Fashion Subcultures

Skin Care Treatment with FOODS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

2008-11-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

Your skin care treatment for your skin problems lies in your kitchen. Use natural skin care treatment and remedies. Why waste money on skin care products. They actually harm your skin.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is good for dryness of the skin and for removing scars of old pimples. Ground the outer cover of 3-5 almonds in with water and apply over the face daily.

Apples

Apply or drink juice of pineapple for body and facial pains.

Apply juice of green apples for fine wrinkles, cracked skin, itching and inflammations.

Apricots

Apply fresh juice of apricots on face good for sunburn, itching, and eczema.

Bengal Gram Flour

Apply a paste of Bengal Gram flour with yogurt for the treatment of pimples and other skin allergies.

Apply green gram flour mixed in water or glycerine for improving complexion.

Cucumber

Apply cucumber juice or grated cucumber or cucumber juice mixed with juices of carrot, lettuce or alfalfa over the face for skin eruptions.

Drumsticks

Apply a paste of ground drumstick pods and leaves with fresh lime juice for the treatment of pimples, black spots and blackheads.

Fenugreek

Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing pimples, blackheads, dryness, and wrinkles.

Apply a decoction on the face, made by boiling 1 tsp fenugreek seeds in 1 liter water for a few of minutes for preventing pimples, blackheads, dryness, and wrinkles.

Garlic

Rub raw garlic on the face for persistent pimples. The pimples will disappear without scars with repeated applications.

Mix 3-4 raw, skinned garlic, finely cut garlic with puffed rice, and swallow with water to clear skin infections quickly.

Peanut Oil

Mix 1 tsp peanut oil with 1 tsp fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .

Honey

Apply honey (1 tsp) mixed with water for all skin blemishes. This will turn your skin glowing.

Apply honey mixed with milk, yogurt, and ground sesame seeds in equal proportions for fair complexion and lovely skin.

Lime Juice

Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples blackheads, and cracked skin.

Mangoes

Boil mangoes leaves and skin in water and apply for skin infection.

Mint

Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

Neem Leaves

Swallow 10 fresh ground neem leaves with water to clear the skin.

Chew fresh neem leaves and then swallow with water to remove bad odor from the mouth.

Orange

Apply a paste of ground orange peel (dried) with water for acne/pimples.

Papaya or Paw Paw

Apply and drink the juice of raw papaya including the skin and seed for treatment of swelling pimples, acne, or any abnormal growth of the skin. It also removes whiteheads, boils, and spots.

Rub raw or ripe papaya on your face to get a smooth and glowing skin.

Pineapples

Apply or drink juice of pineapple for body and facial pains.

For removing fine wrinkles, rub the core of pineapple for a few minutes and leave for 15 minutes

Apply juice of pineapples for fine wrinkles, cracked skin, itching and inflammations.

Pomegranate

Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomegranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.

Potatoes

Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.

Radish

Make a paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.

Apply grated white radish or its juice for fairer complexion.

Rice

Apply a paste of rice powder with water as a poultice for soothing bleeding pimples and skin inflammations.

Sesame Seeds

Apply a paste of ground sesame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples.

Tomatoes

Apply red tomatoes pulp on your face for treatment of pimples for 1 hour, then wash thoroughly.

Turmeric

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with gram flour or whole wheat flour for minor skin blemishes.

Apply a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.

Wheat Flour

Apply a paste of whole wheat flour with vinegar to remove dark spots.

Yogurt

Apply a paste of yogurt with wheat flour as a cleanser.

Summer Exercises:

2008-10-28T02:10:00.001-07:00

Shed that stubborn roll around your middle with circuit training as it ensures that you work your muscles in a slightly different way while strengthening your body at every angle. Do the exercises as a circuit; moving from one to the next one without rest. Complete a total of three circuits of these five exercises, resting for 1 min after each.

Here are the five exercises:

Squats: Stand with feet wider than your shoulders, toes slightly pointed out. Pretend as if you are sitting on a chair until the top of your thighs are parallel to the ground. Don’t let your knees cross over your toes. Pull your abs in and squeeze your hips as you come up and exhale. Repeat this around 25 times.

Lunge pumps: Stand with your feet apart, wider than the shoulders, abs pulled in, take a step forward, lower your body to kneeling position. Bend your back knee close to the ground; your front knee should never cross over your toes. Exhale as you come up. Repeat this 12 to 15 times for each leg.

Standing bicycles: Stand with feet wider than shoulders, place the hands behind your ears. Move your left leg up and across your body. Bring the right shoulder and elbow down and across your body. Exhale as your knee comes up. Do 25 to 30 reps each side.

Push-up plank and move: Begin in a push up position, hand wider than your shoulder, draw back your navel, walk with your feet towards your hands as far as you can. Then walk your hands out to push up plank position. Repeat the move. Exhale as you bring your feet close to your hands and repeat it for 15 to 20 times.

Crunches with raised hips: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips off the floor, hold this position throughout the exercise. Pull your abs in and hands at your ears. Raise your shoulder blade off the floor and exhale. Don’t drop your hips down until you finish 20 to 30 reps.

Tips:

Always warm-up before workout and cool off with stretches after your workout. Keep sipping water during the workouts.

If you feel tired or fatigued, stop immediately. Remember it’s about working out smarter not harder.

Right kind of massage:

2008-10-28T02:09:00.001-07:00

Getting a massage has become a popular way to reduce stress and muscle tension. But one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to a massage. There are several different types of massages and it is important to understand the differences among them and the relief each can provide. Here are some of the common types:

* Craniosacral massage: Treatment focuses on imbalances or blockages in the head, neck and spine areas.

* Deep tissue massage: Targets deep muscle tissue through direct pressure and friction on muscles using heavy strokes.

* Neuromuscular massage: Concentrates on painful areas in muscles. A massage therapist uses deep massage techniques to locate and release tender points in muscles.

* Rolfing: Focuses on the connective tissue that forms a web of support throughout the body. Practitioners often apply pressure in an attempt to realign connective tissues, which they believe become out of alignment by everyday stress.

* Swedish massage: Most common form of massage that concentrates on soft tissues near the surface of your skin. Therapist uses long, smooth strokes and kneading movements along the skin, working all areas of the body.

* Sports massage: Designed for athletes to focus on the specific muscle groups used in a particular sport. A sports massage therapist might use a combination of Swedish and deep massage to attend to muscle pain or stiffness.

Flabby, unfirm hands are quite an ugly sight:

2008-10-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Flabby, unfirm hands are quite an ugly sight. Here’s a simple program for creating tighter arms in the comfort of your home. The muscles being focused on are the triceps (back of the arm) and the biceps (front of the arm just below the front of the shoulder). You’ll be performing a tri-set, which means three exercises in a row without any rest. Select a weight that’s challenging, focus on impeccable form and concentrate on the muscle you’re working. The triceps are a larger muscle than the biceps, so there are two triceps exercises and one biceps exercise.

Tricep dips
* Take two benches or chairs, sit on one.
* Place palms on the bench with fingers wrapped around the edge.
* Beginners should start with feet on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. As you progress, move your feet out further until your legs are straight with a slight bend in the knees. Then use another chair/bench and place both feet on the other bench.
* Slide your upper body off the bench with your elbows nearly but not completely locked.
* Lower your upper body slowly toward the floor until your elbows are bent slightly more than 90 degrees.
* Contracting your triceps muscles, extend your elbows returning to the starting position stopping just short of the elbows fully extending.
* Inhale while lowering your body.
* Exhale while returning to the starting position.
Perform 12-15 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

Dumbbell Double Biceps Curl

* Stand straight with a bit of distance between your feet. Your back too should be straight.
* Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at each side and palms facing forward. Contracting the biceps muscles, raise the weights toward your shoulders stopping just short of the weights touching the shoulders.
* Slowly return to the starting position.
* Exhale while lifting the weights.
* Inhale while returning to the starting position.
* Your upper arms should remain stationary throughout the exercise.
Perform 12-15 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.

The Head Triceps Extension

* Stand with a dumbbell in your right hand. You can hold your left elbow if you need support.
* Press the weight over your head until your right arm is almost straight with a slight bend in the elbow at the top position.
* Do not allow the weight to touch your head or neck area.
* Slowly bend your elbow, lowering the weight until your arm forms a 90-degree angle behind your head stopping before the weight touches your back.
* Contracting the triceps muscles, slowly return to the starting position.
* Exhale while returning to the starting position.
* Inhale while lowering the weight.
* After completing the set on the right side, repeat on the left side.
* This exercise is not to be performed with very heavy dumbbells. The technique is more important than the weight.
You can also perform this exercise while seated on a bench.

All three exercises are considered one cycle. Beginners should perform one cycle on three alternate days of the week. Intermediates should perform two cycles on alternate days of the week and pros — three cycles. Wait one minute between cycles before repeating. To get best results this specialty arm workout should be incorporated into your exercise schedule which includes weight training and cardiovascular exercises.

Remove ugly splits successfully:

2008-10-28T02:06:00.001-07:00

The hair splits when the cuticle is damaged and the fibres of the cortex unravel. This makes the mane dry, brittle prone to tangling and split ends. Perming, colouring, insufficient conditioning, or too much brushing or back combing, especially with poor quality combs or brushes can cause hair to split. Spiky rollers and hair pins, excessive heat and irregular trims can also cause aggravate the problem.

Split ends can not be mended, the only long term cure is to have them snipped off. What is lost in the length will be gained in quality. Frequent shampooing too isn’t recommended as this in itself is stressful to hair and causes split ends to extend up the hair shaft. Never have the dryer too near to your hair, or set it on a high temperature. Try conditioners and serums that are designed to temporarily seal split ends and give resistance to further splitting.

A trim once in two or four weeks should keep the problem at bay.
But before you head to the salon, here are something you should know.

* Do not comb wet hair.
* Use a good shampoo and avoid frequently changing your shampoo.
* Make sure you drink a lot of water as water contains minerals.
* Henna is recommended once a month.
* Oil your hair with a combination of almond oil and castor oil mixed and warmed together. After this, use turban therapy (the method of wrapping a towel soaked in warm water around the head) on the scalp, that will help penetrate the oil well into the roots.

Pamper your feet:

2008-10-28T02:05:00.001-07:00

Apart from just looking ugly, neglected feet can also make life difficult for you. Here’s how you can avoid cracked feet.

Causes

Dry skin is one of the main causes of cracked feet. The sole of our feet has comparatively lesser number of sebaceous glands in comparison to any other body part. The skin in this area lacks the capacity to keep itself soft and this calls for more care.

Mild Cracks

Cracks appear when the area becomes very dry and starts peeling. If care is taken at the onset, it will save you a lot of trouble.

* Soak your feet in warm water, scrub off the dead cells and massage your soles with olive oil. This will increase blood circulation and the area becomes soft.

* Go for a professional pedicure which includes a treatment with paraffin wax, aromatic oils and minerals. This treatment activates the sebaceous glands, moisturises the feet and softens them.

* For an effective pedicure at home, soak your feet in warm water, scrub off the dead cells with a mixture of oatmeal and yogurt. Wash your feet clean after 10 minutes. Massage your feet with a rich vitamin E cream. Cover feet with a cling film and dip them in warm water. This helps the cream penetrate into the skin more easily.

Deep Cracks

Stop abusing your feet and try this enzyme pedicure.

* Clean the area with a chemical-free soap. Soak your feet in warm water till the skin becomes soft. Scrub off the dead skin gently with a pumice stone.

* Make a rich fruit pack with mashed banana, papaya or strawberry and apply a very thick layer on the feet. Cover the feet with disposable plastic socks. This cuts off the air supply to the feet, makes the area soft and kills bacterial infection.

* Leave this pack on for three-four hours. Remove the cover, massage gently and wash off with warm water followed by a cold rinse.

* Use a hydrating foot cream to moisturise the feet.

General care

* After a bath massage your feet with a moisturiser.
* Always wear good footwear with soles that are not hard.
* Don’t walk bare foot on hard surfaces.
* Wash your feet clean after spending time outdoors.
* Apply a foot cream at night.

Aloe Vera has many uses:

2008-10-28T02:04:00.003-07:00

Aloe Vera has many uses. Externally, it is applied for burns and sprains. Internally, it can be taken for jaundice, constipation, loss of appetite and gas formation in the stomach. In burns, the juice or the pulp of the fleshy part of the leaf is applied externally. For sprains, the pulp or the juice may be gently rubbed over the affected part two to three times.

For all these ailments the juice or pulp of this plant is given. You can add a pinch of salt or sugar to the juice, which is bitter. For treating children with aloe juice, you can add honey, sugar, or jaggery to it. For a patient suffering from jaundice, the juice or pulp should be given by adding jaggery or sugar (salt should not be added).

The dose: Both pulp and juice of the aloe should be given in a dose of one teaspoonful (5 ml) thrice a day, preferably on an empty stomach. Keep a growing aloe in your kitchen windowsill handy as it is a great first aid treatment for burns. Aloe Vera will stop the pain almost immediately and even help in healing if a little of it is freshly applied after a few hours.

Goodbye to bad and unhealthy skin

2008-10-28T02:04:00.001-07:00

If you want a healthy glowing skin first learn how to look after it and clean well.

Determine your skin type
There is no magic potion that can make ugly spots and pimples disappear overnight. But there are ways to rejuvenate the skin and bring it back to good health. Experts agree that taking regular care of your skin is the only way you can avoid problems and delay the ageing process. So cleanse, tone, moisturise and nourish your skin everyday. Within a week you will feel the difference. The skin has tremendous powers of self-regeneration when properly cared for and it is never too late to start.

Cleansing
Irrespective of the skin type, a thorough cleansing is a must. A film of dirt, stale sweat, oil deposits, stale make-up and other pollutants cover the skin and these are potent skin irritants. Cleanse your skin, according to your skin type. Splash your face with water then massage with a gentle face wash and work it up to a lather for about 30 seconds. A light massage will boost the supply of blood to the surface of your skin. Rinse until the soapy trace is removed. Pat dry your skin with a soft towel to absorb residual water from the surface of your skin.

Toning
Toning is again necessary for all skin types. It should follow immediately after cleansing. This helps in refreshing the skin. A good toning method is to keep cotton wool pads soaked in a bowl of skin tonic (any toner) in the refrigerator. After cleansing the skin, wipe with the skin toning pads and then pat the skin briskly with your finger tips. This stimulates the blood circulation. Gentle stroking movements can also be followed.

Moisturising
The most important part of the skin care routine is moisturising. Smooth your skin with moisturising lotions. Dot lotion onto your face, then massage it with your fingertips using light, upward strokes. This will leave a protective film on the skin, allowing make-up to be easily applied and ensuring there is a balanced moisture content.

Nourishing
Nourishing is a way of supplying emollients to the skin so that it can hold moisture better and perform its other functions. Use nourishment cream with Vitamin A to relieve dryness and maintain skin elasticity.

Facials
One should go in for a facial at least once a month. But before going in for a facial it is advisable to sit with the beautician to determine the skin type, its sensitivity and the damage on the skin. Facials must suit the skin type. Facials meant for tightening the skin is not meant for youngsters. Avoid facials that involve bleaches and scrubs. Scrubs sometimes leave the skin with ugly tiny grains making it rough. You know that your facial is going wrong is when the skin feels extremely dry and patchy, so watch out for those symptoms.

Hair
Hair care depends on the type of hair and differs from person to person, but one important tip for everyone is to keep the scalp free of oil and dirt. People with extremely oily hair can wash it everyday, those with normal hair can wash hair twice or thrice a week, and people with extremely dry hair should go in for a deep conditioning treatment before washing the hair. Oiling hair twice a week is advisable for people with extremely dry scalp, while those with an oily scalp should oil their hair once in 15 days.

Fruit Pulp

2008-10-28T02:03:00.001-07:00

Our faces are usually the first to show the effects of seasonal changes. We then spend a small fortune on various products to restore our skin to its natural healthy glow. Often we don’t get the desired results despite using the best of products. Believe it or not, but your own fruit basket is filled with pure, natural ingredients which are not only good to eat, providing health and vitality on the inside, but are also beneficial externally. What’s more, fruit facials are being recommended like never before because of their gentle, non-abrasive properties.

The best way to look after your skin is to ensure you cleanse, tone and moisturise on a daily basis. Once a week treat your skin to a home facial to give your skin a boost of essential nutrients. And nothing works better than fruits.

First cleanse your skin, then exfoliate with a gentle face scrub and apply a fresh fruit or vegetable pack. To do this, gently scoop out the pulp, mash it and spread it on the face and body. Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes, remove with lukewarm water, tone and moisturise. Try the following natural solutions:

Skin types

Dry: Mashed banana or thinly sliced slices melon.
Mature: Mashed avocado or apple pulp.
Oily: Thin slices of cucumber or pear pulp.
Normal: Peach pulp or thin slices of zucchini
Blemished: Believe it or not shredded cabbage works wonders!
Dull skin: Papaya pulp restores natural radiance.

How do they work?

