Thursday 10 July 2014

16 Essential Homemade Beauty Tips For Fair Skin


We all secretly desire for longlustrous hair and flawless complexion. In this post, we have covered an exhaustive list of beauty tips for getting fair skin at home. But this isn’t all about just face packs. We have also tried to cover specific foods and other skin care basics that are often ignored or overlooked.
We often try fairness creams, face scrubs and other beauty serums available in the market. No harm in trying beauty products to look your best at all occasions. However, if you have homemade face packs and scrubs to look beautiful naturally, will you still opt for synthetic products? Moreover, all the ingredients for home made face packs are readily available in your kitchen. So you really don’t need to invest in expensive lotions to get glowing skin. Following some simple habits and eating right is the easiest way to look gorgeous always.
Lack of time makes it impossible to take care of your skin at home, so you have to wait till Sunday to do a quick five minute face cleanup. That is not enough if you desire a healthy fair skin. You actually don’t need to work really hard on it; using simple homemade packs will repair the damages from within and give you the desired complexion.
You need to realize that protecting your skin from further damage is important. Otherwise, all your attempts will be of no use as your skin will keep sustaining damage and you will keep wondering why none of the treatments are showing any results!
So here some tips to make face packs at home. You will also find a diet to get fair skin naturally and other basic habits that are often ignored. So why wait!

Simple Daily Skin Care Necessities:

Your skin needs time and care for rejuvenation and regeneration. Without basic care, improving your skin condition and tone would be a difficult task. This is why you need to follow these skincare basics to ensure a youthful, glowing skin.

a. Drink lots of water:

Make it a habit to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water every single day.This is not just common advice, water is essential for proper functioning of the body. There is fluid loss from the body due to evaporation and sweating and also through urine. This fluid loss needs to be compensated by drinking plenty of water and juices but not soft drinks.

When water intake is not equal to water output then dehydration takes place.Generally fluid loss takes place in warmer climates and among people who do grueling exercise routines at high altitudes and in older people who don’t tend to feel thirsty.
The body is composed of 60% water which is required for various body functions like digestion, respiration, absorption, circulation, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of normal body temperature. When you are low on water the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. Water is a non-calorie beverage and it is the safest way to lose weight.
Water energizes you and relieves you from fatigue. When you are dehydrated and tired your face looks really dull. The skin mirrors your health, so you should treat water like a nutrient and drink it. Water keeps your skin hydrated but it doesn’t remove wrinkles. Since water improves digestion it makes your face fresh and free of acne.

b. Sleep well:

If you don’t sleep it shows on your face. You look irritated and tired. The solution is don’t skip your beauty sleep and do not stay awake till late hours in the night. Lack of sleep causes the blood vessels to dilate and this result in dark circles.
The skin undergoes repairing, restoration and rebalancing while you are sleeping. The dead skin cells give way to newer cells and the face gets an instant lift. All the hormonal andmetabolic changes occur in the body while you are sleeping. So lack of sleep disrupts the body processes. Seven to eight hours of sleep is absolutely needed if you want healthy skin. However, don’t oversleep it can cause cell breakdown, maintain a balance.
Fix your sleeping and waking time. Sleep on a soft pillow and also make sure the pillow cover is also soft.

c. Exercise:

You must exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. If you have skin problems like acne,psoriasis and rosacea, take ample precautions before exercising, but don’t let skin problems hinder your active life. Dermatologists say that exercise helps to increase blood circulationthat itself boosts skin health.
When you do any physical activity the blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all the cells, including your skin cells and makes it healthy. Exercise also helps to remove cellular debris and free radicals from the body and cleanse it from within. Sometimes, stress causes the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum and this triggers skin problems like eczema andacne. Exercise helps to de-stress and this keeps skin problems at bay. Most important,exercise tones your body and makes you look beautiful.

d. Exfoliate:

Follow a good skin care routine. Do not skip exfoliation as without this, you cannot get rid of dead and dry skin that accumulates and makes your complexion appear dull. You needn’t always buy a scrub. Homemade scrubs are just as effective! Use oatmeal as an exfoliator instead of a packaged product. There are many natural options available.

e. Remove make up before sleep:

