Category Archives: DIY

Fenugreek (Methi) for All your Skin Issues, Indian Skincare Blog

Fenugreek (Methi) for All your Skin Issues

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Fenugreek (Methi) for All your Skin Issues

By Nidhal

Mortified of those pesky pimples making a peek-a- boo every time you have to get ready and paint the town red or when you have an indispensable event and you just can’t miss it? Exhausted with trying every over-the –counter trick or product on those acne scars of yours that have sworn never to leave your skin? Dissatisfied with every spot/blemish removal cream in the market which promises you flawless skin within minutes but ends up burning a hole in your pocket in a minute instead of doing what it actually promised to?

To tackle all these woes, let us simply turn back to Nature. The wonder ingredient that we would be relying upon today to preen ourselves is none other than the 5 lettered word whose benefits would surpass your imagination- METHI.

1. METHI POWDER, CURD & ROSE WATER MASK

Apart from reducing cholesterol, preventing diabetes and increasing breast milk, fenugreek aka Methi seeds and leaves are widely used in Indian households. Curd works well to remove dryness, tan and dullness off your skin. Rose water works wonders as a toner. And do I need to say more on its heavenly aroma? Naah! You guys might already by picturing it being sprayed on your skin while you unwind during your weekend spa (or at-home spa session) by now, right?

PROCEDURE- In a clean and dry blender, grind 4-5 tbsp of methi seeds till a fine powder is obtained. In one heaped tbsp. of methi powder, add a tbsp. of curd and adequate rose water to liquefy the concoction slightly. Do not add rose water in excess because curd too has whey which being a liquid will make the process of application arduous if rose water is added with abandon.

Mix well, apply on your face and neck. Avoid eye area. Wash off after 15 minutes with ample cold water. This pack will give you instantly brightened skin.

2. METHI POWDER & NEEM DECOCTION MASK

Vitamin A housed in fenugreek (methi) and incorporated in cosmetic products can treat a variety of skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis and blackheads. Neem, by the virtue of having antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties helps you bid adieu to pimples and acne. Guess what a combo of the two can do to your skin?

PROCEDURE- In a heaped tbsp. of methi powder, add sufficient neem water and mix well to form a smooth paste. Preparing neem water is a piece of cake. How? Just boil 8-9 Neem leaves in half a litre of water on the stove. When the colour of the water changes to dark green, switch off the stove. Let the water cool. Strain the water and discard the leaves. You water is ready! Told you it was a cakewalk.

Apply the mask on your face and neck. Let it dry. Wash off with cold water. Repeat once daily. This mask is a Holy Grail mask for those with oily skin.

3. METHI POWDER, BESAN FLOUR, HALDI & MILK MASK

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C in methi can help you from UV rays and prevent aging wrinkles. Fenugreek is rich source of vitamin K. Assorted properties in vitamin K help to treat stretch marks, spider veins, fade scars and reduce dark circles. Besan works to sort sallow complexion and Haldi (I recommend Amba Haldi and Kasthoori Manjal for both of them are specifically meant for skin care and not for cooking). Milk is enriched with lactic acid hence, helps in lightening one’s scars, spots and marks.

PROCEDURE- In a heaped tbsp. of methi powder, besan and a pinch of haldi, add adequate amount of milk to forma consistent paste. Mix well. Apply on your skin. Let it dry and then wash off with cold water.

Editor’s Note: These are some really good DIY masks, would surely try some.

Do you use methi for your skin?

DIY Vegan Hair Mask for Soft & Healthy Hair

DIY, Hair Care, Hair Mask, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY Vegan Hair Mask for Soft & Healthy Hair

Guest Post by Louisa

We all know that eating foods which are rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to achieve healthy looking hair. But you can also give your strands a boost by applying natural fruits and oils on your hair. See how easy it is with my simple vegan hair mask.

As traditional shampoos contain harsh detergents and chemicals, I only use the best organic shampoos and conditioners to make sure I’m using gentle cleansing agents made with natural ingredients. This way I’m not undoing any of the goodness delivered by my hair mask treatment.

Avocado

Using avocado in a hair mask is a great way of infusing your hair and scalp with moisture. It has so many beneficial properties they are difficult to count, and include potassium, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

If you’ve noticed any new hair takes a long time to grow, it could be due to a nutritional deficiency. Avocado is the perfect way to nourish hair cells, strengthen roots and encourage new hair growth.

Banana

Adding banana to a hair mask is a great way to rejuvenate your hair. They are as good for your hair as they are for you to eat, and can help soften hair and protect its natural elasticity.

