Ultimate-Beauty

Mehendi Tips !!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 14:05:00 +0530

MEHENDI:

Mehendi, a common shrub is known to have been in use in all parts of the world since time immemorial. The traditional way of painting hand and feet with mehendi is still popular especially among brides.

Decorating the bride's hand and feet with the application of henna or mehendi is symbolic of the auspicious occasion. Besides decorating the hands and feet it is a popular dye to colour hair. It is also used as a home remedy for various minor ailments.

In North India, application of mehendi is a common custom. For them this is an auspicious day before the wedding.

The application of mehendi is an art that is fascinating and exciting . A combination of geometrical and floral patterns are used in this decorative art.

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION:

Fresh leaves of the plant are ground into a fine paste, a little lemon juice and water are added to it to get the desire consistency for application. Nowadays mehendi in powdered form is also available. A fine paste is prepared with the powder and lemon juice. Tea or coffee is added to it to increase the intensity of colouration.

In the past, mehendi was applied with the help of small sticks. But today, plastic cones are used instead of stick and the mehendi paste can be pressed out in the shape of a fine strand through its nozzle.

After the formation of design, the mehendi is allowed to dry, for more intense and durable colouration it should be kept for five to six hours. During this time the drying paste is prevented from flaking off by periodic dabbling of a cotton soaked in a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.

TIP:

To make a Mehendi cone,

Ingredients : One pack mehendi powder, enough water to make a thick paste, extract of two lemon, eucalyptus oil - 1 teaspoon, strong black tea -2 teaspoons.

Sieve the dry mehendi powder and add all the above mentioned ingredients and keep it for seven hours. Then fill the paste into a thick plastic cover and tie it tightly. Make a small hole with a pin at the tip of the cone. The fine mehendi paste can be squeezed out in a thin strand.

MODERN METHODS:

Few modern methods are adopted to suit the women who cannot spare five to six hours for putting mehendi. Zardosi mehendi is the most popular method which is in tune with today's fast life. By this method one can sport beautiful designs on the hands and feet with different colours according to the persons choice in 30 minutes. The art of putting zardosi is the same as mehendi- a specially prepared black herbal henna is filled in a paper cone. With this the design is drawn on the hand and feet. After twenty minutes it can be washed off. This leaves a black imprint which can be later filled with different colours, nail polish, glitter sprinkles etc. to make it more colourful. This gives a tattoo effect on the hands and feet, and it lasts only for a few days.

Apart from this, computer graphic designs are also used with the traditional mehendi designs. Traditional Arabic designs of mehendi have now become popular in India. Wonderful designs make the art of mehendi more attractive and beautiful.

BRIDAL HEENA:

Mehendi or henna plays a very important role in Indian and other Asian marriages. Intricate henna patterns are applied on the hands and feet of the bride in most Asian cultures. It is a common belief that the darker the color on the bride's hands, the better their married life. The names of the bridegroom are often enmeshed within the intricate swirls and curls of the henna patterns. In fact, applying bridal mehendi forms an intricate part of the wedding festivities. Womenfolk gather together amidst joyful singing and dancing as the henna artist applies patterns of flowers, birds and geometrical shapes. Bridal henna patterns include flower arches, flowery trails, leaves and chains. Intricate patterns are applied on the hands right up to the forearms.

ART OF HENNA:

The henna powder is usually mixed with water and made into a thick henna paste. It is then filled into cones. The tip of the cone must have a hole just enough to allow a smooth flow of the henna paste to make intricate designs. Once the design is applied, it is allowed to dry. The henna tends to give away a darker color if kept for a longer time. Lime and sugar water is periodically dabbed on the henna patterns to keep them damp and prevent cracking. Another method of applying mehendi is by spreading a henna stencil over the hand or any other body part and then applying henna paste all over the stencil.

APPLYING MEHENDI DESIGNS:

Sift the henna powder, remove the debris and make a smooth paste with the henna powder by adding to it a hot mixture of tea or coffee till it reaches mud like consistency.
Fill a plastic cone with henna paste. There should be a small hole to allow the paste to ooze out.
Hold the cone in the right hand and carefully make patterns by squeezing out the paste in a smooth and even manner.
Keep the palm horizontal till the patterned side dries.
Mehendi tends to give off a darker due if exposed to heat. The longer the mehendi is kept on, the darker the color.
Keep it as long as possible. Then scrape it off.
The color will vary from person to person.

HENNA KIT:

A mehendi kit would give you mehendi powder, stencils and henna design pages. A basic henna kit normally contains –

Henna powder
Applicator bottles
Essential lavender or eucalyptus oil
Designs
Stencils
Cones
Mixing cups
Cotton balls
Stirrers

Some kits are customized with ready to use henna paste and stencils. The ingredients can also be bought separately.