It is important to let your skin breathe.Remove your makeup before you sleep every night. Yes, follow this step every night without fail no matter how tired you are! With makeup, your skin cannot repair by itself.
Using oil to remove makeup is perhaps the best way than using harsh chemicals. Those withoily skin feel that excess oil can cause more harm, well it is not so, oil helps to dissolve dirt and sebum without stripping the face of the natural oils. Those with oily skin can also use astringent like neem based cleanser.
Make sure the cleanser is water based. But virgin olive oil is the best, it remove all eye and face make up in one step. You can also use castor oil, its anti-bacterial and great your skin. You can also blend castor oil with almond oilavocado oil and jojoba oil to remove wrinkles and give your skin the natural glow.
  • Blend half cup of virgin olive oil and castor oil.
  • Apply it on your face and gently massage. Use the oil to remove all the eye makeup gently.
  • Now dip the washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture.
  • Place it on your face and keep it for a minute and then wipe out the excess oil.
  • This simple oil cleansing routine will remove all impurities.

f. Have vitamin rich food:

Incorporate Vitamin A and Vitamin C rich foods in your diet. This will bring a natural glow to your skin. Vitamin C tablets are also available. You can have one tablet every day post lunch for a clear skin tone.

Homemade Beauty Tips for Fair Skin

So, now the question is how to become fair? Now that you know all the factors that are responsible for healthy skin, it’s time to pamper yourself. Apply these easy to make face packs and relax as they work their magic. These are some of the oldest and most popular homemade beauty tips for the face that our grandmas have passed on to us!

1. Tea water and honey face pack:

If you simply love the aroma of tea, you can also use it for your skin. You can use tea water for bath and soak in its fragrance. Also you can put tea water in a spray bottle and gently spray it on your face to feel rejuvenated. You can use normal black teagreen tea or herbal teas like chamomilemint and lavender. Just like you drink tea to relieve stress, similarly de-stress your skin with a tea water wash. The antioxidants in tea water will flush out the free radicals and toxins from your skin. Adding honey will help to protect your face from bacteria and keep it hydrated. Things you will need:
  • 1 cup of tea water (cooled down)
  • 2 spoons of rice flour
  • ½ a spoon of honey
The rice flour acts as an excellent scrub and honey moisturizes the skin. Method:
  • Mix the above ingredients and apply on the skin. Leave it on till the mask dries completely for around 20 minutes or more.
  • Before washing off the mask with water, make sure you massage in circular motions; this is important as it removes the dead skin and evens out the skin tone.
  • Wash your face with cold water .This gives you a fairer and even skin tone. 

2. Oats and lemon face pack:

Oats is a natural exfoliator. Oats are hypoallergenic and are suitable for those who have eczema. If you only had oats for your breakfast to become slim, you can also use it on your skin to clear it from excess oil, grime and impurities. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and has skin lightening properties. You will find many commercial fairness creams have lemon extracts in it. Isn’t it better to use lemon juice directly than using extracts? Also give your skin a break from harsh chemicals. Things you will need:
  • 1 tbsp. of oats; cooked and mashed (helps reduce inflammation and heals the skin).
  • 1 tbsp. of lemon juice (lemon helps lighten the skin tone).
  • If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the lemon juice with water.
Method:
  • Mix the above ingredients and apply on the face by massaging into the skin.
  • Let it dry for 20 minutes.
  • Wash and pat dry.
Look into more of these oatmeal face packs for a fairer face and glowing skin.

3. Turmeric and lemon face pack:

Turmeric is perhaps the best solution for fair skin. No doubt, the bride looks even more gorgeous after the halide (turmeric) ceremony. Halide ceremony has become the part of Indian wedding, it is said applying halide or turmeric paste on the skin makes the body pure before the sacred marriage ritual takes place.
Turmeric also gives the skin a visible golden glow. Turmeric is a very good exfoliating agentand also prevents the skin from ageing. Turmeric is used with bean or gram flour inhibitsfacial hair growth giving you a fairer skin. Turmeric also removes acne, stretch marks, wrinkles and blemishes. Adding lemon juice to turmeric will make it a potent skin fairness agent. Things you will need:
Turmeric and lemon face pack

  • Gram flour
  • Turmeric
  • Lemon juice
  • Milk
Method:
  • Mix all the above ingredients and apply evenly on the face.
  • Scrub the paste gently on your face for 5 minutes and let it dry for 20 minutes.
  • Once it’s dry, clean your face.

