Skin Care Tips for summer

Body Care

Summer is the season when you have to take special care of your skin. You may be surprised that your summer skin, which looked radiant throughout winter, suddenly looks dull, blemished and oily. This is because, in winter your skin's natural oils solidifies, whereas in summer it flows freely. It's estimated that 90 percent of wrinkles cause due to sun exposure. The sun's long- and short-wave ultraviolet rays, or UVA and UVB, penetrate the deepest layers of skin, damaging the collagen -- the spongy protein that gives skin it's structure, firmness, and elasticity. Fair skin wrinkles more readily than dark skin because it contains less pigment, which acts as a natural sunscreen, blocking some of the sun's damaging UVA and B rays...Continue reading...

To prevent wrinkles caused due to sunrays stay out of the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when it's almost directly overhead and UV radiation is strongest. Stay in the shade as much as possible. And wear protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen. Strive to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before stepping outside. Sunscreen should always be reapplied after contact with water or after sweating. Sunscreen also should be worn year round--every time you leave the house. Shop for sunscreen that blocks against UVB and UVA rays both believed to induce skin cancer.

Smooth on a moisturizer that contains sunscreen in proper concentration. Put it on before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. Wear proper sunglasses (see our article on sunglasses) and a hat with a broad brim.

Moisturisation is the most important part of daily skin care. Your skin needs more water than anything else and moisturizers are more needed in summer when you lose most of your body salts by sweating. Buy a water-based moisturizer and use it without fail. Make it a habit to wash your face gently with water a number of times in a day (try and use mineral water). You can splash as many as 20 times as long as you don't use very hot or cold water on your skin (which can cause fine vein to appear on your face). Steam your face regularly to open the pores and clean your face of the dirt (five minutes for dry skin and 10 minutes if it is oily). Pat dry with tissue and moisturize.

A few moisturizers you can make at home:

1. Take cucumber juice and watermelon juice in equal proportions and apply on face. You can cool it in the frig before use.

2. Rose water is also a good moisturizer and it can be sprayed on the face to tone and refresh it.

Feet Care

Just as you take care of your body you must not forget your feet and hands. Mostly people neglect their feet and hands and think that they don't have to take care of them or rather feel unnecessary to waste their time on them. Coz believe me there's nothing more off-putting than looking at cracked, dirty heels. So all you have to do is use plenty of water and voila… you will have wonderful and sexy feet and hands you will love to flaunt.

Soak your feet and hands in water for 15/20 minutes. Add a pinch of salt in it…..it is excellent to help you get rid of fatigue. It is advisable to change water from hot to cold. That is for 2 minutes soak your feet in cold water and then soak it in hot water. This is good because it improves your blood circulation. Do this for 15 minutes once a week.

Do not wear shoes and closed footwear in the summer. Wear strappy, low-heeled sandals or some fancy flats. Wear a footwear that will allow air circulation and which are comfortable.

The most important tip: drink lots and lots of water. Drink at least 15 glasses of water

Top 10 skin care tips

Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement. This article on skin care tips is an effort to bring the 10 best skin care tips to you. The list of skin care tips has been restricted to 10 because anything more that that would not only be difficult to remember, but also shadow the more important skin care tips. So let’s see what these top ten skin care tips are:

* Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tip. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.

* ‘Drink a lot of water’. This will not keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin). It might seem a bit awkward to some, however, this is an important skin care tip.

* Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)

* Be gentle, after all it’s your skin. Don’t scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don’t apply too much or too many skin care products. A must-to-follow skin care tip.

* Keep your skin moist at all times. This is one of the most important skin care tip. Don’t let your skin get dry. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break, leading to a rough and unattractive appearance. Use moisturisers/ emollients. Moisturisers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.

* Avoid the use of soap on your face. Soap should only be used from below the neck. A small but important skin care tip.

* Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturisers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it’s cloudy. UV radiations are known to cause skin cancer, so follow this skin care tip without fail.

