Mangoes

Sweet and delicious, mangoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body Vitamin A is necessary to maintain healthy skin and repair skin tissue without adequate amounts of it your skin will be dry and flaky.

Vitamin A may also reduce skin inflammation after exposure to sunlight.

Orange Juice

Orange juice is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the DNA in skin cells by neutralizing free radicals, atoms that damage cells and accelerate aging and disease.

It can also help skin look great. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which helps prevent our skin from sagging and wrinkling.

Yogurt

Staying in the shade is good for your skin because the sun’s ultraviolet rays can hasten wrinkles and raise your risk for skin cancer. The downside of avoiding the sun is that it limits your body’s production of vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health.

Keep your levels up with dairy products such as yogurt that have been fortified with vitamin D.

Almonds

Gobble up a handful of almonds and you’ll be getting a healthy dose of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet light. Vitamin E helps form muscle and tissue to prevent premature aging of the skin, as well as protecting it from dryness.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a concentrated source of lycopene. This antioxidant helps the skin protect itself from ultraviolet light. One study found that people who ate five tablespoons of tomato paste (an ingredient in tomato sauce) every day for 12 weeks had 33 percent more protection against sunburn than those who didn’t.

Courtesy: Socialphy

Summer is back with a bang and the best way to welcome it is with that healthy sun kissed look. Invest in some bold and bright colors this season as it’s the perfect time to experiment with colors.

Pink + heat + lips = Hot Pink Lips

A hot pink pout is summer’s equivalent of the sultry red lips. It’s sexy, fun, flirty and still an attention grabber without looking over the top. Use a lip balm as a base and a pink lip liner and stain the upper and bottom lip with it.

Instead of using the lipstick tube directly on your lips, use a lip brush to apply the lipstick to your lips directly for it to last longer. Next blot, on a tissue paper and re-apply for that long lasting effect. If you have thin lips then use gloss on your lower lip for a fuller effect.

Colorful Smokey Eyes

The best thing about summer is the bright colors. Make your eyes pop by using bright and bold colors. Brighter colors also tend to last longer on your skin than the dull ones. Blue and green eye shadow works best for brown eyes while purple is great for hazel eyes. And if you have jet black eyes then don’t hesitate to go all bold and use yellows and oranges.

In order to let your eye shadow stay in place, dust some loose translucent powder over your lids before applying the eye shadow that is if you’re using a powder base eye shadow. If you’re using a cream based eye shadow, then take an ice cube and rub is over your eye lids, while it’s still moist apply a bit of moisturizer and leave it for a minute before applying the eye shadow.

A Bronzed Touch

Now even though summer is all about that gorgeous beachy tanned and glowing skin, skip all that unhealthy UV damage the sun does to your skin and fake that glow with bronzer instead. Even if you have pale skin, bronzer can work miracles for you. Bronzer not only makes your eyes brighter but it makes your teeth appear whiter as well. A little warmth on your skin, makes it look healthy.

Don’t overdo it with the bronzer though, keep it fresh and natural by applying bronzer to the high points of your face where the sun hits you like your forehead, chin, nose and cheekbones. Covering your entire face with bronzer is what gives you a baked look.

*Drop into Monalisa Beauty Salon & Spa in Mumbaiand ask our makeup artists to give you the best look for summer. Make an appointment on twitter @Monalisa_Salon

You must have heard that plenty of things are good for your skin and hair. Like beer is good for your hair, yogurt is good for cooling your skin off etc but did you know about how red wine benefits your skin?

Yes, red wine is not just for drinking purposes, in fact red wine though not used often has very effective ingredients when it comes to skin care that not many people know about.

Facials have always been an integral part of beauty treatments for a very long time now but red wine facials are not as popular as pearl, gold or fruit facials when a red wine facial is actually more of an indulgent treat for your facial tissues than all the other types of facials offered.

The red wine used is based on your skin type after a consultation. Mostly French, Californian and Spanish wines are used after consideration of the individual’s skin. Rose wine is usually used if your skin type is sensitive as it’s milder than the other varieties of wine.

What’s a Red Wine Facial?

After a consultation of your skin type, your face is thoroughly steamed and cleansed, to open up pores and to get rid of any dirt. Then your skin is massaged with a blend of the selected wine along with exotic fresh fruits, essential oils and herbs.

Benefits of a Red Wine Facial

-Eliminates dead cells

- Keeps skin healthy as red wine contains high levels of antioxidant polyphenols

- Stimulates blood circulation

- Fights free radicles

- Increases skin elasticity

- Rejuvenates, hydrates and de-stresses the skin

- Curbs pigmentation of the skin

- Brightens, firms and whitens your skin

- It’s good for detoxifying skin in cases of acne and eczema

- Reduces line and wrinkles on your face and is altogether useful in battling the effects of ageing

*Not many Salons & Spas in Mumbai offer Red Wine Facials. Monalisa Beauty Salon & Spa in Mumbai is one of the few who do offer this special facial. So drop by and let us give your skin the benefits of red wine.

