Makeup tips to look like a diva

Follow these simple rules...

Step 1: Start by applying some eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids in order to ensure a long-lasting look.

Step 2: Once you've done that you can start applying gold eyeshadow all over the eyelids. You can always use a neutral/beige/nude tone for the base.

Step 3: Then the next step is applying a darker (grey) shade, in the centre of your eyelids.

Step 4: To create a more smoldered effect you will need to apply black eyeshadow to line the upper lash line, making a wing.

Step 5: Next I'm applying some black gel eyeliner to sharpen the look.

Step 6: Once you've done that take a fluffy brush to blend the colours and soften the look. You can also use a nude shadow to soften the edges and highlight the brow bone.

Step 7: Use the same brush to add a hint of grey underneath the lower lash line. Then you can use false eyelashes so you can create a dramatic look. If you decide not to, you can just apply a generous coat of mascara.

Step 8: Contour the face with some bronzer before finishing off. You can apply it on the hollows of the cheeks, the jawline and the sides of the nose.

Step 9: Follow this up by dabbing some peach blush on the cheeks.

Step 10: Finally for the lips, apply a gorgeous shade of red.

Drink coconut water for glowing skin

Got dull, lifeless skin? While skin texture is mostly hereditary, there is a lot you can do to improve it.

The effect of diet is seriously underestimated in beauty care. While consumption of fruits and fruit juices is said to be good for the skin, it is best to avoid oily and masala rich foods. While orange juice has been voted the best for skin, not many are aware of the benefits of coconut water when it comes to skin care.

The liquid, considered the purest one after water, hydrates the skin, making it look more youthful and supple. Studies say that the antioxidants and cytokinins present in coconut water have an age defying effect on skin. The nutritious value of the drink has always been acknowledged. If you are feeling weak or have stomach problems, drink coconut water for an energy boost.

An advantage it has over fruit juices is that you can easily have a glass a day since it is almost entirely fat free and sugar free. There are also studies which say that coconut water dabbed on skin has a positive effect. However, there are no studies to prove this.

Well, drink coconut water every day and watch your skin glow!

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Dark circles: Home remedies

Try these simple natural home remedies to get rid of that oh-so-exhausted look on your face

Dark circles are a common problem not only amongst hassled housewives but also anyone with hectic work schedules and erratic sleep hours. They are not a very grave problem but can make you look much older than you already are. And in today's age where the market is being flooded with anti-ageing, skin lightening creams, it is a considered almost a fashion crime to sport dark circles. Here are some natural home remedies to help to get rid of those ghastly-looking dark circles:

- Grate some raw potato and soak a cotton ball in the potato juice. Close your eyes and place these cotton balls on your eyes. Make sure they cover the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water.

- Applying a mixture of a teaspoon of tomato and lime juice, twice a day will help in reducing the dark circles.

- Drink a glass of tomato juice with some mint leaves, lemon juice and salt. Drinking this twice a day is another remedy.

- Prepare a paste of four to five almonds with some milk. Apply this paste over the affected area and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. This will lighten the skin around the eyes.

- A mixture of a few teaspoons of fresh pineapple juice along with a pinch of turmeric powder, when applied on the dark circles regularly will help clear them.

- Every night before sleeping, apply creams containing vitamin E and C around the eyes.

- Crush some mint leaves and apply them around the eyes. Doing this will also provide a cooling effect on tired eyes. 

Healthiest techniques to cook food

Grilling
Grilling exposes food to direct heat and meats that are grilled have a lesser fat content as the fat drips off as the food cooks. Also, the vegetables that are grilled retain more vitamins and minerals. But avoid using too much butter, cream or sauce over the food while it is being grilled as this piles on the calories.

Steaming
This simple process retains the nutritional value (B vitamins, minerals, niacin, potassium, zinc etc) and taste. To steam the food, place it in a perforated colander or basket placed above hot water. Using a flavoured liquid in the water imparts same flavour to the food being steamed. You can flavour the water with lemon juice, herbs, peppercorns and garlic. Steamed dimsums are the most popular example of this technique.

Roasting
The process of roasting is a dry technique unlike steaming and baking and involves cooking food in an uncovered pan in the oven. Roasting also takes place at higher temperatures. Chicken, meat and potatoes work well with this process and the meat gets a lovely brown crust.

Baking
Who said baking is just for desserts? You can also bake fish, meats, vegetables as well as fruit. The food is cooked via the dry, hot air present in the oven. A definite advantage is that there is no addition of sauce needed, so food tastes as natural as possible as it is cooked in its own juices.