* A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress. So besides being a skin care tip, this is also a health care tip.

* Treat skin dilemmas with care. This skin care tip is about not ignoring any skin dilemmas. Consult your dermatologist before you go on to use a skin care product (lest you do end up harming your skin even more).

* Beat the stress. The harmful effects of stress are known to everyone, however, sometimes stating the obvious is essential too (and hence this skin care tip found its place here). Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good sleep.

Skin care tips

For Glowing skin

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.

Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.

For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.

Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.

Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.

· Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.

· Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

For Black Spots

Make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face
Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots
Apply the paste of turmeric and curry leaves on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply a mixture of mehndi and turmeric. For a piece of turmeric, 2-3 leaves of mehndi are used
Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100 gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.
Grind betel leaf and add a little coconut oil and apply it on the spots

· Soak a chappathi in milk overnight . Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. Repeat for several days

· Make a paste of saffron and add some honey , apply it on the face to remove black spots.

· To remove black spots... apply a paste of turmeric and basil.

· To remove wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. Wash with cold water after some time

For pimples

Apply a mixture of turmeric and neem on the face .
Mix thick curd, turmeric and two drops of oil. Apply on the face.
Make a paste with sandal wood and turmeric and apply it on the face.

Pedicure

Pedicure is the care of the feet, legs and toe nails

Purpose of pedicure

To keep the feet in good condition and to make the skin soft and smooth.
It improves blood circulation, nourishes the skin and the leg and foot muscles
It discourages foot ailments.

Implements

Nail cutter
Nail filer
Cuticle cutter
Cuticle pusher
Nail brush
Orange stick
Pumice stone
Foot scrapper
Two basins large enough for foot bath

Materials

Acetone
Liquid soap or shampoo
Luke warm water
Antiseptic lotion
Oil or cream
Nail polish
Foot powder
Hydrogen peroxide

Procedure

Remove the old nail polish using acetone with lotion
File the nails and cut the nails if necessary.
Place both the feet in Luke warm water containing liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide.
Clean the foot using nail brush, foot scrapper and pumice stone.
Remove the foot from the basin and clean thoroughly using a soft towel.
With a cotton dipped in Antiseptic lotion and with the help of an orange stick apply the lotion under the free edge of each nail
Buff the cuticle to soften the cuticle
Loosen the cuticle back gently
Massage the legs for five minutes
Apply the first coat of nail polish and allow it to dry and then apply the second coat

Manicure

The word 'manicure' is derived from the Latin word 'manus' (meaning -hand) cure (care).

Purpose of manicure

Prevent hang - nail formation.
Prevents nail damages like splits, tears, and fragile tips.
The accompanying massage of the hands improve and increase the blood circulation, suppleness and flexibility of the hands and wrist.
Discourages wrinkling of the skin on the hand, which is one of the first body part to show the sign of aging.

Implements

Nail cutter
nail filer
Orange stick
Cuticle pusher
Nail brush

Material

Acetone
Liquid soap or shampoo
Oil or cream
Warm water
Antiseptic lotion
Nail polish

Procedure

Remove the old polish with acetone using cotton
Shape the nail using nail cutter and nail filer
Dip and soak the hands in luke warm water to which liquid soap or shampoo is added
Wash the hand with cold clear water and then wipe fingers with a soft towel
Clean the nail using orange stick and cotton dipped in Antiseptic lotion
Buff the cuticle with some cream
Push the cuticle back gently using cuticle pusher
Massage the hands for five minutes
Apply the first coat of nail polish
When the first coat is dried and hard apply the second coat. Do not dab but stroke in on with three even strokes starting at the base and sweeping up to the top
Allow to dry thoroughly in between the coats

Shapes of Eyes and how to enhance them with make up

There is a great amount of potential for enhancing what is unique about your eyes. It helps to identify the specific shape and setting of your eyes and to use special make up techniques to bring out their beauty. The skillful application of eye makeup is an art. It's a way to express your feeling, your mood and your sense of style.