* Apples help to reduce skin inflammation, and are a good source of vitamin C, and peptin which tones and firms the elastin and collagen fibres. These are essential for skin turgidity.
* Bananas stimulate cell production and are a good source of potassium, vital for nerve function.
* Avocado contains essential fatty acids which stimulate cell renewal and deeply nourish the skin. They contain the anti-oxidant vitamins C and E, which fight free radical damage as well as high levels of potassium and vitamin B6.
* Cabbage contains a substance called S-Methylmathionine which promotes healing. It also has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin and is a good source of vitamin C, which stimulates cell renewal.
* Zucchini are a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C which all help in repairing environmental damage.
* Cucumbers are 96.4 per cent water and are therefore refreshing and cooling. They also have a neutralising effect on surface oil.
* Papaya contains a substance called papain which helps to break down the build up of superficial dead skin. They are also a good source of the anti-oxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
* Peaches are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, providing one-third of the daily requirement if eaten. They stimulate the production of fresh new skin, restoring radiance to the complexion.
* Pectin is present in abundant quantities in pears. It firms and tones the skin, and is an excellent source of the all important vitamin C and potassium.
* Pears and bananas are most suitable for sensitive skins as they rarely cause allergic reactions. However, all of these face packs can be used by even the most sensitive skins as they are all gentle in their action and non-irritating.
* So save your pennies on costly products, get yourself down to the market and let Mother Nature work her magic!

Caution: If you are allergic to a particular fruit or vegetable please do not use it as this will cause irritation.

Copper Benefits:

2008-10-28T02:02:00.002-07:00

Our skin, bones and brain benefit greatly from copper. Here’s how it can be beneficial to us:

Helpful component
Many are aware of the importance of iron in preventing anaemia, but few know that copper, also plays a critical role. Without small amounts of copper circulating in the body, iron cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract or released from its storage sites in the liver and elsewhere.

The healing agent
Copper is an essential ingredient in the making of melanin — the pigment that is responsible for your skin and hair colour. It is also necessary in the formation of collagen. Copper deficiency leads to white patches.

Strong bones
Copper compounds are used in the treatment of numerous conditions characterised by arthritic changes, osteoporosis and inflammations.

Brain and nerve power
Copper is needed to build and maintain myelin, the protective sheath of nerves. It is also needed for the development of the brain from the embryonic stage.

Required dosage
The required copper intake, as per WHO standards is 0.4 to 2.0 mg per day for children and 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day for adults. It should not exceed 10mg a day.

Dietary source
The best source of copper for vegetarians lies in whole grains, nuts, raisins, lentils, chocolates, all cereals, potatoes, dark green vegetables, papaya, apples etc. Shellfish and red meat should be consumed by non-vegetarians.

Grow younger year after year

2008-10-28T02:02:00.001-07:00

How old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you were? Most of us ‘feel’ atleast 10 years younger than we look. But the mirror seems to reflect a different picture. Being in the field of alternative medicine, I have a particular interest in foods and herbs that can hold back the ageing process. And what’s more, these foods are all around us.

By choosing to eat correctly, you can recapture many of your faculties that traditionally slip away with age. The way food and herbs fight disease, is by strengthening the immune system and combating free radical activity. Free radicals are the terrorists within the body that cause cellular damage and precipitate the ageing process. Antioxidants found in fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and vitamins douse free radical activity and prevent needless ageing. Here are some basic strategies to keep you young:

Take C0Q—10: As you age, your heart grows steadily weaker. Its pumping action becomes laboured as its machinery gets damaged by free radicals. Consequently, this leads to heart failure. Whilst we cannot stop the ageing process, we can control the rate at which we age. Much research documents that C0Q-10 restores energy production by heart muscle and improves heart function.

It has antioxidant properties that protect fat molecules from becoming oxidised. It protects arteries by preventing the oxidation of blood cholesterol. It strengthens the heart muscles thus preventing heart failure. Unfortunately, your body’s production of C0Q-10 begins to decline around the age of 30.
A prolonged deficiency affects heart function. Therefore, if you want your heart ticking, it is wise to take C0Q-10 supplements for its heart strengthening properties.

Lose weight if you are overweight: The heavier you are, the older you will feel and look. Being overweight also predisposes you to type II diabetes and a whole lot of other diseases like heart disease, osteoarthritis, cancer which are manifestations of premature ageing. Being 20 per cent above ideal body weight can make you more susceptible to type II dabetes. But the silver lining is that by just losing 7 per cent of your body weight you can reduce diabetes by 50 per cent and bring about better blood sugar control. Losing excess body weight has an amazing effect on insulin resistance. In other words, if you are an overweight, Type II diabetic and on antidiabetic medications, then by just losing a few pounds you can reduce medication and lower blood sugar effectively.

Take an antioxidant supplement everyday: Antioxidants are substances that neutralise free radicals, which play a significant role in the ageing process. Raw fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Therefore, it is wise to begin your day with a glass of freshly squeezed vegetable juice or fruit juice.

Control stress: As it causes needless ageing. While stress is all around us and is not necessarily bad, it is in the way we handle stress that causes ageing. Stress related medical and emotional problems have dramatically increased over the last few decades.

Stress, if handled incorrectly, can produce undesirable results. A student coming down with flu during the exams, an executive losing his job and suffering a recurrence of herpes. A person experiencing palpitations and difficulty in breathing when under fear are examples of stress affecting the body.
Under such stressful situations the inherent equilibrium in our body gets disturbed. When this disturbance persists over a period of time, we begin to age.

There are more antiageing strategies in this universe than one can think of. But the secret to the fountain of youth lies within each one of you rather than in global remedies. It is your commitment to your body that decides your state of health. It takes more than a New Year resolution to improve your health. Nevertheless, it is a beginning.

Eye Care:

2008-10-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Fundamental rule
Listen to your eyes. Whether they are sore, tearing, itchy or tired, they are sending you a message. Listen to them. If your eyes hurt when you have been working at the computer for too long, stop and take a break. Be receptive to your eyes.

Palming
A simple technique called palming can refresh your eyes when they are feeling tired( Remember the first rule! ).

The term 'palming' was coined by William Bates, the author of 2 books on vision improvement (The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses/With Eye Chart) and (The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses).

You just close your eyes and cover them with your palms, resting them on your cheek bones. Make sure you do not put pressure on your eyeballs. Relax and think of pleasant images. A variation is to imagine the 'blackest' black that you can. But the important thing is to keep your mind relaxed. There are more eye exercises available on the Vision Improvement Site.

Computer work
Nowadays, people spend a lot of time in front of the computer screen. Thus it is even more crucial to give your eyes adequate rest. Here are some things you can do:

If possible, do computer work without wearing your glasses. I know this is difficult for most people but this is enormously beneficial. I can only see the screen about 8-10 inches away, so I move the monitor nearer and shift my chair forward. Now my eyes don't feel as tried as before.

Look up across the room or out of the window every few minutes. Take a few deep breathes before continuing your work.

Stop work after every 40 minutes or so. Get up from your seat and take a walk around the place. Palm for a few minutes before going back to face the computer screen again.

Whenever possible, make use of your distant vision. Extended periods of time spent at the computer can really spoil one's eyesight, as you may have noticed. Seek out opportunities to see things that are far away.

Reading
When you are reading, do try to read without wearing your prescription glasses. Most people will find they can do so at a comfortable distance. Put the material you are reading far away just so that the letters can be seen clearly. Gradually, the distance at which you can read will increase.

Hair Care:

2008-10-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

All the hair you’ll ever have on your head is determined at birth. That’s because hair grows from a root in your scalp and the number of roots cannot be changed.

Each hair grows from the root to a certain length depending on your unique genetic makeup, then slows down, then stops naturally. At some point, it’ll die and be shed. You lose about 100 hairs every day from this life cycle. The lost hair will be replaced by a new-growth shaft.

You can help make your hair grow longer by taking good care of each shaft: gentle brushing, using a mild shampoos, giving your self gentle scalp massages regularly, and limiting coloring and perms. You can increase the volume of individual hairs, and thus make your hair appear more full, with protein shampoos and conditioners that coat each shaft.

Your hair is mostly made of water. To be shiny and supple, your hair needs to be adequately hydrated. You lose water from the sun, too much processing, and blow- drying. Oil from your scalp coats each shaft and acts as a barrier against evaporation.

Your hair also needs proper blood circulation to remain strong, which can be increased with brushing and scalp massage. If you wear your hair pulled back in a French Twist or ponytail, give your hair a break once in awhile by letting it hang freely. Those styles put a lot of pressure on the hair, especially at the front hairline. Also, don’t use any uncoated elastic bands in your hair! Elastic grabs at the shaft and will break it.

Cellulite:

2008-10-28T00:47:00.001-07:00

Cellulite is a form of fat that builds up in the body especially near the thighs, buttocks, upper arms and stomach. The skin looks like an orange peel — lumpy and dimpled. Cellulite also causes sagging of the skin and on excess formation, the entire shape of the part in which it accumulates loses its natural shape. It’s common in ladies who are obese and the formation generally takes place during pregnancy and menopause.

Getting rid of cellulite is very difficult. In beauty parlours heavy duty vibrators and vibrating belts are used to break the same. One must follow a strict regimen — treatment, diet and exercise. Deep massage, taken twice a week followed by a steam or sauna bath or a warm water immersion bath also helps. Naturopaths recommend sitting alternately in hot and cold water bath tubs (3three minutes hot water and one minute cold water) three times in every session.

Though there are several expensive creams and lotions available across the counter claiming to break cellulite, nothing can beat a good massage.
Skin brushing with cotton gloves, both in the morning and evening is also a very valuable treatment. This technique helps in removing toxic wastes directly through the skin and helps in stimulating lymphatic circulation. The procedure is very simple. Put on cotton gloves made with a thick cloth and apply friction on the whole body, starting gently and then using a firmer action as you get used to the treatment.

Start the friction from the soles of the feet and then come up to the legs, back and front, with sweeping strokes. On the thighs, all around, use small circular movements first and then sweeping movements from the lower part to the upper part of the thigh, extending gradually to the buttocks. Then apply friction on the hands starting from the palms to the shoulders using straight and circular movements.

Now, apply friction on the stomach with clockwise, circular strokes, extending gradually to cover the chest and neck. Take a dry cotton towel and holding the ends of the same in both the hands, apply friction across the back and also in criss-cross movements. Lastly, take a warm shower for 30 seconds followed by a cold shower for 30 seconds, repeating thrice at least. After bathing, keep yourself warm.

Diet should be strictly vegetarian consisting of fruits and raw salads. The following vegetable cocktail is rather useful.

100 ml beetroot juice
50 ml celery juice
50 ml cucumber juice
20 ml lemon juice
Mix the above four juices and drink it everyday, half an hour before breakfast.
One hour of brisk walking is recommended along with regular yoga practice.

Anti-Aging

2008-10-28T00:46:00.002-07:00

Feeling like it’s time to correct years of sun damage, or do you just want to prevent wrinkles before they start? No matter what your goal is, here’s how to make your skin look fabulous

With all the recent advancements in skin creams, lately it seems as if the skincare industry has gone the way of rocket science (in fact, one creator of the pricey ‘cult’ cream Crème de la Mer used to work for NASA). Where once women made do with a dab of Pond’s Cold Cream, they now want anti-ageing products and lifestyle advice to help defy lines and wrinkles from a very young age. According to Nuala Briggs, skincare expert and founder of Harley Street’s Skin Therapy Clinic in London this is the right course of action – ‘you’re never too young to start taking care of your skin and protecting against sun damage with SPF creams’, she says. How, we wish we had listened to our mums and worn sunblock during all those summers as a kid.

Touch the mid-30s and everyone wishes that time stood still. Their biggest mistake? Taking their skin for granted when it was at its best. According to beauty expert Colleen Kirk, who has worked on famous faces like Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Vanessa Willams and Cher among others, abusing the skin at a younger age is the biggest beauty sin one can ever commit. She says, “When we are in our late teens and 20s we think we are invincible. We take our natural beauty for granted and wake up a little too late. Thankfully, with modern day beauty treatments, there is help even at late stages. But skin care should ideally start as early as your teens.” Here are some tips on age defying treatments.

Technology in skincare

One of the biggest advancements in skincare is the use of technology to make products that are powerfully intensive and help prevent further damage to the DNA so that your skin retains its youthful glow. These days new products are available in the market that are used on a seasonal basis. Says Coleen, “These are time defying intensive serums. They are meant to be used for 14 nights every season and they repair the skin, cutting down years.”

Stop wrinkles

The skin starts ageing right from the age of five. A good skin care regime right from your teens can make sure that you delay the onset of signs of aging and promote healthy skin. As skin ages, it loses its ability to restructure itself. An early skin care regime of proper cleansing and moisturising will be helpful in your early 20s. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is the most important aspect of caring for your skin. It not only protects you from cancer but is also required for a youthful appearance. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ and needs to be taken care of just like your heart. Never step out of the house without a sunscreen.

Tips:

I’ve been fortunate enough to be blessed with naturally beautiful skin. I never give it the attention it deserves. In fact I eat all kinds of junk food, drink aerated beverages and also enjoy heavy food.

Marooned on an island: The only beauty products I would want are a good moisturiser, a perfume and kajal. I don’t step out of the house without kajal.

Never forget to: Remove my make-up. I take as much time in removing it as I do in applying it. That’s the one important thing I always bear in mind.

Hair care: A warm oil massage once a week is necessary. I also pamper my hair with moisturising hair packs.

Home remedies: There’s nothing in particular that I follow, but I believe in the magic of fruits. I rub papaya and banana pulp on my skin regularly.

Favourite colours: Though I love vibrant colours, when it comes to make-up, I use neutral, earthy tones. I love light browns and beige. The best part is they go with all kinds of outfits and look good any time of the day.

Activate the Anti-Aging Process

The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20's, the signs of aging start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.

Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte products.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and SkinScience products.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.

Idebenone -Idebenone is the synthetic variant of the natural compund ubiquinone. Both powerful antioxidants, idebenone and ubiquinone shield skin from environmental damge, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and smoothe skin texture.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.

Copper Peptides - Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.

Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.

TNS - The biotechnology of the skin's natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex.

Many customers ask which anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no "best" product. Since every individual's skin is different, the results of using anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with the first product you try, try another one. It's important that you choose a product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look and feel of your skin.

Customers also inquire about when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally due to the condition of one's skin prior to use. However, across the board, we say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.

To see the quickest results, you will have to undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional cosmetic procedures.

Please note that with the use of any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care professional.

Facials are good

2008-10-28T00:46:00.001-07:00

Contrary to what most people think, having a facial at a beauty salon is not a luxury. Professional facials help in a deep-cleansing routine that you cannot possibly do for yourself at home. Facials involve:

• Steaming, which helps to open out pores
• Cleansing to remove black heads and white heads.
• This is followed by a mask for skin rejuvenation.
• Then finally a skin dehydration treatment with a moisturiser.

Our skin regenerates cells about every three weeks, leading to an accumulation of dead cells. Facials help get rid of them. So a facial once a month would help you maintain healthy and glowing skin.
It's a good idea to mark a day off during the week to get a home facial. Follow these simple instructions for an exhilarating home facial:
• Place a head band or scarf just above the forehead along the hairline and tie it at the nape of your neck. This is to protect the hair.
• Start by cleansing the skin thoroughly. Choose a cleanser according to skin type. Apply on face and wipe off with damp cotton wool.
• While the face is still damp, apply a facial scrub for deep pore cleansing. If suffering from pimples or eruptions avoid using a scrub.
• If you have a normal to dry skin, apply a nourishing cream, wet your hands with water and massage the cream into the skin using outwards and upwards strokes.
• Wipe skin with damp cotton wool or a clean, moist face towel.
• Avoid applying cream if skin is oily but nourish neck area.
• Apply a face mask leaving out area around the eyes.
• Soak two cotton wool pads in rosewater and place these on eyes. Lie down, and relax as the mask dries off.
• After 20 to 30 minutes wash off face mask with water.
• Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and rub this on face.
• Do not apply ice directly on the skin, or keep it on one spot for long.

Laser Resurfacing

Cosmetic laser resurfacing, also called "laser peel", is a procedure that smoothes the facial skin by using a laser to refinish damaged areas and shrink fine wrinkles. It also corrects areas of uneven pigmentation. The result is a fresher, smoother complexion.

In laser resurfacing, a beam of laser energy is used to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin with accurate precision. As new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears.

You may be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you have any of the following conditions:

· Fine lines, especially around the eyes

· Vertical lines around the mouth

· Facial scars caused by injury or accident

· Scars caused by acne

· Areas of uneven pigmentation, such as "age spots"

· Line on the cheeks caused by sun damaged.

To achieve maximum results from the laser procedure mentioned in this article, Physicians often recommend that a skin care regimen consisting of products that contain anti-aging active ingredients like Vitamin A,E,C, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, etc. be started approximately two months prior to the procedure and should continue post-treatment as directed by your Doctor. These products and skin care regimens are also proven to be effective, painless and inexpensive alternatives to laser procedures and other professional cosmetic procedures.

Our most popular anti-aging skin care regimens are from TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, GlyDerm, SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals and Obagi.

Please note that before beginning any skin care regimen or use of new skin care products, it is recommended you consult with a skin care professional.

