5 Easy Homemade Face Masks for Glowing Skin

Juggling things at work or home and at times both, leaves us with very little time to take care of our skin. Getting a professional treatment every week at the salon is not only expensive, but also exposes our skin to harmful chemicals. Low cost home-made facial remedies are best bets to keep your skin glowing and younger looking.

Facial rejuvenates your skin and makes you feel younger. Prepare your facial depending on skin requirement and age. Amongst various home made facial recipes, here are five of the best ones. 

Best suited for all skin types, the naturally moisturising honey mask helps lighten skin shade naturally and cleans the pores leaving you glowing.

Preparation and Application: Rinse face with lukewarm water and apply honey all over for twenty minutes. Remove it with a wet towel or sponge soaked in warm water. Then wash with cold water as it helps close open pores of skin. A tablespoon of lemon juice or one part of cinnamon powder to three parts of honey, or even egg yolk of an egg with two tablespoons of milk can be used to obtain even better results.

Oatmeal Face Mask

Oatmeal mask has drying effect on skin and absorbs extra oil from the pores and also cures itchiness on skin and several other skin problems.

Preparation and Application: Blend oatmeal and add hot water to it, the paste thickens in a few minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of yoghurt. Apply this paste evenly on your face, when the facial mask completely dries and tightens around your skin, rinse it with lukewarm water.

Avocado Face Mask

Rich in potassium, avocado face mask nourishes the skin and helps maintain its glow and health.

Preparation and Application: Mix mashed ripe avocado with a teaspoon of yoghurt and few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture all over face and wash with cold water after twenty minutes. This face mask can be stored in air tight jar if made in quantity.

Turmeric and Sandalwood Face Mask

An easy and fast way to get long-lasting and instant glow, this face mask helps to cure pimples and acne.

Preparation and Application: Mix 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder with 1 tablespoon turmeric powder and 3 tablespoons rose water, wash after twenty minutes of application.

Strawberry Face Pack

This multi-beneficial facial reduces puffiness and dark circle under the eye. Large content of salicylic acid in it removes dead cells from skin and makes the skin smooth and soft as that of a new born baby.

Preparation and Application: Mash ripe strawberries completely to get smooth paste. Add a tablespoon of olive-oil and two tablespoons of honey. Apply it on clean face and wash it once it dries.

Customise your home made facial according to your skin. Pamper yourself without worrying about the money in your purse and look gorgeous and glowing as never before.

5 ways to update your winter skincare

Banish Dry Winter Skin with These Tried and Trusted Products. It's not just your wardrobe that needs reconsidering when the cold weather kicks in - your skincare does too.

Introduce a few staple products into your winter skin care regime to keep your complexion looking healthy and hydrated.

Our skin needs change throughout the seasons so it's important to adapt your products too. From clever little oils to serums that tackle dullness, we've rounded up 5 ways to winter-proof your skin.

1. Switch moisturiser

If you're still slapping on the same old moisturiser that you were using in the summer, it probably isn't working hard enough to tackle your winter dry skin needs. Harsh winds and indoor heating strip the skin leaving it dull and lifeless. Switch to a richer product for more hydration. Apply immediately after cleansing to seal in extra moisture. I like Weleda's Skin Food, it has a waxy consistency which helps to boost the skin's natural protective barrier.

2. Add a serum

A serum may seem like an extra unnecessary step but if you really want to tackle your skin care concerns, it's worth taking a minute to apply it in the mornings. Think of a serum as another layer of hydration with added targeted skincare benefits. For dull, lacklustre skin look for a serum that brightens and firms, like Champney's Collagen Intensive Repair Serum. Apply before your moisturiser morning and night.

3. Try facial oil

Switch the night cream for a facial oil for an intensive overnight treatment. Rosehip oil is a firm favourite amongst stars like Miranda Kerr thanks to its numerous beauty benefits. I love A'kin rosehip oil which deeply moisturises without leaving a greasy sheen on the skin. Rosehip oil works with all skin types and can improve skin tone and pigmentation issues. Apply a couple of drops to the face and neck before bed for softer, glowing skin when you wake.

4. Use bath and body oil

It can be tempting to hide your scaly skin under a snuggie until summer but we suggest nourishing your body with a luxe-feeling bath oil instead. Oils can soothe winter itchy skin and offer more hydration than a regular bubble bath. Try a purse-friendly multifunctional product like The Body Shop's Beautifying oil which can be used on hair, face and body for an instant boost of moisture.

5. Remember hands and lips

Dry hands and chapped lips are often one of the most bothersome beauty problems during the winter. Resist the urge to keep licking your lips throughout the day (it'll only make things worse) and reach for an intensive lip product instead. I adore Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment which repairs and protects.

