Healthy Hair

Wondering how to keep your hair healthy and shiny despite growing age? British experts have dished out some simple ways that can help reverse the damage.
According to Zoe Irwin, Wellaflex Silvikrin style director, “Hair feels rougher and drier as we age because it lacks moisture in the hair shaft. Over styling and exposure to the elements also contribute to the hair shaft rising, which makes it feel rougher and appear less shiny.

Irwin advises when styling your hair use products that double as treatments. Leave-in conditioners, milks and masks all combat dryness. Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton suggests adding soya beans, nuts and coconut to the diet to get rid of the dryness.
“It can take up to three months but the results will be dramatic,” express quoted Barton as saying.

Harriet Cudjoe, owner of London salon Afrotherapy said as women gets older pigment cells in hair follicles gradually die.

“The strands of hair contain less melanin and become a transparent colour as they grow appearing grey, silver or white,” she added.

Celebrity hairdresser Stuart Phillips advises not to colour your hair dark “If you have grey hair, the golden rule is not to colour it dark. As you age your skin tone changes too so always go for lighter shades.”

John Carne, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador said, on an average, humans lose 100 hairs a day. “The older we get the fewer hairs regrow, so our hair appears thinner,” he said.

Hairstyle expert Phil Smith recommends drying hair with head upside down that will give maximum root lift. This will create added volume and fullness.

Experts also say that as people age they need to reassess their look

“Don’t get stuck in a time warp. Like your make-up and clothes, what suited you in your twenties isn’t likely to look good in your forties.”

“There is a perception long hair doesn’t work on older ladies but Goldie Hawn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna are perfect examples that it can,” said Smith.

“It isn’t all about length, choosing a style to suit your face shape is essential so talk to your stylist,” Smith added.

Source:timesofindia.com

Foot Care Tips

Your feet face the greatest pressure when you are training. We give you some foot care tips
1- When starting with a fitness regime, remember that slow and steady is the key. Try to start with low impact exercises where pressure on the feet is less. Opt for swimming or cycling instead of running or tennis.

2- The right footwear is of utmost importance. Make sure you buy footwear that fits right and is apt for your chosen activity. Don’t buy shoes that are uncomfortable in the beginning with the hope that they’ll become comfortable later on, buy shoes that fit well from the start. Shoes that are tight in the beginning will never loosen up later.

3- Stretching your feet, ankles and toes before and after a workout is a great way to avoid foot injuries. Since the foot is used the most, it is important to take care of the ankle tendons, ligaments and muscles. A minor injury could lead to a more serious one later on if not tended to immediately.

4- The dampness of your shoes or atmosphere around is a great breeding ground for fungi. This infection could lead to Athlete’s Foot, hence it is essential to take care of your feet and always keep them clean.

5- Pamper your foot by visiting a spa in order to keep them in sync with your exercise regime. Soaking your feet in warm water thrice a week also works wonders for the feet. This refreshes and softens them.

Source:timesofindia.com

Skin Care For All In Summer

Here are some easy tips to make your skin look and feel beautiful in the hot summer months. Sunshine, heat, humidity affects your skin. Sunrays can result in wrinkles, early ageing, tanning, sun burns or even worse, skin cancer. Prolonged stay in heat or sun can lead to rashes and clogged pores.
Use sunscreen : Daily application of sunscreen is very important before stepping out in the sun. It would be best if you could reapply every two hours. Using a sunscreen according to the skin type protects the skin from damage and it also seals in moisture. Cover yourself with long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses to stay protected from the harmful rays of the sun.

Exfoliate regularly : Pollution, dirt, sweat, etc. increase the amount of dead skin cells which build up on your face and body. Get rid of this with an exfoliating scrub or loofah a few times every week. Use liquid soaps but be gentle or else you could land up with rashes!

Moisturize your skin : Use light water based moisturizers and sunscreens for both face and body. Stay away from thick oily ones as they will only clog your pores more.

