Wine therapy for beauty !

Wine facials have become very popular in India. Wine has been used for centuries as a natural skin care treatment. Homemade masks and toners made from wine can help exfoliate and remove skin problems.

Wine also makes an interesting topical skin care treatment, since it contains such a wide range of substances that can be beneficial for troubled skin.

Every wine has a slightly different composition, and different varieties are useful for particular skin types. Dry skin types may wish to choose a sweet wine with plenty of sugar for water-binding purposes. Acne-prone skin will do better with red wine, since its high concentration of the polyphenol resveratrol may act to reduce inflammation while reversing or preventing free radical damage. Those with extremely flaky skin should choose dry wine, which has a greater concentration of the natural called malic, tartaric, and citric acid.

For dry, flaky body skin, mix 1 cup dry red wine with 1 cup of water. Pour into a spray bottle, and apply all over after a shower or bath. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse. Particularly flaky skin may benefit from mixing ¼ cup of dry white wine with 1 cup white vinegar and adding ¼ to ½ cup of this liquid to bathwater.

For dry skin, mix 3 tablespoons sweet red wine with ½ tablespoon aloe vera gel and one tablespoon runny honey Apply to face and neck, and rinse off after 10 minutes or so.

For oily skin and acne, blend 3 tablespoons red wine with some yogurt and use as a facial mask.

For sensitive skin, use white wine; the natural preservative tannin in red wines may prove too irritating to reddened facial skin. Boil a soothing herb like chamomile in the white wine for 10 minutes.Acne-prone skin may benefit from use of dry red wine straight from the bottle as a toner.

Wine therapy for spa

Wine and traditional spa treatments are now being combined to offer consumers a fresh approach to skincare and relaxation.wine not only tastes good - it's also good for your skin.Wine therapy removes dry skin and increases circulation with a foamy, vitamin-rich scrub of sea salt and wine, followed by a warm wine massage. Filled with nourishing vitamins Grapes, and their seeds and vines, contain some of nature's most powerful antioxidants, helping to account for the hottest trend in the spa industry cleansing their faces with Merlot wraps, exfoliating with crushed.Cabernet scrubs, and soaking themselves in vats of spring water treated with the extract of red grape vines, all of which help soothe, moisturise and protect the skin. It appears Cleopatra was on to something when she bathed in tubs of wine 2,000 years ago.

Wine grapes contain natural antioxidants called polyphenols that exfoliate, detoxify, cool inflammation, and soften and repair damaged skin. Sixty percent of extractable grape polyphenols are in the grade seed. Thirty percent are in the grape skin and less than 10 percent are in the pulp.

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol found in the skin of the grape. Red and purple grapes have significantly more resveratrol than green grapes.

(Inputs by: Dr Jaishree Manchanda, cosmetologist and founder of Berkowits skin clinic)

4 ways to apply face cream properly

If you are not sure how to apply a face cream the right way, here's how to find out

You might find it weird when we say that there's a right way to apply a face cream, but there actually is one. Here is what you need to do —

Wash your face first

No matter what time of the day you apply the face cream, you need to wash your face. This way you get rid of sweat, grime, makeup etc. This will allow the cream to penetrate into your pores and work its magic. Also use a gentle face cleanser to wash it off properly.

Application on damp skin

Always apply your face cream on damp skin. If you wait for your face to dry off completely, it won't work. Creams are better able to lock in moisture when you apply on damp skin. After you finish, pat your skin dry.

Use small quantities

The best way to apply a face cream is using small quantities. Using more doesn't always show the benefits. It takes a long time to rub the cream on your face as opposed to when you use less. Your face should be able to absorb the cream rather than feel sticky.

Dab it smooth

Instead of taking a finger full of it, apply small spots all over your face and then smoothen it out. This way you will be able to apply the cream on every bit of your face.

Unusual lip shades for the summer

Experimentation is the name of the game this summer and the trend has trickled to lip colours as well. 

This summer has seen pink as the most wearable colour, but if it isn't your colour, then there are a few more unusual colours for you to choose from. Here, we list a few.

Peach: 

The juicy shade is summer-perfect as it gives a beachy, laid-back vibe that will get you on the vacation mood, pronto. Add kajal to your eyes and you are beach-ready instantly.

Tangerine: 

It is one of those colours that was just made for summers. If you like peach, but want to heighten the drama a bit, then tangerine is the shade you want to pick.

Orange: 

It's a fun colour to sport, especially in the heat. The fun and peppy shade has a coolness that helps you grab eye-ball instantly.

Fire engine red: 

Red hot lips are a perfect choice for summer parties. Instead of wearing a darker brick colour this time of the year go for a bright red shade.

