Be Beautiful, Naturally!

Songs of Kabir

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Do not go to the garden of flowers!
O Friend! go not there;
In your body is the garden of flowers.
Take your seat on the thousand petals of the lotus,
and there gaze on the Infinite Beauty.

~ Kabir ~

Know your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:47:00 +0000

Hey, did you know that the skin forms the largest organ of the human body. Seems obvious, huh, given we had to have something to hold it all together!! Well, here are a few interesting facts about our skin:

- the outer layer or epidermis renews itself every 2-4 weeks
- skin colour is determined by skin cells in the epidermis called melanin
- the dermis or the second layer of skin has the oil glands and the sweat glands
- oil and sweat from these glands protect the skin by forming a protective layer on it
- hair follicles lie in the bottom layer of skin
- this layer also protects us by keeping our bodies at the right temperature and absorbing shock

Inspires a whole new respect for it now, doesn't it? Well, this blog hopes to share some useful ways to looking after it and giving it the right royal pampering it so richly deserves.

Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:12:00 +0000

Where shall you seek beauty,
and how shall you find her
unless she herself
be your way
and your guide?
And how shall you speak of her
except she be the weaver
of your speech?
.
.
.
.
Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face
But you are life and you are the veil.
Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in the mirror.
But you are eternity and you are the mirror.

~ Khalil Gibran - The Prophet ~

Skin Care: Back to Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:41:00 +0000

Good health care lies at the basis of healthy skin. Here are a few basics on personal and skin care for keeping a clear, healthy, and youthful complexion.

Personal care:
- stay clean to stay healthy
- brush you teeth
- get between 7-9 hours of sleep daily to assist your body to renew skin cells
- avoid stress and smoking
- include fruits, nuts, and fresh vegetables in your diet
- take a daily walk

And the one oft said but least followed, drink lots of water - water hydrates and natural cleanser!

Now, skin care:
- keep it clean
- in summer, wear clothing made of light cotton fabric - this will allow your skin to breath
- carry an umbrella when you step out
- always wear good quality sunscreen
- in winter, use a humidifier to reduce dryness due to indoor heat systems
- never sleep with any type of make-up on - follow a removal routine suitable to your skin type
- commit to at least one make-up free day every week
- use a skin pack, scrub once a week, depending on your skin type

Last, but not least, keep reading "Be Beautiful, Naturally"!

Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:38:00 +0000

Beauty still walketh on the earth and air,
Our present sunsets are as rich in gold
As ere the Iliad’s music was out-roll’d;
The roses of the Spring are ever fair,
’Mong branches green still ring-doves coo and pair,
And the deep sea still foams its music old.
So, if we are at all divinely soul’d,
This beauty will unloose our bonds of care.
’T is pleasant, when blue skies are o’er us bending
Within old starry-gated Poesy,
To meet a soul set to no worldly tune,
Like thine, sweet Friend! Oh, dearer this to me
Than are the dewy trees, the sun, the moon,
Or noble music with a golden ending.

~ Alexander Smith ~

A User’s Guide to Facial Masques

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:39:00 +0000

The other day I had pulled out a juicy peach from the refrigerator. As I set about peeling it and mixing it with some to the best gifts nature has to offer, my friend (who is visiting) asked: You keep your skin clean, remove make-up before you got to bed, and you look great.

Why do you need a skin masque? Aha, said I and then set about to explain the virtues of self-pampering and the face masque. Any beautician will tell you that a face masque is the key to a good beauty regime. While daily cleansing keeps the surface of your skin clean, only a masque will go beyond the surface and do deep cleansing. Besides removing impurities, masques exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, improve circulation, and make your skin cleaner and smoother!

Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your face masque:

1. Always wash your face and neck before you begin.
2. Always use your fingertips to apply the masque. Spread a thin coating, avoiding eyes and lips.
3. Leave on masque until it dries or as per instructions. Relax while it dries, and avoid facial expressions at this time.
4. Wash of the mask with cool tap water and fingertips. Wipe off a replenishing or moisturising masque with a cool damp towel. If you are using a mud masque, use a face towel soaked in lukewarm. If you are using a peel off masque, start with your forehead and move down.
5. Gently pat you face and neck dry with a soft absorbent towel.
6. Use a good quality toner and then complete your beauty regime as usual.

