Post Monsoon Skin Care

Following a set regime is very important. And your basic “cleansing toning moisturizing” routine will not do either. Restoring rain affected skin to its original glow and clarity is no mean feat and it requires some additional steps in your daily regimen.

Start off by carefully selecting a non-comedogenic cleanser for your face (one that suits your specific skin type). After washing your face with the cleanser, apply toner for restoring the PH balance. Next comes a treatment cream/gel, like Sebonac Gel, if you have pimple-prone skin or the rains have left you with regular break-outs. Follow it up with sunscreen during daytime, and under-eye gel and repair-action night cream before bedtime. Exfoliate your skin twice a week, getting rid of all the blackheads and other pore blockages using a gentle exfoliator. You should also never skip out on sunscreen or night cream, because they help preserve your glow and youthfulness.

Once a week, you should also apply restorative home-made masks, like these.

Eating lots of leafy greens and fresh fruits and including loads of fluids in your daily diet will make a huge difference, giving you an all over healthy glow and lustrous hair.

Post Monsoon Hair Care

Don’t worry too much if the monsoon has taken a toll on your locks, causing dryness and hairfall and such. Some care is all you need to restore the health of your mane.

After washing and before styling, if any, take a few drops of some lightweight hair oil (we recommend Conatural’s Argan Oil) and smooth into your locks, taking care to focus more on the ends at first and massage any remainder into your scalp. Use this as you would a serum or leave-in conditioner. Not only will it minimize frizz, it will nourish and moisturise your hair on-the-go.

An oil massage once or twice a week can do wonders for transforming your hair and keeping it manageable. For those experiencing excessive hair fall, apply slightly warm oil on the roots and massage thoroughly for added blood circulation in the scalp. All oil treatments are additionally effective if you wrap a hot, damp towel around your hair once you’ve applied the oil. Doing this will repair damaged hair plus protect hair from then on.

The monsoon weather already is notorious for aggravating hair fall. Combing your hair once it’s wet causes more hair to fall out since the hair is weaker and more susceptible to damage when wet. Wait till hair is dry or even slightly damp and then have a go with a wide toothed comb. Keeping the curls? Don’t comb your hair at all.

Aloe vera loves your hair in so many ways. It is nourishing and healing inside and out, so when applied on the hair in the form of a hair mask, it rejuvenates and heals damaged follicles. After the monsoon, it also helps to combat any infection causing bacteria around your scalp and reduces any itching you may have had during the damp and rainy monsoon months. Similarly, pureed neem leaves and yogurt are also good options for nourishing hair masks that keep any itchiness and infections of the scalp at bay and the yogurt in protein will also make hair stronger.

Steer clear of processed and unnatural foods and instead opt for fruits and veggies, lean proteins and healthy complex carbs. Adequate protein intake is particularly important when it comes to healthy hair, so indulge in some protein rich foods like fish, yogurt, nuts, sprouts, etc.

Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

The “Korean 10-step skincare system” has become kind of a buzz phrase, but it’s important to remember that people may not be talking about the same steps at all, and it might not even be exactly 10 steps. Everyone’s skin is different, so while one person’s regimen might include an exfoliant, another person’s might not. Furthermore, even the most diehard 10-step follower will admit that it doesn’t necessarily matter whether you apply night cream before or after eye cream (just as long as you do apply both). The key thing to take home from the 10-step system is that it’s worth it to spend a little more time removing every last trace of makeup, massaging your face to boost circulation, and moisturizing to ensure that you’ll wake up in the morning with a glowing complexion.

By and large, these products, in this basic order, are the reality of skincare for many Koreans. So let’s assume it’s night time and you’re getting ready for bed. Following the 10-step skincare system, what do you do?

1. Makeup Remover – In Korea, cleansing the skin is a two-step process, which sounds strange until you think back on all those times you washed your face, only to look in the mirror to find makeup residue in your pores or around your eyes. So with this method, you use two separate cleansers; the first is only for removing makeup. If you have normal to oily skin, you may use a towelette to gently remove all the makeup from your face, lips, and eyes. Every Korean makeup brand will have towelettes packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients such as green tea, aloe, or lavender. They smell great and feel refreshing! But if you have dry or sensitive skin, stay away from the towelettes, since they may be irritating. Instead, gently massage a cleansing oil into your skin with your fingers.

2. Cleansing – If you’re like us, you might be guilty of using face cleanser for about three seconds before rinsing it off with water. Koreans advise taking more time with this step. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions, for a minute or as long as it takes to boost circulation (and of course, properly cleanse your skin). Oily-skinned people might want to look into foam cleansers, while dry-skinned folks should find a non-foaming version made with cream or oil.

3. Exfoliate – Folks with sensitive skin, please skip this step! But if you suffer from oily skin or noticeably clogged pores, you can use a gentle exfoliant once a week on the parts of your face that need it, such as your T-zone or lips.