Use summer makeup : Use liquid foundation for a lighter, mineral-based powder with a minimum SPF of 15. Avoid cream based makeup and apply natural looking glow

Practice smart hair removal : Do not shave or use a razor often on your skin, as they are drying in nature. Go for moisturizing shaving creams and gels to remove those unwanted hair.

Keep yourself hydrated : During the hot weather, your body gets dehydrated quickly. Drink plenty of water to keep your body cool and skin hydrated.

Diet : Prefer nimbu pani/lassi/coconut water to aerated drinks and coffee; eat light, nutritious, non-fatty and low-salt meals.

Face And Beauty

Those who think that women are most petrified of gaining weight, here’s some news! Her deepest fears are age related! Though ageing is inevitable, who says one cannot counter it.

We help you slow the ageing process with these simple tips:

Save your skin:
As you age, the first most obvious sign is the appearance of wrinkles. With age and improper beauty regime, our skin gets dry and rough which leads to wrinkles. One of the noticeable signs of ageing is the visibility of thin lines around our eyes, which are called crow’s feet.

To add to the misery, there can be sun damage in the form of discolouration. So follow the 3-step beauty routine of scrubbing, toning, moisturizing and later slathering on plenty of sunscreen. And if wrinkles are bothering you a bit too much, botox isn’t a bad option either. Olive oil also works wonders in banishing wrinkles.

Check your weight and exercise:
To beat age related weight gain, experts say one must aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day. The form could be anything – yoga, aerobics, swimming, pilates, etc. Leena Mogre, fitness expert, says, “As you cross 30, a good mix of exercise is important. If you feel that your gut is expanding and your chest is softening, it’s probably because you’re not lifting weights.”

The key to reaping the benefits of physical activity is sticking with it, so choose any exercise you enjoy. Do not forget facial exercises to firm your facial muscles.

Plan a plant based diet:
Your diet should have a good mix of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. “You should try to choose foods that represent a rainbow of colours, such as spinach, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, strawberries, blueberry and grapes. Your food plate should have 75 per cent plant based food and rest should be lower fat sources of protein such as eggs, fish or meat. This diet helps you fight evils of ageing such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease,” says dietician Aishwarya Rajan.

Stress on calcium:
Getting enough calcium as well as vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis which is the leading cause of bone fractures in women. Especially if you have crossed the age of 50, a daily dose of 1200 mg of calcium is necessary. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, calcium-fortified soymilk, orange juice, and fish with edible bones (like canned salmon or sardines). You can talk to your doctor to know if you need additional supplements.

Drink in moderation:
Recent reports show that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can protect against heart disease. Consuming alcoholic beverages can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. It also may increase the risk for some cancers. If you decide to drink, limit alcoholic beverages to not more than one drink a day.

Sleep enough:
Sleep is vital to the proper functioning of our body. While some of us may sleep for barely 5-6 hours at night, others maybe sound asleep for as much as 9-10 hours. But the average amount of sleep required is 7-8 hours. Instead of battling sleep in the daytime, take short power naps of 10-15 minutes as they too will make you feel rested.

Source:thetimesofindia.com

Simple Ways To Treat Dandruff

Eat right: You might be told to do that for all sorts of things, but really, it is the basic prerequisite for overall good health. Have lots of zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, E and B vitamins, and avoid yeast and sugar.

Oiling is the next basic step to healthy hair. Your grandmother was right – regular tel maalish does lead to healthy, dandruff-free hair. Leave the oil in for a while, don’t wash it off immediately.

Excessive use of hairstyling products like hairspray, mousse, gels contain ingredients that might make the scalp dry, causing flaking and itching.

Dandruff

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo, but make sure you know what the ‘active ingredient’ in it is.

Washing your hair with mildly acidic products like lemon juice, baking soda, tea leaves or apple cider vinegar might also help, but consult a beautician or your doctor before you use these home remedies.

Source:timesofindia.com

Psychological Benefits

2010 will be the year of innovations in beauty industry with ‘mood beauty’ becoming one of the key trends, according to research firm Mintel.
With the increasing popularity of cosmetic products, manufacturers are seeking creative new ways to keep up with the competition.

