DARK LIPS TIPS

After you brush your teeth every morning, try using your toothbrush to ‘exfoliate’ your lips too! It should brush off some dead cells and promote the growth of new ones. Also, do not forget that lip balm! Are your lips chapped and dehydrated? Fix what you already have by first using an old toothbrush and brushing your lips with Vaseline (do this every other day).
Then you need to use Vaseline or your favorite lip balm on your lips every night before you go to bed. Make sure to pile it on at night (do this every night). Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Remember to wear a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to protect them. After a few days you’ll notice a dramatic difference. Keep this up, and make it an everyday habit.
Try to apply concealer over your entire lip. Then use your favorite lipstick and you’ll look prettier and healthier. For best results, use a lip liner before applying lipstick. Some lipstick contain materials which actually make your lips darker after regular use (a high percentage of lead or something). So, use only mild varieties of lipstick, lipliner, pencils and glosses. Drink more water, it really helps to pump up the lips.
Every night before going to bed, apply vaseline petroleum jelly on the lips with your fingers (they come in a small bottle as well) if you sleep with the AC on every night. The next day, use a toothbrush to brush away the leftover vaseline and dead skin on the lips (very effective for cracked lips) after your normal brushing. You will see your lips getting redder and ‘more pumped up’.
This also helps if you have recurring problems of cracked lips or peeling skin that stays on your lips (and you tend to bite them away). Vaseline deals with uneven lips and helps in having a healthy smile. Your lipsticks may not be suitable for you. Care for your lips. It does have something to do with metabolism. Dark lips may be due to an unhealthy diet and unsuitable lipsticks.
You have to be careful when choosing a brand that is suitable for you. Stop it immediately when you notice changes with your natural lip colour. As for a healthy diet, try to eat more fruits and avoid caffeine and smoking. Another method that can help is to drink more red dates water. Put about 6 dates in a cup and pour hot water on it. Wait about 1/2 hr or 45 minutes before you drink it.
It is convenient, easy to prepare and good for your blood circulation. Try it a few times a week. Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to your lips before you go to sleep. Your lips in the morning will be redder and cleaner. Your lip colour might have to do with what you eat because it is vital to have a balanced diet. If you don’t have a balanced diet, then eat more healthy food.

DRYSKIN CARE

Dry skin care is important as damaged and dry skin needs to receive the proper treatment. Dry skin lotions can help, but there are lots of other things people can do to minimize dry skin and the damage that it does. Here are some effective tips for caring for dry skin.

What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?
Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin’s natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.
A number of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids, psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more common as people age.

Problems Faced by People with Dry Skin
People with dry skin may find their skin cracks and peels or becomes flaky. Dry skin may look parched and feel tight after washing. It can also become red, irritated and inflamed. Dry itchy skin is a common problem for people with dry skin. In extreme cases, there may be deep fissures that bleed.
Dry skin ages more quickly than other types of skin. Wrinkles and fine lines can often become a problem.

Techniques for Dealing with Dry Skin
There are a number of things you can do for effective dry skin care. Baths and showers should be taken in warm, instead of hot, water, and should be kept as short as possible. Soap should be used sparingly. Mild cleansers and pure soaps are better. When drying your skin, use patting motions and avoid rubbing the skin too much. Try massaging your skin to increase the flow of natural oils.
Because cold and heat exacerbate the problems of dry skin, people with dry skin should protect their face and skin when going out into the wind or sun, and they should always wear a sunscreen.
Exercise, a good diet and enough sleep will all help keep your skin healthy.

NATURAL TECHNIQUES
Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.
Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.
Calendula and comfrey soften the skin. They may be used in a facial sauna.
Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.
Milk baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.
Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin.
A good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.
Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face. Mashed banana also works well.

OILY SKIN

If you have oily skin then the good news is this skin type is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.

The downside can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance.

you can minimize oil by doing these

1. The experts suggest cleansing your face two or three times daily with good old soap and water. Pack a premoistened cleansing pad if you won't be around a water basin throughout the day.

2. Understand that dermatologists and aestheticians often disagree on which types of soaps or cleansers to use'but all agree that once you find a product that works well for your skin, you should continue using it.