And remember:

- Always use a face masque that works for your skin type.
- Always test the mask on another skin patch. Wait 24 hours to make sure there is no adverse or allergic reaction before using the mask on your face and neck.
- Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the Masque recipes.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Follow the usual precautions as you would when using any new skin care product.
- Do not store any fresh home-made masques for use at a later date. They will spoil. You will get the best benefit from them when you mix them fresh and use immediately.

Try some gorgeous home made face masques and spoil yourself to Be Beautiful Naturally!

A Thing of Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:24:00 +0000

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its lovliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

~ J.Keats ~

She Walks in Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:43:00 +0000

SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that 's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

~ Lord Byron (1788-1824) ~

Skin Care in Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:54:00 +0000

Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high

One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky

Oh, the vision of Summer! Epitomised elegantly in the lyrics of the inimitable George Gershwin. While Summer brings with it the simple joys of living, it also demands that we protect and care for our skin.

Summer tempts us to go out and ‘get the sun’! Some amount of sunshine is good for us as it allows our bodies to process the Vitamin D which is essential for healthy bones. However, sunshine can be harsh and moisture-sapping while over-exposure to the damaging UV rays is known to trigger skin cancer, cataracts, sunburn, and of course wrinkles! Some tips to safely enjoying the summer and the sun:

- When stepping out, wear a tightly woven wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.
- Wear clothing that is light, tightly woven, in fabric that breathes, and covers your body to avoid sunburn.
- Remember that most T-shirts give you a sun protection factor of only about 8. Dark colours offer more protection than light colour.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors, invest in sun-protective clothing with a high UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor.
- You could also use SunGuard a Good Housekeeping and Skin Cancer Foundation approved laundry aid. SunGuard will coat your clothes with a high UFP and last up to at least15 washes.
- Slather on the sunblock or sunscreen approximately 20 minutes before you step out.
- If using an indoor tanning lotion, don’t forget that the colour you get won't protect you from the sun
- Remember that the SPF or Sun Protection Factor ratings you see on makeup or face lotions are often too low to give your skin the protection it needs
- Apply topical vitamin C before sunscreen or makeup. Sold in liquid form, it can protect your skin against sunlight damage. Choose ones that come in light-sensitive bottles, as the vitamin should not be stored in a clear container.
- Cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin. Use soap-free cleanser, an alcohol free toner, and hydrate your skin with an oil-free moisturiser in the summer.
- Drink plenty of water to reduce the chances of dehydration. This will also get you skin glowing from the inside out
- Protect your eyes with high quality sunglasses.
- Finally, avoid being in the direct sunlight between 11am and 4pm in order to avoid the strongest of the sunshine.

So step out, enjoy the summer. But remember the mantra ‘prevention is better than cure’. So be safe, and Be Beautiful Naturally!!

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:58:00 +0000

Shubh Deepavali

Poems on Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:40:00 +0000

Beauty is truth's smile
when she beholds her own face in
a perfect mirror.

~

Beauty is truth's smile
when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror.

~

Beauty is in the ideal of perfect harmony
which is in the universal being;
truth the perfect comprehension of the universal mind.

~ Tagore ~

Home Remedies for Summer Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:21:00 +0000

Well, summer is officially over. But are you still suffering from the effects of overexposed skin? Here’s a little something I’d like to share to round off our series on skincare in the summer. The beauty recipes below are simply fabulous. They work with your skin to restore its natural colour, soothe it, and naturally balance its moisture levels. I learnt these from my grandmother who also happens to be the best example of the fact that these simple recipes can work wonders. Just remember to avoid any cut, torn, or open skin areas when using them.

Milk Dab©
Cold skim milk
Washcloth

In a large shallow bowl, pour out half cup of cold skim milk. To this, add quarter a cup of cool water. Soak a clean washcloth in this mix, squeeze out excess liquid, and gently dap face and exposed areas like neck and forearms with it. Repeat this process as 3-4 times. Finally, gently rinse with tap water. Pat dry. You will see an immediate difference as skin will feel cool and smooth.

