Let’s Take Years & Years & Years Off Your Face

Skin mirrors human aging, and skin is the first organ to show signs of aging. Wrinkles may be considered as the road map of life, but no one wants to read Google maps when they look in the mirror — Right?   Research has shown that, you may be writing a few of those lines yourself. Certain habits and behaviors increase the risk of premature skin aging. Avoiding them can help keep your skin looking younger, and smoother longer.  Don’t Puff Your Skin Away

Rather than nag you to quit, I am just going to present the scientifically proven facts: Smoking destroys collagen and elastin and it decreases estrogen levels, which are necessary to keep skin firm. I am going to say it as it is — You can’t preserve youthful skin with nicotine stained hands.   Kick Your Sugar Habit

It’s not much fun to hear I know, but research has proven that overindulging in sugar (corn syrup, dextrose, and fruit-juice concentrate) can prematurely age skin, weakening collagen and elastin as early as your mid-30s. For radiant firm skin you have to sacrifice that sweet aching tooth of yours.   Feed Your Skin

New research has shown that low levels of skin-essential nutrients like vitamin C and zinc may slow your skin’s ability to repair itself. To keep skin happy, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon), dark green vegetables (like broccoli), almonds, and walnuts. And drink lots of green tea—it’s rich in antioxidants. You can literally eat your way to gorgeous skin.   Pills Can Put Back What Life Takes Out

 

When you can’t get all of that good stuff into your diet, take these power supplements: • Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant protects skin from free radicals and helps cells repair themselves. It may also play a role in treating skin cancer. Just be sure to take it in the morning—it can be as stimulating as coffee. • Evening primrose oil: This omega-6 fatty acid helps skin make ceramides to hold on to water more effectively. It even treats eczema. • Vitamin C: Without this antioxidant, your body cannot make more collagen. And even though it’s available in creams and serums, it’s much better absorbed when taken orally. • Poypodium leucotomos: This fern extract helps protect skin from UV damage and can reduce redness after you’ve been out in the sun. Take Heliocare Tab on days when you’ll be spending a lot of time outside. • Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen skin’s barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out. They also help reduce inflammation and treat conditions like eczema.   Moisturizer Makes Your Real Age Vanish

Here’s one thing I bet you didn’t know about moisturizers: They protect skin against free-radical damage. Dehydration leads to oxidative stress, which generates free radicals. Without moisture, your skin isn’t able to repair itself and suffers even more damage. You just have to use the right product. Cholesterol, ceramides, essential fatty acids, and niacinamide are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer.   Slip Slop Slap Seek

The sun really is your skin’s worst enemy: It breaks down both collagen and elastin. So slather up with a broad-spectrum formula that contains Helioplex or Mexoryl—which offer the longest-acting protection — and has an SPF that’s at least 30. Remember there is no such thing as a healthy tan.

  Make Friends With Super Heroes

Antioxidants are the superheroes of skin care, protecting skin from evil forces in the environment—known as free radicals—that break down elastin and collagen. Every morning, protect your skin with a product containing a cocktail of antioxidants, since they often work best in synergy. I recommend vitamins A and C and coenzyme Q10.  Kick Start Collagen

Without collagen, your skin is destined to have the same texture as an old leather bag. Fortunately, there’s a way to make more of this key building block, too: retinoids. They’re the rare family of ingredients that dermatologists agree—across the board—actually work. Another favorite of mine is Perfect Reflection from AminoGenesis, which is packed with amino acids, vitamins A, C, D and Co-Q10.

 

Now hop on to my healthy lifestyle bandwagon and let’s take years and years and years off your face.

9 Best Foods for your Skin

They say you are what you eat.  What you put into your body will have an impact not only on your internal health but will also show on your skin.  The secret to glowing skin is having the right foods in your daily diet.  Your skin is just the outside of your body so foods that are good for your body are also good for your skin.  Skip the newest fads in cosmetic surgery and go natural with these 9 power foods, which will show a noticeable difference in your overall health, mood and skin.