Bananas deliver Vitamin A, B, C, E, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. These nutrients can help repair and condition hair, making it softer and more manageable, as well as helping to protect from damage caused by heat styling or harsh weather.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk has excellent moisturising properties, and acts as a natural detangler. It contains healthy fats which can be beneficial for stimulating hair growth, as well as repairing hair that feels dull or damaged.

Massaging coconut milk into your scalp can help improve blood circulation and promote healthier roots. It also has natural antifungal properties which can fight Malassezia, one of the main causes of dandruff.  

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best multitasking hair care products around. It can help strengthen hair, condition your scalp and even stimulate new hair growth. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and lauric acid, and effectively penetrates the hair shaft to deliver these nutrients.

Applying coconut oil before exposing your hair to heat or chemical treatments can help protect it from drying out, and also acts as a natural sunscreen. It’s the perfect ingredient to use in a moisturising hair mask, and will make it easier to brush out any tangles and control frizz.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains oleic acid, palmitic acid and squalene, which are natural emollients with softening qualities. Many products contain synthetic versions of emollients, but they aren’t as effective in penetrating the hair shaft to help retain natural moisture.

Undernourished hair can be hard to style, and often breaks when you’re trying to work through tangles. Olive oil can smooth cuticles and split ends, which helps to reduce frizz and makes hair more manageable.

Ingredients

– 1/2 Avocado

– 1/2 Banana

– 50 ml Coconut Milk

– 2 tbsp Coconut Oil

– 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Method

Blend all the ingredients together until you have a very smooth mixture. This will make it easier to spread throughout your hair, and won’t leave any annoying clumps behind when you wash it out later.

Apply the mixture all over your hair and scalp, making sure your skin is saturated so it can benefit from all the essential nutrients. As the ends of your hair are driest, you can start at the tips and work your way up.

Leave the hair mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. You can put a towel over your shoulders to avoid getting messy, and then use a shower cap to avoid any dripping.

Wash your hair with a natural shampoo, making sure you thoroughly rinse out the mixture. It’s best to use lukewarm water to protect your skin’s natural oils, and seal in its moisture.

You can use your usual conditioner as well, and your strands should feel soft and easy to detangle. By infusing it with protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, you should have noticeably healthier looking hair.

About The Author: Louisa Rose is from Cologne, Germany. She runs Body Health Love, where she blogs about health and beauty advice for young women.

Best Saffron DIY Face Packs to Get Fair & Glowing Skin

DIY, Home Remedies, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Saffron DIY Face Packs to Get Fair & Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

The bright red-coloured, minuscule strands of saffron (called Kesar in Hindi) are exactly what you need to incorporate in your skin care regimen. Saffron is one spice that is capable of burning a hole in your pocket. It is used for adding flavour to dishes. It is a rich source of health benefit nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, foliate and minerals like zinc, potassium and sodium that rejuvenate skin cells and promote the regeneration of new cells. It helps in the removal dark spots and blemishes.

So, let us concoct some skin treats from the comforts of your kitchen using saffron (kesar).

1. SAFFRON, RAW MILK & BESAN MASK

Saffron is an excellent skin toning agent. It helps in eliminating blackheads and unclogs clogged skin pores. Saffron also scavenges free radicals and promotes better circulation of blood, thereby ensuring that skin looks toned and firm.

Raw milk, rich in B-vitamins, alpha hydroxy acids, calcium and other potent antioxidants, has innumerable skin benefits! It works to nourish skin cells from deep within and keep skin moisturized for long. Besan is used to cleanse and exfoliate skin.

PROCEDURE- Soak 3-4 saffron strands in raw milk for two hours. After that, the colour of the concoction will turn yellow wholly provided the saffron you have used is authentic. Add a tbsp. or two of besan flour and mix well. Apply on your face as well as neck. Let it dry for around 30 minutes and then, wash off. Feel rejuvenated, don’t you?

2. SAFFRON & CURD MASK

Packed with various vitamins such as A, C, and the B vitamins, saffron-the wonder ingredient is known to possess skin brightening properties. Acne and pimples can leave behind scars that take a long time to fade. Using curd and teaming it up with saffron will speed up the process of healing. Sounds exciting?

PROCEDURE- It is as simple as it gets. Just soak 3-4 strands of saffron in a heaped tbsp. of curd/yoghurt for two hours. Post two hours, the concoction will turn yellow completely given that the saffron you have purchased is authentic. Smear it generously on your face as well as neck. Let it dry. It will take around half an hour to dry. After this, wash off your face with adequate cold water.

