Category: DIY + HACKS

The ‘how to’ section displays the best ‘how to guides’ on latest style trends. The ultimate spot for those fashion freaks who want to explore variety of guides on how to dress, how to fashion tips, runway tricks and more. It’s time to break out the boring trends and follow the latest ones on and off the runway. Find personalised fashion solutions for your lifestyle with Trendspotters!

10 rules to get a perfect pout #LipstickCommandments

Lipstick is that one magical tool out of all your makeup products which can bring your makeup game up or drastically down. In fact, you can take over the world with just red lips and no makeup on. But with lipstick, comes the pout… Even selfies look incomplete without a perfect pout. So, take a look at these lipstick commandments and follow these 10 beauty rules which can help you get a perfect pout.

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#1 Start with well exfoliated lips: Gently exfoliate any dry skin by lightly rubbing your lips with a damp washcloth, followed by a moisturising lip balm.

#2 Know your formulae: Matte lips can be long-lasting but may dry your lips out, whereas, creamy formulae are hydrating but may not last for a longer time. Choose wisely.

#3 Use lip pencil for color intensity: Lining your lips neutralizes the natural color of your lips so the lipstick will be more opaque and closer to the color in the lipstick tube.

#4 Lipstick brush will help lipstick last longer: Take your time to apply the lipstick with a brush before stepping out of the house so you don’t need to touch it up.

#5 Blot the right way: Blot in between applications by gently pressing a tissue to your lips. Don’t put the tissue in between lips and press down because that will make your lipstick wear off unevenly.

#6 Don’t get lipstick on your teeth: Put your index finger in your mouth, gently close your lips around it and then pull it out. This will take off the lipstick from the inner edges of your lips so it won’t wind up on your teeth.

#7 Enhance your cupid’s bow with a highlighter: With a brush or your finger, dab a small amount of highlighter on your cupid’s bow to help draw attention to this pretty part of your mouth.

#8 Top it off with gloss: The shine will help make your pout look even more plump. If you don’t like the sticky feeling, just use a nude lipstick at the center of your lips for a similar effect.

#9 Don’t be afraid to go nude: The most flattering nude lipstick is one shade deeper than your skin tone. Women having fair complexion should try a hue with a hint of pink and those with olive or dark skin should reach to sandy beige color.

#10 There really is a red for everyone: To find the best hue for you, follow these guidelines; fair skin looks best with a bold red lips, medium skin-tone looks flattering by an orangy-red color, whereas, dark skin looks amazing in burgundy red.

March 17, 2016
How to cut your hair in long bob

Long bob, or lob, as it is commonly referred to, is the biggest hair trend right now. Neither long nor short but somewhat blunt and just above the shoulders, this haircut looks flattering for a variety of different face shapes, hair textures and complexions. In simple words, lob is a universal, classic and a very versatile haircut. So, if you are also somebody who would love to rock this chic haircut then grab a pair of scissors and learn how to cut your hair in long bob. With this step by step tutorial by PatryJordan, you can cut your hair in long bob and if you already have a bob cut, you can maintain your locks on your own.

#1 Start off by detangling your damp hair and part your hair as you normally do.

#2 Tie your hair in a low ponytail with an elastic and slide it down a little bit. Make sure it’s tight and secure.

#3 Tie another elastic tightly below the first one, slide it down and this will act as your guideline to cut the desired length of your hair.

#4 Put your finger behind your ear and loosen up that section of your hair slightly. Now, carefully cut your hair across in a straight line. Work in little sections so you don’t end up cutting more hair than you want to.

#5 Release your hair from the elastics, comb it thoroughly and bring them in front.

#6 To finish it off, smooth your hair down and use your finger as a guide to cut a diagonal line. Keep doing this until your hair looks even.

#7 Blow dry your hair and you’re done.

March 16, 2016
DIY: Make any glossy lipstick matte

Thanks to Kylie Jenner, matte lips are a huge trend right now and are out to add that touch of sophistication to your overall look. If you’re rocking a perfect statement lip, be it bold red or classic nude, you can get away with everything from dirty hair to less-than-flawless skin. Not only does it look gorgeous and sexy but it also lasts for a long time.

