BEAUTY DIARIES - SKIN

5 herbs to consume for flawless skin

 The state of your skin is highly dependent on your food intake. So, if healthy, flawless skin is one of your beauty objectives, include some herbs in your diet. I list my five favourites.

Turmeric
For the goodness of India’s favourite herb, all you have to do is head to your kitchen counter. This fabulous ingredient purifies blood, nourishes the skin and gives it a healthy natural glow. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-bacterial properties that help reduce inflammation of skin, acne, pimples and blemishes.

Peppermint
Suffering from oily skin prone to pimples? Sip into the benefits of peppermint, a really helpful herb that not only adds flavour to your tea but also controls excess oil and lends complete freedom from acne. That’s not all; because of its cooling, menthol content, it will reduce the redness in your face and also give you a healthy, clear glow!

Basil
Have you ever wondered why the Italians are the best looking? Maybe their high intake of basil has got something to do with it. The amazing herb has a calming effect in the stomach with properties that detoxify your body toxins, reduce stress and rejuvenate your lifeless skin.

Ginger
Say hello to youthful skin minus pimples with the help of the healing properties of ginger every single day. The miracle herb fights the free radicals and purifies the impure blood. Hence, gets rid of your blemishes and spots.

Oregano
Sprinkle the delicious flavour of oregano in your food. This herb has anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties and is also rich in vitamins, fibre and minerals, all essential for  soft and beautiful skin.

Just friends or serious?

It is one thing to be in a casual relationship. However, the tables turn when one of you starts thinking of it seriously. I help you get out of your dilemma.


You're too used to him
A tell-tale sign that you may be falling for your friend is if you're spending too much time with him. Be it doing a boring chore, shopping for yourself or grabbing a bite. If he's the first person who comes to your mind, he may be more than a friend to you. Friendship has a way of nudging itself towards love and this is one instance where it may be true.

Jealousy pangs
So, you make plans to hangout together and he tells you he has other plans. Worse, you're both together and him talking to a girl or even looking at one makes you feel jealous. If this pisses you off like anything, you, dear girl, are in love. Jealousy pangs don't just restrict themselves to another girl. If you get annoyed because he brings along a common friend at a party, you definitely are falling for him! The good news, however, is that if its the same with him, then he's falling for you too!

You, him, maybe?
Most women know exactly what they want from their Mr. Right or know if someone is coming close to filling into his shoes. If the idea of you being with that special friend is something you can imagine and do not mind, then well, love is just round the corner or has already struck its bow! You definitely are in love with him. Ask him out, maybe.

Men’s Bracelets Trend: 2013/2014

Introduction

Throughout 2012 and 2013 we have seen bracelets take off and develop into a go-to accessory for style-conscious men. From wooden beads to leather cuffs to metal ID bands, there is currently a wealth of options available to choose from, for those men who aren’t afraid to confidently adorn their wrists.
Of course – as with any controversial trend – there are those who wouldn’t give bracelets a chance and view the entire concept as feminine, emasculating and a complete turn off to the opposite sex. That being said, it seems a large proportion of us are finally coming round to the idea of jewellery…

The Rise Of Men’s Jewellery

Men’s jewellery has long been a subject that polarises opinion. For example, when asking his wife her opinion on the notion of men wearing bracelets, GQ journalist Oliver Franklin got the scornful, yet possibly not untrue, opinion: “Don Draper wouldn’t wear a bracelet. James Bond wouldn’t wear a bracelet.”
However, 2013 seems to be the year where the tide is turning and men are becoming more open to the idea of using bracelets. According to Toby Bateman, Buying Director at Mr Porter, sales of men’s bracelets are surging, whilst The Times also reported a rise in men’s jewellery sales during 2012.
Not only that, the fashion press, including GQ and Ask Men, have supported this emergent trend with several articles and editorials featuring wrist wear for men. Shortlist magazine have been particularly vocal advocates, recently featuring a ‘Buyers Edit’ section with Harvey Nichols’ Head of Menswear, Darren Skey, who picked out an M Cohen oxidised silver and vintage Hermès silk bracelet as his accessory of the season.
Furthermore, flicking through the recent AW13 edition of Shortlist MODE, advertorials from brands such as Ralph Lauren, Topman and Replay feature models wearing bracelets, proving that it is a trend being pushed by both high-end and high street brands alike.
The same edition of Shortlist MODE also includes an entire editorial spread entitled ‘Way Up High’, which shows the model in a range of rural, outdoor locations. In every shot he is wearing a small stack of bracelets, which not only adds to the ethnic theme of the shoot but gives each look a sense of character and individuality.
With all this in mind, for the average man who is interested in exploring the world of wrist wear, what are the key styles available this year?

