Keeping skin flawless and beautiful for the festive times {Skin Care}

Everyone is busy in Christmas and New Year preparations. So, how to prepare to look good in the celebrations. Follow the following tips and enjoy the holidays:

• Drink adequate amount of water, no matter what. People tend to drink less water in winters but it affects the skin more adversely. The winter winds dehydrate the skin anyways. You have to hydrate yourself to keep in balance. If you fail to do it, your skin will look leathery with all the make up on and no suppleness.
• Sleep properly and adequately. Finish your beauty sleep for minimum 7 hours. Do not take any drinks two hours prior to sleep. 
• Cleanse your face every night, no matter what. Otherwise, your skin will look aged on next day. 
• Before the celebrations begin, get yourself an appointment at the saloon well in advance. Remember this is a rush hour season and be on time. Get yourself pampered and indulge in expenses. You would love the result. Get a hair cut and highlights if you wish. They will look great. 
• On the day of festivities, give yourself appropriate time to get ready. Do not rush through it.
• Include body scrub, bath oils, bath salts in your bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can pour 2-3cups of milk and 2-3 drops of any essential oil of your choice in your tub and soak. Scrub with wash cloth afterward gently.
• While soaking, you can also apply any fruit face mask if you want and tea bags on your eyes to relax them and make them look brighter. Banana, papaya, orange brings an instant glow on the face. Apple makes your skin look clean and bright. Any fruit will do the job because of the natural ingredients present in it. You can also include milk cream or vegetable oils suitable to your skin while mashing the fruits to moisturize. Prepare a fresh batch every time.
• Wash your hair before you go for a soak. Do not condition. While you soak, apply honey on your hair and cover with a shower cap. While you are showering, wash your hair well and use any tea or vinegar as last rinse. It gives instant shine to your hair. Let your hair air dry if not in hurry. 
• When you come out of the shower, apply some perfume on the skin. Dab perfume on warm areas of your body like armpits, cleavages, inner thighs. Moisturize your body. Apply perfume again on the same spots you applied earlier or as per your choice. You can apply talc and then again apply perfume. Last layer can be put on the clothes you wear. Ensure the floral smells and buy a natural perfume which is non-irritating to your skin. Applying perfume in layers and warm areas ensures it to stay longer.
• When your hair is damp, style your hair. You can use shine serums to increase the shine or other hair products of your choice. Use products in moderation so as to not let your hair weigh down. Less is good.
• Before applying make up, do not forget your sunscreen in case your are going out in day time.
• At night, a lip gloss and mascara is enough to give the effect.  
• For people who are not product junkies and like to go natural like me, 2-3 drops of any vegetable oil would be enough to bring shine to your hair. When your hair is damp, take oil into your palms and finger comb through your hair paying special attention to the ends. This will seal the moisturizer into your hair. While finger combing, gently untangle your hair so that you do not need to comb or brush it. Simple finger combing can give great style to your hair. Try it out. Definitely, it depends a lot on the hair texture too. Wavy hair is the best bet. Or, if you still prefer combing, use a wide tooth comb. Do not forget sunscreen in any case. To be ready for a night out, a lip gloss adds a smashing effect. Making up the eyes is no harm but the least you can do is to apply kohl. They give an instant lift to your eyes. Wash your eyes with lot of cold water before that to make them look brighter. Buy good products. Do not worry about expenses. Cheap products are often not good for the skin but, again, do not judge by the brands. Go for products which suit your skin.

Take care of your skin regularly and you do not need any special vanity case to prepare for a party. Proper nutrition is important in skin care. But, indulge during festivities. Do not starve yourself of the enjoyments.

Wish you all a Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Aromatherapy to control Mood Swings {Health}

So, few days back, I was having my share of mood swings and wasn't feeling up to the mark. So, I thought of using the diffuser I got some time back. I have been using the diffuser for quite sometime and let me tell you, its one of the most amazing things I have ever used.

Since I wasn't feeling too good, I decided to get a bit of aromatherapy. And, the results were damn great (read AWESOME-ST). Its one of the best ways to get your mood better immediately and even if not better, calmer, at least, and it also relieves anxiety.

I love essential oils. I haven't used fragrance oils yet. I prefer essential oils because they are multi-purpose and last longer (I guess that applies to fragrance oils as well). I have used Patchouli, Cedarwood, Neroli in my aromatherapy. Totally loving Patchouli right now.

