sofeminine

Orange Upside Down Cake

2013-04-16T11:02:00.000+05:30

One of the best and easy cakes made with seasonal oranges. You will surely crave for more, check out my post - Orange upside down cake

Deviled Eggs- my new addition to egg recipes

2013-04-02T13:19:00.001+05:30

Bored with the usual recipes made out of eggs. Try experimenting and turn out eggs into a super hit snack . Check out my latest entry- Deviled Eggs.

Will be back soon......

2008-03-10T00:21:00.002+05:30

hi all i apologise for not posting since a long time because of some personal reasons ....but now i'm back n will be posting soon .

Banana rolls

2007-10-11T12:22:00.000+05:30

Thinking about the easy & quick sweet ,i love making banana rolls .This recipe is good enough for people having sweet tooth & love for bananas .So lets jump to the recipe-

Ingredients:-
2 ripe medium sized bananas(cut into half)
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
3tbsp butter
2 drops vanilla essence
1/2 cup grated chocolate
oil for deep frying
water

garnishing:-
some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
some pieces of tutti fruity
some grated chocolate

preparation time:-
20 min

Serves:-4

Method:-
1)Take butter and knead well in All purpose flour. Now add sugar in it. Mix well. Add water
and make dough.(consistency of the dough should not be tough ,it should be medium).
2)Take lemon sized ball of dough ,flatten it on your palm then keep the piece of banana & some chocolate in it & then roll it & close all the sides by applying some water.
3)Heat the oil & fry all the rolls.
4)Take out when golden brown .
5)Serve hot or cold with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream . Put some grated chocolate n some tutti fruity on top.

AAM Panna(Raw mango drink)

2007-09-10T21:11:00.000+05:30

Whenever i see raw mangoes my mind just clicks to make some aam panna ......a wonderful drink that just soothes the whole body n is just so refreshing ......n one enjoys it most during summers.My husband just loves it but according to him the weather should be steamin hot to enjoy it the most ....but i love it anytime, so even if i get some out of season raw mangoes ,i just grab them to make panna.

Ingredients-
2 raw mangoes(medium sized)
3/4 cup of sugar (u can add more if u like more sweet)
1/2 tsp rock salt
1 tsp roasted cumin powder
1-2 tsp of mint extract/mint paste
1 small cube of ginger

Method-
1) Take raw mangoes wash them properly n boil them til they are soft.
2)Let them cool .When they cool down take out the pulp .Mix all the ingredients.
3)Blend them in blender to make puree n strain it.
4) Store n refrigerate.
5) For making a glass take 3/4 glass of chilled water & mix 1/4 or more (according to your taste) of this mixture.Add some ice cubes & garnish with fresh mint leaf.Sip n enjoy.

This post of mine is for the monthly mingle being held by mita of What's For Lunch, H oney? The theme of this month's mingle is liquid dreams.So lets mingle n enjoy.

Potato spinach with milk base

2007-08-31T16:29:00.000+05:30

Spinach is the leafy vegetable that is available for almost the whole year It is really famous for its high iron content but it’s a myth . The iron content is good enough as compared to other green leaves ,it also contains vitamin K& A, calcium ,manganese, magnesium, high fiber etc ,altogether it is full of nutrients. It should be washed well before using & blanched for 1 min for sweeter taste. Now lets head towards the recipe-

Ingredients:-

2 medium boiled potatoes(cut in medium sized cubes)

2 cups of washed & shredded spinach leaves

1 medium finely chopped onion

3-4 cloves of crushed garlic

½ tsp of shredded ginger

2 tbsp of butter or vegetable oil

½ tsp of cornstarch

½ cup of milk

3 tsp of thick cream

½ tsp of nutmeg powder

½ tsp of red chili powder

Pinch of turmeric powder

Salt according to taste

Preparation time:-15 min

Serves:- 2

Method:-

1) Heat oil in a wok. Add onions sauté till slightly brown then add ginger & garlic ,chili powder, turmeric powder & sauté for another 3-4 min.

2) Now add spinach n close the lid n cook for 3-4 min.

3) Now add potatoes ,cover n cook again for 2 min.

4) Add some cornstarch in milk n add in the wok & let it simmer for 3 min.

5) Now add cream & nutmeg , cook for another 2 min .

6) Serve with chapattis or rice.

Vegetable Frittata (WBB #14)

2007-08-03T15:47:00.000+05:30

This post refers to the WBB#14 hosted by Glenna created byNandita . Well this is my first post for a Blogging event .This recipe is fast ,simple & amazing if you are fond of eggs .