3. Follow the recommendations of dermatologists and shower or bathe in tepid rather than steaming-hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.

4. Avoid using cleansers that tend to overdry skin. This paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.

5. Use only noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen products'this means they're oil-free and won't clog pores.

6. Add a clay or mud mask once a week to your skincare routine to temporarily absorb oil.

7. Choose makeup that’s specifically formulated for oily skin; shine-control water-based cosmetics are made to absorb and cover oiliness so your skin doesn't look as greasy.

8. Consider Pure.Makeup, which is formulated with 50% water instead of pore-clogging oils, which can cause breakouts.

9. For a fresh-yet-matte finish, an oil-control powder like Pure.

10. Powderor Shine Free Powder worn alone or over your foundation can absorb oils. Gently sweep the powder puff (or your Expert Tools Face Brush) over areas of your face that are prone to shine (especially your T-zone).

UN-EVEN COMPLEXION

Foundation can be the best fix for uneven-looking skin tone caused by blotchiness, freckles and spot scars.

First apply your makeup along your jaw line to ensure the shade is right for you. Then blend it into the rest of your face using your fingertips or a sponge for a flawless, even look.

Mousse or cream formulas glide on easily and provide the medium-to-full coverage that is perfect for correcting the look of an uneven complexion.

Use Dream Matte Mousse Foundation for smooth coverage that blends effortlessly. Apply a yellow-toned concealer or spot apply foundation only on needed areas.

If you have hyperpigmented skin (dark spots and patches), apply a full coverage concealer, such as Cover Stick Corrector Concealer, then blend on a foundation in a shade lighter than your skin but darker than the concealed spot.

Some Hispanic and African-American women have lighter skin toward the center of the face and darker skin around the edge of the face down to the neck. To even out skin tone, you’ll need two foundations: a lighter foundation that matches the lighter part of your face and a darker foundation that matches the darker part of your face. Mix the two foundations, then apply the mixture over your entire face until you get an even-toned complexion.

WRM UP A WASHED OUT COMPLEXION

If your complexion is looking dull or tired, it’s time to reenergize your skin!

1. Start warming up that light complexion by taking a look at your strands. Is your hair color lighter (or as light as) your face? If so, go for some warmer low-lights, especially on strands that frame your face.

2. Swipe a light bronzing dust across cheeks and the tip of the nose. Believe it or not, bronzer really can be used on light skin. Tap the brush off first, and apply a shade that is just a few tones darker than your own (think sun-kissed, not tanning bed-fried).

3. Apply a pink lip gloss. Pink is a believable color on the lips of a light skinned woman, and it doesn't overpower the face when used with bronzer. Stick with glosses rather than matte finishes to keep the focus on great skin.

4. Go for grey or brown eye liner. Black liner can be a bit too harsh when the goal is to warm a washed out complexion, but some definition is key to keeping the eyes bright. Select grey or brown instead.

5. Apply a single coat of lengthening black mascara to make eyes pop against a freshly warmed, light canvas.

LOOK YOUNGER WITH MAKEUP

We all know how versatile makeup can be - makeup can someone appear younger or even older. In order to look more youthful with makeup you need to know how to apply makeup properly and opt for a more natural look.

Tips to look younger with make up

Clean your face and moisturize using products especially designed for your skin type
exfoliate regulally and moisturize well before you apply makeup
use facials regularly to improve your skin and promote better blood circulation
use as little makeup as possible - don't overload your face with layers and layers of makeup because you will only get the opposite effect
use concealer to cover up blemishes and apply a foundation that matches your skin tone. apply loose powder to set the foundation, but sparingly and apply only to T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
use a soft shade eye pencil instead of a liquid eyeliner because it will create a softer look
use a white eyeliner pencil to the waterline to make the eyes appear bigger and brighter
apply eyeshadow in warm tones like peach, lavender, etc
use a little bit of shimmer on your cheekbones to make the skin look dewy do not use dark matte lipstick use a clear lip gloss instead .
always keep your hair in good condition because it will complete your youthful appearance

It is very important to take care of your skin in order to prevent and combat wrinkles and fine lines.

