is the most overused product in America. We've been bamboozled by cosmetic companies into thinking every square inch of our body has to be slathered. And it's simply not true. Exfoliators are another thing to be careful with. Used too often, they over acidify and irritate your skin.

Beware of counter girls. If it were up to them, you'd be in the bathroom for two and a half hours each morning -- putting 80 layers on your face. Keep your regimen simple. And when you do add a new product, do it gradually so your skin has time to adjust. Each skincare or makeup product has an average of 20 to 40 ingredients -- you're introducing 20 to 40 potential allergens to your face every time you try something new.

Men's skincare is just as important as a woman's.

2008-07-29T06:50:00.001-07:00

Men's skincare is just as important as a woman's. Many people are of the opinion that men do not need proper skin care . However, the truth is for the prevention of premature aging signs and many other problems related to skin, men do need to properly care for their skin.

Despite the fact that men should follow a complete beauty routine, men's skincare routine is slightly different from that of women's. Although they can use the same cleansers, moisturizers and toners, there are some products especially made for men. They include after-shave lotions and natural gels and creams for shaving.

Natural skin care products are very important for men's skincare. These products have no side effects and they are pure and free from all harmful substances. Some ingredients used in the making of such products include organic compounds such as CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They are helpful in the stimulation of our natural collagen and elastin and therefore have the ability to bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to products meant for men's skincare. These are antioxidants and useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

There are some skin care systems available out there which are particularly meant for men's skincare. These systems include different products in one package like moisturizers, toners, cleansers and body lotions. They can be used by men who are worried about skin related problems such as dryness, pimples, spots, redness, cystic acne, fine lines and premature wrinkles.

Some men even use blemish concealers and other similar products in their skin care. These products are listed under cosmetics and may not be used if you are uncomfortable using them.

Other products that come under men's skincare include masks and scrubs. These can be used daily before going to bed or in the morning right before shaving. A good quality face wash can also be used in place of a beauty soap to prevent dryness.

Your nail have something to tell u regarding ur health

2008-07-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

I used to pride myself on having long, beautiful nails. Over the years, I'd painted, decorated and shaped them according to the latest fad. It was wonderful until the day I jammed my right thumb into a car door.

Of course, my thumb hurt like the dickens. Afterwards, I noticed something funny. It was a little discolored and lifted up from the nail bed. It was weird, but I didn't think much about it and kept on with my beauty regimen. I figured that my nail would be back to normal in a couple of weeks. However, I was wrong.

After another two weeks, my right thumb nail lifted more and began to change colors. It was a yellowy-milky color. I realized then that I needed medical help. My nail wasn't going to change back to itself without first a proper diagnosis. I found out I had a condition called onycholysis. Onycholysis is a condition in which the fingernail or toenail separates itself from the nail bed. It can occur due to trauma (my case) or other conditions like eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus.

Thankfully, after I found out that I had onycholysis, I was able to heal my thumb nail. It is now back to normal. However, the experience taught me a lesson. It let me see that any lifting, extreme pain or discoloration on a nail bed is a sign of a larger problem.

Although the reason I got onycholysis was not due to a disease, many times a change in one's nail bed color is. As a result, it's important to understand what the colors mean, so you know what is really plaguing you. It'll get you closer to the solution that will heal your body.

Below are a few clues found

White nail beds are a sign of liver disease.

Pink and white nail beds are a sign of kidney disease.

Red nail beds are a sign of heart conditions.

Yellow, thickened nail beds that are slow to grow are a sign of lung disease.

Pale nail beds are a sign of anemia.

Yellow nail beds with a slight blush are a sign of Diabetes.

If your nail beds fit any of the prior descriptions, you need to see your doctor right away.

Be ready to explain the whens and whys of the change in your nail bed color. It will help your doctor find the most specific diagnosis along with a remedy.

In conclusion, if you hurt your nails, don't be like me. See a doctor right away. Any discoloration or lifting is a sign that you need medical assistance. The problem is bigger than you and you need help. Plus, if you enjoy flaunting pretty nails, the sooner you get a cure, the sooner you can return to your normal lifestyle.

baldness

2008-07-26T08:04:00.001-07:00

What is the normal cycle of hair growth and loss?

The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.

It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

What causes excessive hair loss?

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary.

Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.

Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Can improper care of my hair cause hair loss?

Yes. If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia (say: al-oh-pee-sha). If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called "perms") may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss.

What is common baldness?

The term "common baldness" usually means male-pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head.

Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp.

Can my doctor do something to stop hair loss?

Perhaps. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medicines you're taking, whether you've had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you're a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) of your scalp may be needed.

Is there any treatment for hair loss?

Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss.

Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.

If adequate treatment is not available for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or artificial hair replacement.

Style Check

2008-07-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

how to dress your hair up for the season

Going Up

For women, hair accessories such as small clips, tic-tac pins, rubber bands and thin hair bands are in. But they have to be small and subtle, and not over the top.

Also in this humid weather, funky home-made fabric hair-bands and scrunchies work great.

Pop-colours such as neon blues, fluorescent greens, hot pinks, yellows, oranges are really big.

The idea is to have an element of colour in your attire with hair accessories but nothing very big. Boys need to keep it simple with a neat crew cut and at most, a smart cap.

Going Down

Boys just have to get rid of hair-bands and bandannas; they only look good within the confines of a gym.

For women, huge hair-bands are out; as are bling-toned accessories such as butterfly clips, pins and broaches.

Anything with diamantes, crystals or anything glittery is not for your hair anymore.

Go salon-style

2008-07-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

The rains getting you and your hair down? Or have you just invested in hair tongs and have no idea what to do with them? Help is at hand. Professional hair stylist, Dimpi Patange, guides you step-by-step through four different hair-styles for as many different hair types. So get together your gaggle of girls and set up a hair date.

AFTER	BEFORE
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Straight but not staid
Hair type Layered wavy or curly hair
Apply some hair serum on wet hair, working your way from the scalp downwards. Then divide hair into thick sections and blow dry. Use a rounded brush to turn the ends outwards. Finally, use a curling tong on the ends to define the curls.
Time: 30 minutes for hip-length thick hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
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Bouncy curls
Hair type Limp or re-bonded hair
Apply serum to dry hair and apply a heat-activated spray to the ends. Now use the straightening iron to create curls: Divide hair into even sections. Take one section and run iron about two inches from the roots, then roll the rest of your hair in and around the iron, working your way from base to roots. Hold in place for two to three seconds. Gently iron out the base for well-defined curls.
Time: 30 minutes for shoulder length hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
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Soft, dreamy curls
Hair type Frizzy, wavy hair
Run some curl-amplifying solution with your fingers through wet hair, or comb it through to ensure that it spreads evenly. Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and simply blow-dry the hair on medium setting. The trick is to hold the dryer under the hair and scrunch it gently with your palm as you dry.
Time: 15 minutes for shoulder-length hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
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Fun and funky
Hair type Straight hair or slightly wavy hair
Spray some extra-body hair-spray near the roots on damp hair. Using a blow- dryer, finger dry the hair. Once it is completely dry, divide the hair into even sections and straighten using an iron. If your hair isn't completely dry, you run the risk of burning your tresses. Apply some wax only to the ends to make peaks for a wispy look. If you have a fringe, use an iron to make it sleek.
Time: 20 minutes for medium length hair.

What you need

Blow dryer: When investing in a blow-dryer, opt for one that has nozzle and diffuser attachments. Bear in mind that the heat levels go from hot to cold.

Hair serum: Serum cures frizz and fly-aways and also protects against the damaging effects of pollutants.

Curl amplifying solution: Activates the curling process; ensures that curls last longer.

Hair tongs: Get a ceramic straightening iron that is known to damage hair less. You could also get one with removable crimping and curling attachments in various sizes for varying degrees of curls.

Hair wax: You can't get a spiky look without wax. You need to heat a small amount by rubbing it between your palms and apply it to the bit you want defined.

Hair shine spray: Apart from adding shine to hair, it helps enhance colour.

Thermo-fixing spray/ heat activated spray: These products are a must when heat is used to set hair. They protect your hair and make sure that your curls or waves last longer.

The lastest denim fad : Cut-offs!

2008-06-25T06:04:00.001-07:00

Want to look hot in jeans? Simply cut them off! I’m not kidding; take this advice from an army of celebs who are endorsing this style! Denim cut-offs are a huge hit - everyone from Jennifer Aniston, to Penelope Cruz and Pink, is swearing by it! Not only do they look cool, they are D-I-Y (do it yourself!) too! All you have to do it get a pair of old jeans, a pair of scissors and there you go; snip snip snap. There are readymade cut-off shorts available too but a little bit of creativity won’t hurt! Best look is when they are teamed up with a simple t-shirt and voila! Your causal and fun look is complete! Be a trend-setter without the splurge, cut off your jeans and look like a million bucks!

A Jewelry Line from the Olsen Sistas!

