beauty tips
Beauty & Beyond
Every morning is a rush. You get up as soon as the alarm rings, don't even get enough time to sit and read the newspaper along with your cup of coffee or tea. A thousands things to do- iron clothes needed for the day, cook breakfast, dress up for office/college/drop the kids off to school, ensure that lunches are packed for yourself and the family, struggle through the rest of the day, finally making it to bed at night. Come morning, and it's the same story again.
In this daily bustle of life, are you sure you are not ignoring the very thing that needs your attention the
most- your body? A healthy you is the beginning of a better life with a healthy family, a satisfying career and meaningful relationships. Below is a checklist that every woman must follow.
* Complete seven hours of sleep every night.
* Remember to apply moisturiser on your face, neck, hands and legs before you go to sleep.
* Manage to squeeze in 15 minutes during the day to practice any exercise routine that you find suitable like yoga, jogging, walking, stretching etc.
* Avoid drinking too much coffee or smoking excessively when faced with stress at office or at home.
* Try home/natural remedies instead of chemical-based products for your body.
* Ensure that you don't use any cosmetics/ beauty products that are over a year old.
* Treat yourself to a facial to remove the tan and grime from your face every month or two.
* Remember to oil your hair regularly and condition it at least once a week.
* Avoid excessive colouring, straightening, perming or using harsh chemicals on your hair.
* Visit the dentist at least once a year for general oral hygiene.
* Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure at least once in two months.
* If you are above the age of 30, ensure that you go for mammography once a year for early detection of breast cancer.
* If you are above the age of 40, ensure that you go for a pap smear test once a year for early detection of uterine and cervical cancer.
* If you are above the age of 50, ensure that you get enough Calcium supplements to avoid Osteoporosis.
If you are not already following a lifestyle that includes the list above, then it is very important that you begin to consciously plan your routine and make time for yourself.
Beauty Vitamins for a Beautiful You
Do you know which vitamins and nutrients can make your skin supple and look at its best? The list might seem confusing but it's only a matter of a few easy pointers.
* Vitamin A helps in maintaining and repairing skin tissue, tooth development and bone growth. It also helps reduce lines and wrinkles, acne and psoriasis. It can be found in tomatoes, watermelons, peaches, oranges, carrots, spinach, peas, almonds and others.
* Vitamin B helps retain skin moisture and makes your hair healthy and bouncy. It contains biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail and hair cells in our body. Vitamin B is found in foods like bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice.
* Vitamins C and E help offset the effects of prolonged exposure to sun and pollution, which can lead to photodamage, wrinkles, deteriorated skin texture and even skin cancer. Your diet should include plenty of these two vitamins as they help reduce the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful by-product of sunlight, smoke and pollution. These free radicals diminish collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and blotched skin. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower and leafy greens. Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach and asparagus.
* Your food should also include Vitamin K as it helps in clotting blood as well as in reducing dark circles under the eye. Food rich in the vitamin includes spinach, broccoli, cashew nuts, chestnuts and others.
Perfect Pedicure for Pretty Feet
Soak your feet for 20 minutes in a basin filled with warm water and some bath salts (you can also use ordinary table salt if bath salts are not available) or a capful of hair shampoo. After 20 minutes, scrub feet with a foot scrubber, wash with plain water and dry. Massage feet with Peppermint oil.
For cracks, mix three spoons of honey with a teaspoonful of sesame oil in it. Warm it a little and apply on the affected areas. Repeat daily for flawless feet.
Can't give up those stilettos? No Sweat. Just keep in mind these guidelines while buying those high heels you love.
* Ensure that your high heels have a gradual slope so that your foot does not slide forward while you are walking or standing, as this will put more pressure on the toes. Narrow heels with a snug fit can remedy this issue.
* Wear open-toe stilettos to relieve pressure on the big toe.
* Ensure that you have cushioned foot inserts in your stilettos to avoid pain and formation of corns on the balls of your feet.
Smart Remedy for Puffy Eyes
* Put refrigerated cucumber slices on your eyes for 10 minutes.
* Put cotton wads soaked in ice water on eyes for 10 minutes.
* Super Fast remedy- Put two teaspoons in the freezer. In the morning put the curved portion of the frozen spoon on your eyes for 5 minutes.
10-Minute Tips for Tan Removal
* Apply tomato juice on the tanned areas like face, hands, feet etc. Repeat everyday for best results.
* Don't throw away used lemon peals. Rub them on the tanned areas including elbows. Repeat everyday for best results.
* Another simple remedy is to mash Guava leaves with raw turmeric. To this paste mix with the juice of half a lime. Apply on tanned skin and leave for 10 minutes.
For Skin That Shines
* Besan Pack- Mix two tablespoons of besan (gram flour) with a pinch of turmeric powder and enough milk cream to make a smooth paste. Apply it on face and wash when the pack is dry.
* Tomato and Lime Juice - Mix the juice of a tomato with a spoon of lime juice and apply it on your skin. After 15 minutes, scrub the area with a tablespoon of sugar with a few drops of water, until the sugar granules dissolve. This will help peel off dry skin and remove tan as well.
* Sandalwood and Honey- Mix equal amounts of honey and sandalwood and apply on face. Leave for 20 minutes and wash off to get soft and glowing skin.
* Lemons and Eggs- Whip an egg white well and store it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Add to it half a lemon juice and half a grated tomato. Apply this on the skin and wash after it has dried.
Beauty Sleep
Beauty sleep is not just 'beauty' sleep, it is also a requirement for the body as it is during this mode that it works hard to rejuvenate cells and produce vital enzymes and hormones which help keep you ticking all day long. Here are some simple tips on how to get those forty winks with ease.
* Avoid drinking caffeinated products like coffee or Colas before you sleep.
* Do not smoke just before you head to bed.
* Don't plan your next day while you lie in bed as too many thoughts will keep you awake. Plan your day the next morning.
* Lack of fresh air could be one reason why you end up tossing and turning in bed trying to get sleep. Turn on the fan instead of the air conditioner and open the windows to ensure a steady supply of fresh cool air.
* Exercise regularly to increase blood flow. However, not close to your bed time as this will make you alert instead of helping you sleep.
* Fix a regular time for bed that gives you atleast seven hours of sleep and maintain the routine so that your body gets accustomed to it.