Use eye creams and moisturizers every day.

Eat healthy because your skin will look healthy too if it gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs.

Exercise and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Remember that smoking and unhealthy foods can have a negative effect over your skin, speeding up aging.

So get rid of all the bad habits in your life and embark in a new healthy lifestyle to maintain your youthful appearance.

Skin Care Tips for Teens

In order to avoid developing skin problems teenagers should start early when it comes to skin care. Here are some skin care tips for teens to prevent breakouts and the drama!

When it comes to skin care it's never too early to start. Teenagers should start taking care of their skin to avoid breakouts and skin problems. During the teenage years the skin is usually prone to acne and breakouts due to hormonal changes, so it is important to take good care of the skin in order to prevent other skin problems from developing or becoming worst.Usually teen skin is either normal or oily. Regardless of what type of skin you might have it is a good idea to take proper care of it.

Tips for normal skin

Normal skin isn't prone to breakouts but that doesn't mean that you don't have to care for your skin. A mild facial cleanser should be used for cleansing the face.
Use moisturizer in order to prevent over-drying and protect your skin with sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. You can use a face cream that already has SPF protection. Exfoliate your skin once a week to eliminate dead skin cells and prevent pores from clogging.

Tips for oily skin

Oily skin is prone to breakouts so it is very important to take care of it properly.Cleanse using a mild facial cleanser. For acne type skin use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide based cleansers. Do not use toners that are alcohol based because they will strip away the sebum making your sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum. Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove the dead skin cells and moisturize the skin using an oil free moisturizer cream. Use sunscreen protection when outdoors or purchase a facial cream which already contains SPF protection.

5 steps to perfect skin

Step 1: Cleanse
Cleanse your face with a gentle, creamy liquid cleanser. "Bar soap is not only drying, but it's not hygienic," The dirt that comes off your hands ends up on your face. Put your liquid cleanser on a ball of cotton and then apply it to your skin. (Your hands just aren't clean enough.) Make sure you rinse with normal water because hot water can aggravate the skin and inflame capillaries.

Step 2: Tone
In the old days, toner was analogous to harsh. But there are a multitude of toners on the market today that are gentle and formulated to balance the skin. Dermatologists recommend using a gentle toner over your face and neck after you have rinsed thoroughly. This removes the last traces of your cleanser and restores the pH balance of the skin so it won't over-secrete or under-secrete oil. For oily or combination skin, you can use a toner that is more astringent. For oily skin, look for ingredients like witch hazel. It's true they are drying, but oily complexions may need this drying effect.

Step 3: Exfoliate
The purpose of gently exfoliating the skin is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that causes breakouts. Also, you want to smooth the skin's surface so your treatment products can be absorbed more evenly. But don't use exfoliators that are too harsh. Look for very fine abrasives. Scrubs that contain ground-nut shells or apricot pits may irritate the skin because the edges are uneven and can cause microscopic tears. Never use loofahs and buff puffs on your face, Your face is not a floor and should not be scrubbed like one. Over-exfoliating will only result in removing healthy new skin.

Step 4 : Revitalize
Facial masks are used to revitalize and tighten the skin. For those with oily skin, clay- based masks are best. Hydrating gel masks or cream masks should be used by those with dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of the forehead, nose and chin and the center of cheeks. For a real at-home "spa experience," soak two cotton balls in rosewater and then apply to eyelids while the mask is drying. Dermatologists recommend doing a "patch test" on your leg before applying a new type of mask to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to it.

Step 5: Moisturize
Regularly moisturizing your skin is critical to maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Another very important reason to wear a daily moisturizer is for protection against the sun's damaging rays. Moisturizers should be used every morning and every night for maximum results. (Even oily complexions need some sort of moisturizer. Just make sure you find one that's non-comedogenic and formulated not to block pores.) Nighttime is the best time to apply repairing treatments such as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams. During the day, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15. v

MAKE UP FOR PLUS SIZE WOMAN

If you think fat and beautiful do not go well with each other, think again. To be beautiful, you need not be size zero. Sadly, this fact is even ignored by many plus size women who dread their curvaceous figure and plunge themselves in gloom and self-pity.