2008-06-25T06:03:00.002-07:00

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are combining their love for fashion and accessories with the creative genius of the famous jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris to put out a unique jewelry range! A licensed jewelry line, this contemporary line of exclusive and sophisticated jewelry will showcase more than 80 pieces. The collection is varied and it will have an urban flair with unique features like turquoise beading, metal cuffs and designs with daggers and crosses. This will be an exclusive collection named Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James, Olsen siblings, and is going to be as glamorous as they are. The price range will be between $65-$700 and will be released in Intermix stores this autumn. Talk about a sensational comeback!

Paper shoes kick the glass slippers’ butt

2008-06-25T06:03:00.001-07:00

My mom thinks I’m a certified loon for spending a good part of my paycheque on shoes and hoarding pairs and pairs of heels that I haven’t worn more than twice! I believe every girl’s love affair with shoes begins right from childhood when the footwear is glorified for her via the story of Cinderella, her glass slipper, and how it helps her find her Prince Charming. But I guess that’s a discussion for another day. Today I wanna show you some of the most exquisite shoes made from paper! That’s right, PAPER! Of course you would have guessed by now that these shoes are not meant for walking around in, but if you love shoes like the next red-blooded woman, I’m sure you would want a pair of these lovelies sitting pretty on your mantle!

André Lima's Collection - For the wing women

2008-06-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

The 5th day of The São Paulo Fashion Week in Brazil belonged to André Lima hands down! The style and feminity, the tender curves of the female body draped by clothing in geometric designs and gowns that were evasé were no less beautiful than an actual butterfly flying about in a meadow! Inspired by wings, a true symbol of womanhood, the clothes were complete in fabrics like satin, taffeta and jacquard in the soft shades of coral, grays, lilac, yellow and pink. Conceptually novel, this collection remained the highlight of the 5th day drawing inspiration from every winged creature one can imagine, be it a butterfly or a batman! This one will truly appeal to the women with wings on their feet!

Heavy Earrings - A Harmful Fashion Accessory?

2008-05-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

They're definitely in style — but according to doctors — heavy earrings can be a dangerous fashion accessory from which more and more women are seeking surgery.

At first, patients with tears in their earlobes from wearing heavy earrings are told to simply stop wearing them in order to let the lobe heal on its own, but often that doesn't work.

"Just removing the earring often times does not allow the hole to close because that has become a mature tract," says Richard Ha, plastic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "Fortunately, there's a relatively simple solution to the problem."

According to plastic surgeons, it's becoming more and more popular for patients to get their lobes surgically repaired.

"It's a pretty simple procedure actually. It probably takes about 30 minutes to an hour in the office under local anesthesia," explains Dr. Ha.

After the tear is fixed, it will need several weeks to completely heal.

Surgical repair of torn earlobes can vary between $300 and $1,500 depending on how severe the tear is and whether or not you need one or both earlobes done.

If you love wearing heavy earrings — but don't want to end up needing surgery one day — you may want to consider using some of the over-the-counter earlobe support products to help prevent tears.

tiPs for healtHy hair

2008-04-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR ....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don’t take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health
problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1.Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of
potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to
maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2.Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3.Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4.Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5.Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool.
You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6.Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic
purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo,
which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7.Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8.Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and
health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end
up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should
use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9.Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle
and prone to breakage.

10.Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months.

8 Hair Growth Secrets

2008-03-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

1. Drink Recommended Daily Amount Of Water

Coffee, tea, sugar drinks or beer does not count in your daily water count. Water means exactly that - water. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks may actually speed up dehydration which means that the body is not functioning at optimal levels. Not only can dehydration make you feel drained and exhausted, it can be a hidden factor in hair growth stoppage, dry strands or tresses that break off.

Adjust your daily levels according to the seasons of the year (hot weather may require more daily water consumption) and the amount of stress in your life.

When pressed for exact formulas, most experts can not give a simple answer to how much water humans should drink every day. A general rule of thumb is for women to drink between 2 and 2.6 liters of water a day. For men the rule of thumb is 2.8 to 3.5 liters.

There are many exceptions to this general rule of thumb which are tied back to age, lifestyle, weight and climate. In essence, experts advise that you replace all the water that you excrete every day.

2. Drink Green Tea

As always, experts disagree with the merits of green tea and whether or not it does conclusively help hair health and encourage growth.

Experts who believe in the hair health benefits of green tea point to the fact that certain compounds found in green tea cause the relaxation of blood vessels, helping overall cardiovascular activity through increased circulation. Of course increased circulation will naturally help nourish hair roots and scalp tissues.

3. Take A Brisk Walk Several Times A Week

Experts have discovered that walking at a quick pace for just 15 minutes will help to raise your normal heart rate which improves circulation to your entire body, including to your scalp and hair follicles. It also helps shake out the cobwebs and aids in a feeling of alertness and energy.

The ideal time to take a walk is about one hour after a meal. This allows your body to digest and puts less overall strain on your system.

Of course it is important to always consult with your personal physician before beginning any new exercise routine that would be strenuous in any way.

It is also best to avoid walking at the hottest times of the day. And yes, don't forget your sunscreen, regardless of the time of year that you walk, which is why many people have become devoted mall walkers.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Many people are sleep deprived. As a result of daily stresses and strains studies have found that humans are getting less and less sleep. For the body to function at optimal capability, which includes having the necessary energy to nourish and grow hair, humans need enough sleep.

Unfortunately there is no pat answer for how much sleep is enough. Again, it depends on the individual. Most sleep experts recommend an average of 6-8 hours for active adults. Depending on age, health conditions and other factors you may need more than 8 or be able to survive on a little less.

As a result of more sleep deprived people, cat naps are becoming more popular. A great way to get a daily energy boost is to schedule a 20 minute cat nap. Be sure not to sleep longer than 20 minutes though or else you will more tired than before you napped. Studies have shown that 20 minutes is the very best amount of time for getting maximum benefit. So set an alarm for exactly 20 minutes and catch some mid-day Zzzs.

5. Eat Energy Snacks

When hunger hits between meals, eat to nourish your hair roots. Reach for one handful of unsalted natural cashews or a few almonds. Almonds are loaded with magnesium which is an essential mineral for growing healthy strands.

Other good hair healthy snacks include yogurt, hard boiled eggs and tofu which all have great nutrients to help hair grow.

6. Indulge In Daily Aromatherapy

Many studies have been done on the effects of aromatherapy when used in daily or regular scalp massages for both healthy hair and scalp as well as overall health.

Studies have found that there is a direct link between the use of aromatherapy and hair growth.

A study performed by the Archives of Dermatology in 1998 by Scottish researchers found that aromatherapy can promote new hair growth. Patients who massaged various aromatherapy oils on their scalps every day enjoyed significant and measurable improvement in their hair growth.

7. Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Attitude is everything. Studies have shown that chronic negative moods can impact the human body and cause all human systems to slow down or become sluggish. This includes the circulatory system which feeds the roots of the hair, helping it to grow and remain properly nourished. When life gets you down rent a funny movie or read a humorous book. Take a break and have some fun to light your mood.

8. Eat Power Foods

Extreme diets that eliminate major food groups can be detrimental to healthy hair and can actually cause a slow down in new hair production. Diets that are too low in calories or completely eliminate either proteins or carbs can stimulate a form of alopecia that causes hair loss. Always eat a balanced food plan that incorporates healthy amounts of proteins and carbs. Don't forget to take either your daily vitamins or your hair growth vitamins like HairTopia vitamins.

Pradeep Kothari added you as a friend on Boxbe

2008-03-05T18:50:00.001-08:00

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Fashion education in India

2008-03-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

EDUCATION is power. It is enlightenment, a cornucopia and an elixir. It is everything, but is it fashion?
   To most of us the only similarity, perhaps, between fashion and education is that both are extremely important part of our lives. Fashion is your personal style statement. It is present in every aspect of our lifestyle - garments, home furnishings, personal and interior accessories. However, what most of us don't realise is that for any fashion to emerge, exhaustive research, analysis and experimentation is required.
   "Fashion is not just about walking the ramp. It is actually a consummate integration of design, technology, management and communication," informs Kautilya Dagaonkar, a student of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Major institutes offering fashion education in India include the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Pearl academy of fashion and NIFT.
   Apart from the well-known designing courses in fashion, textiles, knitwear, leather and accessory design, NIFT also offers a course in fashion technology that trains students in core garment manufacturing technology. Suhail Anwar, course coordinator, states: "Besides apparel production, the knowledge of information technology is also imparted which prepares students to someday become the agents of change in the industry".
Further, Shilpa Toshn-iwal, pursuing a two years' advanced diploma in textile designing at INIFD, feels that the course is very appropriately designed and covers all the requisites for creating a textile designer in just two years.
Apart from various undergraduate programmes, Pearl Academy of Fashion offers postgraduate courses in fashion marketing, fashion merchandising and fashion retail. To gauge the changing requirements in this global business of fashion, a formal education is apparently necessary. There is immense scope for penetration in this field, as one can explore and experiment. Besides, there's always the chance to make a global mark.

Hair Removal: Know All The Methods

2008-03-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

Most of us are concerned about the amount of hair on our bodies, and there are many options for those who desire to rid themselves of unsightly hair. Shaving and plucking are the most popular methods of hair removal, but there are also methods known as waxing, sugaring and threading.