Sun Safety:

2008-10-28T00:42:00.001-07:00

Excessive sun-exposure can lead to loss of moisture from the skin, dark patches and even premature aging. The skin needs physical protection against harmful rays which is provided by sunscreens. A few tips on buying and using sunscreen lotions:
• A good sunscreen should provide protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
• Check the SPF or Sun Protection Factor on the label. This is denoted by a number and is related to duration of sun-exposure. If your skin is more sensitive, choose a sunscreen with SPF of 20 and above.
• Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun-exposure. This gives the skin time to absorb it.
• Carry your sunscreen while holidaying by the sea or in the hills. Reflective surfaces, like water and snow actually increase the effects of UV radiation.
• Reapply sunscreen if you stay in the sun for a long time. It's a good idea to carry one in your handbag.
• Rubbing a mix of papaya, cream and sugar into the skin before your bath is also said to remove skin tan.
• Juice of ripe tomatoes when applied over tanned body parts helps in getting rid of the tan!

To avoid tan and an oily face during summers avoid being under the harsh rays of direct sunlight as much as possible. It would also help to use a good sunscreen on your face with SPF (sun protection factor) ranging from 20 to 40. If your job demands that you remain outdoors for a major portion of the day, reapply sun tan half way through the day (but do wash away the grime that would have settled on your skin before reapplication). Avoid usage of an oily cream on your face, as more than doing good it could be harmful. Avoid creams especially during the nights since it clogs the pores.

The sun and your skin

These lectures are not meant to replace your physician and are simply provided as a free educational service to all our visitors. If you feel that you have a skin problem, please see your doctor.

Many people, especially redheads with freckles, blondes and those with a fair complexion who burn easily or tan poorly on sun exposure should be warned about the dangers of damage to the skin from sun exposure. Unfortunately, these warnings often come only after considerable damage has already been inflicted on the skin.

The effect of sunlight over the years is to weather or to prematurely age the skin. While the brown splotches, thinning, wrinkling, drying, and exposure of many prominent tiny blood vessels at the surface in these sun exposed areas are of primarily cosmetic importance, certain scaling red spots, called ACTINIC KERATOSIS, are in some cases, of more serious significance. These can, in a small number of cases, become skin cancers.

An actinic keratosis can be said to be "going to college" to learn to become a skin cancer. Fortunately, natural skin defense mechanisms assure that the "drop out rate" is high. If they look like they are going to graduate and become skin cancers, they will have to be treated with local destructive techniques. These techniques may include surgery, freezing with liquid gases, certain acids, electrosurgery, and recently through the applications of certain externally applied medications containing anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil.

When an area of sun damaged skin forms a skin cancer (such as a BASAL CELL OR SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CANCER), they are usually only invasive into the local area where they are growing. For this type of cancer to spread to other areas of the body by the blood stream or lymph channels is unusual. Just like a "bad spot" on an apple, they can be cut off and the rest of the fruit is still good. Because of the mild character of these cancers in early stages, they are the form of cancer best able to be cured by early diagnosis and treatment.

SUNLIGHT IS A FORM OF X-RAY

The damage to the skin which results from sun exposure, like x-ray, will accumulate with exposure over the years. The effect is forever stored in the memory of the skin and cannot be erased. The effect of sun damage today is only seen in years to come.

IF YOU STOP ALL FURTHER UNNECESSARY SUN EXPOSURE YOU WILL PROBABLY STILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP SKIN CHANGES IN THE FUTURE. BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO INSULT THE ALREADY DAMAGED SKIN BY ADDITIONAL IMPROPER SUN EXPOSURE YOU WILL CERTAINLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF SUN DAMAGED SKIN

1. A patient with sun damaged skin should visit his or her clinician at least once a year for a thorough examination of the skin in light exposed areas.

2. A patient who has had a skin cancer with a sun damaged skin should keep all follow-up visits until the cancer is pronounced cured. After that, since he or she has a better than average chance of getting another skin cancer, he or she should be seen at least once a year for a similar examination.

3. Any skin growth in a sun exposed area which does not heal, bleeds, or keeps growing in size should be examined.

4. Avoid needless sun exposure whenever possible. Plan your recreational and nonessential outdoor activities for before 10 in the morning and after 3 in the afternoon. This is especially true in the months from April through October. Between the hours of 10 and 3, even the best sun protective lotion will not give adequate protection against the damaging rays. They are like wearing only underwear to keep you warm in Antarctica.

5. Use a sun protective lotion on all sun exposed areas from April through October.

6. Wear hats and protective clothing whenever possible in addition to using the sun protective lotions to shield the skin from the sun.

Skin Enemies:

2008-10-28T00:41:00.001-07:00

Every day, your complexion works to defend itself from a host of aggressors - discover the most common and find out what you can do to save your skin

UV Light
We should all know by now that excessive sun exposure can be skin ageing and dehydrating - if you've ever been to a Mediterranean island and noticed the sun-damaged, prune-like faces of the local fishermen, you'll understand what we mean. However, the good news is you don't have to end up looking like said fishermen, so long as you take action to protect your skin in the sun, and that doesn't just mean on the beach, as UV rays reach you even on cloudy days in the city; apparently, 90 per cent of sun damage occurs on a daily basis. Experts recommend an SPF of 15+, worn every day of the year, to protect your skin from ageing UVA rays. Fair skin types should be looking at sun protection of 25+, and all skin types should take into account the sun's intensity before choosing a suitable sun protection product.

Pollution and the Environment
The environment in which we live has become a threat to our skin, and pollution is a significant enemy, coating our skin in grime and clogging our pores. And wherever there are motor vehicles there is pollution, so don't think that by living the rural life you are immune. Take action by using a good moisturiser containing UV protection and antioxidants, and by wearing make-up which acts as a barrier and prevents any nasties reaching your skin. At the end of the day, cleanse thoroughly to remove every last trace of make-up and dirt. Continually moving from centrally heated to air conditioned atmospheres can also be a source of complexion confusion, which is why skin often acts differently from season to season. Struggling to maintain its moisture levels and pH balance, skin will eventually become dry and dehydrated, so treat it in a similar way to how you dress to suit the temperature outside - use a richer moisturising cream or barrier product when it's cold, and a lighter lotion when the weather is warmer.

Stress and Lack of Sleep
Everyone suffers from the occasional bout of stress, but when emotions spiral out of control, your skin is among the first organs to suffer. Dryness, sensitivity, spots and excess oil are the external signs of internal stress, while constant frowning can lead to deep-set facial creases and lines which only surgery will be able to rectify, so it pays to learn how to wind down and chill out at the end of a hard day. Switch on the answer phone and try a little meditation, yoga, an aromatherapy bath or treat yourself to a massage or the latest blockbuster; all are effective de-stressers that are easy on the pocket and relatively simple to incorporate into the most hectic of weeks. Plenty of sleep is essential for good skin, as burning the candle at both ends will inevitably result in a tired and drawn complexion. If your sleepless nights are not due to all-night clubbing sessions, try cutting out caffeine after 6pm, and have a hot bath containing a few drops of lavender essential oil, followed by a milky drink. Take a book to bed and read until you feel tired (nothing work-related though), and you should be in la-la land in no time at all...

Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the appearance of the skin permanently. Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the skin, and therefore depleting it of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking also produces free radicals which trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body, ultimately ageing you faster - in general, people who smoke tend to look up to a third older than those of the same age who do not smoke. The habit also thins, dehydrates and reduces collagen levels in the skin, which is needed for a plump, youthful look. Antioxidants are required, so step up intake of vitamins A, C and E, take nutritional supplements and apply products containing ingredients such as green and white tea and vitamins for an added boost. However, no amount of pills or products will guard against future damage, because every cigarette you smoke depletes the levels of vitamins and antioxidants in your body, so it's time to kick the habit for the sake of your looks and your health. Allen Carr's Easy way to Stop Smoking Clinics have a 90 per cent success rate, and take a unique approach by focusing on why we do smoke, instead of why we shouldn't smoke.

Alcohol
Ever suffered with a red, blotchy or spotty complexion the morning after a full-on night out? It's no wonder post-party skin often flares up, when you consider that a heavy drinking session puts the body's detoxification system into overdrive, and a direct strain on the liver, kidneys and skin, all of which have to suddenly deal with and filter out a huge amount of additional toxins. While you may or may not be regretting that last vodka shot of the evening, your body will be crying out for water, so work on rehydrating your skin both internally and externally by applying a hydrating or detoxifying face mask when you get in or the following morning, and downing a couple of pints of water, both of which should soon get you back on track.

Beauty tips by Deepika Padukone~!~

2008-10-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Runway queen-turned-Bollywood star Deepika Padukone speaks about the secret of her radiance

Error! Filename not specified.

Deepika Says......

My daily skincare regimen involves cleansing, toning and moisturising. Healthy skin needs mild cleansing, for which I use gentle soaps. I use products that are mild and do not strip my skin of essential proteins. I am not much of a make-up user and stick to basics like a moisturiser, lip balm and a neutral foundation.

I don't go for regular facials, but do indulge in clean-up sessions once in a while. Also, I am very particular about taking off the make-up before I go to bed. As a ritual, I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil every week. I think working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. It is also equally important to maintain a high emotional quotient and a positive attitude towards life.

Error! Filename not specified.

Deepika Tells.....

My daily skincare regimen involves cleansing, toning and moisturising. Healthy skin needs mild cleansing, for which I use gentle soaps. I use products that are mild and do not strip my skin of essential proteins. I am not much of a make-up user and stick to basics like a moisturiser, lip balm and a neutral foundation.

I don't go for regular facials, but do indulge in clean-up sessions once in a while. Also, I am very particular about taking off the make-up before I go to bed. As a ritual, I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil every week. I think working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. It is also equally important to maintain a high emotional quotient and a positive attitude towards life.

Error! Filename not specified.

Deepika Tells how she takes time out for herself after a hectic work schedule..

I take care of myself with homemade remedies and a balanced diet. Working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. I try and work out as often as possible. Since, I travel regularly, it becomes difficult for me to have a daily workout routine, but whenever I hit the gym I do cardio training and some light weights.

Thanks to my years dedicated to badminton, I have an athletic body. Also, since relaxation matters, no matter how busy my shooting schedules are, I always keep some quality time aside for family and friends.

Beauty advice for all the girls out there......

A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet and the correct skincare and fitness regimen all go hand in hand to make possible a beautiful you today and tomorrow. I am a firm believer in skincare the natural way. I am careful about using skincare products that are the right mix of nature and science.

One should never try to go overboard on any products, as I think the more you try to be experimental with your skin, the worse it gets. Just stick to the basics of skincare and witness the splendid results. There are a host of natural effective products available that are a better bet than harsh chemically enhanced ones.

What are head lice?

2008-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

What are head lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasitic insects that are found on the heads of people. Having head lice is a very common occurrence in the U.S. and they are spread by close physical contact, especially among children.

Head lice are usually found on the scalp near the neckline at the back of the neck and behind the ears.

Error! Filename not specified.Error! Filename not specified.

Head lice photo as adult, nymph and nit.

Error! Filename not specified.

There are three forms of head lice:

Nit - Head lice eggs are called nits. They are very difficult to see and are often mistaken for dandruff. They are usually found attached to the hair shaft.
Nymph - The nit hatches into a baby louse which
is called a nymph.
Adult - The adult louse is very small, is tan to
greyish-white in color, and has six legs. In people
with dark hair, the adult louse will look darker.

Photos of lice nits(eggs).

Error! Filename not specified.Error! Filename not specified.

Signs that your youngster may be infested with head lice:

A tickling feeling in the hair and on the scalp
Itching on and around the head area
Unexplained irritability
Sores on the head caused by your child's scratching

How to rid the infested person of lice:

Visit your pharmacy and get a bottle of pediculicide
(lice medicine) and follow the instructions
Have the affected person change into clean clothes.
Run a fine comb through the hair every few hours
to remove the lice, nymphs, and nits.

If this treatment routine fails to remove all of the lice, see a doctor.

Sugaring Hair Removal

2008-09-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sugaring Hair Removal

Sugaring hair removal is one of the best methods for hair removal because of how affordable it is, how efficient it is and how inexpensive it can be as well. If you are looking for a way to remove hair from your body, you will want to consider this method.

It uses products that you probably already have within your home. There are plenty of reasons to give it a try and with its lasting results, it may work just fine for your needs.

The sugaring hair removal is quite simple. You will apply it and use it just like you would a wax solution. The liquid is warmed, but not hot. It is then applied to the location where you want the hair to be removed. Usually, you will work in small locations at a time. Once the sugar product is applied, you will apply a clean cloth strip to the area (sometimes waxing papers can be used as well.) With a bit of pressure on the area, the fabric or paper will latch on to the hair and skin. Once this happens, a swift pull and the hair is removed. It will stick to the fabric and come right out.

The bit of pain that is associated with sugar hair removal is generally just a second's worth. It will be just from the sensation of the hairs being pulled, and usually will leave a bit of redness on the area and that is about it. In a few minutes, the skin is back to normal and there are no lasting effects.

To make a sugaring hair removal, you can do this. Mix together one cup of sugar with ¼ of a cup of honey and the juice from a half of a lemon. Place the mixture in the microwave for about a minute to two minutes. You want to have a good, mixed consistency here. Stir it as needed. Then, you should put the mixture down and allow it to cool for several minutes. While you want it to be warm, you do not want it to burn you.

When applying this sugaring hair removal, make sure to apply it and the fabric in the direction that the hair is growing. This makes for a more efficient removal. You should also insure that the area is clean and that you wash off any remaining sugar from the area as necessary.

Sugaring hair removal techniques have been used for quite a long time. It is an effective and affordable method of hair removal.

Care for Lips: Dark and Cracked lips

2008-09-20T19:47:00.001-07:00

Care for Lips:

A beautiful smile lights up a day. It makes your face more beautiful and lively. Your lips are the most important and exquisitely sensitive part of your body. And therefore you have to take special care of your lips.

Beauty Experts tells you what are the common problems and how to take care of them..............

The common lips problems are:

*Dark Lips
*Cracked lips

1) Dark Lips:

You will be surprised to know that our lips unlike most part of our body do not have any melanin pigment to protect them. Lips are covered on the outside by a thin layer of skin and on the inside by virtually transparent mucous membranes.

Therefore it is necessary to take care of our lips and to eat well-balanced food and lots of fruits.

If you have dark lips you have to do the following………

*Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

* Stop smoking.

* Avoid lipstick.

* Apply a layer of oil and leave it on for several hours. Best apply before going to bed

* Mix coconut oil and almond oil in equal quantity. Apply a coat of this on the lips and leave on overnight. This has to be done daily for at least two weeks for best results.

* Massage lips: Every night with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. Glycerine and 1/2 tsp. Castor oil with 1/2 tsp. Lemon juice and leave overnight.

*Apply cream from curds with saffron on your lips.

Cracked Lips:

Lips do not produce oil like our skin, because they have no oil producing glands. The skin on our lips is actually mucous membrane, so for them to remain smooth and chap free is a bit of a challenge. The most common cause of cracked lips are allergic reaction to cosmetics, skin infections, extreme weather conditions like excess sun and wind exposure, biting of the lips or a vitamin B deficiency.

If you have cracked lips you have to do the following………

*Protect the lips from weather by applying heavy plain cream.

*Avoid licking your lips.

*To cure dry chapped lips apply peanut butter or coco butter to your lips before going to bed.

*Grind rose petals with cream on the top of milk and apply on lips to cure the cracked lips

*Take vitamin B, C foods in diet.

*Mix 2 drops of glycerine with 1 tsp of cream on the top of milk and apply to lips to cure the chapped lips and keep overnight to get smooth and shiny lips.

*Mix equal quantities of nutmeg, turmeric, and fresh butter and apply to lips.

*Hot water fomentation, followed by a mixture of Vaseline and honey applied on the lips at least thrice a week will prevent lips from chapping.

*Lips should be moisturized and exfoliated. Exfoliate lips with your gentle facial scrub using a toothbrush or just the tips of

your fingers. You can make a paste using baking soda and water to exfoliate lips as well. Work it for a minute and then rinse with lukewarm water.

General Care for lips:

*Apply cold cream or moisturizer or lip balm before applying lipstick.

*To get natural pink lips apply beetroot juice before bed.

*Grind rose petals and apply on lips to get smooth pink lips

*Apply menthol based lip balm and take an old brush and brush gently on lips (don t rub too hard, because lip are very sensitive) to get rid off chapped lips.

Celebrity Beauty Secrets

2008-09-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Who says you have to earn the salary of a celebrity to look like one? Follow these cost-effective and simple tips from the stars to get you looking red-carpet gorgeous.

1. Hair

Gwyneth Paltrow takes prenatal vitamins to strengthen and keep her hair healthy. She has been taking them since her pregnancy with her daughter, Apple.

Catherine Zeta Jones keeps her hair looking shiny by brushing castor oil through it.

Reese Witherspoon washes her hair in baby shampoo to keep it soft and manageable.

2. Eyes

Sandra Bullock uses haemorrhoid cream under her eyes to keep wrinkles at bay. It constricts blood vessels and tightens the skin to keep it smooth.

Pamela Anderson banishes puffy eyes by placing a fresh slice of potato over each eye while lying down for 5 minutes.

Kate Hudson refreshes her face and tired eyes by washing her face with iced water.

3. Lips

Claudia Schiffer uses jelly powder as a lip tint and says it is an amazing stain. Dip a damp cotton swab in the powder and drag it across your lips. Leave it on for 5 minutes then lick it off. Top with some gloss to add a final touch. Mmm, delicious!

Mariah Carey keeps her lips perfect by adding a drop of mint extract into her lip gloss before applying it. Mint stimulates the blood flow and intensifies the lip colour.

