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If you want to sport that killing look and project a personality that is most talked after, then you have to be dressed best from top to toe. Dressing best does not just mean wearing a gorgeous attire with befitting accessories. You also need to pay attention to every part of your body and maintain it well all times.

Clean and neatly filed nails speak a lot about the person you are. Just painting your nails with the colour of your choice will not do the trick. In the first place, the nails have to be properly groomed by filing and buffing. Make it a point to follow a regular nail care regimen like trimming, filing, buffing and moisturising the nails with nail cream and cuticle creams.

If you love getting a professional manicure and pedicure done, then head to a beauty salon to pamper your hands, feet and also your nails. From French Manicure to chocolate manicure, you have a plenty of options to choose from.

What more? You also have nail bars where you can get your nails decorated with intricate designs. Nail decoration has not only caught the fancy of college-goers and models, even you can get it done. If you haven't tried it, then you should visit the nail bar at the nearest salon once.

Most of us complain of brittle nails which crack or chip in the edges. In such cases, it is better to keep the nails short and always colour them with a good nail polish. To have healthy and strong nails, regularly consume food items that are rich in vitamin A and calcium.

So, get ready to 'nail' your overall look and personality.

We all spend enough time in selecting the best attire, choosing the right make-up, matching accessories and a stylish foot wear to go with. But most of the times, we tend to neglect our tresses. Why not invest a little time in taking care of our hair every day?

I do agree that not all of us are lucky to be born with great hair. But we can still follow some simple and easy ways at home to have a lustrous hair.

It is important to nourish your hair from both inside and outside as well. A well-balanced diet will take care of your hair's health. Instead of craving for chocolates or wafers, carry a handful of almonds and walnuts with you every day. Eat a few of them when ever you feel the need for a quick bite. The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds and walnuts work wonders for your skin as well as hair.

To improve your hair quality and strength, follow the simple grandma's recipe – regularly oil your hair. Yes, a good oil massage will give your hair a good health. Rub warm coconut oil on your scalp with your finger tips and give a gentle massage. Apply oil to your hair length as well as the tips. After the massage, wrap your hair with a thick towel wrung in hot water. This leaves your hair well nourished.

In addition, follow these basic rules: a) don’t use too much chemicals in the form of hair colours and hair sprays. b) Don't expose your hair to harsh sun rays. Always use an umbrella or cover your hair when you go out in hot sun. c) Detangle you hair with a wide tooth comb; brush it gently and tie it up loose before going to bed. d) Never tie your hair tight.

These simple tips help you manage your mane with out much burden on your pocket. It also helps in maintaining a great, healthy hair. A good hair also adds to your good looks!

When it comes to fighting skin ailments, most of us go in for natural/home remedies for the simple reason that they cause no side effects and are harmless. However, you will be surprised to know that some products available in our kitchen for day-to-day use, which are used as natural remedies, can do more harm than good if not used with care.

A beautiful face, at times, looks bad or ugly with acne, warts and freckles. One has to be careful while trying out home remedies in getting rid of them.

Garlic has immense therapeutic properties and is used as a natural remedy in treating many ailments including acne and warts on the face. Since the skin on our face is very sensitive and tender, applying garlic paste on the affected area may result in burning of the skin if kept for long hours or overnight.

Garlic contains Sulfenic acid which breaks down into Allicin, a very strong chemical. Thus keeping garlic paste for prolonged periods leads to chemical burn.

A reader of a local magazine, who had shared this painful news, had suffered severe chemical burn on the face while attempting to treat flat warts with garlic. In turn, while getting treatment for the burns, she was forced to stay indoors avoiding exposure to sunlight and avoid using soaps and cosmetics for two to three weeks by her dermatologist.

The discoloration of the skin on the burnt area stayed on for long leaving her to grieve each day when she looked at the mirror.

Isn't this a lesson for all of us who jump at trying out natural remedies with out knowing the pros and cons of it? Better be safe than sorry!

If any of you have faced similar situations, kindly share with us and enlighten us!

The secret to American super model Cindy Crawford’s flawless skin is a Melon. Yes, going by a TV commercial I recently saw, Cindy has been using a melon-extract based skin maintenance formulation created by one of leading cosmetic surgeons from Europe.