Our recommending matte lips as the new big thing doesn’t mean that we are suggesting you spend extra money on those uber-expensive matte lipsticks. You can actually make any lipstick go from glossy to matte sitting right at home. Yes, you heard it right. You must have a lot of lipsticks in beautiful shades but since they are not matte, they are just hanging in the back of your dressing table drawer. It’s time to bring them out and give them the ultimate matte finish.

All you need to do is use your makeup setting powder and you can make any glossy lipstick matte. This trick works amazingly well mostly because this won’t make your lips dry and patchy. Try this DIY hack by Hannah Leigh and make any glossy lipstick matte in simply no time.

Tips:

#1 Prep your lips first with a moisturised lip balm before going for matte lips.

#2 You may use baby powder, if you don’t have makeup setting powder.

Follow the steps below:

Step1: Use a lip liner similar to the colour of your lipstick (or a shade close to your lipstick) and fill in your lips.

Step2: Apply the lipstick all over your lips as you normally do.

Step3: Dip your makeup brush into the powder and using patting motion, dab it onto your lips.

You will see the powder will absorb all the moisture and you will end up with beautiful matte lips.

March 11, 2016
DIY: Hair Accessories Organiser

Hello ladies… If you have got a lot of hair ties or hair clips and you find them everywhere except your dressing table (where you need them) this DIY tutorial is for you. Learn how to make your own hair accessories organiser using paper towel roll. Try this super easy and fun DIY tutorial and organise your hair accessories in place but make sure you find all of them first *wink wink*.

Are you ready? Let’s get to it.

Follow these steps:

March 10, 2016
5 heel hacks every girl should know

Girls love shoes, especially heels and yes, they are worth the pain. Heels have the magical power to make women feel confident and dressy but not without a price. From blisters to paining feet, we simply accept the side effects of wearing heels. Girls, these heel hacks by Chriselle Lim are for you so you don’t have to suffer for style.

#1 Stretch your shoes by freezing

Fill a plastic bag with water and insert it into the toe box of your shoes. Put the shoes into the freezer overnight (yes, really). As the water freezes, the plastic bags will expand and stretch out your shoes.

#2 Relieve tension with surgical tape/doctor tape

Tape your third and fourth toe together using medical tape. This helps take pressure off the ball of the foot. (Fact: There’s a nerve right between third and fourth toe and taping both of these toes together minimises strain.)

#3 Prevent slippage with sandpaper

New shoes, no traction? A simple trick for extra grip: Gently sand the soles of your new heels for better traction. We repeat, gently. Don’t end up scraping the red off the soles of your Louboutins.

#4 Clear gel deodorant can help prevent blisters

Blisters are the worst and can make walking in heels impossible, prevent them by using gel deodorants. Rub a little bit of it on the back of your heels to prevent blisters. A little piece of advice: you may use lip balm as well if you don’t have gel deodorant.

#5 Use foot cushions to reduce pain

Slip a pair of gel insoles into your high heels to maximise comfort. It makes a world of difference.

Stay Chic

March 8, 2016
DIY: Shape your eyebrows at home. No tweezing required!

Eyebrows are a very important part of framing one’s face and which is why they should always be on fleek. You might not always have an extra minute to go to the beauty salon and get your eyebrows done, so it’s always better to know how to shape your eyebrows at home. Take a look at these useful tips on getting the ideal eyebrow shape and how to fill them so you look your best no matter what.

How to get the ideal eyebrow shape?

#1 Look straight into a mirror and hold a makeup brush against one nostril. The point where the line comes in contact with your brow is where the eyebrows should start.

#2 Get the right arch by angling the makeup brush to the outer edge of the iris of your eye. The spot where the brush hits the eyebrow is where the top of the arch should be, about three-quarters of the way out.

#3 Angle your makeup brush up from the nostril so that it lines up with the outer corner of the eye. The eyebrow should end at the point where the brush hits the eyebrow.

