BEAUTY TIPS 2

What Your Mom
Never Told You
About Oil 
Did you know that almost all the products you use every day on your face and body are oil-enriched?
Mom said 'put oil', and as much as we resisted it then, it was good advice. Today's anti-ageing, softening and hydrating products all use oils. In that capsule that adds sheen and volume to your hair, that tube of lipgloss that hydrates with a high-shine finish, and in many other little helpers, oil plays a starring role.
It's An Old Favourite
India: The earliest written document states that fragrant oils were a common commodity in India even in 2008 BC. It is said that early temples were built entirely of sandalwood to ensure a fragrant, calming ambience.
Egypt: The use of beauty oils goes back to Pharaonic times. Egyptian priests used aromatic oils in 1500 BC, not only to embalm, but also to treat mania, depression and nervous disorders. Queen Cleopatra famously bathed in a mix of milk, nectar and aromatic oils, and most of the oils were sourced from China and India.
Europe: In France, the therapeutic properties of essential oils were researched and implemented by French cosmetic chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, in the 1920s France. The oils were extracted from plants, seeds, herbs, fruits, nuts, shrubs, rind and even roots.
It's Currently All The Rage
While essential oils have been used for centuries, there is a theory for why they've become popular in the last decade. With increasing demand for natural and organic products, the usage of essential oils will eventually become the order of the day. Though the extraction process has evolved with the use of advanced technology, the ingredients are sourced and cultivated as they were centuries ago to maintain the purity of product formulations. In India, the concepts of ancient and natural have always been sacrosanct. Therapeutic oils used in products (both cosmetic and medical) are sourced and extracted from the plants found in the mountain ranges as they have great healing properties.
These products have a positive effect on our skin. They improve blood circulation, provide oxygen to the tissues and dispose of the carbon dioxide, thereby improving immunity and decreasing blood viscosity.
It Can Heal 
Essential oils are also considered nature's warriors, with anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, circulation-stimulating and deodorising properties. They are non-toxic and contribute to stimulating the body's healing mechanism. Essential oils are the life force of nature, they have therapeutic qualities that can treat issues like skin pigmentation and acne, and when used medically, oils can treat ailments like migraines or depression.
There's One Out There For You
When it comes to oils in beauty products, there's one for every purpose. Oils are used for cleansing, moisturising and protecting skin and nails. Oils have fatty acids for soft and supple skin, and also treat a variety of skin conditions; however, one should be careful about choosing the right kind of oils for their skin type.
Oily skin: Tea tree oil controls blemishes and breakouts because of its antibacterial properties.
Dry skin: Lavender oil and rose oil are nature's moisturisers.
Combination skin: Geranium and ylang-ylang balance and soothe the skin.
Acne-prone skin: Grapeseed and bergamot oils are known for their antibacterial properties.
Oily scalp: Olive oil will balance out an oily scalp.
Normal/dry scalp: Coconut oil is the best for normal to dry hair types.
Nails: Almond oil is used to hydrate cuticles and nails.
Products for younger skin need to have lighter textures and low oil levels in comparison to those for women with mature skin. As one begins to age, the natural oil secretion from the body reduces, so you'll need 'heavier' oils.
Doctors Are Getting Interested In It
The future seems promising, as the use and understanding of essential oils will only increase. Products containing essential oils to promote healthy living and household cleaning agents with natural oils that help eliminate carcinogens have already hit shelves in retail stores in the west.And while most oil-enriched products are being massaged or blended into your skin or scalp, the future could hold oils that change forms to vapour and powders.