Well, let me share other advantages. Your room looks cozy (diffusers and tea light candle add to the home decor), the essential oils act as natural room fresheners, the essential oils are also great as natural insect repellants. Lemongrass, Cedarwood and Citronella are amazing for that purpose.

Next time you feel low, you know what to do? So, don't forget this natural remedy to relieve anxiety and feel refreshed and take care :) And, don't forget to switch off the lights!!

Related Posts:

How do I use Essential Oils?

My current scent

How to take care of gray hair? {Hair Care}

This has been a long pending post which had been requested by Smile. I am so sorry for the delay. To start with, I don't have much experience with gray hair as my mom also has only couple of them coming up now that she is 51. And, she is not interested in covering them up. I do tell her to get the hair colored but she flatly says no.

Hair Coloring

This should come up as a different post altogether but I think its imperative to mention it here. You can always get your hair colored. Remember to get salon treatment. Shell out money coz its your hair!! It definitely falls on an expensive side when you count in the maintenance costs.

Henna-ing

This is definitely the most common practice but it turns the white or gray hair into orange which people now a days absolutely hate. So, really doesn't do much of a job. Also, using Lush Caca Noir also doesn't work on gray hair. I had suggested it to one of my friends but she confirmed that it didn't work on gray hair.

Hair Science and Home Remedies

The hair which has already turned gray can never be turned black naturally. For that you will have to color the hair. But, you can always prevent new gray hairs from coming up. Also, gray hair is a lot of times hereditary so in such cases, its a little difficult to control. So, let me suggest some home remedies to PREVENT gray hair.

• Use mustard or sesame oil on a regular basis, like twice or thrice a week. A regular usage helps prevent the hair from growing gray. They also help with hair which has turned brown!!!
• Black Pepper and Yogurt mask
• Curry leaves are supposedly great for protecting the black color of the hair. So, infuse your oil with dried curry leaves. (learn how to infuse oil here)
• Other herbs which are amazing to prevent hair from growing gray are rosemary, thyme and amla (Indian gooseberry). They also help with hair growth. 

So, what's your best bet to deal with gray hair?

Image Courtesy:Google

Chocolate Sugar Body Scrub {DIY}

After a really long time, I resorted to some DIY and I have huge expired Cadbury cocoa powder jar. So, what can be a better way to use it all :) Enjoy the recipe and don't forget to try it out!!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Raw Sugar
• 20 drops Body Oil /  Essential Oils

Method

Mix them all in a container. Make sure that you use a steel one if you plan to use essential oils. Plastic can change the composition. Add honey at the end just when you are about to enter the shower otherwise the sugar would melt!! When you mix the ingredients, it becomes a chocolate mousse (a little thick in consistency) and smells all of chocolate. In fact, it was a waste for me to add the body oil as its smell got masked by that of the cocoa powder. But, I guess essential oil should be good. Give it a try!!

Results

Well exfoliated skin which smells delicious and is so soft and hydrated. If possible, after scrubbing, keep the mask on for 5-10 minutes. Definitely recommended for a home pampering session.

Related Posts:

Chocolate Mask for you skin care

Chocolate Anti-Aging Mask

Best way to deal with Dandruff?? {DIY}

So, yes, I know most of you are facing this problem right now or would be in the coming subsequent months of August-September depending on when monsoons hit your town. So, be armed with this simple DIY to get rid of dandruff. 

Ingredients

• Apple Cider Vinegar / Fruit Vinegar / Vinegar
• Water

Method

Add 2 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon vinegar in a bowl and take a cotton and apply it to your scalp half hour before you shampoo your hair. To avoid dryness (vinegar is acidic so drying for scalp), you can apply this treatment on well-oiled hair. Do this every time you are going to shampoo. This helps with long standing issues of dandruff too. 

Remember the Kamini aunty treatment? Yes, it involves this ginger hair tonic which I had told you was ginger infused in vinegar. My mom has even prepared the dupe for it :D We are calling it dupe coz the actual treatment might have other additives. I shall share it soon :) Till then, let this treatment help ya!!

Image Courtesy:jdc325.wordpress.com

Facials from the fridge {Reader's Tips}

It always seems difficult to find time to make all these recipes to maintain yourself regularly. I found a shortcut to maintain my face - I usually create a base by grinding 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup milk powder and store it. Then depending on what I have in the fridge - I mix it in this powder base.

To tighten - mix egg whites and honey into 1 tsp powder base and apply on face, wash off after dry.