Metal Bracelets

Metal bracelets – specifically ID bracelets – probably represent the most masculine wrist wear option, largely due to their military connotations.
Metal bracelets have long held a place within men’s style, with screen idols such as Marlon Brando and James Dean (see lookbook below) wearing them in commemoration following the Second World War. Their popularity is also on the rise today, with celebrities such as Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum and Liam Hemsworth spotted wearing them recently.
ID bracelets retain a sense of masculinity and convey a notion of tasteful rebellion with their sleek appearance. As they tend to be quite distinctive and chunky, metal bracelets are best worn as standalone, solo pieces. For this reason, it is also a good idea to wear it on your free, non-watch hand, rather than weighing down the same wrist with both your watch and metal bracelet.
There is the argument that metal bracelets can slip into women’s ‘bangle’ territory, but conversely, Esquire magazine recently included a stylish metal cuff in a feature entitled ‘The 10 Best Things To Wear On Your Wrist’, demonstrating that a slimline metal cuff is a versatile piece a man can successfully pull off without appearing feminine.
As with everything, it’s important to wear with confidence and – especially with metal bracelets – work under the concept that less is more. No one wants to give off the appearance of a manacled prisoner.

Example Lookbook

 

 

Hold my hand

He loves me...he loves me not! Stop plucking petals! You could get your doubts cleared just by observing the way your man holds your hand. Read on as I list out different styles of hand holding and the meanings behind them.

When he holds your hand, does he...

a. Place his palm over yours?
b. Place his palm below yours?
c. Interlock his fingers with yours?
d. Loosely interlock his fingers with yours?
e. Does he just hold up one or two finger(s)?

If you’ve answered with a, it means that he's the one who dominates in the relationship.

If you’ve answered with b, it means that he's letting you take the lead.

If you’ve answered with c, it means he's showing that you're in sync with each other.

If you’ve answered with d, it means that his outlook towards the relationship is more casual.

If you’ve answered with e, it means his independence is really important and that he could also be reluctant to get involved in the relationship.

GET FIT

Fab 15-minutes-and-you-are-done workouts

You may not always have all the time in the world to devote to your fitness. I list you a few easy 15-minute workouts that will save you the gloom on a whirlwind day.

Dumbbell sumo squat
Here's an exercise that targets the legs, back, shoulders and also promises you a great-looking posterior. Stand with your back straight, toes pointed out and your feet shoulder-width apart. Grab a dumbbell of equal weight in each hand. Now, squat down with arms extended keeping the lower back taut and upright. Hold the pose for few seconds before you lift yourself up to the starting position again. Complete 10 such reps.

Dynamic pushup
If you are caught short on time and need to sneak in a full body workout, this is just the exercise for you. Start by lying down in a push-up position with your hands and legs shoulder-width apart. Let your body form a straight line, head to toe. Now, spring like a frog while keeping your hands glued to the floor so that your feet reach near your chest. Immediately spring back to your staring position and do a full pushup. This workout is great for toning your arms, shoulders, legs and endurance. For added difficulty, you can do a quick burpee with the pushup instead.

The reverse plank
Here's another exercise that's much harder to do than it looks. This exercise targets the abs, triceps and posterior muscles in your body. Sit down on the floor and place your palms beside your hips. Press down into your heels (toes up) and palms to lift your frame. Keep your body in a straight line as you continue to look up to the ceiling and work your core by holding the position for 30 seconds. Don't worry if you find it a little hard to keep the straight position for more than two or three breathes in the beginning. It's only normal! Try the side plank for added difficulty when you have mastered the reverse plank.

