Tag: beauty

How to apply mascara like a pro!

Mascara is an indispensable part of eye makeup. Along with flawless skin and model-esque figure, long lashes remain a symbol of beauty and femininity that women long for. It adds dimension and draws attention to your eyes. Mascara also adds depth to your eyes and opens them up even if you are not wearing any eye shadow. For the same reasons, it is very important to know the right way to apply mascara as you may end up looking like a clown with clumped lashes or get raccoon eyes with flaked mascara. Let’s face it no one wants that. Used by makeup artists worldwide, here are 10 tips to apply mascara like a pro!

1) Don’t plump the mascara wand in and out of the bottle. This pushes air into the tube that makes the mascara dry out faster causing it to clump and flake.

2) Ensure that you scrape or wipe off any excess product from the wand. This will help you avoid using too much mascara that makes your lashes clumpy.

3) Always apply your mascara in a back-and-forth motion gently wiggling and sweeping it from the root of your lashes to the end.

4) Layer your normal mascara with a waterproof mascara to make it last longer and to add more intensity to your lashes.

5) For those who have lighter lashes, coat both sides of your upper lashes by alternating between looking up and looking down, that way your lashes are fully covered and they look thicker.

6) While applying mascara on your lower lashes always look up and hold the wand vertically for a natural finish.

7) Soak your mascara in a cup of warm water to make the mascara thinner. This removes all the clumps from the product and makes it easier to apply.

8) To avoid getting mascara underneath your eyes use a spoon while applying mascara. Hold the spoon with the curved side, facing out, near the lower lash line and gently swipe the wand across the lashes for a clump-free lash.

9) If your lashes tend to fall straight, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler while applying mascara at the same time to keep them curled longer.

10) To avoid smudging mascara on your upper eyelid, use a business card and gently lift your eyelid and apply mascara.

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This article was inspired from here.

Banner image sourced from here.

Featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2

August 17, 2015
Beauty 101: High-definition makeup

High-definition makeup is getting popular by the day thanks to the selfie bug that has bitten everyone. The really great thing about high-definition makeup is that it is designed not only for the unforgiving eyes of the camera but also to make your skin look youthful and flawless. High-definition makeup contains mattifying agents that don’t make your skin look oily or cakey. Here’s everything you need to know about high-definition makeup.

High-definition makeup camouflages imperfections, covers blemishes and blends seamlessly into the skin. It contains light deflecting pigments that give a smooth and natural finish. It was originally designed to hide any facial flaws for those who work in television or movies, in front of high-definition cameras.

The trick behind getting extra coverage from high-definition makeup is to layer and blend the products well into the skin. High-definition makeup does not cake on the skin if used correctly nor does it create fine lines or clog pores, resulting in an even finish.

High-definition foundation:

HD Foundation is an oil-free, medium-to-full coverage liquid or cream foundation which covers skin imperfections while remaining invisible on-screen and to naked eyes, giving an extremely natural finish. These products are available in a wide variety of shades to suit all skin tones.

Best high-definition foundations available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever HD Foundation: Available at all Sephora stores for 2200 INR.

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2) Stilla All Day Foundation: Available at all Sephora stores for 3200 INR.

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3) Revlon Photo Ready HD Foundation: Available here for 945 INR.

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High-Definition Concealer:

High-definition concealers create a soft-focus effect and brighten the concealed area while reducing the appearance of fine lines for a natural, radiant look.

Best high-definition concealers available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer: Available at all Sephora stores for 1950 INR.

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2) Revlon Photo Ready Concealer: Available here for 1157 INR.

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High-Definition Powder:

High-definition powders are usually processed into a very fine powder to provide a sheer consistency. They have a micro-texture so that the powder does not settle into the skin’s pores. They are great to use as setting powder or on their own and have a velvety matte finish.

Best High-Definition Powders available in India are:

1) Makeup Forever High Definition Powder: Available at all Sephora stores for 2300 INR.