To moisturize - add avocado and almond oil into 1tsp powder base and apply - wash off after dry.

To absorb oil - mix egg whites and lemon juice into 1tsp powder base - apply, wash off after dry.

To tone and cleanse - mix yogurt and cucumber juice ( when you grate and press, juice can be extracted, no need to grind) in 1 tsp powder base and apply , rinse after dry.

If the paste is too tight I mix rose water or water to it. And the list goes on - anything you find like fresh fruits - I usually go to the ones that need no grinding or preparation. This really works - try it! As we don't find a lot of time as working moms with kids...anything easy works!!

Its an awesome tip, Padmaja. Thanks so much :)

Related Posts:

Pep up your home facial sessions
How to do a parlor facial at home?

Read more of your favourite reader's tips here and you can submit one too (here). And, don't forget to enter the giveaway (last 3 days).

Image Courtesy:health.howstuffworks.com

My mini-giveaway winner!!

So, finally, I stopped being lazy and here is the winner - Monisha Thampi :) Congratulations, Monisha and your name reminds me of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai :D I hope you received my mail and in case you didn't, feel free to contact me.  Do contact me by Friday night otherwise I will have to pick another winner!!

And, here is her beauty tip (or rather "are her beauty tips"):

1. To reduce Pimples: Apply fresh ginger juice on pimples for not more than 10 minutes and wash it off. Do it for 7 days and pimples will vanish. Don't apply near eyebrows. 

2. This one is a little interesting. I have a wider forehead. So I combed my hair sidewise so as to reduce its distance b/n eyebrows and head. And now I have those tiny weeny hair started growing from there and now i have a less wider forehead.

3. Fairness: Grind 3 almonds without skin like a paste and mix it with curd. Apply this mixture every night and wash it off just before going to bed. Use Besan or Gram flour instead of soap while you use this face pack. It gives an instant glow to your face and will lighten the skin if continuously done for a week.

4. Anti-Blemish: Take a thin slice of potato and rub on your face continuously. Do it for 5-10 minutes. Do it twice a day. You will see quick results.

5. Any natural treatments that are acidic in nature (eg: lemon, ginger, vinegar, orange, tomato, papaya) should be mixed with some besan, gram flour or honey to avoid over reaction.

6. Its a mail I got one day and try it out because it is amazing.Take a bunch of parsley leaves and wash it clean. Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and Drink one glass once a week. You will notice the difference which you never felt before. It cleanses your body like anything.

And, this is what she likes and hates about my blog:

"It is really a genuine blog. When I had the first look, I was really surprised as it had a lot of DIYs and natural beauty tips.The blog was very, very simple and had nothing which would suit for a beauty blog. Then I knew that this blog was solely concentrating on the matter it had and not on its looks. But now, the blog is far ahead of what i saw at first. I have been through most of your blog changes. But I think the new look is apt. The font is very simple. Now there are not so many natural tips like before. I would say the posts are now on advanced topics like Reviews, treatments, Perfumes :), Oils etc. I think your blog covers almost everything related to beauty. 
Do give more product reviews, Your take on different myths (which is my favorite), and more on hair growth recipes, Add more polls, Answers to reader's queries. I appreciate one fact of yours that you find time to respond to all your follower's queries. You browse and search a lot and give a complete note on any subject so that I did not have to search on the same topic more. I wanted to write down point by point, but it went on like that. All the wishes for your blog, Swati."

And, boy, doesn't she have patience?? She has answered both the questions so perseveringly, thank you so much for all your kind words :) Oh btw, in case any of you thinks, I have chosen her on the basis of the length of her answers, NO. Her entry popped up in random.org and I forgot to take the screen shot so please don't accuse me of being under-handed. I do think she deserves winning. I mean look at the tips, one could say she keeps a separate diary at her home :D Oh btw, absolutely agree with the wider forehead thing, Monisha. I too have a huge forehead plus less density at the crown really made me look a little weird but I got side bangs and now, it just looks awesome.  Btw, do we get parsley in India??? Will have to search for it. [Btw, guys, don't think I am boasting about my blog by putting up what she has so kindly mentioned above, its just too flattering to not share **giggles**]

PS: Anyways, I am so happy I am leaving for Delhi tomorrow. Btw, it's my mom's birthday so do fire up suggestions for the gift. I am hopeless at selecting gifts. Budget is 10k. 