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And if filling in the eyebrows has always been confusing for you, here’s a solution! KaushalBeauty is here to help you with this.

Take a look at these steps to fill in your eyebrows:

First, comb your brow hair thoroughly in the natural hair growth direction with a spoolie or an old mascara wand after cleaning it properly.

Now, outline your eyebrows using brow gel and an angled brush. Making short strokes, draw the line at the base of the eyebrow and follow through the tail. And then, repeat this on the top part of your eyebrow. Take your time when working through the arch of the brow.

Fill in the gap between the lines and make sure you use less product at the starting end of your eyebrow to give it a gradient finish.

Use the spoolie again to distribute the product evenly and feather out the edges so it looks more soft and natural.

You may apply concealer both under and above the eyebrows to correct the mistakes (if any). This also helps the line of the eyebrow be precise.

Complete the rest of your face and you’re done.

February 26, 2016
How to enhance a basic outfit

It might be difficult to wear an expensive looking outfit everyday to work but there is always something you can add to enhance a basic outfit. No, we are not suggesting that you shell out a lot of money from your kitty. There are some really easy and affordable tips which can help you look more polished and put-together. You can achieve that upscale look without burning a hole in your pocket. Styling is the key to make high-street dressing appear high-end. Take a look at these styling tips, learn how to enhance a basic outfit and up your style game.

#1 Add accessories

Accessories can add life to any simple outfit. Pair your outfit with statement jewellery, wrist watch or just a belt to make your outfit stand out. Just the right amount of bling can make you look like you stepped out of a fashion studio.

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#2 Wear a layer

If a magic wand is for a fairy, a tailored jacket is for you. It can upgrade any outfit and take it to the next level. Add drama to your basic formal outfit by layering on a blazer, trench or a gilet (by the way, if you don’t know what a ‘Gilet’ is then the answer is here). For something more work-appropriate, team it with a pair of slim fit trousers.

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#3 Go for a single colour from top to bottom. Hello monochrome!

Be it all-white, black or any other colour; not only does it elongate your body proportions but also makes you look well put-together. Mix and match your shirts, blazers, trousers or skirts in shades of only one colour making it pure basic. It is bound to grab eyeballs.

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#4 Pointed-toe shoes

Okay, a pair of pointed-toe shoes can bring your fashion game on point. They can make you appear sophisticated and expensive, regardless of what you choose to wear them with. The great thing about these shoes is that they can easily be dressed up or down. And, you might be interested in the fact that they make your legs look leaner and longer.

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#5 Bags

When it comes to bags, you can never have just one. But every girl does need a signature bag that goes with any outfit and most importantly, holds everything. Opt for bags in neutral colours like black, white or nudes because they are easy to match. There’s nothing more sophisticated than this arm candy and also, they are timeless.

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You don’t have to spend a lot of time in planning your outfit to look polished but with a few simple style tips, you can enhance a basic outfit and look flawless in no time!

February 23, 2016
Sculpt your face with tape contouring

In the beginning, it was just about contouring. Contouring the nose, forehead, jawline, lips….. basically everything. Then, people gave up on contouring (Read: Make contouring a part of your everyday regime) altogether and embraced an easier method called strobing (Read: Trend alert: Strobing is the new contouring) and after that it was all about baking the makeup (Read: Have you tried baking your makeup to get flawless skin?). Can it really get any crazier than that?! The answer is yes.

Apparently, we’ve actually gotten another step ahead of contouring, as witnessed on Instagram by hudabeauty. And the next step is tape contouring. It looks like quirky makeup hacks aren’t going away anytime soon. This is a simple hack for sculpting your face and it only requires one item you have stashed at your desk, a scotch tape.

Tape contouring involves strategic placement of adhesive tape to the high points of your cheekbones, along your jaw line, on the bridge of your nose, and on the forehead to create a contour template. Then you need to apply concealer and bronzer in the facial areas that you created by the tape.Following the application, peel off the tape carefully and you will be left with sharp and symmetrical contour shapes. Now all you have to do is blend away those defined lines and feather out the edges. After just a few swipes with your beauty blender or makeup brush, you’ll be left with Kim-like contouring. You can sculpt your face with tape contouring in no time.

