Tag Archives: Tips

11 Best Makeup Secrets Revealed

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11 Best Makeup Secrets Revealed

Want to look like you just stepped out of a beauty salon — every day? Uncover the industry’s ten best makeup secrets (plus one bonus tip)

Red Carpet Secrets

Makeup artists have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to creating beautiful looks for women. For Vincent Longo, makeup artist and creative director of Vincent Longo Cosmetics, his best-kept secret comes from the red carpet. “When doing makeup for celebrities before big events, I always make sure to stain the cheeks and lips before applying the foundation,” he says. “So if their makeup wears off during the night, the stained cheeks and lips will continue to glow from underneath.” It’s a foolproof beauty back-up plan! Ten more makeup artist secrets, revealed.

A Fresh Face

Resist the urge to powder your face every time you refresh your makeup — the result will look cakey. Instead, use blotting papers to keep makeup intact as you remove excess moisture.

Choosing a Concealer

Follow this rule of thumb when picking the right concealer for your skin’s undertones: If your skin tends to be ruddy (reddish), use a green color corrective stick; if you have a sallow (yellow) complexion, look for a concealer in shades of lilac or pink. Olive or darker skin tones need a peachy or apricot concealer.

A Natural Flush

Cream blushes and cheek stains will give your face a rosy glow that looks natural. Use your fingertips to blend the product into the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion. Note that peaches and golden hues look beautiful on fairer complexions; coral shades look best on medium skin tones; and mauves and burgundies are most flattering on darker complexions.

Defined Cheekbones

Use this simple contouring trick: After applying blush or bronzer to your face, lightly swipe a highlighting powder (a frosted off-white eye shadow will work!) on your cheekbones just above and below the color you’ve applied. This creates an instant face-flattering effect!

Being a Bronzed Beauty

Fake a bake by sweeping golden brown bronzing powder along your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. A powder with light-reflective pigment will give an “airbrushed” glow. Just be careful not to go too dark for your natural skin tone.

Subtle, Sexy Eyes

Smoky eyes aren’t for everyone. If you’re fair skinned, the look can be too much. Instead, opt for nude eye shadow (flattering on everyone!) or a pale gold on lids and gray, not black, eyeliner.

Perfectly Lined Lids

Unsteady hands can make it a challenge to apply liquid eyeliner. To ensure a smooth line, apply your eyeliner by painting little dots along your lash line, as close to the lashes as possible, then connect the dots. Easy!

Long, Lush Lashes

The key to lashes with tons of length and fullness is to use two types of mascara. Start with a lengthening mascara (bristles are close together to better grip lashes and spread the product from base to tip), then follow up with a thickening mascara, which has dense bristles to build volume.

Fabulously Full Lips

For pillowy lips that would rival Angelina’s, you can fake fullness with a nude lip liner. Select a shade that matches your lip tone and draw a line just outside the edges of your natural lip line — but not too far! Smudge the line into your lips and apply a lip gloss or lipstick in a pale pink shade — just a tad lighter than your natural skin. Top with a dab of gloss in the center of both top and bottom lips.

Lip Color With Staying Power

If you want your lip color to last all day, apply lipstick with a lip brush, and then add a coat of translucent powder to set the color. Repeat this once or twice and you can be sure your radiant red lips won’t budge.

I do follow the lip color to stay longer one..And surely going to try the two types of mascara for fuller lashes !

Did you know these secrets? Follow them ?

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Tips for Flawless, Clear skin

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Tips for Flawless, Clear skin

We all suffer from bad skin days from time to time, but there are many tips and tricks you can use to get perfect skin naturally. To make spots and blemishes a thing of the past, check out these seven tips for clear skin.