Shaving is the most popular method of hair removal. It's simple and can be accomplished with a straight razor or an electric razor. Some electric shavers provide best results after use of pre-shaving gels, creams or lotions, as can shaving with a straight razor.

Plucking is used as a method of hair removal for unsightly or unwanted facial hair. Using tweezers, hair removal from eyebrows is generally accomplished by hand held or electric tweezers. Tweezing pulls the hair out by its roots but it can be time consuming, depending on the results you're looking for, as each hair must be pulled out individually. Until the skin around the area becomes desensitized, this process can be on the painful side, and redness, inflammation can occur. For most, the effects of tweezing can last anywhere from three to eight weeks.

Threading is becoming a more popular trend in hair removal methods. This ancient hair removal process continues to be used in various parts of the world today, including parts of southwest Asia and the Middle East. To facilitate hair removal with this method, a long loop of thread, mostly cotton, is twisted into a figure-8 type shape and rolled along the surface of the skin. Hairs caught between the coiled pieces of string are pulled out by their roots, resulting in near perfect smoothness. This method suits hair removal from eyebrows and other facial areas, and is considered by many to be less painful than the plucking hair removal method.

Waxing is a hair removal method that is a little more time intensive and messy, though such inconveniences are more than outweighed by the fact that this method is extremely effective in hair removal of just about any type of body hair. Waxing facilitates the removal of entire shafts of hair, from below the surface of the skin. This method can be accomplished using either cool or hot wax. Be advised that waxing for hair removal, however effective, can cause skin irritations that may last several hours, and if not done carefully, can produce burns and other unpleasant results.

A hair removal method similar to waxing is one called sugaring. In this method, a sugar mixture is used instead of wax. Blending and heating sugar, water and lemon juice until it develops into a pasty mixture creates this concoction. This mixture is then applied to the surface of the skin, like a wax treatment, followed by a strip of cotton, which is then rapidly pulled off the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This method of hair removal is popular among those who are sensitive to the ingredients in wax.

So take your pick, try them out and decide which method of hair removal best suits your time and your preferences.

Dandruff cure

2008-02-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

aloe vera dandruff cure - with aloe vera gel . About 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. if you do this everyday the dandruff will stay away.

Using lime juice to wash hair.

Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for ½ an hour. Wash with mild shampoo.

Ingredients: Olive oil and almond oil

Instructions: Mix the olive oil with the almond oil. Leave it on about 5 min.s after it starts to burn. Rinse well to clear dandruff.

Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and apply the juice of 2 lemons, steam your hair and leave the oil on for about 2 hours. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Boil a handful of neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for rinsing hair.

TIPS for MANICURE & PEDICURE

2008-02-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

Manicure and Pedicure Tips

Fresh ideas for beautiful fingers and toes.

Bath Oil

Heat 1/2 cup bath oil mixed with 1/2 cup water on High in your microwave for 30 seconds. Place the solution in a deep bowl and soak your fingers or toes in it for 10-15 minutes to soften cuticles or calluses. After drying, use a pumice stone to smooth over calluses or a file to push down cuticles. Follow up by rubbing in hand cream until fully absorbed.

Castor Oil

If you were ever forced to swallow castor oil as a child, this may be a pleasant surprise: The high vitamin-E content of that awful-tasting thick oil can work wonders on brittle nails and ragged cuticles. And you don't have to swallow the stuff. Just massage a small amount on your cuticles and nails each day and within three months you will have supple cuticles and healthy nails.

Cooking Spray

Need your nail polish to dry in a hurry? Spray it with a coat of cooking spray and let dry. The spray is also a great moisturizer for your hands.

Film Canisters

Create a small, spillproof carry case for nail polish remover by tucking a small piece of sponge into a plastic film canister. Saturate the sponge with polish remover and snap on the lid. For an emergency repair, simply insert a finger and rub the nail against the fluid-soaked sponge to remove the polish.

Lemons

Pamper your fingernails without the help of a manicurist. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail.

Marshmallows

Get the comfort of a salon treatment when giving yourself a home pedicure. Just place marshmallows between your toes to separate them before you apply the nail polish.

Mayonnaise

To add some oomph to your fingernails, just plunge them into a bowl of mayonnaise every so often. Keep them bathed in the mayo for about 5 minutes and then wash with warm water.

Petroleum Jelly

During home manicures, it's hard to keep the nail polish from running over on your cuticles. Petroleum jelly can help your manicures look more professional. Dab some along the base of your nails and the sides. If polish seeps off the nail during the manicure, all you do is wipe off the petroleum jelly and the sloppy nail polish is gone.

Styrofoam

When applying nail polish, a foam pellet or a small chunk cut from a block of foam packaging placed between each finger or toe will help spread them apart and keep the polish unblemished until it can dry.

Vinegar

You can soften the cuticles on your fingers and toes before manicuring them by soaking your digits in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar for five minutes.

Your nail polish will have a longer life expectancy if you first dampen your nails with some vinegar on a cotton ball and let it dry before applying your favorite polish.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

Hair and now!

2008-02-17T03:31:00.000-08:00

Rapunzels rejoice, mane matters are long and winding this season with styles as varied as the stylists' snips! While the classic beauty of long hair remains undisputable, wearing them in the style of the moment or one that suits you, ensures you remain a cut above the rest.

Layers of good looks

There is nothing new about the layered look, but now you have a mindboggling array of choices in this style to ensure everyone around doesn't look like mannequins out of an assembly line.

"Layers and steps are back. People are in an experimental mood, which gives us a lot of room to maneuver," says hairstylist Harish Bhatia of the Big Boss salon at Borivalli, who also runs his Harish Big Boss Hair and Beauty Institute.

Sliding layers, air fly, square layers, round layers and savage cut are just some of the names to look out for while making the next appointment with your stylist.

Layering is especially good for fine, straight hair say stylists. It makes for a fuller, bouncier look, as the cut creates an illusion of volume. However, the style is not for those who prefer to stick to their plain Jane or classic long locks looks, for the edge in layers makes for a more sophisticated, glamourous fashion appeal.

Curl it up

In fact, straight seems to be plain boring, people are increasingly making a grab for their rollers as curls make a comeback. "Straight hair is on its way out," says Savio Periera of Magic Salon outlets at Bandra and Juhu. "People are going in for a lot of soft waves and curls. There is a lot of movement in the hair now," he adds.

Crop cool

However, even as more women connect to their feminine, softer side this season, bobs are not being ruled out either. While Periera roots for the eternal appeal of a classic bob, Agnes Chen of Butterfly Pond in Colaba begs to differ. "Bobs are in, but variations of it like the asymmetrical one, curly haired bob, textured bobs, not the classic one," she says.

While Chen maintains length is also in, she points to leading ladies on the ramp like Bipasha Basu, and Jesse Randhawa, who can be increasingly spotted sporting shorter lengths.

Bang on

While on Bollywood and fashion, the late Parveen Babi is a reference point for bangs.

"Bangs are all the rage now – classic, solid, asymmetrical, you name it! Even the Parveen Babi type side locks are in," says Chen.

In fact, a toss of bangs that fall anywhere between the forehead to the chin, sometimes blacking out one whole eye, is a sure shot at being a headturner this season.

"Short bangs are very popular these days, which are a little longer than what Jassi used to flaunt," says Bhatia of Big Boss. "Bangs can start as a triangle from the forehead and fall a little on the side, sometimes right down to the cheekbone, whereupon they are snipped off, blocking one eye," he details.

Darsheel drool

If women are making a dash for it, men are spiking it up too, a la Tare Zameen Par. Mohawks are in once more, both for men and well, little young men. "We cut the hair in such a way that the middle portion keeps standing.

If the hair is slightly long, the style is easy to maintain. But even if one is sporting short hair, just a little gel helps achieve this look with ease.

Ever since the Aamir Khan starrer, lots of men, especially young kids have been queuing up to get spikes," says Bhatia.

Peacock palette

The palette reflects the whacky mood as well. Gone are the days when highlights were restricted to a few measly shades of brown. Red, gold, copper and even ash, and their combinations are being sported without batting an eyelid (whatever is visible of it!). "Red is all the rage now in hair colours. Gold and copper are also hot as many like to experiment with the blonde look now.

As for highlights, chunk or combination colours allow you give the peacock a run for its plume!" laughs Hitesh Parekh, senior colour technician with Streax Hair Colour and hairstylist with Head Turner salon in Andheri.

Wash 'n' wear

Whacky or no-nonsense, comfort is the buzzword in hairstyles for the Mumbaiite on the go. "People don't have the time to blow dry and invest precious minutes setting the hair in the morning. Clients demand a wash and wear style, something that is easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis," says Periera of Magic Salon. "Therefore, the look is messy, a style that doesn't look out of place even after a gruelling ride in the train," he adds.

So, a bad hair day cannot be an excuse anymore!

Skin care: Top 5 habits for healthy skin

2008-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Your busy lifestyle leaves little time for pampering skin care. The result: Your skin isn't the baby-soft body glove with which you were born. With age, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands grow less active leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in your skin decreases, your skin becomes more fragile, and you lose your youthful color and glow.