4. Complexion or Skin

Cindy Crawford keeps her complexion fresh by spraying her face with a mist of whole milk and mineral water. This creates a fresh-faced, dewy effect that lasts throughout the day.

Gwyneth Paltrow swears by organic food to keep her complexion glowing. She also drinks lots of water and regularly wears sunscreen.

5. Body

Teri Hatcher loves her red wine so much, that she even baths in it! She pours 2 cups of red wine into her bath every night to help soften her skin.

Angelina Jolie Pitt keeps her feet silky smooth by using a homemade remedy foot exfoliant. Mix ½ cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds, ¼ teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice. Scrub feet and rinse.

6. Diet

Kelly Osborne cut out the booze in her lifestyle and the kilograms melted off. If you can't completely ban the alcohol, indulge in one glass of red wine or a lower calorie cocktail such as rum and diet Coke.

Courtney Love and Gwyneth Paltrow are huge fans of green tea, as it nails 3 healthy habits at once: you're not snacking, you're adding more water to your diet and you're getting antioxidants.

Fergie swallows 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar after lunch and dinner as it appears to slow down the rate of foods emptying from the stomach.

7. Teeth

Catherine Zeta Jones keeps her Hollywood smile bright by brushing her teeth with mashed up strawberries as they contain Malic Acid, which acts as a mild astringent when mixed with baking soda.

8. Nails

Julia Roberts soaks her nails in olive oil for a few minutes each week to keep them moisturised, to prevent hangnails and to keep cuticles soft.

9. Pimples

Jennifer Love Hewitt treats the occasional pimple with a dab of toothpaste. When applied and left overnight, the toothpaste dries the pimple out and hopefully by morning the inflammation has disappeared.

10. Brows

Celebrity make up artists suggests that you apply a small amount of hairspray to your fingers and smooth over your brow to keep unruly hairs in place.

World's 8 Most Expensive Perfumes

2008-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

__._,_.___

Modern Makeup

2008-09-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Beauty Foods

2008-09-06T10:51:00.001-07:00

Beauty Foods - What To Eat Each Day For Looks And Health

Carrots

Maintain the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature

Aging. What you'll find in is the same as you'll get in

Retin A.

Cheese

To ensure a happy smile, add a slice or two of hard cheeese

Into your diet. Choose Swiss, cheddar, or gouda to block

Bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Citrus Fruits

Hold the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen

Cannot be added to the skin topically, which is why fruits

And fruit juices are such an important part of the daily diet.

Cranberries

Keep urinary tract lining healthy.

Garlic

Helps combat wrinkles and restores tissue.

Nonfat Yogurt

High in calcium, which keeps your smile white and your teeth

Cavity-free.

Sweet Potatoes

Vitamin A is known to be a remarkable anti-wrinkling agent.

Sweet potatoes are full of this important vitamin. The pleasing

Results is clearer, smoother skin.

Tomatoes

These "love apples" will keep you loving your skin. Tomatoes are

Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Wheat Germ

If you want to get rid of pimples quickly and efficiently, make

Sure to include two or three tablespoons a day in your diet. Add

It to cereal, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

You should choose foods that you enjoy, of course, but you need

To include the following:

Vegetables

Three to five servings daily. Try to include one serving of raw,

Leafy greens.

Meat

Have no more than three three ounce servings a day. Cut off all

Fat. Try to make two servings of turkey or chicken. One serving

Of fish a day is ideal.

Fruits

Two to three servings daily. A 1/2 cup of chopped or sliced fruit

Is a serving. Fruit salad

Dairy

At least two servings daily. A serving would be eight ounces of

Milk or yogurt.

Fats

Salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, and mayonnaise should be

Beauty home remedies

2008-09-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Skin is one of the most beautiful possessions in our body. A good skin reflects good health and displays beauty of a person which requires a special beauty skin care . According to the latest fashion trends a beautiful skin is also a must for good looks along with the choice of good dress and right makeup. Without a good skin all your makeup will look a waste. A good skin is also one of the most attractive features for a sexy body that only comes out from a proper beauty skin care. A beautiful skin attracts everyone. If you maintain your skin it will help you to keep yourself healthier and look younger.

Having said all that, you might be thinking that a good skin would be a complex core but it is not exactly so. A good skin care routine is very natural, simple and easy to follow. Explore the ways in which you can make your skin glow out with smoothness, beauty and radiance of good health.

Some of the most healthy and useful beauty skin care:

Wash your face to remove the makeup completely. It is suggested to put off the makeup nicely before you go to bed to avoid skin problems and recharge your skin beauty. The reason is your skin pores will get blocked by the makeup and all the harmful oils and excretory of the skin will stay inside your body (i.e. skin). This damages your skin and your health. So don?t forget to wash your face with water before going to bed and in the morning.
Exfoliate daily: After washing your face at night, don?t forget to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub for beautiful skin care. Use a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal to keep you skin healthy and fresh.
Use Facial masks: Facial masks helps a lot keeping a beautiful skin. It is a great beauty skin care. Find recipes for preparing your own facial mask here, Face masks.
Pamper your skin with enough of moisturizer: Your skin needs it badly. You can apply moisturizer at night. You can also treat your skin with alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any similar cocktail treatment. Apply your moisturizer after these treatments gets absorbed in your skin.
Don't trust blindly on any cosmetics: You will have to find it out which works well for your skin. Take a test of all those trusted names to find beautiful skin care the one that suits you best.
Treat your skin gently: Don?t pull, scratch or scrub your skin harshly. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it beauty skin care. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles.
Keep your skin protected from direct sunlight: Use proper lotions in your skin before you go out for sunbath. You can also try artificial skin tanning nut from the trusted hands only that has serious affects on your skin beauty.
Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water: This plays a very important part in keeping your skin healthy and beautiful throughout your life, naturally.

Secrets of great hair

2008-08-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

Good hair is not an impossibility - all you need to do is take care of it.
Here are some pointers

      1. De-frizz!

      On weekends or once in a fortnight, dab an

       intensive conditioner or coat
       your hair with protein liquid (available at

      beauty salons as a power dose
       treatment for hair).

       Applying good Jojoba oil at the ends of your

       hair or the frizziest parts
       of your hair is another good option.

       Pin up your hair or wrap it in plastic and sleep

       on it. This will restore
       the absent moisture and control the frizz.

       2. Ensure your hair is completely dry before

        you step out

       When wet hair is exposed to direct sunlight, it

      can get damaged. It might
       result in hair fall and discolouration.

      3. Avoid hair dryers and hot curling tools. Try a

      desi trick!

      Hair dryers and hot curling tools heat up your

     hair and tend to make it
      dry.

      If you really want to go for the curly look, braid

      your hair when
      semi-wet.

      This will settle into beautiful waves when dry.

      4. Be careful with those hair serums

      Do not overuse shine products to control

     frizzes

      -- they often contain
      silicone that can coat your hair after just a few

     applications and can
      prove harmful.

      5. Swim safe and use the sun to your

    advantage!

      A summer swim can be blissful. But chlorinated

     water can play havoc with
      your hair.

      To prevent damage, wet your hair with tap

    water before you swim. The more
      wet your hair before you swim, the less salt

     water and chlorine it will
      absorb.

      After the swim, rinse out the chlorinated water.

     And comb a dollop of
      deep-conditioning treatment on your hair. Let

     the heat of the sun help the
      treatment penetrate.

     6. Stay dandruff-free

      Not washing hair properly, frequent use of hair

     sprays and gels, excessive
      use of hot curling irons, poor hair-friendly diet

     or even stress can cause
      dandruff.

      So stay clean and nourished and steer clear off

     dandruff.

      Dr Prashant K Palwade, a consultant

     dermatologist, reveals that dandruff
      not only leads to itchiness and irritation of the

     scalp, it can also cause
      problems like acne, skin rashes and hair loss.

      He says, "It is not necessary to use an anti

     dandruff shampoo if the
      dandruff is not excessive. Use a shampoo that

     is suitable for your hair,
      regularly, and keep your hair squeaky clean.

    That is good enough to drive
     dandruff away.

      "Use an anti-dandruff shampoo only if the

      dandruff is excessive. Continue
      the use for two months after the dandruff is

    gone. Shampoos with lemon and
      olive oil extract are particularly good for

     dandruff-prone hair."

      Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff shampoo (Rs 37, 100

     ml); Clinic All Clear Dandruff
      Shampoo (Rs 125, 200 ml); Head & Shoulders

     Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Rs 122,
      200 ml) are good bets.

      Neutrogena Shampoo is a medicated anti

    -dandruff shampoo that works well as
      well.

      Note: Anti-dandruff shampoos are harsh on

your hair, so make sure you use
a good conditioner after you shampoo it.

The 11 Signals Your Nails are Giving You About Your Health

2008-08-23T09:21:00.001-07:00

The 11 Signals Your Nails are Giving You About Your Health

Many people put a lot of effort into keeping their nails perfectly trimmed, cleaned and manicured. If the nails aren't perfect, the solution is often to cover them up with fake nails or polish. But ignoring such signs and viewing them as only an aesthetic problem could be dangerous to your health.

Like your skin, your nails are excellent indicators of what's going on inside your body. If your nails are healthy (smooth and pink with a slightly curved surface), your body is probably pretty healthy too. But if your nails are discolored, brittle or otherwise appear unhealthy, it may be because of an underlying health problem.

"The nails can be windows to a patient's overall health, and while the nail itself is dead tissue, the areas under the cuticle and beneath the nail are alive," said dermatologist Richard K. Scher, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

Here are 11 signals your nails may be giving you about your health.

	1. Yellow Nail Syndrome: This may cause a yellow or greenish color to your nails, thickening of the nail, slowed nail growth, a lack of a cuticle and the nail may detach partially from the nail bed. This condition often signals a respiratory disease.
	2. Pitting: "If you see pits on the nails, it could be a sign that you are about to develop, or that you already have, psoriasis," said Dr. Amit Pandya, a dermatologist at the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center in Dallas. The small depressions on the nail could also be a sign of chronic dermatitis of your fingers or alopecia areata.
	3. Clubbing: This condition describes when the nails curve around your fingertips, which are usually enlarged. It's caused by low oxygen levels in the blood and may indicate lung disease.
	4. Spoon Nails: If your nails look scooped out, like a spoon, it could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.
	5. Terry's Nails: In this condition the nails look opaque with a dark band at the tip. This can be due to aging or a more serious illness including cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes or liver disease.
	6. Beau's Lines: These horizontal indentations across your nails could be a sign of malnutrition. They also may appear after serious injury or illness like a heart attack interrupts the growth of your nail.
	7. Nail Separating From Nail Bed: When your nail becomes loose and separates from the nail bed, it could be related to injury, thyroid disease, fungal disease, drug reactions, reactions to acrylic nails or nail hardeners or psoriasis.
	8. Brown or Black Colored Streak: This could be a sign of a melanoma under the nail. "Subungal melanoma should be suspected whenever a nail streak appears without known injury to the nail, the nail discoloration does not gradually disappear as would a bruise or the size of the nail streak increases over time," said Dr. Scher.
	9. Vertical Nail Ridges: These are fairly common and may worsen with age. They do not signal any serious underlying disease.
	10. White, Crumbly Nails: This is often due to a fungal infection.
	11. Small White Spots: These are very common and usually recurring. They're caused by injury to the base of the nail and are not a cause of concern. The spots will grow out as your nail grows.

BODY SHAPE GUIDE

2008-08-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Basics
Body shape can be simple for some, and a little harder for others. If one shape guide doesn’t fit your body shape, try mixing one or two to create a set of rules that suit your body perfectly. This will take a little bit of analysis but its well worth the effort. Keeping this in mind, we have re-written our popular body shape guide, breaking each one into upper and lower body rules.

If you already know what shape you are, click the quick links below to go straight to the recommendations for your body type...

Your shape is... Apple
You have: Beautiful curves like Jade Jagger, Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet.

Apple shaped girls are defined by curve and width. Characteristics are full busts, waists and upper backs and often width around the middle leading down to slim legs. For you it’s all about accentuating the positives (like your killer legs) and bringing balance to your shape as a whole.

Apple Girls’ Guide to the Top Bits

Your Goals: Accentuate slim arms and décolletage (you lucky things), whilst bringing some shape to your waist and balancing to the torso.

Create a Waist: Doing so will slim down and balance your entire figure. Think cinched waist tops, waist belts, tailored nipped waist jackets and wrap around tops.

Flesh Focus: Show off your slim arms with great sleeve detailing. Cap sleeves, sleeveless tops and detailing around the shoulders are all great ideas. Remember that your full bust is also a great feature, go for tops that show this off!

Minimise: Darker colours and more matte or basic fabrics on top can help minimise and slim a torso whilst detailing around the neckline or below brings attention to great assets.

Empire: Empire line dresses will create balance and will disguise any areas you want to hide. You can even go with a large print that will keep all eyes on you whilst breaking up your frame and slimming the figure.

Apple Girls’ Guide to the Bottom Line

Your Goals: Accentuate your slim pins and bring balance to your frame by creating flow from your top half to your bottom half.

Cut the Length: Shorter length skirts and dresses show off your great legs so are a good choice. You can always pair these back with more flowing tunic style tops to create some great proportion.

Get the Skinny: Skinny leg jeans and pencil skirts show off your thin legs!

Balance it: Flared and boot cut pants are great to balance out your upper half but thinner leg options should definitely not be frowned at. When it comes to skirts go for something with a little bit of a flare or ruffle for balance and make sure to show off your slim ankles and calves.

Remember... It's great to be an apple shape because of your fantastic legs and arms. Show them off with pretty skirts and 3/4 sleeve tops.

Your shape is... Pear
You have: The best of both worlds; you’re lean and bootylicious like Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and Tyra Banks.

Characterised by a slim torso, bust and waist with larger hips, thighs and bottom, pear shaped bodies benefit from well tailored and proportioned items. This shape is all about balance, drawing the eye up and elongating the leg

Pear Girls’ Guide to the Top Bits

Your Goals: Balance is the key word here, and for you it’s all about drawing the eye up and balancing what's going on below.

Necklines: V neck tops help balance out your shoulders and add shape to the bust area. Detailed necklines are also a great choice. Things like beading, ruching or pleating across the bust will add shape and give a fuller effect.

Strappy: Few people can really get away with the strapless or strappy thing like you can. Embrace it and go with it - everyone else is jealous, I assure you.

Minimise: Minimise the bottom half by going crazy with the top. Think silk, bright colours, detailing and all the rest. These will draw the eye up and when paired with dark basics or solid tones on the bottom will balance your entire figure.

Maximise: Many pear shaped girls would prefer a little more weight along the torso. You can fake this by going for ruching or buy padded bras and enhancers.

Crop It: If you have hips then a great place to emphasise is your proportionally very slim waist. Cropped jackets and waist friendly belts will draw the eye up and accentuate a great feature. Cinched in waist dresses (like dresses with waist ties) and empire line dresses can accentuate the positives in your shape whilst gliding over problem areas.

Pear Girls’ Guide to the Bottom Line

Your Goals: Minimise your hips and thighs while making the most of your very slim lower legs and making sure your top half flows through to your bottom half.

Minimise: Darker colours on your bottom half will minimise width and lengthen the legs so when shopping for pants, these shades are the best option. This is a great idea to keep in mind when shopping for denim.

Stretch It: The fact that you have wider hips and thighs with thinner bottom legs means that something with a little bit of stretch is going to give you the best fit. Whilst spandex leggings may not be the go, something with a little elastane will give the best fit.

Band Aid: To minimise a tummy (if you have one) a waist band that sits a littler higher than the average (i.e. two or so fingers under the belly button) will smooth the tummy area magnificently.

Slim It: Pants with prominent vertical seams or more of a boyfriend cut flatter and lengthen the legs whilst slimming the silhouette as a whole.

Skirt Around: Wear skirts that cut off below the knee, particularly handkerchief hems and asymmetric cuts, which bring attention to slim calves and ankles. A line is a key word also.

Remember... It’s great to be pear shaped because you can wear all the tops that others can’t. Stock up on silks and strapless numbers and watch other girls turn green with envy.

Your shape is... Hourglass
You have: Classic curves like Jessica Simpson, Scarlett Johansson and Anne Hathaway.

The hourglass figure will have a wider bust and thighs paired with a thin waist. This curvy shape benefits from showing off your best assets and creating balance.

Hourglass Girls’ Guide to the Top Bits

Your Goals: Showing off your assets stylishly will slim an hourglass frame, bringing the eye to areas you love while helping you skim over areas you’re not so confident with.

Shape It: Wrap around tops and dresses are great for an hourglass as they emphasise your naturally thin waist. The same goes for cinched waist anything or items that belt or cinch at the true waist. Tailoring is your key here.

De Bulk: Thin weight fabrics like matt suiting gives a slimming line to your figure but doesn't add bulk. Keep this in mind when shopping for knitwear as well – the finer the knit the more flattering the finish.

Support: This includes supportive semi-firm fabrics in a dress to supportive bras that lift the bust or thicker straps on a top that keep a nice line across the shoulders. Because you have curvy figure support is key – keep this in mind when looking for any items.

Neckline: You will find items that come to a V are the most flattering along the neck. This is because they draw the eye down to the décolletage but also slim and narrow your quite wide chest. Because hourglass figures usually boast larger busts it's also important to keep this in mind, and not make a large bust look completely out of proportion by pairing it with a neckline that is too high.