Wide-apart eyes It tends to give your face an open, youthful appearance. This look can be intensified by applying the strongest eye makeup effects near the outer corner of the eye. Keep shadow uniform and within outer corners. Brush lashes straight up.

To make the eyes appear closer together, Use more intense eye shadow colours near the inner corner of the eyes. Line eyes completely – top and bottom – from inner to outer corners. Apply a medium-toned shadow to lids and creases, concentrating the colour on the inner corners. Use mascara generously, on both upper and lower lashes.


Close-set eyes This eye have a dramatic, sultry look. It can be enhanced by concentrating colour near the eye's inner corners. Extend smoky shadow beyond outer corners to exaggerate them. Brush lashes out.

To make the eyes seem farther apart, Apply the most intense colour near the outer corners of the eyes. Line top and bottom of eyes in any colour, but begin drawing a quarter of the way out from the inner eye. Smudge lines. Dust a highlighter (or light-coloured eyeshadow) just below the outer corners of lower lashes to call attention to the outsides of eyes. Brush mascara on to upper and lower lashes.


Evenly spaced eyes These are about an eye's distance apart. They can be made to look special with many eye makeup looks.


Almond eyes These are the most common eye shape with their upswept lift at the outer corner. These eyes calls for creativity. These eyes can be made to look deeper and more intense


Small eyes They are proportionately smaller in comparison to the rest of the facial features. To enhance small eyes line upper and lower (never inside) eyes. Use pale, shimmery, eye shadow. Curl lashes.

To enlarge small eyes Apply a medium-toned shadow (such as soft grey or blue) to the crease. Use a soft-coloured liner (try taupe) on the top and bottom lash lines, extending the top line across the entire lash line and the bottom line from just under the iris to the outer corner. Sweep black mascara on upper lashes. Apply light shadow on the eyelids. Apply more intense shades in the creases. Add lift to the outer corners


Prominent eyes These eyes which set far forward in the face tend to dominate the facial features. The eyelids are too pronounced. Medium to deep shades of shadow on the lids help to minimize their appearance. Liners applied to the lash bases from corner to corner gives prominent eyes a smoldering and mysterious look.


Hooded eyes These eyes are set so the natural crease in the eyelid is not readily seen. Highlighting the brow bone and lining the lash base gives hooded eyes an alluring shape.

To enhance hooded eyes Apply a medium to dark shadow on the crease and hooded area. Sweep a lighter shadow on the brow bone and on the inside corner of the eye. Draw a very thin line along the top lash line (to keep the eye looking open) and smudge with a cotton swab. Apply black mascara to upper lashes. Line upper lash-line only. Gradually soften shadow as you approach the brow.


Deep-set eyes This seem to recede, need to be brought forward. The eyelid crease is set back so the area from the base of lashes to brow bone seems hidden. To enhance the deep-set eyes line upper and lower lids (never just upper). Choose light shadows -pale pink, peach or beige- of eye shadow. More intense shading on the brow bone also gives the eyes prominence.


Oriental eyes These eyes have a distinctive lift at the corner and have very little lid. The depth of the eyes can increase by deep shades of eye shadow and the dimension can be increased by applying eyeliner as close as possible to the lash base.

To Enhance Bulging eyes :

Draw a fairly thick line all the way across the top lash line with a brown or black pencil.
Apply a medium to dark shadow on the lid and in the crease. (As on the body, dark colour makes the features recede.)
Finish with a coat of black mascara on both upper and lower lashes.

Care & Exercises for the Eye

Vitamins A, B and C are very essential for the good care of the eyes. Milk, butter, cod liver oil, egg yolk, yellow and orange coloured vegetables such as pumpkin, carrot, tomato, mango, papaya, melon as well as green leafy vegetables such as celery, parsley, spinach etc contain a large amount of vitamin A. 8 to 10 hours of sleep is a must for bright eyes.

