Tag Archives: Tips

Tips for Buying Shoes Online For That Perfect Fit

Tips for Buying Shoes Online For That Perfect Fit

Tips for Buying Shoes Online For That Perfect Fit

By Sanchita

These days we have the pleasure of online shopping, be it clothes, makeup or anything essential can be easily delivered to your doorstep within few days. Shoes are also one of the most important parts of your outfit and thus women also look for shoes online. Online shopping in India for shoes will save you the hassle and time. However, a lot of people hesitate to buy shoes online. This is because shoe shopping feels like a ‘touch and try kind of an experience’. If the shoes are not comfortable, you can’t wear them on any occasion and the whole purpose of buying those shoes you loved is down the drain. However, here are some quick tips and tricks to follow to buy shoes for women in India.

• The perfect size – Sizing in shoe shopping matters a lot and especially while purchasing shoes online. Every website provides you with a chart and one should try to follow that. But before you move forward, I want to tell you that the size varies from brand to brand. For e.g. If you are size 34 in one brand, you may be size 35 in another. Also, it varies from design to design. To have the perfect fit, take a blank sheet of paper, pencil and ruler measure the feet
wearing a sock. Place the foot down on the sheet and get the perfect shape by outlining with the pencil and then measure accordingly with the rule. Keep this sheet with you every time you are shopping for shoes. This is very helpful in purchasing shoes online.

• Shopping Website – Always choose a website you feel is trustworthy and reliable. There are various websites online for shoes but most of them do not deliver what they promise. Look for the reviews and decide accordingly. Also, if your favourite shoe brand has its own website, then definitely go for that. This guarantees the perfect fit because you have already tried the shoes, own them and know your size.

• Look for the return policy – Every shopping website for clothes and shoes should have a proper return policy because size matters in these cases. If the shoes do not have the perfect fit, they are useless. Therefore, before purchasing shoes online, always check the return policy of the website, the terms and conditions attached and the number of days within which you have to return.

• Shoe material – We are often disillusioned by the amazing look of a pair of shoes and we forget to check the material. Not every pretty shoe is going to have the most amazing and comfortable material. Sometimes, a particular material irritates the skin or causes extreme shoe bites which makes it very uncomfortable to wear. Therefore, always check the material before purchasing online. If it is not listed, you can call up the customer service to ensure
the same.

• Images – The more the images enlisted on the website, the better it is. While shopping online, choose a website where different images of the particular shoe are presented with various perspectives so that you can choose easily. It also helps you to evaluate the material and fit better.

• Reviews – Reviews and ratings are extremely important. If you have any doubts regarding a product, then try reading extensive reviews and ratings. This enables you to judge the product or in fact check the credibility of the online brand. This is also very helpful if you are purchasing shoes online for the first time from a specific brand. People often mention if it runs larger, smaller or are true to size.

• Try it on – It is advisable to try the shoe right away when you receive the order. While trying, wear socks so that the fit can be checked perfectly. Even when you are shopping at stores physically, try wearing socks for shoe trial for comfort and fit.

• Indoor trial – While you are trying the shoes purchased online, try walking indoors to avoid any damage. Although most websites provide a return policy, it comes with a clause that the shoes must not be damaged, soiled or the tags torn. Therefore, do not pull up the sticker or
tear apart the tags and always try indoors.

So these are some tips for shopping shoes for women online in India without any hassle. Next time you see an amazing deal or a chic pair of shoes, follow these tips to purchase without any hesitation.

6 Ways to use Potatoes for Skin Care

6 Ways to use Potatoes for Skin Care

By Aakriti

We all desire flawless skin. While some beauty products do give us temporary results , I for one tend to stay away from chemicals. I prefer to use enzymes and chemicals present in natural foods to address my skin skin care needs.

One such holy grail product in my vanity is potatoes.

Since potatoes grow easily they are cheap as well as most likely to be organically grown. Potatoes are also packed with nourishing nutrients which can help address skin care needs if used in the proper way. Following is why potatoes are beneficial for the skin.