3. SAFFRON, MILK & SANDALWOOD POWDER MASK

The inherent anti-inflammatory nature of saffron arising from the high presence of antioxidants enables saffron to be used as a potent tool against various skin conditions such as pimples, acne, and Rosacea. To top it all, if we have milk (raw one please) which boosts collagen production, slows down fine lines and wrinkles, protects skin from free radicals that cause premature aging, helps fade dark spots and marks, reduces acne and promotes skin elasticity, you know it’s going to be “Good times” for your largest organ aka your skin. Finally, sandalwood powder owing to its fragrant and soothing aroma will act as the binding agent in this recipe. It also absorbs excess oil off one’s face and neck. Time to cheer oil-skinned ladies, isn’t it?

PROCEDURE-Soak 3-4 saffron strands in raw milk for about two hours. Add a heaped tbsp. of pure sandalwood powder (known as Chandan powder in Hindi) and mix well. Once a smooth and consistent paste id formed, generously daub a fine layer of it on your skin. It will take around 30 minutes to dry solely. Wash off with cold water and admire the newfound glow.

4. SAFFRON, ROSE WATER & COCONUT MILK MASK

The moisture absorbing and enhancing nature of saffron makes it an ideal home remedy for dry, chapped and rough skin. On the other hand, we have rose water (known as Gulab Jal in Hindi) which helps to maintain skin’s pH balance, fight acne, dermatitis and eczema.

Rose water also hydrates, revitalizes and moisturizes skin. It helps to tone one’s skin. It also helps to revitalize aging skin and keeps fine lines at bay. So many virtues rolled into one! Didn’t that get you ecstatic? Add to this, coconut milk needs no elaboration when it comes to moisturisation.

PROCEDURE- In a tbsp. of pure rose water, add 3-4 saffron strands. Let them soak into it for 2 hours. Finally, add a tbsp. of coconut milk. The final/resulting concoction will be predominantly liquid. That goes without saying that application would be messy but do not fret. You’ll be blown away by the results if not immediately then, definitely over a couple of uses periodically.

10 Ways To Get Soft, Pink Lips Naturally | Lighten Dark Lips

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10 Ways To Get Soft, Pink Lips Naturally | Lighten Dark Lips

Guest Post by Disha

Who doesn’t want soft, supple, pink lips? We all do! But instead most of us have to suffer with their dryness and pigmentation. This happens because we fail to take care of them. When your lips are dark and dry, they get itchy and you cannot even apply lipstick properly! No one is a fan of that I am sure. To get naturally pink lips one needs to take care of their lips and there are a lot of ways to that. And believe me they are all very easy and can blend into your skin care regime effortlessly. Apart from being doable they are so effective that you wouldn’t even need to use your MAC lipstick in the shade Please Me to give you the appearance of naturally soft and pink lips. So, here are 10 ways in which you can do so.

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the key ladies! It helps get rid of dead skin and dirt. All you need is a toothbrush. Yes a toothbrush has more uses than just brushing your teeth. Just be careful that the one you choose has soft brittles so that it doesn’t hurt your lips. So wet your toothbrush a little and then gently rub it on your lips in circular motions.

2. Choose Lip Balm With SPF

As we all know the UV rays from the sun do harm our skin and for that we apply a sunscreen lotion but do we do something for our lips? No we don’t. Hence, always choose a lip balm that has a decent amount of SPF in it. This way your lips will be hydrated and at the same time protected.

3. Drink Water

I feel drinking water can solve most of your health problems. You need to keep your body hydrated. So drinking 6-8 glasses of water everyday is beneficial for your whole body. But when it comes to your lips, keeping yourself hydrated will moisturize them and make them supple.

4. Milk and Pomegranate

You know how pomegranates have a lot of pigment in them. So why not use them for your lips? This following method with lighten dark lips and give them a natural pink tone. Crush pomegranate seeds and add some cold milk in such a way that when mixed together, a paste like consistency is achieved. Then apply it to your lips. Let it stay and after around 10-15 minutes wash it off.

5. Removing Makeup

Yes we have all heard that never sleep with makeup on but how many of us really follow it? Before going to bed make sure that you have completely taken off the lip liner and lipstick and applied a lip balm. This will hydrate your lips throughout the night. Whereas keeping on lipstick all night long can darken your lips.

6. Lemon and Sugar

This one acts as a scrub as well lip-lightening agent. Take a lemon slice and put sugar on it. Then gently rub this on your lips. Lemon is a good bleaching agent hence it will lighten your lips whereas sugar will exfoliate it. So this combination is enough to make your lips pink.

7. Cucumber Slice

We all know cucumber is very cooling and has a soothing effect. So rub a cucumber slice on your lips which will instantly refresh them and make them pink on doing this frequently.