Not convinced yet? Grab your contouring palette, makeup sponge or brush and of course, scotch tape and watch along.

Easiest way to contour your face! I know that it hasn’t been that long since I posted this video but I just wanted to say thank you so much for making it #2 most liked on my #topnineinstagram2015 I will be making a lot more similar videos! Let me know what you want to see more of in 2016! #hudabeauty

A video posted by Huda Kattan (@hudabeauty) on Jan 5, 2016 at 1:47pm PST

February 19, 2016
How to reduce stomach bloating

Bloating is uncomfortable and sadly it happens to everyone. It is simply an abnormal general swelling in the abdominal area that happens when eat a little more than what’s required (read over-eating). The symptoms of bloating can be fuzzy and difficult to locate but most people describe it as an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, tightness or swelling in the abdomen. This can be accompanied by pain, excessive gas (flatulence), frequent burping and cramps. This can sometimes make the stomach look bigger but the good news is that you can reduce it.

There is no specific reason why one has a bloated stomach but it is related to our food habits, obviously. So, here are a few things which should be kept in mind while satisfying your taste buds to reduce bloating.

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#1 Eat in small portions

Try eating on a smaller plate. This will trick your mind into thinking you’re eating still a plate full of food when you’re actually not. Try not to eat too fast, instead chew slower. It takes 20 minutes for a special signal to reach the brain telling it to decrease the appetite. So, if you eat too fast your brain might think that you are still hungry.

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#2 Improve your diet components

Having a bad diet won’t help but it will give invitation to bloating. Say NO to fizzy drinks and fried foods. The air bubbles in carbonated drinks lead to bloating. Switch to iced green tea to satiate these cravings instead. Ditch those big packets of potato chips or processed food and snack on to something healthier. Re-train your taste buds and you will appreciate the taste of healthy food.

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#3 Increase your water intake

People skip sipping on water when they are bloated, when in reality they should be doing the opposite. Retaining water is actually your body’s way of holding on to fluids so you don’t dehydrate. Drink water whenever you feel bloated. It relieves bloating by helping the body let go of excess fluid retention. You may add lemon to water because lemons are a natural diuretic and lemon water helps reduce the amount of salt retained in the body. Make sure you don’t drink from a straw but from the glass only in order to avoid taking in any extra air.

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#4 Be physically active

It could be climbing stairs twice a week during your lunch break or going for an evening walk to catch up with your husband. Get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to keep fluid moving in your body. This will keep your belly from puffing out and reduce bloating.

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#5 Bed exercise in the morning

Get your digestive system on track before leaving the bedroom. Lie on your back with both knees tucked into your stomach for a few minutes. Then, relax your belly by slowly twisting your legs from side to side. This movement will help soothe your belly and prevent bloating.

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#6 Include yogurt in your diet

Grab some cartons of plain yogurt and make them a part of your breakfast because it’s better to opt for yoghurt instead of milk in your smoothies. Yogurt is already pre-digested and the milk sugar is broken down, which is not the case with milk causing bloating. The good bacteria cultures will promote gut health and keep your digestive track running smoothly. Try to avoid flavoured yogurt to keep your sugar count low.

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Keep these guidelines in mind to keep your belly flat all day long:

Keep your sodium intake to a minimum and opt for fresh food over processed.

Limit your alcohol intake. When you drink too much you can get dehydrated, which will result in your body retaining fluid.

Bloating can result in constipation so focus on foods that hold water like wheat bran or all-bran cereal.

Make sure you get enough sleep and if your bloating is becoming a chronic problem, consult a physician.

February 18, 2016
Valentine’s Day makeup tutorial by KathleenLights

If you’re someone who is new to the world of makeup or has a constant struggle with eye shadow, this tutorial is your help. This look is neutral yet sexy and is perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s also suitable for date night and you can also switch up your lip colour with nude, coral or pink for day time. Try this Valentine’s Day makeup tutorial by KathleenLights and get your Valentine’s makeup on-point.