4. Toner – When you wash your face, your skin may feel squeaky clean, but that’s actually not its ideal state. Many cleansers (especially soap-based ones) are alkaline, whereas the pH balance of the oils on your skin is slightly acidic. Some cleansers are milder than others, but there are many that strip your face of its surface oils and throw off your skin’s pH. The role of toner is to bring your skin’s pH level back down. That’s why they often contain slightly acidic substances such as witch hazel or vinegar. Toners have gained a bad reputation for being overly drying, but there’s a huge variety of toners to be found. Whatever your skin type, you’ll be able to find one suitable for you.

5. Essence – The distinction between the role of essence and serum (the next step in the series) is confusing even to many Koreans, so we’re not going to throw down the gauntlet and declare definitively what that difference may be. Essence is generally seen as a thin, hydrating liquid meant to prep the skin for all the treatment to follow (and boy, will there ever be a lot of treatment)! Essences are not one size fits all; there are different essences for moisturizing, brightening, clarifying, and so on. Some people swear by essence, while others see it as too similar to serums and therefore skip it.  If you do choose to use it, gently pat it into the skin for a lightly moisturizing and refreshing experience.

6. Serum/ Ampoule - This is the stronger, more concentrated version of essence. Basically, as with essence, serums do different things depending on the kind you get. Whether your skincare concerns are about evening your skin tone, firming your skin, or moisturizing, there will be a serum out there for you.

7. Sheet Masks – Koreans swear by masks; you’ll even be able to find them in convenience stores and other unexpected places. Your typical mask will be a paper sheet that’s loaded with helpful ingredients – as always, just find the one that your skin needs. Leave it on your skin for as long as the package says (usually 10 to 15 minutes). When you remove the mask, your skin will be glowing so much, you’ll feel bad that you’re just going to bed, rather than heading outside so everyone can see your face! Like exfoliator, this is not a regular step; you might do it just twice a week.

8. Eye Cream – We’re pretty sure you know what eye cream is! The skin under your eyes is very thin, so pat on your eye cream gently. Make sure you hit both the inner and outer corners, which is where fine lines tend to develop.

9. Emulsion – Like essence and serum, you can think of emulsion and cream as two products that do the same thing in different concentrations. An emulsion is basically a lightweight, watery moisturizer. Massage this gently into your skin and allow it to absorb a bit before moving to the next step.

10. Night Cream – The single best way to get a glowing complexion is to use a proper face cream at night. If you rely only on emulsion, no matter how moisturizing it feels when you’ve applied it, you’re more likely than not to wake up to dry skin. A thick, rich face cream will lock in the moisture overnight.

The fun doesn’t end after ten simple steps! After you wake up in the morning, you’ll definitely want to condense last night’s routine to suit your busy schedule. You obviously won’t need makeup remover, and you might be able to set aside that heavy cream as well. But you will definitely need to use a proper sunscreen before going outside, and you should freshen up your skin throughout the day with liberal doses of face mist. You really can’t skip either step: As we all know, sun avoidance is the number-one key to youthful skin, and face mist will provide a nice dose of moisture throughout the day.

Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

Here we list the secrets to taking off the years from your face and maintaining your youthful appearance!

1. Follow a Good Skin Care Regimen – Irrespective of your age, you need to follow a good skin care regimen for healthy skin. When your skin is healthy, it will not show early signs of aging.

• Cleanse your face daily with a gentle cleanser, both in the morning and at night. This will keep your skin clean, soft and free of pore-clogging debris. When buying a cleanser, avoid those with high alcohol content and other drying agents.
• Apply a good quality moisturizer over your entire face, neck, hands and legs twice daily. This will help prevent dry and aging skin.
• Exfoliate your skin once a week with a gentle facial scrub. This will encourage skin cell renewal, making your skin look younger. It will also help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin smooth, healthy, bright and fresh.

2. Choose Skin Care Products Wisely – Determine your skin type by analyzing your T-zone area and then choose suitable products to keep it healthy and young. Also, avoid using too many cosmetic products at the same time.

• When you are past your mid-20s, use products with retinol, peptides and antioxidants. Retinol promotes an increase of collagen and elastic production. Peptides can stimulate collagen production and cell repair to help you get younger-looking skin. Antioxidants will protect your skin from the sun and speed up the natural skin repair system.
  If you have any doubts, you can always consult a dermatologist for help find the right products for your skin care needs.

3. Wear Sunscreen Everyday – Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging tool recommended by beauty experts. Be it summer, winter, autumn or rainy days, you must not leave your home without applying a good quality sunscreen on any exposed body parts. Too much exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, particularly its elastin, and cause a loss of collagen. This in turn can lead to sun spots, wrinkles, an uneven tone, dryness, rough skin and sunburn. Apply an SPF 20 (or greater) sunscreen every day, even in the winter. For maximum anti-aging benefits, make sure to apply sunscreen on your ears, neck, legs and hands along with your face.