Good skin care — such as avoiding the sun, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly — can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems.. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The best way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays of the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors.

For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:

Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others.. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than loosely woven fabrics such as knits.
Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can be seen in young adults who have been smoking for as few as 10 years.

Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen which give your skin strength and elasticity.

In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.

3. Wash your skin gently

Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.

Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps — those most capable of stripping oil from your skin — can leave your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps with oils and fats added to them during the soap manufacturing process.
Avoid irritating additives. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products containing perfumes or dyes. These can irritate your skin and may trigger an allergic response.
Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product such as petroleum jelly.
Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.

4. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.

The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

Select a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.

5. Shave carefully

Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:

Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.
Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.
Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can irritate the skin.
Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.

If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin..

Winter Tips for Hair, Skin,Hands, Nails,Legs, Lips

2008-02-06T05:29:00.001-08:00

Winter is just not about warm clothes, fireside reading, snuggling close to the pillows wrapped from head to toe with a comfy quilt. It is time to battle the cold winds that hampers your body and hair. A little care will keep the wintry troubles at bay.

Hair...

Before the winter winds can work havoc with your hair, expose your hair to deep conditioning. Since the cold weather causes to dry your hair, massage your hair in aloe Vera juice for a few minutes. This will restore its softness.

You can a lso treat your hair with oil massage once or twice a week Olive oil can work wonders in reinforcing moisture to your hair. Heat the oil before using and allow it to soak for a time lesser than the time you allot for the summer season. Too long a period of soaking hair in oil can get you ill. If you are used to treating your hair with herbal extracts or herbal oil do not soak it for a long time. Herbal ingredients are mostly cooling agents that are more suitable for the summer. Keep away from washing your hair too frequently.

Woolen clothing like hats, scarves and turtlenecks can cause damage to your hairline. Since they can cause breakage, first cover your hair with a silk scarf before exposing it to winter wraps.

It is the appropriate time for split ends to work their way up to the hair shafts. Hence trim your split ends.

Style your hair with a braid, twist or a knot. Try Keeping away from letting your hair open and wild, as the cold winds can play rough on your hair.

Avoid exposing your hair to frequent coloring, streaking, or ironing as they can rob your hair off its moisture and it is advisable to avoid heating appliances on your hair.

Expose your hair to natural drying. Keep away from blow dryers. If you have to use, use one with a hood.

Always cover your hair with a silk fabric to guard it from the chill winds.

Skin...
Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on the intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Water plays an important role in keeping your skin alive. A good amount of water helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well keeping skin disorders at bay. Fruits and vegetables in your daily diet release a lot of water to your system. Primrose syrup and olive oil in your diet also aids in softening your skin.

Use th e paste of ground green gram powder instead of soap to work your way to a soft and supple skin.

Pamper you skin with a little coconut oil before bath to heal dryness and chaps. Use a creamy soap that renders that extra suppleness to your skin.

Moisturizers and cold creams are a must in the winters. Apply some good cold cream on your face before going to bed. Moisten your skin with a good moisturizer or a creamy hand and body lotion. My best buy is ' Jergens' hand and body lotion.

Add a few drops of oil to the water that you are using to bath. This will help retain the moisture lost when bathing. Avoid using very hot water during winter as it can decrease the natural oils of your skin. Instead shorten your bath time.

Hands, legs and nails...
When treating your legs add a few drops of oil in the water that you use to soak them. With regards to hands, try using rubber gloves while immersing them in water. Use a base coat over your nails against the cold weather.

Lips...
A good petroleum jelly will be an effective cover over your lips against the cold weather. Butter is effective in curing chapped lips and renders an extra softness.

So get ready to shield your body against the winter threats.

Winter Tips for Hair, Skin,Hands, Nails,Legs, Lips

2008-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hair...

New York, Newer Fashion

2008-01-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Among the most fashionable cities of the world, New York undoubtedly tops the list. From high end boutiques to little shops on the sideways one can find elegantly and stylishly dressed people at restaurants, theatres, stores and so on. On a personal level, the collection I showcased here marked the launch of my couture line. It will always be a very 'special' showing for me as it was the beginning of the 'Rocky S couture' label.

When in New York City

• Places to shop: When it comes to luxury shopping one must visit 7th avenue, which is considered as the Mecca of fashion. There are renowned designer stores lined up

• The two-story Apple store in SoHo boasts of a show-stopping glass staircase and a translucent walkway which glimmers in the sunshine flooding in from skylights

• The shoe salon at Bergdoff Goodman is dazzling enough to get any woman in trouble and the massive bag collection is equally dangerous

• Where budget shopping is concerned, there are several malls offering merchandise from innumerable brands such as Gap, Topshop and Forever 21 that offer stylish clothing at affordable prices

• Barneys' Madison Avenue flagship is the final word in edgy designer fashion. The lower floors house sophisticated, expensive items like Prada suits; in the upstairs co-op department, you'll find Habitual jeans, Miu Miu dresses, and clingy tees

• For trendy, well-priced American brands hit the second floor of Bloomingdale

• Madison avenue boasts of fifteen blocks of celebrity designer shops (Calvin, Jean-Paul, Giorgio) and flagship fashion house boutiques (Prada, Herm?s, Chanel)

• Kick things off at Fratelli Rossetti on 58th Street for fab Italian shoes, and be sure to leave some time for the grand finale at the stately Polo Store on 72nd Street

• For key chains, track suits and tees head to the Adidas original store

• Macys is the spot for essentials from all the big brands - everyone from Guess and Esprit to Ralph, Donna and Calvin, and at all prices in between

• Snap up key rings, money clips and cuff links, or invest in beautifully-made men's watches, kitchenware, or their classic six-prong diamond engagement ring at Tiffany & Co

The swimwear department at Saks Fifth Avenue swells seasonally to accommodate classics and styles with a little more va-va-voom.

Street fashion in NYC

• It is chic combined with 'attitude' dressers at NY. Jeans and tees/tops teamed with trendy jackets and stylish shoes /boots or casual dresses is the essence of street fashion there

• China Town is the place for best bargains.

Exclusivity at hand

In New York it is the individuality of fashion that is noticeable with everyone on the streets.

• If you are visiting NY in summer make sure you carry jeans/shorts/skirts teamed with trendy tees and tops. Light jackets and elegant dresses are also a must have in your wardrobe

• If you are visiting there during winters make sure you carry stylish sweaters, jackets and trenchcoats that go well with jeans and boots

• Navy blue is definitely the colour of the season. Pack an item or two.

Home Remedies to RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

2008-01-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip colour caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene.

If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest.

Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color.

Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips:

Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include:
Sticky tar deposits
Brown tooth stains
Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
Delayed healing of the gums
Chronic bad breath
More tooth decay than non smokers

Smoking reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration:

Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients.
Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically.
Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition.
Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells.

Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.

Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration.

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes

Remedies to prevent tooth discoloration:

To prevent discoloration a coffee drinker and/or smoker must consider reducing intake or giving up on these addictions. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene .This can be done by brushing and flossing regularly and getting teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months.

Treatment options or home remedies that can be tried at home may vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and include:
Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
Avoidance of foods and beverages that cause stains on teeth.
Using Over-The-Counter whitening agents

Remedies to prevent discoloration of the lip:

Here are simple lip care tips and home remedies for intense smokers:
To reduce discoloration caused by smoking or caffeinated drinks the first step is to reduce the intake of such habits.
Drink at least 10 glasses of water to flush toxins away.
Apply Vaseline to your lips regularly.
Clarified butter is also a very good home remedy. Apply a little every night to soothe lips. This helps keep lips moisturized.
Another effective home remedy is applying the juice of a lemon which has bleaching properties to the lips daily. This helps lighten the colour of the lips over time.
It is advisable for women to wear lipstick with sunscreen, as Ultra Violet radiation may cause pigmentation.

Improve dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. Having a complete dental cleansing by a professional dentist every 6 months are also advisable.

Avoid food and beverages that contain too much food coloring for it leave stains on the teeth.

Avoid using over-the-counter whitening products.

Drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday to eliminate the toxins from the body.

Apply Vaseline on the lips regularly to lighten the discoloration of the lips.

Moisturize lips by applying little amount of clarified butter every night.

Apply lemon juice on the lips everyday. It is a natural bleaching agent that helps lighten lips with regular application.

For women, wear lipstick that contains sunscreen ingredients. Excessive exposure of UV rays from the sun can cause lip pigmentation.

Avoid tooth decaying foods like carbohydrates and sugar

Doctors recommend treatments that are advisable to cure discoloration of the teeth and the most one can do on the diet front is to avoid certain tooth decaying foods. Most avoidable foods include all carbohydrates and sugar as they can cause tooth decay. All simple sugars, including table sugar (sucrose) and the sugars in honey (levulose and dextrose), fruit (fructose), and milk (lactose), have the same effect on the teeth.

Diets
Avoid foods that will leave tooth decay. These include foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Sugar takes on many forms such as sucrose (table sugar), levulose and dextrose (honey), fructose (fruit), and lactose (milk).