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2) NYX High Definition Photogenic Grinding Powder: Available at all Sephora stores for 2250 INR

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August 13, 2015
Everything you need to know about compact powders

Compact powder is an essential in every girl’s makeup kit and is a great mattifier. Compact powder, when used over your foundation, instantly absorbs all the excess oil giving you a shine-proof even finish. It can also be worn over your daily moisturiser and sunscreen or to set your eye shadow.

Compact powders are of two types; pressed and cream. They are available in a variety of shades suitable for every skin type.

1) Pressed compact powder

Pressed compact powder is ideal for touch-ups. It is the most widely used compact powder and is perfect to fix your makeup from running.

2) Cream compact powder

Cream compact powder has a creamy texture but it gives a powdered finish after blending and is suitable for dry skin.

Let’s take a look at the best compact powders available in the market;

1) Revlon PhotoReady Compact

Available in 4 different shades this cream compact gives the near-perfect airbrushed look. Its photo chromatic pigments blend easily and give a powder finish. It reflects light and gives a flawless, luminous coverage along with offering sun protection (SPF 20).

Available for 900 INR.

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2) Loreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder

Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine for up to 16 hours. This light weight pressed compact powder can be used on its own and for quick touch-ups. It is available in 8 different shades and is suitable for all skin types.

Available for 1125 INR.

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3) Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

If you want great coverage and matte finish then this is the right product for you. The light and sheer texture gives a natural non-sticky long-lasting look throughout. It is perfect for oily skin and is available in 4 shades.

Available for 475 INR.

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August 12, 2015
Say goodbye to split ends with these easy tips and tricks

Split ends are a common problem and unfortunately we all have to deal with it. The leading cause for split ends is the hair shaft losing its natural moisture making the strands split. Take a look at this informative picture for some amazing tips and tricks to bid adieu to split ends!

1) Get a Trim

The best way to avoid split ends is to get your hair trimmed on a regular basis.

2) Beat the Heat

Styling hair can cause major split ends but that doesn’t mean that you have to stop straightening or blow drying your hair. All you have to do is limit how much heat you subject to your tresses. Nowadays there are hair stylers that have adjustable heat levels that work right on fleek without damaging your hair.

Even hot water showers strip away the moisture off the hair so make sure you always rinse your hair with cool water at the end of every shower.

3) Shampoo & condition correctly

Most of the times when we shampoo we tend to over wash our hair and apply too much shampoo even at the ends. We even apply a lot of conditioner to the roots which makes them greasy in less than a day. One should always shampoo the roots and apply conditioner on the length of the hair.

4) Comb it out

Always use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your tresses. Hair tends to break and split more when it’s wet.

The most effective way to get rid of split ends is to get them cut at regular intervals especially for women trying to grow their length. Lack of proper nutrition and moisture can also worsen your hair’s health and continue splitting up to the length of your hair.

Here are few home remedies to get rid of split ends.

Remedy 1- Egg Mask

Whisk an egg yolk with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply it on damp hair and leave it for 30 minutes. Shampoo your hair the usual way.

Remedy 2- Mayonnaise Mask

Towel dry wet hair and apply half a cup of mayonnaise to your hair. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it out and shampoo your hair the usual way.

Inpost images sourced from

Banner and featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2

July 24, 2015
Trend alert: Strobing is the new contouring

Contouring has been around for a while now and we all love it, thanks to Kim Kardashian for making it popular. Sadly, it is intense and difficult to master and involves heavy blending of light and dark shades to create the illusion of more defined features. Fret no more, here’s everything you need to know about the latest anti-contouring technique: Strobing.

Popular in France, strobing is all about the natural dewy, glowing complexion and highlighting your natural features using highlighters. Strobing focuses on the areas where natural light hits on your face and applying a highlighter to amplify it. Ditch those expensive colour palettes and pick up a simple highlighter to master this art. Strobing is less time consuming and doesn’t make your face look cakey.

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How to master strobing?

It’s all about brightening up your face and creating a dewy glow. Here’s how you can master the art of strobing with these easy steps.

