Essential Foods to Give Your Diet a Protein Punch

Most people clock in their dietary requirements when it comes to fats and carbs, but always lag behind when it comes to the protein bit.  Necessary to build muscle in the body, protein is an often ignored food group, especially for those who work out. Here are five easy ways to give your meals a protein packed punch…

Broccoli

Earlier considered a rather Western vegetarian choice, broccoli is now easily available at most vendors. Apart from the fact that it’s a powerhouse of iron, it’s also rich in natural protein with a cup carrying 5 gms of protein. Since there are so many ways to prepare it – from a simple sauté to a bake – there are no excuses to not add this to your diet.

Eggs

One of the richest sources of protein, it’s no wonder that most vegetarians make an exception for eggs. Each egg has approximately 6 gms of protein and even though it’s got a bad rap thus far for increasing cholesterol levels, recent research suggest that it might be good for you after all. Its rich Vitamin D content also makes it excellent for bone health.

Almonds

Apart from the multiple benefits of almonds that we have already talked about, these nuts also a super-rich source of protein. Just a quarter of a cup of almonds can give you more protein than an egg, making them an excellent snack between meals and post a workout.

Dal

It’s a good thing that dals are central to our diet because just half a cup of lentils can give you about 10 gms of protein. They’re also abundant in dietary fibre as well as iron and when combined with roti or rice, make for what is essentially a complete meal.

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Does Drinking Hot Water Help You Lose Weight?

Read on to know how hot water can aid you in weight loss!

1. A Natural Hydrating Agent

One of the most natural ways to keep your body hydrated is to consume sufficient water in any form, cold or hot. Each cell in our body needs water to absorb nutrients and eject waste products. One must drink at least eight glasses of water in a day to keep them hydrated. Hydration helps the kidneys expel waste products and toxins from the body and provides an appropriate platform to carry out all the biochemical and metabolic processes within our bodies.

2. A Natural Cleanser and Purifier

Drinking hot water helps in cleansing the body effectively. One can easily treat the problem of poor digestion by having a glass of hot water twice a day. Drinking a glass of hot water early in the morning helps in flushing out toxins from the body and cleanses the system. Drinking a glass of hot water every morning on an empty stomach aids proper bowel movements and cures constipation. Hot or warm water eases in breaking down food particles and passes them out quickly through the intestines.

3. A Natural Way to Lose Weight:

Hot water breaks down fat deposits from the body and helps in weight loss. A well-hydrated body helps in the rapid working of the muscles and organs. This enhances the metabolic activity, thus letting the calories burn faster. A normal human being, on a regular basis, must consume hot water 15 minutes before any meal to help curb appetite. Thus, one can avoid overeating and the calorie intake also reduces by almost 13%. Experts believe that consuming warm water just before breakfast furthers our chances of eating few calories per day. Drinking warm water in the morning also curtails cravings, hydrates our body and leaves our stomach feeling full as compared to cold water. If you drink hot water before meals, you will feel full sooner and therefore end up eating less.

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The Benefits of Peppers!!

A recent study has revealed that piperine helps in reducing the levels of fat in the blood stream. It has some other beneficial health rewards too.

• It has got a lot of antioxidant properties.
• Black pepper has been used since time immemorial in medicines for combating gastrointestinal problems, inflammation and other such problems. It has been found that piperine interferes with the functioning of the genes that basically form fats.
• Athletes, like body builders, very often have to manage with bland foods in their pre-contest diet. By adding a little bit of black pepper they get a lot of benefits other than just a delicious taste. Body builders aren’t the only ones who benefit from black pepper. For that matter, any athlete can benefit from black pepper as it enhances metabolism. Loss of fat always helps in improving quickness and endurance.
• Black pepper also has Vitamin C. This vitamin helps in curbing free radicals in the body, as it is a potent antioxidant. It also helps in reducing the fat accumulated in the belly region.
• It is a natural anti-depressant which stimulates the nervous system. Thus, it is helpful for the memory also.

3 Ways To Curl Your Hair With No Heat!!

Every girl who knows her naturally straight (and limp) mane’s worth has secretly envied those lustrous curls and voluminous waves. However, while curly hair looks great on almost all hair types, the damage caused by the frequent use of tong rods and hot rollers can eventually lead to dull, lifeless hair. But the good news is that you can recreate wavy to curly hair that actually lasts with no heat! Yes, you heard that right.

Braid all the way!

Possibly the easiest way to no-heat waves and curls is as simple as braiding your hair into a regular three-stand braid. Tie your damp hair into two pigtail braids, secured with a band and open the braids after a couple of hours for natural looking wavy hair. For tighter curls, you could take several smaller sections and braid them tight before hitting the bed to wake up to foxy curls!

Pin-Curls

A little more arduous than the braiding method, pin-curls are a great way to create texture and well-defined curls. Apply a generous dose of curl booster on your hair and begin by dividing the hair into small sections. Twist the hair in every section until your roots and secure the same with the help of pins and leave your hair for a couple of hours before opening the pins to reveal big curly locks. The trick here is to take smaller sections for tighter curls and bigger sections for the beachy waves look.