4. Turmeric and tomato face pack:

We already know about the benefits of turmeric. Did you know that lycopene present intomatoes helps to reduce skin irritation, redness, DNA damage from ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, don’t forget applying sunscreens altogether. Lycopene is an antioxidant that protects the face from damage caused by sunrays. It is also a great ant-ageing agent. So stay young with a tomato diet! Things you will need:
  • Turmeric
  • Tomato juice
Method:
  • Mix turmeric with tomato juice.
  • Apply on your face and allow it to dry.
  • Wash your face with tepid water.
This is quite a popular pack among women for its simplicity and the glowing results!
  • Alternatively, try this even simpler remedy. You can take out the tomato pulp and massage your skin with it. Leave this on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. This will help to bring about a change in your complexion if done every day.

5. Turmeric face pack:

This is an all-time favourite! The results of this turmeric face pack have always been so stunning that this has now become a must-do ritual for a bride before the wedding day!Things you will need:
Turmeric face pack

  • Gram flour (good exfoliator)
  • Pinch of turmeric (lightens skin tone)
  • Milk (moisturizer) 
Method:
  • Mix all the above ingredients and apply the mask.
  • Scrub the paste gently on your face for 5 minutes and let it dry for 20 minutes.
  • Once it’s dry, clean your face.

6. Yogurt and dried orange peel:

Orange is rich in vitamin C and it is a great skin tonic. It helps to cure and prevent acne and keeps other skin problems at bay. Nothing can be better than yogurt for your skin. It is not only great for your health it makes your skin glow. Plain yogurt fight ace, skin dicolouration,signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. The best thing about yogurt is that it is the mosteffective mosturiser for all skins. Things you will need:
  • Dried orange peel
  • Fresh and unflavored yogurt
  • Do not throw away the orange peels after eating the fruit! Dry the orange peels first under the sun before grinding.
Method:
  • Grind the dried orange peels.
  • Mix 1 tbsp. of it with 1 tbsp. fresh and unflavored yogurt. Make a paste.
  • Apply and keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
  • Then rinse off.

7. Yogurt and lemon:

Yogurt and lemon

Both yogurt and lemon moisturizes the skin and removes blemishes that makes the face look dull. This combination will add luster to your face. Things you will need:
  • Fresh and unflavored yogurt
  • Fresh lemon juice
Method:
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of fresh and unflavored yogurt and mix well.
  • Apply and keep on cleansed skin for 15-20 minutes
  • Then rinse off.
This will not only make your skin fairer but it will also reduce acne marks and dark spots (if any) on your skin.

8. Milk, lemon juice and honey:

Milk, lemon juice and honey

The combination of raw milkhoney and lemon will not only make you fair naturally, it will also lock moisture in your skin. It will act as a physical barrier and protect your skin from damage from environmental factors like pollution. Things you will need:
  • Milk
  • Lemon Juice
  • Honey
Method: 
  • Use 1 tsp. each of milk/milk powder, honey and lemon juice, and mix to form a paste.
  • It should be applied on cleansed skin and left for 15-20 minutes.
  • After that you can rinse it off.

9.  Milk and saffron:

Saffron is touted as the best skin fairness agent. It is expensive than other food items, but is worth investing in saffron to get the golden glow. Things you will need:
  • Cold, uncoiled milk (raw) – 2 to 3 teaspoons
  • A few strands of saffron (also known as Kesar)
Method:
  • Put 5-6 strands of saffron in the milk.
  • Let it stay for 3-4 hours.
  • Cleanse your face and neck, and apply this mix.
  • Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  • Wash off with lukewarm water.
This is one of the most effective means for achieving fairness. It also makes your skin soft and smooth. Raw milk is not heavy; hence, this will suit all skin types.

10. Papaya and fuller’s earth:

Papaya and fuller’s earth or multani mitti not only makes the skin fair, it also makes it healthy. Both these are popularly used in all beauty products, but it best to make a homemade mask to protect your skin from chemicals. Just cut out chemicals from your skin care routine.Those will oily skin can use this face pack without any worry! Things you will need:
  • 1 tbsp. papaya pulp
  • 1 teaspoon fuller’s earth (multani mitti)
Method:
  • Mix the two together.
  • Apply on cleansed skin.
  • Let it dry and rinse off.
This makes for a refreshing summer mask.