Truth of Miss Universe

Well this is no shocking truth of Miss Universe
Miss Universe Mauritius 2013 - Deeya Beeltah reveals the truth of Miss Universe contest...read on... 

"What an experience this was- Meeting new people, learning about other cultures, with ups and downs make everything a unique event in someone’s life.

I love and appreciate the opportunity given to me to represent my country in this pageant. I prepared a brief report to summarize my stay in * during the * days in the hope that it can help other girls after me to do better and best in the coming year / years.

So it all started with the registration and fittings. People especially the Americans working for the organization are very nice but I was quite shocked how some even after working for the organization since 10 years, they still do not know if Mauritius exists. Some even asked me if it was the first time Mauritius was participating in Miss Universe. I downloaded a small map of the Indian Ocean and a few pictures of our island, so that when they asked me about Mauritius, I take my phone out and show them the pictures and they all told me they were going to come because it looks pretty.

Furthermore, I was absolutely disgusted with the treatment we received from the part of Makeup artists and Hairdressers. All the small countries were ignored. I remember before doing the glamshot shooting, I sat down to do my hair and they started doing my hair but as soon as Miss USA or even Miss Venezuela comes, they ask me to stand up and go wait till they do their hair. Even if you push yourself forward, you are set aside.

Third day- This is when I stopped worrying and competing in Miss Universe because I saw it with my own eyes how much preferences were there.
 
At this point we should be aware that if we are not mentally strong we crash everyday- Sleeping only 3 hours do not really help in making the girls settle down. Actually, I wasn’t the only one who was tired.. we all were.

Here there is only one photographer who takes the pictures. And he never runs after girls trying to capture ‘’moments’’.. he just take pictures for the sponsors. If the girl is sitting at that very moment, she is in.. if not then they only take pictures of the sponsors.

And all the videos of the finals are make beliefs, we never go out. We never visited * as shown on TV. They handpick the girls, by way of a scheduling.. And after dinner, around 10.30pm.. they take groups of 5-6 girls out on different places and make them pretend they are ‘’having fun’’ and make us ‘’dance’’ in front of the camera; without music. It is more like waiting, you sit and wait for your turn to ‘’pretend’’ to dance. They shoot you for 15 secs, then you get back in the car and come back to the hotel. So all the videos that are shown during the telecast are very fake. If only I knew this, I would probably be mentally prepared for it. We were even taken to striphouse, peepshow for video recording.

To be honest, the idea I had about Miss Universe- being glitz and glamour was wrong. No one dresses up here, no one wear heels except of those few who tried really hard to win but never makes it.. All the girls were wearing tights, jackets, no makeup days, bad hair days, no one cared.. People in the hotel didn’t even know that Miss Universe was taking place there. Even countries like Venezuela, Philippines etc never wear a lot of makeup. They come down in flat shoes, eat breakfast and then go for rehearsals.

I gather the idea that Miss Universe is all about the show. They have the main protagonists and then the secondary characters. It is like shooting for a movie. It is 12 hours rehearsals per day every day during 3 weeks.

We have to be ready, standing with the sash in front of the door at 06 45 am and go back to our room after midnight. So it is hardly any sleep

Then comes a ‘’preview’’ where we are asked to wear our swimsuits, do our own hair and very light makeup and go one by one in front of the preliminary judges. The judges for the Preliminary are completely different from the one of the final night.

Preview lasts around 10 secs- Girl enters the room- stand, smile- they look at you- then you leave.
Usually preview and private interview happen the same day. PREVIEW IS NOT NOTED. Interview- we have to wear office wear which lasts exactly 3 minutes. Two girls do the interview at the same time.

Two set of preliminary judges sit in the same room, they are 4 on each side. The bell rings… one girl goes on one side of judges, the second goes to the other set of judges. After exactly 1 min. 30sec., the bell rings again, we switch judges.

3 minutes and then it is over. They say that it is an important process but I don’t believe that it is, honestly. Even Donald trump said that ‘we cannot judge a person’s personality in 3 minutes or by a few questions, this is a beauty pageant and you have to be beautiful.’’ During our meeting with him. TRUE! the girls who ended up in the top16 were not the smartest ones at all, they were just the catwalk top models with flat abs with 6 or 8 cuts, big chested and who has had plastic surgery. It was so obvious that it is only about physique.