Sock Bun

Yes, you can use your regular socks to create no-heat curls! Simply cut the toe area off your old socks and roll it up to form a donut. Now tie your hair into a neat high ponytail and spray it with water to dampen it adequately. Run the sock donut through the ponytail till you reach the base and tuck all your hair (whilst covering the donut entirely to form a bun) under the donut. Open the bun after a couple of hours for effortless beach waves!

Must-Try Sugar Scrubs to Battle Winter Skin!!

With December finally here and everyone battling dry, itchy, winter skin we know that spa visits are going to be at an all-time high. While there is nothing better than a day spent pampering yourself, we’re suggesting that you bring the spa home and try some of these sweet sugar scrubs. They take less than five minutes to make and we’re sure they’ll help you get through this nippy weather without worrying about scaly skin.

Coffee and sugar scrub

You will need

¼ cup ground coffee

¼  cup ground sugar

2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil

4 capsules of Vitamin E

Mix all the ingredients together, use the scrub all over your body and rinse off during your shower.

Benefits

Ground coffee is known to battle cellulite and reduce stretch marks (over time.) Sugar makes for an excellent exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells while the olive oil and vitamin E capsules nourish and repair the skin tissues and keep them taut and young.

Green tea, ginger and sugar scrub

You will need

1 cup of green tea

2 cups of granulated sugar

3 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger

Mix all the ingredients together, use the scrub all over your body and rinse off during your shower.

Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which work against free radicals to repair damaged skin and slow down the clock on premature ageing. Ginger, on the other hand, helps rid the skin of accumulated toxins and increases the blood circulation, giving your skin a natural flush. The sugar acts as a binding agent as well as helps to exfoliate the skin.

How To Get Over Heartbreak

“It’s over!”—now that’s a phrase sure to cause infinite turmoil and a craving for copious amounts of consolation champagne, isn’t it? At some point or another, we’ve all been in that place of heart-wrenching rejection, and most of us have never really gotten over it. And if it’s a recent occurrence, you’re not going to be in a very good place. We tell you how to get that broken heart right back on track.

It’s time to move on…

Remember that moving on does not mean that you are giving up. It simply means that you are making a choice to be happy rather than hurt. The number one step to recovery is accepting how you are feeling and being able to share those feelings. Whether it’s your soul-sister, mother, mentor or best friend—whoever that person is that you can confide in, find them and talk to them. Being able to talk to someone you trust, is instantly going to make you feel more secure and inherently you’ll feel better about yourself.

Get your emotions out

Breaking up is never easy and it comes with its share of pent-up emotions. The healthiest way of dealing with those emotions is being able to express them. Whether that means having a palpating break-down or crying in front of the mirror, indulge in the moment and let your feelings out. If anything, the therapeutic nature of the act will give you comfort.

Get out of bed

Finally, take good care of yourself, engage in activities that you normally enjoy, give yourself time to release grudges, go out with friend and family and find a hobby. Remember, that forgiving that person is your gift to them and moving on is your gift to yourself.

Castor Oil Benefits!!

• Castor oil works great to remove tiredness from around your eyes. It works much like petroleum jelly but without the mess. Before you go to bed at night, just rub a little around your eyes and even on your eyelashes. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will soak in overnight and leave you looking and feeling a bit more refreshed in the morning.
• You can apply castor oil directly to your skin if you want a more youthful glow. Many people don’t know that this oil is great for eliminating and preventing wrinkles and for pregnant women; castor oil rubbed into the skin can help to improve elasticity and prevent stretch marks caused by pregnancy.
• Castor oil is also good at treating such problems as skin dryness. Just mix castor oil with a little coconut oil (in proportion 1:1) and apply to the affected area of your skin, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off and pat dry. After a couple of times of doing this your skin will become softer and dryness will disappear.

Skin Care and Hair Care Tips for winter!!

December is just around the corner and while it brings with it festivity and celebration, it could also spells severe skin and hair problems if you don’t pad up. Here are the most common winter worries you should watch out for…

Winter skin

While the seasons change, our routine (sadly) doesn’t. This means that even though the temperatures outside are dipping, we’re still subjecting our skin to the same air conditioning, the same cleanse-tone-moisturise routine and the same diet. When December rolls around, it brings with it dry, itchy, winter skin. Keep it well-nourished and hydrated by increasing your intake of liquids and moisturiser for your skin to lap up.

Dry lips

You’ll feel the onset of winter on your lips faster than the newscasters. Look out for lips that hurt when they stretch and sting every time you eat something that’s even a wee bit spicy. If you want to be wearing lipstick by New Year’s Eve, indulge your lips with a homemade lip scrub and treat it to generous amounts of Vaseline Lip Care every night before bed.

Chalky elbows and knees

The other part of your body that will shows signs of winter will be your elbows and knees that get terribly chalky. The solution is simple and age-old – in dire cases, massage coconut oil on the dry skin every night, in not so dire cases, remember to shower with lukewarm water instead of hot water and apply moisturiser right after you shower while your skin is still damp so that your skin can absorb it better.

Cracked heels and toes

All those exaggerated television commercials were right – the most common concern during the winter months can indeed turn out to be an embarrassment if you don’t have too many ballerinas to wear to work. A quick remedy is to squeeze a lime into a quarter bucket of warm water and dip your feet into it for 20 minutes. Next, exfoliate and get rid of dry skin with a pumice stone. Wipe your feet dry, apply a generous amount of olive oil to the affected areas (or your whole sole), and cover your feet with socks.