First thing first, prep your face with a good face primer to minimise your pores and fine lines. Not only does it hold your makeup for a long time but also acts as a protective layer between your skin and your foundation. Know everything about face primers here.

FACE

Foundation

Apply a good coverage foundation and buff it into your skin so it does not get cakey.

Concealer

Use a highlighting concealer to conceal the dark circles under your eyes (if any) and other usual areas of your face like the centre of your forehead, bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow and around your mouth. And blend, blend, blend!

Compact/Powder

Set the concealed areas with a translucent powder so it doesn’t crease.

EYES

Eye primer

Prime your entire eyelids with an eye primer. Like a face primer, eye primer allows your eye shadow to blend well and keep it for a longer time.

Eye shadow

Give your eyes some dimension by applying light brown colour to the outer corner of your eye and the crease area.

Apply cream colour eye shadow to the brow bone and inner corner of your eyes to highlight them.

Now use a dark brown colour and apply it close to both your lower and top eyelashes.

Wing out your black gel liner and smudge it lightly to give it a soft finish.

Use the same light brown eye shadow you used before and sweep along your lower lashes to give a nice shadow.

Tightline your eyes with a stroke of black kohl and finish up with two coats of mascara on both top and bottom lashes.

You can use false lashes if you want (it’s optional).

Now, complete the rest of your face with a bronzer. This will balance out the eye makeup by adding warmth to your face.

Add some colour to the apples of your cheeks with a coral or pink blush.

Highlight the high points of your face using a subtle gold highlighter.

And the show stopper, red lipstick. Keep it matte. You can also line your lips with red lip liner before applying your lipstick.

And, you’re ready to embrace your date night or a day brunch looking like a star.

February 11, 2016
How to store sweaters for next winter

It’s that time of the year where our wardrobe needs a switch from winters to summers. And the most important question that arises is how to store sweaters so they feel fresh and wearable next fall too. Sweaters need special care and are usually a bit expensive than our normal clothes so it’s worth taking the effort to keep them preserved for a longer period of time. Take a look at these 10 easy tips on how to store sweaters.

#1 A good rule of thumb is to wash your sweaters after every fourth wearing, unless you spill, sweat or are around smoke. You should wash cotton, silk, and cashmere after two to three wearings, since these pieces are more delicate. Wool and durable man-made blends, such as acrylic and polyester, can withstand five wearings.

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#2 Always hand wash your sweaters. Add a mild detergent or baby shampoo into lukewarm water and let your wools soak for 5 to 7 minutes before rinsing in cold water.

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#3 You may also use vinegar to rinse out the sweater. Bring back some life to your sweaters by adding a few drops, say 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water before rinsing. Ball up the sweater gently, and squeeze out the water without wringing or stretching.

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#4 The proper way to dry a sweater is to gently squeeze out the water from the garment and lay it flat on a white towel and not hang it. Or another way is to gently roll the towel and sweater together to remove moisture and dry the sweater on a flat, moisture-resistant surface, preferably a mesh which lets the air circulate.

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#5 Fold your sweaters, never hang them. Hanging sweaters can ruin its shape and turn it into a size larger than what you originally bought. Especially when the sweaters are wet, do not hold them by the shoulder, it will stretch out even more.

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#6 Keeping the sweaters in the freezer is one of the best and easiest ways to make them as fresh as possible. Put your sweater in an elastic bag, seal it and freeze for 3-4 hours. Freezing prevents sweaters from pilling and you can wear them shed-free.

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#7 Use a baby’s hairbrush to remove any hair, lint or dandruff from the sweater because it’s delicate and soft. The softness of the baby brush will enable you to quickly brush off these unattractive sweater companions.

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#8 The unavoidable truth is all sweaters pill just by wearing or cleaning them. De-pill your sweaters regularly to make them as new as you recently bought them. Pilling occurs when groups of fibre break, tangle, and mat together. It makes the texture of the sweater rough and decidedly unattractive and it is more apparent around the elbows, under the armpits and on sleeves. Buy a hand-held de-piller or an electric shaver made for de-pilling or you can use a pumice stone to remove sweater pills.