  • Potatoes contain potassium which helps to add moisture and hydrate the skin
  • They contain calcium which helps in healing dry skin
  • Calcium also helps to protect and renew the top layer of the skin
  • They contain an enzyme called catecholase which is responsible for reducing acne scars, blemishes and dark spots
  • They also contain magnesium which helps to fight free radicals which are responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines
  • Topical application of potatoes provides some mild bleaching by reducing melanine production.

Below I have mentioned ways in which you can incorporate potatoes in your skin care routine-

1. For removing tan and achieving an even complexion

Cut a potato wedge and rub it in a circular motion all over the face. Let the juice sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Alternatively, one can grate the potato and squeeze the juice. Apply this juice on the face and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing away with cold water.

The best time to do this is when using potatoes for cooking. This way you do not need to remember and prepare specially.

2. For treating dark circles

Grate about 1 tablespoon of potato. Apply the grated potato on the under eye area. Lay back and relax for 10 minutes. Wash with cold water. Regular application of this helps in lightening the dark circles significantly

3. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (dry skin)

Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of honey to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.

4. Face mask for treating age spots and tan removal (oily skin)

Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth and 1 tablespoon of potato pulp to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.

5. Face mask for hyper pigmentation and tan removal

Grate one potato and squeeze the juice from the grated potato. Mix one tablespoon of potato juice with two tablespoons of tomato juice to prepare a face mask. Apply this evenly on face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. You can combine this with the grated potato eye mask to use the entire potato at one time. Rinse away the mask after 20 minutes with cold water.

6. Face mask for glowing skin

Mix one tablespoon of potato pulp with one tablespoon of cucumber pulp. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add in a few drops of rose water for toning. Apply this mask for a maximum 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.

One important point to keep in mind- After using any treatment with potatoes, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3-4 hours and always apply sunscreen. ( This is because topical application of potatoes leads to mild bleaching of the skin)

Have you tried any of these?

P.S.: Images from Google. I don’t own these

DIY Vegan Hair Mask for Soft & Healthy Hair

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.

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

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!

Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Pack Review

Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Pack Review

Hi guys,

So as I mentioned in my previous post that I wanted to try this pack, I went ahead and bought it from my local chemist. This is something new for me because I haven’t tried this face pack from Himalaya Herbals yet. I have used the Purifying Neem a lot and have also tried the Refreshing Fruit Pack before.

What the Company claims: Himalaya’s Fairness Kesar Face Pack is a unique natural formulation that evens out skin tone for a fairer you! Turmeric, Walnut, Indian Aloe and Kesar rejuvenate and cleanse your skin of impurities, to reveal a natural glow. Walnut and Indian Aloe heal the skin and remove blackheads. Turmeric and Kesar enhance your skin’s complexion and elasticity. CINNABLOC™, our patented, herbal sunscreen agent, protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Key ingredients:

Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe your skin gently. The herb helps to even out your skin tone and complexion. It also helps to retain the skin’s elasticity and makes it supple.

Walnut has slightly acidic properties. It is particularly effective in treating acne and in soothing sunburned skin and eczema. Walnut helps in skin cell regeneration and in toning the skin because of its astringent properties.

Indian Aloe acts as an antibacterial and an astringent, which accelerates the healing of injured skin. Indian Aloe also softens and hydrates skin.

Kesar lightens skin, clears spots, enhances the complexion and gives skin an even tone.

Directions: Apply Fairness Kesar Face Pack evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth. Let the pack dry for 10-15 minutes, and remove with a wet sponge or towel. Rinse with cool water. For best results, use twice a week.

MRP: Rs.70/- for 50g, Rs.130/- for 100g

It comes in the same white and green Himalaya Herbals flip cap tube packaging. It’s a thick, creamy mask and light yellow in colour. It has this soft powdery smell, but doesn’t smell of kesar or turmeric.

I wash my face and towel dry it lightly, keeping it a little damp for the mask to glide on well. Apply it all over the face avoiding eyes and lips and keep it on for 20 minutes before washing off, massaging it with circular motions with wet hands while taking it off.