Stir-frying
This traditional Asian method is one of the tir-fry is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook vegetables. It involves stir-frying them quickly (roughly 5-6 minutes) in a large wok or pan. You need just a small amount of oil for this method. Avoid adding the usual soy, oyster and hoisin sauces as seasonings.

Habits for longer, healthier hair

It's not difficult to attain long and healthy hair. Hair stylist Chen says, "To ensure that you have a good hair growth, you must incorporate some essentials like washing your hair with cold water, including proteins in your diet and massaging your scalp every day."

Here are a few tips...

Brush your hair: Brushing your hair at least 50 times a day will improve the blood circulation to your scalp. This also gives the hair follicles a force to grow. You must brush your hair for at least 10 minutes before you go to bed.

Rinse your hair with cold water: Says Chen, "Make sure that you wash your scalp with a blast of cold water after you've applied shampoo and conditioner. This will tighten the pores and improve blood circulation to your scalp."

Go for a head massage: Putting some pressure on your scalp will not only ease your stress and worries, but will also ensure that your scalp receives nutrition, leading to hair growth. You can either get a scalp massage done at home every week or visit a salon for a professional one every 15 days.

Oil your hair twice a week: Apart from getting your scalp massaged, you must also oil your hair every week. Oiling ensures that your hair gets nutrition, thus preventing hair fall.

Tie up your hair every night: Did you know that tying up your hair every night will protect your hair from friction with the pillows, thus preventing hair fall? It also ensures that you do not get split ends and your hair does not become rough.

Follow a protein-rich diet: Incorporate proteins like fish, meat and legumes in your diet to ensure that you have strong, healthy hair. Adds Chen, "Proteins are good for your scalp, as it increases the blood flow and also makes the roots stronger."

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Tea: 10 Surprising Health Benefits

Tea is well-known for the broad spectrum of medicinal benefits it provides to its daily drinkers. However, this hot cup of delicacy can become a part of your first aid kit owing to its many other benefits. In unusual places and circumstances, tea leaves can be your solution to a number of beauty and health problems. So, take a look at a few unconventional benefits of tea leaves that will definitely surprise you!

Widen your sleepy eyes
Tea leaves can be a perfect solution for your tired and puffy eyes. Just take two tea bags and soak them in some warm water. Place them over your closed eyes for 15 minutes. Tea leaves have a natural astringent known as tannins, which can help to reduce puffiness in your eyes. Tea bags also help you to get rid of dark circles under your eyes.

Takes care of sunburns
Did you forget to apply your sunscreen or cover your face when you stepped out in the harsh sun? Well, tea leaves can provide relief to your sunburned skin. Just put some tea leaves in your bath water and just let your body soak in its goodness. This bath will relieve your itchy and inflamed skin.

Key to healthy relationship: steamy cup of tea, not sex!

Women believe that the secret to a healthy relationship is receiving a hot cup of tea or coffee made by their partners, rather than engaging in hot sex, a new research has found. Report author Dr Jacqui Gabb said that actions speak louder than words and many people consider a loving gesture to be as valuable as hearing 'I love you'.

Shed those excess kilos
Green tea drinkers lose weight faster than those who don’t. Catechins in green tea significantly decrease your body fat. Studies have also revealed that green tea helps to stabilise body weight after a period of weight loss. Not only this, green tea also boosts your metabolism and cures digestion problems.

bAcne treatment
Based on its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; green tea is a powerful solution for your acne. Simply rub moist green tea leaves on your face before going to bed and this will take care of your acne. Even drinking green tea every morning, is known to provide your face a beautiful and natural glow.

Skin protector
Green tea is known for its skin-tightening and anti-ageing properties. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in green tea make it a perfect skin protector. Just add water and white sugar to some green tea to prepare a scrub. This mix will help to moisturise your skin, improve the hydration levels and exfoliate your facial skin to a smooth silky finish.

Tea goodness for hair
Tea makes a good conditioner for your dry hair as it gives them a natural shine. Just take some freshly brewed tea (unsweetened) and rub it on your hair and allow it to dry before rinsing it off. Tea also works as a natural dye that can take care of your grey hair. Add some rosemary and sage (medicinal herb) in some black tea and let the mixture stay overnight. After that strain it and use it on your hair. 

Deodorant for your smelly feet
Water extracted from green tea leaves is a powerful deodorant. It becomes a great way to get rid of odour from your smelly feet. Just soak your feet in some strongly brewed tea for at least 20 minutes. Tea will close those pores in your feet that emit sweat.

Tea can Speed Up Your Metabolism

Not all teas are created equal - besides the distinct flavors, the levels of caffeine and antioxidants vary. Keep watching to see which teas pack in the most nutritional punch and which will keep you up the longest! 