To avoid eye strain :

Do not work in dim light

Wear sunglasses whenever you step out in the sun

Use face wash instead of soap because soap tends to darken the skin on the eyelids.

Do not read continuously in moving vehicles.

Do not stare too tong at anything without blinking the eyes. Blinking provides lubrication and relief from light.

Do not rub the eyes too hard.

To give momentary relief to the eyes, close the eyes with your palms so that no light can enter. Now open the eyes in the palm cup and stare into this darkness for a minute.

Exercises for eyes :

Lift the eyes to the ceiling and then to the floor. Repeat it for 10 times. Rest the eyes either by blinking rapidly or rubbing your palms together and covering your eyes with them. Do not press the eyes. Palming reduces strain and gives relaxation to eyes.

Look straight ahead at eye level, then slowly to left side at eye level and then to right side at eye level. Repeat it for 3 or 4 times.

Make a circle, first clockwise and then anti-clockwise, with the eyes. Repeat for 5 times.

For eye care

Splash the eyes with cold water. Apply cotton wool pads, soaked in warm milk, witch hazel, weak tea solution or rose water on the eyes. Press gently and leave for 10 to 15 minutes.

Care for Eyebrows and Eyelashes :

Eyebrows and Eyelashes should be brushed daily with a small brush.

Rub eyebrows and eyelashes with olive oil or coconut oil or almond oil to encourage hair growth.

For cleansing and nourishment of eyebrows, rub them with a little egg white and rinse it off after 10 minutes.

Eye cosmetics and make up

Cleanliness and hygiene should be followed when using eye cosmetics otherwise it can lead to some infections of the eyes. It is not good to borrow or lend any eye make up and it is best to always keep your hands clean while using eye make up.

Eye Shadows

Eye shadows leave a shiny or opaque finish depending on the time of make up and shape of eyes. To achieve the perfect daytime look with eye shadow, you need to follow some basic guidelines. The basic tones you need are

(a) a pale highlighter shade for your brow bone area.

(b) a basic shade for your eyelids.

The shades you choose can be deep-toned or pale, neutral or bright, but they should be applied so that they are not too strong. Blending is important while applying eye shadow. The colour used should be appropriate to the colour of the skin and match the colour of the dress. When you use more than one shade they should be so well blended that you can't tell where one ends and the next one begins.

Forms of shadows

Eye Shadows come in a variety of forms like pressed powders, pencils, sticks, gels or creams. Pressed powders are the most popular form of shadows. They are available in pearly and matt textures. You can get a better effect, if you apply them with a wet brush. The cream shadows are oil or wax based. It is best suited for dry lids and should be avoided on greasy eye lids. Pencils have a high colour and filling ability. Gels are suited for oily skins.

Brushes for application

A straight - bristled brush for each colour and a round bristled brush for blending.

Application

When you apply eye shadow, always start with the highlighter shade. Brush it just under the outer end of each eyebrow and quickly blend the colour inward toward the inner end of the eyebrow, above the inner corner of the eye. After that apply the eyelid shadow by beginning in the centre of each lid, just above the pupil of your eye. With a blending brush, make a quick back and forth motion. Finish the make up by blending upward to meet the highlighter shade.

Eye liner

Eye liners are the most extensively used form of eye make up. Eye liner is used to make the eyes more prominent and create an illusion of thicker lashes. Eye lining is done with a back or brown eye liner on the top lid of each eye and sometimes under the lower lashes. The line should be smooth instead of a harsh line.

Forms of liners

Eye liner comes in liquids or pencil form. Care should be taken when using liquid eye liner. It should not go into the eyes. Liquid liners can be either water based or alcohol based. Alcohol based liners are water proof.

Application

To apply liquid eye liner, draw the brush out of the bottle or tube and stroke it against the mouth of the tube to remove excess liquid and taper the brush to a fine point. Using the very tip of the brush, stroke the eyeliner evenly across the lid as close to the base of the lashes as possible, beginning with the inner corner of the eye and continuing to the outer corner of the eyelid. Apply the line in several short brush strokes.