Image Courtesy:mindingspot.blogspot.in, graminakitchen.blogspot.com, foodcourt.wordpress.com, victorias-alphabet-soup.blogspot.com, nah.wikipedia.org

Random Beauty Tips {Reader's Tips}

"Whenever a pimple pops up, crush a few neem leaves or apply neem powder available in the market on the affected, the size of the pimple reduces & if applied regularly it subsides" - Uzma

"To make your skin glow, Take honey and apply on ur face for 15 mins n wash" - Umesh

"In summers after washing your face use ice cubes for toning your face" - Swapna

"My favourite beauty tip would be a mixture of powdered rose petals,a lil bit of sandalwood powder and mix it all up wid rose water or curd..Apply it on the face everyday after a tiring day at work or college for glowing and soft skin.Works for me every time!" - Shruti

"My favourite beauty tip is to rub tomatoes on the face to remove tan naturally! One can use it after roaming about in the sun instead of after sun gels." - Shruti

Read more of your favourite reader's tips here and you can submit one too (here). And, don't forget to enter the giveaway.

PS: Sorry guys for the missing regular posts but I am kinda really tired and in anticipation of going home so not able to do any write ups. I have lots of product reviews pending and I really hope to get back soon with the posts too :) Till then, enjoy the beauty tips. They were from the giveaway which reminds me to announce the winner as well, shit!!!

Image Courtesy:medtips.in

How do I use a toner? {Skin Care}

Toner is a product which has been under constant attack by everyone saying it is a useless step and doesn't really do anything for skin. But, you might have checked out my many DIY toners. So, yes, I do use a toner on and off and since face mists have hit the market, they have been favorites with every gal. So, I wanted to share a tip today. Using a toner regular can improve the hydration levels of the skin. And, for that, you need not go any far.

What toner do I use?

A simple rose water is enough to do the job. Or, green tea as well. I had also prepared a toner with essential oils which I had shared here. Frankly, I have used only one commercially available spritzer otherwise all my toners are DIY's. They are inexpensive and also I can play with them as I want. 

How do I use the toner? 

I store my toners in spray bottles and try to use them both morning and night but generally, I miss them in the mornings!!! I collect the toner in my palm by spraying 5-8 pumps and rub the palms and apply the toner on my face and neck. No, generally, I don't spill the product.

Results

Whenever I apply the toner on my face and then, follow immediately with facial oils, I have always noticed that the products get absorbed super fast and also leave a very dewy look. Also, the amount of moisturizer / oil required is less comparatively to when skin is not dewy. And, if you use green tea as a toner, it also helps with breakouts and acne!! 

My skin is more hydrated and supple and if I miss toner 2-3 days continuously in a row, my skin goes dull again :( So, I am working on making 'applying toner' a very religious affair. Do give this tip a try and lemme know how it goes for you :)

Fenugreek Curd Hair Mask {Reader's Tip}

Thanks Sonal for the wonderful tip :)

"The curd- methi powder mask works wonders for hair! Take 2 tsp of methi powder in a bowl of curd. Apply it on hair, wear a shower cap and wait for 45 mins. Wash it properly with ample water, a little messy & sticky but good for hair. Instead of shampooing right after, apply oil and wash it off the next morning :)"

Read more Reader's Tips here. 
PS: Don't forget to enter the Aloe Veda giveaway. And, sorry for not announcing the earlier giveaway winner. I am being really lazy :(

Image Courtesy:womanistan.com

Home Remedies for skin dryness {DIY}

I received a comment from Khushboo asking me how to deal with skin dryness and bring a glow to the face and how to make the skin look fresh. Its a huge complicated thing and probably I can write many many posts on that. So, I thought I would start with home remedies for skin dryness.

Banana
Rub a slice of banana on your face and neck. It helps with anti-aging, tightening the skin and also moisturises your skin simultaneously.

More DIY's with Banana
Get a glow you deserve
A recipe for faster hair growth and beautiful looking skin
Your hands tell your age 
Keep your skin moisturized this winter with Banana
Get rid of the blemishes and dark spots on your body

Honey
Apply a thin or thick mask of honey on your face and let it stay for 15-3 minutes or more if you can manage. Wash off. Amazing for dry skin and not messy at all.

More DIY's with Honey
Honey as face cleanser
Sugar Body Scrub with a twist
A simple tip for a glowing face
Get rid of those Large Pores
Orange Sugar Body Scrub

Aloevera Gel
Natural aloevera gel is extremely beneficial for dry skin as it improves the hydration power of the skin from inside. Yes, it is drying for the skin so apply it first and follow with a moisturiser if you feel your skin has become stretched. It also is a great after-sun treatment and acts best when used as a night moisturiser.