Don't neglect your hand working hands by not giving them the TLC they deserve. Keep hands feeling comfortable and smooth by applying a rich hand product throughout the day. L'Occitane 20 per cent Shea Butter Vanilla Hand Cream is my winter staple. 

Top Beauty Trends You Must Follow on Summer

Beauty trends for summer call for a radiant skin with a dash of colours. While we must swear by 'less is more', it cannot stop us from roving our radars to tap the coolest trends that will rule the beauty box office this season. After all just fresh face and perfect summer outfit is not enough; you need to be on top of the beauty trends as well to put your best face forward.

So, allow us to unveil some hottest beauty trends for summer that all girls must follow.

Get the natural look

Before we give you all the updates on colours and styles, here is a gentle reminder on how to don a perfectly natural look throughout summer. Here are three steps to ace the flawless natural look:

• Glowing skin
• Soft eyes
• Rosy cheeks and lips

Glowing Skin

Cleansing, exfoliating and toning become extremely crucial at this time of the year. Moisturise to keep your skin soft and supple. Do clean your face and remove your makeup before going to bed at night.

Quick tip: Apply a tinted mousse for oily skin and a tinted moisturiser for dry skin.

Rosy cheeks and lips

Choose from baby peach or rose pink powders to dust on the apple of your cheeks like Head and Shoulders brand endorser Kareena Kapoor. Slather on a matte lipstick that is free of shine. To maintain a dewy and radiant day look, warm tones in blush and lip gloss works best.

Quick tip: For selecting colours for lip and cheeks, keep this in mind, pink or peach complement fair skin, dusky women can opt for plum, burgundy or mauve.

Soft Eyes

A natural look begs for simple eyes. Simply apply a nude eyeshadow on your upper lids, mixing it well into your skin, and also dab a little on the lower lids.

Quick tip: A generous dose of mascara and kohl will give the much needed definition to the eyes.

Trending lip colours

Nail the oxblood lip trend with élan. In case you feel it is grabbing too much attention to the extent of making you uncomfortable, then dab on a citrusy orange or a cranberry pink. Bold and luscious lips are in this season, so learn to ace them.

Make sure you steer away from colourless and boring lips. Go in for whimsical and fun colour on the lips, and balance the look by not popping out the eyes. Keep the eyes simple by lining them with a kohl pencil, mascara and a neutral eye shadow.

Pop Eyes

For a wild evening date, play up the eyes by colouring the lids in a fun colour. A soft and mesmerising day look requires you to pick on coloured eyeliner to define the eyes properly.

While winged eyeliner in a shade of blue complementing strawberry lips will look amazing on a movie or lunch date, you must don a black winged eyeliner with lips drenched in coral or crimson for the cocktail hour.

Brave Brows

Fill your brows with an eyebrow pencil in matching colour to your hair to enhance them further. Strong brows have been a hit on the runways and are here to stay.

When you decide to pay all the attention to the brows, apply a nude eye shadow and a pale peach lipstick.

Perfect Plait

No better way to manage your hair than tying them well in a classic or edgy braid. Nourish your hair well so it is easy to tie them into a slightly different braid than the usual ones.

Pick from a variety of fancy accessories to finish out the look perfectly. Opt for soft chignons if you like!

Top 8 Refreshing Face Masks to Pamper Your Tired Skin

There is one thing that is common for all women, regardless of age, race or complexion- distress over tired and damaged skin. If you have been working late or sleeping less, everyone can make out from the tell-tale signs that are visible on your face. Yes, your stressful life will leave its ugly footprints on your skin, sooner or later. What's more? Tired skin doesn’t work well, no matter how fashionable your clothes are! If this is what you are going through, then you are in the right place.

This weekend pamper you face with some natural facials that can reveal refreshed and brightened skin, instantaneously.

Coconut milk and saffron

Saffron is the age-old secret recipe for glowing skin, and coconut milk is known for moisturisation. 

Make a face pack by boiling a pinch of saffron in a cup of coconut milk for about five minutes, and allow it to cool and thicken. Apply this on your face, to leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing.

Banana and honey

While the vitamin A-rich banana is good for maintaining water balance in the skin, the antioxidant-rich honey is great for sagging skin.

Make a paste by blending half a banana with about 2 spoonful of honey, to provide instant brightness and refreshment to your tired skin.

Potato juice, lemon and curd

The starch in potato juice is great for removing blemishes, and the juice is supposed to be rejuvenating for your skin. And, the citrus element in lemon will provide instant fairness while curd helps to moisturise your skin.

Mix one spoonful of freshly squeezed potato juice with a lemon juice, and stir this into a spoonful of curd. Apply this thick paste on your face and wash after 15 minutes to remove all signs of tiredness.