According to Mintel, products that come with psychological benefits by interacting with the body’s neurotransmitters are likely to give beauty a new meaning.

Cosmetics with active mood enhancers that induce positive moods or improve sleep quality would inject new life into night care products.

While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging,” the Independent quoted Nica Lewis, director of Mintel Beauty Innovation, as saying.

In 2010, we will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends, as well as new ones, as consumer confidence returns,” Lewis added.

Source:thetimesofindia.indiatimes.com

Make Up Tips For Bride

You are the millennium bride and the star of the evening. So you must have thought to jazz up your look and make the best appearance on the D-day, right?

When an extra-natural look gets a bit boring for the occasion, a caked-up face takes away the charm. What’s actually required to get that ‘getting married’ glow is a perfect blend of the two, we tell you how  …

Remember, less is more for the brides this season:
Shocking, but true. Majority of the brides want to appear as natural as possible for their D-day. Rather than layering up loads of foundations and creams they want to highlight the best of their features. Shalini Jha who is awaiting her wedding says, “I know the photos at my wedding can really wash me out so I’ll make sure my look is blended properly at the same time intensifies my eyes and lips. My goal is to enhance my beauty rather than appear a total stranger or an over-worked queen. I am going to use lots of neutral shades so that it doesn’t clash with my already dazzling ensemble.”

It’s time to experiment:
Brides-to-be are even using combination of colours to compliment their outfits. “Brides don’t mind their features being enhanced. They are going for green eyes and copper hued lips these days. And no heavy make-up for them now. They work more on their eyes and lips. We know it’s hard to kick the glitter habits especially for the brides but don’t go overboard on your big day. Go for a softer and natural base for their face. Apple of the cheeks should not shine garishly. For that you can go for matte effect with less shimmer and a milder base. If you have Priyanka Chopra’s skin tone go for the matte effect because dusky girls look better in it, says Meenakshi Dutt, a leading make-up artist.

“Matte is also good for photography angle as it is simple and without much of glitter. Pictures do come out well with matte make-up. Caky look is avoided by the brides these days as their dresses are anyways too catchy. Matte based powdered make-up is also a huge help in contouring a bride’s face,” says Meenakshi Dutt.

Make-up artist Shalini Vashisht says, “By and large what makes a bride is her natural glow. Skin should be able to breathe. Fair girls can use peach pink tones while wheatish should go for earthy tones. The way a bride looks in photographs is also important so a matte finish is advised. A powdered base foundation gives a subdued look to the bride. So keep the gloss just to the lips and the eyes.”

Fashionable and aware:
Another aspect where brides are trying to experiment is their wedding ensembles. They are ditching the usual reds and maroons to try out some trendy colours and styles. Ritu Kumar thinks that the new brides are getting choosy and classical as far as their wedding costume goes. “They are going for earthy vegetable colours for an evening wedding and pastels for the day. The trend seems a lessening of bling and more sophisticated and sober styles are coming up. This year the theme seems to be traditional Rajasthani with a twist to the blouses which are more sexy. As far as variation in colours go it’s getting burgundies instead of pink. Brides are very conscious of their look today.”

With weddings and the bride becoming more fanciful, girls are making an earnest effort to look simple yet enigmatic for their most awaited day.

Source:thetimesofindia.indiatimes.com

Face Masks For a Beautiful You

Our face is our fortune. If we don’t look after it, it won’t look after us that’s the simple truth. Our skin protects us against the harsh environment we all are living in.

Extreme weather, dust and pollution is, indeed, our legacy, but we don’t have to suffer them. Here are some face masks that look at them in the eye…

To maintain the charm of your skin, the very first thing is to understand that it is not all about external factors alone. Your diet plays an important role. Therefore take care to eat nutritious foods like fruits and green vegetables and don’t forget to add generous amounts of nuts to your diet.

Also don’t overlook water. It keeps our skin moisturized and looking soft. Apply a dollop of moisturizer 10-15 minutes before you leave home so that your skin has time to absorb it. Top it off with sunscreen which will help guard against harmful UV rays of the skin which will tan you considerably. Even on a cloudy day don’t forget to wear a sunscreen.