Controls gum bleeding
Press some moistened tea bags on your bleeding gums and apply pressure for about 20 minutes. This will bring the bleeding and pain under control. The reason why tea bags are used is because of their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Tea leaves are known to be a refreshing mouthwash as well.  

De-stress with tea leaves
Tea leaves are known to be therapeutic for your mind. They help to relieve you of your stress. To get best calming benefits of tea leaves, you can put them inside your pillow. Take some sun dried tea leaves then take them and put them inside your pillow and sew it off. The relaxing fragrance of tea leaves will help you not only to relax but also get rid of your body odour.

For the newlyweds
Well, here is a chance for all newly weds to add some charm in their marriage, along with impressing your belove. Green tea contains caffeine, ginseng and L-thiamine which are known to have positive effect on sexual drive, especially of women. So, if you feel like bringing your partner in mood for some lovemaking, just pour some tea for them.

Perk Up Your Afternoon With a Glass of Thai Iced Tea

Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or are looking for a beverage to pair with pad thai and other Southeast Asian dishes, the answer is simple: a frosty glass of Thai iced tea. Sweet and aromatic - Thai tea blends black tea leaves with warm spices like vanilla bean - it's nearly impossible not to love. Watch the video to see how chef Jet Tila makes this comforting beverage, and then print out the recipe.

Papaya: Beauty and Health Benefits

Whether it's the harsh summer sun or the humid monsoon weather, the fruit papaya can be effective for soothing, toning and moisturising your skin, which will leave your skin glowing naturally. So instead of opting for those expensive over-the-counter creams, why not use papaya? Its natural properties will remove skin blemishes, pimples, dark patches and do much more!

Beauty uses of papaya

Since the fruit is a good source of Vitamin A and Papain which is a kind of protein, it helps in removing dead skin cells, along with breaking down the inactive proteins.

If you apply a finely grounded paste of raw papaya on your face, it will help reduce pimples and blemishes!

Mashed papaya can be used for treating the sore and cracked heels.

The peel (skin) of the papaya can not only be used on the face, but it should also be used for whitening the skin on your legs.

Using papaya on your face regularly will reduce the signs of ageing.

If you have rough and dry skin, mash a papaya with honey and apply this mixture for hydration of the skin.

Papaya also helps in controlling dandruff. Frequent use of its paste on your hair will improve its texture.

Calcium-rich foods for your bones

Include these calcium-rich foods in your diet to maintain healthy bones and joints.

Milk: Milk is the best source of calcium, not only for children but also for adults. Moreover, the calcium is in a form that can be easily digested and absorbed by your body.

Yogurt: High in protein and containing healthy bacteria for your gut, yogurt is said to offer 400 mg of calcium in a single serving. Choose non-fattening flavoured yogurt for a satisfying and healthy snack. Besides milk and yogurt but dairy products like cheese is also a good dose of calcium.

Leafy greens: Many vegetables, especially the leafy green veggies, are rich sources of calcium. Opt from spinach, turnip, kale, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and mushrooms or toss all of them into a salad.

Beans: For another rich source of calcium, try kidney beans, white beans or baked beans.

Herbs and spices: Herbs like basil, thyme, cinnamon, mint and spices like garlic not only enhance the flavour of your food but also provide calcium to your body.

Oranges: Citrus fruits like oranges are not only rich in calcium but also contain vitamin D that is essential to absorb the calcium in the body. Have it as a fruit or squeeze out its juice and have it as a breakfast.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Vegetarian diet and the myths about it

Misconceptions over the years have surrounded vegetarian diets and those who adopt them. Let's view the myths and see the actual reality

Myth: Vegetarians do not get enough protein. 
Fact: Well, there was a time when nutritionists and dietitians even said this, but no longer. Now, we know that vegetarians get plenty of protein. What they don't get is the excessive amount of protein found in the typical modern diet. If you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, then getting enough protein is not an issue.

Myth: Vegetarians do not get enough calcium. 
Fact: This myth has been applied, in particular, to vegans who have eliminated milk products from their diets. Somehow, the notion got started that the only good source of calcium is milk and cheese. Granted, milk does have a good supply of calcium, but so do many vegetables — especially green, leafy veggies. The truth is, vegetarians suffer less from osteoporosis (a deficiency of calcium that leads to weak bones) because the body assimilates the calcium they eat more easily during digestion.

