Retinol, the age old formula for clear and youthful skin is in vogue again. It  is truly the magic youth potion that now comes in combination with several other products for maximum anti age benefits.

Retinol has the power to fight wrinkles, zaps blemishes, diminishes age spots and above all, removes the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin so that you can retrieve the youthful glow of your face. Also, since retinol is an antioxidant, it helps neutralize substances called free radicals that destroy healthy skin cells. Fortunately, today there are many high end creams that contain the right amounts of retinol which are just as effective. They also come in a number of strengths so that you can obtain it at any price that suits your budget. And when it is in combination with other anti aging blends, your numerical age can remain only a number, after all.

So, if you are fearing to face your next birthday, try some retinol, and the birthday candles wont affect you.

Section: Beauty

We usually give zodiac signs, utmost importance, when it comes to things like starting a new business venture or tying the knot. However, now we have gone far beyond, and now we are relating the zodiac signs with beauty.

Zodiac spa treatments have now been introduced in Mumbai. Tabeer Amrohi, has designed zodiac spa treatments along with a team of astrologers. The Spa believes there is a connection between the zodiac and the body. So all the massages are specific and target problem areas that affect each sun sign. According to experts, there is a weak body point or organ in every zodiac sign, which is prone to disease or pain. These weaknesses are kept in mind while delivering the massage treatment. Moreover, even the oils used for the various treatments that are designed uniquely. In addition, it also varies according to the gender. For example, since the traits of a Gemini male are slightly different from that of a Gemini female, the oils and fragrances used for both their treatments vary according to gender.

Starting from Rs 4,999, this two-and-a-half hour treatment is not necessarily a cure for your ailments but it certainly is a unique way of providing relief to your body. For more details, contact The Rasi Zodiac Spa and salon,  S2 The Link 2ND Floor, Next To Audi Showroom, New Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053, +(91)-22-61637673, or visit their website at www.rasizodiac.com

Section: Beauty

Moisturizers are grandmother-old tradition. Don’t you think as we are revolutionizing with technology, we should transform the way we use our skin products too? Facial oils, the newest products in the market may replace the humble moisturizer. So, get set to welcome the newest and hottest skincare product that is creating a buzz internationally.

Facial oils have entered the skin care segment and altered beauty regimens instantly. These oils work by piercing the depths of the skin and bringing natural plant ingredients to the face. Since the oil seeps into the face immediately, the skin gets a soft glow and is perfectly moisturized too. Most facial oils are made of natural products, breakouts on the face are occasional, and the skin always appears velvety smooth and well-toned. Unlike rich creams, oils are never greasy and are very pure and preservative free.

Most facial oils contain base oils like jojoba and almond oils that have anti-aging ingredients too. Experts suggest that you use facial oils when the skin is damp, either just after washing your face or by using a face mist. Just two or three drops of the oil is enough for good results. It is best to use the oil in the morning, instead of at night when the skin should be left free of moisturizer so that it can breathe.

Facial oils are reigning this season, but always look for oils that are made specifically for the face; otherwise, you could end up with clogged pores and acne.

Section: beauty

Summer and heat can make the appearance of the skin look dull. It becomes depressing, as summer weddings and festivals are on the cards. However, here are a few tips, which can help your skin to look fresh.

While indulging in your weekly clean-ups, use hot milk instead of hot water to steam your face. Milk has lactic acid that unclogs pores, leaving you with skin that is moisturized and clean. Mix a tablespoon of honey with two crushed aspirin tablets to form a thick paste. Apply it to the face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off to get refreshed skin. Aspirins have beta-hydroxy acid, which is an ingredient in a lot of high-end face masks. It’s an art to apply the foundation right. For normal skin, mix two drops of water with your foundation. For dry skin, add toner. For oily skin, add two drops of witch hazel in foundation. Many women restrict their makeup and skin care regimen to their faces. However, the neck, chest, and cleavage are as delicate as your face and are equally vulnerable to developing wrinkles, fine lines and other ageing signs and damage caused by the sun’s harsh rays. Hence, extend your horizon to your neck and décolletage and do apply serum, face cream, sunscreen and exfoliate beyond your jawline.

So, spot the flawless look this season with these remedies.

Section: Beauty

Who hasn’t gone through the curse of the unwanted zit at some point in their life? Usually at the most inconvenient moment ever – like on their birthday party, graduation, or worst of all, their wedding! Keeping acne under control can be quite a task. Everyone desires flawless skin so we have a few tips for how to get rid of zits.

