Aromatherapy and its benefits

Always believed that aromatherapy was only about oil massages and perfumed candles? Here is how you can use aromatherapy to get soft and supple skin...

Aromatherapy is basically a form of alternative medicine that uses plant components that are volatile (essential oils) and other aromatic compounds, to improve a person's mood, health or cognitive function. Commonly used in spas, aromatherapy has now found its way into our everyday lives as well.

 If maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards having skin that looks good, aromatherapy would come a close second. When aromatherapy is used in skin care, what essentially happens is that the oils get absorbed into the skin and eventually into the bloodstream, thereby giving it a long-lasting effect.

Before you begin aromatherapy, it is essential to recognise your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. Every plant's essential oil has different effects, so it is important to understand the effect of the oil and what it is used for before you start using them. There are also chances that you might be allergic to certain essential oils, therefore, always, always choose them with care. Ideally, if you are a first-time user, it is advisable to conduct a small patch test, on the inside portion of your wrist, using a small amount of the oil before you use it elsewhere.



Benefits of Aromatherapy


- Reduces the fine lines caused by ageing


- Cures bug bites and bee stings


- Helps soothe ageing, injured or dry skin


- Cures skin diseases



Using aromatherapy for everyday skin care:


Here is how you can use aromatherapy oils every day in your moisturising lotion, cleansing cream or even in milk. Depending on your skin type, these oils can be used individually or as a combination of two or three oils added to your everyday moisturiser. The ideal ratio would be two drops of oil to every 100 ml of cleanser.



For dry skin : Ylang ylang, geranium, rose or chamomile


For chapped or cracked skin : Chamomile or benzoin


For hyper-sensitive skin : Chamomile, rose, jasmine or neroli,


For combination skin : Geranium or lavender


For normal skin : Sandalwood, lavender, neroli or rose.

If you have any good skin care tips...do post it?

Artistic Nails

There's a new craze that's creating quite a smash among fashionable ladies - acrylic nails. They come in a number of designs and colors that are tailor-made to fit every woman's taste.



Like a girl's favorite dress, these acrylic nails are ideal for special occasions although some of the more chic young women of today wear them on a regular basis. They're easy to apply and absolutely wonderful if you want to lengthen or strengthen short, brittle nails.



They also have practical uses as well, If you're one of those people who nibble on their nails when you're bored or stressed, then these acrylic nails can help you break that habit. Bite and chew on them as much as you want and you'll still hardly make a dent. They're also great if you have the kind of nails that often split and break under the slightest pressure, because acrylic nails may look light and fragile, but they are made of sturdy stuff. You only have to maintain them on a bi-weekly basis and, after that, they're no trouble at all.



For maximum results, it's best to care for your acrylic nails the way you would care for your natural nails. Avoid soaking them in water for prolonged periods of time since water can seep in between your acrylic and natural nails and cause damage and perhaps even infection. When washing dishes of tidying up the house, it's wise to wear rubber gloves for extra protection. Overall, you can go about your normal routine without worry about breaking acrylic nails.



You may wonder how acrylic nails are made. It's really a simple process. They are made by mixing a powder with a special liquid and then painted and shaped into place using the mixture. Most professional nail care experts recommend Ethyl Methacrylate or EMA. It may be a bit more expensive than its alternative, Methyl Methacrylate or MMA but it spares the wearer from harmful MMA side effects such as skin irritations and irregular nail growth. Meanwhile, EMA are renowned for their superior quality and excellent materials. Plus, they add a dash of style and safety to your nails.



Other things to consider are nail color, design and trends. A well-loved classic color combination is the French manicure, which is simply a natural nail color accompanied by white tips. Women love them because they complement anyting in their wardrobes. For the more daring customers, there is a virtual plethora of designs to choose from, ranging from stars to teddy bears, Swarovski nail art, Gothic nail art, floral nail art and much more.


For a real party look and feel to your nails, you might want to try a little sparkle, which consist of inserts that are imbedded right into the acrylic. Among the more popular choices are tiny gems and stickers that come in a large range of shapes, designs and colors. You may also wish to try nail piercing which involve a piece of jewelry.

To make your nail art last long, use the liquid nail art fixture or nail cellophane coating which helps laminate your nail and in turn protects the design.