I have used it 3-4 times till now, like twice a week, and I can say that this does not make your skin fairer, I think what they mean is detan. It definitely removes tan and lightens the acne scars a bit, to make the skin even. But it does require regular and continuous use to show results.

Kesar and turmeric are very good to even out skin while turmeric is also anti-bacterial. Indian Aloe soothes the skin.

Skin feels soft, supple and fresh post usage. I do need a moisturizer post washing the mask though.

I would recommend this face pack in summers, especially if you have tanned after your holidays, this does remove your tan with regular use. I would keep my use once a week now.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE

Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #FairnessKesarFacePack yet? What do you think of it?

Summer Skin Care Tips & Home Remedies

Summer Skin Care Tips & Home Remedies

By Rashmi

Hello lovelies,

Summers are back and with a bang. Nobody likes summers as they bring with them innumerable skin woes. But don’t you people worry. I have got it all covered for you people with easy solutions to keep your skin fresh and glowing. Thank me later

1. SUNSCREEN –

Use sunscreen whenever you are going out and make sure it is at least SPF 30 or choose from what suits you. Sunscreens protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent it from getting damaged.

2. CLEANSER –

The cleanser helps to unclog pores and it should be used as a part of a skincare regimen. During summers it becomes even more important to use a cleanser as the skin becomes lifeless and the pores get clogged. Make your own cleanser by mixing yogurt and honey. Apply it on your face and let it stay for 20 minutes and then wash it off to get clear skin.

3. EXFOLIATE –

Exfoliation is a must for the skin. Dead skin needs to be removed as they make the face look dull. Make your own exfoliator by mixing oatmeal, honey, and milk. Apply it on the face and let it sit for 10 mins then start scrubbing the face gently with wet hands. Scrub slowly for 5 minutes and then wash it off with water.

4. TONER-

Toners make you feel refreshed instantly. Make a refreshing toner by simply mixing cucumber juice with rosewater. Store it in the refrigerator to give it a longer life. Though use it only for a week and then make a new one. Carry it with yourself when going out. Spray it on your face to give your face instant relaxation.

5. MOISTURISE –

This step is what many people avoid during summers. Change your moisturiser to an oil-free one. Moisturisers are required by the skin in every season. It becomes even more important to use a moisturiser after exfoliation to lock the nourishment back into the skin. Mix your night serum with your moisturiser and apply it to your face to give the skin all the goodness that it needs.

6. KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED –

Drink as much water as you can. During summers this is certainly the most important thing. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. And do not wait for your mouth to get dry. Try drinking refreshing juices like watermelon juice or lemon water.

RANDOM SKIN CARE TIPS-

1. Rub ice all over your face to instantly soothe your skin. But make sure you cover it with a muslin cloth, never apply ice directly to your skin.

2. Apply calamine lotion to soothe skin rashes.

3. If you are out of toner, simply apply cold rosewater on your face to calm and soothe the skin.

4. Avoid oily and fried food. Include lots of fruits and veggies in your diet.

Editor’s Note: These are such basic things Rashmi, but we always tend to take them for granted. Articles like these remind me to follow things sincerely. One thing I would like to add and which I also follow is carrying a thermal spring water and spritzing it time and again, be it Avene, Vichy, La Roche Posay,etc.

Image Source: 1,2,Getty

Do you follow all these summer skin care tips?

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

Decoding the Makeup Secrets of Adele

By Sanchita

When I think of Adele the only two things that crosses my mind are the deepest ballads and feline eyeliner. I mean, that is the thickest, precise and deepest eyeliner I have seen. No matter what product I have used so far, I simply couldn’t get that look. Thankfully, a couple of months back Adele’s Makeup artist Michael Ashton, who has been working on the singer’s hair and makeup for nine years shown in a YouTube channel of MUA Lisa Eldridge. There was so much to learn from him and I loved the way he had shown the makeup tutorial. So, gathering the most important points from there, I have decoded the makeup secrets of Adele and here’s what you need to know.