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#9 Buy lavender scented drawer liners or DIY a natural moth repellent sachet. Always clean your sweaters before storing them, as moths are attracted to our everyday scents such as perfumes, food smells, deodorants and smoke.

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#10 Vodka is also very helpful in keeping your sweaters last longer. It kills all the bacteria from your wools and removes unwanted odour also. Spritz some vodka to your sweaters and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.

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February 10, 2016
How to take care of your boots

You must have spent a lot of money on your suede or leather boots because let’s face it, good boots are not cheap and cheap boots are not good. Therefore, you also have to spend a little time in taking care of your companions which help you step out and walk confidently. Maintaining your boots is not difficult or expensive, but it needs to be done at regular intervals. Save your shoes from being mistreated with regular maintenance and your feet will love you for this because the better you look after them, the longer they’ll last. So, here are some easy tips and tricks on how to take care of your boots by YouTuber Chriselle Lim who is a fashion blogger and stylist.

#1 Keep your shoes in the shoe box

Don’t throw away your shoe boxes. Instead make some space for them in your closet and keep your shoes in the box. This will protect your shoes from dirt and keep them in the best condition possible.

#2 Feed your shoes with some papers

Grab some tissues or newspaper and stuff them into your long boots. This will help in maintaining their shape and also prevent them from creasing.

#3 Invest in a suede eraser and welt brush

Suede shoes get dirty very easily and you need to clean them up every time you step into them. It’s better to buy a nice suede eraser and a welt brush to remove the lint and dirt from your shoes.

#4 Clean your shoes with lemon and water

Mix equal parts of lemon and water and clean your leather shoes with this mixture. The acidity in lemon helps break down the dirt and grime.

#5 Add shine to your suede boots with a few drops of olive oil

This is an organic method that will give your boots a shiny finish. Put a few drops of olive oil on a piece of cotton cloth and wipe your shoes.

February 5, 2016
How to use facial oils according to your skin type

The concept of adding oil to your face might scare some of you but it’s worth a try. Our skin needs natural oils to maintain a healthy balance but with constant washing and use of beauty products, we tend to lose essential moisture from our face. Read on to learn everything about facial oils and how to use facial oils according to your skin type.

Benefits of facial oils:

Facial oils are an excellent way to get antioxidants and vitamins quickly into the skin. Oils are absorbed quickly and soften the appearance of fine lines and maintain moisture for a brighter and radiant appearance. Essential oils are derived from botanicals, many of which are naturally packed with antioxidants and create a protective barrier against harsh and uncaring external factors like pollution, environmental toxins, etc. They restore the skin cells which not only gives your skin an even tone but also reduces hyper-pigmentation.

Facial oils have gained popularity not just because of their beauty benefits but also because they smell and feel amazing. One application and you’re hooked!

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How to use facial oils?

If you have dry skin:

Apply the oil in the morning after following the CTM rule (which is cleansing, toning and moisturizing). Pump 4 to 5 drops on the palm of your hand, rub the oil in your hands and press it onto your face.

If you have normal to combination skin:

Mix 2 to 3 drops of facial oil with your moisturiser and apply it on your freshly washed face in the morning. This skin type obviously needs a little less oil and mainly requires water to keep it healthy and hydrated. So we’d suggest not going over 2-3 drops.

If you have oily and blemish-prone skin:

Follow your usual morning CTM routine (without any facial oil) because the right time to use facial oil for people with this skin type is at night. Wash your face with an oil-free face wash and then massage just 2 drops of oil directly onto the skin. This way, the oil will do its magic overnight and you will wake up with healthy-looking skin.

February 5, 2016
How to reduce pigmentation with home remedies

Pigmentation, dark spots, freckles and uneven skin tone are a few problems that we all face. The reason behind these conditions is the excessive production of melanin on the surface of your skin. And the good news is that this can be treated at home. To learn how to treat pigmentation at home, one first needs to understand the causes of pigmentation. Here’s everything you need to know about pigmentation.