Step 1 – Start by preparing your skin the right way. Add a little bit of luminizer into your moisturiser for a brighter look all over and then use a primer to neutralise redness or dark spots.

Step 2– Apply a lightweight illuminating foundation for even skin like YSL’s Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation.

Step 3– Apply a dash of blusher and keep rest of the makeup minimum and natural.

Step 4– Dab a highlighter (like Mac’s Strobe Cream or Benefit’s High Beam Highlighter) on the high points of your face where natural light hits the most, onto the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, centre of your forehead and your cupid’s bow to highlight the main areas of your face.

Step 5– Seal the luminosity with a translucent setting powder such as Nars light reflecting pressed setting powder.

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You can also build up the intensity of the highlights by layering both cream and powder highlighters. Make sure that you blend the products well to avoid blobs of product.

Facing problems while buying a highlighter? Check out this article to help you know all about highlighters and the correct way to apply them.

Banner and featured images source from: Source1, Source2, Source3

July 22, 2015
Skin care myths that you need to know now!

There are a whole lot of myths and misconceptions out there in the falsehood when it comes to skincare, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell fact from fiction. Skin care myths have been around since centuries and everyone has their own set of beliefs. The only way to get good skin is to take good care of it on a daily basis by keeping your skin clean and moisturised all the time. Here are a few common skin care myths debunked.

Myth #1 If you have oily skin you should not moisturise

Skin produces excess oil as a defence mechanism for keeping it clean. Lightly moisturising the skin keeps the skin soft & supple but also helps in regulating the excess oil.

Myth #2 One should exfoliate only once in two weeks

The number of times one should scrub is completely up to you. Scrubbing removes dead skin and makes it look bright and soft.

Myth #3 You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days

Sunscreen is a must as it also provides protection from ultraviolet rays and should be applied on any given day.

Myth #4 Botox can prevent wrinkles

Theoretically yes, but no long-term studies support this myth. Using sunscreens and keeping up proper skin care are still the most reliable and certainly less expensive methods to fight wrinkles.

Myth #5 Skin should feel tight after washing your face

Skin should feel fresh, soft and supple and at ease, if it feels tight after washing, you are probably using a hard cleanser that might be drying out your skin more.

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July 21, 2015
Skin care tips for monsoon

After being tormented by the heat of the Sun, and the scorching summer days, monsoon is finally here! But while we enjoy the pitter-patter of the drizzle, the damp, humid weather wreaks havoc on our skin. With a few clever quick fixes you can continue to look your flawless best even in this sultry season. Here are some skin care tips to keep your skin looking fresh and fabulous even in the rains.

DRY SKIN

Dryness occurs due to lack of vitamins which are essential to keep dry & damaged skin at bay. Here are a few tips to help you combat this problem.

1) Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. This cleanses the skin and removes all the unwanted toxins.

2) Before going to bed, wash your face with a mild cleanser, then dab rose water all over your face and finally apply glycerin. It works like a miracle. It not only hydrates your skin but also gives a healthy glow.

3) Use a mild cream-based cleanser.

4) Do not use alcohol-based products as they tend to dry out the skin further.

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OILY SKIN

There’s nothing much one can do to get rid of oily skin. You can only take small steps that will gradually reduce the oiliness on your face. Try the following:

1) Wash your face at least three times a day with a foam-based cleanser.

2) Scrub your face at least once a week to open clogged pores.

3) It’s always advisable to wash your face with luke warm water as it dissolves oil better.

4) Use home remedies such as a face pack made of chick-pea flour and milk or lemon and honey to rejuvenate your skin.

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COMBINATION SKIN

This skin type is categorized by an oily T-zone and drier cheeks. Since it is a combination of two skin types, it has to be treated separately. The dry area has to be gently cleansed whereas the oily area has to be deeply cleansed. Here are a few tips:

1) Drink lots of water as this is the best way to attain healthy skin.

2) Always dab your face dry instead of rubbing it as this makes the skin look rough and patchy.

3) Always use a gentle cleanser and apply a homemade face mask of milk and honey regularly.

4) Scrub your face twice a week.