Lilac: 

This shade of purple may seem a little out-ofthe-box at first, but don't be scared. The pale lilac colour transitions easily from a fun day at the beach to a happening night out in the city. That's not all, this gorgeous lip colour will brighten up your complexion, making you glow.

Shoo away summer hair problems

Colouring your locks or taking a cool dip in the pool may be a problem for your hair during summer. Know how to protect your precious locks.

Kiran Lohia, managing director, Lumiere Dermatology suggests the following tips:

Hair colour fading: 

The sun's strong rays can often cause your hair colour to change due to its temporary bleaching effects. Wear a hat to protect hair. If not that, you can wear products with sun protection on your tresses.

Green hair: 

Swimming is a great way to cool yourself, but the chlorine present in it can make your hair turn green. Look for chlorine-removing shampoos so that your hair can return to its natural colour! And, try to wear a swim cap to reduce the amount of chlorine your hair is exposed to.

Forehead breakouts because of bangs: 

Greasy bangs sticking to the face can block your skin's pores leading to breakouts. Try to keep your bangs or hair off your face so that your skin can breathe.

Most women regret going under the knife

A new research suggests that two thirds of Brits who've had cosmetic surgery regret the procedure, with the majority complaining they didn't look how they imagined after the op.

The poll of 2,638 people, by a firm of medical negligence solicitors, found that 83 percent of people who've had plastic surgery would never consider having a cosmetic procedure again, the Daily Starreported.

The research by medicalaccidentgroup.co.uk was conducted as part of an ongoing study into how Brits feel about any cosmetic surgery that they've had.

The respondents aged 18 and over and from around the UK had all had cosmetic surgery in the last five years.

They were quizzed about the procedures they'd had and how they felt about the results.

For 33 percent, the results of the procedure didn't match the image they had in their heads before going into surgery.

Nearly a quarter (24 percent) encountered complications during or after the op and 17 percent felt the side effects weren't fully explained.

For 13 percent, having surgery failed to increase their self-confidence, and in fact, made them feel less comfortable than before the surgery.

Sadly eight percent regret spending the money and are now in debt as a result of paying for a nip and tuck.

The most common surgeries among the survey group were breast augmentations (31 percent) and nose jobs (27 percent). Liposuction came a close third at 24 percent, while 16 percent had eyelid surgery.

Asked how they felt following surgery, two thirds (65 percent) said they "regret having cosmetic surgery" although 28 percent said they "couldn't be happier with the results".

Home remedies for bright white teeth

Pearly whites gone pale! One of the most common problems that every dentist comes across. Though we all wish to have pearly white smile, going for crazy expensive treatments definitely burns a hole in our pockets, thank goodness there are some home remedies which are not only easy but very reasonable.

Banana peels: 

Bananas are considered to be a wholesome fruit that houses loads of nutrients. But do you know that banana peels are a great source of teeth whitening as well. So the next time preserve that banana peel to get a pearly white teeth. Rub the peel on your teeth for about a minute or two twice daily. The minerals in bananas such as potassium, manganese and magnesium, are absorbed into your teeth, which keeps your pearly whites in their best health. Orange peels are also considered to be a great source of teeth whiteners.

Berry berry strawberry: 

Did you know that those bright red strawberries are a great source of teeth whiteners? Well, now that you know it, start stocking up fresh strawberries. All you have to do is take one or two strawberries, mash them up and apply them on your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse properly after this procedure or you can even brush your teeth. Strawberries being a rich source of natural enzyme known as malic acid, helps in whitening teeth, while the fiber found in strawberries act as a natural cleanser that helps in remoivng the bacteria especially, from the mouth and teeth.

Munch in the crunchy carrots: 

The next time you see those crunchy carrots, simply wash them well and eat them raw. Raw carrots are very beneficial in scrapping off plaque from your teeth and are also known as natural cleaner. Also rubbing raw carrot sticks on your teeth will brighten them up. They also kill the bacteria while giving you healthy gums and whiter teeth. Apart from carrots, apples and celery are also considered equally important sources of teeth whiteners. which prevents gum disease and gingivitis and kills odor-causing bacteria.

Quit smoking:

Surely it is easy to say than actually doing it and sticking to it. But, all said and done, quitting smoking has more benefits. Smoking, yellows your teeth along with imparting you with other deadly diseases. So if you want to bring back the pearly white shines, quit smoking.