Avocado, carrots and cream

The high content of vitamin E in avocado improves skin texture while rehydrating the skin. Carrots are rich in antioxidants and cream has tons of proteins in it. All these three together will give you a soothing and refreshing face mask.

First steam a carrot in boiling water for 15 minutes, and then mash it. Mix one mashed avocado and the mashed carrot, with half a cup of heavy cream and a beaten egg. Add three spoonful of honey to the paste to increase moisturising property. Apply the mix for 15-20 minutes and wash off.

Coffee face masks are a great way to inject life into dull and lifeless skin. Combine this with olive oil and honey, and you get a great mask to rejuvenate your skin with necessary antioxidants and hydration. 

Apply a paste of one tablespoon of honey, five teaspoon of coffee and one teaspoon of olive oil on your face and neck. After 30 minutes of keeping this facial mask on, when you wash off, then it will reveal glowing and refreshed skin. Do this twice a week for effective results.

Mango

The fruit of the season is great on its own, thanks to its high content of antioxidants.

Apply the puree of a mango on your face, and wash off after 10 minutes with warm water. It will leave your skin moisturised and smooth.

Green tea facial

Green tea again is another great ingredient packed with antioxidants that help to sooth irritated and damaged skin. It also helps to keep the natural oil balance of the skin intact.

Just make some tea using a bag or two of green tea. Now, soak a cotton ball in this tea and apply it on your face and neck. After 10-15 minutes, wash it off to give you skin a refreshing treat.

Strawberry and rose skin mask

Here is something for your dull, distressed skin, especially if it is sensitive to sun.

Just dry a handful of rose petals and grind them into a powder. Then, mash a couple of strawberries and add the rose petal powder in it. Now, apply this pack generously on your face and neck, and let it dry before rinsing it off. Instead of rose petal powder, you can also add rose water to the strawberry pulp.

So, what are you waiting for? Don't let your tired skin overshadow your beauty and looks. Pamper your skin with these refreshing and soothing homemade face masks.

Top 10 Skincare tips for the summer

As the summer rages on, protect your skin so you don’t have to suffer from the season’s skin problems.

It’s the (hopefully) end of summer and while the monsoon should be here soon, for now the heat continues unabated. Fortunately, your skin needn’t take the brunt of the heat this season. We have for you, some tips that’ll help keep your skin fresh and dewy, even as the mercury continues to stay high.

Top 10 – Skincare tips for the summer

1. Stay hydrated

Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturised as well.

2. Sun protection

If you can, try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Also, don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 30 minutes before you step out. If you’ve been out in the sun for a few hours, touch it up again so you’re well protected.

3. Use a toner 

It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. Look for a brand that suits you or try rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent toner for the hot season.

4. Go for a water-based moisturiser

Don’t make the mistake of skipping the moisturising routine altogether as its essential for your skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturiser too oily, go for a water-based one.

5. Ditch those aerated drinks

Most people have the tendency to reach out for an ice cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a really hot day. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not good for your skin or your figure. Instead drink some water, fresh lime, fresh fruit juices, aam panna (green mango drink) or coconut water to stay hydrated. It’s also best to minimise the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they reduce the water from your system.

6. Cleanse your face twice a day

At least! This is important to do even if you’ve been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturising your skin before sleeping is an absolute must.

7. Exfoliate

More than the rest of the year, it’s really important to exfoliate your skin in the summer to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, 5 – 6 drops of rose water and milk or yoghurt. Mix it into a paste and use it to exfoliate your face. Follow it up with a facemask and moisturiser.

8. Don’t like your tan?

Gram flour can also be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with yoghurt and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are very effective in removing the tan.

9. Get that warm, summer glow

Papaya is full of natural goodness and you can even use it as a homemade pack. Just mash 2 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 1 egg white. Leave the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterwards.

10. Cool your skin

Blending half a cucumber and 1 tbsp of yoghurt in the mixer can make another simple and effective homemade face pack. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and feel completely pampered.

Bonus tip. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well! The holy trinity of good health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. So along with all the tips above, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet, work out for at least 45 minutes everyday and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Enjoy the summer!

Top 12 Unique Uses of Vaseline

The name “Vaseline” instantly reminds us of a thick, white jelly. Though the petroleum jelly has been around since the eighteenth century, it is popularly known only for its moisturising properties. However, Vaseline has more to it. Very few people know of its benefits in other areas.

It is often regarded as a quick-fix remedy for many household worries and homemakers swear by it. Vaseline is a miraculous jelly which can help say farewell to a number of household problems.

Here are some of the unique yet very useful uses of Vaseline. Read on to find more about Vaseline:

Household uses

Applying the petroleum jelly on the insides of a light bulb socket is often a convenient way of getting the bulb easily in and out of the socket.