Myth: Vegetarian diets aren't balanced, so they are risking their health for their principles. 
Fact: First of all, a vegetarian diet isn't out of balance. It has a good proportion of all the complex carbohydrates, protein and fat — the three macro nutrients that are the cornerstone of any diet. Plus, vegetarian food sources (plants) tend to be higher sources of most of micro nutrients. Another way to look at it is this: The average meat eater consumes one or fewer servings of vegetables a day and no servings of fruit. If a meat eater does eat a vegetable, chances are it's a fried potato. "Out of balance" depends on your perspective.

Myth: A vegetarian diet is all right for an adult, but kids need meat to develop properly.
Fact: This statement makes the assumption that protein from plants isn't as good as protein from meat. The truth is, protein is protein. It is all made from amino acids. Children need 10 essential amino acids to grow and develop properly. These amino acids are as readily available in plants as they are in meat.

Myth: Humans were designed to eat meat. 
Fact: Although humans are capable of digesting meat, human anatomy clearly favours a diet of plant foods. Our digestive systems are similar to those of the other plant-eaters and totally unlike those of carnivores. The argument that humans are carnivores because we possess "canine" teeth ignores the fact that other plant-eaters have "canine" teeth, and that ONLY planteaters have molar teeth. Finally, if humans were designed to eat meat, we wouldn't suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis from doing so.

Hair problems: What they say about you

Hair problems cannot be ignored. 

If you notice abnormal hair fall, or growth, or excessive dryness of your hair and scalp and dandruff that refuses to clear, you need to contact a trichologist as soon as possible. Hair problems are the first sign that something is going wrong with you internally.

Different hair conditions such as dull hair, split ends, greasy hair can be early warning signals for a variety of different problems or deficiencies. Therefore, problems with our hair should be taken seriously, because they are reflective of problems within.

Dry & brittle hair could be a sign of deficiencies in protein, vitamin A, zinc, essential fatty acid & Thyroid Issues

Oily & greasy hair means deficiencies in zinc, folic acid & Vitamin B 6 deficiency

Coarse hair means deficiency in Protein &Vitamin A and possible hypothyroidism

Split ends could be a sign of anaemia, iron deficiency & deficiencies in vitamin B6, magnesium, or zinc

Premature greying could be a sign of stress, hormone issues & deficiencies in B vitamins, copper, or folic acid

Scalp disorders such as dandruff, seborrhea, psoriasis) may be due to fungal infection, Stress or deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, essential fatty acid.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Skin Ageing: Factors that cause it

Here are a few factors that will cause your skin to age premature and make you look older:

-Apart from your increasing your weight, sugar is also responsible for boosting ageing. When your blood sugar is high, it causes a process called glycation which harms elastin and collagen in our skin. This leads to the wrinkling of the skin.

-Did you know, excessive exercising, especially running is known to cause the skin to sag? Known as runner's face, it is caused by the breakdown of collagen. So keep your morning runs short.

-Excessive alcohol leads to dehydration and also lowers the salt content in the body, which is known to be bad for the skin.

-If you have an erratic lifestyle and are not getting enough sleep, this is another reason that will make you look older than your years. Lack of sleep causes dark circles and the skin on your face to look sallow. It makes the skin weak and susceptible, thus making it age faster.

-In winter, the cold dry air saps all the moisture from the skin, making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. To combat this, apply a moisturiser as soon as you are out of the hot shower.

Banana: Health benefits

Rich in nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, etc, banana is a strong source of energy. Here are some other health benefits of this versatile fruit.

Controls blood pressure: According to research, the potassium in this fruit keeps the blood pressure levels in check and it can also help decrease its levels.

Improves brain power: A good source of vitamin B, banana helps perk up nerve function and boosts learning abilities.

Decreases the risk of stroke: According to studies, regular consumption of a banana helps reduce the occurrence of stroke. Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas is also said to reduce the risk of cancer.

Maintains bones: Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is known to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, it helps in building better bones.

Enhances digestion: The priobotics in banana help produce enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients, thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body. Astringent in nature, raw bananas are effective in treatment for diarrhoea.

Relieves constipation: Pectin found in bananas helps to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Apple peels help you lose weight

Ursolic acid - a waxy substance found in apple peel - increases muscle and brown fat in mice that are on a high-fat diet.

These mice burn more calories and have reduced obesity levels, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease than the mice that do not receive the supplement. Researhers believe that this might be helpful in reducing obesity.

Until quite recently, researchers believed that only infants had brown fat, which then disappeared during childhood. However, improved imaging techniques have shown that adults do retain a very small amount of the substance mostly in the neck and between the shoulder blades. Some studies have linked increased levels of brown fat with lower levels of obesity and healthier levels of blood sugar and blood lipid, leading to the suggestion that brown fat may be helpful in preventing obesity and diabetes.