More DIY's with Aloevera Gel
Aloevera: A Miracle Plant 
Natural Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Skin dryness and burning?
Aloevera for soft skin
How to treat Sunburns?

Products Recommended
Rustic Art Aloevera Gel
24 Letter Mantra Honey
Image Courtesy:iblue.hubpages.com,strangehistory.net,hansaaloevera.com

Black Pepper to cover Gray Hair {Reader's Tip}

I received this comment which I thought would be particularly helpful for everyone struggling with gray hairs instead of resorting to hair colors. 

"I don't have hair loss problem but my hair is dry and has lots of gray hair. I am applying yogurt mixed with black pepper thrice a week started this week. This is helpful to cover grey hair and my hair had become soft and looking darker."

Thanks a lot to the person who has dropped in this comment :)

Do join my giveaway here. 

And, read more Reader's Tips here. 

Image Courtesy:trendingfashions.com

Natural Homemade Bleach {Reader's Tip}

This was submitted by a reader as a part of my currently going on giveaway. Don't forget to check it out!!! Also, I received a reader's query regarding bleach being harmful or useful to skin. So, hope this tip helps you.

"Take 1 carrot, 1/2 tomato pulp, some coriander, 1/2 lemon juice. puree whole stuff. apply on face, neck even arms for 15 mints. wash off with water."

And, read more Reader's Tips here.

Image Courtesy:colleenanderson.wordpress.com

Rose Water with EO twist {DIY}

I did a post recently on how I use essential oils. In that, I had mentioned about a DIY toner which I am currently using. So, let's check out the recipe for it. Again, the heart and soul of the toner is use of EO's. 

yes, it went milky when I added the EO's

Ingredients

• 100 ml rose water (I used Patanjali Rose Water)
• 10 drops ylang ylang
• 10 drops lavender
• 5 drops neroli
• 7 drops frankincense
• 7 drops patchouli

Method: Mix all of them store in a spray bottle. Shake before using. 

How to use?

I use 10 sprays at a time and mostly I use it at night. I collect the product in my palm and then apply it to the face. Then, I nicely slap my face :D Ok, pat the face gently so that the toner is absorbed well. And, voila, I am done!! It moisturises my skin so well and my skin looks really dewy. A perfect one for the hot summers when I hate applying moisturiser to my face coz I feel hot and also, my skin gets oily by morning. But, with this, my skin remains just dewy, glowy and plumped in the morning. And, I am so loving this. Btw, it smells really amazing!!! 

What do you think?

Dark and Dull Skin in summers {Reader's Query}

"My age is 25, female. Suddenly my skin become dark in face and arms even though I'm not going in sun. Dark circles are coming. Face become dull. Please tel some treatment. Thanks."

Dark and dull skin is a very normal occurrence in summers. Dark circles are a different issue on a other hand.

Diet

I have long before mentioned that if you ever find your skin getting uneven complexioned, iron deficiency can be one of the foremost reasons. Also, dark circles are an indication of iron levels in your body. So, if you are not sleep deprived or stressed out, this is the reason for those unwelcome dark circles. Try eating a balanced diet. 

Dull and Dark Skin

Dehydrated or oily skin can also look dark. So, keep your skin supple, hydrated and oil-free at all times. Use a good moisturiser to preserve the skin moisture. Using face sprays is also a good way to perk up your skin in intervals. You can prepare one at home as well. Eat foods which will keep your skin hydrated from the inside and drink enough water.

Tips to remove tan

Tomato, cucumber and potato are great for tan removal. You can check out other home remedies for summers here. If used at night, they help in removing tan as well as keeping the skin in supple condition.  

Tanning without sun

UVA rays can penetrate indoors as well and UVA rays are the main cause of pigmentation. So, using spf 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen when indoors is a good measure of protection against these rays and tanning and pigmentation when inside.

Product Recommendation

• Lactocalamine for sun protection when indoors
• Rustic Art Aloevera Gel for improving hydration levels of the skin. Use it only at night as a night cream as it contains lemon extracts.

What else do you suggest?

Image Courtesy: marieclaire.com

Home Remedies for Hair Growth {DIY}

[Source:she.sulekha.com]

Yesterday, I talked about some of the tips to start taking care of your hair. And, I had said that I shall share some of the home remedies which have helped my hair tremendously in certain number of years. So, lets start on. 