Tighten Your Skin with Turmeric

If you’re looking for a quick and easy kitchen remedy, to keep your skin youthful and vibrant you’ve landed on the right page! As you age, your skin starts to lose its elasticity which causes it to sag and look less supple. For a natural face-lift straight from your spice rack, follow some easy recipes below.

Here is an easy, cost-effective and time efficient recipe for using turmeric powder:

Recipe for Turmeric Face Mask:

2 tablespoon Whole Wheat Flour

1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder

2 tablespoon Milk

½ teaspoon Honey

Combine the flour and turmeric powder in a small bowl, and then add in milk and honey and mix together thoroughly until a lovely, thick paste is formed. Then apply a thin layer of this mixture to your face and leave it on until it dries properly, which should take about 15 minutes. After it dries, wash it off using cool water and get ready to welcome smooth, supple and glowing skin.

Not only does this melange make for an excellent anti-ageing remedy, it will also tighten your skin and smoothen your pores out. This face mask is especially recommended for you if you’re suffering from a bout of oily skin or clogged pores, as it works towards ironing out your impurities and tightening up the complexion.

Turmeric powder when mixed with cream (malai) can be applied around the eyes to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming. This trick is also very beneficial to combat dark circles. In addition, you can use turmeric powder and mix it with coconut oil and massage it onto your skin before taking a bath. Not only will this leave your entire body radiant but will also ward off all skin related problems

8 Multi-Tasking Beauty And Skincare Products

You might be stocking up on your beauty buys like groceries but there will always be things that you miss out on. For those times of need, rely on these alternate beauty remedies that you may or may not know about…

Lip shimmer as shadow
Did a last minute post-work party just crop up? Let your lip balm take you from day to night – apply some shimmer lip balm as a shadow all over your eyelids. It has the same effect and lasts much longer.

Conditioner as shaving cream

Ran out of shaving cream? Let your conditioner fill in for you instead. Conditioner also softens the hair making it a better option than ordinary soap. It’ll also leave your skin feeling super silky

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New Launches: Lakme Face Magic Skin Tints Crème and Lakme Face Magic Skin Tints Souffle

Lakme Face Magic Skin Tints Creme

Lakmé Face Magic Skin Tints Creme is a convenient, flawless and easy to use everyday product.  For girls who like keeping it natural, this creme not only acts as a base but also works as a moisturizer for your skin. Silky, smooth and delicate, Lakmé Face Magic Skin Tints Crème offers higher coverage and superior blending. This SPF solution with cucumber extracts offers an instant glow whilst protecting you from the scorching sun. Its water-based solution and silky delicate makes it the perfect offering of makeup and skincare for all your special occasions. With shades of shell, pearl and marble, this crème is sure to put flawless back into your skin.

Price : 330 INR for 27ml

Lakme Face Magic Skin Tints Souffle

Perfect for everyday use, Lakme Face Magic Skin Tints Souffle adds a distinctive quotient to moments in your day. This water-based solution is easy to blend and offers a combination of makeup and skincare that is perfect for radiance and protection. Offering an instant glow, this SPF solution has cucumber extracts that keeps the skin cool, moist and protected from the scorching sun. That’s not all! The souffle also comes in different shades to fit every skin tone from Shell, Pearl and Marble, this face magic souffle is everything you need to add that magic in your day.

Price : 160 INR for 30ml

10 Unmistakable Signs He’s Into You!

They say that a man that is truly interested in a woman will find an endless number of reasons to make contact. A man who is just playing around—or confused about his own feelings—will find an endless number of excuses for why he didn’t show up. Today, we’re decoding guys speak for you so you can tell whether he’s the one to stick to like glue or if he is the one you should run away from like the wind on a stormy, thunderous night.

He calls you just to say hi. He doesn’t need a reason to call you. If he wants to call you, he will. Even when there’s nothing to say, he checks in. Whether that means that you’re telling each other about your day, chatting about common friends or simply both on the phone not really saying anything, but simply being there, aimless phone chatter is always a healthy sign.

He sends you picture messages to keep you in the loop. When a guy is treating you like he couldn’t care less that’s exactly how he feels. If a guy is caring and interested and constantly in touch, that means he is caring and interested and constantly wants you there. Learn to read the right signs.

Watch for his friends. It’s natural as humans, to talk about what’s on our mind. So, when you fall for a person, that person is always on your mind and that’s the person you tend to gush about to your friends. Though, maybe not quite as frequently and in-detail but by and large the same rule of thumb applies to the other sex too. So pick up on the little clues his amigos give you to find out exactly how engaged you’ve kept him.

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Quirkiest Makeup Combos to Try

Move aside maroon lips and golden eyes, we’re in search of the whackiest eye and lip combos yet! We’re thinking poppy and icy pinks, fiery oranges and all possible shades of green to adorn our face. Here are our three favourite picks of the quirkiest makeup combos we want to (and want you to) try ASAP.

We’ll admit, orange eyeshadow hadn’t crossed our minds until now, but we swear, come this weekend we’re going to be trying this look (if only for ourselves and the mirror.) Icy pastels were all the rage at LFW last season but none stood out as much as this look with the orange perfectly complementing the pale pink. With a face so stark we can only imagine having a muted ensemble balance it out, but if a contrasting colour palette is your thing, we’d suggest wearing this with a sky blue or even an emerald green!