4. Get Your Beauty Sleep Daily – To stay looking young for years, get 7 to 8 hours of beauty sleep daily without fail. In fact, sleep is considered the most powerful rejuvenating treatment to maintain youthfulness. When you sleep, adrenaline and corticosteroid levels drop and the body starts to produce growth hormone. During this time, the repair and growth process of cells occurs. If you don’t get enough sleep, this function is impaired and leads to inflammation that causes many signs of aging like wrinkles, dull complexion and fines lines.

5. Exercise Daily – Exercise is good for your body and mind. Regular exercise improves blood flow and keeps your skin healthy and vibrant. It also regulates your hormones and promotes proper sleep. Do some sort of physical activity for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Activities that can help slow down the aging process are running, walking, dancing, cycling, gardening and even housework. Aerobic exercise classes and yoga also help a lot.

6. Eat Right - Healthy skin starts with healthy eating, so you need to think seriously about what you are eating on a daily basis. To slow down the aging process, follow these key tips.

• Include more antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Antioxidants help increase cellular regeneration and protect collagen, thus keeping your skin firm and wrinkle-free.
• Ensure adequate intake of essential fatty acids, such as those found in flaxeed and fatty fish. These healthy fats help your skin function properly and aid in tissue repair. Plus, they help reduce inflammation in the body and improve mental health.
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and 3 servings of whole grains daily. This will provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc and other essential minerals that your body needs to function properly.

7. Stay Hydrated – Water is the foundation of young-looking skin, hence you need to drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. It helps keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, making it look younger and healthier. When you don’t drink enough water, your skin can become dry, dull and dehydrated, leading to issues like fine lines and wrinkles, and chapped lips. To stay hydrated, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Along with water, you can drink green tea, fruit juices and vegetables juices, or eat fruits and vegetables rich in water content.

8. Limit Alcohol Consumption – Alcohol is something that you must avoid or drink less as it accelerates the aging process and affects mineral absorption in the body. Plus, it makes your liver work harder to eliminate harmful toxins, which in turn makes your skin look dry and lifeless. For younger-looking skin, drink alcohol in moderation or, for maximum benefits, give up drinking entirely.

9. Stop Smoking – Smoking tarnishes your skin and makes you look older than your actual age. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 harmful toxins. It can lead to dull skin, sagging skin, dark lips, wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, deep lines in the cheeks, dull hair and discolored nails. Considering the ill effects of smoking on your skin and general health, it is essential and best to quit smoking as soon as possible.

10. Give These Home Remedies A Try – We are huge fans of the easy-to-find beauty remedies in our kitchen. Here are a few that help keep our skin youthful!

• Coconut oil is the best natural skin care product for anti wrinkle treatment as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and tighten sagging skin. Massage your face with coconut oil before going to bed for reducing skin wrinkles, for natural skin tightening and getting a facelift naturally.
• Potatoes have exceptional anti-aging properties for natural skincare. For removing blemish marks and dark pigments on the facial skin, you can rub raw potato slices over the area. Place two slices of potato on your eyes for ten minutes, to get rid of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles.
• Almond oil helps to improve complexion, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow’s feet. Many of the best wrinkle creams contain almond oil as a key ingredient for reducing wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Egg white packs work well as skin tightening treatments and should be applied once every week.
• Application of honey on to the face will help you get rid of acne and also provides moisturizing anti-aging benefits as it locks the skin’s moisture in. Do this 2-3 times a week for best results.
• Vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin, helps protect the skin against sun and free radical damages, and improves the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. Vitamin C can be abundantly found in lemons, kiwis, oranges and Indian gooseberry.

Note: Please do not use any home remedy if you are allergic to it. 

Leave us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!

The important thing to remember is the people with oily skin are actually blessed, oil in the skin actually keeps it conditioned and younger for a long time in life and the emergence of fine lines take quite sometime to get hold of them!

Here, we’ll tell you how to recognize and separate products that will help your skin and those that will make the acne problem worse.

Acne can come on suddenly on perfectly clear skin and take you by surprise. In both guys and girls. At any age, too.
Acne breakouts are increasingly common in people who are way past their teens, in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Our first response is to rush to a doctor, ask for the strongest medicines, finish the course and want to get on with life, like acne never happened. Fair enough.
Completing a course of antibiotics does not mean acne is cured. It is a disease, not a bout of fever.
Acne is cyclical. After a long period of remission (staying dormant), it can come back, again, suddenly, out of the blue. You can prevent these recurrences to an extent.

While a surge of hormones on reaching puberty (teens, early 20’s) is the most common time and cause of acne, there are other instances in your life when you are susceptible to developing acne.
Here are some less known reasons. They are not some vague ball of puff. There are tests for each of these conditions that you can use to rule them out one by one.

1. Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS)
2. Thyroid disorders (hyper or hypothyroidism)
3. Insulin Resistance (spikes in insulin, common in diabetic families)
4. Food allergies and intolerance (e.g. milk)
5. Nutritional deficiencies (deficiency of vitamin D, zinc etc.)
6. Heredity (parents had it)
7. Times of hormonal upheaval (pre-mentrual time, ovulation, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, weaning, menopause, sexual activity, intense workouts)
8. Stress and mental tension
9. Dandruff
10. Pore-clogging skin care or makeup products (common)

Even though people use an acne treatment or follow their doctor’s prescription, they continue to use pore-clogging products on the side in the form of face washes, face packs, scrubs, toners and what not.
Pore-clogging or comedogenic products used alongside can totally kill any benefits you might be receiving from an acne treatment. Then you wonder why your pimples aren’t going away. It is like taking heavy-duty medicines for Diabetes and continuing to eat large amounts of sugar. What do you think is going to happen?

While acne is an internal problem, there are things you can do externally that can bring relief. The first line of treatment is skin care. Very often, fixing your skin care routine is enough to bring noticeable results. In any case, a robust skin care plan is needed if you are to see lasting relief.

Comedogenic Versus Non-comedogenic Ingredients: Why Care

How do you know if a skin care or makeup product will help or harm acne prone skin? The answer is not in the front of the product label (where all the high-flying claims are) but at the back of the label (where the ingredient list is).

That, and two words: comedogenic and non-comedogenic.

A comedogenic ingredient can block the tiny pores in the skin. Blocked pores can develop into red, swollen pimples. A non-comedogenic ingredient does not block skin’s pores. You want to choose products that contain only non-comedogenic ingredients and no comedogenic ones.

Even if the cause of acne is hormonal imbalance, allergies, nutritional deficiency or heredity, continuing to use comedogenic products will make any medications you might be taking to control acne, less effective. So you will continue to see new pimples, and the skin will never clear up completely. Then you will wonder why your acne medication isn’t working.

If you are still getting breakouts while being on acne medication, you need to turn a critical eye toward your skin care and makeup stash, including face wash, moisturizer, face pack, shaving cream, sunscreen, toner, scrub, foundation and face powder.
Choose products that show the full list of ingredients on their label (and not just key ingredients) and test the ingredient list for comedogenic stuff before buying.

Creams, lotions and oils are frequently comedogenic. Gels are generally safer. An oil-free label is not enough to make a product non-comedogenic as some of the non-oil ingredients in it might be comedogenic.

Skingredients is a free online tool that anyone can use to find out if a skin care or makeup product contains comedogenic ingredients. All you need to do is type in or copy paste a comma-separated list of ingredients (usually found on review websites or online shops) and press a button.

Your Basic Skin Care Regimen For Acne

• Cleanser – You need it to thoroughly clean sunscreen, moisturizer and makeup without irritating the skin. Our recommendation – Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash.
• Exfoliant – A low percentage glycolic acid product, an exfoliating cleanser to keep pores clear and reduce oiliness. A medicated one like Glomed face wash is your best bet.
• Treatment – A low percentage salicylic acid product to keep pores clear and reduce oiliness. We recommend Sebonac Gel – you can get it from medical stores.
• Moisturizer – You need it for relief from dry, stretchy feeling and possible skin flaking. Get a great non-comedogenic one like Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture for Combination Skin (not the SPF 15 version) or Aloe Veda Aloe Vera Gel.
• Sunscreen – Final step in your daily regime to prevent darkening of acne spots and overall sun protection. We think these are some good ones – Sunprotek Gel SPF 30+ , Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50+ , Kaya Daily Use Sunscreen + with SPF 15 .

Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Since your skin behaves differently in monsoon, it becomes important to take special care of it. While everything around you is bright and beautiful, the increasing humidity does not allow your skin to breathe properly.

Monsoon brings humidity and it’s bad news for basically all type of skins.

Oily Skin

This skin type is mainly the result of genetically determined hormonal changes. To treat oily skin one needs to remove excess oil by cleansing it twice or thrice a day, but not more than that. Limit washing your face to two or three times a day as too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Scrub your face on a regular basis. This will help unclog the pores and remove the layer of dead cells from your skin.

It is advised to use lukewarm water while washing face as it dissolves skin oil better than cold water.

Other than that, one can also regularly use mud-pack. Homemade face pack made with “Besan and raw milk” can help in keeping skin refreshing and glowing.

Dry Skin

Dryness is a sign of dehydration and lack of skin repairing vitamins. During monsoon the problem tends to get worse. A cream base cleanser is a good option for those struggling with dry skin. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moisturized look and it is always advised that people with dry skin opt for alcohol free toner.

Also, apply glycerin and rose water mixture to keep skin soft and supple.