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Banner and featured images sourced from: Source1, Source2, Source3

July 20, 2015
Turn your hot summery day into a pool party full of glamour and fun – Learn from Michelle Phan

Girls, if you want to spend some time with your gal pals by the pool but are afraid of the heat outside, we feel you! Don’t you worry ladies because now you can actually enjoy the day out with your girlies and pamper yourself out in style. Watch this video by the beautiful fashion blogger Michelle Phan which would inspire you to have such glamorous and fun parties! Psst….don’t forget to stay hydrated.

July 16, 2015
15 Makeup tips for beginners

Makeup can accentuate your best features and cover up the ones that don’t flatter your looks. However, poorly applied makeup can transform your look into something new, and not a good kind of new. Ladies, we all are beginners at some point and knowing the right technique comes with time. Here are 15 makeup tips for beginners that will help you go pro.

1) Use white pencil liner in your waterline to make them appear bigger.

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2) Apply a lighter shade of eye shadow near the inside ridge to brighten up your eyes.

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3) Fix your clumpy mascara by putting 2 to 3 drops of any eye drops/ lens solution in it.

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4) Know your eye shape to accentuate your eyes in the right way.

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5) Use a business card to apply mascara for more length and volume.

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6) Match your foundation shade on your neck.

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7) Know where to apply your blush according to your face shape.

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8) Always apply your foundation in downward strokes.

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9) To make your lipstick last longer, apply one coat of colour and then hold a tissue over your lips and apply some powder over the tissue using a brush.

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10) Use primer instead of makeup remover to get away with any mistakes. It wipes off the make-up while preparing the skin for the next use.

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11) Cover your eyelid with white eye shadow before applying another colour to make your eye shadow colour pop.

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12) If you’re out of brow pencil then use an eye shadow instead. Make sure you choose the right shade of brown to match your eyebrows.

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13) After applying mascara, use an eyelash comb or a spoolie brush to remove clumps.

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14) To curl your eyelashes better, blow dry your lash curler for 5 seconds. Make sure it’s not very hot.

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15) Pat your cheeks with a tissue or clean sponge after applying the foundation and setting it with powder for a more natural look.

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July 13, 2015
10 celebrities who fell in beautifully ordinary love
It’s hard to imagine that an actor/actress would fall in love with someone living the mundane life, but it has happened and some of their significant others have the potential to be celebrities themselves. Take a look at this list of celebrities with attractive spouses.
1. Hrithik Roshan’s ex-wife Suzanne Roshan
The interior designer could’ve easily entered the showbiz with her ex-hubby being the biggest in Bollywood. However, she chose to stay within her domain as an interior designer master.

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1. George Clooney’s much talked about wife Amal Clooney
She stuck to her brains over beauty profession. The dashing British-Lebanese lawyer, activist and author could’ve easily been a leading actress based on her looks and a little support from her spouse. She chose to hold on her own and made Mr. Clooney sit pretty on the list of celebrities with attractive spouses.

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1. King Khan’s better half Gauri Khan
Gauri Khan, much like Suzanne Roshan, could’ve easily entered the realm of TV and films. But due to her shy nature she chose to stay away from the media and took a profession of being a producer and an interior designer.

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1. Zayed Khan’s wife Malaika Parekha
Another one on the list of celebrities with attractive spouses, Zayed Khan got lucky in love. Malaika Parekha married the actor at a young age and has been able to avoid the film industry even though it tries its best to find her.

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1. Matt Damon’s wife Luciana Barroso
Matt Damon’s stunning wife was offered movie roles, but she chose family over films and is a caring mother and house wife to this day.

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1. Patrick Dempsey’s wife Jillian Fink
Jillian Fink had it all; mind, body and looks to enter the world of showbiz. Yet she chose to stick to her passion of working at a hair salon and has now made it large as a world famous makeup artist.

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1. Rebecca Gleeson the glamorous wife of Eric Bana
Rebecca Gleeson didn’t want the fame her husband was getting and wanted to work as a publicist. She is still working on it and does not plan to join the world of movies at all leaving Eric Bana on the list of celebrities with attractive spouses.