Seeing how stunning (and fun!) it looks, the yellow eyeliner with a pink lip shouldn’t only be restricted to editorials, we say. Since we’ve been big fans of a pop palette when it comes to our wardrobes, it was only obvious that we took a quick liking to it when it came to makeup. While we’d save this look for a more subdued outfit (a white dress, perhaps) and restrict this experimentation to the daytime (and with friends who wouldn’t judge us!) we suggest all you makeup daredevils try this, stat!

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Solutions for Embarrassing Skin Problems

Dark underarms

Sometimes, repeated shaving is known to be a primary cause for darkened underarms. As painful as this may seem, going back to waxing or laser treatments to get rid of underarm hair may help. If your darkened underarms are a result of the accumulation of dead cells, using a whitening scrub for sensitive skin should help with showing you lighter results. For a quick home remedy, you can rub your underarm skin with thinly sliced potatoes. Potato works as a natural bleaching agent and can help get rid of those unwanted dark patches.

Cracked heels

Summer is here and it’s time to whip out those flip-flops. For those of you who happened to develop cracked heels due to dry skin or prolonged hours on your feet, regular foot care can help reverse the problem. Paraffin wax pedicures have shown remarkable results in dealing with cracked heels. Alternatively, a home remedy that is known to help cure this problem is a mixture of Vaseline petroleum jelly and lemon juice. Rub this mixture over your heels nicely, till it gets absorbed in the skin and keep it overnight. Repeating this for a few days in a row can help soften your heels and erase those cracked patches.

Butt acne

Are you afraid to wear a bikini because of acne on your butt? As strange as this may seem, butt acne is actually fairly common. A simple way to deal with this is to use a body wash that has salicylic acid as an ingredient. It has unclogging benefits that can help prevent bumps from appearing. For the existing spots, use an exfoliating scrub and gently slough off the dead skin cells with the help of a loofah. In about ten days time, your skin should be baby soft and ready to flaunt!

Different ways you can use coconut oil at home

Treats Dandruff And Hair Fall:

Warm coconut oil when massaged onto your scalp and hair roots, can prove to be very effective in moisturizing your hair, doing away with all the flakiness and itching. It also nourishes the scalp and prevents hair loss.

Offers Relief From Cold:

If you are suffering from cough and cold, drink chamomile tea with a teaspoon of coconut oil added to it for instant relief.

Prevents Wrinkles:

Coconut oil is equally good for your skin too. It is a natural moisturizer that hydrates the skin. Its soothing property is gentle on the skin. Its rich content of antioxidants combats signs of aging effectively. So, if you want baby soft skin, massage it with coconut oil twice a day and include it in your daily diet too.

 Relieves Pain:

Massaging warm coconut oil on aching joints and muscles can help alleviate pain. If you have been experiencing pain in muscles and joints, massage warm coconut oil to get relief.

Use Olive Oil to Treat Dandruff

• Wet your hair with warm water. Make sure that your scalp can be oiled properly, rather than targeting only the dry follicles of your hair.
• The next step is to warm the olive oil. Warm oil does wonders in treating dandruff. It also helps you relax and improves the blood circulation which in turn promotes hair growth!!Gently massage it onto your scalp.
• Now, cover your head with a towel or a shower cap. This helps the oil saturate your scalp and infuse the follicles of your hair as well. 30 minutes is more than enough for the oil to work its magic on your scalp and hair.
• The next step is to shampoo and rinse thoroughly. You can condition your hair as well, if necessary. But be sure to use a mild conditioner that does not aggravate dandruff.

Must Have Clinique Products

Clinique, an integral part of Estee Lauder companies is the world’s first dermatologist developed brand. With core values of being Allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, Clinique created a platform for premium range cosmetics that could be used by consumers even with the most sensitive skins

Clinique  3 Step Skin Care system

This is the core product of Clinique with awesome statistics. But at the end of the day it works wonders to maintain the integrity of your skin and youthful glow that everyone desires for. The newer Clarifying lotion is like a boon to skin as it facilitates exfoliation in such a gentle manner that could be comparable to none.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

The reason why this lotion is one of the best Clinique products is because not only does it soften and smooth, but it actually improves your skin too without making anything feel greasy!

Clinique All About Eyes Serum

An juice for eyes to alleviate signs of tiredness and immediate de-puffing action has got this product doing wonders. Its anti-fatigue roll on action helps massaging the under eye area and facilitate fluid movements.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum

Trust me on this, this awesome serum shrank my pores and made my entire face look younger!

Right way to wash your face!

Here is the Best Way to Wash your Face!

Clean hands:

Wash your hands with a gentle, yet powerful hand wash before touching the face.

Remove makeup:

Before washing your face with face wash or a mild soap, make sure that you remove your makeup with the help of some oil or a makeup remover.

Rinse with lukewarm water:

Lukewarm water helps in unclogging the pores, it also makes sure that the moisture is locked.

Chose a soap free cleanser:

Choose a soap free gentle cleanser with a pH balance that’s right for your skin.

Cleanse deeply and gently:

Focus on the oily areas – nose, forehead, and chin as they need more attention. Then, work on the rest of the face. Massage your face for at least 45 to 60 seconds for deep cleansing. Apply around the eyes just before washing your face, as the eye area is very gentle. Make sure you repeat the same procedure on the often-neglected neck also.