Clear skin tip 1: Ditch the chemicals

It can be tempting to reach for chemical peels and ingredients such as salicylic acid to help clear up problem skin. However, many chemical-based skin products not only contain potentially harmful ingredients, they can also excessively dry out skin and exacerbate skin problems. For a gentler approach to fighting acne, opt for natural spot-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil or manuka honey. Manuka honey not only has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to fight spots, it also has the benefit of being able to reduce the scarring and marks left by spots.

Clear skin tip 2: Use spot-fighting makeup

We all know what it’s like to have a bad skin day when you just want to hide away under layers of makeup. However, while makeup can temporarily disguise the look of spots, it can also make the problem much worse. For confidence-boosting coverage that won’t cause flare-ups, make sure you opt for non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog pores. To further increase the spot-fighting powers of your cosmetics, try using mineral makeup containing zinc oxide, which will fight against acne-causing bacteria.

Clear skin tip 3: Sip spearmint tea

Acne is generally caused by hormones called androgens, which can over-stimulate the sebaceous glands leading to oily skin, blocked pores and spots. To counteract these effects, oral contraceptives are often prescribed to women suffering from acne. However, while beneficial for clearing spots, these contraceptive pills can have inconvenient and even dangerous side effects. Luckily, research suggests that spearmint tea has similar anti-androgen properties, which could help reduce acne and hormone imbalances in women.

Clear skin tip 4: Reduce your skin’s contact to bacteria

You may be surprised at how often your skin comes into contact with dirt and germs that can lead to acne. During the time you are asleep, your pillow comes into contact with makeup, skin oils and saliva, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can worsen acne. Likewise, unwashed makeup brushes can spread bacteria to your skin. To minimise your skin’s contact to bacteria, make sure you wash makeup brushes every two weeks and change your pillowcase regularly. Also, avoid touching your face as much as possible and clean your phone with antibacterial wipes before making calls.

Clear skin tip 5: Cleanse your skin properly

If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin it can be tempting to over-cleanse your skin to dry out oils and kill bacteria. However, cleansing your skin too frequently or using harsh cleansers can dry out your skin, causing flakiness which can clog pores. It can also cause your skin to produce more oils to compensate. Instead, wash your skin twice a day with a gentle, PH-neutral cleanser so as not to destroy the acid mantle of the skin, which protects against moisture loss and bacteria. Remove the cleanser with a muslin cloth to lightly exfoliate the skin.

Clear skin tip 6: Change your diet

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants is one of the key factors behind beautiful looking skin. However, there are also certain foods you can cut back on or eat more of in order to help get rid of spots. Research suggests that dairy is a major precursor of acne for many people due to the hormones it contains. Plastic water bottles and food packaging can also leach out chemicals which can lead to hormone imbalance. Swap packaged foods for fresh, skin-friendly produce including lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Clear skin tip 7: Find ways to deal with stress

Research findings published in the journal Archives of Dermatology suggest that high stress levels can significantly worsen acne. It is thought that this may be due to the fact that stress stimulates the production of hormones which stimulate oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Stress is also thought to instigate the release of chemicals which can lead to inflammation. To help keep your skin clear and spot-free, try to find healthy ways to deal with stress such as exercise, meditation or pampering. Try to talk through problems with someone else as well to help relieve any worries.

I agree with them all..especially 4 and 5..

Source: 1


Do you follow these tips ?

How To Get Rid of Wrinkles and Dark Spots

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How To Get Rid of Wrinkles and Dark Spots- Top 5 Ways

Yes, you may have a substitute for hair in the form of costume wigs but there is no way you can replace damaged skin. So, it is important that you take your skin care seriously.

If you are in field job and spend most of your time in the sun then you would surely notice freckles and brown spots on your face, sooner or later. This is result of the excess production of melanin, which is produced by the body naturally to shield the body against the harmful effects of UV rays. Without a doubt, sunscreen and regular exfoliation helps in preventing and fading out the dark spots and help you restore the original radiance. Read below to find out top 5 ways to fade out dark spots and freckles:

 1.  Home remedy: Mix the equal proportions of horseradish root, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Then apply this mixture using the cotton swab on dark spots and freckles. This magical portion will fade the dark spots and enhance the natural turnover process of the skin cells.

