5 Things that turn men off

Five things that surprisingly could be a turn off for men

Second-guessing your thoughts, your instincts

Some women avoid communicating and expressing their feelings and thoughts. They expect men to read their minds and guess their thoughts, which is not always possible. And when they fail they receive the cold shoulder for not playing the guessing game right. Nothing is more annoying for men then a woman who will just not say what she wants but expect you to read the 'signs'. Another thing that really gets to men is some women assuming that men know what they want them to do. Saying one thing and doing just the opposite just confuses things even more for men. So, play it straight and just speak up, it leaves no room for miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Playing the I am the superior card

Some women equate men with being dumb, everyone makes mistakes but there is no need to constantly rub it in. It only makes you a nag and can be annoying.

Smothering you with too much attention

Always remember that your guy has a mother and there is no need for you to step into her shoes. While it's okay to comfort and be there for him, don't treat him like a child and smother to such an extent that it starts bugging him.

Sharing too much information

Men are not always comfortable talking about their problems, unlike some women who would go overboard sharing every minute detail with everyone in sight. Learn to exercise caution, and don't overshare. Learn to keep things to yourself at times, especially something thats shared with you in private. It will build trust and also encourage the guy to open up more. Also, if you have just got to know the guy, there is no need to share every little detail with him. Learn to keep somethings to yourself and share only what is necessary.

Planning future way ahead of time

Learn to live in the moment, and while planning what to do on your birthday is okay, planning what you will do in your 50th anniv while you are still dating will only freak the guy out. Learn to take small steps and enjoy the moment rather that fastfoward with an over active imagination, leaving your partner confused and spooked.

(Compiled by Melissa D'costa)

Give your lips a natural stain

To organically colour your lips, just eat these

Before the advent of lipsticks, women would use foods that would colour their lips. Not only do they keep your lips healthy, but also keep the colour on for a long time. So, if you wish to ditch chemically-treated lipsticks, here are a few options for you.

Beetroot

Wish to sport that maroon or red pout? Opt for beetroot. Apart from increasing the supply of blood in your body, rubbing a little beetroot just before you step outside your house will give a nice stain on your lips and the colour will also stay on for a good amount of time. Further, if the colour subsides, it will still make your lips look pink.

Rose petals

Not just for the smell, rose petals are also known to colour your lips. Crush and grind a few petals and make a paste out of it. Keep the paste on your lips for approximately 10-15 minutes and wash it off. The colour will stay on for a long time.

Betel leaf

Popularly known as 'paan' in Hindi, women a few decades ago used this to colour their lips on their wedding day! If you are running short of time and just realise that you haven't applied a lipstick, don't panic. Chew a betel leaf so that it gives you a nice pale colour that stays on for a good duration of time.

Strawberries

If you wish to go in for that pink or nude lip colour, there's nothing better than rubbing a little strawberry paste or juice on your lips. Not only will it give your lips a shine shade, but will also give it a natural shine that will keep your lips hydrated for a long time.

How to get luminous skin

This season one of the biggest beauty trends is natural and glowing skin, the foundation of which is a good skincare routine.

Skincare experts Rabia Malik and Preema Vig suggest that exfoliation and increasing hyaluronic acid in your skin can show great results, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Malik says that one can begin with some gentle exfoliation as this will ensure removal of surface debris from the skin.

"Following exfoliation, increase your skin's level of hyaluronic aid to achieve a more luminous, brighter complexion. This can be achieved with topicals that contain high levels of molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Try using homecare products that contain peptides too as these help to achieve a brighter complexion," said Malik.

Vig feels that hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin and so does the intake of vitamin A.

"Vitamin A increases the skin cell cycle which brings new skin cells to the surface. Vitamin C helps in lightening, brightening and tightening the skin. Fruit acids at night exfoliate the top layer of skin," said Vig

Orange is the new red for lips

Red lips will always be a hit, but this summer try a shade of orange for your pout. Hollywood actress Emma Watson brightened up her black gown on the red carpet recently with a gorgeous orange lip. Also, the trend was sported at numerous runway shows. 

Why it works: 

The great thing about an orange lip is that it can suit every skin tone. It can make olive skin look more olive and with fair skin, it enhances the pallor.

What to choose: 

One can also choose the shade that suits your style best. Stains are ideal for those who don't want to fuss over their look and lip colour pencils are ideal for those who are on-the-go and want to touch up with minimal fuss.

5 tips to a flat tummy like Deepika's

Struggling to keep your wayward waist in check? Follow these five tips to get a flat tummy like Deepika Padukone

A recent study found the average woman's waist has increased by seven inches since the 1950s — from a toned 27 to a solid 34.

And according to the National Health Survey, UK, a waist over 34.5 inches puts you at greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes.

But it's not too late to lose the extra padding — try these waist-whittling tips to feel healthy.