EOS Lip Balms on Flipkart.com

Hydrating your lips and keeping them smooth, Eos Summer Fruit Lip Balm can be used any time of the day to prevent your lips from getting chapped. Use this lip balm to give your lips a supple look.

100 Percent Natural

This lip balm is made of 100 percent natural ingredients that are safe and gentle on your lips. An amalgam of nature’s best emollients, this lip balm works wonders on your lips.

Available for Rs 475 here :http://www.flipkart.com/beauty-and-personal-care/body-and-skin-care/lip-care/lip-balms/eos~brand/pr?sid=t06%2Ciqb%2Cxx6%2Cn8q

How to Get Rid Of Underarm Dark Patches

• Shave me not

Some people prefer to shave off their underarm hair. Sure, it’s less painful and saves time, but it can lead to dark patches on your underarms. When you shave, you cut off hair including part of the hair follicle and surrounding tissues. If your hair is darker than your skin colour (and it mostly is), it gives the appearance of a dark stain when it’s actually sub-surface hair. Also, shaving can lead to skin irritation which can then lead to darkening of the skin. The best way to put an end to this is to wax.

• D for deo

Sometimes, the deodorant you use may contain ingredients that can react with the skin to cause discolouration. What do you do in such cases? Switch your deodorant. Opt for a deodorant that promises to lighten your underarm area. We recommend the Dove Whitening deodorant that contains ¼ Moisturising Cream that helps repair skin damage caused due to hair removal and nourishes your skin deeply to help remove dark patches.

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Best moisturiser for oily skin

Neutrogena Oil free Moisture SPF 15:

It acts as both a lotion and a sunblock. It gets absorbed quickly with a matte finish. It makes the skin soft, smooth and keeps oil free face for a good 4-5 hours.

Lotus Herbals Acne gel Tea Tree Anti Pimple and Anti Acne

It is a gel based lotion and feels very light on the skin. It gets absorbed easily without leaving a sticky deposit behind. It leaves the skin soft, smooth and moisturized. It keeps oil free face for a good 6-7 hours. If you are suffering from pimples or acne, you should definitely give this a try.

FabIndia Vitamin E Skin Hydrating Cream for Oily Skin:

It is a cream based moisturizer which is lightweight and one of the best moisturizers I have used. It gets absorbed easily. It makes the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It is quite light. 

Tips For Long Hair

• Massage you’re hair at least twice a week. This is one of the simplest beauty tips for hair growth.
• Clean hair is the first step to having to healthy hair. But as you clean and wash, it essential to follow these few tips for long hair care.
• Conditioning is a key aspect to maintaining good hair. It locks the moisture in the shaft preventing dehydration along with providing protection from dirt and pollution, to a certain extent from the sun too. Therefore skipping the conditioner would just be plain stupid.
• Using broad toothed combs for healthier combing! 

Benefits of Scrubbing For Skin

1. For A Clear Skin:

Scrubbing gives you fresh skin, free from dirt, oil, and sweat. Make your own facial scrub with brown sugar and honey and use it twice a week to see the difference.

3. Helps In Removing Dead Cells:

Dead cells make your skin look dull and exhausted. Scrub them off with a gentle scrub.

4. Adds Glow To Skin:

Exfoliation can actually make your skin glow.

5. Removes Dark Spots:

Do you know that exfoliation could even help in removing dark patchy skin? Add a spoon of yoghurt to a spoon of crushed walnuts. Use this scrub twice a week to get desired results.

6. Removes Acne Blemishes:

Scrubbing helps in lighten acne scars. Prepare a basic scrub using two spoons of baking soda and a spoon of water. Make a paste and use it on your face to treats the ugly marks left behind by acne.

Benefits of using organic products

Safe to use pure organic products:

Organic products are known to be harmless as they don’t include any toxic chemicals; they are prepared with pure organic products.

Tender on the skin:

The purity of Organic cosmetics guarantees that they don’t cause any harm to your skin. Hence people with the sensitive skin type can opt for organic skin care products as they have the likely to lessen irritation. These products also help to develop healthier skin condition gradually.

Nurture skin naturally:

Organic skin care products offer extra care to your skin and keep it fresh and young.

 

Benefits of Moroccan Oil for Skin

For A Healthy and Glowing Skin:

Loaded with assorted antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this oil has immaculate restorative properties. Just apply a little on your skin and massage it just before you hit the bed to find yourself with soft, healthy, and glowing skin.

Natural Care for Luscious Lips:

Keeping your lips smooth and luxurious is now easy. Just add 3 to 4 drops of Moroccan oil with brown sugar and vanilla. Use this mixture to exfoliate the dead skin cells off the lips, and reveal that addictive shine.

Out of the Box Uses for Your Lip Balm

Shimmer Shadow

Dab some onto your eyelids and maybe even under your brow bone and spread it out. The right amount of glossy sheen makes your eyes look sultry and bright. In addition, the balm won’t brush off easily and touch up will take only under a minute. 


Cuticle Control 
Give your nails a rest and refuel those cuticles by applying some lip balm on them every now and then. It’ll hydrate the nail bed and soften your cuticles. Keep this up for a few weeks and you’ll be saving yourself quite a few visits to the salon for manicures.