8. Aloe Vera Gel

This can act as a great lip balm. Take some aloe vera gel and store it in the refrigerator. It helps in soothing your lips, generating new cells and protects from harmful rays of the sun. You can just directly use it as a lip balm everyday.

9. Glycerin and Lemon Juice

Take 2-3 drops of lemon juice and glycerin and mix them together. Use this mixture as an overnight lip mask. While glycerin will hydrate your lips, lemon will lighten it.

10. Coriander Leaves

Take a few coriander leaves and crush them. You can also put in little water/milk if you like. Then apply it on your lips and let it stay for a while. After about 20-30 minutes, wash it off. Coriander leaves help in lightening your lips.

I told you all of them were easy ways! Weren’t they? They are very doable. Choose any method or methods and stick to them. Make sure whichever ones you choose, you follow them regularly for best results. Voila! You got yourself soft and pink lips.

Author Bio: Disha is a passionate health, fashion & beauty enthusiast. She is the founder and editor- in-chief of DivasWorld. Her blog, DivasWorld covers beauty, makeup, fashion and lots more!

Onion Juice For Hair – 5 Benefits & Ways to Use

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Onion Juice For Hair – 5 Benefits & Ways to Use

By Nidhal

The list of hair woes is endless. However, there is one wonder ingredient in your pantry that can rescue your mane from all the trouble. It’s none other than the good Ol’ onion. Don’t believe? Have a look at its benefits for your mane. Jot down these benefits of onion for hair so that the next time you suffer from any hair woe that can be combated by use of onion juice, you have something to refer to which will bring you back to me, hopefully thanking me.

1. ARRESTS HAIR FALL- Tried every possible product and home remedy to somehow arrest your crowning glory’s strands fall like wilted leaves off your head? Dissatisfied still? Give a shot to onion juice. Onion is a rich source of sulphur, which is extremely beneficial for healthy hair growth. It prevents hair breakage and accelerates regrowth of hair.

PROCEDURE- Gently massaging the fresh juice of an onion or two onto the scalp helps increase blood circulation, thereby strengthening the hair follicles. Be patient and persistent as I always say. I understand that saying this is a cakewalk and being in the shoes of the person suffering is a Herculean task but stressing will aggravate the situation all the more. Follow the regimen for at least two months twitch a week.

2. BID ADIEU TO PREMATURE GREYING OF HAIR- Does your face pucker on seeing those hideous white strands making a peak-a- boo out of nowhere from your scalp as you stroke your mane with your fingers or spruce it up? Head to the pantry and raid it for an onion. Premature greying of hair is caused as a natural antioxidant- catalase reduces. Onion helps control this problem by increasing catalase. Simply chop an onion (Devdas alert!)

PROCEDURE- Strain it well to remove all the chunks and using a cotton ball dipped wholly into the juice of the onion, slather it generously all over your scalp focussing a little more on the area where you have white hair strands. Wash off your hair after half an hour and shampoo as usual. Since onion juice is entirely liquid, it will be a messy affair. Repeat twice a week for two months and anticipate positive results with bated breath.

3. BID FAREWELL TO SCALP INFECTIONS AND PARASITES- Remember class 8 th science which introduced you to the world of parasites and hosts? Let me save you the hassle of recalling it. Parasites are creatures that ‘live off’ hosts. They derive everything from shelter to nutrition from the host without giving anything positive in return. In other words, the parasite gets to be a free-loader! And we do not entertain such creatures especially if they are on our scalp. To do away with such parasites inhabiting our scalp, this time we will rely upon ‘onions’.

PROCEDURE- Simply grind and sieve them to extract their juice. Mix it with amla powder (which has a rich content of Vitamin C). Apply using a cotton swab and then, wash your hair with plenty water. Onions have anti-bacterial properties which is useful in getting rid of scalp infections and parasites while amla will strengthen the locks.

4. IMPARTS SHINE TO YOUR TRESSES- I tried it once and was thrilled to see how lustrous my locks looked after washing off the juice. The first use itself threw results, however, this point is subjective but there is no denying that onion juice imparts a winsome glow to your mane. Onion belongs to the Allium family and is enriched with sulphur-containing compounds that are responsible for its pungent taste and odour.

PROCEDURE- Simply mix adequate onion juice with reetha powder and curd. Keep it on your hair for about half an hour and then wash off using a mild shampoo and conditioner. Repeat twice a week to acclimatize your hair and scalp to these ingredients. If you wish to add/subtract any ingredient that you think suits your hair, you are welcome to do so.

5. STRENGTHENS YOU MANE- Onion juice is very rich in Sulphur content. Application of the juice to the scalp stimulates and improves blood circulation. Hair grows from the follicles in the scalp. The next time you feel your hair is losing its strength, head no further than your very own pantry.