Use a straw: 

Sipping anything extremely hot or cold is not good for your teeth. So as far as possible try sipping your tea or cold coffee through a straw as it cuts down the direct contact of your teeth and hot 

Ways to make lip gloss last longer

Lip gloss looks beautiful but it has a short life as it wears off quite easily. Read on to know how to make it last longer

Lip gloss is every woman's basic necessity. It's shiny and glamorous and adds volume to any lip colour. But the only problem is that it doesn't last longer and smudges off quite easily. But that doesn't mean that you stop wearing it. Just keep in mind not to wear it on bare lips. We suggest you some tips to make your lip gloss last longer and look beautiful.

Use a lip liner

Before you apply any lip gloss, outline your lips with a lip liner of the same colour and fill in a bit. It will prepare a base for your lip gloss to adhere to. It not only makes the lip gloss last longer but also avoids any smudges. It also makes you lips look fuller.

Try out a lip stain

Applying lip stain beneath lip gloss is another smart trick as it is not sticky. When you apply a coat of lip gloss over lip stain, its dry formula will absorb the gloss. Another benefit is that it will moisturize your lips and give it a sheer, which you can flaunt.

Final step, lipstick

Sometimes even long-wear lipsticks fail to give long-lasting finish and effect. This is why, many use lipstick and lip gloss together as it makes a strong combination. Apply a layer of gloss over lipstick to make your lip colour last longer.

How to prevent lips from drying

Here are some tips on how you can prevent your lips from drying

Dry lips are a common issue in the summer season. Keeping them moisturised constantly is important and calls for much care. Here are some tips to prevent dry lips -

1. Don't lick them: 

It is a common habit of many to lick their lips every few minutes. Avoid it. Form a habit to keep a check on you as licking lips leads to dryness and chapped lips.

2. Use a good lip balm: 

Invest in a nice, fruity lip balm that will keep your lips soft and moist. Do check that it comes with a certain level of sun protective SPF. If you do not want to use a cosmetic balm, try using petroleum jelly.

3. Drink lots of water: 

Hydration is most important in summers. So make it a point to drink at least 2.5-3 liters of water.

4. Choose healthy cosmetics: 

Every girl likes to put on some make-up. But when wearing a variety of lip glosses or colors, make sure you use healthy ones as cosmetics can dry out your lips quickly.

5. Avoid using a harsh facewash: 

Avoid using a harsh facewash for skin problems as they may harm your skin and lips especially. If you do use one for acne or other issue, protect your lips from any contact with the foam of the facewash.

Tips for glowing skin

Your skin is a clear indicator to your lifestyle and internal well being, here are a few popular beauty tips to give you that much elusive glowing skin.

Exercise: 

Exercising can do wonders to your skin. Indulge in some sort of physical activity on a regular basis and notice how it affects your skin for the better. Running, jogging, walking or swimming, take out around 30 minutes from your daily schedule and unwind.

Drink water: 

Probably one of the most advised beauty tips, keeping yourself hydrated on a daily basis is absolutely essential. Juices and other liquids are also highly beneficial. Drink around 10-15 glasses a day and it is sure to positively affect your skin. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol should also be avoided.

Go green: 

A healthy diet can do wonders to the quality of your skin. Incorporate a healthy dose of vitamins and proteins in your daily diet and notice the condition of your skin change for the tremendously. Figs, radishes, spinach etc are great for healthy, glowing skin. Nuts like almonds are also known to improve the quality of your skin.

Makeup tips for office

A little makeup is always good, especially when one is heading to the office. But, how much makeup does one apply when at work?

While many like to go sans any makeup; others sometimes go over-the-top with it. A fine balance is the solution. Here are a few tips:

- In a formal environment, always keep the makeup subtle. Avoid dramatic eyes with bright-coloured eye shadows and liners. Instead opt for just kajal or eye liner.

- Avoid glitters or sparkles when it comes to office makeup. Firstly, they are good only for nightouts. Also, they act as distractions.

- When it comes to lip colour, stay away from pop colours. Keep the drama and the shock for the weekends; instead opt for soft sheer colours.

- You can use a concealer or a compact after applying moisturizer on your face to hide marks or lighten any area.

- Avoid using blush while heading to the office as it might look a little over-the-top.

High frequency for your hair

High frequency therapy is a type of intensive hair treatment to cure dandruff, hair-fall or alopecia, carried out by treating your hair with high-frequency infra and ultra rays.

Several salons in Mumbai have started using this therapy as something of a quicker solution to their hair-related problems.

What is it?

It utilises a transparent rod-like tool that is plugged in, has two to three different types of knobs that need to be fitted in front of it for different types of treatments. Usually, a wide comb is fitted. A tool used for treating dandruff that looks like a long handled comb generates current when brought in contact with the scalp. The second is an ultra ray treatment given through a distance with the use of a bulb.