The truth is that plus-size women have all the right curves and a beautiful voluptuous body. It’s very easy for them to look sexy and gorgeous with a little fashion and the right makeup techniques.

In fact, with lots of smile and the perfect makeup, they can easily look stunning and lovely. In the following lines, we have given some of the best makeup tips for plus size women, which will enhance their beauty and help them look gorgeous.

Makeup Tips For A Plus Size Woman

No Garish Colors

Flashy makeup doesn’t look good on anyone and the plus size women are no exception to this rule. Anything that looks bad on a regular size woman will get exaggerated on a plus-size woman. So, they should steer clear of gaudy make up on all occasions.

Skin-tone Matching Foundation

It is advisable to choose a foundation as closely matching your skin tone as possible. Otherwise, it will draw the attention to the roundness of your face and will look like a mask. Don’t go for a paste-like foundation and always buy such a product from a reputed brand.

Go For Matte Finish

The light is reflected more on plus-size, rounded cheeks and thus, such women should go for a matte effect, rather than a dewy one. In light, a dewy face gives the impression of sweating or having oily skin and emphasizes the roundness. Therefore, you should go for matte finish, which will complement your features and also last long.

Blush Should Compliment Hair & Skin

The purpose of corrective makeup should be to hide the flaws and complement the positives. A darker blush doesn’t give the appearance of slimmer face, rather gives the roundness away. Therefore, you need to apply a blush that complements your tresses and skin and doesn’t look artificial. Applying it in a right way is also essential. Use it on the apple of your cheeks, with even strokes.

No Heavy Application Of Shadows & Liners

Although playing with the eyes is not a bad idea, heavy application of eye makeup is something to be refrained from. The idea is again to compliment the face and accentuate the beauty of the eyes. Apply a small line of eyeliner on the upper as well as lower lids but don’t apply it all the way across the eyes. The eye shadows should complement the dress. Neutral eye makeup is the best bet for plus size women.

Apply Dark Lipstick

A nice dark lipstick that matches the occasion and your skin tone will easily draw attention away from the roundness of the cheeks and other flaws. Don’t go for neutral shades, as they give a plain effect and draw attention to the fuller face. You can also go for a glossy color, with sparkle.

Clever Makeup Techniques

Cleverly applied makeup has the ability to hide your flaws and accentuate your plus points. Define your cheekbones with a little bronzer, starting from the temple. Move towards the cheek and then go down the jaw line, moving in an inward letter-three position. Apply the bronzer again, to hide your double chin carefully. If your nose is big, you can give it a slimmer appearance by applying a darker tone of foundation on each side of the nose.

Have Nicely Shaped Eyebrows

Instead of going for a rounded shape, go for straight, sharper edges to give a slimming illusion to the face. However, you should never opt for very skinny brows, as they make the face look too full.

Invest In Tanning

Tanning gives an appearance of slimness. So, before attending a party where you want to look slim, indulge in a fake tan spray. However, don’t go so overboard in tanning that you look as if you have come direct from the sun. Apply it in modest amount and equally to all the parts, not forgetting the underarms and back of the legs.

PARTY MAKE UP

How is Party Makeup different from Regular Makeup?

Party Makeup is very different from the makeup we apply on a regular basis. As most of the parties are scheduled on evening or night time, the party make up is obviously more glittery and shining than the regular make up. It is also comparatively darker and dazzling than the regular makeup. Apart from the clean, clear and attractive look, the party makeup aspires to provide a poised and jaw drop gorgeous look.

Before you choose a Party Makeup

It is very important for you to keep certain points in mind before you go for a party make up.
Go for a makeup that suits the mood of the party.
Choose the makeup complementing your skin tone.
Try to look gorgeous without experimenting much with your comfort level.
Go with a makeup that suits your persona.
If you are planning to do something new, go for a trial first to avoid any haphazard at the last moment.
Try doing something different from what is in extreme fashion to avoid being a commoner.
Feel confident of whatever you get done with yourself and carry it well.