Then one day, Donald Trump walks in. They close the doors of the theater, he comes in with his bodyguards etc that is why- important personality he is of course. And we are asked to line up on the stage. And He walks up to greet us one by one accompanied by the President, Mrs Paula, who carries a little notebook in her hand.

We were split in groups of 3 in alphabetical order. He Asks us to walk one by one and he looks at us, then he whispers in the ears of Paula, who in turn writes something down. This was the worst moment of my life. All the girls felt like objects.

He handpicks his top16. That is all that we saw with our own eyes. He whispered for * and they were all in top16. These girls were not nice and definitely not smart at all except from * and * maybe. Kosovo, Estonia were so racist together with Russia and making bad jokes on black candidates.

We felt so bad to see how women were being treated as objects in front of Mr. Donald Trump. It is all about Business as well. Trump is setting up ‘trump towers’ in all the countries that are in top16.

I was appalled by this contest. I had never expected it to be so downgrading for women. Miss Universe was my childhood dream but I feel that I lost my time. I didn’t win anything because I didn’t want to win anything here. I stayed alone by myself, talked to my group of friends and we try to make it fun. ALL the girls were fed up and shocked by Miss Universe contest. The Latinas who were considered the most involved in this contest, were fed up with all this and most of them refused to ‘’pretend’’ in front of the camera. Venezuela left the rehearsals and go sat in the bathroom so many times. While typing, I still can remember everything as it was a movie.

The best thing about Miss Universe is the runway coach who is totally different from what I learnt and expected. She gave us advices that It is not necessary to smile with all our teeth out all the time. Sometimes girls do have ugly smiles when their teeth are too big or their gum is showing- which make the smile look fake. they can work it out with their eyes. She uses the word – ‘flirt’ a lot. She says we have to flirt with the judge.

She taught us 6 ways of catwalk on the ramp which was an absolute delight and to my great amusement was the best thing I ever learnt from here. To my great astonishment not all the girls were tall.. I was among the tallest. I probably had 10 girls who were around my height, that’s it. We had girls who were even 1m57 - Miss *, Miss * was 1m65, * was 1m70 and the winner *.

On a rounding up, Miss Universe was not the best experience of my life. Maybe for the year *, Miss Universe was meant to be like this.. I do not know about the past years but the supervisors told me it is the same every year. And I firmly believe that the truth must be told to all the girls participating at Miss Universe so that she can be mentally prepared to come here. We cannot pack amazing clothes and arrive here and then figure out what is going on. Preparation is a big thing- Catwalking and body maintenance are the main thing. Body should be perfect and not thin at all. I was among the thinnest girl over here and I was tagged Anorexic. All the top16 are ‘’fat muscular’’ girls. Because with the lights on us during prelims and finals make us look thinner than we usually are. And this year Miss Venezuela was two size bigger than I, therefore on screen her body looked feminine. Not Fat, but bodybuilding type of body. It was amazing to look at those bodies and realize how many surgeries and workout are needed. It doesn’t matter how your face looks like – it is all about body building and the way you sway the hips when walking.

Im sorry if my report was not very positive, but you know me more than I know myself and I like everything the straight forward way. It was a honest report and I meant everything I said. Every girl should be warned about the bad things first so that they are ready instead of telling them the ‘good part’ of the contest.

-- Miss Mauritius, Diya Beeltah

Black Glamour Nail Art

Black Glamour Nail Art Style is very good if you go out on a party or want to impress someone because this style is very modern and refined.

BEAUTY DIARIES - SKIN

Unusual ways to boost skin's collagen

Seek the help of healthy and natural ways to increase the collagen production in your skin. Arpita Agnihotritells you about some unusual ways to boost your skin's collagen levels that is responsible for your skin’s youthful radiance.   

Papaya
When it comes to collagen production, resort to the delicious fruit, papaya. This fleshy fruit contains flavanoids that helps to increase the collagen production in your skin, keeping it soft, firm and supple. To avail its benefits to the fullest, take few pieces of ripe papaya, add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and honey to it. Together, these ingredients have high level of vitamins A and C that reduces the formation of free radicals which are responsible for ageing. Keep it on for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. This fabulous home pack is a perfect end-of-day skin care regime to glowing skin.