According to the information available, the patented melon extract developed by the cosmetic surgeon is taken from a rare form of ‘cantaloupe charentais’ (muskmelon), which is grown only in the South of France.

Cindy admits that she has been enjoying flawless, wrinkle-free and younger looking skin for more than 10 years using the melon-extract based products. At 41, her skin really looks young and youthful. In addition to health benefits, the cantaloupe, which is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, promises to take care of your skin too.

Most of us may not be able to buy those expensive products and serums made out of melon extracts. But we can surely include a lot of melon in our diet and see if it works!

We have heard enough of Botox treatments, cosmetic surgeries and face lifts. Going under the knife by Hollywood stars and celebrities is not a new thing. The latest news is that noted Hollywood star Angelina Jolie may have undergone 'Ribbon Lift'.

According to media reports, Jolie was seen with plastic surgery marks on her neck while shooting for her next movie in Venice. Going in for cosmetic surgeries to hide one’s age and have a younger looking and wrinkle-free skin has caught the fancy of Hollywood. Well, it takes everything to stay on top in the entertainment industry.

What is Ribbon Lift procedure?
The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear and placing a bio-absorbable Endotine Ribbon to hold the muscle back and allow the surgeon to tighten loose skin. The bio-absorbable ribbon has tiny hooks on it that attaches itself to the muscle and tissue under the skin. When the tube is pulled up, it lifts the entire facial area.

It is also said that the secret behind Madonna’s wrinkle-free skin is also the Ribbon Lift procedure which costs 4,000 pounds. With the entertainment industry getting bigger and richer day-by-day, the demand for the leading ladies to look young and beautiful is also on the rise. I wonder how many such cosmetic surgery procedures we will be exposed to.

Some of us are born beautiful and some of us are made beautiful! True, isn’t it? While natural beauties don’t need much of a make up, the not so beautiful ones would have to dab a bit of this and that to look beautiful. Why not? It is every woman’s wish and dream to look beautiful.

It is not only celebrities or professionals; even the modern day house-wife is indulging in wellness and beauty treatments. However, not many would want to visit a beautician to get a makeover. They straight away buy cosmetics over the counter and try their creativity in make-up - to feel gorgeous at the end of it!

However, not everyone would succeed in laying their hands on the right beauty products that jus suits them. In many cases, the result is bizarre.

Follow these simple rules to make a careful selection of the cosmetics:

• Buy creams and moisturizers depending on the skin type – dry, oily or a combination skin
• Always test the product and colours to suit your skin tone.
• Go in for a undertone if you are buying a foundation
• For lipsticks, go in for colours that enhance your look. Take the liberty of trying out the testers
• You can line your eyes best in black. If your are opting for coloured eyeliners, trying it out before you get them billed

I know these are not new things to any of you and nor am I giving any gyan here. This came out of a discussion when my friend, who has a wheatish complexion, went in for the wrong products and colours. Not only did her choice made her feel sad, it also burnt a huge hole in her wallet.

The sales girl at an upmarket super mall, which sells all [/B]branded cosmetics, too misled her. Attendants at these counters do not always help you select the products in your skin tone’s favour. The best way is to try out the product on yourself and see if suits you.

Going a step further, a beauty expert’s advice can do the wonders.

Celebrities, film stars, models or leading business ladies, most of them, today, stand by yoga and meditation in unravelling the secret of their inner as well as outer beauty.

Hectic work schedules, juggling between family and professional responsibilities, extensive travels, leaves them with no time to calm their senses and look fresh all the time. No doubt, the personal beauticians, cosmetics and makeovers gives one all the radiance, but what is unnatural will not stay for long.

Yoga, breathing exercises and meditation soothes the nerves and improves blood circulation, which is vital in keeping your system healthy from within and outside as well, giving you a fresh look. Yoga and meditation helps in getting sound sleep, which again, results in a glowing face.

Yoga and meditation has helped many women get rid of dullness on their face, reduce dark circles and puffed eyes. They look fresh and healthy all through the day; A natural way to glow from within.

Setting aside at least an hour for yoga and meditation can surely work wonders on one's overall wellbeing, isn't it?