Alternatively, there is technique called permanent nail art which is similar to nail extension. The patterns are engraved and embossed in laser cutting on the nail itself, which is then pasted on your original nail.

If you have any tips on latest Fashion and Trends in your city do share with us.

"Is your denim too tight for Comfort"

It is said that a pair of well-fitting jeans may be hard to find, but once found, we stick to it, and it becomes our second skin.


Heavy denims are worn throughout the year – winters, summers and even monsoons. And come what style – boot-cut, basic blue, acid washed, straight fit, anti-fits or the skinny variety – one adapts to the ever changing style.


Added to this, is the never-ending aspiration to flaunt a petite figure. People do everything, like the wiggle-waggle dance to struggle to fit into the super- tight skinny denims, despite the constant discomfort it causes. This is where the problem begins. "I can't bend, my jeans are too tight" becomes the oft-used phrase. Some claim that they "Can wear it all the time. Probably even sleep in them." The discomforting point is that we might be suffering for fashion, say experts.
'Weather' it's the right attire or not

General practitioner, Dr Meenakshi Rajput, says, "Denim is not for the Indian summer. People wear denims throughout the year – winters, summers and monsoons. And it can lead to some big problems which you realise only later." Many collegiates and even office goers prefer the same pair regularly which can cause hygiene issues, given the lack of ventilation and lead to ulcers near the hip bone. Dr Ramandeep, a consultant at Max Hospital, says, "Denims cause a lot of sweating which means accumulation of moisture, especially in this weather. This can lead to fungal infection."

Impotent factor
While women have the option to replace their jeans with skirts, dresses or shorts, the males, especially those who prefer the skinny variety should seriously rethink their choice of denims. Dr Vikram Sharma, Urologist, Max Hospital, says, "Jeans can cause infertility, as it decreases sperm count. Tight jeans makes the testicles rub against one's body and pushes it towards the body, thereby raising its temperature, which means lowering the sperm count. I advice all my patients who complain of impotence to avoid wearing jeans."

Survival of the fittest?
Just how tight is too tight? The guys at stores suggest that one should "buy a size smaller, or a tighter fit as jeans adapt to your size and stretch accordingly within a few days." This ends up squeezing the body. Further, forcefully pulling up jeans and trying to fit into it can also pose a health risk like tingling thigh syndrome etc. Dr SK Sogani, senior consultant, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospital, says, "Tight clothing affects the body posture and can hamper blood circulation. Fabrics of hard consistency is one of the reasons."

ATP Ramani, official spokesperson for Levis Strauss and Company, claims, "We use high quality cotton and other materials. We don't use any chemicals or treatments which should harm anyone. The safety of our consumers is important to us. We have had no complaints of any health issues, as a result of wearing our jeans."






If any questions please write us on rbpinkiscute@gmail.com

Hairstyles at home

The nomadic traveller
For those who love to experiment with their hair, this hairdo exemplifies sheer freedom!
ll Part your hair from the temple and make vertical sections two inches wide and set them aside. Lift your hair making three vertical lines on your scalp. Apply some mousse.
ll To add volume, use a hair spray and clamp the hair at the bottom.
ll Use a flat iron to straighten your hair.
Caution: Never allow the iron to stay on the ends for long.
ll To make the bouffant, back comb your hair to get the much needed volume. Now pin the bouffant with a U-pin.
llFor the side twist, remove the clamp and then divide the side section of your hair into two and roll them together.

The french wind
Feel the passionate and seductive vibes you give off when you wear your hair in this classic style.
ll After a hair wash, dry your hair leaving behind 20% of water.
ll Divide your hair from the crown to bottom into two sections. Take one section and part your hair from the head to the front of your ear.
ll Take that section and hold it in rollers with a clamp for three seconds. Don't follow the open-shut crocodile method to use rollers as it'll lead to breakage.
ll Do this for the rest of the hair to get soft curls.
ll To finish, bend forward to give the perfect bounce and shape.

The prom night
Look like a pretty princess for your first date; understated yet elegant.
ll Towel-dry your hair and then apply some mousse. Straighten your hair, but don't curve it. If you have natural waves/curls, leave the ends in its natural shape.
ll Take a small section of your hair from the side and twirl it around to make a ponytail.
ll Use U-pins to keep the hair in place.
ll Keep the front section of your hair outside the ponytail to give a fringe effect.
ll To keep the hair looking straight all night long, use some hair spray
and run a flat iron on the hair before you leave.