Aloe Vera
Steer away from the painful botox injections to look younger! Instead, opt for the tried and trusted aloe vera, an inexpensive miracle plant that also acts as a natural alternative to botox. Did you know that ingesting the natural, clear interior gel of the aloe vera leaf can increase the body's natural collagen production? Though slightly bitter in taste, incorporate the fresh gel of the leaf to a fruit smoothie and enjoy a delicious healthy breakfast. It’s a perfect recipe for nourishing your skin this monsoon and your tresses as well.

BEAUTY DIARIES - SKIN

Sexy pout minus the needle

Who doesn’t want to get luscious and fuller lips? But the pangs of the needle abstains most of us.

Start exfoliatingYour lips too need that exfoliating pat like your face and body. Pune based beautician Poonam says, “Rub a lip exfoliator on your wet lips in slow, circular motion. It will remove the dead skin cells and leave your lips feeling supple and healthy looking.”  Alternately, prepare your own lip exfoliator at home by mixing sugar granules with petroleum jelly for effective results.

Line it finelyA lip liner can bring in that fine full lip effect sans the needle. “Pick a lip liner matching the colour of your lipstick and start tracing. Make sure you do not mark the corners as they will make your pout look smaller,” instructs Poonam. She further adds, “Finally use your finger to smudge the liner over the ridge of your lips.”

Highlight it chicly Get hold of a highlighter and bring to light the long yearned fuller lips. Poonam advises, “Put a thin stroke of a liquid highlighter onto your lips so that light can bounce and play up the curves making them appear fuller and succulent.”

Touch of glossTo complete the fuller looking lips a good lip gloss is most essential. Poonam suggests, “Use a neutral lip colour like sandy pink or rose beige or even tints of bronze. Complete the look by dabbing some shimmery gloss on the centre of your bottom lip. This will create an illusion of shiny, fuller and delectable lips.”

5 Designers From Lakme Fashion Week

With all the big name designers at Lakme Fashion Week, these five new designers may not have grabbed front page headlines, but their collections definitely impressed us. From quirky prints, to unisex accessories, to fusion wear, you absolutely have to know about these designers!

DANIEL SYIEM
At the LFW Talent Box, Daniel Syiem showcased his collection entitled Ka Tlang, which translates to Winter in Shillong. He stayed true to his roots by using fabrics from his native Meghalaya, such as tapmohkhlieh and ThohRew Stem. We hope to see Daniel graduate to a bigger platform next season.

KARISHMA SHAHANI
Fusion wear has been under some criticism lately, but Karishma Shahani‘s collection beautifully married Eastern & Western silhouettes. Layered separates, inspired by Bollywood and Art Deco, really made her collection stand out, and we love that she expanded into quirky footwear this season. Can’t wait to snag a pair!

SQUARE LOOP
Tired of all those Birkins, Lady Diors and Micheal Kors? Well, here’s a new accessory label to covet. Square Loop by Kanika Sachdeva presented a unisex line of bags, satchels, totes, and portfolios, all with interesting proportions. Kanika definitely has an amazing design sense in her blood… did you know her sister Ritika Sachdeva helms the Bodice label?

SNEHA ARORA
In only her second season, Sneha Arora has already proved her design chops. She showcased a military-inspired collection, with a strong androgynous appeal. Can’t wait to see what comes next from her!

ILK BY SHIKHA AND VINITA
Prints where everywhere at LFW, and we loved Ilk’s snazzy mushroom prints. Their collection was flirty yet sophisticated, with edgy cropped tops, tunics and jackets.

Five Languages of Love

 

Love can be pretty confusing if you're not speaking the same "Love Language".

Taking Dr Gary Chapman's Love Language Quiz was eye opening for me, I did not know that "taking care of needs" was my way of showing love and I didn't know why I wasn't feeling the love.