Now say bye to those freaky expressions on your face after looking at a stuck chewing gum on the underside of your table. Squeeze some Vaseline on the gum, rub it till it starts to disintegrate then remove. The gum will vanish.

     

Leftover food, spillages, water ring marks on the expensive piece of furniture- causes lot of irritation. Vaseline can easily remove the marks from your furniture. Smear a coat of the jelly and allow it to stand overnight. Wipe it with a clean cloth and see them gone. It’s even an effective way to polish your furniture as well.

     

A generous coat of the jelly on the insides of the candelabras will also help in taking off those candle wax drippings easily.

     

Lipstick marks on those cloth napkins can also be easily removed with the petroleum jelly. Dab the spots with Vaseline and wash it. The stains will be miraculously gone in not time.

     

Having a hard time unscrewing that lid of nail polish bottle? Next time apply a little Vaseline around the rim of its lid and seal. You will never experience the trouble.

     

Apply a coat of the jelly on the hinges of you doors, cabinets, anywhere where the hinge won’t stay quiet. This will eliminate the noise and ease the movement by acting as an effective lubricant.

     

Brighten those dull pair of leather shoes with an easy swipe of Vaseline. Rub it with a clean cloth and see it as good as new.

     

Expensive bags can also be saved by rubbing them with a little Vaseline. The jelly will protect it from dullness, cracks and water damage.

     

Save your intricate piece of wood work with Vaseline. Just coat petroleum jelly on the places where you don’t want the paint to sneak in. You can later use a paper towel to clean it.

     

Men can also now keep a jar of Vaseline in their car. A coat of the jelly on your car batteries will keep those white metallic buildups at bay.

     

Vaseline can be smeared over the CD’s and DVD’s to keep them scratch free. Use a cotton swab with the jelly to fill in the scratches on discs.

Vaseline is a miraculous jelly it is also effective in curing health ailments. It is a therapy for toe nail fungus, to treat moles, heals scars and lend a more adorable looking you – Vaseline does it all! 

Use Leftover Fruits for Clearer Skin

Skin specialists and environmental enthusiasts have come-up with an amazing way of making your skin look clearer and radiant by using leftover fruits! Leftovers from fruits in the form of squeezed pulp or skins are usually wasted. A limited application of these items from a recycling perspective is their use in making compost, i.e. a green, chemical-free fertilizer. Now, it has been established that leftovers from fruits are rich in enzymes that provide a host of skin-related benefits.

Using Leftover Bananas for Radiant Skin

Leftover skins of bananas might look ugly with their rotten appearance but these are great for increasing your skin’s radiance. Banana skins contain an appreciable amount of vitamin A, B & E—most vital among skin vitamins. Vitamin E is crucial for keeping the skin moisturized and taut. Just put the fruit skins in a blender, grinding them to a paste. This can be applied to the face and then rinsed-off after 20 minutes.

Using Leftover Lemon for Softer, Moisturized Skin

Lemon contains one of the purest forms of vitamin C. Its citrus properties make it an excellent aid for reducing skin dryness. If lemon skin/pulp is applied to the hair, it helps to keep the scalp dandruff-free. Lemon enzymes tend to gnaw upon flaky dandruff apart from reducing secretions found among greasy, oily scalps. Lemon leftover is also rich in vitamins A & B.

Using Leftover Papaya for Rejuvenated Skin

Papaya extracts are commonly found in skin scrubbers. This underlines the use of papaya for improving the skin’s texture. Papaya provides an effective cleansing action. It contains a typical kind of enzyme called Papain which is used in cosmetic skin treatments. This enzyme feeds upon the outermost, blemished and pigmented part of the skin. A few, regular applications of papaya leftovers is perhaps the most affordable solution to erase blemishes sustained from acne apart from rejuvenating the skin, rendering it an unmistakable glow.

Storing fruit leftovers that have been smashed to a pulp is rather easy. You can pour them in small containers and place them in the fridge. You can add some orange and garlic leftovers for raising their longevity.

Why fruity leftovers work wonder for your skin?

Enzymes are the main biological units in our cells, responsible for catalysing many cellular activities. Their action regulates how older cells are discarded and new ones are regenerated and how tissues nourish themselves. This is why doctors recommend eating more fruits as they work towards improving our overall health.

When applied directly to skin, action of these enzymes is more concentrated on the outermost part of the skin, helping it to discard the hardened cells and allowing the underlying, fresher-looking layer of skin to emerge. Many skin treatments (like Dermabrasion) have a similar effect but they are associated with some side-effects. However, natural enzymatic activity of fruits is absolutely safe!

The biggest advantages of these natural facial skin remedies include their easy availability, greater affordability as compared to artificial treatments and the promise of safety.