Royal Look - Beauty Guide

[annie]

Skin Care Tips
Looking good and feeling great can easily be achieved without indulging in expensive skin treatments costing the earth.



Find a good cleanser that suits your skin and make sure you cleanse your face every night. Take off makeup with a proper makeup remover.

Exfoliation keeps your skin looking young and fresh all year round. Use a gentle scrub with grains, avoid harsh and rough scrubs that only damage your skin.

Moisturising your skin regularly is important. Lightly massage moisturizer into your skin. Be gentle on the face especially in the area under the eyes.

Unprotected sun exposure causes wrinkles. Don't step out without a good sunscreen that helps protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Choose the right sunscreen for your skin and don't forget to apply on your hands as well.

Treat yourself to a good massage once in a while. It helps improve circulation and leaves the skin supple, moisturised and glowing..

[annie]

Is your hair damaged?

Most of us judge hair with they way it looks. If it's shiny and glossy, it's perfect. Without realizing that there's more to it than meets the eye. If your hair is coarse to touch, dry and brittle, breaks easily or becomes matted when wet, it means your hair is damaged. Let us take you through a few ways to protect your hair from any further damage.
Bask in the sunshine. Not the sun.

UV rays affect your hair as much as they affect your skin. Hats may be out of style and this isn't 17th century England but hey, if your hair demands more protection, be kind. Use scarves, bandanas, caps, fedoras - whatever that suits your mood. And it'll definitely suit your hair.



Don't let your hair take the heat.

Blow dryers, straightening and curling irons damage your hair like you wouldn't believe. Let it dry naturally

[annie]

Problem: Dull Hair
Remedy: Apply a puree of cucumber for 15 minutes, and then wash off. The result is healthy shining hair that's full of bounce too.

Problem: Oily hair
Remedy: Wash frequently with a mild shampoo; also applying astringent like lemon juice will absorb excess oil from the hair.

Problem: Dry Hair
Remedy: Apply a combination of coconut milk (1 cup) and gram flour (2 tablespoons) on the scalp and massage gently. Rinse hair after 5 minutes.

Problem: Frizzy hair
Remedy: Massage with olive or almond oil is also good for dry hair types.

Problem: Dull, Lifeless Hair
Remedy: Drinking a combination of lettuce and spinach juice is good for healthy hair.

Problem: Damaged hair
Remedy: Washing hair periodically with white vinegar gives it a healthy glow.

[annie]

Problem: dull and fatigued complexion
Remedy: Mash banana with milk and apply it on face. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Problem: Sensitive Skin
Remedy: Make a paste of turmeric powder and orange juice. Scrub it on the area that is widely exposed to sun or cold weather. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse it with cold water.

Problem: Parched skin
Remedy: Make a face mask of curd and cucumber juice and apply it at least once a week.

Problem: Dull and fatigued complexion
Remedy: Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.

Problem: Tired complexion
Remedy: Drink plenty of water to keep your body well flushed of toxins and wastes.

Problem: Wrinkles, blemishes and older looking complexion
Remedy: Include plenty of raw foods like fruits, salads and sprouts in your daily diet.

Problem: Acne and dark circles
Remedy: Relax and get lots of sleep, as stress can also trigger off many skin related ailments like acne.

The above remedies are great for a glowing complexion; however, if you are allergic to any natural ingredients, please avoid it.

[annie]

All of us have a favorite hair care remedy we religiously follow and advocate to friends even. But are they really beneficial or just a myth? Here are some of the popular hair myths; some of them you may already know.

MYTH: Frequent trims make hair grow faster and stronger.
FACT: Hair grows almost exactly half an inch per month, no matter what you do or take. While hormonal changes may affect hair growth, the only thing a trim will do is help eliminate split ends and make your hair look better.

MYTH: If you pluck out one gray hair, two or three will sprout back.
FACT: We all have heard of this one; while this isn't true, plucking out those gray strands is a bad habit. You can damage the roots, causing infection or leave a scar.

MYTH: Brushing your hair often is good for it.
FACT: Too much brushing is bad for your hair, leading to split ends and hair breakage. By all means groom your hair, but once it is in place, STOP!

MYTH: Dandruff is contagious.
FACT: No. We all carry the micro organism that causes dandruff, it just isn't as active. On the other hand, be careful when using someone else's comb or brush, there are other things that you don't want on your hair.