PROCEDURE- To use, simply chop and strain the juice of an onion. Mix with shikakai powder. Apply on your scalp and rinse thoroughly after half an hour. Shampoo and condition as usual. Repeat twice a week for at least two months.

Editor’s Note: These are some interesting DIY’s Nidhal, I will surely try

Have you tried using onion juice for your hair?

DIY: Get Instant Soft & Glowing Skin for Weddings/Parties, etc | Remove Sun Tan

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DIY: Get Instant Soft & Glowing Skin for Weddings/Parties, etc | Remove Sun Tan

Hi guys,

Today I am sharing this quick DIY that I often do before special occasions for that soft and glowing skin!

All you need is a ripe banana, lemon juice and honey.

Take half a ripe banana and mash it really well with a fork, add 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. lemon juice and mix it really well.

Apply a thick layer of it all over your face and keep it on for 10 minutes. Wash off with normal water and pat dry.

You will see instant glowing skin!

Let me tell how and why it works..

Bananas are high in vitamin A, B, E and are a good source of potassium, zinc, iron and manganese. They are good for dry and oily skin alike. They are ultra moistuzing and instantly soften the most dehydrated skin. They are also rich in B vitamins and zinc which help to fight free radicals and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C in bananas may also help improve the appearance of dark spots and acne.

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and citric acid and is full of antioxidants. It helps fade acne scars & blemishes and gives an even skin tone and brighter looking skin. It controls oil and shine to an extent and being anti bacterial also works on acne and blackheads. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator on dead skin cells.

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin and ensures it’s retained it in the layers for penetrating, long-lasting hydration. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, hence helos in calming redness and acne, and also helps to decrease the appearances of scars and increase healing and tissue regeneration

That’s it! Super quick and easy. I hope you like this DIY and try it. Do let me know how it works in the comments below 🙂

Best Aloe Vera Face Packs to get Clear, Glowing Skin

DIY, Face Mask, Home Remedies, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Aloe Vera Face Packs to get Clear, Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

It’s juicy. It’s succulent. It’s tender. It is a magic potion for your skin and hair. If consumed on a regular basis, it endows your body with a whole range of vital nutrients. It comes packed in tubs, tubes and bottles but that’s as good as a paper airplane in the name of defence equipment! It’s not real. Raw/real Aloe vera displays the tendency to turn stale within half an hour of being extracted.

Naturally the one in tubs, tubes or bottles would either be conspicuously fake or pumped with an overwhelmingly large number of chemicals. In the name of revitalising our skin, why then go for something that is just gel and nowhere as nourishing as our real Aloe Vera is?

Today, I will enlist a few tried-and- tested face masks with real Aloe Vera that you can easily whip at home to nurture your skin from within

1. ALOE VERA & HONEY MASK

The secret of Aloe Vera lies in its long, tender, succulent leaves – it is this gel that makes aloe vera a magical plant. It contains a host of beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, lectins and mannans etc. The main constituent of Aloe Vera is water but it also packs inside a bulk of minerals, vitamins and many active compounds which will leave your skin nourished and refreshed.

Honey, on the other hand, being a humectant (moisture binding agent) traps in moisture and doesn’t let your skin feel dry or stretchy.

PROCEDURE- Simply extract the gel of a whole Aloe vera plant and add half the quantity of raw (preferably Manuka) honey to whatsoever quantity of Aloe Vera gel you’ve extracted. Mix, apply and wash after 15 minutes. Since the mask contains honey, it won’t dry up solely so, there’s no point in sitting with it for hours. At most, half an hour is suggested after which Aloe vera would tend to be infested by bacteria.

2. ALOE VERA & CURD MASK

Known to be a peerless retainer of one’s skin’s firmness, Aloe vera in combination with curd that has lactic acid and hence, efficacious in lightening scars, spots, freckles, marks, blemishes, etc. is a wonderful mask to kick away spots and dullness. It also raises radiance.

PROCEDURE- As usual, extract the gel of an Aloe Vera plant (a single leaf would be sufficient) painstakingly and add two tbsp. of curd to it. Mix both well, massage on your skin gently and let it stay for 15-20 minutes or till it gets dry completely. Wash off with ample cold water to reveal brighter and energised face.