HENNA STENCIL:

Henna stencils are ideal for those who have minimal drawing skills. Choose from a wide range of stencils available for henna patterns. Place the henna stencil over the body part and apply henna or body paint over it and Voila - you have a henna design in place! Henna stencils can be used for creating a central focus theme for your mehendi design. You can elaborate on them too. Large henna stencils work well for the upper back, lower back and chest. Smaller finer stencils can be used for cuffs, anklets and armbands. Choose from plastic reusable stencils or those with adhesive backs.

ARABIC HENNA DESIGN:

Henna patterns tend to differ from country to country and from different cultures too. Each style is distinct. Arabic henna patterns are usually created from black henna. Asian mehendi designs are typically reddish brown. Arabic henna designs vary from the Indian mehendi patterns in that they are large and floral whereas the Indian designs are floral and paisley. Asian henna patterns tend to be composed of repetitive patterns of lines, leafy tendrils, teardrops and abstract shapes. Arabic henna designs are inspired by Arabic art.

MEHENDI TIPS:

Do's

Wash the area to be decorated with a good soap (one with a mud base) and water.
Mehendi should be kept for 2-3 hours till it is fully dry.
Scrape off the dry Mehendi and do not wash it with water for atleast 24 hours, to ensure maximum colour.
Apply a mixture of lemon and sugar, atleast twice, to the dry area.
After the tattoos are dried completely get some steam passing through cloves over the gas and apply Vicks for a good darkened color.
When the Mehendi starts fading and appears patchy, it can be removed by applying cosmetic body bleach.

Dont's

Do not use an oily soap as this can prevent the color from setting properly.
After the tattoos are applied avoid washing the area with soap or water.
Avoid staying close to the air conditioner as it dries up the mehendi.

Sensitive skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 20:25:00 +0530

Homemade natural recipes for sensitive skin......

CLEANSERS:

-Sweet almond and jojoba oil: massage gently, remove with warm cloth.
-Papaya: mash and smooth over face, massage gently, remove.

TONERS:

-Herbal: 1oz dried/3 big handfuls fresh COMFREY, 600ml water. Heat herbs in water slowly, tightly covered. do not boil, remove from heat, infuse overnight. Use as a regular toner. Keep refrigerated, use within 3 days.

EXFOLIATORS:

-grapefruit and oatmeal: add 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to the juice of a grapefruit. Mix to thick paste. Spread on face and leave on 15 minutes, remove with warm water.

MASKS:

-grapes - mashed: cooling, soothing nourishing tonic.
-peach - mashed: soothing, texture refining.
-cucumber and yoghurt: mashed together, add clay powder to smooth the mixture. Leave 10 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water. A cooling, soothing and toning mask.

OILS:

-camomile
-rose

Homemade Facial Masks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 23:26:00 +0530

Make your own facial mask ! Face masks for every type of skin......

Below are some simple yet efficient homemade face masks that you can make and use in minutes.

Homemade Facial Masks for dry skin

Mask 1. Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Mask 2. You will need:
2 oz/60g ripe avocado flesh
1 oz/25g orange juice
1 tsp/5g pure acacia honey
1 tsp/5g molasses
5 drops chamomile essential oil

Put all the ingredients in a blender, or mash by hand in a bowl. Add extra orange juice if the mixture is too thick. Use your fingers to spread the mask over your face and neck and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer, before removing. Use a warm flannel to rinse off the mask - this will help gently exfoliate skin as well as clean your face. This mask will keep for a day or two in the fridge if you don't use it all.

Mask 3. Mash apricots mix it with warm olive oil to form a paste. Apply it on your face and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off.

Homemade Facial Masks for oily skin

Mask 1. It works wonders - Grate an apple finely and then add about 4 tablespoons of honey. Mix it well apply it to your face wait 10 minutes and rinse.

Mask 2. You will need:
1 egg white
6 drops witch hazel
6 drops lemon juice
Whisk the egg white until it's stiff, and then add the remaining ingredients. Gently apply the mixture to your face, avoiding your eyes. Leave to dry for 15 minutes or so. Rinse well with warm water.

Mask 3. Tomato Mask: For oily skin, mash up a ripe tomato and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm (not hot) water.

Homemade Facial Mask for sensitive skin

Mask 1. Warm a small pot of honey in a double boiler, then test a small amount on your hand to make sure it's not too hot. When warm, apply the honey generously over your entire face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water.