Of course there are many more hair raising myths out there and it's best you get them confirmed by an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. After all, it's your hair, treat them nice.

[annie]

Great skin is not just in the genes but also a result of how you treat it. Read on as we reveal some of the most common skin-care myths- and the truth behind them.

Myth: The black stuff inside blackheads is dirt.
Fact: The black inside a blackhead is not dirt, so it can't be scrubbed away. Dermatologists say the dark stuff is probably a combo of dead skin cells and sebum (oil) in a clogged pore that is open at the skin's surface, so the material inside oxidizes and turns darker when it's exposed to the air. To prevent blackheads, be sure to exfoliate.

Myth: A rinse with cold water and astringents can shrink pores.
Fact: Pore size usually depends on genetics, and people with oily skin tend to have larger pores. Toners help make the opening look smaller, but physically, it doesn't change. Balance out oily skin and minimize the look of pores with a good skin cleanser and oil-free lotion.

Myth: Drinking lots of water will hydrate your dry skin.
Fact: While it's true that dehydration can cause your skin to loose its sheen and look tired, it's also true that excessive intake of H20 won't necessarily lead to totally hydrated skin. Hereditary and environmental factors are additional reasons behind dry skin.

Myth: Working out can sweat away your acne.
Fact: Your pores do not extrude sweat- perspiration is the function of a different gland. Working out usually balances hormonal activity, leading to clearer skin. To keep your pores clean and free from debris, be sure to exfoliate regularly.

[annie]

Use of hair color will lead to hair fall

No - the use of hair color does not lead to hair fall.

It is normal to lose on an average around 60 strands of hair per day. Given below are the reasons for hair fall :

Illness (Including anemia, certain deficiencies)

Certain scalp infections

Hormonal imbalances

Stress: Physical & psychological

Brushing / pulling hair in a rough manner

Hereditary

Ageing

[annie]

The relation of beauty is not only with the cleaning of hands, legs and face only but Physical beauty constitutes of every part of the body. It is necessary to take care of back and neck along with the neck also. But many women ignore the cleaning of neck and back. As a result thin lines are visible in dirty neck.

* Neck becomes dirty because of the effect of dirt, pollution and sunrays. When proper cleaning of neck is not done than there is difference in the color of face and neck. There are wrinkles on the neck. That is why whenever you wash your face cleaning of neck becomes necessary.

* Rub the neck while bathing, it will remove the dead skin.

* Apply thin layer of cleansing milk before sleeping in the night. Than wipe it with moist cotton. It will remove the dirt which is collected in the pores of skin.

* For the nutrition of the skin massage it with cold cream, olive oil, almond or coconut oil. Massage on neck should be in upward direction up till the chin.

* Apply face pack on neck once in a month. It removes the wrinkles of neck and improves the complexion.

* Apply bleach once in month on neck. Bleaching can be done in the parlor also. If you want to bleach at home than mix few drops of ammonia in one table spoon of hydrogen peroxide. Apply it on all sides with the help of cotton. Avoid the hair of head from getting bleached. For this tie your hair before bleaching.

* Apply make up on neck also if you go to some party. Otherwise there will be difference in the color of neck and face. Use foundation and powder on neck.

* Keep the neck slender with regular exercise.

* Apply sunscreen on neck when going out in the sun.

* Use scrub on neck 2 times at least in a week. Mix soya bean powder in scrub. Apply this paste on neck for 10 minutes and wash your neck. It will remove the wrinkles of neck.

Face Packs for Neck

Mix banana pulp or papaya pulp in milk powder and apply it on the neck. After getting dry wash the neck.

You can take the treatment of parlor also for the regular cleaning of neck.

Face Packs for Neck During Summer

First Day:

Mix Glycerin in cucumber juice if your skin is dry, mix rose water in cucumber juice if your skin is oily. Apply it on your neck.

Second Day:

Mix raw milk in tomato pulp. Apply it on neck for 15 minutes. It will clean the neck and wrinkles will be removed.

[annie]

Everyone wants a glamorous movie-star smile, and by today's standards, the whiter your teeth, the better. Of course, we all can't afford multiple visits to the dentist and stains do come back, making it a recurring problem.