Eyebrow Envy
Heading out? Pat your eyebrows down to shape by applying some lip balm on them. It’ll make them appear thicker, darker and more defined. You’ll also notice that they actually do stay put during the course of the night. Plus, no need for an eye-brow pencil!

Natural Solutions for Oily Skin

Orange:

Orange has high levels of Vitamin C that is very good for the skin. Squeeze half an orange into a bowl and apply it on your face. Keep it on for 10-15 mins before then wash it off.

Sandalwood and Turmeric:

A paste made from sandalwood and turmeric can be used for both the head and the face. Mix sandalwood and turmeric powder, and add water to it. Then apply this paste on your face and head, and wait for 10-15 mins before then wash it off.

Aloe Vera:

Apply Aloe Vera gel on your face and hair, and keep it on for about ten minutes or till it’s dry. Then, wash off.

Honey:

Mix one egg yolk with two tablespoons of honey. Add some lukewarm water and mix it. Apply this paste directly on the scalp. Leave it on for a couple of hours and then wash off thoroughly.

Rose Water:

Dab cotton soaked in rose water on your face. This not only reduces oil build up but also provides a cooling feeling to the skin.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

Helps with Digestion
Poor digestion is related to many illnesses. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. It’s been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux.

For skin
Aloe is well-known for healing properties; aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is great for applying topically to injuries, scratches, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as a painkiller, acting to help relieve pain.

Aloe Helps Reduce Redness
Aloe Vera helps with painful joints due to stiffness and helps improve joint flexibility.

Reduces Eye Irritation
Create your own natural eye wash with Aloe Vera gel. Mix 2 teaspoons of aloe gel in a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of boric acid. Use this eye wash to reduce the reddening and irritation in the eyes.

Prevent scarring and stretch marks.

Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

Olive Oil Face Packs Available in India

Aphrodite Olive Oil Face Mask:

This face pack contains extracts of extra virgin olive oil and chamomile. The anti-flammatory chamomile extract assists in calming and nourishing the skin. After use, your skin will look shiny and extremely smooth!

Avon Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil Hydrating Face Mask:

Soothe stressed skin with this replenishing face mask. Skin is left feeling fresh, soft and supple. With a mild and gentle formulation, it’s especially suitable for sensitive skin.

Banana and Olive Oil Face Pack:

For sensitive skin, this facial pack works perfectly. Smash  one fourth banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of cucumber juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the pack on the face and keep for 10 minutes. Then wash it with water. 

Fruits For Glowing Skin

Watermelon

Watermelon is filled with antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C, making it highly reformative. It can add an instant glow to the skin as well as prevent breakouts.

Orange

Filled with vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids this fruit is a blessing to the skin. Vitamin C exfoliates and refreshes the skin and AHAs help lessen signs of ageing like fine lines and crinkles and improves elasticity.

Banana

Bananas are rich in potassium, zinc, iron, manganese and vitamins A,B,C and E. It adds moistness to restoration the skin. It reduces the ageing process. It also helps in reducing skin discolorations, blemishes and spots.

The Worst Foods For Your Skin

Sugar

Sugar also causes breakouts by raising blood sugar and insulin. You need to stay away from all refined sugars, white sugar, brown sugar, and all processed foods with sugar.

Salt

To cure puffy under eyes and bloated face reduce salt intake and add more potassium to your diet.

Processed fats

Processed fats like those in dips, nut butters and salad dressings carry unstable fats. Trans fats can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Eat raw fats from nuts, avocados.

Fast foods

Avoid fast foods.

Best Dandruff Solutions

Ayurvedic Treatments

• Massaging Scalp with Sesame Oil twice a week will give you results. After one hour wash your hair.
• Mix Lemon Juice with Coconut oil and then apply it on the scalp, leave it on the hair for 30 minutes. Wash the hair with Herbal shampoo.
• Use Neem Leaves water to wash your hair after shampooing.This remedy even clears any pimple problems that you may have.
• Amla is another Remedy for Dandruff. Eating and applying Gooseberry’s juice with almond oil will cure Dandruff easily.

Skin Care Mistakes To Avoid This Monsoon Season

Taking care of skin during monsoon is a tricky thing. Unknowingly, you may be causing more harm than good, committing few beauty faux-pas.

Drink Water

During monsoon, you will understand the importance of cleanand clear pores because the skin tends to get clogged due to rising humidity levels. One of the easiest ways to unclog these persistent pores is by drinking water. Water consumption works like a miracle in hydrating your body and flushing out all your the unwanted toxins and infections which is on an all-time high during this season.

Use sunscreen

Don’t give your trusted sun-screen a ditch during monsoon! Sunscreen shields your skin from the UV rays of the sun and as long as it’s daytime, your skin will need protection!

Stay alcohol free

Steer away from alcohol toners during monsoon to retain the pH balance of your skin. Use cold water with two drops of lemon juice instead. Lemon is not only refreshing but also acts as a deep cleanser and has de-tanning properties, giving you a glowing, squeaky clean feel after every wash.

5 herbs for flawless skin

The state of your skin is highly dependent on your food intake. So, if healthy, flawless skin is one of your beauty objectives, include some herbs in your diet. Trupti lists her five favourites.