11. Potato:

Potato pack
Image: Shutterstock
Don’t throw away potato skin after peeling; you can use it as a scrub. You can also grate or make potato juice and use it for your skin. It is crime to throw away or ignore this precious vegetable that can give you and even toned complexion. It removes all dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin fresh and vibrant. Things you will need:
  • Potato slices, in pulp or juice form.
Method:
  • Use potato slices or the paste of potato as a mask or you can even apply the juice on tanned portions of the skin.
  • This can be applied twice daily on your skin.
  • After 15-20 minutes, wash off with plain water.

12. Lemon or orange rind:

This citrus combination will do wonders to your skin because of its high vitamin C content. It will brighten and protect your skin. You can use it solve acne and other skin problems as well.Things you will need:
  • Lemon or orange rind
  • Raw milk
Method:
  • Take lemon zest or lemon rind (grated outer skin), or even orange zest; dry them under the sun (do not microwave) and then grind them to powder.
  • Store in a dry air tight container
  • Mix it with raw milk and use as a pack on the affected areas.
  • Wash off with warm water only.
  • Immediately use a cooling toner.
Here are some more Ayurveda face packs for fair skin.

13. Healthy diet:

With daily care and treatments nailed, what you need to monitor next is your eating habits. For without the right nutrients, your skin cannot undo the damage that it sustains on a daily basis. Here we tell you what you should eat. In other words, a healthy diet for your skin is necessary!
  • The right quantities of all the ingredients need to be consumed for the skin to be healthy and for the fairness to reflect.
  • Eat fruits with Vitamin C for the antioxidants they contain.
  • Balance your diet to get the right amount of proteins and unsaturated fats along with fresh, green vegetables to provide the right portions of nutrients for your skin to naturally care for itself.
We have some excellent resources to help you with your diet:

14. Sun protection and care:

With all these attended to; there is still one thing you need to keep firmly in mind! Do not step out into the sun without protection! Are you wondering why? How can forgetting to apply sunscreen lotion cause so much damage? Don’t ever question the effects of the harsh sun rays and the UV radiation that your skin is exposed to when you step out of your home! That is why you need to use a sunscreen!
  • Always apply a sunscreen before stepping out into the sun.
  • An SPF of at least 30 or more depending on your skin type is necessary.
  • UV rays darken and damage your skin! So, make sure you reapply your sunscreen every four or five hours.
These are of course not fail-proof! But if you have already spent too much time in the sun, you first need to lose the tan and burns. Try these remedial measures to address the issues.

15. Homemade tan removal:

Tans are inevitable! No matter how much sunscreen we lather on, the brutal sun always finds a way to harm us! There are several ways to remove tan right at your home. Here is an excellent article to remove tan at home. But here we shall enlighten you on one of the most famous tan removal packs ever! Ubtan: This traditional, age-old treatment includes the use of a mixture of besan (gram flour), turmeric and yogurt. Turmeric removes the blemishes and dark spots. Yogurt clears the excessive tan. And, besan cleanses your skin effectively. It suits all skin types and can be done every day as it is very gentle. The effects are visible quite immediately but tan removal needs a couple of days or weeks, depending on the intensity of the tan.

16. Homemade sun burn cure:

Well, sun burns are but natural once you hit a beach for your vacation. But that doesn’t mean you need to go back to work looking toasted. Here is one solution you will definitely love!Vinegar: Vinegar has antioxidants which fight free radicals and also keep bacterial and fungal infections away. More than these reasons, however, the pH level of your skin is restored effectively with the use of vinegar.
  • Take a clean spray bottle and fill it with some vinegar.
  • Spray it directly on the affected areas and allow it to dry.
  • Normally vinegar dries within 2 to 3 minutes, and you can instantly feel the cooling, relaxing sensation on your skin.
  • You can follow the same procedure once in every 5 hours to prevent the burning sensation and to cure your sun burn faster.
So here are the easy to make homemade face packs you can use anytime. Wash your face thoroughly before applying the face packs. Wear a hairband and plain clothes that you won’t feel sorry about if they get spoilt. Use a brush to apply the face pack evenly. While washing off the face mask use circular movements with your fingertips to get rid of excess dirt. You can use washcloth to wipe off your face. Don’t rub your face, pat it dry. So why wait, try all these homemade masks. Always keep it stylish! Click here to know how to get rid of sun burns. Try these homemade beauty tips for fairness and get naturally glowing skin.