Curl it

Canada's University of Waterloo found old-style crunches can damage the spine. The more effective version is the curl-up.

Lie on your back with your hands palm-down, tucked under the small of your back. Bend your knees and slightly lift your head and shoulders.

You don't need to crunch up much to get the desired response from your entire abdominal muscle complex. If that's still too much, buy a hula hoop. Just 15 minutes' hooping a day will result in a waspish waist.

De-fizz it

If you're a fan of fizzy diet drinks, you could unwittingly be widening your waistline. All fizzy drinks have gas in them, which causes gas in your intestinal system. One should also steer clear of sorbitol, an artificial drinks sweetener which the body can't break down properly. Instead, swap your diet drinks for water. Equally, if you enjoy an alcoholic treat, avoid beer, prosecco and fizzy mixers — a glass of red wine or plain vodka is less likely to cause bloating.

Finally, drink peppermint tea. Some studies suggest it can ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and reduce bloating.

Calm it

Tried everything but your waist won't shrink? Bloating with no obvious cause is known as 'dysbiosis' and refers to an imbalance of bacteria in your stomach, usually caused by excess yeast, Candida. Too much boozing, being on the Pill or HRT, or even taking antibiotics regularly can trigger the problem.

Think of yeast 'rising' in your gut

Avoid high sugar foods and go easy on beans, potatoes, sprouts, lentils, broccoli, bananas and raisins, which can all make bloating worse. Stick to berries, plums and other lowsugar fruits. Eat more eggs and pumpkin seeds to support your stress levels as they have calming properties and take a daily probiotic.

Squeeze it

If it's good enough for Jessica Alba, it's got to be worth a try. Reportedly, the Hollywood actress wore an elastic corset for two months to help shed her baby weight — the idea being that you're more likely to notice overeating than if you're wearing comfy trackies. Rather than Cousin Violet-style whalebone, you're better off slipping into a Waist Cincher. This smoothing 'control lingerie' has flexible bones, double-layer panels and flat hook-and-eye fastenings, and it really does hold in excess flab, whilst ensuring you can still breathe.

Tone it

Every celeb swears by Pilates and it is a brilliant way to flatten your waist. Most classes begin with 'the hundred' — so called because you hold the position for 100 beats.

It works muscles to create a strong and stable core, and tone your waistline. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat to the floor. Then lift your feet off the ground and bend your knees to a 90-degree angle. Your shins should be parallel to the floor. Reach your arms towards the sky. As you exhale, bring your arms back down towards the floor while lifting your head and the very top of your shoulders off the mat. Continue this movement, breathing in and out to a count of five. Aim to keep your head and torso still and flatten the abdominal area.

Women who exercise also enjoy sex

Are you a regular gym-goer or hit the jogging track daily? Keep it up as women who frequently exercise become aroused more quickly and are able to orgasm faster and more intensely, a fascinating research reveals.

"Being physically active seems to be a potent aphrodisiac for women," Tina M. Penhollow, an associate professor of health promotion at Florida Atlantic University, was quoted as saying.

During a single strength workout, a woman's body produces higher levels of growth hormone and testosterone that play a pivotal role in sex drive.

According to another research by University of Texas at Austin, female study participants were 169 percent more aroused (as indicated by blood flow in genital tissue) while watching a short porn flick after 20 minutes of vigorous cycling than when they watched it without riding beforehand.

Hitting the weight room regularly keeps levels of growth hormone and testosterone higher, said a Jamaica Gleaner report.

"That, along with the stress-busting benefits of pumping iron, can stoke greater sexual desire," said Kim Chronister, author of 'The Psychology Behind Fitness Motivation' was quoted as saying.

Women who exercise frequently and report higher levels of personal fitness are more likely to rate their desirability and sexual performance high above average, the report added.

Coffee face packs for supple skin

Your favourite beverage also doubles up as a great face pack, read on how

Use these coffee face packs to draw your coffee-addict partner towards you. They are easy to make and well, everybody has coffee at home!

Honey coffee pack:

We love coffee, we love honey! When you mix the two, think of the kind of delicious paste you will get. Mix a spoonful of each and slather it over your face. Wash it off after it dries to get beautifully soft, exfoliated skin.

Cocoa-coffee pack: 

It simply cannot get better than this! Think of what this mouthwatering, mind-blowing combo does to your senses... now think what it can do to your face! Both cocoa and coffee are antioxidants and when made into a paste using a little honey (another antioxidant) you will nourish your skin and cleanse it off all the grub you have accumulated all day.

Dry-skin pack: 

By mixing a little olive oil with some coffee powder, you will get a useful remedy for dry skin. Just make a paste it apply it on your face. Wash it off when the pack is still wet, don't let it dry off.