Fenugreek Seeds

[Source:asia.ru]

Yes, the methi or fenugreek seeds about which I talked almost when I started my blog. That was one remedy which helped my hair fall and I guess it did help in a little in improving the hair texture but since I am so lazy, I had discontinued the remedy. I guess its time to start again!!

Egg

As always, I swear by this remedy. Applying egg on my hair weekly has helped my hair a lot and if not in hair growth, it has definitely helped to keep my hair soft, silky and shiny and strong too. But, the downside of the remedy is the smell which even I can't bear so I have not used egg on my hair since quite long.

Yogurt

This was advised to me by one of my friends who was advised by an acquaintance. The said acquaintance used to douse her hair in yogurt everyday and wash it off (not shampoo but only plain water rinse) and used to shampoo her hair once a week. This was the routine in vacations but I do admit that she must have smelt bad!!! But, the remedy and the hard work paid off and her tresses were very beautiful and long. 

Well, I did use the remedy and not quite in the same way but I used to keep curd / yogurt in my hair for 1-4 hours a stretch and wash it off with a shampoo. Over a period of time, my hair texture did improve a lot. And, here I am guessing, that it did improve my hair volume too. But, I am not quite sure on that count.

[Source:beautythroughstrength.com]

Onion Juice

This is something I swear by again and it is one of the top rated of my posts in all time. I know!!! And, yes, onion juice helps a lot in hair growth itself. But, yes, it gives a very foul smell which is why I get discouraged to use the remedy but the results are too obvious. 

The reason why onion works is because of its richness in sulphur, one of the main minerals required for hair growth.  don't know if it will cover a bald spot but yes, it will definitely revive the hair follicles if they have been dormant too long. A very difficult remedy to use, though :(

[Source:boston.com]

Tomato

Again, one of my few first posts on the blog, it had helped to restore my sunburnt and extremely damaged hair to a decent condition. Tomato gives a lot of shine to the hair and also helps with dandruff as it is a little acidic but not as acidic as lemon to leave the hair entirely dry!!!

These are the remedies which have helped my hair a lot overtime. 

PS: Read a status message on FB: 
"Be with a man who ruins your lipstick, not your Mascara!!" 
What say?? :D

My Top 5 Home Remedies this Summer {DIY}

[Source:radiomirchi.com]

Summers are beating the hell out of me and as I said earlier, I am not a fan of this weather at all. I prefer winters. So, I thought I would share my 5 favourite home remedies for skin. 

Tomato

Yes, I am not a fan of lemon. I find it too drying for my skin and its too acidic as well so I prefer to garnish my salads and dals (lentils) and sabzi's (curries) with lemon instead of applying it on face. Tomato is much gentler and equally amazing at almost everything. 

It removes tan, blemishes and dark spots, evens out the skin tone and makes my skin bright and glowing. And, not only that, I can use it on my hair for the extra shine and to undo the effects of sun damage. And, it doesn't leave my skin dry. And, its perfect even for sensitive skins for which is lemon is not really suitable. 

And, since I am lazy, I take a slice of tomato from my salad and rub it on my skin and let ot dry up and then, I wash it off. 

Cucumber

Who doesn't love cucumber in summers? They feel so hydrating and cool to eat and not to speak of their effects on skin. They are again amazing at evening out the skin tone and removing the tan. And, I forgot to say this above but both tomato and cucumber are great on acne and breakouts too. It cools off ths skin inside and outside both. 

Watermelon

Ok, this is not on my favorite fruit list and is highly unlikely it will ever make to one. But, I wouldn't deny that its the fruit which makes me feel refreshing on the name itself and its a favourite among many people. Again, it gives a hydrated skin staying true to its name and also helps with blemishes and tan. 

Coconut Water

Ok, to be frank, I have never used coconut water on my skin. But, I have heard so many people rave about it that it always makes me curious that how well does it do for the skin and hair. But, still, I can't deny the changes it does to skin even from the inside ;D It keeps the body temperature cooler from the inside and is supposed to be amazing for the complexion. 

Buttermilk

Yes, my favorite. Thought I love to drink it more than applying it on my skin, I do that sometimes. And, its just fabulous. Be it tanning or breakouts or blemishes or need for a glowing skin, this one remedy address to all. And, if you can spare a cup of buttermilk, add it to your bath as well. It shows a lot of difference. 