Beauty Experts Roundup on Best Natural Beauty Tips:

Experts Roundup on Best Natural BeautySay goodbye to dehydrated skin, have those smooth glossy lips and beautify your eyes! All you require is to know the right remedies, tips and skin nourishing treatments. Here are the best natural beauty tips we received from the World’s renowned beauty experts on an expert roundup.

1. Alexa:Alexa

1. The one problem, I see among my clients is dry flaky lips! My tips to them is try mixing sugar and olive oil together and lightly scrub your lips so lipstick application is more smooth.
2. Woke up with tired puffy eyes? Try putting your eye cream the fridge. Apply it from the outer corners of your eyes toward the inner corners when you wake up, doing this helps reduce inflammation and drain excess fluid in the area.
3. Clean your makeup brushes! I tell this to all my clients, Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid a build-up of makeup residue and bacteria. A simple and easy trick, I like to use is olive oil and dish soap! The olive oil helps soften the brushes while the dish soap disinfects any residue! Clean brushes guarantee a super smooth and even makeup application every time.

2. Michelle Phillips:

Michelle PhillipsOur lives are full with juggling the responsibilities of our households and careers, while taking care of friends and family. At the end of the day, we look in the mirror and think “I look terrible!”Reducing stress and getting a good night’s sleep is my #1 Beauty tip above and beyond makeup. My second suggestion is to take good care of your skin. If you follow tips 1 & 2 you definitely won’t need much makeup.
To help you get a good night’s sleep I’ve created a recipe below to create an at home spa experience- which includes some home-made beauty products to hydrate and soften your skin. Recipe to create your Zen At Home Spa Experience: Ingredients:
  • Soft towels
  • Bath tub
  • Candles
  • Soft music
  • Book (optional)
  • Green Juice (see recipe below)
  • Sugar Body Scrub (see recipe below)
  • Body Wash
  • Moisturizing Face Mask (see recipe below)
Recipe for Green Juice: 1/2 cup Spinach, 1/2 cucumber peeled and seeded, 1 carrot peeled with stem cut off, 1 apple cored with one cup of water or more for desired consistency.
Spinach: Has Vitamin K, A, E, C, and B which is highly nutritious and contains lots of free-radical fighting antioxidants.
Carrots: Bugs Bunny simply love carrots! It contains high level of antioxidants, which prevent damage from free radicals. Carrots are good source of vitamin A, which helps in the development and maintenance of skin cells.
Apples: An apple a day keeps doctor away! You must have grown up with this axiom. Do you want to know the reason? Apples contain antioxidants, which help to minimize cell and tissue damage, prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
Cucumber: Use these in your skin-boosting juice of cucumber for its anti-inflammatory properties and which also help to keep the skin hydrated.
Homemade Sugar Body Scrub: Mix 1 cup olive oil with 2 cups of raw sugar and add essential oil if desired.
Moisturizing Body Bar or Wash
Homemade Moisturizing Face Mask: 1 cup of cooked oatmeal, 1 tablespoon honey, egg whites from one egg (for binding the ingredients together).Blend the ingredients and apply it to the face, keep it for 5-10minutes. Then gently rinse. Oatmeal and honey helps to soothe and moisturize the skin. Directions:
  1. Draw a lukewarm bath (not too hot, as hot water robs our skin of moisture).
  2. Light candles, start music and grab your book
  3. Apply face mask to face and neck avoiding eye and lip area.
  4. Use Sugar Body Scrub to gently exfoliate body- (avoid face and neck). Follow with gentle body wash if needed. (I like to mix body wash with a little sugar scrub mixture and gently massage into skin).
  5. Once you have rinsed off the body scrub and washed off the face mask, gently pat your skin with a towel to dry.
  6. You can dab some olive oil on your skin to keep it hydrated.
  7. Lie back and sip green juice, listen to music or read, and relax.
  8. Enjoy a peaceful sleep. (don’t forget to blow out the candles!)
Once you have rinsed off the body scrub and washed off the face mask, gently pat your skin with a towel to dry.
  •  You can dab some olive oil on your skin to keep it hydrated.
  •  Lie back and sip green juice, listen to music or read, and relax.
  •  Enjoy a peaceful sleep. (don’t forget to blow out the candles!)