Orange-Sugar©
Juice of half orange
1 tbsp soft granulated sugar

Add the orange juice to the sugar. Remove all make-up from your skin. Splash tap water on your face. Next use palms to gently scrub the orange-sugar on the skin avoiding eyes. Use a circular motion to stimulate the skin. Rinse off. Pat dry and moisturise.

Cucumber Cooler©
½ cucumber

Peel cucumber. Grate coarsely. Using your hands, squeeze as much juice as you can from the grated cucumber. Use separated liquid to rinse your face.

Here’s to beautiful sun-kissed skin. As always, Be Beautiful, Naturally!

Caution: for skin that is sunburnt, cracked, and over exposed, always consult a professional.

Fruity Summer Face Masques

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:08:00 +0000

There is nothing quite like the feel of creamy soft skin after treating oneself to a beauty masque. Indulgent, creamy, soothing, and above all refreshing are some ways to describe it. Pampering aside, a beauty mask cleanses and clarifies the skin. I have always made beauty masques for the face and skin at home. Here are three that I love using in the summer.

Cooling Papaya Masque©
4 tbsp ripe papaya pulp, mashed
½ tsp pure honey
A squeeze of lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together. Apply on face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold tap water.

Did you know: Papaya is a tropical fruit. It contains an enzyme called papain which loosens dead skin cells, surface oil, and dirt. It also smoothens the skin and is great for a healthy tone and complexion. Papaya is also naturally full of Vitamin E and Vitamin C both of which are ingredients in many commercial skin products.

Orange-Yoghurt Masque©
4 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp plain natural yoghurt
¼ tsp honey

Squeeze the juice of half an orange. Set aside 4 tablespoons. To this, add the yoghurt and honey. Mix well. Apply on you face and neck. Leave for 5-7 minutes. Rinse off. This mask refreshes and relaxes.

Did you know: Oranges contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Alpha-hydroxy Acids. These speed up cell renewal resulting in a healthy skin tone. They also soften blemishes, sun spots, and age spots.

Peach Masque©
1 juicy ripe peach
A squeeze of lemon

This is the simplest ever masque recipe. Mash the peach. Add the lemon juice. Apply on face. Leave for 5-8 minutes. Rinse off.

Did you know: Peaches are naturally rich in AHAs.

Enjoy these 3 recipes for summer masque and as always be safe, and be beautiful naturally!

Sunscreens and Sunblocks: What you should know....

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:55:00 +0000

Our skin is structured to protect us. And while melanin in the epidermis protects the skin by absorbing and reflecting UV radiation, it cannot prevent the extent of damage the sun can do to the skin. That is why we need to use a sunscreens or a sunblock. If you're going to be outdoors for longer than a trip to the supermarket, invest in and use a high quality sunblock or sunscreen. The basic difference between sunscreens and sunblock is that the former are chemical sunblocks, not physical ones. This means that sunscreens contain organic chemical absorbers that form a thin protective film on the surface of the skin that absorbs the harmful rays of the sun. Sunblocks on the other hand often contain inorganic or physical blockers. They include elements like zinc and titanium which act as a physical sunblock to scatter and deflect the sun’s rays.

Sunscreens:
- All sunscreens come with an SPF or Sun Protection Factor. This is a determinant of its effectiveness.
- Each of us needs a different SPF, depending on whether, and to what degree, our skin burns or tans.
- Always use a sunscreen that is above SPF 15 and. Using a sunscreen with a high SPF will provide broad-spectrum coverage against all UV wavelengths when you go out. In fact, the higher the SPF, the better. Dermatologists recommend 45 SPF, in a waterproof formulation to combat sweat.
- When buying a sunscreen, choose one containing avobenzone or Mexoryl ™ SX. These chemicals do a good job of absorbing harmful UVA rays. Also watch out for new patented technologies like Active Photo Barrier Complex ™ and Dermaplex™ in association with avobenzone. These have helped in stabilising avobenzone protecting higher into the UVA range.