Matte and Monotone: Keeping colours monochromatic gives a stylish finish and keeps you looking really well proportioned. While you can definitely wear colours and patterns well, care must be taken to not look too over the top. The more muted the better.

Sleevey: Sleeves not only add a little more shape across the shoulders, they are also a great way to flatter bigger arms. Fluted, three quarter and puff sleeves can instantly slim the entire arm as well as adding another layer of dimension.

Hourglass Girls’ Guide to the Bottom Line

Your Goals: To flatter the form without adding any unwanted bulk.

Skirt Around: Skirts are a great way for you to flatter your form if you want to wear tops and bottoms as opposed to dresses. Pencil skirts, knee length straight skirts and high waisted skirts are all good options. Make sure to choose styles with a little stretch for comfort and the best fit.

Pants: Softly flared pants and jeans help balance out the figure below. Hourglass figures may also benefit from skinny leg cuts and wide leg cuts, which are tailored.
Rise and Fall: Mid-rise items are always great and flattering to an hourglass shape as they can cut across and diminish curves in the belly area. High waists too are a great option and a good way to show off your naturally thin waist.

Remember... It's great to be an hourglass because you have killer curves. Show them off with dresses and skirts which embrace femininity and seduction.

Your shape is... Petite
You have: A cute compact and lean body like Eva Longoria, Kylie Minogue and Natalie Portman.

Petite body types are smaller and often naturally toned. They will have broad shoulders and short legs. You're compact and small and for you it is all about creating length and curves and, of course, keeping it all in proportion.

Petite Girls’ Guide to the Top Bits

Your Goals: To keep the eye moving from top to bottom, to create flow from your top half to your bottom half and of course to not swamp your delicate figure.

One Tone: One colour top to toe will create proportion, lengthen the figure and all the while give you a great silhouette.

All in Proportion: Tops that are shorter in length, cropped jackets that don’t fall below the hips and items that are detailed just under the bust all give you a sense of proportion to your body. This means a perfectly balanced frame.

Chiffon and Sheer: Over wraps and tops in a sheer fabric (like chiffon, lace and tulle) allow you to add layers to an outfit and a little curve to your body, while still keeping the line of your body clear. It’s something that Kylie uses all the time – think a sheer chiffon caftan with a plaited waist tie over skinny leg denim.

Petite Girls’ Guide to the Bottom Line

Your Goals: Give your silhouette a little length.

Hemline: When you have little legs it’s important to keep the hemlines just right. If you are going to go with a floor length dress or skirt then make sure it has a dynamic front slit that will draw the eye up and give your legs a little length. However, the best length dress or skirt will be a cocktail or mini; here the proportion will be just right.

Line Work: When it comes to pants, the slimmer the leg the more lean and long your frame will look. Embrace skinny leg denim as the base of your outfit and your figure will benefit.

Cuff It: Make sure that the cuff of your pants doesn’t skim the floor as this will just draw the eye down instead of up. Instead pants that cut off at or taper into the ankle are the best choice. If not make sure your pants are at least a centimetre off the floor – this will make your legs seem longer.

Footwork: Neutral coloured heels, peep-toe heels and shoes in the colour of your outfit are great for making you appear taller. Ankle boots are also great for this, as are knee high boots worn over skinny denim because it makes it look like those legs go on forever!

Remember... It’s great to be petite because you can pull off all those strappy, skimpy cuts in tops, dresses and skirts that we are all dying to try.

Your shape is... Slim/ Athletic
You have: A sporty body like Cameron Diaz, Mischa Barton and Keira Knightley.

Slim and athletic types will be straight up and down, perhaps with not much of a bottom or bust. You're straight and narrow and for you it is all about creating curves, curves, curves!

Slim Athletic Girls’ Guide to the Top Bits

Your Goals: Curve, curve, curve is the call of the day!

Strap and Strapless: Strapless bodices, form fitting shapes and strappy complex necklines are all something that smaller frames can get away with. So do it!

Print It: Little prints, contrasting colours and mixed and matched prints all add texture, which means curves in all the right places.

Shape Maker: Anything that creates shape is your best friend, such as pleating, detailing, beading, prints, pleats, ruching, silk and knitwear. All of these items create curves on the bust and hips which make them great options for slim girls.

Bold and Beautiful: Large jewellery (particularly necklaces) and bold colours around the neckline and top half keep all eyes on you and add a bit more depth to your frame. Choose colours that are punchy yet complement your skin tone.

Waisted: The illusion of a waist can be created in a number of ways, from belts around the waist to well-cut tailored jackets which flare out just below the waist.

Don’t Swamp: Tailored items will always look best on you, while boxy items will just swamp your body. You need tailoring to create form. This goes for the bottom half too.

Slim Athletic Girls’ Guide to the Bottom Line

Your Goals: Embrace your slim lines or make a little more curve - the choice is yours.

Curve Creator: On the bottom your curves can be enhanced with belts, pocket detailing as well as A-line and full skirts. Pants can be patterned and textured and high waists are definitely not a problem for you.

Bias Cut: Bias cut dresses and skirts hug the body in all the right ways and hang in all the right places. What you are left with is the feeling of curve even where none exists.

Silhouette: Skinny leg denim or pants will show off all the curve you have and give a long lean look. They'er also a great choice for layering with other pieces to create more depth. However, if curve is what you are after, high waisted and boyfriend cut pants are the way to go. And the ever obvious puff and tulip silhouettes in dresses and skirts.

Skin Care Tips

2008-07-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Protect yourself from the sun -- use sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 and 2.

Don't -- repeat – DON'T smoke. Your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs that dramatically. That's why smokers' skin looks dull and gray. Instead of having oxy-generated blood delivered to the surface of the skin, they're getting poisons and oxidants.

Get adequate rest and nutrition.

Protect yourself from stress -- both emotional and environmental stress.

Wash your face twice a day and put on the proper treatment product. I'm amazed when women tell me they don't wash their face in the morning. A lot of icky stuff collects overnight -- dead skin cells, dirt, and dust!

Don't neglect certain areas of the skin. Elbows, heels, neck, and décolletage need moisturizing, and your scalp and the tops of your feet need sun protection.

Touch your face less and wash your hands more! Don't get too surgical on yourself. It's very tempting to pick, poke, squeeze, and scratch in front of the mirror. But the more you traumatize the skin, the greater your risk of scarring. Apply treatment products and let them work.

Keep your makeup clean. Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis. Now and then, toss the whole works and start fresh -- the average shelf life for cosmetics is 6 to 12 months. Don't buy products so expensive that you'll be heartbroken if you have to throw them away.

Exercise moderation. More is not always better. Moisturizer, for example, is the most overused product in America. We've been bamboozled by cosmetic companies into thinking every square inch of our body has to be slathered. And it's simply not true. Exfoliators are another thing to be careful with. Used too often, they over acidify and irritate your skin.

Beware of counter girls. If it were up to them, you'd be in the bathroom for two and a half hours each morning -- putting 80 layers on your face. Keep your regimen simple. And when you do add a new product, do it gradually so your skin has time to adjust. Each skincare or makeup product has an average of 20 to 40 ingredients -- you're introducing 20 to 40 potential allergens to your face every time you try something new.

Men's skincare is just as important as a woman's.

2008-07-29T06:50:00.001-07:00

Men's skincare is just as important as a woman's. Many people are of the opinion that men do not need proper skin care . However, the truth is for the prevention of premature aging signs and many other problems related to skin, men do need to properly care for their skin.

Despite the fact that men should follow a complete beauty routine, men's skincare routine is slightly different from that of women's. Although they can use the same cleansers, moisturizers and toners, there are some products especially made for men. They include after-shave lotions and natural gels and creams for shaving.

Natural skin care products are very important for men's skincare. These products have no side effects and they are pure and free from all harmful substances. Some ingredients used in the making of such products include organic compounds such as CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They are helpful in the stimulation of our natural collagen and elastin and therefore have the ability to bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to products meant for men's skincare. These are antioxidants and useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

There are some skin care systems available out there which are particularly meant for men's skincare. These systems include different products in one package like moisturizers, toners, cleansers and body lotions. They can be used by men who are worried about skin related problems such as dryness, pimples, spots, redness, cystic acne, fine lines and premature wrinkles.

Some men even use blemish concealers and other similar products in their skin care. These products are listed under cosmetics and may not be used if you are uncomfortable using them.

Other products that come under men's skincare include masks and scrubs. These can be used daily before going to bed or in the morning right before shaving. A good quality face wash can also be used in place of a beauty soap to prevent dryness.

Your nail have something to tell u regarding ur health

2008-07-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

I used to pride myself on having long, beautiful nails. Over the years, I'd painted, decorated and shaped them according to the latest fad. It was wonderful until the day I jammed my right thumb into a car door.

Of course, my thumb hurt like the dickens. Afterwards, I noticed something funny. It was a little discolored and lifted up from the nail bed. It was weird, but I didn't think much about it and kept on with my beauty regimen. I figured that my nail would be back to normal in a couple of weeks. However, I was wrong.

After another two weeks, my right thumb nail lifted more and began to change colors. It was a yellowy-milky color. I realized then that I needed medical help. My nail wasn't going to change back to itself without first a proper diagnosis. I found out I had a condition called onycholysis. Onycholysis is a condition in which the fingernail or toenail separates itself from the nail bed. It can occur due to trauma (my case) or other conditions like eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus.

Thankfully, after I found out that I had onycholysis, I was able to heal my thumb nail. It is now back to normal. However, the experience taught me a lesson. It let me see that any lifting, extreme pain or discoloration on a nail bed is a sign of a larger problem.

Although the reason I got onycholysis was not due to a disease, many times a change in one's nail bed color is. As a result, it's important to understand what the colors mean, so you know what is really plaguing you. It'll get you closer to the solution that will heal your body.

Below are a few clues found

White nail beds are a sign of liver disease.

Pink and white nail beds are a sign of kidney disease.

Red nail beds are a sign of heart conditions.

Yellow, thickened nail beds that are slow to grow are a sign of lung disease.

Pale nail beds are a sign of anemia.

Yellow nail beds with a slight blush are a sign of Diabetes.

If your nail beds fit any of the prior descriptions, you need to see your doctor right away.

Be ready to explain the whens and whys of the change in your nail bed color. It will help your doctor find the most specific diagnosis along with a remedy.

In conclusion, if you hurt your nails, don't be like me. See a doctor right away. Any discoloration or lifting is a sign that you need medical assistance. The problem is bigger than you and you need help. Plus, if you enjoy flaunting pretty nails, the sooner you get a cure, the sooner you can return to your normal lifestyle.

baldness

2008-07-26T08:04:00.001-07:00

What is the normal cycle of hair growth and loss?

The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.

It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

What causes excessive hair loss?

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary.

Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.

Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Can improper care of my hair cause hair loss?

Yes. If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia (say: al-oh-pee-sha). If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called "perms") may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss.

What is common baldness?

The term "common baldness" usually means male-pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head.

Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp.

Can my doctor do something to stop hair loss?

Perhaps. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medicines you're taking, whether you've had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you're a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) of your scalp may be needed.

Is there any treatment for hair loss?

Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss.

Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.

If adequate treatment is not available for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or artificial hair replacement.

Style Check

2008-07-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

how to dress your hair up for the season

Going Up

For women, hair accessories such as small clips, tic-tac pins, rubber bands and thin hair bands are in. But they have to be small and subtle, and not over the top.

Also in this humid weather, funky home-made fabric hair-bands and scrunchies work great.

Pop-colours such as neon blues, fluorescent greens, hot pinks, yellows, oranges are really big.

The idea is to have an element of colour in your attire with hair accessories but nothing very big. Boys need to keep it simple with a neat crew cut and at most, a smart cap.

Going Down

Boys just have to get rid of hair-bands and bandannas; they only look good within the confines of a gym.

For women, huge hair-bands are out; as are bling-toned accessories such as butterfly clips, pins and broaches.

Anything with diamantes, crystals or anything glittery is not for your hair anymore.

Go salon-style

2008-07-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

The rains getting you and your hair down? Or have you just invested in hair tongs and have no idea what to do with them? Help is at hand. Professional hair stylist, Dimpi Patange, guides you step-by-step through four different hair-styles for as many different hair types. So get together your gaggle of girls and set up a hair date.

AFTER	BEFORE
Error! Filename not specified.

Straight but not staid
Hair type Layered wavy or curly hair
Apply some hair serum on wet hair, working your way from the scalp downwards. Then divide hair into thick sections and blow dry. Use a rounded brush to turn the ends outwards. Finally, use a curling tong on the ends to define the curls.
Time: 30 minutes for hip-length thick hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
Error! Filename not specified.

Bouncy curls
Hair type Limp or re-bonded hair
Apply serum to dry hair and apply a heat-activated spray to the ends. Now use the straightening iron to create curls: Divide hair into even sections. Take one section and run iron about two inches from the roots, then roll the rest of your hair in and around the iron, working your way from base to roots. Hold in place for two to three seconds. Gently iron out the base for well-defined curls.
Time: 30 minutes for shoulder length hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
Error! Filename not specified.

Soft, dreamy curls
Hair type Frizzy, wavy hair
Run some curl-amplifying solution with your fingers through wet hair, or comb it through to ensure that it spreads evenly. Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and simply blow-dry the hair on medium setting. The trick is to hold the dryer under the hair and scrunch it gently with your palm as you dry.
Time: 15 minutes for shoulder-length hair.

AFTER	BEFORE
Error! Filename not specified.

Fun and funky
Hair type Straight hair or slightly wavy hair
Spray some extra-body hair-spray near the roots on damp hair. Using a blow- dryer, finger dry the hair. Once it is completely dry, divide the hair into even sections and straighten using an iron. If your hair isn't completely dry, you run the risk of burning your tresses. Apply some wax only to the ends to make peaks for a wispy look. If you have a fringe, use an iron to make it sleek.
Time: 20 minutes for medium length hair.

What you need

Blow dryer: When investing in a blow-dryer, opt for one that has nozzle and diffuser attachments. Bear in mind that the heat levels go from hot to cold.

Hair serum: Serum cures frizz and fly-aways and also protects against the damaging effects of pollutants.

Curl amplifying solution: Activates the curling process; ensures that curls last longer.

Hair tongs: Get a ceramic straightening iron that is known to damage hair less. You could also get one with removable crimping and curling attachments in various sizes for varying degrees of curls.

Hair wax: You can't get a spiky look without wax. You need to heat a small amount by rubbing it between your palms and apply it to the bit you want defined.

Hair shine spray: Apart from adding shine to hair, it helps enhance colour.

Thermo-fixing spray/ heat activated spray: These products are a must when heat is used to set hair. They protect your hair and make sure that your curls or waves last longer.

How to wear a scarf

2008-06-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Winter is the perfect time to crank out those gorgeous scarves - they can be worn in a multitude of ways and are a cold weather style essential!

It can however be a little tricky to figure out how to wear these gems. Our style guru, Anya, has all the answers here to ensure that when you're wearing your scarf not only are you warm and cosy, but also looking damn hot too!

Long scarf or Oblong scarf

These super cute oblong scarves look good tied heaps of different ways. You can tie them loosely or wear them undone, or try tying them like below as well.

Back Wrap Tie

1: Start with your scarf in front of you with the loose ends hanging over your back.

2: Take the two ties that are over your back cross them over and bring them to the front.

3: Tie your ties in a loose knot one over the other at the centre in front of you.

Side Bow scarf

1: Start with your scarf around your neck and the loose ends hanging over the side of your neck, where your shoulders are.

2: Tie the tie in a loose knot

3: Tie a bow and position it over the side of your neck, with one tail at the front and one at the back.

Square scarf

Square scarves are fun and very popular, but how do you tie them? The square shape can make them a little tricky, but there are ways around this!

Neck Warmer

1: Lay your square scarf out and one of the corners in; fold the opposite corner in so it looks more like a rectangle.

2: Take your now rectangle scarf and start with it in front of you and the loose ends hanging over your back

3: Take the two ties that are over your back and wrap them around so they are on the side of your neck.

4: Next do a simple knot so that the tails of your scarf fall over each other in a neat line.

Classic V

1: Fold your scarf over so it’s a triangle, and the point of this triangle is sitting in front of you and the tails at the back.

2: Loosely tie the tails over your back in a loose knot behind you.

3: From here you can pull it tight and bring the tails in front of you and re-knot, or you can pull the scarf that you have tied above behind you or to the side.

The hottest in Black & White

2008-06-25T06:19:00.001-07:00

This season it’s all about contrast. Brights and bolds vs neutrals, volume vs sleek clean lines and of course black vs white. We've tracked down this season's best black and white buys from beauty and shoes, to handbags and dresses!

Beautiful Black

Bold, classic and dark looks suitable for any occasion. When it comes to buying black look for little differences - a subtle sheen, a little lace or a flurry of feminine pleats really add impact!

1: Metallic Print Tulip Dress $220.00 from Witchery

2: Double Breasted Jacket $70.00 from Supre

3: Jett Boot $50.00 from Just Jeans

4: Strappy Pleated Tank $25.00 from GoJane

5: Brad Detail Cardigan $180.00 from Witchery

6: Megan Stripe Shirt $69.90 from Principals

7: Mi Piaci Festa $430.00 from Mi Piaci

8: Sarahs Ruffle Front Dress $80.00 from Dotti

9: Cruel Intentions perfume by Kilian $280.00 from LuckyScent

10: ghd IV black gloss styler available exclusively in ghd salons. Phone 0800hairghd (0800 4247 443) for stockists

Wishful White

Creamy tones and acid whites are high contrast partners for the classic winter black. My pick of the bunch is the Chantelle dress from Principals - so very Marilyn!