Obesity and its associated problems such as diabetes and fatty liver disease are increasingly common global health concerns. A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects.

The findings suggest that the substance known as ursolic acid reduces obesity and its associated health problems by increasing the amount of muscle and brown fat, two tissues recognised for their calorie-burning properties.

"From previous work, we knew that ursolic acid increases muscle mass and strength in healthy mice, which is important because it might suggest a potential therapy for muscle wasting," Adams says. "In this study, we tested ursolic acid in mice on a high-fat diet - a mouse model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Once again, ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle. Interestingly, it also reduced obesity, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease.

"Since muscle is very good at burning calories, the increased muscle in ursolic acid-treated mice may be sufficient to explain how ursolic acid reduces obesity. However, we were surprised to find that ursolic acid also increased brown fat, a fantastic calorie burner. This increase in brown fat may also help protect against obesity." 

10 guilts every woman lives with

According to a recent study, 96 per cent women feel guilty at least once a day, having a destructive effect on their health.

Here are 10 ways to deal with this, that could leave you happy and guilt-free.

Are you sick of reading about how an amazing broccoli-only diet will make you happier, how spending more time with your children will boost their self-esteem, or how decluttering your home could transform your sex life? You're not the only one. According to a recent study, 96 per cent of women feel guilty at least once a day. This can have a destructive effect on our health, even factoring in the onset of depression. Here's how you can beat the 10 most common causes of guilt.

Not spending enough time with your children
A startling majority of working moms feel like they haven't struck the right balance between their work and children. If you're at work worrying about the children, work isn't getting the best out of you and the kids aren't getting anything. You should give your full dedication depending on where you are, whether at work or with the kids. That way everyone, including yourself, benefits.

Not losing extra weight
More than 70 per cent women report being on a diet at any one given time, regardless of whether they are actually overweight or not. If you want to look gorgeous and slim, choose to change your situation and make time to go to the gym or a slimming group. Recognise it is your choice and no one else is to blame.

Spending money on yourself
Going on a shopping spree may be fun, but the after effects can send some into a spiral of self-loathing and guilt. However, if you rationalise your reasons for spending money on a spa break because you need the downtime, or a new business suit because it will help you in your work, then you have no reason to feel guilty.

Your partner is unhappy
If you do feel guilty that you're not doing enough to make your partner happy, then it is suggested that you both sit down and look at your timetables and agree on how you can make more time for each other. Discuss it and come up with a change in your behaviours that will make you both happier as a couple.

Always being late
Sometimes, situations arise which will make us late, no matter how well prepared we are, prompting feelings of guilt and panic. Sitting on a train and getting aggravated about what you could be doing if you were there already is a waste of energy. Ask yourself how you can use the moment? You could write out a full shopping list, rehearse what you want to say in the meeting or call your mother. Sitting there winding yourself up hurts only yourself and no one else.

Not being able to play the perfect hostess
Many women say they would like to put on the perfect dinner party or a drinks bash but they often set themselves high standards that they then fail to meet. The desire for social excellence derives from our need to be perfect all the time. Go on, host your party and be a bad party hostess.The moment you accept you can do it, but do it badly, it takes the pressure off. We give ourselves a lot of 'I should be the perfect dinner party host'. Everyone has a different perception of everything so you can try to host a dinner party but you have to do it your way.

Forgetting birthdays
It's not deliberate. Some of us are running about for 18 hours a day and have a million things to do. If you do feel guilty then simply tell yourself you know you're doing your best, apologise and make clear that it wasn't something done deliberately. If the person chooses to take umbrage, then that's up to them.

Taking out some me-time
Living up to the 'superwoman' image that many women wish to maintain, can lead to terrible feelings of guilt over giving themselves time off to get their hair done or read a book. But doing nothing is very important in allowing us to physically and mentally recharge. But it is very difficult for other people to see you doing nothing and allow yourself to do it. Tell people the truth. That you need a break because you are at your limit - then accept that the world is not going to fall apart without you.

Letting your parents down
Women can inherit guilty feelings through the generations of not doing enough for their elders and in some way failing their parents. Learn to accept that your parents will love and judge you no matter what. Obviously do try and be sensitive but if you go your own way and you are successful and happy, then if they are decent human beings, they'll be happy for you in any way.

Saying 'No'
Saying 'no' is hard because we don't want to be seen as the baddie and because women are taught from a young age to put others first. The first thing to do is to give yourself time to think about each request and it is suggested that you say something noncommittal like, 'That sounds interesting, give me half an hour and I'll get back to you on it'.
If you really don't want to do what they ask, then give the person other options to help solve their problem.