Sunblock:
- If you swim, reapply even waterproof sunblocks after being immersed in water.
- Doctors advise using sunblocks that contain zinc. The blob of white that you may have seen covering lifeguards' noses is one kind of zinc sunblock. But newer products contain tiny particles of zinc that block harmful rays but are invisible when applied.

Precautions to observe when using sunscreen/sunblock:
- Don’t use sunscreen/sunblock that is lying in your beauty drawer for over 2 years old.
- Always apply sunscreen correctly. If not, you may be getting only half the protection you think you are. Take a generous dollop and apply to cover all exposed areas.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and also immediately after swimming.

Sunscreens, sunblocks aside - always exercise precaution in outside in direct sunlight. Protect your skin from sun-exposure and Be Beautiful, Naturally!

Editorial & Press

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:05:00 +0000

Product Reviews
Want your product reviewed and featured on Be Beautiful Naturally! Product reviews are a great way to share information on the latest and most fabulous beauty products in the market. Email me at: beautiful.naturally

Can I send my beauty questions to you?
Yes! Send your questions here beautiful.naturally. I’ll do my best to answer them via the blog or in an email reply.

I have started my own line of natural, herbal, organic, environmentally friendly beauty products. Can I send out samples to you?
Yes! Please write beautiful.naturally me for my mailing address. I would be delighted to share the latest in gorgeous natural beauty products with my readers.

I work with a PR firm/Cosmetic company and would like to work with you. Do you accept samples/press kits?
Yes, I'm happy to work with PR and company representatives. Email me at beautiful.naturally for more details.

Advertisements
I will shortly begin running ads via Google AdSense and BlogAds. All advertisers will receive placement on per blog and special recognition in a biweekly post -"Product Alert". The rates are excellent and your ad will be featured on every page of the site.

For other advertising opportunities, please email me beautiful.naturally

Disclaimer

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:54:00 +0000

As this site focuses on ‘being beautiful naturally’, many of the home-made beauty recipes that it features use dairy products, nuts, herbs, spices, essential oils, flowers, plants, and other ingredients. Kindly ensure that you are NOT allergic to any of these prior to trying them at home. These beauty recipes are not meant for consumption by humans or animals. They are only meant for topical use as observed in each particular recipe. When in doubt, consult the appropriate professional.

Copyright©

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:11:00 +0000

Unless otherwise noted, all text, content, and photographs are Copyright © of the owner of this blog (site). All rights reserved. Pictures and contents of my website are proprietary and copyright protected and are not meant for free use by others. Any use of photographs, content, text from this blog (site) without a written permission is prohibited. If you are interested in reproducing a photograph, text sections, or content from this blog (site), email me for proper authorization. Further, the recipes on this blog (site) are meant for personal/home use only. They should not be the basis of any commercial activity and are not meant for resale to to any third party. Kindly do not hesitate to contact the owner if you have any queries. Copyright © 2007 Be Beautiful, Naturally; bebeautifulnaturally; Site Owner. All rights reserved.

About Be Beautiful, Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (Be Beautiful, Naturally!) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:24:00 +0000

Welcome!
Being beautiful is a way of life. Good physical and emotional health is crucial to success in all walks of life. When we look good, surround oursekves with beauty, we feel great, and there is an innate sense of harmony within and around us.

This blog is about beauty in all its forms. It is about all things beautiful. It also brings together learned knowledge and ancient wisdom on beauty, home made beauty products, and health. You will find some wonderful beauty and health secrets in these pages. They have been gathered over a period of time.

These pages are for you to enjoy. Do write back and share your experiences with them!

About Natural Care & Home-Made Recipes
Nature’s way was always the mantra at home when I was a child. Home-made products were used for skin care, eye care, and hair care. Not until I turned a teen did I realise the significance of their use. While everyone around me broke out in the skin and hair problems that accompany puberty, I was lucky enough to have a clean run the entire time! Lucky or so I thought…. Anyway, since then I turned believer and today I want to share these with you. Many of the beauty recipes and beauty secrets you see on this site have been used by me, recommended by friends who found them helpful, learned on my travels, or handed down by family members.

P.S. Make sure you read the 'copyright' and 'disclaimer' pages. And if you'd like to advertise with us, the 'editorial & press' section follows.