Summer beauty trend: Bright eyeliner

The soft, muted, pastel shades of spring-summer wardrobe are being contrasted with bright make-up and pink and orange lips, but don't shun bright eyeliner either as it is in vogue like never before.

It's an easy way to inject some colour into your summer look, and bright eyeliners are of lower maintenance than a lip colour.

Also, applying a good eyeliner can make you ready from morning till night, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

International designer Marc Jacobs featured bright blue shades in a recent collection. Also one witnessed orange liner at Vionnet's show and gold was seen at the Dior show.

However, it is necessary to choose the colour to compliment your outfit and your eyes.

If you don't want to attract too much attention just smudge a little into your waterline, or even just the bottom lash for a flash of colour.

For an adventurous look, try a futuristic liner style that actress Sophia Bush wore on the red carpet -- it certainly packs a punch and will ensure you standout this spring.

How to have abs slim as a willow

Planning to spend the summer by a sun-kissed beach, but don't have a flat tummy? Here's a plan

So, you are heading out for a beach holiday this summer. But is your body ready to adorn that colourful two piece? Don't fret. We have the five-step plan to help you shape your flabby abs.

Stacked plank 

Lie on your stomach, propped up on bent elbows (line them up under your shoulders), with feet together, and your toes tucked under. Pull stomach in tight, and lift hips off the floor until they are in line with your chest. 'Stack' right toe on top of left heel, hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs, hold for 30 seconds.

Tip to great abs 

Diet plays a huge role in having fab abs, so eat well for best results. Eat four-six small meals a day that combine a protein and fat (peanut butter or egg whites and avocado) to help shed fat fast. A big part (of great abs) is eating clean. Ditch all chemicals and preservatives that bloat.

Bicycle crunch freeze 

Lie on back, doing a traditional bicycle crunch (Cross opposite elbow to knee while other leg extends parallel to the floor). Hold twist to one side and do five small pulses to the knee (That's one rep). Do 10 reps alternating sides each time.

Tip to great abs 

Incorporating multi-muscle group, strength building moves such as squats and lunges can help increase your overall calorie burn while also toning your tummy. You'll burn more calories and tone your midsection because of how the body has to support itself in those positions.

Towel slide 

From an all-fours position, place a folded hand towel under toes. (Be sure to do this on a smooth surface so the towel can slide. Extend legs straight out behind you (so body is in a full plank position). Keeping shoulders over hands bend knees and scoop abs in while you draw the towel in towards your body, stopping with knees bent almost under your hips. Push legs back out to full plank. Work up to 10 reps in a row.

Tip to great abs 

Drink three litres of water with lemon a day to help detoxify the liver and reduce body fat around the abdomen.

Old school sit up

Lie on back, with knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place hands behind head, with elbows out to the sides, and sit all the way up. Keep feet flat on the ground. If you aren't able to come all the way up, place hands under thighs and assist your way up. Slowly roll back down to the ground.

Tip to great abs 

Multi-task your ab training with cardio workouts like kickboxing. It will not only help you work your abs with every punch and kick, you'll burn fat and tone your entire body all at the same time.

Corkscrew 

Lie on back, with legs extended to the ceiling, and arms on the floor, palms facing down by hips. With feet together, trace a circle from the right to the left with legs, lifting hips off the ground as legs come in towards your head. Try five large circles to the right and then to your left.

Tip to great abs

Want to fit into those skinny jeans? Try this 5-Second Flat Belly Fix: Inhale, then exhale pulling your rib cage down and navel into your spine. This easy move will turn your lower belly muscles into an abdominal girdle, immediately shrinking your mid-section.

10 makeup tips to look like a diva

Follow these simple rules...

Step 1: 

Start by applying some eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids in order to ensure a long-lasting look.

Step 2: 

Once you've done that you can start applying gold eyeshadow all over the eyelids. You can always use a neutral/beige/nude tone for the base.

Step 3: 

Then the next step is applying a darker (grey) shade, in the centre of your eyelids.

Step 4: 

To create a more smoldered effect you will need to apply black eyeshadow to line the upper lash line, making a wing.

Step 5: 

Next I'm applying some black gel eyeliner to sharpen the look.

Step 6: 

Once you've done that take a fluffy brush to blend the colours and soften the look. You can also use a nude shadow to soften the edges and highlight the brow bone.

Step 7:

 Use the same brush to add a hint of grey underneath the lower lash line. Then you can use false eyelashes so you can create a dramatic look. If you decide not to, you can just apply a generous coat of mascara.

Step 8: 

Contour the face with some bronzer before finishing off. You can apply it on the hollows of the cheeks, the jawline and the sides of the nose.

Step 9: 

Follow this up by dabbing some peach blush on the cheeks.

Step 10: 

Finally for the lips, apply a gorgeous shade of red.

Inputs courtesy: Beauty blogger Navyata from FOMO (Fashion On My Own)