Skincare

Remember astringent is harsh on your skin and could cause it to dry up even more especially during winter. Switch to a toner instead and use a good hydrating moisturizer for your skin. There’s nothing worse than having flaky skin because even your makeup is harder to apply and looks cakey.

Sun Kissed

The pale skin needs to go and get replaced with sun kissed skin even though the sun’s in hibernation. Since you can’t get a tan, you can fake one thanks to bronzers. We don’t recommend tanning.
Get a sun kissed glow during the winter season by selecting a bronzer that’s two shades deeper than your skin tone. Then dust your forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose with it. That way it not only looks like naturally healthy skin but actually is without the unnatural tanning.

It’s all in the lips

Even though winter might be dull and depressing to the summer lovers, there no reason why you can’t bring the colors of summer to your lips. Make your face pop by keeping it bare apart from foundation and throw on some bright colored lipstick like corals, cherry, hot pinks etc.

Makeover your hair

Summer let you try a lot of up-do hairstyles, ponytails, braids, hair buns etc. Winter is the season to go glam with your hair, let it down. You don’t have to color your hair if you don’t want to, instead tint your hair, that way you get that fabulous sheen.

Valentine’s Day is just another excuse to be at your prettiest and most feminine. You’ve got that perfect outfit, the most darling pair of shoes and the only thing left is the hair-do!

We’ve picked out some fun, flirty and feminine hairstyles that you can recreate for your big date tonight with your Valentine.

A Messy Up-Do

If you’re wearing a tube dress or something that shows off your bare shoulders, then don’t let your hair down and hide it. Instead of the monotonous neat bun, try a messy up-do instead. Pile your hair up and leave a few strands falling intentionally to achieve that look.

Let loose

The easiest but yet flirty hairstyle that you can try, would be to just dampen your hair, tie it up loosely and before you head out, blow dry it and let loose. Glam up your look with a pretty hair accessory to finish the look off.

Tail it up

Though a bit more complicated, but it’s a guaranteed winner –fishtails! Get someone to help you out with this if you’ve never tried it out before. It looks amazing with just about anything. Make sure you keep your makeup natural and light though.

Mermaid’s Delight

For all the long haired beauties, this one is for you. If you’re set on re creating this look, then you’ll need to start getting ready way in advance if you don’t have curly hair. In order for this look to turn out just right, your hair needs to be curled, not as bouncy as ringlets but it must have some form of bounce and volume. Comb it back so you create a bit of a poofy and then tie it before you start sectioning it with bands, after each section, twist it before you section it again.

*Drop into Monalisa Beauty Salon & Spa in Mumbai and ask us to give you any of these hairstyles or something else you have in mind for the evening. Remember that walking in with your partner gets you 30% off on your bill, just for today!

If you’re still hunting for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift, then look no further. Wanting to treat that someone special in your life just got a whole lot easier. You can thank us later. A wonderful and pampering day at the spa is all you need to treat your better half to.

Here are some spa inspired ideas that she/he will love and will put a smile on that lovely face until next Valentine’s day!

Spa Getaway

Many hotels and resorts throughout the country have spa’s that will offer special packages for Valentine’s day. Pick a destination and a hotel that you love and head there with your Valentine. If you can’t get out of the city, book a room at a resort spa that offers various types of massages and spa treatments.

Couples Massage

The best way to spend time together is to indulge in a couples massage. Take him/her shopping, go for a late lunch and finally check into a spa. Enjoying a massage together is quite an experience as it allows you to spend relaxing moments together.

Gift Baskets

Not only women, but men too will love a basket filled with spa goodies. You can fill it with a cozy spa robe, soft terry slippers, body scrubs, moisturizers, spa gels, aroma oils etc. You can visit an aesthetician for suggestions of skin care products that would suit your loved one’s skin type.

Gift Certificates

If you’re not certain about the type of treatment your loved one would want to get, then a gift certificate would provide more flexibility.

Spa at Home

If you bank account is not enabling you to splurge this Valentine’s Day. Then bring the spa to your Valentine. All you need to do is create a romantic and spa ambiance right in the comfort of your own home. Light aromatic candles, play soft soothing music, prepare your loved one a bath infused with essential oils and cook a healthy dinner too!

*Make an appointment at Monalisa Beauty Salon & Spa in Mumbai or walk in with your partner on Valentine’s Day and we’ll give you a flat 30% off your bill

Want healthy and glowing skin? Figure out your skin type, invest in good products for your skin type and follow a good skincare regimen everyday. Here’s what you can do to ensure that your skin’s well maintained.

Use a cleanser appropriate for your skin type

Dry skin needs a cleanser with a moisturizing base and what better than oil based cleansers that mimic the natural oils on your skin. Invest in a good cleanser that removes stubborn makeup without the tugging feeling of dehydration.