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1. Jessica Sklar the spouse and lifeline of the world famous actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld
Instead of walking towards fame and limelight, Jessica Sklar worked hard at her profession by working in a PR firm for Golden books and Tommy Hilfiger. She later published a book too.

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1. Liza Powel, wife of well-known Conon O’Brien
Liza had the looks to easily co-star with him or get a good role in any movie, however she chose to stick with her guns and continue to work as a copywriter and an advertising consultant.

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1. Meryl Streep’s husband Don Gummer
Meryl Streep is known throughout the world as an acclaimed actress and her husband didn’t want to steal any spotlight from his beloved wife. He started as a sculptor and continued to get better at it instead of trailing away and has now made a name for himself in the world of art.

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Sources for featured image 1 , 2 and banner are source1 , source2 and source3
June 22, 2015
DIY: Tiger stripes nail art

Tiger nails are chic and seductive and if you are fond of animal print, you will fall in love with this tiger stripes nail art. Watch this tutorial and learn how to create the perfect tiger stripes nail art with these easy steps. Now you don’t always have to run to the nail salon to get your nails done.

Things you need: A black striper, your favourite nail colour shade and a top coat polish.

You may use a toothpick if you don’t have a striper.

Step 1. Apply a coat of your favourite shade and let it dry

Step 2. Using the striper, draw slightly curved stripes starting from one end to the other end of your nail.

Make sure that you leave equal gaps between the stripes.

Step 4. Repeat the process on all your nails.

Step 5. Finish the process with top coat

June 12, 2015
Meet the ultimate tress saviours – heat protectants

Maintaining a good hairstyle isn’t just about the appearance anymore; well-tamed hair can change the way people perceive your personality. When it comes to fashion, hairstyles have been used to redefine eras. From the 70s style fringe to Jennifer Aniston’s ‘The Rachel’ haircut from the popular sitcom Friends, a hairstyle can take you back into moments and time.

It’s no surprise that men and women spend a lot of time almost every morning trying to style their hair to that perfect look where each and every strand is in the exact same place they want it to be. However, to keep that salon-look stable throughout the day one needs to use styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons and more. Heat definitely makes our hair look better externally but what we fail to realise is that it leads to a lot of internal damage. Fret no more and meet heat protectants; hair products that save your hair from any kind of exposure to heat that may result from using styling tools.

How do heat protectants work?

Heat protectants work by building heat-absorbing polymer around the hair strands and prevents the breakdown of protein in the hair by heat. They are a must have for all the men and women who style their hair regularly or occasionally. What’s more, they are available in various forms like spray, mousse and serum to suit every hair type.

Here’s a list of the best heat protectants available in Indian market that you can choose from.

1) Sunsilk Keratinology Heat Protector Spray

Sunsilk Keratinology Heat Protector Spray consists of an advanced heat protection formula with UV filters to protect heat-styled hair and give that frizz-free professional look. They reconstruct the hair surface and penetrate micronutrients into the hair cortex and deeply nourish the hair, while protecting it from the heat.

Price: INR 400 for 180ml

Available at: Purplle.com

2) L’Oreal Professional Liss Ultime Heat Protectant:

This thermo-soothing oil helps in protecting the hair and optimises the effect of heated styling tools, leaving the hair feeling silky-smooth to touch. We suggest that you apply this product before styling your hair and be rest assured that about no residue formation.

Price: INR 580 for 50ml

Available at: Amazon.in

3) TRESemme Thermal Creations Volumising Mousse:

This body-building mousse pumps up hair by working with the heat and creates volume along with protecting your hair from the damage.

Price: INR 924 for 192ml

Available at: Amazon.in

All images sourced from: Source1, Source2, Source3

June 9, 2015
Tips to fix those brittle nails

Dry, chapped and brittle nails can be bothersome especially when they break even at the slightest pressure. It’s not just painful but heartbreaking to lose a nail, particularly when you are getting ready to go out. One of the main causes of nail brittleness is lack of Vitamin D and protein in the diet. So make sure you adequately expose your body to the sun and also include pulses and vegetables such as radish, cucumber and olives in your diet. Here are some quick tips that will help you get strong, healthy and shiny nails.