3. ALOE VERA, BESAN & HALDI POWDER MASK

The humble Aloe Vera gel has anti-microbial properties which spells cheer. Why? Because that makes it ideal to treat acne and pimples. Did I just see acne-prone ladies cavort excitedly on reading this? Besan helps to sort sallow complexion thereby evening out skin tone. Haldi makes for an excellent instant skin brightening ingredient that you just cannot skip in this recipe. I would suggest using either Kasthoori Haldi or Amba Haldi because these two variants are exclusively crafted for skin care and won’t turn your skin yellow if applied a little in excess (of course, don’t add an entire pack of Haldi just to ascertain the level at which your skin would turn yellow)

PROCEDURE- Simply extract Aloe vera’s gel off a leaf. Add a tsp of Kasthoori haldi or Amba haldi as well as besan. Mix well, apply and wash off within 15-20 minutes. Do not keep any Aloe vera face mask for more than half an hour. It gets infested by bacteria. You may not feel it but its nutritive value surely diminishes.

4. ALOE VERA, MILK & RICE FLOUR MASK

This mask comes to rescue to those who are battling sunburns. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and when teamed up with milk (that is high in lactic acid which lightens blemishes and deep cleanses skin) and rice flour (which helps to even out complexion), there’s surely no way your sunburn would stay for long.

PROCEDURE- Simply mix adequate amount of raw Aloe vera gel in a tablespoon of rice and  little milk (enough to liquefy) the resulting mixture and smear it liberally on your skin. Once dry, splash cold water and scrub it gently to remove it. Voila! Someone’s glowing.

Editor’s Note: Loved this! I love curd & honey, definitely trying first two <3

Do you use aloe vera in your DIY face packs? How do you use it?

Grab these spices from your kitchen to whip skin recipes

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Grab these spices from your kitchen to whip skin recipes

By Nidhal

“What goes on your skin, goes in your skin” is the mantra that we Indians swear by when it comes to skin care. Naturally, we believe in ‘feeding’ in our skin. And since nutrition is best derived in its unprocessed, raw and virgin state from nature with minimal processing, it is small wonder that we Indians nourish our skin to the bounties of nuts, fruits, herbs and everything natural!

On that note, let’s give all Non-Indians a sneak-peak into the spices that Indians incorporate into their skin care regimen. Sounds a good idea or should we better keep our treasure trove well-guarded? Let us be benevolent for a moment and spill the beans today.

1. TURMERIC- I am pretty sure there’d be hardly any Indian mother who wouldn’t have prepared/recommended/forcefully slapped a mask predominantly yellow in colour on their kid’s face while the poor child would’ve either succumbed to her persuasion or hid himself/herself to avoid being daubed that weird-looking and (apparently) unpleasant-smelling mask. Ask any Indian mother on the virtues of turmeric and brace yourself for information will flow at a pace that even Google would hide in shame!

Let me summarize why turmeric is our go-to spice. Turmeric helps one bid adieu to skin hazards such as acne, wrinkles, fine-lines and imparts a bright skin tone. Face packs made up of turmeric not only help to clear acne scars and inflammation, but also diminish excessive oil secretion by the sebaceous glands. It should then not come as a surprise that, Hindu weddings have a ceremony devoted to haldi application in order to impart a winsome glow to the bride as well as groom’s face.

A word of caution from my side. Please use either Amba Haldi or kasthoori manjal/haldi only for skin care. They are exclusively meant for skin care. The one in your masala daani is meant for pakoras not packs. Kasthoori haldi/manjal (whatever you prefer to call it) can be easily purchased online. I would recommend Dhathri’s Kasthoori manjal that is, priced at 25 INR for 50 grams.

2. CLOVES- In order to incorporate cloves in one’s beauty regimen, one has to invest in clove oil for that is how its bounties are harnessed. Clove is highly potent for obviating acne and removal of scars left by the same. It is to be applied topically to the affected areas. It is often blended with face packs or massage creams for application on the skin. It gives a tingling sensation when applied. The reason behind this tingling sensation is the potent nature of clove oil.

Skin woes, such as blackheads, whiteheads, scarring, pimples and scaly skin are signs that characterize the skin ailment known as acne. Acne commonly happens during adolescence due to hormonal imbalance. So, if you’re pestered by acne, ditch those over-the- counter medicines and invest in an organic brand of clove oil or you can crush some cloves, add a heaped tbsp. of besan and rose water and voila! Bid adieu to this pesky skin woe!

3. CINNAMON- Next comes the saviour of acne-prone skin. It is tingling but boy, it is effective to the hilt. Cinnamon (Dalchini in Hindi) delivers fantastically when it comes to speeding blood circulation which makes your skin breathe thereby removing acne. This is done by drying the skin and bringing blood and oxygen to the outer skin surface. Thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, cinnamon helps enhance one’s complexion.

However, please always use only a pinch (one-eighth a tbsp.) of cinnamon as a little over that can sting your skin excruciatingly. Personal experience corroborates this. So, do not go overboard 🙂 Just add a pinch of it to all your face masks and you will be good to go.