2.   Spice: Turmeric, a magical Indian spiced widely used in cooking is well known to reduce hyper pigmentation. Look for a cream that is rich in turmeric content. For full and best results use the cream twice a day.

3.  Vitamin B3: Is known to increase the turnover of the skin cells and slow down the pigmentation process. Prefer the serums and cream that have this supervitamin as their ingredient.

4.   Tri-luma and Renova:  Consult your doctor about Tri-luma and Renova, the two well known lightening creams. Renova and Retin A contains the similar active ingredient. Retin A is well known for treating acne-prone skin type, Renova is an emollient cream that helps in treating fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, stretch marks and dark spots. A perfect combination of hydroquinone and Retin A makes Tri-Luma. It is best anti-inflammatory cream.

5.   Laser treatment: Laser treatment though very beneficial is very expensive method to treat wrinkles and dark spots. Only two laser processes are known for treating dark spots: Fraxel and Medilite C6. Each session of Fraxel costs almost $1,00 and 3-6 sessions are must for the best results whereas Medilite C6 costs roughly $400 per session.

With these 5 simple and easy steps it is now possible to bid adieu to wrinkles, freckles and dark spots. Start using these tips now as it is never too late to make an attempt to look younger and beautiful. Or, the sunscreen by Neutrogena has been known to be very effective to keep your skin protected. Surprise your partner by making him wonder what is making you glow and look beautiful with each passing day.

What tips do you suggest ?

7 Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin

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Sensitive Skin

People with red hair, or who have Celtic, Irish, British or Scottish heritage often suffer from sensitive skin, which is characterized by very thin, fragile and pink colored skin.

Sensitive skin is often mistaken for allergy-prone skin. In sensitive skin the blood vessels and nerve endings are closer to the surface of the skin, which causes it to get irritated and redden easily from external or internal irritants. Not only can topical application of a cosmetic cause sensitive skin to redden, but so can eating spicy food, consuming caffeine or alcohol, taking niacin (Vitamin B3), exposure to sun or tobacco use.

Sensitive skin is much more likely to develop reactions and allergies to cosmetics, however many reaction to cosmetics for people with sensitive skin may not be associated with true allergies. It takes special attention to the details of foods and cosmetic ingredients to isolate what is causing simply red irritated skin and what is the cause of a true allergy. Either way anyone with sensitive skin knows that whether it is a true allergy or simply a reaction from sensitive skin it is desirable to avoid the cause of the reaction in the future.

7 tips for Sensitive Skin:

  • Avoid cedar wood at this ingredient, all be it naturally derived, can cause skin irritation
  • Don’t use pre purchased face cloths/wipes as these contain chemicals and artificial preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin types
  • Avoid coriander oil this can cause contact dermatitis
  • Splash your face with water before and after cleansing and use a face cloth with luke warm water (not hot!)
  • Avoid artificial fragrances. Not to be confused with natural fragrances – some of which can actually be healing!
  • Select a certified organic face cleanser
  • Be gentle with your skin – don’t rub and scrub vigorously, this can increase the sensitivity
Source: 1,2

10 Pro Makeup Commandments-Mickey Contractor

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Makeup Commandments by none other than Mickey Contractor !!

Vogue Beauty Awards 2011 judge and Creative Director for MAC, Mickey Contractor is Bollywood’s favourite makeup artist. Read on to find out his answers on whether you can colour coordinate your makeup to your outfit, how to choose a foundation shade, double agent beauty products and the one International makeup trend you must try.

1. Always moisturize your skin before applying makeup. It makes for smooth application of concealer and foundation.

2. Use a foundation that is closest to your natural skin tone so when you sweat, you are left with patches of colour on your skin.