Home Remedies OILY HAIR

2008-01-20T08:23:00.001-08:00

Treatment of Oily Hair

Home remedy for Oily hair

The principle of care for oily hair and scalp condition is the same as used for oily skin condition. The hair routine aims at removing the excess oil and to exfoliate skin cells which clog up and suffocate the hair follicles in our scalp. Infection usually erupts in the blocked hair follicles which leads to hair loss and other scalp disorders.

The emphasis is laid on cleansing and toning routines. The cleansing routine involves washing and rinsing the hair. Since the hair has to be washed as frequently as it gets dirty and oily, a natural shampoo on a formulation of herbs such as Amla, Shikakai, Trifala is ideal.

The ideal shampoo is always gentle in action, thorough in dissolving the grime and at the same time, not harsh like a detergent shampoo.

Massaging hair and scalp is important for the wellbeing as well as good growth of the hair. For dry hair, scalp massaging with oil is recommended. For oily hair, massage with toning lotion is suitable. A two minute brushing, stroking and combing routine is sufficient massage exercise for the scalp.

Oily hair home cure: Shampoo Cleanser Recipe

1. Buy some shikakai powder from the market. Powder some green grams and fenugreek (methi) seeds. Mix two portions of shikakai powder, one portion of green gram flour and half portion of Fenugreek powder and keep it. When required, mix a tablespoon of this mixture in the white of an egg and use it as a shampoo. It does not lather like a soap, or shampoo, but cleanses the hair.

2. Take some dry soap nuts (reetha) and soak them in water overnight. Mash them in the morning and strain the soapy solution. Add a teaspoon of shikakai powder and wash your hair.

Oily hair home remedy: A Mint Infusion Recipe

1. If you are unable to make the shampoo cleanser at home, use this infusion recipe. Prepare it and mix it in the shampoo you use.
To make the infusion, boil two handfuls of mint (pudina) in one-and-a-half glass of water for 20 minutes. Strain the solution and mix in a 300 ml bottle of shampoo.

Oily hair treatment: The Toning Lotion

Mix a tablespoon of Malt Vinegar in a glass of water. Add a pinch of salt in it. Dab two tablespoons of it on your scalp and massage it with your finger tips twice a week. Leave the lotion on for one hour. Rinse with cool water, brush and set your hair.

Treating Oily hair: Other tips

1. Do not use detergent shampoos.
2. Do not use oils unless the cleansing routine leaves your hair extremely dry.
3. Regularly massage your scalp.

But whatever your hair color or the problems with your hair, here's how to ease the oiliness.

Choose the right shampoo. The obvious answer to oily hair is to shampoo often--daily is recommended by most of our experts. But if you're using the wrong shampoo, you could be disappointed with the results. "Look for a shampoo that's designated as 'deep cleaning' and for other descriptions on the packaging that indicate the shampoo cleanses well," suggests John Corbett, Ph.D., vice president of technology for Clairol, based in Stamford, Connecticut.

"Clear, see-through shampoos tend to have less goo in them," adds Thomas Goodman, Jr., M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in Memphis. "They clean away oil more effectively and don't leave a residue."

And use it the right way. Most often recommended is a double shampoo, leaving the suds on your head for at least five minutes each time, says Lowell Goldsmith, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. (If your head isn't especially oily, a single shampoo is enough, as long as you leave the shampoo on for the full five minutes.)

Rinse your hair with vinegar. One teaspoon of apple cider kitchen vinegar added to a pint of water makes an excellent finishing rinse that adds shine and luster to your hair while removing soap residue that can weigh down oily hair. A thorough rinsing with plain water will remove the smell.

Or freshen it with lemon. Squeezing the juice of two lemons into a pint of distilled water makes another excellent rinse that helps cut oiliness, adds David Daines, owner of David Daines Salon in New York City.

Take a powder "If your hair is oily after a difficult, tense day, I suggest you do a temporary 'dry' shampoo by sprinkling a tiny amount of talcum powder (I recommend Zeasorb-AF) onto your hair one section at a time. Rub the powder first onto the scalp, then through the hair with your fingers," says, Karen E. Burke, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. "The powder very effectively absorbs some of the oil." But,be careful not to use too much powder or your hair will took white and dull, and you may even have difficulty with static electricity, making your hair difficult to style.

Home Remedies for WRINKLES

2008-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

WRINKLES

Wrinkles are delicate creases caused by thin, sagging skin. These are especially visible on the face, neck and hands. Wrinkles appear when the collagen and elastin present in the connective tissue of the skin is weakened or decrease in number. Skin that has suffered such damage appears thinner, loses fat content, elasticity and smoothness.

Symptoms for wrinkled skin

Some of the symptoms of wrinkled skin are -

Lined and creased skin
Sagging skin
Areas that are more affected include sensitive skin near the eyes, lips and neck.

Though some creases are temporary, they may become deeper and more permanent due to ageing.

Wrinkles occur due to ageing process

Though wrinkles are a part and parcel of the ageing process, premature wrinkles are a cause of concern for many. Some of the common causes of wrinkles on skin are -

Over exposure to sun - The damage caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun is known as photoageing.

Smoking - Smoking hastens the ageing process. The large amount of free radicals produced by cigarette smoke is one of the biggest culprits for premature wrinkles. Free radicals can play havoc with the skin, damaging it to an alarming extent.

Pollution - Environmental factors such as exposure to air pollutants, dust, chemicals and harsh lights can cause wrinkles on skin over a period of time.

Repeated motions such as squinting can cause wrinkles around the eyes. These are referred to as "crow's feet". Smiling and frowning can also cause laugh lines around the mouth or frown lines on the forehead.

Drug use

Stress

Weight Loss - Rapid weight loss can cause wrinkles as the volume of the fat cells (which have a cushioning effect) are drastically reduced. This causes the skin to sag and crease.

Loss of Vitamin E - Depletion of this important vitamin can cause the skin quality to deteriorate.

Home Remedies for wrinkle on skin

Here are some simple home remedies to deal with wrinkles on skin and prevent the formation of new ones –

Mix 1 teaspoon of raspberry juice with one teaspoon of orange juice. Add one teaspoon of olive oil, whipped egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of grind oatmeal. Wait for 20 minutes and smear on face. Wait until it gets dry and wash off with warm water.

Grind an onion and Rub on face to loose the wrinkles.

Mix 2 tablespoons of Vodka with 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds and half a teaspoon of honey. Boil and then refrigerate for 3 days. Apply on face with a cotton ball and wash off with warm water.

Apply egg whites to the skin under your eyes.

Odor-free castor oil can be applied to the skin under the eyes or on that of the throat.

Empty the contents of 3 Vitamin E capsules into a small bowl. Add to this 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.

A mixture of 1/4 cup comfrey infusion, 1/4 cup witch hazel and 10 drops of patchouli essential oil is effective in treating wrinkles. This can be stored in a clean bottle and applied on affected areas with a cotton ball.

Gently massage coconut oil on portions of skin prone to wrinkles every night a bedtime.

A paste of turmeric made with sugarcane juice is great to get rid of wrinkles and slow skin ageing.

Cut a green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face on the wrinkles. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air.

Rub the core of pineapple on the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. This works well on fine wrinkles.

Applying juice of green pineapples and apples on the face daily for 10-15 minutes is good for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.

Application of pure castor oil regularly prevents wrinkles.

Cucumber juice can be effective in alleviating age spot skin problems.
Fresh Papaya juice can remove dead and rough skin, and apple and pineapple juices can help to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and cracked skin.
Regular facial is very necessary to control wrinkles.
Massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thereby, reducing the fleshiness of the skin and restoring a young look.
Apply lemon juice few times a day to reduce the blemishes and age spots
Prepare a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice and apply to the face to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.
Cut a Green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face at wrinkles (lines). Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air. This is very effective home remedy for wrinkles and they will disappear shortly.
Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.
Apply juice of green pineapples and apples the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.
Apply pure castor oil to prevent wrinkles
Applying a good quality cream with a firm pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. Do not apply pressure around eyes. Continue massage for 15 minutes.
For wrinkle treatment wipe off the face with wet cotton.
For fast removal of wrinkles, massage with your all the fingers of both the hands rapidly with rapid circular motion.
For wrinkles on jaw, pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers. Pinching is also good if you have double chin.
Massage coconut oil into the skin where wrinkles appear before bed.
Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. In the morning when you first wake up, apply the backs of spoons under the eye to reduce under-eye wrinkles. This also helps with under-eye circles.
Eat a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning for wrinkle cure.
Mix two tablespoons vodka, a tablespoon fennel seeds, and 2 teaspoons honey, and let sit for three days. Strain out the fennel seeds and use as a toner on the face.
Remove wrinkles from the face by simmering 1/2-cup rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of brandy and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Strain and wipe onto skin every morning and evening to preserve a face free of lines Wash face thoroughly and pat dry. This is also very effective home remedy for wrinkles
Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, seeds, nuts and legumes.
Drink plenty of fluid every day. This help to keep the skin hydrated and to flush away toxins.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin encouraging the development of wrinkles. Also the smoking habit uses the lips muscles hundreds of times a day, which contributes wrinkling.
Always protect your skin from the sun applying a sunscreen
Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.
For wrinkle cure apply egg yolk once in a week for 10 minutes.
Prepare a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream. Apply it on the face. It gives very good results.