Keep them short: It’s very important to keep your nails well-groomed at all times to avoid chances of breakage. Thus, getting a manicure once in two weeks is a must to ensure that you get rid of dead nail cuticle that hinders the nail growth. You must also neatly clip your nails and apply a coat of nail hardener or a transparent nail shiner for better results.

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Oil them up: Dab a few drops of olive oil or castor oil on to your nails and massage gently till it’s fully absorbed, and leave overnight. Repeat this process for about a month and see the change for yourself. Castor oil and olive oil soften and moisturise the nails making them less prone to chipping and breaking.

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Keep it natural: Using too much nail colour not only stains the nails making them look yellowish but also makes them dry and brittle. So make sure you do not use a nail paint on a regular basis instead keep them moisturised and natural looking.

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Avoid using acetone: While removing the nail colour, do not use a remover which contains 100% acetone as it dries out the nails making them prone to breakage and damage, instead go for a remover that contains low levels of acetone or a water based remover.

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Keep nail files around: File your nails evenly and to the same length at least once a week as uneven and unfiled nails are more prone to chipping and breaking. Make sure to file them in the same direction and avoid making them too pointed to prevent nail breakage. Replace your file every month or before the grain smooths out.

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May 27, 2015
Benefits of argan oil!

Argan oil has been dubbed as ‘liquid gold’ and celebrities the world over swear by it. It is packed with goodness of Vita A, Vita E, Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. This head to toe miracle worker revitalises and hydrates dry skin, can be used as a dietary supplement (for wound healing and rash relief), helps boost cell production and promotes healthy skin and hair. Add the benefits of argan oil into your daily routine and see for yourself the wonders it can do

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1)      Night time moisturiser

Skin absorbs argan oil quickly and does not leave any oil residue. It is gentle and helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also works as a toner for dry skin.

2)      Acne

For all the people who are troubled with acne, here’s your one stop solution. Argan oil has been proven to reduce sebum levels for people with oily skin and treat acne.

3)      Stretch Marks

This miracle oil helps in preventing stretch marks by improving the elasticity of the skin and vita E heals the scars.

4)      For hair

Argan oil is non-greasy and makes your hair easier to style while repairing those pesky spilt ends. It also helps to tame frizz and fly-away hair giving more body and shine to your locks.

5)      Nails

An ideal treatment for cuticles and nails, argan oil moisturises your nails and cuticles so you don’t develop dry skin, increases nail growth and adds shine to them.

Here are top 3 argan oil picks that are available in Indian market;

1)      Kiehls Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil

It is a multipurpose skin and hair oil that restores texture, smoothens and moisturises. Available at all Kiehls stores and on Amazon.

INR2998 for 125ml

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2)      Soulflower Coldpressed Argan Carrier Oil

This product is 100% pure argan oil and just one drop is enough for all your skin and hair care needs. Available at Amazon.

INR640 for 30ml.

3)      Dove Elixir Nourished Shine Hair Oil Hibiscus Argan Oil

This beautiful potion of hibiscus and argan oil gives the goodness of overnight oiling in 30 minutes and leaves your tresses nourished and luminous. Available at all drug stores and on flipkart

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May 19, 2015
Outfit of the week

Look chic and stylish this summer by pairing a colourful bodycon dress with a pair of heels or flats. Bodycon dresses are a must have in your summer wardrobe this season. You can experiment with floral patterns, nudes, bold colours and neons too. They are not only perfect for work but you can also wear them casually when you are planning to catch up with your friends. Complete the entire look by carrying a sling bag, a wrist candy or a bracelet and minimal makeup. You can also add a waist belt to enhance your curves. So this summer step out looking fresh and elegant with our week’s outfit inspiration and yes don’t forget to carry your shades and a sunscreen before you step out in the sun.

May 18, 2015