Turmeric

For the goodness of India’s favourite herb, all you have to do is head to your kitchen counter. This fabulous ingredient purifies blood, nourishes the skin and gives it a healthy natural glow. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-bacterial properties that help reduce inflammation of skin, acne, pimples and blemishes.

Peppermint

Suffering from oily skin prone to pimples? Sip into the benefits of peppermint, a really helpful herb that not only adds flavour to your tea but also controls excess oil and lends complete freedom from acne. That’s not all; because of its cooling, menthol content, it will reduce the redness in your face and also give you a healthy, clear glow!

Basil

Have you ever wondered why the Italians are the best looking? Maybe their high intake of basil has got something to do with it. The amazing herb has a calming effect in the stomach with properties that detoxify your body toxins, reduce stress and rejuvenate your lifeless skin.

Ginger

Say hello to youthful skin minus pimples with the help of the healing properties of ginger every single day. The miracle herb fights the free radicals and purifies the impure blood. Hence, gets rid of your blemishes and spots.

Oregano

Sprinkle the delicious flavour of oregano in your food. This herb has anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties and is also rich in vitamins, fibre and minerals, all essential for  soft and beautiful skin.

Products For Monsoon Skin Care

• Lakmé Clean Up Nourishing Glow Face Mask

Lakmé Clean-Up Nourishing Glow Face Mask contains clay that is known to absorb excess oil and helps in skin tightening. It also deposits nourishing nutrients to leave skin soft and glowing.

• Pond’s White Beauty Tm Bb+ Fairness Cream

Pond’s White Beauty™ BB+ Fairness Cream not only improves the texture of your skin but also lightens it from within and provides an instant glow.

• Sunsilk Thick and Long Shampoo & Conditioner

Women with very fine hair are prone to getting split ends and breakage. It also limits their styling options.

Vaseline Lip Therapy In Aloe Vera

Unlike our body, the skin on our lips does not naturally create its own moisture layer, making it more susceptible to dryness and chapping. Vaseline Lip Therapy helps keep lips healthy and protected.

• Dove Elixir Hairfall Rescue

This potent blend of oils has the power of overnight oiling in 30 minutes versus coconut oil.

• Fabindia Tea Tree Skin Toner

An alcohol-free skin toner with tea tree oil controls oiliness.  Contains salicylic acid, fights acne, keeps skin oil-free for 3 to 4 hours.

Best Anti-dandruff shampoos available in India

Matrix Biolage Scalp Therapie Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:

The item is necessary to uproot dandruff from the root. This excellent disinfectant does not make your hair fragile or lifeless.

Nizoral:

This product contains an anti-fungal agent called ketoconazole. This agent kills the fungi’s capacity to produce which it can be removed completely.

The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo:

This is product that body shop delivered as a blessing to all those with dry scalps! It not only clears flakes but the ginger component also soothes the scalp.

Pros:

• Removes oil effectively
• Relief from discomfort
• dandruff starts to fade away after some time and does not come back

                         

Natural Face Packs To Try Out This Monsoon!

Banana Face Pack:

Ingredients:

• Ripe Banana- 1
• Honey- 1tbsp
• Lemon Juice- 1tbsp

Procedure:

1. Crush a ripe banana and add a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice extract and mix it well.
2. Now apply the mixture on your face and neck and allow it to dry.
3. After sometime wash your face with warm water and welcome an acne free skin.

Sandalwood Face Mask:

Ingredients:

• Crushed Sandalwood- 1tbsp
• Turmeric Powder- ½ tsp
• Rose Water- ¼ cup

Procedure:

1. Take a bowl and mix well all the above materials and make it into a fine thick paste.
2. Apply this paste for about 30 minutes on your face and allow it to dry.
3. Later, wash it off with cold water. This mask radiates your skin instantly and keeps your skin moist throughout the day.
4. People with dry skin can try this out twice a week.

Green Tea Face Mask

Ingredients:

• Green Tea- 2 tbsp
• Yogurt- 1tbsp
• Essential oil- Recommended as per your skin type

Procedure:

1. Take about 2 tablespoons of green tea and blend it in a mixer till it is grinded to fine powder.
2. Blend it again by adding a table spoon of whipped yogurt.
3. Now it is time to apply this on your face and neck by gently massaging for about a minute.
4. Wash off with warm water and this pack calms your skin from itchiness and irritation.

Dos and Don'ts for skincare during monsoon!

1. Don't take hot showers: Steamy hot showers feel great on cold, rainy days but hot water can damage facial skin. If you are prone to redness, the heat can weaken capillaries, making redness worse. So, use tepid water to prevent skin damage.

2. Don't rush your cleansing routine: The new trend of cleansing in a hurry with packet wipes is a complete no-no. Inadequate cleansing can lead to bacteria build-up and skin breakouts.

3. Do have wholesome meals: Sticking to a strict low-fat diet can age and dull skin. Good fats are crucial for its health, repair, retaining moisture and flexibility. Snacks containing protein — especially nuts and seeds because they contain skin-friendly oils — are the best option when cravings strike.