Spa Relaxing

Here are some natural ways to help your skin look good and feel great. Face masks are good solution to nourish, cleanse and heal your skin. They also tighten your skin pores and erase lines off your face.

For oily skin
An egg white mask is good for oily skin with open pores, this work as natural barrier to protect your skin against dust. Apply smooth beaten egg yolk over your face, leave it for 20 min and rinse with normal water. This mask will refresh and tighten your skin and make it healthier.

For dry skin
An oatmeal mask is good for dry skin type. Oatmeal, egg yolk and honey heal skin damaged by pollution. Mix raw oatmeal, egg yolk and honey in equal proportion. Apply the mask for 15 minutes then wash off with normal water. End result will make your skin feel soft and refreshed.

For normal skin
Banana mask suits normal skin. Mix half a mashed banana with fresh malai . Apply on your face for 30 minutes and wash with normal water. This pack is good option to nourish and moisturize you skin.

Source:thetimesofindia.indiatimes.com

Balance Skin Care Diet

A new study has poured cold water on the theory that drinking lots of water gives you a glowing complexion.In fact, according to researchers, a balanced diet and lots of sunscreen can prove helpful in keeping skin healthy.
In the Food For Skin report, experts at the British Nutrition Foundation have highlighted that the popular water advice is a common misconception, reports The Daily Express .

Report author Heather Yuregir said: “Just drinking water for the sake of drinking water really has no effect on improving the appearance of skin. It is just a common misconception.”

According to the health experts, vitamins A, B, C and E contained in a range of fruit and vegetables are crucial for keeping the skin cells healthy. Also people who are fans of the Sun should try to protect their faces from UV rays to avoid the onslaught of early ageing and wrinkles.

Yuregir said: “Fruit and veg can keep your skin functioning as it should and keep it looking healthy.

Balnace Deit For Healthy Skin

And suncream is really recommended to prevent the signs of ageing because the majority of the signs of ageing that appear on the skin are caused by sun damage.

The BNF report, however, doesn’t rule out water’s importance. The study said that H2O is essential for optimum general health because it accounts for up to 70 per cent of total body weight and performs many vital functions within the body.

Stratum corneum, a layer of skin, needs to consist of between 20 and 30 per cent water. Having a much lower water content than this results in reduced skin elasticity and surface roughness, the report added.

But researchers found no scientific proof to confirm that drinking lots of water actually helps plump up and hydrate the skin and improve its appearance.

“In light of the popular belief that water does indeed benefit skin health, there is an obvious need for more research in this area,” the report adds.

Source:thetimesofindia.indiatimes.com

beauty Products For Beautiful Faces

Get rid of the excess weight from your vanity case. TOI tells you how to make a single beauty product multi-purpose
Product: Lip pencil
Actual use: To outline your lips before filling in the lipstick.
Alternative use: Make-up experts say that one can actually use a lip pencil on eyes and cheeks, besides using it to fill the lips. A brownish-pink lip pencil suffices to fill and outline the lips. It’s long lasting and one can actually apply it on the eyelids and blend it further, to double up as an eyeshadow. You could also add a few dabs on the cheeks and blend it as a blusher.

Make Single Beauty Product Multi Purpos

Product: Kajal
Actual use: To outline the lower lids of the eyes in order to accentuate them and make them look bigger.
Alternative use: A good quality kohl pencil can also be used as an eye liner on the upper lids. Also, if you smudge it a little with your fingers, you get the hottest look of the season — smokey eyes!

Product: Coloured blusher
Actual use: Ideally meant for the cheeks, a blusher is a perfect tool to add some colour to your face.
Alternative use: A frosty blusher can also be used as an eyeshadow or as a highlighter. Go for a pink or peach blusher as it suits the Indian skin tone the most.

Product: Eye shadow
Actual use: To add some colour, essentially on the upper eyelids.
Alternative use: A frosted shimmer eyeshadow can be used even on the centre of the lips. Just brush some on the lips, in a colour that matches your lipstick, to get a perfect pout.

Source:thetimesofindia.indiatimes.com