Firstly, don’t pop your pimples. Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. Avoid touching your face with your fingers often, and try not to rest your face on surfaces that may be dirty, like a phone. This can spread the bacteria even further. Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Don’t wash it more than twice a day, as this will just make your face dry, which will make your face produce more oils leading to more acne. Drink at least 2 bottles of water a day. It will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Stop using oil based products on your hair. Not only do they contain pore clogging oils, they also contain a wide range of chemicals that can seriously aggravate your skin. Try using water based products that use the least amount of ingredients, and not too many chemicals. Replace your pillow cases every 3 – 4 days, and change your wash cloths every day, as bacteria collects on these on a daily basis. Don’t use too much makeup on your skin. It may help to mask the pimples, but the products are full of various chemicals which will only exacerbate the problem. If you really have to wear makeup, remove it all before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Stress can make existing acne worse as it increases sebum production. So try to relax a bit; take a walk or do some yoga when you feel the tension coming on.

Beautiful skin has three basic rules – eat, sleep and exercise right; and these rules are as true for preventing acne as any other. It cannot be stressed how important a full 8 hours of sleep is for your skin. Avoid all oily and fatty foods, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, legumes, lean protein like fish and chicken. Exercise is important as sweating helps to get all the bad toxins out of your body and helps get rid of zits.

Category: Beauty

We all wish for and work hard towards achieving perfectly radiant skin. Skin care is almost an art, and we are always on the lookout for the next miracle cure. We can put on all the creams and lotions, but the fact is that skin care is more about internal health than external coverage. With this in mind, the people at Lakmé have included in their new skin care range – the Lakmé Perfect Radiance – the amazing new Perfect Radiance Capsules Treatment.

Cosmetics giant Lakmé has finally introduced their powerful Intense Whitening Range, Lakmé Perfect Radiance, in India. It is powered with ‘Continuous Release Technology’, which works on your skin’s 6 fairness blocks to give you perfect radiance. The fairness blocks include Tanning, Uneven skin tone, Dark spots, Blemishes, Dullness, and Oiliness. One of the most exciting products in this line is the Lakmé Perfect Radiance 4-week Intense Whitening Capsules. This amazing product is apparently “a power-dose of skin lightening vitamins and anti-oxidants that work in synergy to enhance your skin’s natural radiance”. What this means is that applying this product just before you go to sleep, and anytime in the day, will guarantee that you are getting a steady supply of vital nutrients and minerals continuously. The capsules are meant to be used once in the day and once in the night for 4 weeks. Each capsule contains a luxurious, lightweight serum and pure Vitamin C. It is encapsulated in something called a Microsponge that works by slowly and continuously releasing the potent skin lightening vitamins. This magic product comes in a beautiful glass jar. Each capsule has a narrow end that can be easily snapped off. Release the serum from the capsule and lightly dab it all over your face. It is most effective when used complementarily with the other Lakmé Perfect Radiance products, especially the day and night creams. Each jar contains 28 capsules, and retails for Rs 1,250.

The other products in this new Intense Whitening range include the Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening UV Day Crème, Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Day Crème, Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Night Repair Crème, and Perfect Radiance Intense Whitening Face wash. Used together, they are a formidable force against the “6 fairness blocks”.

Category: Beauty

It’s time for the sunny days to step in. The bad effect is that new skin problems emerge, as we welcome the sunshine.

If we don’t protect the skin, we can face various problems like brown spots, wrinkles, and dehydration. It can lead to irresistible irritation and itching on these spots. Though there are many reasons for these rashes, from allergies to hormonal imbalance, a majority of the problems turn out to be the result of excessive exposure to the sun.

The worst part is that Sun damage ages your skin. It is generally by the time we reach our mid-thirties that the long-term effects of UV exposure start becoming prominent in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, changed skin tone, and colour. Sunburns appear on sun-exposed parts of your skin when technically your body’s protective skin pigment melanin – which is supposed to fight harmful radiations and germs – falls weak and fails to protect your skin well enough from UV rays. Even within a short period of exposure to the sun, UV rays from the sun might cause the walls of the blood cells to go thinner leading to bruising.

Thus, it becomes important to safeguard your skin. Sunscreen is an absolute must during the warmer months, so looking for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 is recommended. A moisturiser with SPF is also a good alternative for those who are looking for versatile products. Always wear a sun protector half an hour before stepping into the sun; use a sun protector, which is oil-free and light in weight. Drink a lot of water to prevent your body cells from dehydration. Try to wear clothes that cover your body. When you must be exposed to intense sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses.

Thus, for beautiful skin this summer, ensure that you have the perfect sun-safe skin.

Section: Beauty

We love the way; MAC comes up with new products, every now and then. Now, to keep us updated to the beauty beat, MAC has launched the new Posh Paradise Collection in India. If you are looking to enjoy a collection that is inspired by the exotic essence of erratic pleasures, you are destined to love the Posh Paradise Collection.