3. Erika Katz:Erika Katz

1. Liquid Vitamin e oil is a great eye serum before bed.  Just tap around your eyes.
2. Cold cucumber slices are perfect to relieve puffy eyes.  Cold caffeinated tea bags work too.
3. To dry up a pimple use tea tree oil on the blemish. 

4. Paige Padgett:

1. Before I go out in the evening I rub ice cubes over my face to get a natural gorgeous glow. I swear it brightens and takes a few years off my face. I use this trick on clients that are looking a bit sallow too.Paige Padgett
2. Nearly everyone has slightly asymmetrical eyes. When you are tired it shows in your eyes. When I have a client who looks tired or one eye looks smaller than the other (sometimes referred to as a lazy eye). I massage the brow bone and pinch their eyebrows between my thumb and index finger to give their eye an instant lift. Repeat this process if necessary. For example, if my right eye is a bit smaller than the left, I give it a quick lift before I take a selfie.
3. Glycerine and rosewater make a lovely makeup setting spray. Add 1/10 part glycerine to rose water in a misting bottle (not a spray bottle) shake well and mist your makeup holding the bottle about a foot away from your face. Your makeup will look more natural and last longer.
4. To enhance my natural waves and add volume to my hair, I combine two tablespoons of sugar to 2 cups of hot or boiling water. After it’s cooled add 1-2 drops of coconut oil. Apply to wet hair at roots for lift or all over your hair for waves. Coconut milk sprayed onto wet hair will also help to add volume.  

5. Christabel Draffin:

LinaHanson1. Choose makeup and skincare products that are as natural as possible to reduce chemical exposure. Natural lip balms and lipsticks are particularly good to use, since, you aren’t eating chemicals when you use them.
2. Coconut oil is a fantastic body moisturiser and can be used as a deep conditioning hair treatment. For men it’s the best natural substitute for shaving gel, once they try it, they’ll be hooked!
3. Natural beauty starts with good skin – so eating right, drinking lots of water and applying the right makeup is the best way to bring out your natural beauty. A good tinted moisturiser to even out skin, groomed brows, and curled lashes with a coat of black mascara and a rose coloured lip and cheek stain will instantly make you look healthy, glowing and awake. 

6. Lina Hanson:Alexis

1. Use face oil instead of a moisturizer. Face oil absorbs into the skin faster, it is vitamin packed and lightweight and leaves your skin with a beautiful glow. It works great under makeup!
2. If your skin needs exfoliation, a quick and easy DIY recipe is mixing organic sugar, olive oil, lemon and some raw honey. Scrub your face gently and wash off. Your skin will feel refreshed and smooth in no time.
3. Switch for a powder blush to a crème blush, it is much smoother and blends into your skin better. It will give you a healthy and rosy natural glow.

7. Alexis Wolfer:Alexis

1. Drink more water. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and the first place to show signs of dehydration. Not sipping enough H2O? You’re skin will look dull and drab, feel dry and be more prone to show the signs of aging and to breakout!
2. Invest in a jar of extra-virgin, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil. It removes the most stubborn of waterproof eye makeup, moisturizes hair and skin brilliantly, and simultaneously fights acne and wrinkles. It’s my #1 go-to beauty product not only because of it has many uses, but also because it really works. I use it in recipes in my beauty cookbook, “The Recipe for Radiance: Discover Beauty’s Best-Kept Secrets in Your Kitchen” than I can even count!
3. Give yourself an at-home facial. Start with a base of full-fat Greek yogurt (it’s rich in lactic acid to break down dead skin cells, probiotics to balance bacteria and fat to moisturize). Add raw honey to hydrate more deeply and for its antibacterial properties (which fight acne!) or red wine for its antioxidants. Apply a thin layer (avoiding the eyes) and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Hope these tips and techniques will certainly help you to acquire that beautiful and healthy skin! We thank each and every beauty expert who shared their ideas with us. Which beauty expert’s tips you are going to follow? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in comments section below!