4. Wear open Footwear: Monsoons mean humid and wet conditions, and this translates to sweaty feet and sticky shoes, leading to fungal infections and other diseases. The roads are full of dirty water and muck, which enter footwear. To make things worse, we wear wet and dirty shoes for hours in the office, and return home with swollen, unclean and smelly feet. This is why it's very important to wash your feet every time you come back home. Dry your feet completely before wearing new footwear or socks. Don't wear closed shoes as they hold water, making your feet sodden. Opt for waterproof, preferably open, footwear, like floaters.

5. Ensure pedicure tools are sterilised: Although a pedicure session needs to be done for holistic foot care, it's best advised to follow the procedure at home with your own sterile instruments. During the monsoon, it becomes difficult to maintain hygiene even in the best centres. If you opt to go to a salon, ensure that the instruments used are sterilized and cleansed with disinfectants. Never remove the cuticle of the nail since it keeps infection out. Feet are most vulnerable during this season. If you go overboard with foot scrubbing, there is a chance that you might catch an infection. The cracked skin tissue, in turn, will lead to bacterial infections, redness and ultimately, swelling.

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Monsoon Skin Care

Avoid Spicy Foods:

The high humidity causes the intestinal system to weaken and heavy food can lead to an upset digestive. These types of food also aggravate pitta which is responsible for a variety of skin breakouts and eruptions in this season.

Drink Water:

Drink at least 8-10 glasses daily. Though you need to keep dry outside in this season to prevent skin problems it is important to consume adequate quantities of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Aloe Vera gel:

Aloe Vera gel is very helpful for the skin because it cleanses the blood. Fresh Aloe Vera gel can be taken in the dose of two or three tablespoons on an empty stomach every day. You can also use fresh Aloe Vera plant gel on your skin – it has anti-aging, anti-tanning, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Home Remedies To Cure Dandruff

“On a normal day we experience fall of 50-60 strands which is considered healthy. But during this season a person can experience hair fall of more than 200 strands," From http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Follow these simple home made cure to treat dandruff:

Coconut oil and Lemon juice:

Lemon juice contains extremely beneficial anti-fungal properties which make it an essential weapon in the dandruff home remedies kit.

Aloe Vera:

The thick fluid in the leaves of Aloe Vera plant eases dandruff due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is also best used in treating scaly skin in people with ‘seborrheic dermatitis’, a skin condition that can create dandruff. Apply the gel obtained from the plant directly onto your scalp

Tea Tree oil:

Tea tree oil is an excellent cure for dandruff. Just add in a few drops in your regular hair oil and massage on your scalp.

What are skin toners?

If you're not sure what exactly skin toner does or how to choose the right one, then this article is for you. First, you should know that the term "toner" is often loosely used. You might have shied away from toner in the past because you've heard of it drying out skin in some cases and moisturizing it in others. The confusion can be attributed to the fact that the toner label has been applied to a few different kinds of products.

Toners are meant to be used after cleansing. They once were recommended as a way to restore skin's pH balance after using a bar soap or bar cleanser because those types of cleansers raise the skin's natural pH to a level that isn't good for your skin.

However, with today's gentle, water-soluble cleansers, the skin's pH doesn't change appreciably, and the fact that skin's pH recovers just fine on its own made the need for toners to adjust skin's pH fade away.

What we now know is that after cleansing, what your skin needs is a range of ingredients that restore and repair its surface. Skin can never get too much of these important ingredients, which include antioxidants and skin-repairing substances such as glycerin, fatty acids, and ceramides. The right toner can give your skin a healthy dose of what it needs to look younger, fresher, and smoother, right after cleansing and throughout the day.

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Natural Beauty Benefits of Roses

Skin toner: Rose water is considered to be a natural toner for your skin. Once you return home from work, take a swab of cotton dipped in rose water and gently wipe your face in a circular motion. This will help get rid of the dirt as well as makeup.

Soothes skin: The natural oils found in roses help retain moisture in the skin. This results in your skin feeling smooth and soft. The sugars in rose petals especially benefit those with sensitive skin.

Antioxidants: A rich source of vitamin C, rose petals act as an excellent antioxidants.

Acne: The anti-bacterial properties found in rose makes it amazing for fighting acne and breakouts. Rose water can also help soothe irritated skin and reduce its inflammation. It is also used in skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

Prevent dark circles: This is very old trick to fight an under eye dark circles. Soak thin pads of cotton in rose water and put them on your eyes to prevent dark circles.

Rose Oil: The intense hydrating properties of rose oil make it one of the sweetest smelling solvents for dry and itchy skin. Rose oil also helps to combat acne-ridden skin

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Daily Skin Care Routine

·         Cleanse
A good cleaning twice a day to remove all the dirt, make-up, pollutants on your face. Cleansing with mild facewash or soap is must to-do for skin care.

·         Exfoliate
Exfoliation helps you to remove all dead skin from your face. It’s best to exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week. It also helps in skin lightening.

·         Toning
Many says that you can skin toning step. But it is advisable for oily skin people because oily skin produce more oil and toning helps to close pores. A good toner is essential to refine pores and tone the skin. Toner should be used each day after cleansing. You can try natural herbal based toners like rose water, tea tree oil based toners.

·         Moisturize
Moisturize is must step no matter what the season is. There are plenty of varieties available in market. You can choose best moisturize which works best for you. Moisturizers help you to keep your skin hydrated and give soft feeling. For oily skin use water based moisturizer and for dry skin try oil based lotion.