So, those were my favorite home remedies for the summers. What are yours???

Related Posts:

Summer Skin Care Essentials
Dry Skin and Cracked lips in Summers
Take a refreshing Orange Bath
Wear a scarf - Summer Hair Care
Drink, Drink and Drink - Summer Skin Care
Take care of your skin and hair by drinking water

Don't try any new product before your wedding {Bridal Files}

This is something which came to my mind after reading Tanveer's post. In her words

I once used a oxy-bleach, just a week before my wedding. It was the first time I used a bleach and the last. It caused my face to turn red like I was sun burnt and I spent the next two days just calming my skin back to being normal. 

So, just a simple advise -  never try something which you haven't tried out yet. You never know how your skin might react. If you do want to try out something, make sure you have adequate time before so that you can counteract the harmful effects, if any!!!

This applies to all kinds of treatments including facial, hair and body. If you really want to indulge in something luxurious, 'ubtan' is the best bet and has been, traditionally, a part of bridal skin care since centuries.

How to prepare customized Ubtan?

[Source: anindiansmakeupmusings.blogspot.in]

A simple recipe with available ingredients at home: 

• Besan (Chana flour)
• Turmeric 
• Yogurt

Mix everything in proportion. You can add turmeric up to a table spoon and don't worry about the staining because chana flour takes care of that. Try to make the paste brighter yellow in color. Apply it every night before you go to sleep on the face and neck or you can also go for an entire body application on a day when you are free. 

Yogurt removes tan and turmeric helps with blemishes. It does take time to work. Do not add lemon juice as it is quite acidic and may cause skin dryness. You can go for tomato juice, if you wish. Its more gentle. And, essential oils and rose petals add a exotic feel to the mask. So, you might want to get some for your own use. 

Hope this helps :)

Top 5 DIY Ingredients for Brides {Bridal Files}

[Source: Google Images]

So, as I said that I would be doing some posts on bridal series, the first and foremost request is always how to brighten the complexion.I am listing down 5 of the ingredients which can help a bride achieve the most wanted glow.

• Tomato: Rub a slice of tomato on your face and neck. Let the juice dry on the skin and wash off with cold water. Tomato is great for removing the skin tan and also suits all skin types a sit is comparatively less acidic than lemon. And, it also makes hair shiny.

• Honey: A thick honey mask helps to keep the skin supple and moisturized always. It can be used every day too and helps with all skin types. Honey is also a great cleanser.

• Almond Oil: As Punam commented on earlier post, dark circles and puffy eyes are a common occurrence when one spends their nights talking to the fiancées, almond oil comes to rescue. Apply almond oil on the eye area while going to bed. It helps with the dark circles and also with wrinkles which might be developing there.

• Sugar: Sugar is the most amazing and cheapest scrub you can ever find and this is my most favorite DIY till date. Sugar has glycolic acid in some measure (depending on how much it has been been processed) and thus cleanses and exfoliates the skin thoroughly and makes it glow. And, you can add your favorite ingredients to it.

• Spices: A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves did wonders to my skin. It clears the skin and also helps deal with acne and pimples in the long run. It should be used on alternate days for best results.

These are some of my favorite DIY's with outstanding results so hope you will enjoy them :) And, do remember to treat your neck as part of your face otherwise it can betray your age!!

Sugar Body Scrub with a twist {DIY}

Ok, let me confess that making a DIY every week is really not easy for So, today's recipe is almost a copy of the sugar body polish which I have posted long back. I could think of nothing else and I have so many products to finish that it simply discourages me from whipping anything up. So, I have decided that next week I shall bring you a different series of DIY's which will include Essential Oils because currently, I am a lot into them.

Sugar + Multani Mitti

Ingredients

• 3 table spoon sugar
• 1 table spoon fuller's Earth or multani mitti
• 1 table spoon rose petals powder
• 1 tablespoon spices (mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves)
• Honey (as required) 
• Essential Oils (optional) 

Rose petals

Method

Mix all the ingredients except EO and honey. Add honey and make a gooey paste. Add 1-2 drops of your favorite drops of EO's and, scrub and rub a dub :)

Mixture of Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg

Results

Awesomely soft and instantly glowing skin. Moisturize well and sleep off to protect this glow and it will last you for days together. Do this once a week for a good scrubbing.

The rose petals provide luxury and spices provide a spicy edge to the scrub. And, you will like the smell too. 

Hope you like it :)