Treatment procedure

The treatment begins by separating the hair in four-five different partitions, then unknotting it smoothly. After this, the comb that emits infra rays is used on various portions of the affected scalp. This is process is done for two-three minutes, followed by a thorough oil massage for about 20 minutes. Then, a moisturizing hair mask is applied to every strand of the hair from root to tip and left untouched for about 15 minutes. Then, this masked hair is treated with steam and is then exposed to ultra rays through a bulb for five-seven minutes. The treatment lasts for 45 minutes and one needs to take a head wash only the next morning. The treatment also includes pressure point massages for the neck and back.

Beauty expert Jaishree Shah says, "The best part is that this process doesn't hurt at all, one might just feel slight irritation when the mouth of the comb touched the scalp. However, you get used to it gradually. This treatment requires about eight sittings and your dandruff is completely treated."

This treatment requires a minimum of ten continuous sittings, which can be done twice or thrice a week. Post the ten sittings, one should not stop the treatment completely, but continue doing it on a fortnightly basis for better and long lasting results.

Beauty expert Bhavna Daniel, explains, "Infra rays are given prior to the treatment just when the hair is unknotted. The device is touched to scalp while the treatment and hence it shows visible effects. While, ultra rays are given in the form of a bulb, at the end of the treatment i.e. after steam. The ultra rays are given from a distance and not brought close to the scalp or hair."

Benefits of infra and ultra rays

• Improves blood circulation
• Helps generate new cells
• Exfoliates hair growth
• Treats dandruff effectively
• Prevents itchy scalp
• Stops hair fall gradually
• - Helps keep hair growth constant

Tips to reduce facial hair growth

Even though it is normal for women to sport some amount of facial fuzz, many find it annoying. Here are some tips to help you reduce facial hair...

Add 30 grams of sugar to some lemon juice in a bowl of water. Mix well and apply it in the direction of the hair growth. Leave this for 15 minutes and rinse. Repeat once a week.

The traditional mixture of gram flour, turmeric and curd is said to marginally reduce hair growth. Apply this mixture on your face and rinse it once it dries.

A mixture of papaya and turmeric helps contain hair growth, and what's more, it also exfoliates the skin. Massage the paste on your face for 15 minutes for best results.

Potato, a bleaching agent, when mixed with yellow lentil paste makes the hair colour lighter and also helps remove unwanted facial hair. Apply and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.

A banana-oatmeal scrub is simple, yet effective. Apply the paste for about 15 minutes and wash off with water. Repeat this twice a week.

Beauty benefits of rose petals

Who said a rose can only be used to woo your beloved? Women have been using rose petals since centuries to soothe their mind and body. 

In fact, it is said that ancient Greeks and Romans used rose petals to perfume their baths. Here's looking at the beauty benefits of this fragrant flower and how you can include rose water, rose oil and rose petals in your skin and hair care routine.

Skin toner: 

Rose water is considered to be a natural toner for your skin. Once you return home from work, take a swab of cotton dipped in rose water and gently wipe your face in a circular motion. This will help get rid of the dirt as well as makeup.

Soothes skin: 

The natural oils found in roses help retain moisture in the skin. This results in your skin feeling smooth and soft. The sugars in rose petals especially benefit those with sensitive skin.

Acts as sunscreen: 

A rich source of vitamin C, rose petals act as an excellent sunblock. Make a lotion by mixing cucumber juice, glycerin and rose water and apply it on your skin before heading out in the sun.

Helps fight acne: 

The anti-bacterial properties found in rose makes it amazing for fighting acne and breakouts. Rose water can also help soothe irritated skin and reduce its redness. It is also known to heal skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis.

Prevent dark circles: 

Soak thin swabs of cotton in rose water and put them on your eyes to prevent dark circles.

Moodlifting properties: 

In a bad mood or feel the stress? Known as a powerful mood enhancer, add rose petals to a warm bath will help you get rid of feelings of anxiety. Apart from being a detox for your body, it will also help you sleep better.

Nourishes scalp: 

Rose water is great for your hair as heals the itchy and flaky areas of your scalp. Moreover, it helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

Avoid a white powder disaster

She may be a style icon and a trendsetter, but when Angelina Jolie stepped out for a New York premiere earlier this week, she had people talking more about her makeup than her kneelength cocktail dress. 

Reason: her over- powdered face.

Now, while white powder is a great makeup tool to give one's skin a flawless finish and to keep oil at bay, one should not go overboard with it. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid a white-powder disaster:

Remember, a light dusting of white powder is all one needs when applying makeup.

Do not overpowder your face through the day or it will start to look cakey later on.

Apply powder only to areas that tend to shine, like the T-zone and chin. If you have an oily T-zone, it's better to use blotting paper rather than more white powder.

Do not use a giant brush, but a domed eye shadow one instead, to apply the powder