Even with proper care, your teeth can be stained by coffee, soda, tea, medicines, and smoking. The residue of food seeps into the fine cracks of your teeth, making it nearly impossible to brush out. Whitening toothpastes only bleach out minor discolorations. The older the stain, the more difficult it is to get rid of.

Home Remedies

In most cases, cheap toothpaste doesn't cut it. An expensive toothpaste is often needed for a brighter smile. Unfortunately, getting your teeth whitened professionally is not an option for everyone. If you want to forego the creams, bleaches, trays, and gels found in drugstores, you can take the natural approach and use any of the following home remedies for whiter teeth that are both cheap and effective.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

One of the most popular home remedies, peroxide, is cheap and most people have it on hand. Chances are, you will feel some burning in your gums, but you'll be left with clean, whiter teeth. Typically, most people will see results within a couple of weeks but it can happen much sooner. It's also safe to gargle, but don't swallow.

Brush your teeth as you normally do, and then swish for about a minute. Follow up by spitting it out and rinsing thoroughly with water. Another way to use it is by dipping a cotton swap in the solution and gently rubbing it into your teeth, front and back.

Baking Soda:

An old-time favorite, baking soda has many purposes, including tooth whitening. Most dentists agree that it's safe to use and works fairly quickly. You can use it alone on a damp toothbrush or mix it with toothpaste to help neutralize the salty taste.

Strawberries:

Not many people are aware that strawberries contain natural teeth whitening agents and the seeds work great for cleaning. Since they also contain sugar and acids, it's important to brush immediately afterwards with a fluoride toothpaste. For easy and quick application, you can either rub the strawberry against your teeth, or mash it up and use it like toothpaste.

Wood Ash:

Strange as it may sound, hard wood ash helps whiten teeth. It contains potassium hydroxide, a compound that will bleach your teeth. The tiny crystals scrape off plague in hard to reach places and will scrub them clean. However, using wood ash often or scrubbing too hard can wear down your tooth enamel, so it's best to avoid using it for long periods of time. To apply it to your teeth, you can put it directly on your toothbrush or mix it with a small amount of toothpaste.

Homemade tooth paste:

One of the better home recipes for whiter teeth is a paste consisting of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and a dab of toothpaste. Mix it all together and brush away stains. A slow but effective way to have white teeth is to mix a little pepper powder & salt. Then apply on your teeth. Within a week you can see the change.

More Options for Whiter Teeth

You can combine any of the above ingredients with wood ash, strawberries, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda for some extra whitening power. Always clean the ingredients off of your teeth when you're finished by rinsing and brushing with commercial toothpaste.

Remember that teeth naturally have a yellowish tint because of calcium, and essential mineral for strong tooth enamel. Brushing too hard and using lemon juice, an acid, or any form of vitamin C will eat away the surface. Once your tooth enamel is ruined, it's permanent. Your teeth will be considerably weaker and much more prone to cavities. All home remedies should be used in moderation and monitored closely.

Calcium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D are most essential minerals and vitamins for your teeth.

Tip: It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals. It is because the increase flow of saliva during mealtime protect your teeth by washing sugar away. Eat snacks without sugar between meals and snacks with sugar during meals.

Brushing your teeth twice a day. Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush. Even brush your tongue to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL as it may effect your enamel.

[annie]

Oranges and Lemon Scrub



Oranges and Lemon Scrub - This scrub is ideal for oily skin because it’s quick and easy to make and you can use it to exfoliate both your face and your body. This means that if you suffer from spots or acne on your face as well as your back then you get a scrub - which is two in one.

Oranges and lemons are mildly acidic helping to reduce excess sebum which blocks pores causing infections, spots, blemishes and even boils.

Lemon can help lighten blackheads by bleaching. If your blackheads are bad then try dabbing lemon on them last thing at night, rinsing off in the morning.

Oatmeal will gently help dislodge dead cells, dirt and grim. Altogether this is a great mix which leaves your skin fresh and glowing.
The Recipe

Instructions

* 4tbsp finely ground oatmeal
* 1tsp lemon juice
* 1tsp fresh orange juice

Mix all the ingredients together and leave in an airtight container for 2-3 hours. Use by taking a handful of scrub and mixing with a touch of water just to moisten before massaging into skin. Rinse off with warm water.