Combination Skin

This type of skin is characterized with the T-portion as oily and the cheeks are usually normal or dry in condition. Since it combines both the oily and dry skin it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin. The dry area requires gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing. The oily part needs to be deeply cleansed and toned with regular scrubbing.

Monsoon also brings skin infections along with the intoxicating smell of damp earth.

• Most of the times use soap free cleansers and a good scrub so as to keep your skin moist all the time.
• An alcohol free toner is suggested as the high humidity could open up your pores (Toning is usually followed after cleansing).
• Most people tend to stop using sunscreen once the climate turns cool, but you must continue it even if it is cloudy.
• Heavy makeup is a huge turn off in rains, better if one opts for a water- proof makeup.
• Opt for a lotion- based serum, which keeps your skin hydrated and brightens it up.
• Avoid bleaching and facials in this season, as bleaching could do more harm for your face and facial makes your skin rough.
• Wash your lips at night and apply some milk cream. Apply coconut oil if they are slightly cracked.
• Waxing, pedicure, and manicure are always recommended to give your skin and body a toned look all the time.
• Always wash your face, hands and feet as soon as you reach your home with lukewarm water. This makes you feel refreshed and stay healthy.

Fungal and bacterial infections are common during rainy season. Moist and damp skin leads to these infections. Also, one can get rashes and even skin gets discolored if one is not careful. Keeping the body dry is the basic tip to tackle the infections.

Switch to cotton clothes as they allow your body room to breathe. Allow damp hair to dry before you tie them again. To circumvent allergies from mosquito bites, wear full-sleeved clothes and use a mosquito repellent cream and make a beeline for air-conditioned rooms. Bathe twice a day to keep the problems at bay.

Eye Infection

With the awesome rains come the not so awesome puddles of dirty water and eye infections soar. But rest assured, with a little care and prevention, you can stay safe!

Close your eyes whenever you decide to get soaked in the rain as it screens off atmospheric pollutants. While the rain water is reasonably clean, you need to be wary of the rain water if you stand under a tree or a building, as it can be contaminated with pollutants, which could increase chances of eye infections.

Infections such as conjunctivitis and sty are contagious and can be easily transmitted via towels, handkerchiefs, lenses, glasses and other articles handled during the course of daily activities. To avoid infection, you need to ensure that you do not share articles of personal use with anyone else. Eye infections result in redness of eyes and watery discharge. One should use an antibiotic eye drop to treat eye infections, but only after it has been prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Use of contact lenses should be avoided during any kind of infection in the eye.

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

But the question is – do you need to wear sun protection even on cloudy or rainy days? The answer is a firmly resounding yes.

If it’s cloudy, rainy, or cold outside, it’s easy to assume you’re safe. But anyone who’s gotten a sunburn while vacationing in the hills knows that’s not true. In this post, we’ll break down the myths about weather and explain why it is so important to wear sunscreen everyday, even on cloudiest of days.

Why Should You Wear Sunscreen on Cloudy Days?

Let’s talk some science!

Clouds filter out sunlight but not UV rays, the bad ones that cause aging and cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that clouds block as little as 20% of UV rays — so on a cloudy day you’re still getting up to 80% of the sun’s harsh effects.

Some say you’re actually at more risk on cloudy days, since UV rays can bounce off of clouds. According to American Scientist, “Reflection off the sides of cumulus clouds is one mechanism by which UV radiation can become focused.” The science may be hard to grasp, because it depends on the thickness of the clouds and how much of the sky they cover — factors that can change within minutes. But the bottom line is, yes, you should still wear sunscreen on cloudy days.

Should You Wear Sunscreen on Cold or Rainy Days?

Yes, always yes. Don’t think that rain or cold weather automatically means you can’t get burned. Sometimes you get an odd day that’s sunny and rainy at the same time. Basically, you’re better off just being in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day!

It is also important to note that UV rays are independent of temperature — so you can get just as much sun damage on a cold, sunny day than you can a hot summer one.

Places Where You’re Especially at Risk

Some conditions make you extra-vulnerable to ultraviolet rays: snow and ice, lakes and other bodies of water, white sandy beaches, and even concrete. All of these surfaces can act as mirrors, bouncing the sun back at you and exposing you to more UV rays. According to CNN, snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, and sand reflects almost 20%. Sea foam reflects about 25%.

So if you’re going surfing, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors on a slightly cloudy day, definitely wear sunscreen. Other factors that can increase your UV risk are being closer to the equator, being at a high elevation, and being outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Best Sunscreens Under 1000 Bucks!

1. Proactiv Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 – ₹800
Proactiv has an easy and lightweight formula which can also be used while swimming.

2. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3 in 1 matte daily sunblock SPF 40 – ₹225
Its non greasy formula is best for oily skin that tends to have pimples.