Preparing the Skin

Makeup artist Michael Ashton starts prepping the skin with a damp facial tissue soaked in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any layer of residual makeup, dirt, grime etc. He advises to use a facial gel or oil kind of product to plump up the skin and hydrate it well enough for the foundation to look flawless. He used a rose facial oil I believe to plump up the skin and which also gives a natural strobing effect without looking greasy, sticky or oily. His favorite product is Aromessence Rose d’Orient Oil Serum for pre foundation technique.

Eye Makeup

He started with a base product which act as a base for eyeshadow as well as primer. He used the MAC Paint Pot Groundwork all over the lid and then soften the crease using a blending brush. He also applied the same pain pot in the lower lash line to give a shadow sort of. Then used the two lightest shade (a golden bronzy light color) from the Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Color Quad all over the lid and smoothened the line as well. This gave a nice reflective kind of pale look to the eyes, you can also call it neutral.

Infamous Feline Eyeliner

The secret behind that gorgeous feline liner are the gel liner, eye liner and fine liner brush. He uses the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink on the back of your hand and then start drawing a line (as close as you can to your lash line) from the middle of your eyes working it outwards, using a very fine liner brush. Then, he makes the feline stroke giving a cat liner effect. He repeated the lines at least 6-7 times which thickened and deepen the color even more. Ashton states that you can use a cotton bud dipped in Bioderma Sensibio H2O to wipe off any mistakes. After the mascara, he goes back to the eyes, this time with liquid eyeliner, that is, MAC Liquidlast Liner Point Black. He said that he uses a liquid liner with a tar consistency and a fine brush to do a final eyeliner swipe. This builds up intensity and gives a nice depth to the eyes as well.

Dramatic Eyelashes

For the lashes, he used a falsies using Duo lash black glue which gives a well-defined matte charcoal finish. He used a gentle upward lifting motion with the fingers to blend in with the natural lashes. Next, he applied the Diorshow Mascara for the upper lashes. For the lower lashes, he used a small fan brush and started from the roots which would give a better smudged kohl effect. He stated that it won’t matter if the mascara goes a little bit onto the waterline as long as it doesn’t sting.

Strong Brow Game

Before stating the eye makeup, he used a spoolie to brush the eye brows. Then used a soft brow pencil to shape and define them. Clean up the top of your brow using a moisturizer on a small concealer brush and swipe it across the brow. To set the pencil he used a light mix of four brown shades – MAC Concrete, Coquette, Corduroy and Wedge and applied as the brow powder.

Foundation

For the foundation he used Estee Lauder – Double Wear Light and mixed the shades 1.0 and 0.5. He used the lighter shade on the T-zone and inner portion of the face while the darker one in the outer perimeter. He specifically stated that the foundation must be applied on the jaw line and below i.e. towards the neck. This will surely give a nice, smooth and even look. He sets everything with a fine milled compact powder. For the under eyes, he uses the Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen and blends it with a brush.

Contour

For the contour also, he uses a powder palette which is the Smashbox Step by Step Contour Kit and mixes the first two colors for the cheek bones. He basically says that a fish face helps to make the contour precise and smooth. He uses an angled blush brush for the contour and applied for the forehead, sides of the nose and jawline. For the blush, he loves the Maybelline cream blush which works really great for blending.

Lip Trick

For the lips, prep and prime the lips with a nourishing lip balm to hydrate the lips well. Then, he used a neutral lip liner to outline and fill the lips slightly. Use a finger to pat and blend the lip liner with the lip balm to give a nice and even neutral look to the lips. Use a shimmery gloss to apply on the centre of the lower and upper lips and blend well. This would give a nice plump effect to the lips naturally.

These are the secrets of Adele’s flawless feline makeup look and I really hope this would help you guys to recreate her looks easily.