Tips for Party Makeup
Go for proper cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing before anything else.
Apply ice all over your face.
Now thoroughly apply concealer in order to hide the scars and imperfections on your face.
You should then apply light base and foundation on your face and neck to make your skin smooth and even.

This also helps to avoid sweating which can spoil your makeup.
You should now apply a highlighted oil-free moisturizer mixed with shining products such as shimmer dust to provide extra shine to your face.

Remember to set loose powder by even brushing on the face and neck.
You can experiment with eye makeup according to party wear you are planning to wear.

However, Smokey eyes are always a good option for a sexy and sensual look in parties.
Choose your lipstick in accordance with your dress. However go for darker shades if it is a night party.
Golden, bronze and silver liners add to your freshness and glamour. So prefer using them.
In case the party is a little formal or a day time party, go for a little lighter make up and less shimmering dresses.

KIDS HAIR ACESSORIES

Kids are still fussier as compared to adults. Most of children can be stubborn also.
They have various dislikes and likes. They are always aware about what they wear and how they are dressed.
The different types of hair accessories make the kids special and kids also get complement from others.
It is not an issue that they are straight or curly and long or short hair.
Tiny hair barrettes are used for kids’ hairstyle. The tiny hair barrettes are available in different size, color and shape.Most of kids are used hair band as it is very popular hair accessory in all kids hair accessories.
The hair bands may be decorated with ribbons, bows or beautiful flowers. The large numbers of children use hair clips, which is same act as the hair barrettes. Hair clips are easy to use and they are very famous as they are cheap.
Different Kids Hair Accessories

HAIR TYPE TEST

Hair is the crown of the body. It does not matter how beautiful you are if you neglect your hair.
Good hair care should be started at home. With proper care and attention you can restore its vitality and glossy sheen.
Brush your hair before washing so as to remove the tangles and surface dirt.

Tissue paper test

You can test the type of hair using tissue paper by following steps:
Use your shampoo a day before.
Take a tissue paper and press it on the centre of head and behind the ears. If there is oil on the tissue paper, it means you have oily hair otherwise your hair is dry.

Experts think that:

Dry skin people have dry hair.
Normal skin people have normal hair.
People with oily skin have oily hair.
People who have oily and dry ends have combinational hair.

Characteristics of different hair

Oily hair:

They looks good for day or two after shampooing, then after that they become greasy.
It has the problem of dandruff.
Their head looks dirty because hair cling to each other forming groups which looks unattractive.

Dry hair:

They look very dull and are very difficult to control after shampooing.
They break off easily
They have splits at the ends.
The head feels dry and itchy.

Combination hair:

It is a combination of both dry and oily hair.
The hair looks good after shampooing except the ends.
The hair near the head is greasy and the ends are dry.
By the time hair needs shampooing again, ends look quite good.
Ends are difficult to set smoothly, split and lighter in color than the roots

MANICURE

It is the care of hands, nails and arms. The term “manicure” is derived from the Latin word ‘manus’ which means hands.

Manicure purpose:

Its main purpose is to keep hands, arms clean and in good condition.
It prevents long nail formation.
It discourages the wrinkles on the skin on the hand which is the first sin of ageing.
It prevents nail damage like fragile tips, splits.

Material required:

Cuticle scissor
Nail cutter
Hydrogen peroxide
Bleach
Sponge
Lukewarm water
Nail flier
Manicure shampoo
Scrub/ cold cream
Nail paint remover
Nail buffer

Steps for manicure:

Put some lukewarm water in small tub/bucket.
Add one pouch of manicure shampoo and hydrogen peroxide in that water.
Dissolve it gently
Remove old nail paint from your nails using nail paint remover.
Dip your hands in that water for about thirty minutes.
After half an hour, add small amount of cold cream on nails and then again dip your hands in water for about fifteen minutes.
Clean your nails with the help of cuticle scissor and flat instrument in manicure kit.
Then using emery board file your nails. The filing should be done from edges towards the centre of nails.
Make your nails glow with the help of buffer.
Make a bleach by adding bleach cream and activator and apply. Keep it till its dries.
Clean it with the help of sponge.
Massage gently with the help of manicure or any cold cream.
This will makes your arms more clearer

PEDICURE

It is the care of feet, legs and toe nails.