3. VLCC Sweat Free Sunblock SPF 40 – ₹325
This product can be used all over the body and is proven to be effective for beach outings and can be used during swimming.

4. Lacto Calamine Sun Shield SPF 30 – ₹199
Lacto Calamine is one of the most recognised brands that is very effective for all skin types. The sun shield lotion has two products, one for dry skin and the other for oily skin and both of them leaves your skin super soft, smooth and supple.

5. Dr. Reddy’s Shadowz Lotion SPF 30 – ₹265
Dr.Reddy’s products are very helpful but are found only in limited few drugstores in India. The Shadowz is very lightweight, completely sheer and gets completely absorbed by the skin in minutes.

6. Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry Touch SPF 50 – ₹175
Nutrogena is one of the best skincare brands in India. This formula doesn’t make you sweat at all and its high SPF protects your skin for long hours.

7. Ansolar Sunscreen SPF 30 and SPF 60 – ₹600
This is the absolute best sunscreen ever and is highly recommended by dermatologists. Its formula has antioxidant and anti aging effects apart from the high sun protection it gives.

Whichever sun protection product you choose, make sure you apply it daily and re-apply again every 3-4 hours. Leave your thoughts on most effective sunblocks in the comments section below!

1. Dewy Matte Faces – The no-make-up look continues to reign this season, this time with a play on textures. Matte faces had an ethereal glow, a classic trick of the correct highlighter that gave the models dewy-finished skin. Most designers stuck to neutrals, and for some, the cheeks radiated a very natural post-workout flush. Here’s a step by step guide to getting the perfect dewy matte look!

Naturally flushed cheeks at Anavila.

Dewy, no-makeup look at Frou Frou by Archana Rao.

• Apply foundation in a color that’s the closest match to your skin tone.
• Apply concealer to cover any discoloration or shadows on the skin.
• Using a flat-topped, full circular brush in circular motions, buff the foundation to get a well polished look.
• Dab the center of the face using M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in a shade that matches your skin tone for a natural satin finish.
• For a natural flush on the cheeks, use a cream blush in warm peach on the apple of the cheeks.
• Then, use a cream color base on the eyelid in a natural shade, and lightly powder it. Bobbi Brown’s malted shade of Long-Wear Cream Shadow works well as a natural base colour on Indian skin.
• Curl the lashes and apply some mascara to define the lashes.
• Groom the brows with an eyebrow pencil in a shade that exactly compliments your natural hair.

2. Sculpted Lips – Chiseled, sharp shaped lips were created by Lakmé make-up expert Natasha Nischole and her team of artists. This trend was not only spotted on the runway at Anamika Khanna’s show, but was also a favorite for front row celebrities like Deepika Padukone, who sported perfectly sculpted, deep burgundy lips, while watching Sabyasachi’s opening show.

Sculpted dark lips at Anamika Khanna.

3. Matte Nude Pouts – Velvety nudes in peaches and soft creams were a hit on and off the runway–at shows like Manish Malhotra and on front-rowers like Neha Dhupia.

4. Deep Darks on the Lips – On one hand there were nudes, on the other, deep, dark burgundys, plums, reds and the color of the year, Marsala at Tarun Tahiliani and Anamika Khanna.

5. Big Lashes – Mascara was layered, multiple times on the lashes, to give the models a beaming face.

Loud eyelashes at Krishna Mehta.

6. Structured Updo’s and Center Parts – Elegant updos—twisted, pinned and knotted—were seen at Krishna Mehta’s show among others. The middle-part, seen at Huemn, Sabyasachi and others, rules this summer – for ponytails, straight hair, top knots – it’s the way to go for that perfect summer do.

Middle parts at Tom Tailor.

Leave a comment below and tell us which of these summer beauty trends are you going to give a try!

Image courtesy – Vogue.in

Dry air is the most common reason for dry skin, especially during winter. Dry air strips moisture from the skin and leaves the skin dull and lifeless. Low temperature, low humidity and strong and harsh winds worsen the skin condition. Prolonged exposure to water especially hot water is also a common reason for dry skin. Hot water washes away the natural oils that protect and tighten the skin and dries out the skin. Water deficiency is also a common cause of dry skin as it leads to dehydration of skin.

But there is an easier way to treat dry, flaky skin than those over the counter, chemical laden beauty products that tend to burn a hole in your pockets. Just follow these simple yet effective recipes to create your own home remedies and say goodbye to dry skin!

1.  Olive oil contains many antioxidants and healthy fatty acids that are good for your skin. It can soothe and condition dry skin all over your body. Mix equal amounts of olive oil and fine brown sugar. Rub this homemade scrub on your dry skin using light, circular motions for a few minutes. Take a shower and then apply a light moisturizer.

2. The lactic acid present in milk cream helps exfoliate dry skin. The soothing nature of milk cream also helps preserve the skin’s delicate pH levels. Milk cream is also an excellent moisturizer. Add enough milk cream to three to four tablespoons of gram flour to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your face, hands and legs. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily. You can also make this excellent, super-moisturizing body scrub using milk cream (click the link for the recipe!).