1. Berries

They’re a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, Beta Cartone and iron. Acai berries are nutrient-dense and packed with health benefits. Goji berries have anti-aging properties and fight free radicals.  Berries in general are great for your overall health and for your skin.  Blueberries in particular have the most antioxidants per severing compared to other berries and fruits.  Eating them will have a significant impact on your skin.  Berries improve the circulation of blood and slow down aging and drying of your skin. Free radicals caused by pollution and UV radiation attack skin cells and cause DNA damage.  These little power fruits have powerful ammunition in the fight against the premature aging process.

2. Salmon

We’ve all heard about how important our omega fatty acids or essential fatty acids are to our overall health and for our skin.  Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in Salmon is essential for keeping up a youthful appearance, because it is high in protein which alone maintains firm skin tone and repairs damage.  Humans are not able to produce omega-3’s naturally, so we need to eat them in order to reap their benefits.  When you eat plenty of Salmon and stick to an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, you will begin to see dramatic changes in your skins appearance and texture.  Your skin will become smoother, plumper and more moisture-rich.  Blemishes will fade and you’ll regain the glow you are looking for.  Not only that your eyes will become brighter and you’re hair shinier and stronger and even your mood will be cheerier.

3. Almonds

Your mother always told you to eat your almonds. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fat (which is a good fat) that is known to reduce cholesterol and keeps cell membranes strong and intact. They are also full of vitamin E. Almonds are a great healthy snack; keep them in your purse for those moments you feel like munching on something. These crunchy nuts are essential for keeping skin youthful!

4. Low Fat Yogurt

We all want clear glowing skin and that comes from enhancing your immune system. Choose low-fat yogurts as part of your daily diet (with no added sugars) as they are packed with Vitamin A, protein and other healthy vitamins which all help to boost your immune system resulting in clear glowing skin along with many other health benefits.

5. Spinach

Leafy green veggies have minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins like vitamins A, K, B1 and B2 that are essential for us. They also protect cell degeneration, reduce premature aging and smooth bowel movements: all of which are important for hydrated and healthy skin!

6. Papaya

Many women complain that their skin looks dull. Load yourself up on papaya as its not only a great snack its full of pigments called carotenoids that are stored in the layer of fat directly beneath the skin which can improve color.

7. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are known to be one of the healthiest foods for mankind. They have so many health benefits it’s unbelievable. In relation to our skin – flax seeds and flax seed oil are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which diminish spots and smooth out fine lines in our skin. You can take them as seeds, ground up, oil or vitamin supplements. These tiny seeds are helpful in strengthening the skin and improving its complexion and texture. Take these tiny wonder seeds regularly and you’ll notice a substantial difference in your skins overall appearance.

8. Avocado

With tons of skincare remedies made from avocados, it’s a no-brainer that this fruit has amazing moisturizing qualities. It has around 74% water content, is an excellent source of hydrocarbons and natural oils, and is also rich in vitamins.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a phytochemical that provides red pigment and many health benefits. Lycopene helps to significantly protect your skin against sun damage (which is the #1 cause of fine lines and wrinkles). With a tomato as a daily part of your diet coupled with sunscreen they will help to block out the sun resulting in less sun damage
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valentine Day love

6 Long-Sleeve Lace Dresses

If you don't have a lace dress in your closet, now is the time to get one. This is one trend that will be around for a while! The only question is, which one do you love the most?

Beauty Essentials Every Bride Needs in Her Handbag

1.    LIPSTICK 

Lipstick is an obvious must keep.  You’ll be eating, drinking, laughing and kissing – your lips will need a touch up.

2.    BLOT POWDER/PAPER 

No matter how well your makeup has been applied, under lighting and all the activity of your day your face can get a bit shiny.  Control that oil build-up quickly by dabbing on some colorless blot powder or absorbing the access oil with some blotting paper.  A MUST HAVE.

3.    EYELASH GLUE

You never know when your false eyelashes will need a touch up.  Keep a small eyelash glue in your purse just in case.

4.    Safety Pins

Wearing a bridal lehnga is no joke; it’s an art to carry. Your bridal stylist will pin you up and set your dupatta but you never know when you could have a malfunction.  Keep a few different sizes of safety pins in your purse.