Homemade Facial Masks for normal skin

Mask 1. Lettuce leaves are best home remedies for normal skin. Dip two large lettuce leaves in olive oil and sprinkle on them a few drops of lemon juice. Place them on both sides of your face, and then cover them with a paper towel dipped in mineral water. Wipe your face with a cotton ball soaked in warm milk, then rinse with boiled warm water.

Homemade Mud Masks for your face

You can mix Kaolin, Fullers earth or any cosmetic clay with a suitable liquid to form a mud mask. Mix the clay with the liquid to form a paste. Wash your face Pat dry your face Apply the paste on your face Leave to dry Rinse off completely.

Liquids to use:
Distilled Water
Spring Water
Aloe Vera juice
Rose Water : For sensitive skin
Witch Hazel : For oily skin
Herbal Tea : To treat your skin conditions
Egg white : For firming the skin
Egg Yolk : For nourishing the skin
Honey : For attracting moisture to the skin

More homemade facial masks

To loosen blackheads: Combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Firming Facial Masks :

1. Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

2. BANANA MASH. Mash up a very ripe banana. Add just enough honey to make a soft pulp. Apply over face and hair. This is such a great firming mask that aging movie stars have been known to put it in the cups of their bras to make their breasts "perky."

Honey Cleansing Scrub :

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

These homemade facial masks will make your skin glow from the inside. So go ahead... try them out and all the best!! Ideal for both men and women of all ages.

Tips to remove dark circles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 23:16:00 +0530

Tips for removing dark circles ......

Dip cotton pads in a mixture of cucumber and potato juice. and keep the cotton pads on your eyelids. After 15 to 20 minutes wash your eyes will cold water.

To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato, tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.

For bright and sparkling eyes ,add a small pinch of salt in water and wash your eyes.

Crush a cucumber and take the juice. Add a little rose water and apply around the eyes and wash it after 20 minutes.

Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark circles for 10-15 minutes daily before sleeping.

You can also put cucumber slices on youe eye lids for 10 minutes to soothen your eyes.

Coconut oil massage daily for 5 minutes before sleeping will help will help you a lot in removing your dark circles.

Slice one small piece of a potato, and cut the slice in half. Put each slice under your eyes and leave them under your eyes for 20 minutes.

You can place slightly warm tea bags over your eyes 10-15 minutes to lessen dark circles.

Beauty and Makeup Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0530

Beauty Tips:

1. An occasional face pack of ice is a good tonic for the complexion.

2. Mineral water is an ideal skin freshener. Decant some into a natural spray container and use to tone your complexion after cleansing, to set make-up, or simply to refresh you.

Makeup Tips:

1. Black-brown liquid liner is a better choice than black for daytime since it's a softer look. For more drama at night, use black.

2. Make sure your lips have been moisturised, and foundation/powder applied. Outline your shape with a lip pencil in natural or a toning shade to the chosen lipcolour. Apply lipstick with a lipbrush. Then blot by kissing a tissue held between the lips, then reapply more colour. Choose colour tones in either warm or cool tones to suit your complexion.

Tips......Dark Lips:

Heavy application of lipstick or the use of a cheap brand of lipstick turns the lips dark. Fresh air, vitamins and iron are required for maintaining red lips. Also keep them free from lipstick as much as possible and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, take carrot and orange juice. Every day before going to bed massage your lips with a few drops each of glycerine, lime juice and honey.

Hope that helps with the problem of dark lips.

Tips......Tomatoes to look young:

Fresh tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C. Tomatoes also provide beta carotene, and their red color is due to another carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant and like betacarotene, offers protection against the damaging effects of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can attack healthy cells.

Tomatoes are low in calories, just 29 in 2 small tomatoes. They are rich in fiber; vitamin C, B, vitamin E and potassium. They are useful addition to weight reducing diet. Zycopene becomes available to the body only from cooked tomatoes products like ketchup, puree not from raw tomatoes.

Tips on Glowing Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Aug 2005 23:56:00 +0530

What is the secret behind the glowing skin ???

The answer is: You just need to follow these tips:

1. WATER: This is a miracle worker as it helps you detoxify your body and add that healthy glow to your skin. Drink atleast 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Begin your day with a glass of warm water.

2. DIET: Eat lots of fresh fruits & vegetables. That do wonders to your skin. Try eating papayas, apples and pears.

3. WORKOUT: A regular workout helps remove toxins from the skin. Make it a point to workout everyday for half an hour atleast, be it jogging on the treadmill or doing some weight training. Exercising is a must.

Above all, avoid being angry, frustrated and irritated. Free your mind from all the negative thoughts... just BE HAPPY... and you will see the difference!