Top 10 Skincare tips for the summer

As the summer rages on, protect your skin so you don’t have to suffer from the season’s skin problems.

It’s the (hopefully) end of summer and while the monsoon should be here soon, for now the heat continues unabated. Fortunately, your skin needn’t take the brunt of the heat this season. We have for you, some tips that’ll help keep your skin fresh and dewy, even as the mercury continues to stay high.

Top 10 – Skincare tips for the summer

1. Stay hydrated

Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturised as well.

2. Sun protection

If you can, try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Also, don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 30 minutes before you step out. If you’ve been out in the sun for a few hours, touch it up again so you’re well protected.

3. Use a toner 

It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. Look for a brand that suits you or try rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent toner for the hot season.

4. Go for a water-based moisturiser

Don’t make the mistake of skipping the moisturising routine altogether as its essential for your skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturiser too oily, go for a water-based one.

5. Ditch those aerated drinks

Most people have the tendency to reach out for an ice cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a really hot day. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not good for your skin or your figure. Instead drink some water, fresh lime, fresh fruit juices, aam panna (green mango drink) or coconut water to stay hydrated. It’s also best to minimise the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they reduce the water from your system.

6. Cleanse your face twice a day

At least! This is important to do even if you’ve been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturising your skin before sleeping is an absolute must.

7. Exfoliate

More than the rest of the year, it’s really important to exfoliate your skin in the summer to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, 5 – 6 drops of rose water and milk or yoghurt. Mix it into a paste and use it to exfoliate your face. Follow it up with a facemask and moisturiser.

8. Don’t like your tan?

Gram flour can also be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with yoghurt and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are very effective in removing the tan.

9. Get that warm, summer glow

Papaya is full of natural goodness and you can even use it as a homemade pack. Just mash 2 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 1 egg white. Leave the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterwards.

10. Cool your skin

Blending half a cucumber and 1 tbsp of yoghurt in the mixer can make another simple and effective homemade face pack. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and feel completely pampered.

Bonus tip. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well! The holy trinity of good health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. So along with all the tips above, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet, work out for at least 45 minutes everyday and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Enjoy the summer!

Expert Tips to Get Coloured Smokey Eyes in 5 Minutes

You say a lot by just one look, and that is why guys love to look into your eyes. It is their way of not just expressing their love, but also grasping your thoughts. So, won’t it be great if you could disarm your man with just one look, and make him a captivate him forever? And, what can be better than smokey eyes to hold him captive forever? We know that many of you are at a loss when we talk about smokey eyes, for some it might be too messy to get into while for others it might be done-to-death.

Well, no matter which category you belong to, let us unravel the enigma of this eternal beauty trend called the "smokey eyes" look, and tell you how you can pull off the look effortlessly and with a twist too.

Besides the standard charcoal smokey eyes, today there are the bronzy, burgundy, shimmery gold variations that look equally stunning and super sensuous. This colourful transformation has widened the world of this look further. Now, it can be carried for both night and day outings.

Whether you are going for a day date or an evening soiree, smokey eyes are perfect to give you a diva makeover in minutes. Here are the steps that will make this so easy for you that you will fall in love with it.

1. Blend well 

Start with gently sweeping the eyelids with copper, silver, grey, blue or green eyeshadow. Now, with the help of an eyeshadow brush, apply black eyeshadow on the outer crease of the eyes, and smudge well with a smudge brush. Blend well for a smokey finish, which is long-lasting.

2. Black is bold

Run a deep black eyeliner over your lash line. A gel liner works perfect for this look as it smudges easily and beautifully, giving you the desired look.

3. Go intense

Open up your eyes with two generous coats of mascara. Whether you a pick soft or bold smokey eyes look, mascara is an indispensable part of this look. It not just makes your lashes look thick and smouldering, but also gives them a sensuous feel.

4. High definition

One thing that flatters the Indian eyes most gracefully is kohl. The sultry smokey eyes are incomplete without a sharp and defining line of kohl on your lower lash line. It makes them look big and beautiful, in no time.

Hot Tip: To make small eyes look larger, apply a white eye pencil along the inner rim of your lash line.

Now, this is not too complicated or boring, is it? So, use this very simple, do-it-yourself (at home) smokey eyes trick, as you get ready for that special outing this weekend.