Balanced diet

The role of a balanced diet for a healthy, youthful looking skin cannot be undermined. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains paves the way for a wrinkle-free skin.

Flax seed oil is an excellent wrinkle cure agent. Take a tablespoon of flax seed oil 4 times a day. This may cause diarrhea, so make sure your body is used to taking flax seed oil.

Consume at least 4-6 liters of water everyday. This is the best way to hydrate and moisturize your skin from within.

Other suggestions for Wrinkles

More smiling, less squinting and frowning are ways to keep your face young, wrinkle-free and attractive.

Use natural moisturizing creams and lotions regularly. Light massage with cream or lotion every night can keep your skin soft and supple.

Use a good quality sunscreen lotion whenever you go out in the sun.

Cracked heels

2008-01-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Cracked heels are one of the most common beauty problems caused by drying of skin. The desire to wear attractive foot wear will remain just that with cracked heels. Cracked heels are also referred to as heel fissures. When these fissures are deep they may bleed and become painful. Some times they may also get infected.

Ayurveda classifies cracked heels under “kshudra rogas” (common diseases without much complecations) and explains the causes and remedies for cracked heels.

Cracks or fissures usually appear on outer edges of heels when the skin on these parts is dry and thick.

What causes cracked heels?

According to ayurveda the cracked heel is caused by vitiation of Vata. Due to vitiation of vata the skin becomes dry, rough and fissured.

Walking bare foot for long distances vitiates vata causing cracked heels.

Dry and cold weather increases vata in body and may cause cracks on the heels. The same weather conditions worsen the already present cracks or fissures on heels.

Usually the process of sweating keeps our skin moist and soft. Absence of or inactive sweat glands cause dryness of skin. Vitiated vata dries up sweat glands.

People who have dry skin tend to develop cracked heels easily.

Continued pressure on feet causes cracking of skin on heels. This may be due to prolonged standing or over weight.

Cracked Heels

Thin soled shoes, Open backed shoes, heel spurs, Surgery of lower extremities, flat feet, high arched feet and diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc also cause fissured heels.

Self care for cracked heels

Avoid thin soled shoes or footwear and open backed shoes.

Use pumice stone bars to remove thick, dead skin of heels.

Apply medicated herbal balm which keeps the skin of heels soft and closes fissures.

Liberal application of herbal moisturizing lotion keeps your feet soft and attractive.

The skin of feet lacks oil glands. Hence apply herbal moisturizing lotion before going to bed and put on cotton socks. This tip helps to maintain the softness of skin of heels.

Reduce body weight and do not stand for a long time.

Never cut hard edges of fissures with blade, scissors or razor.

Diabetic patients should immediately consult their physician if the fissures persist for a long time and show color changes.

A regular foot bath and foot massage helps to keep the skin on heals healthy and soft.

How To Curl Your Hair....

2008-01-12T19:14:00.001-08:00

Why People Curl Hair?

Apart from the style quotient, curling is a great way to add body to any hair type and length, except when it’s really short. It’s one of those ‘ready wash and go’ hair styles that frees you from the hassles of blow-drying and setting. Moreover, there are so many varied curly hairstyles – tight curls, waves, maggi curls, etc. –that choosing one should not be difficult at all. You can either curl your hair by yourself at home or get the help of a professional from a good saloon.

Important Aspects One should be Aware of Prior Curling Hair

Your hair will refuse to take the curls if it’s colored. You will only end up spoiling your hair if you still get your colored / streaked hair curled. This is truer in the case of permanent hair curling.

Do not go for permanent curls (or perms) if your hair is weak. This is because weak hair cannot easily withstand hard chemicals used during curling. To find out if your hair is healthy or weak, put few strands in a glass of water. If they sink, it means your hair is weak because it is soaking up moisture.

Thick hairs take curls more easily than fine hairs.

The tightness of the curls will depend on the size of the curling rod.

Depending upon hair length and thickness, a permanent curly hairstyle will sustain for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months.

How to Curl Straight Hair using Curling Iron?

While you can get your hair curled by a hair stylist, you can also choose to curl them at home. Just follow the instructions given below. The duration for curling hair can vary between 30 minutes and one hour depending upon the length and thickness of hair.

Things you will need:

Volumizing spray
Straightening balm (if you have thick, course hair)
Hair dryer
A one-inch barrel curling iron
Ponytail holder and bobby pins
Shine serum
Hairspray
Saltwater spray

How to Curl Your Hair? – The Process

After washing your hair, flip them upside down and spray volumizing hair-spray on roots. Massage it in. If your hair is rough, then apply a bit of straightening balm.
Gently brush your hair as it will work the hair products you just applied very evenly throughout. Blow dry them straight beginning from the roots adding volume. Alternate with cold air.
Part your hair into three sections, securing each with a ponytail holder. Next you will use a wide-barrel curling iron to curl your hair. So deal with one section at a time. Take neat bunches of hair now and sprit it with styling hair spray. To curl the hair, wrap it around the barrel of a curling rod.
Release the curl after about seven to ten minutes. Hold the hair in the curler for a longer duration if you want tighter ringlets. Alternating the direction will make the curl appear more natural. Once the pinned curls have cooled, free them from the curling iron.

Do not brush your hair. On the other hand, separate the curls with your fingers. To add shine, spray on some hair serum. Take care not to overdo the hairspray if do not want your curls to feel crunchy.

Fashioning technology

2008-01-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

Techno club ... Lumigram's light radiating singlet is made of a fibre optic fabric.

Suits that power your iPod; shorts that chill your beer; and dresses that can be programmed to fit perfectly: Rachel Wells explores the brave new world of haute technology.

If you thought Maxwell Smart's shoe phone was a hoot, you ain't seen nothing yet. Exciting progress in the booming, intelligent clothing and textiles industry means mobile-phone shirts (just speak into the collar) and socks that mend themselves could soon be a reality. Meanwhile, iPod-playing suits and clothes that change size and shape to fit the wearer are already here. Such garments are set to become part of our daily wardrobes as advances in smart fabrics mean our clothes will do more than just preserve our modesty, protect us from the elements, or, for some of us, make a fashion statement.

In recent years, smart clothing has progressed significantly from wearable computers - where devices such as MP3 players or mobile phones are seamlessly integrated into clothing - to "intelligent" fabrics and clothes that can conduct electricity, change shape and even colour.

"The world is your oyster when it comes to the sorts of things you can do with clothing and technology. You're only limited by your imagination, really," says Dr Adam Best, a research scientist at the CSIRO division of energy technology, who has developed a shirt that produces electricity simply by being moved, such as when the wearer is walking.

The power shirts - or flexible, integrated-energy devices - are basically wearable batteries that charge whenever the person moves. While they are being developed for military purposes - for energy supply for soldiers in the field - Best says they could be used to power mobile phones, portable music players and other small electrical devices. "The technology basically enables you to get rid of the battery as we know it and will open up a whole new world for designers to put things in places that have merely been the realm of science fiction, so to speak," he says. "So, for example, you could quite easily build a device into your shirt, where your shirt literally becomes a mobile phone or iPod."

Dr Richard Helmer, of the CSIRO's Textile and Fibre Technology division, agrees. "Our clothing has the potential to play a very different role going into the future," he says. "There are people all over the world engineering all sorts of different functionality into clothing, from sensing things to doing things, to self-cleaning, all sorts of things." Helmer recently developed an "air-guitar" or a wearable-instrument shirt. With sensors embedded in the sleeves, the shirt can detect and interpret the air-guitarist's arm movements, wirelessly transmitting that information to a computer, which generates the appropriate sounds.

The 2008 fashion forecast

2008-01-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

We've consulted with the gurus and the verdict is in: the storm of froth and frills has subsided; in it's wake is the cool, fresh look of glammed-up mod minimalism and tailored shabby chic. Read on for our full fashion forecast for 2008.

What the fashion editor thinks:

Fashion Editor at InStyle magazine Clementine O'Hara:

What we'll be wearing:

- Black and white and grey, with one really strong vibrant hit of colour like pink, purple, green, blue or yellow.
- References to the 1920s, with luxe beading and old style glamour
- Shift dresses
- "Mod squad" black, white and red graphic shapes.
- Flat, patent boots
- Ballet flats
- Patent leather accessories
- High-waisted, wide leg jeans and trousers
- Bohemian glamour
- Bangles
- Pendants
- New minimalism, a lot of black and white basic, geometric shapes.
- Black cropped trousers, worn with a plain white T-shirt.

Must haves:

- Cropped black leather jacket
- Ankle boots
- Statement chunky knits
- Patent leather accessories
- Black berets

Celebrity style to watch:

- Kate Moss
- Katie Holmes

Australian fashion houses on the rise:

- Willow
- Ginger and Smart
- Marnie Skillings

What the designer thinks:

Australian designer Alex Perry:

What we'll be wearing:

- Really high wasted pants and skirts
- Sleek, tailored shapes
- Pencil skirts
- Fitted dresses and a return to "body-skimming" gowns.
- Use of georgette and silk fabrics
- Metallic accessories
- European-style accessories like tote bags.