1: My Other Bags Are Prada Tote $21.00 from Bagladies

2: Chentelle Dress $129.90 from Principals

3: Ruby Smallbone Labyrinth Silk Dress $499.00 from Blanco Boutique

4: Mi Piaci Helen in Marble $220.00 from Mi Piaci

5: Short Sleeve Ruffle Shirt $60.00 from Dotti

6: Silk Layered Top $149.95 from Witchery

7: Wickle Katie Brinsly Limited Edition MuskMallow Perfume $75.00 from Kit Cosmetics

8: Mop Hardcase Clutch $89.95 from Witchery

9: Ashley Fogel $770.00 from Ballantynes

10: ghd IV white gloss styler available exclusively in ghd salons. Phone 0800hairghd (0800 4247 443) for stockists

Style Forecast: Rain

2008-06-25T06:18:00.001-07:00

Style Forecast: Rain

Be prepared for the weather no matter what! This week nzgirl brings you the ultimate guide in dressing suitably for the weather.

We love these simple guidelines for a rainy day from Anya, team it up with the MetService Wake up to the Weather text message service and you’ll be cosy and stylish no matter what the weather!

Personally I’m a huge fan of the rain, because it just affords you more opportunity to accessorise! Winter rain was one of my favourite things about living in Wellington, because on a rainy day the sea of black and grey suits and office workers would trundle along with loud, fun and stylish umbrellas! My total lust worthy rainy day necessity has to be the adorable Lisbeth Dahl polka dot umbrella from Neelear Nomad. With a polka dot print and a girlie ruffle trim it’s the perfect antidote for any rainy day.

Weather Forecast: RAIN

Our pick
1: Lisbeth Dahl Umbrella $44.95 from Neelear Nomad

Just add

2: Chapel Crucifix Dress $139.00 from nzgirl

3: Mi Piaci Pendolo Boot $440.00 from Mi Piaci

4: Cotton Rib Tights $30.00 from Farmers
5: Forever Rose Necklace $135.00 from Neelear Nomad
6: Coco Handbag in Winter White $109.90 from Born 2 Shop

Weekend Wear For Your Body Shape

2008-06-25T06:17:00.001-07:00

On the search for the perfect pair of comfy jeans, or the best dress for a Saturday lunch? We've tracked down your weekend wardrobe essentials by body type - with tips for everyone whether your petite or an hourglass...

Pear shape
Goals: To balance your body and create a wardrobe of separates for mix and match perfection!

Look for:

Full skirts ( to disguise hips), A-line skirts or box pleats that sit on or just above the knee.
Tops that sit lower on the hip line, to cut you off in a flattering way.
Tops that draw the eye up, featuring fun patterns, fabrics and interesting shapes.
Necklines that enhance the bust – V necks, beaded and detailed necklines.
Pants that have a straight or bootleg cut and skinny legs for layering.
Sheer dresses and longer tops perfect for layering.
Cropped jackets and belts emphasise a slim waist and make you appear more hourglass shaped.

Please buy: A pair of jeans that has a curved waistline and fits well across the tummy and hips. Hipsters can be good for many hourglasses, as can a slight flare to jeans.

Four pieces for your weekend wardrobe:

1: Jeanswest Womens Stretch Flare $69.99 from Jeans West

2: Cybele fractal Singlet $136.40 from General Cucumber

3: Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top $70.00(au) from Witchery

4: Isabella Top $79.90 from Principals

Athletic shape

Goals: To create curve with textures and prints that subtly show your feminine side.

Look for:

A dress that cinches you in at the waist and poofs you out at the hips. Think 50’s and your right on the money.
Tops that create curve with colour, ruffles, patterns, funky necklines and soft floaty fabrics.
High waisted skirts, trousers and denim.
Anything with pockets, tabs, ties and flounce.
Bright colours and mixed prints.
Metallics, wet look and shine.

Please buy: Something with nautical lines - they are great curve creators and easy to wear.

Four pieces for your weekend wardrobe:

1: Holy Beaded Dress $89.90 from Principals

2: Longline Cardi With Pockets $60.00 from Dotti

3: Stitch Ministry Babylon Cowl Top $189.00 from Stitch Ministry

4: Shilla Amuse Skirt $89.90 from Wild Pair

Curvy/Apple shape

Goals: Create a simple, easy to wear collection of separates that slims the tummy and shows off your great legs.

Look for:

Tops, tunics and dresses with an empire line.
Scoop necklines, detailing around the neckline and hemline to lead the eye up and down.
Go skinny with slim line pencil skirts, or something with a flare or ruffle at the hemline to balance your top half.
Basic on the top, fun on the bottom.
Long necklaces or long thin scarves that can slim the torso by brining the eye inwards.

Please buy: A long line tunic to make those skinny leg pants work.

Four pieces to rock your work wardrobe:

1: Multi Shirt Dress $89.90 from Wild Pair

2: Grab Hosiery $17.50 from FashionFix

3: Ruffle Fesitval Blouse $45.00 from Just Jeans

4: Fine Knit Scarf $22.00 from Just Jeans

Hourglass shape

Goals: Creating a wardrobe of comfortable curve flattering clothes that don’t add pounds.

Look for:

Dresses that show cinches in at the waist, and show off your feminine curves.
Wrap tops, dresses and jackets.
Tops and dresses that come in at the waist and have a V or deep scooped neckline.
Structured denim that flatters your form and has clean lines.
Belts to accentuate the waist and heels to lengthan the legs.

Please buy: A wrap dress - wear as a dress or a little jacket/cardigan over jeans. It's fool proof.

Four pieces to rock your work wardrobe:

1: Hood Knit Cardigan $45.00 from Valleygirl

2: Silk Marilyn Top $299.00 from RJC

3: Steelers Wrap Cardigan $179.00 from Stitch Ministry

4: Ripken Top $28.00 from Go Jane

Petite shape

Goals: Lengthening your petite frame with mixed up separates and funky fits.

Look for:

Some skinny jeans that show off the ankle - they will make you appear taller!
Skinny and straight cut pants with no pockets, the same with pencil skirts.
Mini dresses and skirts to pair with hosiery or tights, shorter lengths give more the illusion of more height.
Tops that cut off at the hip if not just above to lengthen the legs.
Wraps cardis and coats that play with proportion, in particular look for slim line longer lengths that draw the eye down, and shorter lengths to draw the eye up. Keep things funky and mix and match.

Please buy: A bright mini something, it can be a funky wardrobe base.

Four pieces for your weekend wardrobe:
1: Flower Print Dress $35.99 from Go Jane
2: High Waisted Denim Short $45.00 from Just Jeans
3: Pocket Star Pants $42.00 from Valleygirl
4: Silk Crepe Dress $369.00 from Kingan Jones

Deux FM - Where style mates ethics

2008-06-25T06:02:00.001-07:00

A Canadian based fashion house deux fm has come up with a range of eco-friendly range of clothing for the ones who love to make sure that they look good alongwith their surroundings! Made out of bamboo shoots, these clothes are renewable, chemical-free and quite comfortable. This does not come as a surprise as Anna Gilkerson, Founder & Designer of deux fm, is a greenpeace activist who is evidently very devoted to her cause. Anna dreams of a sustainable future and designing a range of eco-friendly garments is her way of contributing to that dream. Deux fm hopes to bring about a global change in the fashion world by influencing both buyers and sellers and inspiring them to wear what is both stylish and ethical. Twenty years from now, Anna hopes to find atleast fifty percent of the fashion industry producing clothes that are eco-chic in some way or the other. The tree-hugging fashinistas are sure to find this one very appealing!

Versatile Style Find - Xip3 Jacket

2008-06-25T06:00:00.002-07:00

However convertibles may be converted, rarely ever do they change roles, a dress remains a dress, a car remains a car and a jacket remains a jacket and then, ENTER XIP3! The Xip3 offers more than one function for it can turn into a backpack and a pillow whenever needed. Therefore, your multipurpose travel partner gives you all the comforts of clothing, storage and sleeping! Everyone who loves adventure and camping, from mountaineers to hitch-hikers will have some time of their lives with this one! It gives you the ease to carry one smart module that serves a variety of needs and comes equipped with Polartec 200 lining making the Xip3 an ultra compact solution for rough outdoor conditions. So wear this on your back or sleep on it, any which way, this sure is a friend in need!

Classy, Metallic EleeNo Cyber Watch

2008-06-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

For most of us, the wrist watch is just another way to show or throw the style statement. The occasional digital or analog watches are a common sight and catch nobody’s fancy. But what if your wrist flaunts this EleeNo cyber watch? Well, complex as its name, it is equally complex to read it besides the highly stylized look it is injected with. I wonder, if the wearer needs to carry the instruction leaflet always, so as to avoid getting jumbled up with the numerous dials, red and green in color which add up to reveal the current time. Also, you need to be a professional with reading all sorts of degrees. However, neglecting all the complicated technical details and working, it would surely make you the center of envy with its fine, glaring metallic finish (dark or light), giving it a classy look.

Obama inspires Donatella Versace!

2008-06-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama is fast turning from an influence to an inspiration! First it was the unworthy immortalization by T-Shirt Hell fortunately this time the guy gets what he truly deserves i.e. to be treated like nothing but a positive influence! Obama’s personality and style was Donatella’s theme for her latest men’s spring collection that she displayed at the Milan Fashion Week recently. Versace dedicated the entire collection to the Democratic Presidential nominee, calling him The man of the moment that he truly is! Looks like Versace has got it right, look at the collection dripping with Obama’s personal style and touch!

Heavy Earrings - A Harmful Fashion Accessory?

2008-05-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

They're definitely in style — but according to doctors — heavy earrings can be a dangerous fashion accessory from which more and more women are seeking surgery.

At first, patients with tears in their earlobes from wearing heavy earrings are told to simply stop wearing them in order to let the lobe heal on its own, but often that doesn't work.

"Just removing the earring often times does not allow the hole to close because that has become a mature tract," says Richard Ha, plastic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "Fortunately, there's a relatively simple solution to the problem."

According to plastic surgeons, it's becoming more and more popular for patients to get their lobes surgically repaired.

"It's a pretty simple procedure actually. It probably takes about 30 minutes to an hour in the office under local anesthesia," explains Dr. Ha.

After the tear is fixed, it will need several weeks to completely heal.

Surgical repair of torn earlobes can vary between $300 and $1,500 depending on how severe the tear is and whether or not you need one or both earlobes done.

If you love wearing heavy earrings — but don't want to end up needing surgery one day — you may want to consider using some of the over-the-counter earlobe support products to help prevent tears.

tiPs for healtHy hair

2008-04-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR ....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don’t take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health
problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1.Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of
potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to
maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2.Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3.Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4.Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5.Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool.
You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6.Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic
purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo,
which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7.Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8.Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and
health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end
up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should
use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9.Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle
and prone to breakage.

10.Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months.

8 Hair Growth Secrets

2008-03-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

1. Drink Recommended Daily Amount Of Water

Coffee, tea, sugar drinks or beer does not count in your daily water count. Water means exactly that - water. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks may actually speed up dehydration which means that the body is not functioning at optimal levels. Not only can dehydration make you feel drained and exhausted, it can be a hidden factor in hair growth stoppage, dry strands or tresses that break off.

Adjust your daily levels according to the seasons of the year (hot weather may require more daily water consumption) and the amount of stress in your life.

When pressed for exact formulas, most experts can not give a simple answer to how much water humans should drink every day. A general rule of thumb is for women to drink between 2 and 2.6 liters of water a day. For men the rule of thumb is 2.8 to 3.5 liters.

There are many exceptions to this general rule of thumb which are tied back to age, lifestyle, weight and climate. In essence, experts advise that you replace all the water that you excrete every day.

2. Drink Green Tea

As always, experts disagree with the merits of green tea and whether or not it does conclusively help hair health and encourage growth.

Experts who believe in the hair health benefits of green tea point to the fact that certain compounds found in green tea cause the relaxation of blood vessels, helping overall cardiovascular activity through increased circulation. Of course increased circulation will naturally help nourish hair roots and scalp tissues.

3. Take A Brisk Walk Several Times A Week

Experts have discovered that walking at a quick pace for just 15 minutes will help to raise your normal heart rate which improves circulation to your entire body, including to your scalp and hair follicles. It also helps shake out the cobwebs and aids in a feeling of alertness and energy.

The ideal time to take a walk is about one hour after a meal. This allows your body to digest and puts less overall strain on your system.

Of course it is important to always consult with your personal physician before beginning any new exercise routine that would be strenuous in any way.

It is also best to avoid walking at the hottest times of the day. And yes, don't forget your sunscreen, regardless of the time of year that you walk, which is why many people have become devoted mall walkers.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Many people are sleep deprived. As a result of daily stresses and strains studies have found that humans are getting less and less sleep. For the body to function at optimal capability, which includes having the necessary energy to nourish and grow hair, humans need enough sleep.

Unfortunately there is no pat answer for how much sleep is enough. Again, it depends on the individual. Most sleep experts recommend an average of 6-8 hours for active adults. Depending on age, health conditions and other factors you may need more than 8 or be able to survive on a little less.

As a result of more sleep deprived people, cat naps are becoming more popular. A great way to get a daily energy boost is to schedule a 20 minute cat nap. Be sure not to sleep longer than 20 minutes though or else you will more tired than before you napped. Studies have shown that 20 minutes is the very best amount of time for getting maximum benefit. So set an alarm for exactly 20 minutes and catch some mid-day Zzzs.

5. Eat Energy Snacks

When hunger hits between meals, eat to nourish your hair roots. Reach for one handful of unsalted natural cashews or a few almonds. Almonds are loaded with magnesium which is an essential mineral for growing healthy strands.

Other good hair healthy snacks include yogurt, hard boiled eggs and tofu which all have great nutrients to help hair grow.

6. Indulge In Daily Aromatherapy

Many studies have been done on the effects of aromatherapy when used in daily or regular scalp massages for both healthy hair and scalp as well as overall health.

Studies have found that there is a direct link between the use of aromatherapy and hair growth.

A study performed by the Archives of Dermatology in 1998 by Scottish researchers found that aromatherapy can promote new hair growth. Patients who massaged various aromatherapy oils on their scalps every day enjoyed significant and measurable improvement in their hair growth.

7. Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Attitude is everything. Studies have shown that chronic negative moods can impact the human body and cause all human systems to slow down or become sluggish. This includes the circulatory system which feeds the roots of the hair, helping it to grow and remain properly nourished. When life gets you down rent a funny movie or read a humorous book. Take a break and have some fun to light your mood.

8. Eat Power Foods

Extreme diets that eliminate major food groups can be detrimental to healthy hair and can actually cause a slow down in new hair production. Diets that are too low in calories or completely eliminate either proteins or carbs can stimulate a form of alopecia that causes hair loss. Always eat a balanced food plan that incorporates healthy amounts of proteins and carbs. Don't forget to take either your daily vitamins or your hair growth vitamins like HairTopia vitamins.

Pradeep Kothari added you as a friend on Boxbe

2008-03-08T19:12:00.002-08:00

Just a reminder, Pradeep Kothari is using Boxbe to protect his email. He wants to make sure that you and your friends can reach him.

Get your free Boxbe account to protect your email and help Pradeep

Please do not reply directly to this email. This message was sent at the request of pkkothari@boxbe.com. Boxbe will not use your email address for any other purpose.

Boxbe, Inc. | 230 California Street | Suite 302 | San Francisco, CA 94111

Pradeep Kothari added you as a friend on Boxbe

2008-03-08T19:12:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder, Pradeep Kothari is using Boxbe to protect his email. He wants to make sure that you and your friends can reach him.

Get your free Boxbe account to protect your email and help Pradeep

Please do not reply directly to this email. This message was sent at the request of pkkothari@boxbe.com. Boxbe will not use your email address for any other purpose.

Boxbe, Inc. | 230 California Street | Suite 302 | San Francisco, CA 94111

Pradeep Kothari added you as a friend on Boxbe

2008-03-05T18:50:00.001-08:00

Pradeep Kothari uses Boxbe to receive email from people who matter and wants to make sure your friends can reach them.

Do you want to make sure your friends can reach Pradeep?

Please do not reply directly to this email. This message was sent at the request of pkkothari@boxbe.com. Boxbe will not use your email address for any other purpose.