3. Honey is considered one of the best natural moisturizers loaded with antioxidant, antimicrobial properties. Thus, it helps lock in moisture to make your skin extra soft and smooth. Plus, honey has many essential vitamins and minerals that help improve your skin’s health. Take 1 teaspoon of honey and mix it with 1 teaspoon of rose water and apply on face and neck. This face pack will cleanse the skin, tone it and make the skin glowing. This is one of the most useful remedies for dry skin.

4. Yogurt is an excellent skin-hydrating agent. Plus, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dry and itchy skin. Also, its lactic acid content helps get rid of any germs or bacteria that may cause dryness or itchiness. Mix one-half cup of yogurt and three tablespoons of mashed papaya. Stir in a few drops each of honey and lemon juice. Apply it on your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Do this treatment once a week.

5. Coconut oil is really good for treating dry skin and it also helps fade away dark spots or any kind of skin marks. It has a good amount of fatty acids that make up for any loss of moisture from the skin. Liberally apply warm coconut oil all over your body before going to sleep. Wash it off in the morning. Do this daily to make your skin soft and smooth.

6. Bananas can also be used as a dry skin home remedy. Just mash 1 ripe banana and apply it like a face pack as is or you can mix in a teaspoon of honey. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash off. Not just banana, but banana peels also contains a number of elements that are good for the skin. The peel contains a good amount of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins which contribute to the wellbeing of the skin. Rubbing banana peel on the dry skin surface will relieve skin inflammation and recover the softness and smoothness of the skin.

7. Soak a few almonds overnight, peel the skin and grind to a fine paste. Add 2 teaspoons of raw milk, 1 teaspoon of gram flour and a few drops of lemon juice to this paste. Apply this face pack on the face and leave it for 20 minutes. Then wash off the paste while gently massaging the skin with lukewarm water. This will not only relieve dry skin but will also improve the skin tone. Almond oil is also an excellent source of vitamin E and, hence, is considered the best emollient and lubricator for dry skin. Also, its antioxidant property is good for your skin’s overall health. Drink a glass of warm milk mixed with one teaspoon of almond oil before going to bed. Repeat every night to enjoy healthier skin as well as sound sleep.

Note: Do NOT use any ingredient or its by-product if you are allergic to it. It is always best to test a small patch of skin if you are trying out a home remedy for the first time. Consult a doctor immediately in case of irritation.

Look on the bright side though! Oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry or normal skin. But it does require more attention, since you need to keep cleansing those overproductive pores. The key is a firm but gentle hand. You want to wash away dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil without scrubbing so hard that you cause irritation. (Ironically, if you overdo the scrubbing, your skin produces even more oil.)

Here we share with you our prized recipes of home remedies that work wonders for people with oily, acne-prone skin!

1. Egg White – Whip up an egg white and apply all over the face. Keep for 20 minutes till it dries and wash off with warm water. Repeat on alternate days.

2. Lemon Juice – Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice as is with a cotton ball daily. It works as an excellent astringent! You can also mix it in face packs as it lightens the skin tone and reduces blemishes. To make your very own all natural toner, mix together lemon juice and cucumber juice in equal parts and apply all over face with a cotton ball everyday.

3. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are great miracle workers for oily skin, as they take away excess oil while restoring the skin’s natural pH balance. Cut a small tomato in half and rub one half on your face. Keep for 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Do this once everyday for clear, shine free skin!

4. Strawberry & Yogurt Mask – Mix crushed strawberries and yogurt in a blender until they make a smooth paste. Spread this paste evenly on your face and leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Wash off using cold water and pat dry. This treatment once every week will make your skin supple and oil-free.

5. Fuller’s Earth – Multani mitti or fuller’s earth is the perfect face mask for oily skin as it soaks up excess sebum. Use on alternate days to reduce the unwanted shine from your pretty faces!

Remember to always be gentle with your skin, and cut back on fried or oily foods. Your diet always reflects in the glow on your face. Also, make sure to never wash your face with too warm or hot water. Warm to hot water might take away the excess oil, but it also opens up the pores even more, and you don’t need that. Washing one’s face with cold water (even in the winters, yes!) reduces the size of the pores and gets the blood circulation going in the face, and that’s always a good thing. And lastly, keep a pack of wet face wipes in your bag at all times in case you need to get rid of the excess annoying layer of sheen and you are in a hurry! Those babies are real life savers in a crunch. We recommend Oriflame’s Pure Nature Organic Aloe Vera & Arnica Extract Soothing Cleansing Pads – they are gentle on the skin.

Please test a small patch on the skin of your arm before applying on your face if you are using any of the above home remedies for the first time, and avoid any ingredient that you are allergic to. 