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Strategies To Avoid Over Eating

With the holiday season coming up the habit of eating more is also increasing on a rapid rate. Festive season means eating out with friends and family members and landing up over eating. There are various different kinds of ways with the help of which one can avoid over eating and stay in shape. Some of these ways are

TRY AND EAT HEALTHY MOST OF THE TIME

In order to stay fit and in shape, one should opt for choices of food which are healthy to eat and also low in calories. In order words, one should try and eat healthy food or meals as this would also help in avoiding over eating.

EAT IN PORTIONS

One of the best ways with the help of which one can avoid over eating is by managing the meals in the form of portions. Eating in small portions would help in filling up of the stomach and would also help in avoiding overeating.

EAT WHAT YOU LOVE

One should not waste their calories by overeating on junk food and cookies which they do not like. One should eat what they love and like and not that food which is disliked by them. Moreover, one should also save their extra calories for the special food they enjoy eating.

CONSUME MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

In order to stay healthy, one should increase their consumption on fruits and vegetables especially during the festive season. During the festive season, one tends to munch on food which is not healthy for the body. So during this period, one should increase their consumption on vegetables and fruits. Try filling up half of the plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.

KEEP YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE

Exercising is considered to be very important in order to stay fit and healthy. During the festive season, one should not forget about their exercising routine.

Mind your language, gentlemen


Mind your language, gentlemen
July 08, 2014

We are not wearing bangles!” “Be a man and face it!” Familiar language? Awfully so. Around us, at home, at the workplace, on the roads, in political rallies, in advertisements, in newspapers, on the television, on social media. Where not?
Arsalan Iftikhar, the celebrated son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan, said it on TV and the anchorperson – a male – let it pass. A couple of months ago, it was Khwaja Saad Rafique, the Federal Minister, who was demanding of Pervez Musharraf to ‘be a man’ and face charges. Khwaja Asif, the Defence Minister, didn’t wait before raising similar ‘demands’ for the retired General. Federal Information Minister Pervez Rasheed was heard during those days mocking Musharraf’s ‘age-associated illness;’ the nuanced way of alluding to reduced sexual drive that equals a loss of ‘manhood’ in the world of egotistical misogynists.
Not very long ago, Tehmina Daultana, a member of parliament, was seen throwing bangles across the aisle in the National Assembly chamber as a gesture to describe them as cowards. Ahsan Iqbal, another Federal Minister was recently heard on TV saying, “Hum ne chooriyaan nahin pehni hui” (We are not wearing bangles), while responding to Imran Khan’s announcement of the long march. Even Tahir ul Qadri, the cleric prone to periodic fits of revolution, denied wearing bangles after police action on his Lahore residence last month.
What exactly is going on in the minds of these people?
Sexist language is not limited to one culture or one era. We certainly don’t have a copyright on it. During the Primaries in 2008, Barack Obama invited the wrath of feminists when he said “I understand that Senator Clinton, periodically when she is feeling down, launches attacks as a way of trying to boost her appeal.” Well, really? Periodically feeling down, Mr. Obama? When a man raises his tone in a heated debate, he is being ‘a bit aggressive.’ When a woman does it, it is just pre-menstrual syndrome. One strong argument from a woman, and all the misogynists show their true colours.
Words like ‘mankind’ and ‘brotherhood’ or, in Urdu, ‘bhai chara’ were not invented yesterday. Their unabashed usage today, however, is a blot on the 21st century man or woman who boasts of enlightenment and modernization. In societies that boast ‘respect for women,’ it is ironic that most men (and women) will still use sexual organs to animate cases of bravery, courage and valour. Most of the words and phrases used to this effect, describe (or imply) that to be a woman is to be subservient or secondary or inferior.
Traditionally, the titles for the positions of power have ‘man’ as their suffix. ‘Chairman’ was changed to ‘Chairperson’ only when Ms. Nusrat Bhutto and Ms. Benazir Bhutto became the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of their party. That trend ended with them. The next party heads reinstated the title to ‘Chairman’ as soon as they came in. Perhaps it is too difficult to call a woman a chairwoman. Perhaps it hurts far too badly.
According to a 2009 paper by Marge Piercey, there are around 220 words to describe sexually ‘promiscuous’ women, while only 20 to describe the same behavior in men. Using sexually demeaning language for women is an activity far more pronounced in South Asian cultures. A woman is branded all kinds of derogatory terms if she is a non-conformist. At least, this is the impression I get while facing criticism in the media. Out of more than a dozen women that I have spoken to, who were fiercely abused on social media, almost 99% admitted to having been branded “prostitutes” alongside other sexually derogatory terms because they said politically controversial things.
My cigarettes have earned me many such titles lately. A year ago, an otherwise progressive and self-proclaimed ‘secular’ blog used an enlarged picture of myself holding a cigarette in one of their posts, where I was being castigated and disparaged for something I was presumed to have said. The subliminal message was: Look, she smokes; she is certainly a bad woman.
In 1911, Ambrose Bierce wrote The Devil’s Dictionary and expressed her surprise that titles like Miss and Missus alluding to a woman’s marital status did not exist for men. This is probably because it has to be made “public” when a woman still has market appeal in society’s favourite game: the marriage hunt. Marriageability was and still is such a sought-after trait that it determines a woman’s worth. Many factors, in turn, would determine one’s ‘marriageability’ including being a Miss, being a virgin, being chaste, being a career-less, ambition-less woman, so on and so forth
On social media I experienced a new low in this trend, that some might find particularly unpalatable. This is however, the truth; these are words women hear in daily life and these incidents should rightfully make us uncomfortable. A couple of years ago, somebody threatened me with rape and I made that threat public. At the time, I was told by perfectly educated and modern young people that I was so ‘repulsive and ugly’ that no one would ‘even rape you.’ Apart from redefining or re-orienting sexist language, gentlemen and ladies have to embed in their minds, that it is what you have in your skull that determines your worth; nothing else.