Boxbe, Inc. | 230 California Street | Suite 302 | San Francisco, CA 94111

Fashion education in India

2008-03-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

EDUCATION is power. It is enlightenment, a cornucopia and an elixir. It is everything, but is it fashion?
   To most of us the only similarity, perhaps, between fashion and education is that both are extremely important part of our lives. Fashion is your personal style statement. It is present in every aspect of our lifestyle - garments, home furnishings, personal and interior accessories. However, what most of us don't realise is that for any fashion to emerge, exhaustive research, analysis and experimentation is required.
   "Fashion is not just about walking the ramp. It is actually a consummate integration of design, technology, management and communication," informs Kautilya Dagaonkar, a student of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Major institutes offering fashion education in India include the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Pearl academy of fashion and NIFT.
   Apart from the well-known designing courses in fashion, textiles, knitwear, leather and accessory design, NIFT also offers a course in fashion technology that trains students in core garment manufacturing technology. Suhail Anwar, course coordinator, states: "Besides apparel production, the knowledge of information technology is also imparted which prepares students to someday become the agents of change in the industry".
Further, Shilpa Toshn-iwal, pursuing a two years' advanced diploma in textile designing at INIFD, feels that the course is very appropriately designed and covers all the requisites for creating a textile designer in just two years.
Apart from various undergraduate programmes, Pearl Academy of Fashion offers postgraduate courses in fashion marketing, fashion merchandising and fashion retail. To gauge the changing requirements in this global business of fashion, a formal education is apparently necessary. There is immense scope for penetration in this field, as one can explore and experiment. Besides, there's always the chance to make a global mark.

Hair Removal: Know All The Methods

2008-03-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

Most of us are concerned about the amount of hair on our bodies, and there are many options for those who desire to rid themselves of unsightly hair. Shaving and plucking are the most popular methods of hair removal, but there are also methods known as waxing, sugaring and threading.

Shaving is the most popular method of hair removal. It's simple and can be accomplished with a straight razor or an electric razor. Some electric shavers provide best results after use of pre-shaving gels, creams or lotions, as can shaving with a straight razor.

Plucking is used as a method of hair removal for unsightly or unwanted facial hair. Using tweezers, hair removal from eyebrows is generally accomplished by hand held or electric tweezers. Tweezing pulls the hair out by its roots but it can be time consuming, depending on the results you're looking for, as each hair must be pulled out individually. Until the skin around the area becomes desensitized, this process can be on the painful side, and redness, inflammation can occur. For most, the effects of tweezing can last anywhere from three to eight weeks.

Threading is becoming a more popular trend in hair removal methods. This ancient hair removal process continues to be used in various parts of the world today, including parts of southwest Asia and the Middle East. To facilitate hair removal with this method, a long loop of thread, mostly cotton, is twisted into a figure-8 type shape and rolled along the surface of the skin. Hairs caught between the coiled pieces of string are pulled out by their roots, resulting in near perfect smoothness. This method suits hair removal from eyebrows and other facial areas, and is considered by many to be less painful than the plucking hair removal method.

Waxing is a hair removal method that is a little more time intensive and messy, though such inconveniences are more than outweighed by the fact that this method is extremely effective in hair removal of just about any type of body hair. Waxing facilitates the removal of entire shafts of hair, from below the surface of the skin. This method can be accomplished using either cool or hot wax. Be advised that waxing for hair removal, however effective, can cause skin irritations that may last several hours, and if not done carefully, can produce burns and other unpleasant results.

A hair removal method similar to waxing is one called sugaring. In this method, a sugar mixture is used instead of wax. Blending and heating sugar, water and lemon juice until it develops into a pasty mixture creates this concoction. This mixture is then applied to the surface of the skin, like a wax treatment, followed by a strip of cotton, which is then rapidly pulled off the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This method of hair removal is popular among those who are sensitive to the ingredients in wax.

So take your pick, try them out and decide which method of hair removal best suits your time and your preferences.

Dandruff cure

2008-02-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

aloe vera dandruff cure - with aloe vera gel . About 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. if you do this everyday the dandruff will stay away.

Using lime juice to wash hair.

Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for ½ an hour. Wash with mild shampoo.

Ingredients: Olive oil and almond oil

Instructions: Mix the olive oil with the almond oil. Leave it on about 5 min.s after it starts to burn. Rinse well to clear dandruff.

Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and apply the juice of 2 lemons, steam your hair and leave the oil on for about 2 hours. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Boil a handful of neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for rinsing hair.

TIPS for MANICURE & PEDICURE

2008-02-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

Manicure and Pedicure Tips

Fresh ideas for beautiful fingers and toes.

Bath Oil

Heat 1/2 cup bath oil mixed with 1/2 cup water on High in your microwave for 30 seconds. Place the solution in a deep bowl and soak your fingers or toes in it for 10-15 minutes to soften cuticles or calluses. After drying, use a pumice stone to smooth over calluses or a file to push down cuticles. Follow up by rubbing in hand cream until fully absorbed.

Castor Oil

If you were ever forced to swallow castor oil as a child, this may be a pleasant surprise: The high vitamin-E content of that awful-tasting thick oil can work wonders on brittle nails and ragged cuticles. And you don't have to swallow the stuff. Just massage a small amount on your cuticles and nails each day and within three months you will have supple cuticles and healthy nails.

Cooking Spray

Need your nail polish to dry in a hurry? Spray it with a coat of cooking spray and let dry. The spray is also a great moisturizer for your hands.

Film Canisters

Create a small, spillproof carry case for nail polish remover by tucking a small piece of sponge into a plastic film canister. Saturate the sponge with polish remover and snap on the lid. For an emergency repair, simply insert a finger and rub the nail against the fluid-soaked sponge to remove the polish.

Lemons

Pamper your fingernails without the help of a manicurist. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail.

Marshmallows

Get the comfort of a salon treatment when giving yourself a home pedicure. Just place marshmallows between your toes to separate them before you apply the nail polish.

Mayonnaise

To add some oomph to your fingernails, just plunge them into a bowl of mayonnaise every so often. Keep them bathed in the mayo for about 5 minutes and then wash with warm water.

Petroleum Jelly

During home manicures, it's hard to keep the nail polish from running over on your cuticles. Petroleum jelly can help your manicures look more professional. Dab some along the base of your nails and the sides. If polish seeps off the nail during the manicure, all you do is wipe off the petroleum jelly and the sloppy nail polish is gone.

Styrofoam

When applying nail polish, a foam pellet or a small chunk cut from a block of foam packaging placed between each finger or toe will help spread them apart and keep the polish unblemished until it can dry.

Vinegar

You can soften the cuticles on your fingers and toes before manicuring them by soaking your digits in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar for five minutes.

Your nail polish will have a longer life expectancy if you first dampen your nails with some vinegar on a cotton ball and let it dry before applying your favorite polish.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

Hair and now!

2008-02-17T03:31:00.000-08:00

Rapunzels rejoice, mane matters are long and winding this season with styles as varied as the stylists' snips! While the classic beauty of long hair remains undisputable, wearing them in the style of the moment or one that suits you, ensures you remain a cut above the rest.

Layers of good looks

There is nothing new about the layered look, but now you have a mindboggling array of choices in this style to ensure everyone around doesn't look like mannequins out of an assembly line.

"Layers and steps are back. People are in an experimental mood, which gives us a lot of room to maneuver," says hairstylist Harish Bhatia of the Big Boss salon at Borivalli, who also runs his Harish Big Boss Hair and Beauty Institute.

Sliding layers, air fly, square layers, round layers and savage cut are just some of the names to look out for while making the next appointment with your stylist.

Layering is especially good for fine, straight hair say stylists. It makes for a fuller, bouncier look, as the cut creates an illusion of volume. However, the style is not for those who prefer to stick to their plain Jane or classic long locks looks, for the edge in layers makes for a more sophisticated, glamourous fashion appeal.

Curl it up

In fact, straight seems to be plain boring, people are increasingly making a grab for their rollers as curls make a comeback. "Straight hair is on its way out," says Savio Periera of Magic Salon outlets at Bandra and Juhu. "People are going in for a lot of soft waves and curls. There is a lot of movement in the hair now," he adds.

Crop cool

However, even as more women connect to their feminine, softer side this season, bobs are not being ruled out either. While Periera roots for the eternal appeal of a classic bob, Agnes Chen of Butterfly Pond in Colaba begs to differ. "Bobs are in, but variations of it like the asymmetrical one, curly haired bob, textured bobs, not the classic one," she says.

While Chen maintains length is also in, she points to leading ladies on the ramp like Bipasha Basu, and Jesse Randhawa, who can be increasingly spotted sporting shorter lengths.

Bang on

While on Bollywood and fashion, the late Parveen Babi is a reference point for bangs.

"Bangs are all the rage now – classic, solid, asymmetrical, you name it! Even the Parveen Babi type side locks are in," says Chen.

In fact, a toss of bangs that fall anywhere between the forehead to the chin, sometimes blacking out one whole eye, is a sure shot at being a headturner this season.

"Short bangs are very popular these days, which are a little longer than what Jassi used to flaunt," says Bhatia of Big Boss. "Bangs can start as a triangle from the forehead and fall a little on the side, sometimes right down to the cheekbone, whereupon they are snipped off, blocking one eye," he details.

Darsheel drool

If women are making a dash for it, men are spiking it up too, a la Tare Zameen Par. Mohawks are in once more, both for men and well, little young men. "We cut the hair in such a way that the middle portion keeps standing.

If the hair is slightly long, the style is easy to maintain. But even if one is sporting short hair, just a little gel helps achieve this look with ease.

Ever since the Aamir Khan starrer, lots of men, especially young kids have been queuing up to get spikes," says Bhatia.

Peacock palette

The palette reflects the whacky mood as well. Gone are the days when highlights were restricted to a few measly shades of brown. Red, gold, copper and even ash, and their combinations are being sported without batting an eyelid (whatever is visible of it!). "Red is all the rage now in hair colours. Gold and copper are also hot as many like to experiment with the blonde look now.

As for highlights, chunk or combination colours allow you give the peacock a run for its plume!" laughs Hitesh Parekh, senior colour technician with Streax Hair Colour and hairstylist with Head Turner salon in Andheri.

Wash 'n' wear

Whacky or no-nonsense, comfort is the buzzword in hairstyles for the Mumbaiite on the go. "People don't have the time to blow dry and invest precious minutes setting the hair in the morning. Clients demand a wash and wear style, something that is easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis," says Periera of Magic Salon. "Therefore, the look is messy, a style that doesn't look out of place even after a gruelling ride in the train," he adds.

So, a bad hair day cannot be an excuse anymore!

Skin care: Top 5 habits for healthy skin

2008-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Your busy lifestyle leaves little time for pampering skin care. The result: Your skin isn't the baby-soft body glove with which you were born. With age, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands grow less active leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in your skin decreases, your skin becomes more fragile, and you lose your youthful color and glow.

Good skin care — such as avoiding the sun, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly — can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems.. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The best way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays of the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors.

For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:

Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others.. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than loosely woven fabrics such as knits.
Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can be seen in young adults who have been smoking for as few as 10 years.

Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen which give your skin strength and elasticity.

In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.

3. Wash your skin gently

Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.

Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps — those most capable of stripping oil from your skin — can leave your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps with oils and fats added to them during the soap manufacturing process.
Avoid irritating additives. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products containing perfumes or dyes. These can irritate your skin and may trigger an allergic response.
Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product such as petroleum jelly.
Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.

4. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.

The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

Select a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.

5. Shave carefully

Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:

Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.
Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.
Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can irritate the skin.
Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.

If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin..

Winter Tips for Hair, Skin,Hands, Nails,Legs, Lips

2008-02-06T05:29:00.001-08:00

Winter is just not about warm clothes, fireside reading, snuggling close to the pillows wrapped from head to toe with a comfy quilt. It is time to battle the cold winds that hampers your body and hair. A little care will keep the wintry troubles at bay.

Hair...

Before the winter winds can work havoc with your hair, expose your hair to deep conditioning. Since the cold weather causes to dry your hair, massage your hair in aloe Vera juice for a few minutes. This will restore its softness.

You can a lso treat your hair with oil massage once or twice a week Olive oil can work wonders in reinforcing moisture to your hair. Heat the oil before using and allow it to soak for a time lesser than the time you allot for the summer season. Too long a period of soaking hair in oil can get you ill. If you are used to treating your hair with herbal extracts or herbal oil do not soak it for a long time. Herbal ingredients are mostly cooling agents that are more suitable for the summer. Keep away from washing your hair too frequently.

Woolen clothing like hats, scarves and turtlenecks can cause damage to your hairline. Since they can cause breakage, first cover your hair with a silk scarf before exposing it to winter wraps.

It is the appropriate time for split ends to work their way up to the hair shafts. Hence trim your split ends.

Style your hair with a braid, twist or a knot. Try Keeping away from letting your hair open and wild, as the cold winds can play rough on your hair.

Avoid exposing your hair to frequent coloring, streaking, or ironing as they can rob your hair off its moisture and it is advisable to avoid heating appliances on your hair.

Expose your hair to natural drying. Keep away from blow dryers. If you have to use, use one with a hood.

Always cover your hair with a silk fabric to guard it from the chill winds.

Skin...
Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on the intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Water plays an important role in keeping your skin alive. A good amount of water helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well keeping skin disorders at bay. Fruits and vegetables in your daily diet release a lot of water to your system. Primrose syrup and olive oil in your diet also aids in softening your skin.

Use th e paste of ground green gram powder instead of soap to work your way to a soft and supple skin.

Pamper you skin with a little coconut oil before bath to heal dryness and chaps. Use a creamy soap that renders that extra suppleness to your skin.

Moisturizers and cold creams are a must in the winters. Apply some good cold cream on your face before going to bed. Moisten your skin with a good moisturizer or a creamy hand and body lotion. My best buy is ' Jergens' hand and body lotion.

Add a few drops of oil to the water that you are using to bath. This will help retain the moisture lost when bathing. Avoid using very hot water during winter as it can decrease the natural oils of your skin. Instead shorten your bath time.

Hands, legs and nails...
When treating your legs add a few drops of oil in the water that you use to soak them. With regards to hands, try using rubber gloves while immersing them in water. Use a base coat over your nails against the cold weather.

Lips...
A good petroleum jelly will be an effective cover over your lips against the cold weather. Butter is effective in curing chapped lips and renders an extra softness.

So get ready to shield your body against the winter threats.

Winter Tips for Hair, Skin,Hands, Nails,Legs, Lips

2008-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hair...

New York, Newer Fashion

2008-01-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Among the most fashionable cities of the world, New York undoubtedly tops the list. From high end boutiques to little shops on the sideways one can find elegantly and stylishly dressed people at restaurants, theatres, stores and so on. On a personal level, the collection I showcased here marked the launch of my couture line. It will always be a very 'special' showing for me as it was the beginning of the 'Rocky S couture' label.

When in New York City

• Places to shop: When it comes to luxury shopping one must visit 7th avenue, which is considered as the Mecca of fashion. There are renowned designer stores lined up

• The two-story Apple store in SoHo boasts of a show-stopping glass staircase and a translucent walkway which glimmers in the sunshine flooding in from skylights

• The shoe salon at Bergdoff Goodman is dazzling enough to get any woman in trouble and the massive bag collection is equally dangerous

• Where budget shopping is concerned, there are several malls offering merchandise from innumerable brands such as Gap, Topshop and Forever 21 that offer stylish clothing at affordable prices

• Barneys' Madison Avenue flagship is the final word in edgy designer fashion. The lower floors house sophisticated, expensive items like Prada suits; in the upstairs co-op department, you'll find Habitual jeans, Miu Miu dresses, and clingy tees

• For trendy, well-priced American brands hit the second floor of Bloomingdale

• Madison avenue boasts of fifteen blocks of celebrity designer shops (Calvin, Jean-Paul, Giorgio) and flagship fashion house boutiques (Prada, Herm?s, Chanel)

• Kick things off at Fratelli Rossetti on 58th Street for fab Italian shoes, and be sure to leave some time for the grand finale at the stately Polo Store on 72nd Street

• For key chains, track suits and tees head to the Adidas original store

• Macys is the spot for essentials from all the big brands - everyone from Guess and Esprit to Ralph, Donna and Calvin, and at all prices in between

• Snap up key rings, money clips and cuff links, or invest in beautifully-made men's watches, kitchenware, or their classic six-prong diamond engagement ring at Tiffany & Co

The swimwear department at Saks Fifth Avenue swells seasonally to accommodate classics and styles with a little more va-va-voom.

Street fashion in NYC

• It is chic combined with 'attitude' dressers at NY. Jeans and tees/tops teamed with trendy jackets and stylish shoes /boots or casual dresses is the essence of street fashion there

• China Town is the place for best bargains.

Exclusivity at hand

In New York it is the individuality of fashion that is noticeable with everyone on the streets.

• If you are visiting NY in summer make sure you carry jeans/shorts/skirts teamed with trendy tees and tops. Light jackets and elegant dresses are also a must have in your wardrobe

• If you are visiting there during winters make sure you carry stylish sweaters, jackets and trenchcoats that go well with jeans and boots

• Navy blue is definitely the colour of the season. Pack an item or two.

Home Remedies to RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

2008-01-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip colour caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene.

If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest.

Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color.

Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips:

Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include:
Sticky tar deposits
Brown tooth stains
Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
Delayed healing of the gums
Chronic bad breath
More tooth decay than non smokers

Smoking reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration:

Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients.
Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically.
Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition.
Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells.

Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.

Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration.

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes

Remedies to prevent tooth discoloration:

To prevent discoloration a coffee drinker and/or smoker must consider reducing intake or giving up on these addictions. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene .This can be done by brushing and flossing regularly and getting teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months.