Do write back i you have any questions

Cheap Jewelry can be a Nightmare

Scientists from University of Giessen claim to have found the reason why cheap jewellery cause painful rashes on women's skin.

Many women who wear a pair of alloy earrings complain of painful red swelling and blisters. Even coins and belt buckles may also cause an unpleasant allergic reaction when they rub against the skin.

The research team claim that the reason behind allergies is that they all contain nickel. Nickel binds to a particular immune-system protein normally involved in detecting harmful invaders.

In susceptible people, this results in the body recognising nickel as an infectious agent and triggering inflammation.

As the immune system goes into overdrive, it produces the classic symptoms of burning, itching, redness, swelling and blisters.

The study appears in journal Nature Immunology.

Let rains not dampen your "Leather"

bag

It's not just your hair and skin, your leatherwear too needs attention in the rainy months. You might have the most enviable collection of leather bags, but the best of leather can turn lacklustre when it rains cats and dogs.


Contrary to popular belief, caring for leather is a breeze, and with a little bit of effort you can restore it to top-of-the-world condition. Leather aficionado and founder-president of Hidesign, Dilip Kapur shares some valuable notes on handling leather in monsoon.

" Getting your leather bag wet is not such a huge issue especially when it is a vegetable tanned leather bag. Natural oil and extracts from barks and seeds replace the original fats in the hide giving a unique look to vegetable tanned leathers with deep colours, good body and long lasting strength. The age old technique also ages your leather bag beautifully. Rain water just becomes another element and the leather reacts in a natural way, it lets the water evaporate on its own," explains Kapur.

The best way to save a rain-soaked vegetable-tanned leather bag is to empty it out and leave it in a dry but airy place for a few days. Even better, leave it before an air-conditioner as it dehumidifies the bag. Kapur warns never to leave your bag anywhere near a heater or under direct sunlight as it will dry out the natural oils in the leather, making the bag look dull. He adds, in the long run this could make the leather hard and develop cracks on the surface.

Did you know that like your skin, your leather too needs moisturising? "You should buy an appropriate cream or wax for your leather bag that contains natural oils. The oils seep into the leather and nourish it. Unfortunately, the ones available in the market only manage to gloss the surface, and not nourish the leather. After drying the bag, gently rub some cream with a soft cloth," says he.


In the rains, a light rub so much as every other day will keep your leather supple and prevent the growth of fungus. Exclaims Kapur, "If you've already started giving your bag a light rub, by the time you are done you'll notice, it looks as good as new."

Ready reckoner


- Pat your wet leather with a soft dry cloth.


- Leave it in a warm dry place to dry naturally. Never leave your bag near a heater or under direct sunlight.


- Use an appropriate leather wax after drying your bag to restore the balance of natural oils and enhance its natural shine.


- Always store your leather bag in a cloth bag to protect it from dust and moisture especially in a humid environment.


- Periodically take out your leather bag and air it.



Any questions do write us back. Check our trendy bags

Saving on your makeup

For those of us who use it, makeup can add up to be a substantial part of our budgets. Here are five tips to conserve your cosmetics and save a few bucks.

1)Frugal Foundation Trick
Wetting your makeup sponge slightly before you dip it into your foundation. The dampness will cause the sponge to absorb less product, thus leaving more in the bottle.


2)Squeeze More Swipes
Get a few more uses out of an almost-gone mascara by standing it in a glass of warm water or heating it up with a hair dryer.

3)Save Your Mascara Wand
Wash it thoroughly and use it to tame unruly eyebrow hairs or to separate and de-clump lashes. Oftentimes, great mascara application comes from the brush. If you aren't too keen on a newly purchased formula, use the wand from your tried-and-true to see if it makes a difference.

4) Use a Lip Brush
Slathering on your lipstick may cause you to overapply, which you'll only blot off onto a napkin. Use a lip brush and you'll save product, plus get a more even, precise color. Check out this one.

5)Line and Shadow—at the same Time
In a pinch, you can use any eye shadow as an eyeliner. Pick up an eyeliner brush with short, stiff, angled bristles. Your best bet is to mist the tip of the brush rather than soaking it, which can ruin both the brush and the makeup. For a smudgy, nighttime look, try applying with a damp Q-tip. Try Essence Colour & Shine Eyeshadow.