Image Sources: 1,2

Editor’s Note: I love Adele’s makeup, especially her winged liner. Nice post Sanchita

Did you always want to know Adele’s makeup secrets? Well they are not a secret anymore 😀

10 Lipstick Hacks Every Woman Needs To Know!

10 Lipstick Hacks Every Woman Needs To Know!

By Shelja

I’ve been a loyal lipstick user over years, it all started when I was 5 and I started applying my mother’s lipstick however back then I use to paint my entire face with lipstick and it was a ugly messy sight but I officially had my hands on lipsticks when I was in college, there are many things which are hidden and I’m going to reveal it for my lovely readers! These ideas and tricks are from my personal experience which will make your life so much easier. I feel every woman deserves to know these simple useful tricks!

1. New shade : Once your addicted to lipstick there is a constant urge to buy new shades, no matter how many lipsticks you own it’s still less! But here’s a simple trick, merge lipsticks! Use a darker shade lipstick as a base coat then apply a lighter shade you will end up with a different shade each time! You need to use a couple of lipsticks and find the right pair.

2. Matte lipsticks : Matte lipsticks are the new trend but do you know you can get matte look with any lipstick you have? Apply 2-3 generous coats of your regular lipstick now stick a thin layer of tissue on your lips dust some baby powder on a make up brush and rub over the tissue. After removing your tissue you’ll end up with matte looking lips.

3. Get a lighter shade : Love your lipstick but sometimes you wished it was a bit lighter? Apply your lipstick then apply a nude coloured lipstick, mix the colour well on your lips. If you don’t have a nude lipstick go ahead and use a foundation!

4. Avoid teeth stains : Imagine, you’re with your guy and he tells you there’s lipstick on your teeth!!! This would be such an embarrassing situation. Here’s a trick, This may sound kind of yuck but it’s  worth it! Pout your lips then Insert a clean finger in your mouth slowly remove it out, the excess lipstick which is inside the mouth will be removed by the finger.

5. Use lipstick as blush : Running out of blush? Use your favourite pink lipstick apply some on your fingers and blend it over your cheeks, secure it with a compact powder.

6. Pop your red lips :Ever wondered how stars get that perfect red lips? Apply foundation over your lips and surrounding areas, to get perfect red lips you need to apply a lip liner, merge the lipliner on your lips then apply your red lips, this way your lips will pop on your face, when you go loud on lips apply light makeup on eyes and cheeks.

7. Fix Broken lipstick : Accidents happen! If your lipstick is broken, use a lighter to melt it then stick it back seal it with lighter again. be carful to melt it just as required or else you’ll end up melting the entire lipstick.

8. Avoid melting : Refrigerate your lipsticks to avoid it from summer time melting.

9. Long lasting colour : Blot your lips with tissue paper in between your lipstick application, doing so will remove excess oil from your lips, when you apply the second coat the colour grip will be stronger and it will stay longer. You can blot twice in between application.

10. Go larger : Larger lips always look sexy, the best way to achieve it at home is to use a concealer on your lips and surrounding area now reshape your lips by applying lip liner just slightly outside your natural lip line. Merge the colour with a brush or your fingers then apply your lipstick this way you’ll have bigger looking lips instantly.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Editor’s Note: Absolutely loved these tips and hacks Shelja, I do the make lipstick matte with powder sometimes.

Do you like these hacks? Do you guys use them often?

How to Get Rid of Back Acne?

How to Get Rid of Back Acne?

By Shelja

Summers are full of adventure, beaches and sweat. Sure we all love summer holidays and other stuff but there is something which I hate about summers, The back acne! As summers are sweaty I end up with these crazy acne all over my back and forearms, Thank God I am not the only one facing it, the good news is, it can vanished! Every year in forced to keep a check on the tips given below to keep my back free from acne. Keep reading to know more!

1. Salicylic wash : Salicylic acid is popularly advised by dermatologist for acne and pimple prone skin, it is also know for its deep cleansing and rejuvenation properties, it also provides exfoliation and reduces dark spots caused by acne. Using salicylic acid on your back twice daily can have visible effects.

2. Benzoyl peroxide : This is a another strong ingredient to use on your back acne, as it dries off the skin it’s not recommended to use on your face without your dermatologist advice. If your using a benzoyl peroxide wash let it stay for atleast a minute befor you wash it off. Using a lotion of benzoyl peroxide over your back after the shower will get you faster results.