Skin Care For Spring  Nothing cheers people up more than the weather turning warm! The coming of spring can be noticed all around, from shrinking piles of woollen clothes, to small green buds popping out on tree tops. The change in the weather and environment also means it is time to re-evaluate your skin care regimen. Changes made in preparation for winter's harsh reality will not be suitable for the freshness of spring. Cleansing and rejuvenation are the keywords for spring. Spring skin-care, in keeping with this overall theme, focuses on deep-cleansing, exfoliation and gentle nourishment to prepare the skin for the hotter months to follow. Spring is perhaps the most pleasant of all seasons. It is no excuse to compromise on your skin care. Your skin may be in a slump after the cold and harsh winter months. So it is important for you to get it prepared for the spring with the proper skin care. The foremost characteristic of spring is the transformation. Here are some effective skin care tips that will help you sport a gorgeous skin all through the spring season. Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation is a quick-fix solution that delivers instant results. It removes all the dead skin cells that get accumulated on the skin surface and gives your skin a dull and dehydrated appearance. There is an extensive range of exfoliants available in the market that help you remove dead skin cells and reveal the fresh new cells from underneath. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and soft and your complexion looks brighter. Moreover, you can also get rid of the wrinkles and fine lines with consistent exfoliation. Spring clean your skin-care cabinet: Skin-care products and cosmetics generally have a shelf-life of about two years, after which they lose their effectiveness. Moreover, they can collect bacteria and therefore damage the skin. Spring is a good time to go though your skin-care products cabinet and do some cleaning. Throw away products that you have stored for years or anything that has acquired an odd smell or colour along with the ones that are past their expiry dates. Be especially careful with skin-care products that contain salicyclic acid or SPF. Moisturise effectively: it is important to keep your skin moisturised during the spring season. This could be especially beneficial if you use a moisturiser with SPF. If you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors it is important to keep your skin protected against the ill-effects of the sun. Even on a cloudy day there is no excuse to avoid SPF. Though the sun's rays are very dim when it is cloudy, they do reach your skin surface. Even when you are driving in you car, the sun affects you. Wear protective clothing: When you go out take along a hat and sunglasses. It will not only look good but also help to keep your skin protected from the sun's rays. Stay hydrated and well nourished: Drinking water is very important to keep your skin hydrated in the warm weather. Your internal organs get the benefits of water first and your skin is the last organ that gets its benefits. So make sure you drink lots of water to get good skin-care benefits. Nutrition is the basic building block to any skin-care system. Spring time is the best time to take advantage of fresh, green vegetables and fruits. Capitalise on the growing season of asparagus, baby greens like spinach, and strawberries. You probably already know that you must avoid oily and fatty foods that can contribute to skin problems. But don't forget to eat positively for your skin's health as well. Take advantage of warm-weather produce and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for your skin, like leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits and berries. Vitamin A is long known to be an important component in skin care. Vitamin A is often found in night creams and prescription skin care products. Vitamin A has a proven ability to help fade out brown spots and ageing spots and to smooth rough edges. Retinoids are essential to making the skin look and feel younger. Adding a few carrots to your afternoon snack will help provide you with some beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin B3 is another skin enhancing supplement, which is often overlooked. Yet the truth of the matter is that vitamin B3 has been shown to significantly reduce redness and to boost hydration. So, if you can't seem to down enough water throughout the day to hydrate your skin, try adding a B3 supplement to your regimen as well. Alongside fatty acids, B3 has been proven to strengthen the skin's protective barriers. This vitamin can help keep irritants out while maintaining moisture on the inside.It can also reduce and minimise dark pigmented spots. Treat eye puffiness: Your skin may be especially prone to allergies during the spring season. As a result, your eye area may look tired and puffy. Calm your eye contours by keeping your skin hydrated. There are a variety of eye creams that can help solve the problem. Another chief concern of spring involves the introduction of allergens to the air. Allergy flare-ups can cause puffy eyes, swollen sinus cavity areas, and redness on the nose and cheek area. Adjust your moisturiser: Winter's dry air calls for a stronger moisturiser, but warm weather brings increased humidity, which in turn can make you sweat and increase your skin's production of natural oils. Switch to a lighter moisturiser, one that is not oil-based, and that includes a higher SPF protection for the happy hours you'll be spending outdoors in the sunshine. Here are some ayurvedic skin-care tips to avoid kapha-related skin problems and to keep your skin looking radiantly fresh, clear and alive: Stringent cleansing, at least twice a day, is crucial. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type. Avoid harsh cleansers in general, and aim for purification while maintaining the moisture balance of your skin. To make your own cleanser for dry or normal skin, mix together two tablespoons of almond meal, two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal and a few drops of rosewater in milk or cream to form a smooth paste. For oily skin, blend together two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal, two tablespoons of multani clay, one teaspoon of lemon peel powder and 1/2 teaspoon of neem powder in fresh yogurt or water. Apply the cleanser in smooth upward strokes to face and neck. Wait for three-five minutes; then rinse off with lots of tepid water. Secret tweaks to enhance your natural beauty  FAKE! Shiny, Bouncy Hair Dye your hair a few shades darker than its natural colour. Dark hair reflects light better, which increases shine. Up the gloss with a homemade mask. Mash a banana with 1tbsp clear, runny honey and apply over wet hair. Cover with a warm towel and leave for an hour, then shampoo and rinse well. It will leave your hair looking beautifully glossy and boost its volume too. Disguise split ends by applying a pea-size drop of your regular conditioner todry hair. FAKE! Perfectly Manicured Nails  If you want nail polish that lasts for weeks without chipping, try some good branded one. The salon manicure is a cross between a long-lasting nail varnish and a gel nail, that won't damage your natural nails. The gel-polish is painted on like a varnish, then set under a UV light. It won't chip or fade and lasts up to four weeks before you have it removed by soaking in a special solution. FAKE! Fuller Lips Exfoliate your lips Whip up your own scrub by adding sugar to your face cleanser. The stimulation puffs them up and the scrubbing helps smooth them. Outline just above the V of your cupid's bow with a shimmery white pencil to make it look like your lips are almost overflowing. Try kohl pencil in white or silver and blend with your fingers. Matte lip glosses can highlight lines around your mouth, so go for glossy finishes. Whiten teeth occasionally by rubbing with a paste of 1tsp bicarbonate of soda and water. It will gently remove stains and brighten up your smile.