Treatment options or home remedies that can be tried at home may vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and include:
Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
Avoidance of foods and beverages that cause stains on teeth.
Using Over-The-Counter whitening agents

Remedies to prevent discoloration of the lip:

Here are simple lip care tips and home remedies for intense smokers:
To reduce discoloration caused by smoking or caffeinated drinks the first step is to reduce the intake of such habits.
Drink at least 10 glasses of water to flush toxins away.
Apply Vaseline to your lips regularly.
Clarified butter is also a very good home remedy. Apply a little every night to soothe lips. This helps keep lips moisturized.
Another effective home remedy is applying the juice of a lemon which has bleaching properties to the lips daily. This helps lighten the colour of the lips over time.
It is advisable for women to wear lipstick with sunscreen, as Ultra Violet radiation may cause pigmentation.

Improve dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. Having a complete dental cleansing by a professional dentist every 6 months are also advisable.

Avoid food and beverages that contain too much food coloring for it leave stains on the teeth.

Avoid using over-the-counter whitening products.

Drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday to eliminate the toxins from the body.

Apply Vaseline on the lips regularly to lighten the discoloration of the lips.

Moisturize lips by applying little amount of clarified butter every night.

Apply lemon juice on the lips everyday. It is a natural bleaching agent that helps lighten lips with regular application.

For women, wear lipstick that contains sunscreen ingredients. Excessive exposure of UV rays from the sun can cause lip pigmentation.

Avoid tooth decaying foods like carbohydrates and sugar

Doctors recommend treatments that are advisable to cure discoloration of the teeth and the most one can do on the diet front is to avoid certain tooth decaying foods. Most avoidable foods include all carbohydrates and sugar as they can cause tooth decay. All simple sugars, including table sugar (sucrose) and the sugars in honey (levulose and dextrose), fruit (fructose), and milk (lactose), have the same effect on the teeth.

Diets
Avoid foods that will leave tooth decay. These include foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Sugar takes on many forms such as sucrose (table sugar), levulose and dextrose (honey), fructose (fruit), and lactose (milk).

Sunglass Special

2008-01-09T22:23:00.001-08:00

Love the summer sun, but love sunglasses even more? nzgirl helps keep you safe this summer in style with the hottest sunglasses from our favourite brands all broken down by face shape.

Take this best buy breakdown with you when shopping for your new specs!

General New Season Trends

Va Voom Vintage: Vintage sunnies and vintage inspiration continue to be huge motivators for sunglasses this season. True forties, fifties and sixties style a la the silver screen is the inspiration for this.Look for thicker frames, rounded corners, square shapes and dramatic silhouettes.

Right on Retro: Not quite Miss Audrey but more Miss Blondie, these sunnie styles come care of the 70s and 80s. Think electro pop, the fledging dance scene and the hey day of the brands like Raybans. Thick frames, bright colours and acid hues are so very beach friendly.

Seventies Safari: The rustic seventies movement started many naturale trends and one of the biggest was the safari movement. Think your bronzey toned sunglasses and so-very-70s aviators. A crisp clean and classic look for all.

A Bit of Colour: Crisp whites are spiced up with flecks of everything from roses to pinks, purples to browns. Metallic touches from metal tones to bronzey flashes will look great against tanned summer skin.

Round Faces
A round face is full with very few angles and often the width is equal to the length. If you have a round face the best sunglasses will be those which have thicker frames which are wide around the temples. These shapes elongate and balance the face while frames which are larger can add proportion. Colour will also minimise fullness, so try chocolate browns, warm reds, purples and charcoals as opposed to severe black.

1: Oliver Goldsmith Mistinguet in Blue Black $534.00 from My Catwalk
2: Roc Eyewear Colo $55.00 from Roc Eyewear Stockists
3: Roc Eyeware Jezzabelle in Coco $55.00 from Roc Eyewear Stockists
4: Le Specs Samui $55.00 from Farmers
5: Miss Walker $20.00 from Dotti
6: Black Square Plastic Sunglasses $19.95 from Just Jeans

Oval Face
An oval face is a balanced face. The chin will be slightly more narrow than the forehead and those with an oval face will normally also have high cheekbones. Look for sunglasses that are as wide as the largest part of your face or try square shapes to add impact. V-shaped frames should be avoided because they just triangulate the face and bring focus to the nose. The most important tip is to remember that it’s all about balance, so choose frames that are in proportion to the rest of your face.

1: Prada Honey Frame with Gold Lining $500.90 from Sunglasses Hut
2: Ksubi Milka $290.00 from My Catwalk
3: Bronze Joey $25.00 from Dotti
4: Roc Eyewear Carla $55.00 from Roc Eyewear Stockists
5: Crystal Purple Nicole $26.00 from Just Jeans
6: Roc Eyewear Macy $55.00 from Roc Eyewear Stockists

Square Face
A square face will have a wide chin and a wide or broad forehead. Oval frames will create curve to the face whilst also elongating it. Avoid square or rectangular frames which will only focus more on the angles of your face and may make your head seem shorter in proportions.

1: Oliver Goldsmith Bude in Black $584.00 from My Catwalk
2: Le Specs Goa $55.00 from Roc Eyewear
3: Ray Ban Shields $270.00 from Sunglass Hut
4: Roc Eyewear Peaches $60.00 from Roc Eyewear
5: Karen Walker Harpo (Maroon) $370.00 from Karen Walker Stockists
6: Black Cat Power $20.00 from Dotti

Heart Shaped Face
A heart shaped face typically has a wider forehead, high check bones which then tapers down to a smaller chin. Angular or aviator shaped frames will balance a smaller chin while rimless style sunglasses seem to naturally suit this shape of face. It’s best to avoid darker colours which may ‘cut up’ the line of the face, instead opt for lighter colours like smokey browns and greys.

1: Versace Wire in Black $425.00 from Sunglass Hut
2: Mr Jacob $20.00 from Dotti
3: Vogue Jacobs $260.00 from Sunglass Hut
4: Dita Lotus $260.00 from My Catwalk
5: Ksubi Mister $295.00 from Ksubi Stockists
6: Le Specs Pipeline $55.00 from Le Specs Stockists

New Season Look: Volume

2008-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

It’s all going big this summer. Big colours, big textures, big heels and of course lots of volume.

nzgirl walks you through summer volume from the new balloon sleeve to the drapes and ties that will infest your wardrobe as the summer sun starts shining.

Flutter Sleeves
Probably the easiest way to get a little volume, these start with tiny puff sleeves and go through to some of the new season shapes like fluttery floaty sleeves or tapered balloon sleeves.

1: Blouse $39.95 from Temt
2: Beaded ¾ Sleeve Dress $249.00 from Country Road
3: Maid Top $59.90 from Wild Pair

Flirty Skirt
I love the really modern look of a lot of the 80s tops that are around this season. Slashed sleeves, block colours and strong simple tailoring look perfect paired back with a little volume on the bottom half. For the volume skirt novice, the likes of the linen skirt from Veronica Maine adds a little volume but still has a very classic shape. Soft tulips and bubbles will also be everywhere. For many, summer means a little bit more of a deconstructed feel so the gathered tie skirt from Ezibuy is a great choice, with its form-making pleats yet light and bright feel.

1: Linen Skirt $175.00 from Veronika Maine
2: Short Tulip Skirt $129.00 from Country Road
3: Urban Gathered Tie Skirt $35.00 from Urban at Ezibuy

Drape and Tie
The pussy bow tie shirts of the 80s are back and add a sense of glamour to the world of plain work wear. The styles in chiffon are definitely a personal favourite and also look amazing with some skinny denim and a great pair of heels. Neck ties and a little drapery detail add soft volume that is wearable yet a real point of difference to the world of tees, dresses and work wear.

1: Jersey Knot Dress $120.00 from Country Road
2: Blouse $39.95 from Temt
3: Ruffle Front Shirt $55.00 from SUPRÉ

True Puff
I know I’ve already discussed the sleeve department, but for summer the puff is going to be everywhere to the point that it deserves its own little mention. My favourite styles are like the Veronika Maine top, although the tunic from Just Jeans mixes balloon shape and puff sleeve well. Remember to keep the rest of the silhouette simple to avoid looking over done. It may work on runways, but not at the supermarket.

1: Metal Top in Graphite $249.00 from Veronika Maine
2: Coral Floral Tunic $49.95 from Just Jeans
3: Sweetheart Smock $119.00 from Wild Pair

Pleat and Bubble
Bubble skirts (a personal favourite of mine) have become a bit of a design mainstay for the last wee while, and they continue into smmer. Along with their good friend pleating and tulip shapes they make a great team even when combined into one item!

1: Piping Hot Band Dress $129.90 from Wild Pair
2: Reverse Tuck Hem Dress $65.00 from SUPRÉ
3: Product Dress $149.90 from Lippy

Fitness Fashion

2008-01-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re an old hand when it comes to sports or a newbie who isn't sure what to grab from the daunting clothing store racks, nzgirl shows you the hottest buys, best trends and the newest items in store.

We’ll have you looking hot and feeling confident no matter your sport…

The Runner
Those who run often become addicted to this intense, high cardio workout. A runner’s wardrobe should be full of great basics along with a lightweight jacket perfect for pre and post run warming that also can keep the elements off on cool winter days. Shorts and pants that mix comfort with style and a killer pair of shoes are also essential.

1: Line 7 Avanti Jacket $179.95 from Line 7 stockists
2: TYR Race Short $55.00 from Footlocker
3: Nike Women’s Free 5.0 $200.00 from Nike Platinum
4: Active Crossbank Tank $12.95 from EziBuy
5: Run ¾ Tight $90.00 from Orca
6: Adidas Supernova Women's Tank $65.00 from Rebel Sport
7: Print Oversized Tee $26.00 from SUPRÉ

The Gym Girl
Safely indoors, yours is the realm of bench presses and treadmills! Hitting the stair climbers with all those people around you, means you have to have clothes that work for you as well as with you.

1: Active Sport Singlet $24.95 from EziBuy
2: Asics Statement Mini Crop $40.00 from Rebel Sport
3: Orca Sports Bag $110.00 from Orca
4: Women’s Adilibria Gym Tights $75.00 from Rebel Sport
5: Puma Bisley Cross Training Sneaker $95.00 from Rebel Sport
6: Nike Reflective Slick Sports Top $60.00 from Rebel Sport
7: Stripey Headband $10.00 from Glassons

The Swimmer
You swim in the ocean in summer and hit the indoor pool in winter (or if you’re crazy you hit the sea in winter too!). You need to feel confident, be supported and of course have items that work for you. Warm up gear for after the swim is essential as is the perfect pair of swimmers!

1: Apex2 Orca Triathalon Wetsuit $750.00 from Orca
2: Futura Soft Speedo Goggle $25.00 from Rebel Sport
3: Speedo Polyester Swim Cap $13.00 from Rebel Sport
4: TYR Rasin Racerback Dress $90.00 from TYR stockists
5: Rib Longsleeve Tee $29.95 from James & August
6: Converse Classic Women’s Trackpant $50.00 from Rebel Sport

The Dancer
You love everything from ballet to jazz and hip hop. Dancers need clothing that moves and stretches while the body does the same. Longer length pants, footless tights and fitting clothing that stays with the body are all essentials. Mix these up with more traditional dance items like chiffon over skirts to get a cute, classic feel.

1: Wave Stripe Sporte pants $45.00 from SUPRÉ
2: Adidas Me Sports Bra $39.00 from Rebel Sport
3: Basic Round Neck Tee $15.00 from SUPRÉ
4: Gaynor Mindon Halter Leotard $55.00 from Dancer.com
5: Asana V Neck Mock Top $50.00 from Rebel Sport
6: Puma Driftcat Suede Women’s Shoe $160.00 from Footlocker
7: Lonsdale Santalla Bag $75.00 from Rebel Sport

The Team Sporter
From netball to hockey, tennis to soccer or a friendly game of touch, team sports not only keep you fit with games and training they are also a huge part of your social life. Whether your focus is fitness or friends you will need items specially tailored to the game.

1: Sfida Anna Women’s Short $35.00 from Rebel Sport
2: Braided Womens Tennis Dress $125.00 from Baby Phat stockists
3: Asics Gel Wahine $90.00 from Rebel Sport
4: Puma Grip Bag $60.00 from Puma
5: TYR Women’s Splice Singlet $80.00 from Rebel Sport
6: Nike Women’s Tempo Short $55.00 from Nike
7: Adidas Women’s Varsity Jacket $75.00 from Rebel Sport
8: Gryphon Senior Stick Taboo Letigre POA from Gryphon Stockists

The Multi Sporter
In the summer it’s triathlons, iron man and sea to land events. In winter it’s duathalon season. The multi sporter does not do just one thing, but takes a taste of sports ranging from cycling to kayaking as well as road, mountain and beach running. Your clothes need to do not one thing but many! Want to know what the balloon is about? You will thank your lucky stars you tied it to your bike’s handle bars in the changeover section so that when you come out of the sea you can actually find it!

1: RACE Distance Tri Suit $150.00 from Orca
2: Asics Women Thermo Tight $55.00 from Rebel Sport
3: Contrast Stripe Trackie $45.00 from SUPRÉ
4: Adidas Script Cap $20.00 from Adidas Stores
5: Helium Baloon $12.95 from Balloons Direct
6: Nike Women’s Essential Hoodie $85.00 from Nike Stores
7: White Diva Runner $200.00 from Adidas Stockists
8: Duffle Bag $50.00 from Footlocker

Hottest Summer Footwea

2008-01-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

A change of season brings a plethora of new dresses, tops, bags and most importantly shoes! nzgirl shows you the best styles this season and tells you about the trends we're loving...

Silver Summer
Summer’s new basic shoe is the metallic sandal and the favourite hue is silver, a refreshing complement to nautical blues it also brings an instant lift to white. The ultimate in the multi tasking department, a silver flat will take you from day to evening in style.

1: Mi Piaci Macie $150.00 from Mi Piaci
2: Pulp Slingkey $69.95 from Hannahs
3: Sachi Abandon $159.90 from Overland Footwear
4: Mi Piaci Lorat $190.00 from Mi Piaci
5: Raquel T-Bar Sandal $159.00 from Country Road
6: Mi Piaci Recently $230.00 from Mi Piaci

Bouncing Ballet Flats
A little round toe flat is the perfect complement to feminine summer dresses this season and a great way to perk up your boring basic work pants. This season colour and detail are key, so be prepared for your basic ballet flats to get some attention for summer.

1: Soda Goldie $69.95 from Wild Pair
2: Pulp Let’s Dance $59.95 from Hannahs
3: Mi Piaci Celestial $250.00 from Mi Piaci
4: Isabella Anselimi Moira $159.90 from Overland
5: Ballet by Stewart Wietzman $450.00 from Scarpa
6: Pulp Point Work $69.95 from Hannahs

A Little Peep
The peep toe continues to be a favourite choice for summer footwear, it's perhaps not as directional as previous seasons but is still a strong trend driven piece. We love the unusual peep toe choices (the new narrow slit , the square cut away and the deep peep toe) so keep an eye out for new takes on this old classic.

1: Mi Piaci Scoot $200.00 from Mi Piaci
2: Mi Piaci Cosmo $200.00 from Mi Piaci
3: Carie Patent Sandals $179.00 from Country Road
4: Monti Chrome High Heel $200.00 from Witchery
5: Pulp Bridget $79.95 from Hannahs
6: Miss Sixty Thea $299.00 from Scarpa

Black Out
Liquid patents, matte leathers and vixen-ish touches of lace... while summer fashions are turning up the colour, the shoes are going through a black out. Now is the time to buy those killer black shoes you are after.

1: Mi Piaci Acerbo $200.00 from Mi Piaci
2: Mi Piaci Abulia $240.00 from Mi Piaci
3: Melissa Night $124.00 from Shoe Connection
4: Mi Piaci Agente $220.00 from Mi Piaci
5: Piere Fontaine Venice $99.95 from Wild Pair
6: Dazzler Slingback $170.00 from Witchery

Cutely Casual
Fabrics, metallics and little bows... these may sound like details more commonly found on your favourite pair of heels, but this season they will pop up on your casuals too. If you can’t bear to be practical with your next sneaker purchase, go pretty instead!

1: Bow Canvas Ballet Flat $70.00 from Witchery
2: Sketchers 36228 $79.95 from Wild Pair
3: Chance Deuce $49.90 from Overland Footwear
4: Pulp Mish Mash $29.95 from Hannahs
5: Match Stick $29.95 from Hannahs
6: Diesel Baffin $239.00 from Wild Pair

The Killer Heel
As the name suggests these may not be for everyone. In fact footwear this season has a decidedly fetish-like take on the classic high heel. Spindly stilettos mix with thicker new takes on the heel - I love them all!

1: Mi Piaci Liverpool $190.00 from Mi Piaci
2: Luenisha $200.00 from Mi Piaci
3: Lani $270.00 from Mi Piaci
4: Piere Fontaine $79.95 from Wild Pair
5: Paco Gili Demi $390.00 from Scarpa
6: Intra Spective $99.95 from Hannahs

A Little Colour
If you think summer shoes have gone all winter on you with blacks dominating the colour ways, think again. While the focus may be on dark hues, the bright ones are definitely there from metallic heels to mustard leathers and pretty pinks.

1: Access $240.00 from Mi Piaci
2: Isabella Anselimi Cammi $179.00 from Overland Footwear
3: Cutie Slingback Wedge $150.00 from Witchery
4: Bellzia $200.00 from Mi Piaci
5: Bar Bee $49.95 from Hannahs
6: Agente $220.00 from Mi Piaci