3. To find a foundation that matches your skin tone, draw a stripe of the shade from your cheek bone to your jaw line. Try a few shades and wait for 20 -30 minutes to see if the shade deepens on oxidation. Finally pick a shade that matches the tone on your neck best.

4. For a simple dewy look, reverse your makeup application and apply foundation last. Use powder sparingly and restrict it to the T zone

5. Do not match your makeup to your outfit. Go for a look that suits you rather than looking to colour coordinate with your clothes.

6. For a monochromatic look, use a cream blush in a nude or peach colour on your cheeks, lips and eyes.

7. If you haven’t yet got on the bronzing trend, this is the time to try it. It is big internationally and works wonders. A golden hue is easy and works on various skin tones.

8. An eyeliner is a great tool to use. However, use it only if you are good at it. Never attempt applying an eyeliner in a hurry.

9. On deeper skin tones, always pair a lighter shade of eye shadow with a darker colour along the crease to create depth and to contour your eye.

10. Be open to experimenting with your makeup products. An orange eye shadow will work as a blush in a pinch. Look for shades and textures that work double time to get more out of a single product.

Source: 1

Dandruff – Types, Symptoms, Causes and Cures

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Dandruff – Types, Symptoms, Causes and Cures

Dandruff is the condition where dead skin cells flake from the scalp. And this problem goes severe in winters coz of the dryness. It is said around 50% of the people have suffered from dandruff at some point in their lives.It is normal for dead skin cells to shed from the scalp but it causes dandruff when it starts shedding in thick layers.It may also be due to imbalance of our body function where our metabolism goes haywire.And that is also the reason why most people suffer from dandruff in their puberty or early 20s. It can be chronic i.e long term or due to some short term changes. It is more common in men and people with oily skin. And it may also cause acne on the face and neck especially the greasy dandruff.

There are two types of dandruff i.e dry and greasy.

1. Dry dandruff also known as Pityriasis-capitis is the condition of normal dry flakes shedding from the scalp. This occurs more in cold weather. It can be due to health, diet, stress, environment,etc

2. Greasy dandruff also known as Seborrhea Dermatitis is the condition where scalp is very greasy and the dandruff is thick,oily or scaly. This condition, if severe also needs medical attention and a dermatalogist should be consulted. In this condition scalp itches leading to redness of the scalp which may even cause scalp infection.

Symptoms :

  • Dry silvery white flakes           
  • Itching
  • Redness of the scalp
  • Inflammation
  • Hair Loss

Causes :

  • Improper Diet
  • Stress
  • Hard shampoos
  • Infrequent washing
  • Horomonal change
  • Excessive cold weather

Some natural remedies for curing :

  • The best and the most effective method for curing dandruff would be fenugreek (methi) seeds. Soak a handful of methi seeds in water overnight and grind them the next morning. Mix it with curd to get a liquid consistency and apply it on the scalp.Leave on for 30-45 mins and wash off normally. (I do this sometimes and guys THIS WORKS)
  • Hot Oil Therapy i .e massage the scalp with warm oil and fold it in a damp towel and leave on for 5-10 mins for the moisture to sink in. You can add 2 drops pf rosemary oil too.
  • Massage your scalp while oiling n shampooing with your fingers. This would increase the blood circulation on your scalp. You can also use an electronic massager like the one Parachute has. 
  • Applying a mix of lemon juice and vinegar (in 1:2 ratio) on oiled hair before a wash.
  • Avoid harsh shampoos.
  • One can use 2-3 drops of tea tree oil for the greasy dandruff.
  • Massaging scalp with baking soda before a wash.
  • Shampoos with salicylic acid also helps greasy dandruff. But do not use any anti dandruff shampoos more than once a week.
  • Apply a mixture of egg yolk and curd and leave on for 30 mins and rinse off.
  • Vitamin D i.e a bit of sun exposure also helps. 

 Phew..I felt like I was in the exam hall again :p
 Hope that helped.

Any other remedies you would like to suggest ?