Here are a few of the absolute best DIY recipes that are inexpensive and work like a sweet charm!

Your winter skin care routine should include cleansing-toning-moisturizing everyday, exfoliating twice a week, and hydrating face masks twice or thrice a week (depending on your skin type). Here are a couple of scrubs that will leave your skin smooth and supple.

Oatmeal Scrub – Mix together a cup of oatmeal and the same amount ground almonds in a bowl and add a little bit of milk to make a paste (make sure the paste is not too runny). Add a few drops of almond oil and exfoliate with this mixture to give your skin the supple glow it needs.

Strawberry and Cream Scrub – Blend a few strawberries together to make a thick puree. Add a tablespoonful fresh cream (or you can use malai) to the strawberry puree. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the paste to make the most wonderful smelling, super-moisturizing body and face scrub.

Coffee and Cream Scrub – A luxurious mixture of coffee, sugar, oatmeal and malai that leaves your body glowing and smelling divine! Click HERE to get the entire recipe.

Also try out these hydrating face masks, 2 – 3 times a week, for a glowing, soft skin.

Banana and Honey Mask – Mash a ripe banana and add a tablespoon honey to make a smooth, lump-free paste. Apply all over face and neck for about 20 – 30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

Besan Face Mask – Add a pinch of turmeric to a teaspoon of besan (gram flour). Make a thick paste by adding a little honey and olive oil to the mix. Apply this on the face for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Egg White Mask – Take a whisked egg white and blend well with one tablespoon curd/yogurt. Add a few drops of coconut oil and keep on face for 20-25 minutes.

The most important thing to do in order to keep our skins from turning rough and dry is to hydrate regularly. Drink loads of water everyday, and your skin will glow naturally from within.

Drop us a comment below if you thought this post was helpful!

This weekend, try out our super-awesome home-made body scrub that will leave your skin amazingly soft and glowing!

The ingredients you need are pretty easy to find – some fresh milk cream (malai) in a bowl, 2 tablespoonfuls sugar, 1 tablespoonful coffee, and 2 tablespoons oats. You can add your preferred fragrance in the form of essential oils or essence. We added a few drops of vanilla essence to our scrub and it smelled divine!

Add sugar, coffee and oats to the fresh cream and mix well.

Try out this awesome smoothening DIY Body Scrub and tell us in the comments how it worked for you!

The winters are here and so are the dry, chapped lips that are a package deal with the harsh cold. Most of us suffer from the curse that are dry lips in the winter months, but don’t stress – we have a few easy home remedies jotted down that will help you get super-soft, naturally pink lips!

1. Hydrate – Well, this one is a no-brainer, but we tend to neglect it often. To keep our skin well-hydrated, it is imperative that we drink at least 8 full glasses of water in a day. This really is the easiest way to soft, plump lips.

2. Sugar & Honey Scrub – Mix 1 teaspoon sugar with some honey and make a sweet scrub for your chapped lips! Massage for around 2 minutes and leave it on for another two, before washing off with warm water.

3. Salt and Olive Oil – Mix some regular salt and olive oil together to make another moisturizing exfoliant for your lips. Use at least twice a week to get the luscious lips you always wanted!

4. Honey & Glycerin – While you can apply honey as it is (as an alternative to lip balm) several times a day, mixed together with glycerin, it packs a powerful punch of moisture restoration that can be left on overnight.

5. Coconut/ Olive Oil – Massage your lips with either coconut oil or olive oil once everyday and you will have a super soft mouth in no time at all!

6. Ghee Massage – Give your dry, roughened lips a ghee massage everyday and watch them turn soft, plump and utterly kissable in a week!

7. Vitamin E Oil – Apply Vitamin E oil (available as capsules) every night before going to bed and wake up to rejuvenated lips.

8. Soft-Bristled Toothbrush – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some toothpaste on it to gently remove the layer of dead skin on your lips, moving it in circular motions. Repeat this treatment once a week to maintain ultra-soft lips.

9. Red Fruits – Eat red-colored fruits and veggies like tomatoes, strawberries, beetroot and pomegranates to get naturally pink lips.

10. SPF 10 – Sunlight can damage  the lips as much as it does the skin, causing ugly pigmentation and darkening the mouth. Make sure you wear lipstick and lip balm with a minimum SPF 10. We recommend Nivea Vitamin Shake lip balm with SPF 10 (it smells divine!).

11. Decrease Daily Caffeine Intake – This might be the hardest thing to do, but studies have shown that decreasing our daily tea or coffee intake can turn the lips pink and plump.

12. Quit Chewing Lips – If you have a habit of chewing or constantly licking your lips, quit now! Chew gum instead to get over the oral fixation, as constantly wetting your lips with saliva will just make them drier.

Try out these home remedies for moisturized, healthier and soft lips and tell us in the comments below how you liked them and which ones worked for you!