Pedicure purpose:

Its purpose is to make the skin soft and smooth.
To keep the toe nails clean, well shaped and shiny.
To keep the feet clean, fair and in good condition.
It improves blood circulation, nourishes the leg skin and foot muscles.

Required material:

Hydrogen peroxide
Nail cutter
Nail flier
Bleach
Pumice stone
Cuticle scissor
Nail paint remover
Scrub/cold cream.
Foot scrapper.
Nail buffer
Sponge
Lukewarm water
Small tub for foot bath
Pedicure shampoo

Steps to follow:

Take a small tub having lukewarm water in it.
Add one pouch of pedicure shampoo and hydrogen peroxide in that water.
Mix them gently.
Using nail paint remover, remove the old nail paint from toe.
Dip your feet in water for about thirty minutes.
After half an hour, add some cold cream on the toe nails and then again dip in the water for fifteen to twenty minutes.
With the help of cuticle scissor and flat instrument in the pedicure kit, clean your toe nails.
Then file your nails with an emery board. It is best to file from the edges towards the centre of your nails.
Make your nails glow with the help of buffer.
Clean you foot with pumice stone and foot scraper.
Make bleach by adding bleach cream and activator and apply it on your feet. Keep it till it dries.
Clean it with the help of sponge .
Massage with pedicure scrub or simply by cold cream.
This will make your feet clean and fair.

BEAUTY WITH FRUITS AND FLOWER

FRUITY& FLOWERY

No matter how much you prepare yourself, the scorchinga summer heat does get to you. Skin becomes dull, dry and loses its shine… nothing like a luxuriating facial to get the glow back on your skin. We bring to you some fruit and flower facials that are excellent for a refreshed and youthful look. Suitable for all skin types, these facials take care of skin dehydration. And you can do it any time of the day.

FLOWER FACIAL·

Soak cotton in ice-cold water to which a few drops of rose oil/rose paste (soak a few rose petals in one tsp hot water for 10 mins and make a paste) have been added.· Clean the face and neck with the wet cotton.·

Make a facial oil by adding two drops of rose oil to three tsp almond oil.· Massage with circular movements with your fingers across the forehead, cheeks, chin and stroke up the back and front of the neck for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with water.· Use a rose-based moisturiser.

Benefit:

The rose facial keeps the skin blemish-free, soft, smooth and glowing.

During summer, you could also use jasmine. Here is a recipe for an excellent jasmine toner:·

Take a couple of jasmine flowers and put them in a cup of warm water. Cover and let it steep for 15-20 minutes.· Use as a toner. Keep the rest in the refrigerator and use whenever required.

Benefit:

Improves elasticity and texture of delicate and sensitive skin. Adds glow, has a calming and soothing effect on skin and nerves, and is most suitable for lovers of flowers.

FRUIT FACIAL·

Cleanse the face with a face wash.· Massage with apricot oil/almond oil for 10 minutes.· Soak two dried apricots in a little hot water till soft and mash to a pulp.· Add a tsp of yoghurt and apply.· Leave it on the skin for 15 mins.· Then rinse off with warm water.· Apply a fruit-based moisturiser.

Benefit:

An apricot facial makes the skin firm and is an excellent anti-ageing facial.

FOR OILY SKIN·

Take a bit of papaya and mash it.· Add one tsp milk powder and lemon juice.· Mix and apply to your skin. Leave it on for 20 mins and rinse off.

Benefit:

It helps remove a tan and dead skin.

PARTY FACIAL

If you are going to a party, try this one

for an instant glow:·

Mix a little bit of watermelon pulp with one tsp milk powder.· Apply to the face and rinse off after 20 minutes.

Benefit: It brightens the skin, helps close the pores and gives a lovely glow.

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

It is important that you know your skin type. You cannot select the cosmetic for your skin till you know the skin type.