What we won't be wearing:

- Bumster jeans - "I'd be happy to see the rear end of that."
- "Sack" dresses

Celebrity style to watch in 2008:

- Megan Gale
- Rihanna
- Gwen Stefani - "the new Madonna"
- Christina Aguilera
- Nelly Furtado
- Beyonce
- Cate Blanchett
- Keira Knightley and Jessica Alba - " the new Hollywood glamour girls".

Style over substance

2008-01-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

Two of a kind … Victoria Beckham and Rachel Zoe.

Celebrity fashion books are big on fluff, offering a glimpse of the high life.

STYLE advice books by celebrities are piling up like bargain hunters at a sample sale.

If you don't mind fashion help filtered through the lens of famous names, there are tips and tricks spilling out of the closets and on to the pages. The new guides are by Victoria Beckham, Britain's "poshest" expatriate, style icon and wife of the football superstar David Beckham; and Rachel Zoe, a Hollywood stylist with a client list that includes Demi Moore and Mischa Barton.

The authors share an affinity for glamour and toupee tape, shopping at vintage stores and wearing 12 centimetres heels, as well as other trappings of the high life. Here's a look.

That Extra Half An Inch: Hair, Heels And Everything In Between by Victoria Beckham (Harper Entertainment, $19.95).

The world first got to know her as a member of the Spice Girls, the popular 1990s girl group. But it wasn't until Victoria "Posh Spice" Adams married Beckham, and moved to Los Angeles earlier this year that she's been fully thrust into the American fashion consciousness.

Styling Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes for the Oscars this year and launching her own denim-and-accessories collection have contributed to the media frenzy.

Who it's for "Posh" wannabes and voyeurs who want some of her sex appeal and style to rub off on them. Those who love Beckham's razor-sharp haircut, tight-fitting clothes and stiletto heels will find material to try on in her book but it's not a "go-to" guide for businesswomen or the style-challenged.

Between the covers Scads of photos of Beckham posing in gowns, swimsuits, T-shirts; posing with designers; and just posing. It's amusingly written in parts, mostly because of her use of such British expressions as "naff" and pronouncements such as "In most respects I am very ordinary: smaller-boned than average, perhaps, but normal height, normal face, normal hair: the girl next door who got lucky."

Jean pool She's typically photographed in party clothes but Beckham digs denim. Jeans, she writes, "have become not just the backbone but spinal cord, rib cage and, for some of us, the whole skeleton of a woman's wardrobe."

She has her own line but says whatever style you buy, make sure they're long enough (they should just skim your toes); they don't bag around the knees or bottom; the waistband doesn't gape at the back; and they skim your figure but aren't tight.

Her favourite party accessories Large gold hoop earrings; chain-mail or sequinned clutch bags, black satin elbow-length gloves, beaded silk evening bags, vintage Chinese fans; diamante chokers and chandelier earrings; coloured cocktail rings.

Lingerie drawer For someone used to being photographed exposing a lot of skin and sometimes her skivvies, Beckham espouses a more practical day-to-day approach: "I'm all for sexy lingerie in the bedroom but for underclothes … get something that will give you a nice shape and proper support."

In her styling kit Toupee tape, which prevents clothes from falling off and revealing more skin than intended.

True confession Beckham not only has acrylic fingernails but acrylic toenails, which she justifies by saying she wears a lot of open-toe shoes.

The Posh pose "Elizabeth Hurley told me her posing trick is to stand with one leg sticking out and then pout her lips and exhale."

A To Zoe, The Art Of Fashion, Beauty And Everything Glamour by Rachel Zoe (Grand Central Publishing, $24.99).

With her perpetual tan and long, flowing blonde tresses, Rachel Zoe has built a Hollywood styling career with actresses so famous one name is enough to identify them: Demi and Mischa, Cameron and Keira.

She started her career at the magazine YM dressing the likes of Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson before moving with her husband to Hollywood. A favourite target of fashion and celebrity bloggers, Zoe (pronounced "Zoh") has been accused of turning such former clients as Nicole Richie into toothpicks. She dismissed the charge in People magazine earlier this month by saying: "People are way overestimating my power."

A true believer in fashion and all its trappings, Zoe - now in her mid-30s - grew up in love with the idea of glamour and celebrity. She comes across as dedicated, if somewhat daffy. How else to explain her penchant for calling accessories "excessories" and, following a sentence talking of majoring in sociology and psychology: "Naturally, I went right into fashion."

Who it's for Women who want the encouragement to look and live more glamorously. She is all about making a statement and projecting a stylish attitude, so shrinking violets need not bother with this.

Zoe's signature style: Drape-like dresses, a la Halston in the 1970s. She also favours snake rings on her fingers and bracelets that climb up her arm, a style she has transferred to Keira Knightley and Kate Beckinsale for red carpet moments. For award nights she likes her clients in rich, bold colours, as well as black, white and red.

Between the covers Zoe's glam ramblings hit a lot of topics but mostly skim the surface. More helpful, in places, are guest essays and check lists from designers ranging from Michael Kors on air travel (take cashmere blanket and eye mask) to the make-up artist Paul Starr (never match make-up to clothing).

In her styling kit A brooch to cinch the back of a too-big dress, alter a neckline or accent a hairstyle. Zoe's favourite tool for keeping plunging necklines and straps in place is double-sided tape.

Other tricks of the trade Eyelash glue for spaghetti straps; a small pair of scissors; stain-removal sponges for erasing make-up and deodorant "skid marks"; shoe insoles for high heels; and clear bandages for the inevitable blisters.

Party items to have on hand Classic black dress, nude or black patent pumps, gold cuffs or bracelet; perfect red lipstick; fishnets and black tights; all-season wrap or shrug.

The Zoe pose A chin tipped slightly up can stretch out a double chin. Or tip your head down and the focus is on the eyes. Keep lips partially open or smile generously.

The Denver Post

The new style icons

2008-01-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

On the catwalk, the stage and the screen, a new generation of style-setters is emerging and this is their year. Some are already very famous, some are still struggling for cult status but what unites these stars and wannabes is their undeniable talent for self-presentation. They've got the look. And we want it, now.

The biggest style story of 2008 is Gwen Stefani. After a decade dominating the pop charts with her former band, No Doubt, and then as a solo artist, she turned her hand to fashion in 2005 and met with immediate success. Stefani's LAMB label (Love. Angel. Music. Baby.) has grown into a hugely popular clothing and accessories line, whose influence is seen not only in work of other fashion designers but out on the street - where it really counts. Stefani has the measure of the style zeitgeist and one way or another she'll be dressing us all this year whether we realise it or not.

Looking beyond Gwen Stefani, there is a raft of fashionistas coming to the fore. Possessed of a good eye and a strong physical presence, Eva Green and Megan Fox have put brunette beauty back in its rightful, dominant place on the silver screen, while forging a new idiom of anti-feminine glamour that is startling in its hard-edged beauty.

Gemma Ward and Rachael Taylor meanwhile are achieving the opposite effect with their deceptively demure doll faces. Striking from afar and dazzling any closer, Ward and Taylor demonstrate daily that great style is an inborn Aussie attribute, which we generously share with the rest of the world.

And then there are the blokes who are quietly re-crafting our sense of urbane masculinity. Charlie Cox, Josh Brolin and Shia LeBoeuf may not be household names - yet - but they are leading the charge to de-prettyboy Hollywood with quality cinema results. The real man is back and they're letting us know it.

Whatever their individual approaches though, the new style arbiters are all remaking the scene in the same way. Their ultra-hip fusion of old-fashioned good taste - applied in a deeply unorthodox way - and an innate sense of proportion creates a fresh, captivating aesthetic that beguiles and entrances us with its unique symmetry.

Posh tops Mr Blackwell's annual worst-dressed list

2008-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett better take special care when selecting their maternity wear.

They have images to protect.

Kidman and Blanchett, Australia's two most famous expectant mums, were today named on Hollywood style guru Richard Blackwell's top 10 best dressed list, which also included Reese Witherspoon, Jemima Khan and Angelina Jolie.

The news was not so good for Hollywood newcomer and fan of the skinny mini-skirt, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham.

Beckham had the dishonour of being named worst dressed on Blackwell's renowned annual best and worst lists.

"Forget the fashion spice - wearing a skirt would suffice," Blackwell said in announcing his list.

"In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty Posh can really wreck-em."

Beckham edged out another Brit for the unwanted honour, the drug-troubled, tattooed eyeliner-lover, Amy Winehouse, who was named second worst-dressed woman.

"Exploding beehives above, tacky polka-dots below ... she's part 50's car-hop horror," was how Blackwell summed up Winehouse.

Third on the worst-dressed list was former wonder twin, Mary Kate Olsen, whose style was described as resembling "a tattered toothpick-trapped in a hurricane" and fourth was another songstress, Fergie, who Blackwell said was "couture chaos".