3. Keep it clean : if you notice back acne mostly occur during summers, sweat is also one of the many reasons for your back acne, shower right after you sweat, after gym or before bed.

4. Retino A : Retino A cream is used for acne and pimple treatment, it is also used for further prevention, you may notice some skin shedding within few days but that’s a normal process as it sheds off the old skin at the same time promotes growth of new skin cells. It also works good for wrinkles, age spots and skin lightening.

5. Don’t re-use worn clothes : Dirty clothes can cause clogged pores and thus causing acne, the best way is to wash your bra and tops after one use, especially during summers when you sweat the most.

6. Apply sunscreen : If your skin has acne scars sun can be your biggest enemy. As sun can make your acne marks last longer. The best way is to wear clothes which covers your acne area. use a oil free suncreen lotion over your back 20min prior of sun exposure. Sunscreen also helps to save your skin from unwanted tan and early signs of ageing.

Editor’s Note: Agree with all these points Shelja, well written. I do get it in summers sometimes.

Image sources : 1,2,3

Do you have back acne? How do you deal with it?

DIY Homemade Hair Mask for Strengthening Hair

DIY Homemade Hair Mask for Strengthening Hair

By Nidhal

One can never run short of ways or ideas to pamper their crowning glory. There is a hairstyle or hair cut that you’d been thinking of getting at any point of time. There’d be those accessories that you’d be dying to experiment with. There would be hair products that you would have played with to give your tresses that bounce of life. But amidst all this, being Indians, we cannot never turn a blind eye to our Good Ol’ home remedies, can we?

So, why not treat our hair to the bountifulness of natural ingredients today and drool over them all over again? March straight to the pantry for there lies your paraphernalia for this DIY recipe.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED-

1. CURD- Enriched with the bountifulness of lactic acid, curd/yoghurt (called Dahi in Hindi) helps to eliminate dandruff, foul smell and dullness. It adds unprecedented gloss and softness that you just can’t get over.

2. TULSI POWDER- Being a plant that has been revered in Hinduism for centuries, Tulsi has benefits galore for your mane. It treats lice, dandruff, itchiness and scalp infections. Yes, your granny was right when she said that Tulsi is a miraculous plant. No questions asked anymore!

3. ALMOND OIL- Being a storehouse of Vitamin E, almond oil helps in locking moisture and adding that enviable sheen to your locks. Prefer organic/cold-pressed almond oil and not the ones that are laden with mineral oil. In my opinion, Almendrop 100% pure almond oil is a wise choice.

4. METHI/FENUGREEK POWDER- Now comes the wonder ingredient which cannot be done without. Methi helps to add shine in addition to imparting softness. It also accelerates the rate of growth of hair which spells cheer for those ladies waiting anxiously to flaunt long luscious locks. Opt for methi powder for grinding is a tad cumbersome and finely grinding takes patience (which sadly, today is a lost virtue).

PROCEDURE-

1. In a clean and dry bowl, add 5-6 tbsp of curd. This is the amount for shoulder length hair. Increase if you have longer hair.

2. Add 3 tbsp each of methi and tulsi powder.

3. Add half a tbsp. of almond oil

4. Mix well thoroughly to form a smooth and consistent paste.

5. Apply generously all over your scalp as well as length (of hair).

6. Wash off after 45 minutes with a mild herbal/organic shampoo. Condition if you feel the need to do so.

7. Repeat twice a week to expedite the results and acclimatise your scalp to these natural ingredients.

That is all for now, folks. Feel free to post your queries and results with me through the ‘comments section’ and try this DIY recipe to get locks which you cannot stop drooling over.

Pssst… It compels you to keep stroking your fingers down your mane intermittently!

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Nidhal and methi and tulsi are very good for dandruff too. I am definitely trying this, have to get methi and tulsi powder now.

Have you tried this DIY before? If not, do so and let us know how you find it.