Indians have our own indigenous type of eye make up -kajal. Home made Kajals does not contain any chemicals.

Eye defining pencil

Eye defining pencil adds definition and a hint of colour to the bottom of each eye. It is available in variety of colours. The pencil should have a fine point and a medium to soft lead so it glides on easily under the lower eyelashes.

To apply eye defining pencil, lightly stroke a single, fine line under the lower lashes starting at the outer corner of the eye. The line must be close to the base. Run the pencil smoothly under the lashes along each lower eyelid to the inner corner of the eye. Then use an angles brush or a cotton swab to soften and blend the line. Eye defining should be never be a hard, thick line.

Eye brow Pencil

An eyebrow pencil emphasizes the eye brows, improves their shapes and makes them look thick. The colour of the eyebrow pencil should never be darker than that of your brows or hair colour.

To apply eyebrow pencil, brush your eyebrows with a eyebrow brush to remove excess foundation or face powder. Then with outward brush strokes, smooth the hairs in the direction in which they grow. To shape your brows properly, begin by using short, light strokes of the pencil to outline the top of each eyebrow up to its arch. Use featherlike strokes to extend each brow to the end. Fill in any sparse areas by using these same strokes. Then brush your brows with an eyebrow brush to smooth them and blend in the pencil strokes.

Mascara

Mascara thickens the eye lashes and increase attractiveness of the eyes and emphasize them. It gives the eye make up the finishing touch. Brush the lashes, apart from application. Light coats are better than thick ones.

Forms of Mascara

There are 3 different forms of Mascara - water based, water proof and the mixed variety. Mixed variety is the the most useful one. Water based mascaras can be applied quickly and removed easily. So they are gentle to the lashes and eyes. But they won't stay for a long time, as the mascara smudges easily when it comes into contact with water, tears and perspiration.

Water proof variety stay for a long time and is water proof and smudge proof. They are a good investment as they are resistant to contamination and can be used even years after they have been manufactured. But it takes a long time to dry and is difficult to remove the liner. The mixed variety is a combination of water based and water proof mascaras. These dry quickly and is easy to remove.

Application

Apply mascara by looking straight into the mirror, with your chin lifted slightly so you can see your lashes clearly. Gently twist the spiral brush as you withdraw it from the masara bottle. Stroke your upper lashes evenly from their base to the tips, curling them upward with the brush as you apply the mascara. Apply mascara to the lower lashes with downward strokes, wiggling the brush back and forth a bit to separate the lashes. After you have applied the mascara to both eyes, you can repeat the application to add more fullness to your eyelashes.

Under eye concealers

They are intended to hide blemishes and dark circles under the eyes. Application of make up above them, does not remove them.

Lips

Lips are the most prominent among facial features. A pair of naturally beautiful lips are the symbols of sexuality and sensuality.
Everyone wants full, juicy, beautiful lips and some of us not blessed with naturally beautiful lips. But don't despair! Learn the tricks of the trade to help your lips more attractive.

Lip Cosmetics:

A soft glimmer of lip colour harmonizes your whole beautiful look. They add the final touch to facial make up. Lip colour is one of the essentials you should always carry with you. They are available in sticks, tubes, pencils, as liquids and in pots.

Lipstick

Lip sticks come in a variety of colours. The colour chosen should harmonise not only with the rest of the make up but also with your attire and skin colour. Soft colours are suited for pale skins and vibrant shades are suited for darker skins. To keep the colour stay longer, the lips must be dry and clean while applying. It is best applied with a brush. Use the colour according to the skin and age. Lipstick containing more benzene may cause darkness of the lips.

Lip Liner

A lip lining pencil is used to outline the lips. With the lip liner, you can make the lip appear thinner or fuller or you can draw an uplifted corner if your lips droop. Thus it gives the lips a perfect shape.