There are five types of skin
Normal skin
Dry skin
Greasy or oily skin
Combinational skin
Sensitive skin

How to test your skin?
When you wake up in the morning wipe your face with a dry tissue. If the skin will be oily, then your tissue will become greasy.

If your skin is a combinational skin, then there will be grease only in the centre part of the face.

For normal skin, there will be no grease. If your skin is dry skin, then there will be flaky patches. And for the sensitive skin, it is very delicate and prone to allergies.

Normal skin
This is the best type of skin because it retains its freshness, attraction and flushes for a long time. It is a perfectly balanced skin and it is very rare that this kind of skin gets the disease. This is very smooth and velvety kind of skin and does not look puffy and shiny. This type of skin is neither dry nor greasy. The skin has a rose color to it and the color grows under the translucent surface. This type of skin rarely has pimples or acnes as it has well balanced oil and moisture level. This kind of skin does not have much problem but it needs sensible care and treatment.

Caring of normal skin
For normal skin, toning, daily cleansing and nourishing should be done. For this use a mild or balanced soap. Soft water should be used to wash the face daily. The hard tap water should be softened by adding little borax powder to it. Rinse the skin with clean water but do not rub too hard near the eyes as the skin here is very delicate. Before going to the bed you should remove your make-up. Rose water can also be used for cleansing and dabbing.

Dry skin
This is very delicate kind of skin and dry with a tendency of getting scales on the cheeks. This type of skin is highly susceptible to extremities of weather conditions. Strong perfumed skin care products are harmful for this type of skin. More exposure to sun, room heaters and air conditioners should is also harmful for this kind of skin. Wrinkles appear much faster on it rather on any other type of skin. You should have constant protection for this kind of skin as this skin lacks suppleness and gets hard after washing.

Caring of dry skin
Good moisturizer should be used for this type of skin and gently massage the skin. Massaging, toning and moisturizing with small quantities of oil and moisturizers should be done as a routine for preservation of the skin. The moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layer of the skin giving it a soft feel. Cream is much better than a lotion as it has more oil than water. You should be use a good nourishing cream at night before sleeping. You should avoid frequent washing of face as it not only removes the germs but also the natural oil with it, which protects the skin and also its elasticity. The cucumber juice which is a good toner for dry skin helps in moisturizing the pores. You should have a diet rich in vitamin A, B, C and D is good for dry skin.

Greasy or oily skin
This type of skin is thick, shiny or coarse. Pimples or dark shadows are maximum susceptible to this kind of skin. Proper care should be taken for such type of skin and the face should be washed frequently.

Caring of oily skin
You should use a good cleansing milk or unboiled milk to wash your face at night before going to sleep. You should drink 4 litres of water a day to have the skin clear of pimples and grease. Avoid the use of make-up until or unless you have to go for a party. It is necessary to steam the face once in a week to keep the oily face dry.

Combinational skin
This type of skin is a mixture of oily and dry skin. The forehead and the nose is greasy down the bridge in this type of skin. Oiliness makes a T-zone on the face. The rest of the face is either dry or normal. Sometimes the difference on the face of this two types of skin gets large and should be treated accordingly means the central part should be treated like a oily skin and the dry area should be treated like dry skin. A strong astringent should be used for oily areas and mild ones for the dry skin.

Caring of combinational skin
For washing your face you should use a cleansing milk at night or use a mild soap for washing or you can also use a rose based cream. You should use a mixture of curd and lime juice on your face and neck. Remove the excess lotion from the oily areas of the skin.

Sensitive skin
A sensitive skin has a fine texture with a tendency be much rosier than you think. This type of skin is very soft and prone to allergies. Factors like sunlight, cosmetic like strong perfume causes allergy and dermatitis. Even some natural fruits and vegetables are harmful for sensitive skin.

Caring of sensitive skin
Use milk to cleanse and moisturize with a solution of rose water and glycerine if no lotion or cream suits the skin. The perfumes and strong scented creams and lotion must be avoided for sensitive skin. Use of primrose oil and moisturizer should be used for this kind of skin as it hydrates and protects the skin.