4. GINGER- Being a potent antiseptic and cleansing agent, ginger helps in keeping the skin clean, smooth and free of blemishes. Besides that, it also invigorates and stimulates one’s skin. It is the best natural acne-fighting weapon as it minimizes the rate of acne formation and eruption by killing and clearing the acne-causing bacteria. Acne-prone ladies, did I see your eyes dilate on discovering the perfect weapon to kick away those acne scars?

The next time you go grocery shopping, you have your reasons to add ginger to your shopping cart, right? Do not just brew it in your tea, let your skin savour its virtues externally too 🙂

5. SAFFRON- Now, comes the spice from the Northern corner of our country which we fondly call ‘Heaven on Earth’- Kashmir. Although this spice is going to be a bit straining for your pockets, yet its beauty benefits will compel you to turn a blind eye to its price at least once. Okay, enough of this ‘Guess my name’ game.

The spice I am talking about is kesar and this is an elixir for our skin. Is there seriously anything that this wonder spice doesn’t do? From imparting an enviable glow to one’s complexion to treating acne, blemishes and blackheads thanks to its anti-fungal content, from softening skin to making it supple, this spice is a must-have (at least 1 gm) in our beauty stashes.

Feel free to add 2-3 strands of it in whichever pack you whip. Let it stay undisturbed for half an hour and once the colour changes to yellow, it is a prefigure to not only slather it on your skin but also that you have bought authentic saffron.

Image Source: 1,2,3

Editor’s Note: Loved this post Nidhal. Have used Cinnamon, turmeric and honey a lot!

Do you use these spices for DIY skincare recipes?

DIY At Home Facial with R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit

DIY, Facials, How To, R.K's Aroma, Reviews, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY At Home Facial with R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit

Hi guys,

So I did a facial yesterday at home and recorded it for my YouTube channel, I used this R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit and hence I thought of reviewing it here too and showing you guys the video..

What is Moringa? The super plant Moringa is native to Africa and Asia, and is widespread among the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas. It belongs to the Moringaceae family, and derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. Its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers and bark are all abundant in restoratory and healing properties, making it a powerhouse of nutrients and anti-oxidants; a bounteous natural agent, generous with its benefits, truly worthy of the moniker ‘miracle tree’.

Benefits of Moringa: Moringa is rich in vitamins C and E, and contains over 30 different natural anti-oxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and natural anti-inflammatory agents that gently soothe the skin. Perfect for everyday use, Moringa prevents the onset of blackheads, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and protects from sun burn and minor skin infections. It softly cleanses the skin without robbing it of its natural radiance, while its anti-ageing properties rejuvenate and bring it to life.

Directions:

1. Clean the face with Moringa Cleansing Lotion to cleanse and minimize the pores.

2. Apply Exfoliating Scrub and gently massage for 5-7 minutes for skin exfoliation. Clean the face with wet cotton. Steam your face for 2-5 minutes.

3. Now take Moringa Cream approximately 3-4gms and add 2-3 drops of Moringa oil and massage for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off the excessive cream with cotton or tissue.

4. Apply Moringa Gel and massage for 5-8 minutes and wipe off the excess.

5. Apply Moringa Mask by mixing it with required amount of water, keep it for 5-10 minutes until it dries off and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

6. Complete your facial by applying Moringa moisturizing lotion.

MRP: Rs. 210/- (Buy HERE)

More R.K’s Aroma Products on Amazon HERE

First off this range smells absolutely amazing, Moringa skincare range is available in many brands and you have must have seen/heard of it before. Even The Body Shop has a Moringa Range.

This pack contains 7 sachets of Cleanser, Scrub, Massage Cream, Oil, Gel, Mask and Moisturizing Lotion. Though it’s a one time use kit, the quantity is enough for two people to use together but you have to use it at the same time since once opened, it is difficult to store sachets.

You can do it with your BFF or your mom or sibling, you can do the facial on each other. Make sure you have no rings, watches, etc., and your hands are bare.

The cleanser is milky white and takes off your basic makeup and cleanses your pores. The scrub is super creamy and glides on the skin really well, the exfoliating beads are not that gritty and feel very comfortable. This scrub would work even for sensitive skin.

I took a steam for about 3-4 minutes and then went ahead with the massage.

You have to mix the massage cream and moringa oil together and then massage it all over your face for about 10-15 minutes. Now this is the main part in any facial. Concentrating on pressure points and going with outward strokes to drain lymphatic fluids from your face and skin. If you are someone who has a bloated face, under eye bags, etc., you have a lot of lymphatic fluids which are not drained properly and a good massage definitely helps in draining those out. Plus boosts your circulation and gives your skin a nice flush and glow.