The lustrous locks of Shilpa Shetty, the silky tresses of Aishwarya Rai, the stylish and trendy hairstyles of Priyanka Chopra – all these leading ladies in Bollywood have been creating magic with their soft and sizzling mane. Their healthy and bouncy hair is no doubt a best bet for manufacturers of hair care products.

There are many of us not blessed with such lustrous hair to be envied. But when we see these beauties swishing their silky-shiny hair in movies or advertisements, we all would dream of having luxurious locks like them. A good hair definitely adds to one’s beauty and looks.

Anyways, instead of feeling sad you can create a new look for yourself by getting a bit bold and creative. Yes, you can have a bouncy hair, a new style or just add length to your short hair. It’s very simple. Go in for imported wigs and hair extensions that are available in different colours and styles at affordable prices.

A beauty expert can help you choose the one that suits your face. However, exercise caution to go in for a quality product and pick it up from a trusted salon or a seller. Pick those that do not let you sweat when worn for long. So why wait? Go in for your pick and feel ‘you are worth it’.

Having a great complexion, smooth and wrinkle-free skin is any woman’s dream. Cashing in on this dream are the cosmetics manufacturers who roll out products after products every season.

It’s promises galore, through out. A fairness cream would make you fairer in just few weeks; another product helps you fight wrinkles and age spots within few days, etc. etc. To make it loud and clear, our celebrities endorse the product.

All these years, one question has always bogged me. Why are companies manufacturing cosmetics show a beautiful woman, a celebrity of course, having a glowing spot-less skin, in their advertisements? Celebrities, film stars or models, would anyways look good and have a great skin thanks to the cosmetic surgeries they undergo and a regular makeover. Why not show an ordinary looking woman with a dull skin and who really did benefit form these products.

I am not completely disproving the benefits of many of these products. Reputed and expensive products have shown the desired results with regular usage. But many local products, be it a fairness cream, moisturizer or even a beauty soap, promise things that are far from truth.

In spite of such debates and discussions even I go after reputed brands, not because some celebrity endorsed it but to really test the product for its authenticity. I am sure; most of you would be doing the same. Many of my friends have laughed at me when I discuss this issue. Ultimately it is how you look that matters after using various products available over the counter.

Companies can cheat you, you can cheat the people around you, but can you cheat the mirror which reflects you as you are!

I am not telling you anything new here. Most of you are aware of tomatoes being used in skin care. Despite investing in expensive skin care products, most of us give a thumbs-up to home-made remedies.

I love tomatoes especially eating it raw and in salads. Now, I have started to like them on my skin as well. Though I was aware of the magical effect of tomatoes on skin, I had never tried it. Taking a cue from a friend, even I have started pampering my skin with tomatoes.

Tomato is an excellent astringent and works wonders on oily skin. Rich in Vitamin C it also soothes your skin and gives an instant glow. You can try various combinations of it by mixing fresh tomato juice with lime, milk and honey respectively. Apply the mixture on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes.

However, try which mixture works out best on your skin and apply it regularly for best results. A simple tomato facial works wonder on any skin. Cut a ripe tomato into half or make thick slices and rub it on your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse with cold water and see the difference on your skin. Isn't this quick and easy?

Winter has not yet gone completely. But days are getting hotter, an indication for the sensitive skin to get protection against the UV radiation. Since I am prone to getting tanned when I go out in the sun, I was looking for a good sunscreen for daily use.

I happened to meet up with a dermatologist at an event. As I was talking to him, I told him about my skin being very sensitive when exposed to sun. Like a novice, I asked him about the effect of sunscreens. But I was shocked with his replies.

He was very much against the use of sunscreens available over the counter (OTC). “No matter which ever brand it is, do not use them daily like other creams,” is what he suggested. And the topic on sun protection factor (SPF) rating in these creams was also brushed aside.

The doctor said that use of sun screening compounds in most creams and lotions, which boast of high SPF ratings, will cause side effects when used regularly. He also cited examples of skin cancer in people who regularly used sunscreen lotions.

“Not all sunscreens cause harm, but most of them do. Not all the products available on the shelves give protection against UV radiation. One must be very careful when you go in for regular use of such creams,” is what this noted dermatologist said.

I was really scared with what he said. His simple suggestion was to avoid direct exposure to sun light. “Always carry an umbrella. Wear clothes that cover your hands fully. Use gloves. This will work best to an extent,” he said.