Rounding out the worst top 10 was fifth placed Kelly Clarkson, derided for her "belly-baring bombs", then French Bond girl Eva Green ("Stuck in neon nightmares"), followed by Avril Lavigne ("Gothic make-up courtesy the mad spatula"), Jessica Simpson ("She's a global fashion curse"), Lindsay Lohan ("Fashion frenzy strikes again") and in 10th, former Little House on the Prairie bad girl Alison Arngrim ("Looks like a 1940's fashion editor for the Farmers Almanac").

Blackwell, an 85-year-old Los Angeles-based former fashion designer, first released his Ten Worst Dressed Women List in 1960, with Queen Elizabeth II, Martha Stewart and Dolly Parton past alumni.

Last year Britney Spears ("Style-free and fashion deprived") was named worst-dressed, beating out Camilla Parker-Bowles who Blackwell described as resembling a "parakeet from the Jurassic age".

Joining Kidman, Blanchett, Witherspoon, Khan and Jolie on this year's best-dressed list were Beyonce, Helen Mirren, Katie Holmes, Katherine Heigl and Prince William's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Kate Middleton.

In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty Posh can really wreck-em

FW: HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2008 TO YOU

2007-12-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2008 TO YOU .

LET YOUR CHERISHED DREAMS AND GOALS BE ACHIEVED IN THIS YEAR WITH GRACE OF ALMIGHTY AND YOUR INTELLIGENT EFFORTS.

P K Kothari

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Top 10 winter fashion looks

2007-12-26T02:01:00.000-08:00

What I'm loving at the moment. Aaah, it's so good to be a girl…

1. Pretty toed shoes peeping out from long, long trouser hems. Those cute Bali or Indian beaded and rhine-stone embellished ones are a cheap way to get the next season's cowgirl look.

2. Jewellery on clothing- see New Zealand designer Sarah Bell's Alice in Chains range at Fabric Newmarket, Auckland designer Katie Pincham's graduate range from fashion school, and tee-shirts with printed on and genuine silver chains, spotted on Japanese girls in Queen Street.

3. Basket cases; wicker basket handbags. Everyday's a picnic

4. White shirts- such a classic and look so sharp with this season's boots.

5. Hooded sweats with minis- very urban cowgirl. Sure, with a Stetson it may be more Rodeo Drive than Karangahape Rd, but there's no going past getting a hoodie and cute miniskirt into your wardrobe corral, cowgirl! Wear with cowboy tooled leather mid-calf boots with a heel.

6. Satchel bags slung over the shoulder- let it hit your thigh, so hip that it hurts.

7.Logo top and work pants- the tight designer tee with baggy cargo trousers and heels. More Jennifer Lopez than Jennifer Aniston, the casual ghetto sexiness of combats with heels just works. So you don't have to.

8. Sportswear fashion crossover- so much around this year. Especially cute are Adidas' boxing boots, and Grand Prix racing range of retro circuit gear.

9. drop earrings- let it all hang down, sister.

10. Bling Bling- Sparkle, shine and glitz in rhinestones and diamonds- put a little twinkle in their eye with a touch of glint on shoes, necklaces, even bags.

Jeans the perfect fit

2007-12-21T21:51:00.001-08:00

Jeans has always been the favourite in the fashion world. Jeans is available in different styles, cut and has become an all purpose wear. However to flaunt your figure you need to wear the pair that fits you best. You need to pick the pair of jeans that fit you perfectly and make you look amazing. Well it is not that difficult………all you have to do is try on several pair to find just the right style and fit. Also follow these guidelines.

Tall/slim figure:
Perfect jeans: Look for styles that are plain and simple with straight legs. If you want to draw attention to your long legs then go for a style with a flared leg or design along the outside length of the jean.

Avoid: Jeans with a tapered leg. This will only accentuate the size of your feet (and taller girls often have big feet) and make your legs look strange.

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Long Torso:
Prefect jeans: In your body type it is very difficult to choose the perfect jeans. Ideally you should go for a pair of jeans with a defined waist that will make your bottom half look longer and leaner. Also wear a belt since it will define your body shape perfectly.

Avoid: Jeans with a long, bulky or tight crotch.
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Pear-Shaped:
Perfect jeans: Go for styles with a flared leg, boot cut or pattern around the ankle area.

Avoid: Jeans that are tight around the thigh area and tapered or baggy styles.
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Wide Hips:
Perfect jeans: Choose a jean with a low-rise waist and a slight flare at the leg to help to balance your silhouette. Go for jeans with a bit of stretch and make sure they have large back pockets.

Avoid: Styles with really big or really small back pockets and detailing across the back.
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Petite:
Perfect jeans: Go for a pair with straight legs, worn on the long side, to help give you a taller silhouette. To make your legs look longer wear heels with a boot leg style, and make sure you go for dark-coloured jeans.

Avoid: If you’re after a pair of jeans that will make your legs look longer, avoid styles with cuffs and Capri pants.
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Short-waisted:
Perfect jeans: Go in for hipsters or super-hipsters. Low-slung, hipster styles will give you the illusion of having a longer torso.

Avoid: Jeans with a zip more than 3 inches long and jeans with fringe or embellishment along the waistband.
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Plus-size:
Perfect jeans: Go for dark-coloured jeans with a straight leg, boot cut or flare.

Avoid: Light-coloured jeans and styles that feature patterning down the legs. Also avoid jeans with pleats and elastic waists, as well as baggy styles.

The classical blue Jeans

2007-12-14T07:30:00.001-08:00

It is needless to say that when most of us are asked about our favourite piece of clothing, we generally say a pair of jeans without even a waiting for a second to think. What started as a staple wear for mine workers in USA during the great gold rush, has now become one stop solution for all fashion aficionados and non aficionados as well. Today jeans clad legs are everywhere, be it home, at play and at work.

The reason behind this is very simple, a nice pair of denims is rugged, can be worn in any stage of wear and tear, they are cost effective, durable, easy to maintain and it remains in trend season after season whatever the fashion forecasts. The designers love doing things to denims and brands like Levi's, Wrangler, Benetton, Lee, Armani Exchange, Gap continue to reinvent the classic blue to fit every budget.

It is wardrobe assault, not to own a good pair of jeans. The reason is that it blends with just about anything. It can flatter any body type and exude style for the wearer, when worn properly. Moreover a pair of jeans can fit into most occasions. Other than very formal meetings or boardroom discussions, you can wear your pair to just about anywhere.

Style that endures

While designers do play around with the denims, but what really works is your simple everyday jeans in a cut that fits your body type. Best thing about this is that you can own as many as you want and wear them as many times throughout the year, without feeling outdated or over dressed.

The other reason why the classic blue has endured so long is that very few of us can actually shell out Rs 10,000 plus for a designer pair, which may go out of style by the time you decide to wear it the second time. But a classic denim can be yours at below Rs 3000.

So what is the classic jeans? It is a pair of denim that is cut straight, relaxed or slightly flared at the bottom to fit over a boot. It features four traditional pockets, a button or zipper fly and standard loopholes.

While the best color to get yours is in denim blue, but you can also try out black, grey and dark blue. Every day jeans has minimal detailing and no over the top bleaching effects.

But this does not mean that you cannot wear a pair with subtle finish or little detailing like stonewash or distressed finish. It is always good to be bit different by picking up a pair with trendy, cut, styling or finish. And then again, who says that you've just got to have only one pair?

Fit it right

Now that you know all about classic jeans, here are few pointers on how to pick a pair that will compliment your style.

A relaxed, straight fit suits most body types. When picking up the pair check that it buttons up at least an inch below your navel. This will not only enhance your fit but is also comfortable if you plan to wear it for long hours.

If you are of a stocky build avoid high-waisted jeans. Also pick one that is snug around your hips and tapers at the thighs, flaring slightly out below the knees. Better known as classic boot cut, this style gives a slimming effect. If you are thin, go for low rise, loose fit pair of denims to add more bulk to your form.

As for the length of the pants, the hem should cover the back of your shoes, falling in a single fold at the front. Don't go longer than that.

Style no-no

You have to look trendy and not tacky in your pair of jeans. While there is no harm in trying out latest on the store shelves, but here are some ground rules when selecting your classic pair.

For starters pick a jeans that that has minimal detailing and say to no to seams and stitches done in different colored threads. Then steer clear of heavily bleached jeans or jeans which has too many bleached patches. They may look good on screen or on the ramp but for a regular person a simple style goes a long way.

To sum it up you should avoid flashy stitching, excessive sandblast or dye treatments, pronounced bleached lines that give a washed-out look, patchwork, and rips or frays. They are fads that fade with time and can look outdated very fast. Simply go for a pair in dark wash, or in light blue, they stand the test of time.

Looking good

Dressing up in denims is not tough. It goes with just about any look. Wear with a crisp white shirt or even a nice black one for a dinner date or a party. Top it with any semi fit shirt for casual Friday dressing. A straight cut jeans with a formal shirt and a fitted jacket works well on regular work-days as well. Pair it with a nice polo T-shirt or any T-shirt of your choice and you a ready to hit the road to relaxation. The options are limitless with a nice pair of dark blue denim, so pick your pair and keep styling.