In my house this Love Language used to cause a lot of heart and head aches. My husband showed me love with hugs and I showed it by taking care of our home. We felt frustrated and our loving attempts were soon a source for resentment. Once we understood that we had different ideas of giving and receiving love, we were able to let go of past hurts and truly accept and see the other. I have added this insight as one of many tools in the Big toolbox to love better.

The quiz is FUN to do as well as insightful :)

Dr Gary Chapman anthropologist and author extraordinaire has published many books based on helping people love each other better. It is not limited to romantic love he also delves into family love and loving your children.

The Five Love Languages:

• Words of Affirmation: You love to hear, "thank you, you're great, I love you, I appreciate you"
• Acts of Service: It's all in the doing, you feel fantastic when someone helps you without asking them for help.
• Receiving Gifts: A gift just for you makes you feel special and cared for.
• Quality Time: Someone giving you their undivided attention and making memories together does it for you.
• Physical Touch: Holding hands, hugs and more, this is all about the special intimacy shared

TAKE THE QUIZ 
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
Lots of great books:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resources/books/

Top 25 Best Yoga Asanas For Losing Weight Quickly And Easily

Yoga is an ancient practice followed in our country by many for ages. It has benefited everyone who has regularly practiced it. In today’s fast paced age, people look up to yoga as a form of exercise for a healthy body & a stress-free life.
Practicing yoga on a daily basis has certainly helped many people in reducing and gaining weight. People often blame their genes for being overweight or underweight. But that is not the case every time. It’s not always genes which are responsible for weight gain. Our lifestyle and eating habits also play a negative role in weight gain. There is a lot more you can do to reduce weight naturally. Power yoga is a healthy & effective weight loss option. Yoga for weight loss for women is a very sort after choice these days!
Yoga can be an effective option for weight loss as it does not have any side effects. It is a slow process & has long lasting effects. If you want to lose weight in the natural way, always remember 3 D’s: Discipline, Determination & Dedication. And yoga of course!
There are various yoga asanas for weight loss. These include back-bend exercises, standing asanas, sitting asanas and much more. 
Top 24 Yoga For Weight Loss Asanas:

1. Setu Bandh (Bridge pose):

For doing this, you have to lie down on your back and bend your knees in such a way that your feet rests on the floor. Now the distance between your feet & buttocks should be the same as your hands. Now, try to lift your body in the upward direction. Try doing this 5-10 times & then release. This asana gives a good massage to your thighs & lower back.

3. Dhanurasana:

This is also known as Bow pose. All you have to do here is to lie down on the floor with your belly touching the ground. Keep your hands besides your chest. Now take a deep breath and lift your legs & thighs up. At the same time, you have to try to catch your legs with your hands. Remain in this position for 30 seconds & release.

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana:

                       Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your knees, put your feet on the floor and then slide your left foot under your right leg. Lay the outside of the left leg on the floor. Step the right foot over the left leg and stand it on the floor outside your left hip. Pressing right hand against the floor just behind your right buttock, and set your left upper arm on the outside of your right thigh near the knee. The right knee will point directly up at the ceiling. Here, you have to exhale & turn towards the inner side of your right thigh. Remain in this position for about 30 seconds & then release. Try doing this the other way too.

5. Vasisthasana:

Stand in the Ardha Mukha Shvanasana position. Now try to lift up your right leg in the air. Try to touch your right leg with your right hand. The left hand & the left leg should touch the ground. Your face should be in the upward direction facing the sky. Repeat 10 times every day.

 

 

 

Tan treatment

Constant pandal hopping can make your skin look dull and tanned this festive season. But that doesn't mean you sacrifice on the fun quotient! Arpita Agnihotri is here at your rescue with ‘Expert’ products that will keep the tan at bay.

Take it easy girls
Skipping the sunscreen absent-mindedly before stepping out of home is a common mistake most girls will agree to. But that’s surely not the end of the world. We have expert products at your disposal that can take care of your after sun skin concerns. Simply get hold of the Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Gel and the Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun De-tan Mask. Packed with active moisturising ingredients like cucumber and lemon grass extracts, these two products lighten sun tan, even out skin tone and hydrate the skin, leaving you with a flawless and radiant complexion. While the former is a gel, the latter acts as an easy-to-rinse off mask. So take your pick!