The writer is an Islamabad based defender of human rights and works on democratic governance.

marvi@marvisirmed.com

@marvisirmed

Sunday 6 July 2014

Beyonce – World’s Most Powerful Celebrity: Forbes

The latest entertainment news to have hit the shelf is that American Singer-Beyonce Giselle Knowles – has been listed by Forbes Magazine as the world’s most powerful celebrity. The Forbes Magazine recently released its annual list of top 100 celebrities in which Beyonce bagged the top spot.

he news comes as no surprise to Beyonce fans as the singer gave a flawless performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2013. She also embarked on a global tour recently while preparing for the launch of her latest album titled ‘Beyonce’. The album was well-received by the audience with the singer notching her fifth No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Her lead single ‘Drunk in Love’ sparked a platinum hit. Forbes official commented that Beyonce’s charm goes beyond the music industry. The music empress is making headlines with her clothing brand, perfumes and collaboration with soft drink company Pepsi.
No wonder she is in the top of the charts of Forbes top 100 celebrities. Beyonce’s annual earnings of $115 million between June 2013 – June 2014 have bagged her top place in the Forbes list.
She is followed by basketball player LeBron James at No. 2 with an estimated income of $72 million. Other top names include Prrah Winfrey at No. 4, Ellen DeGeneres at No. 5 and Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z at No. 6 with estimated annual income of $60 million.

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass

Cymbopogon ciatrus, which is the scientific name of lemon grass, has got a lot of health benefits. It is known for its calming effect that helps in relieving stress or insomnia. You should know that the other name of lemon grass is citronella which is commonly found in soaps, perfumes and candles. Studies have been conducted that has been found that it has got antifungal as well as antibacterial properties. We would have a good idea about the different benefits that one can get from lemon grass.

 Alleviates indigestion and other problem

 Lemon grass proves to be a good cleanser that helps a lot in detoxifying kidney, liver, bladder and pancreas. It also makes it possible to cut down on excess fats, uric acid, cholesterol and so on. If one drink as tea, then it would prove to be an effective diuretic Lemon grass also goes a long way in improving your skin and also helps in indigestion problem to a lot extent.

Maintains blood pressure

By boiling some leaves of lemon grass and drinking the liquid, it helps a lot in maintaining your blood pressure by keep it normal. You would be able to get the perfect and positive results within a very short period of time. What’s more, lemon grass also acts a home therapy for nausea and menstrual troubles.

Helps in cold and fever

If you are suffering from cold and fever, then you should try to make sure to have lemon grass as this would help you a lot to get relief from it without any problem at all. But you should know the amount of lemon grass that you need to eat so as to get the perfect result.

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