For oily skin, look for a cleanser that removes excessive oil without over drying the skin. Combination skin requires a cleanser right that is not too greasy or too drying. 

Apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 multiple times during the day

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure all over the whole face and neck. Reapply every four hours if you are out in the sun. If you are sweating or are swimming, reapply every two hours. As a general measure, you need at least one table spoon of sunscreen for your face and one shot glass full of sunscreen for the body.

Look for a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. UVB is strongest during summer and effects the outer skin layer, causing sunburns with excessive exposure. UVA on the other hand is not seasonal and effects deeper skin layers causing long term, extensive damage. Don’t forget your lips, a lip balm with SPF is a must-have product in your makeup kit.

Add Vitamin C serum of 6-10% strength once a day to your skin care routine

The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E are well documented but Vitamin C is the new kid on the block, it helps protect our skin against the harmful rays of the sun and is essential for collagen production which in turn keeps our skin firm and supple. Additionally it also helps with rosacea, hyper pigmentation and fading age spots.

If anti-aging is your skin care concern, then Vitamin C is a must in your daily routine. It can be used as a part of the skin routine during day, followed by sunscreen or as part of your night time regime by itself or along with other creams

Use a moisturizer every night
 

While you rest, your skin repairs itself and readies itself to face the challenges the next day brings. It is during the peak hours, between 1 AM and 4 AM that our skin cells are at their active best. Introducing any skin protection aids at this hour increases absorption and effective utilization of the product.

Hydration is our skin’s most important need so a night time routine with a moisturizer should take care of replenishing your skin at night. A moisturizer with retinol or hyaluronic acid brings in additional anti-aging benefits.

Visit a dermatologist after the age of 25 

It is best to start treatments after the age of 25 years to delay signs of ageing and prevent pigmentation. So make sure you pay a visit to your dermatologist before embarking on any skincare routine.

*Drop into Monalisa Beauty Salon & Spa in Mumbai for various skin treatments. Remember to come in on Valentine’s Day with your partner and we’ll give you 30% off on your bill.

Courtesy: Vogue

Just several years ago, when it came to skincare products, men didn’t have much to choose from.  For the average guy, it was a soap and water kind of world.

Maybe you’d occasionally borrow your girlfriend or wife’s face wash, but that’s as far as those shenanigans went. Nowadays, however, the market is littered with men’s skincare products. So why should you dig in?

Testosterone

Because of men’s high testosterone levels, guys often have larger pores, increased oil production and more acne. Consequently, men’s skincare products are specifically designed to deep clean your face and provide less moisture than women’s products, along with minimal smells and fragrances.

So, reaching for your partner’s products can actually do more harm than good: A women’s product, which contains a lot of oil to treat women’s drier and thinner skin, can irritate men’s skin and clog their pores.

Thicker skin

According to a popular belief, men have thicker skin than women. While this expression usually refers to emotions, it’s actually a physical fact. Generally, your skin is 20 to 30 percent thicker than a woman’s, because of more collagen and elastin.

What does this mean for aging? Men’s skin is naturally more hydrated, so it ages at a slower pace than women’s skin. But guys, you’re not off the hook just yet: You still need a moisturizer, which not only hydrates your skin but also reduces signs of aging.

Shaving stuff

With facial hair to tame, you’ve got another unique set of problems. Daily shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, irritation, razor burn and red splotches, making your skin extra sensitive. To combat shaving sensitivity, check out aftershave and balm products which are designed specifically for men.

Although shaving can cause irritation, it’s actually an important part of a good skincare regimen: With every shave, in addition to getting rid of facial hair, you also slough off the dead, dry skin cells.

No girly packaging

As a man, you probably wouldn’t reach for a cleanser in a cute, tiny pink bottle. Fortunately, skincare companies understand your position on product packaging. As such, your skincare products are efficient with straightforward names and casing, precise directions and minimum frills. Bottles also tend to be bigger, designed comfortably for a man’s larger hands.

But don’t be fooled. While the packaging might look and feel different, the powerful ingredients included in women’s products are still there. Active ingredients like vitamins A, and E, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, grape seed extract, retinol and Matrixyl all appear in men’s products.

More time outdoors

Guys like to spend a lot of time staying active outdoors. Whether you’re mowing the lawn, shooting hoops with your buddies or coaching the kids’ T-ball game, you’re probably working up a sweat in the hot sun.

Unfortunately, UV rays can cause skin damage, aging and skin cancer. And as a man, you might be at even greater risk for sun damage. Some research suggests that men are more sun sensitive than women, possibly because men’s skin contains fewer antioxidants so take heed, guys – wear your sunscreen.

Courtesy: SkincareNews

*We have a range of skincare treatments for men at Monalisa Beauty Salon and Spa in Mumbai. So drop in and we’ll pamper your skin.