In case you can’t carry an umbrella everywhere, and you ride a two-wheeler, then you may need a sunscreen. If so, buy one after consulting your dermatologist. In addition to the ones available under known brand names, there are some which are less heard of but prescribed by doctors. Now I am using the one suggested by this dermatologist. And I am asked to use it only when I go out in the sun, not as a regular cream or moisturizer for daily use.

Lack of knowledge, sometimes, can cause more harm. A chance meeting with him helped me in many ways. I am sure there will be a mixed reaction to this piece of information. Most of you may say that the sunscreen you have been using for years has worked wonders for you. At the same time, many of you may start thinking like me and see a doctor soon.

All said and done, let us all pray for a healthy skin and vouch on the product we use, to be safe!!

Are you wondering what is it that I am talking about? Well, I was surprised to read that a 21-year Chinese girl is seeking extensive plastic surgery to look like Hollywood celebrity Jessica Alba, in a bid to win back her boy friend.

Sounds crazy? The truth is that her boy friend always wished she looked more like Alba. Unable to take his Alba obsession, which became too much, this Chinese girl broke up with her boy friend. But now she wants him back, and how? By going under the knife for multiple surgeries including getting her eyes and nose altered at a plastic surgery hospital in Shanghai, which has agreed to do it free for her.

Whether she gets back her boy friend or not, she will be a lucky girl to have the looks of Alba. When she sought help in this regard on a local web forum, it is said that many bloggers have adviced her against cosmetic surgery, but she has to decided to go in for the makeover.

Where are we heading to? Is winning back a lover reason enough to lose one's natural face, which is a reflection of your true self. Assuming she wins back her boy friend, there are chances that he may get obsessed to another celebrity and wished she looked more like her. Then where is the end to it.

One thing is for sure, beauty and glamour makes or mars a person's life. In this case, what is advantageous to one, proved a challenge to the other.

If you ask me, I am not in support of the girl's determination to alter her looks? Please do share your thoughts with us. However, let's wish the Chinese girl all the luck!

Image makeover - is not an alien term in the present times with both young and adults becoming more fashion conscious. The innumerable cosmetic brands of repute on the shelves stand testimony to the huge market we are contributing to.

No doubt the Internet, books, beauty salons and make-up experts guide you with what suits you best. Going a step further, workshops and training sessions have made the guide to 'personal grooming' more easier, where you will become an expert in deciding what looks good on you.

A noted fashion and image consultant from Bangalore is holding a two-day workshop on 'wardrobe styling and image makeover' in the city from Feb 5. The workshop is aimed at helping the attendees with identifying their color profile, style profile, lifestyle, body style and career in order to help them find a new face and personality.

The workshop also helps in personal shopping, with a visit to a shopping center to figure out what suits one best, it will also speak of hair care and cuts to suit the personality and contours of the face, skin care according to skin type along with choosing the right shade of color cosmetics. Isn't this a one-stop-shop for all the beauty and glamour knowledge one looks for ?

According to a friend, the number of ladies enrolled for this workshop has surpassed the numbers limited. This is proof enough - any thing that speaks on fashion, beauty and glamour, really sells.

If I happen to talk to any of the attendees, I will share more details with you all on the learnings she has had from this workshop. Who knows, there may be some beauty tips and advice for us as well!

Recently I came across an article which revealed that youngsters, who have just stepped into their teens, are making a beeline to cosmetic surgeons to have a beautiful face or get that killing look they are dreaming of. We regularly hear that our celebrities are going under the knife for nose jobs, correction of jaw lines, forehead lifting etc. So, the inspiration comes from many quarters for these youngsters.

When we look back how we looked in our teens and how we changed when we entered the 20's group, haven't we grown from looking better to best? During the growing years of teenage, your face changes, complexion improves, you grow tall, body structure alters - you grow to be a new and beautiful young woman altogether. So, what's the hurry for teenagers to go in for cosmetic surgeries? However, the question is how safe it is to go in for an altered, cosmetic look at such a young age. Is anyone talking about the side effects or after effects of such makeover surgeries and corrections?

Wonder if our teenagers want to remain in their teens for ever!