This is followed by the moringa gel which is again massaged for about 5 minutes. It’s a semi-transparent gel and again glides on the skin really well for a good massage.

Then comes the face mask. It’s in powder form, so needs to be mixed with water and applied evenly all over the face. I kept it for about 10-15 minutes and washed it off.

At last, the moisturizing lotion to complete the facial.

I absolutely loved the results! My skin was so soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. The redness I had before the facial, was all gone in 2-3 hours and it was soothed. Facial results are best seen the next day and my skin is glowing today! If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen my #NoFilter #NoMakeup bare face selfies and how I am loving my skin!

It also did help in getting rid of a little tan. Overall skin is more brighter and glowing. I definitely suggest checking R.K’s Aroma products and especially this new launch, the Moringa Facial Kit. Many of their products are available on Amazon and I have linked them above.

Pic the next morning..

Usually the skin is a little red on the same day of the facial, but the actual results are seen the next day. I am so loving my skin right now!

Few pointers before any facial:

  • If you have undergone bleach or any face treatment, do not try this for at least 4-5 days
  • Use a sunscreen if you are stepping out after this facial, as your skin might be a little photo sensitive
  • Do not use a face wash for one day, you can wash your face with normal water. You can use a face wash the next day
  • Since all essential oils do not suit everyone, it’s better if you do a patch test on your chin or jaw line first.

All R.K’s Aroma products are pH tested and suitable for sensitive skin. I am a big fan of aromatherapy oils and products and having talked to the owner, I am so curious to try more of their products. They have about 30000 products and the owner Mr. Prakash Shivdasani himself is a chemist and makes these formulations.

Also I am giving away two of these kits to two winners on my YouTube channel, so join HERE.

Have you tried any R.K’s Aroma products/facial kits?

DIY Eyeshadow Primer

DIY, Eye Makeup, Eye Primer, How To, Makeup, Primers, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY Eyeshadow Primer

By Simran

We have all been new to the makeup world some time or another and learnt everything by trial and error. One thing which comes in the mind of a person new to makeup is; affordable makeup products since they haven’t mastered any techniques and hence need affordable options to experiment and learn with.

And for anyone trying their hands on eye shadows, is to get a good eye shadow primer, that should be the prime objective. An eye shadow primer acts as a base for your eye shadow, makes the pigmentation of the eye shadow more visible and helps in the staying power of the eye shadow on your lids.

However, there aren’t many affordable options available in the Indian market. When I started using eye shadows, there were barely any primers available, even the costly ones.

So, I DIY-d my very own eye shadow primer and used it for ages till I got an actual eye shadow primer from the market. Hopefully, this will help anyone new to makeup or someone who wants to save some bucks on an eye shadow primer.

It consists of basic things which we all have lying around anyways. It works the same as any eye shadow primer in the market would.

What you’ll need: 

  • Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Body Butter or Thick Moisturizer
  • Empty and Clean Tub
  • Toothpick

Starting with, you’d want to sanitize the tub you want to keep your primer in.  I have used this old lip balm tub and sanitized it. You can even buy empty tubs similar to these online.

Step1

Initially, you want to pour some foundation in the tub, the foundation is the base of the product so you should use the most of it depending on how much eye primer you want to make. I am using this Foundation by the body shop in my eye shadow primer.

Step2

Next, put in a little concealer, use it lesser than the foundation, half than how much foundation you used to be precise. It will help in adding that little brightness in your eye shadow primer. I am using this Deliplus concealer I had got from Spain.

Step3

Finally, put a bit of body butter or thick body lotion, you shouldn’t use a light/thin consistency moisturizer since it would make the consistency of your eye primer runny.

The ratio of the moisturizer/body butter should be same or teeny less than the concealer.  What the moisturizer does, is to retain the moisture on your lids underneath all that eye shadow. I am using this parachute body lotion.

The ratio you want to work in is 2:1:1 that is 2 parts foundation, 1 part concealer and 1 part moisturizer.

Step4

Mix it well with the help of a toothpick and store it away well. Always use a brush to apply the product to avoid spreading any germs and always pat some powder on top of the eye shadow primer to help it not to crease.

I wouldn’t really recommend making huge batches of the eye shadow primer. Make a batch that’ll not last you more than 1-2 months. You require a really small amount for each use.

Done

I have used this eye shadow primer for more than 8 hours and it lasted me without creasing or fading my eye makeup.

Editor’s Note: That sounds like a good eye primer. I would also recommend adding a little glycerine in place or addition to the body butter, just a tiny amount.

Have you tried DIYing eyeshadow primer?