 5.    BOBBY PINS

While wearing even the most solid bridal updos, it’s easy to get stray hair or your teeka could fall forward.  Keeping a few bobby pins for quick tucks and pin ups will save you from being uncomfortable the entire night.

6.    SMALL MIRROR

 

Keeping a small mirror is a good idea to keep check on how your looking and for any touch ups you may need.

7.    MINTS

Self explanatory – keep a few mints.  They will defiantly come in handy.

8.    COTTON SWABS

 

Cotton swabs are great to use to touch up or clean up any makeup mishaps, like runny kohl, smudged lipstick or any spots on the face.

 9.    SAMPLE SIZE FRAGRANCE

 

Before you get into the banquet hall dab on a fresh application of your favorite perfume.

10.    PAIN KILLERS

Weddings can get stressful, keep a few painkillers just in case.  Last thing you want is a head ache that won’t go away!

10.   STRAWS

Keeping a few straws is a great way to help keep your lipstick on the whole night.

How to Choose the Right Bridal Jora

Shopping for the perfect wedding dress can be exciting and fun- but can also end up being an overwhelming task considering the options we have available.

THE KEY TO STARTING YOUR WEDDING PREPARATIONS IS: RESEARCH. 

Before hitting the stores- research on what is going on in the market and what your favourite designers are suggesting for the current season. Survey market trends. Keep a file of images of design ideas which interest you.

The complete bridal look not only about the perfect dress- but also the right jewelry, make-up and hairstyle which would compliment your whole look.

Research various jewelry designs, make-up looks, and hairstyles which interest you as well. Remember- the perfect bridal look is a combination of all of these elements.

Research. Research. Research.

BE READY.

Make sure that when you book an appointment with your designer, that you are not shooting in the dark- and you have a clear idea of what you are looking for. Keep various colors, styles and design details in mind which interest you as well- all of this will help your designer in putting together the right look for you which will compliment your figure as well as your personality.

South Asian Bridal Wear Inheriting Couture Style

As a wedding planner – I always have to pay attention to bridal trends and keeping up with the newest styles in Bridal Fashion.

SOMETHING THAT HAS RECENTLY REALLY IMPRESSED ME IS THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE “SARI” OR “LENGHA” INTO A ONE PIECE GOWN.

Now this isn’t just any traditional white gown like we’ve seen our European neighbours wear. These gowns are “blinged” out with crystals and jewels stitched on to the finest fabrics. I would say I saw this trend coming about five years ago, when I got married. I wore a mermaid style lengha, two piece, but tried to make it appear as one. Proud to say I saw this fashion start up from Pakistan, as designers took our tops and stretched them to hang off of our ankles – bringing back the “anarkali.” Eventually, they dragged on the floor, developed trails and had the most intricate thread and needle work.

IN THE AGE WHERE WEARING COUTURE COMES WITH A HEFTY PRICE TAG, WHY NOT TRULY GET THE PERFECT BANG FOR OUR BUCK AND SPORT OUR WEDDING DRESS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION?

Brides started to adapt the style as we saw Bollywood really take it up a notch with their blatantly over the top dance numbers. We observed stars like Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif bless the red carpets with long “flowy” dresses that were embellished with some of the most luxurious embroidery and bead work. 

For anyone with a modern theme to their reception, this kind of look works almost perfectly as there is nothing more contemporary than an elegant gown to pull everything together. If you actually consider this option for your own wedding, the one piece is also practical. Not only is it easier to carry than the traditional sari or lengha, but often at times it can also be more cost effective.

I would like to see more “DULHANS” adapt the gown as their choice of wear for their receptions. For heaven’s sake – it’s unquestionably easier to dance and maneuver in. And it can easily be converted into evening wear appropriate for any dressy function.

Future brides – take note! You have more selections than just a mermaid style “lengha” or “resham sari.” Do your research and choose something that works for you! Consider stepping outside the box and exercising this trend as you are supposed to look and feel like a princess. And we all know a princess truly can’t be a real princess without her ball gown!