Be the fairest of them all
Lay your hands on two sensational sunscreens – the Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness Sunscreen Lotion and the Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness Sunscreen Pump that provides complete protection from the sun’s rays. The lotion is infused with vitamin B3 and has SPF 24 that heals sun damage, dark spots and pigmentation. The pump contains a high SPF count of 50 and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Both these light weight sunscreens are infused with cucumber and lemon grass extracts that make you look fairer and keep you completely sun safe!

BEAUTY DIARIES - SKIN

A natural skin moisturisation

Moisturisation is extremely important for our skin to maintain its natural glow. Arpita Agnihotri suggests tips to keep your skin naturally moisturised.

Wash it delicately
Your skin needs to spread its natural glow, so wash it with utmost care. Pune based beautician Poonam says, “Pick a body wash rich in essential oils such as coconut, olive or jojoba oil as this will keep your skin moisture rich. Do not use soap or an alcohol rich body wash as it will dehydrate the skin.”Instead opt for Dove Fresh Moisture Beauty Body Wash that is rich in tea tree oil and cucumber extracts. It will add that tender glow your skin craves for.

Moisturise tenderly
During monsoons your skin needs that extra bit of moisture to keep it supple. “Go for a good moisturiser rich in humectants to lock in the moisture of your skin.” For best results use Vaseline Total Moisture with Pure Soy, that is enriched with soy extracts and glycerine.

Avoid hot water
With the change in temperature, a hot water bath sounds pleasant. But Poonam warns, “Hot water strips off the moisture from your skin. Go for warm water bath instead. Make sure to dab some moisturiser immediately after bath.” Opt for the Vaseline Healthy White Body cream. Not only will it lock the moisture but also make you look radiant.

Bollywood Belles and Their Arm Candy

Of late we’ve been noticing that an increasing amount of B-town ladies have been giving those yawn-inducing Birkins or logo-ed Louis Vuitton a break. Let me just interject here and say Hallejuah! Don’t get me wrong, both are great bags/labels but we’ve been seeing them oh so very often. I’ve listed some of the best arm candy that we are just dying to get our paws on.

RANI MUKHERJEE’S ISSEY MIYAKE BILBAO BAG
Rani Mukherjee rarely makes public appearances and when she stepped out at the Ship of Theseus premiere her shiny Issey Miyake Bilbao Prism Platinum Tote bag caught the fancy of everyone including our very own Zina Tasreen.

ANUSHKA SHARMA’S MARC JACOB TOTE
Any woman would tell you that carrying an oversized bag while travelling comes as naturally to us as ABC. It’s no wonder then that Anushka Sharma favours this nude Marc Jacobs Khaki Classic Q Fran tote. With leather handles and a sling, it can be carried both ways which makes it the perfect accompaniment for travel.

JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ’S CHLOÉ PARATY BAG
The Chloé Paraty bag has been enjoying the status of an IT bag for quite a while. Jacqueline Fernandez carried hers as a sling and the gold detailing punches up her all-black ensemble. Anushka Sharma too has a white version of the Paraty.

SONAM KAPOOR’S GUCCI BAMBOO BAG
Bamboo has been intrinsic to the heritage of Gucci. It was first used in the 1940s owing to scarce raw materials during the war. The Gucci Bamboo shopper is the latest variant introduced this year. It’s much larger in size compared to when it was originally launched in the 1940s. Aside from Sonam Kapoor, Beyonce and Penelope Cruz are also fans of this oversized holdall.

FREIDA PINTO’S BURBERRY ORCHARD BAG
Aside from Freida Pinto, IT girls Blake Lively and Rosie Huntington Whitelytoo have been spotted carrying this bag. First debuting on the runway of Burberry‘s autumn/winter 2012 collection the bag comes in two variants, alligator skin and jacquard.

AISHWARYA RAI’S TOD’S TOTE
Italian luxury label Tod’s are known for their iconic D-bag (named so after Princess Diana) and their loafers. Aishwarya Rai picked a Tod’s signature oversized tote that had stud details when returning to Mumbai. The nude tote looked classy yet had a definite edge to it, that reminded us that Ash certainly hasn’t been slacking on the fash-factor.