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What is pigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation, usually called pigmentation, is a common skin condition where some areas or patches of skin turn darker in colour. People identify it as a skin problem but it is usually a harmless condition that occurs due to excessive presence of melanin; a brown-coloured pigment that produces our normal skin colour. Melanin is produced by melanocytes and functions as a shield for skin cells to protect the skin from sun and UV damages.

What causes pigmentation?

The root cause of excessive melanin production is generally associated with internal factors like hormonal changes in the body, pregnancy and other health problems. External factors like excessive sun exposure, skin injury, burning, emotional stress or contact with certain chemicals can also cause pigmentation. It can occur on almost any part of the body including face, neck, hands, arms or legs.

How to treat pigmentation?

Depending on the degree of pigmentation you may choose going for laser treatments by professional dermatologists/cosmetologists or try some home remedies to reduce pigmentation at home. Natural remedies are not only safe and inexpensive but have been known to give you positive and effective results. Try these easy DIY recipes to reduce pigmentation naturally and acquire a healthy glowing skin.

#1 Slice one potato into two, put a few drops of water on its surface and rub it on the pigmented area. If you have more time at hand, grate the potatoes and squeeze the juice out of it. Apply the juice on the age spots and leave it on for half an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water. Doing this home remedy for a month will bring noticeable difference to your pigmented skin.

#2 Grate a piece of papaya and extract the juice out of it. Apply it on the pigmented area, leave it for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with cold water. Do this for a month and wait patiently till you see amazing results. The enzyme papain in papaya is used for skin exfoliation and helps regenerate new skin cells. This helps in removing the pigmented layers of skin every time you do an exfoliation and help reduce and finally remove the pigmented mark.

#3 Application of vinegar also helps in controlling pigmentation. Dilute vinegar with equal amount of water as it’s very strong and has acidic properties. To treat the pigmentation for your face, wash your face as you normally do and spritz this mixture on. Do not rinse it off. Vinegar has good astringent properties. Its acidity makes it a good exfoliator, removing the dead cells from the surface and revealing clear and beautiful skin within.

#4 Application of a mixture of castor oil and vitamin E on the areas of pigmentation every day is also a great remedy. This will slowly remove the pigmented area leaving your skin smooth and free of patches and blemishes. Vitamin E helps reviving the skin and castor oil acts as antiseptic to treat pigmentation.

#5 Aloe Vera works excellently on hyper-pigmented skin due to the presence of mucilaginous polysaccharides in the gel. It removes dead skin cells and promotes regeneration of new skin cells. Apply some fresh Aloe Vera gel on pigmented skin and leave it overnight. Rinse it off in the morning. Follow this remedy daily for a few weeks to get positive results.

#6 Cucumber is used for dark circles which is also a form of skin pigmentation. Mix one part each of cucumber juice, lemon juice and honey. Apply it evenly on the pigmented area, leave it for 30 minutes and rinse it off with room temperature water. These skin lightening agents when put together can surely work wonders in fading freckles and blemishes.

As the popular saying goes, “precaution is better than cure”, apply sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or more daily whether you are at home or stepping outside and reapply it every 2 to 3 hours. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UV rays which are emitted from sunlight or laptop screens.

February 2, 2016
How to make matte nail polish at home

Matte nails are a huge trend right now and we don’t know any girl who doesn’t want to flaunt this chic trend. Matte nails look good in bold shades, pastel hues and even simple nudes. We know matte nail paints cost way more than the regular paints but why shell a lot of money when you can make matte nail polish at home? Yes, you heard right and that too with just one ingredient that is easily available in the kitchen.

Watch this DIY hack and learn how to make matte nail polish at home and might we add, ‘nail’ the trend!

All you need is: an empty bowl, a spoon, toothpick, nail paint of any colour and corn flour

Take a look at the steps below:

Put a small amount of corn flour and polish into a bowl and mix it well. Add smaller quantities in three rounds and keep mixing.

And you’re done.

Flaunt your nails with this DIY matte nail polish.

January 29, 2016