It is a beautiful collection with lavishly lush nail lacquers and mattene lipsticks. It is a limited edition lip product that is personally created and exclusively developed only by MAC Cosmetics. The Mattene Lipstick is available in about 10 different shades. These shades include Naked Bliss, Rare Exotic, Legendary, Unknown Pleasures, Seeds of Desire, Eden Rouge, Delectable, Potent Fig, Deliciously Forbidden and Fresh Amour. The Mattene Lipstick can be purchased at your nearest MAC retailer or on the official website, for just Rs.990.

This collection also features Paint Pots. These eyeshadows are fortified with ingredients found in primer, so it is used to keep your makeup on longer. MAC’s Posh Paradise Collection introduces eight new frost finished paint pots, in eight different shades. These shades include Treasure Hunt, Half Wild, Hyperviolet, Nubile, Idyllic, Genuine Treasure, Pure Creation, and Imaginary. Others include Genuine Treasure (gorgeous antique metallic gold), Nubile (stunning peachy nude), and Treasure Hunt (pale yellow). You can purchase the Paint Pots for just Rs.1150, at your nearest MAC counter or on the official website.

Along with the Posh Paradise Collection come two gorgeous Nail Lacquer shades that are limited edition. Immortal Gold” (gorgeous pale gold frost) and “Rain On Flowers” (riveting dark violet pearl). Each costing Rs. 990, but will definitely give a super finish.

We highly recommend this collection to not just a MAC enthusiast, but any makeup user looking to enjoy great makeup products.

Section: Beauty

The first impression is always important in a job interview. When we have that all important job interview, as far as physical appearances are concerned, most of us tend to focus on our clothes – dressing up in an impeccable crisp office shirt, well-fitted skirt or trouser. While choosing the right outfit, we undermine the importance of formal make-up, a smart hairdo or manicured nails!

If you are well-groomed and looking good, it will definitely add oodles of confidence to your attitude. When going for a job interview, your makeup should be simple. Always apply minimal foundation, so that in case you perspire, your makeup doesn’t run and ruin your face. Use neutral shades like tan, brown, and cream. A little bit of shimmer is fine, but stay away from adding a lot of shine to your eyelids. It is not necessary to only wear light shades on your lips. If you want to wear a darker shade like a brown or maroon, just make sure that it has a matte finish and is not glossy. Well-defined lips can enhance your personality. Nails are one of the most ignored body parts, but they hold significance, when it comes to judging a person’s personality. Ensure that the nails are clean, of the same size, well-buffed and immaculate. If you are applying nail paint, then make sure they aren’t chipped. Bare or neutral nails are fool-proof. You can also use off-white or baby pink polish. It is advisable to not have excessively long nails. Stick to conservative hairdos, for a formal occasion like this. Opt for a hairstyle that keeps your hair away from your face. If you want to leave your hair loose, just make sure it doesn’t fall on your face. The best hairstyle that suits all hair types is a neat ponytail or a low bun. As far as hair colour is concerned, keep it subdued. Stick to black or shades of brown.

Stay away from the jarring red lipstick and bright shades for eye shadow, and you are all set to go!

Section: Beauty

Summer is upon us. Just March, and the mercury is already soaring! Sunshine, heat, humidity, and chlorine can do a number on summer skin. You probably always get shocked when your beautiful winter skin suddenly turns dark, spotty and oily in the summer. With a few key tips you can help your skin fresh and dewy, even as the mercury continues to stay high.

Most important, healthy inside is beautiful outside. Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturized. It’s also best to minimize the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they cause dehydration. Your skin may be less dry these days, but don’t ignore the importance of moisturizer. Switch to lighter, water-based formulas for both face and body. A great homemade moisturizer is cucumber and watermelon juice in equal proportions. Rose water is also great in the summer heat. It hydrates and tones your skin, keeping it oil-free. Mix it in the water before washing your face or just spritze it directly. The summer sun is especially harsh. A sunscreen is a summer essential. Use a waterproof sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF. Apply it 30 minutes before you get out, and retouch it every couple of hours. Be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sun-protective lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to keep lips sun-safe and supple. It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. It’s so very important to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. No matter how much lotion you use, you’re never going to have glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week. Gram flour can be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with yoghurt and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till its dry. The best defense against the sun is just to cover up! Wear long sleeved jackets, hats and scarves to protect yourself from all the heat.

No matter what the season, the holy trinity of skincare holds true – eat healthy, exercise, and sleep well. So don’t forget these golden rules for perfect skin even in this weather.

Category: Beauty