Ingredients-

5 eggs
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic minced
3-4 green onions sliced
3/4 cup of mushrooms diced
1 Bell pepper (green /red/both)deseeded & sliced
1 tomato sliced
1/2 zuchini sliced thinly
1 medium potato cooked n diced
1/4 tsp dried oregano
salt n pepper to taste
your favourite cheese cut in small cubes 1 cup

preparaion time -30 min
serves -4

Method-

1) Take a heavy ovenproof pan (9*9 dimension for thick omelet) melt butter & saute garlic, onions,bell pepper,mushrooms for 2-3 minutes,now add zuchini saute for 2-3 min,than add potaoes cook for 2 min , if dont have oven take a heavy bottom non stick pan with lid.
2) Preheat oven at 400'F.
3) Beat Eggs ,salt & pepper
4) Transfer the egg mixture on the top of sauted veggies in the pan ,put the layer of tomatoes & cheese cubes and sprinkle oregano .
5) Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes till egg is cooked . If using gas stove than cook for 6-8 min than cover the pan's lid for 5 min or until the cheese melts on low flame & than remove the lid to let the egg cook & gets crip for another 3-4 minutes(keep a check).
5) Remove from oven & garnish with parsely.

I used a big pan of so the frittata turned out to be thin use small pan to make thick one .For this 9*9 pan will be good enough.

Curd n Mango Delight

2007-08-02T19:25:00.000+05:30

Well i'm late for this post ......too busy with my baby this week, so i tried somehing that was simple ,quick but yet lip smacking. So i should rush to the recipe....

Ingredients-
Hung curd(curd hung for 2 hrs in a cloth to take out extra water)or set curd -1cup
Ripe Mango pulp-1 cup
1/2 cp of crushed plain marie or coconut biscuits
3 tbsp 0f sugar(you can add more according to your sweetness requirement)
1-2 drops of red color
1/4 tsp of cardamom powder
Mehod-

1) Take curd,2 tbsp of sugar & cardamom powder ,blend it with a hand blender or whisk it properly till sugar dissolves n it becomes a smooth paste.
2) Now take mango pulp & 1 tbsp of sugar & blend properly to make smooth paste.
3) Take a glass first put a layer of curd ,than put some crushed biscuits ,then put a layer of mango pulp,then again a layer of biscuit crumble .
4) Now mix some red color in curd ,dont mix it well just fold the color twice & make a layer of it ,then again biscuit- mango - biscuit & than in last the curd layer with biscuit & decorate with a mango skin flower.
5) chill n serve.

kala channa kadhi (Black chick peas cooked with curd & spices)

2007-07-24T00:03:00.000+05:30

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, phosphorus, calcium and iron.In india they are famous by the name of 'kala chana'.
This recipe is slightly different from the normal kadi recipe( gram flour cooked with buttermilk) as i took coarsly grinded chana paste for it. Its amazing if eaten with rice or puri .

Ingredients-
Black chick peas 1 cup (soaked in water for 3-4 hrs)
Thick Curd 2 cups (good if slightly sour)
1 tsp garlic paste
2 green chillies finely chopped
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
2 wholr dried red chilies
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
pinch of asafetida
Few curry leaves(optional)
salt according to taste
ghee or oil 3 tbsp
For garnish-
finely chopped coriander
1 finely chopped tomato
Serves- 2 Preparation time-20-25 min

Method-
1) Grind chick peas in a blender keep it coarse don't make a paste.Keep the remaining water aside.
2) Heat oil or ghee in a non stick pan add the paste in oil and fry until it turns slightly brown & oil comes at sides.
3) Take out the paste .Take 1 tsp of oil/ghee put mustard seeds, asafetida,garam masala,green chilies,turmeric powder,chilli powder & garlic paste ,saute in oil then add the paste & saute again for 3-4 minutes until the paste mixes well with the spices, add curry leaves.
4) Then add curd & the water used for soaking chick peas & mix well ,see no lumps are there .
5) Cover & let it boil for 10 minutes ,keep stiring in between.Add more water if you want thin consistancy.

For tempering-
1) Heat 1 tsp of oil/ghee ,put some mustard seeds ,let then splutter.
2) Then add whole red chilli & few curry leaves.
3) Put it on kadi while serving & garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves & small pieces of tomatoes

My first recipe- Crispy cauliflower

2007-07-18T12:23:00.000+05:30

Feminism only on the side of beauty & looking good through makeup is not enough ,one can drop the jaws of people by being an all rounder ,the thing that can make others mouth water, lick fingers & win hundreds of compliments is Cooking .So I thought to include a Recipe category in my blog ,so lets try out some good recipes .

Crispy Cauliflower Starter

Ingredients-

1 floret Cauliflower
½ cup of grated beetroot
3 tbsps of cornflour
2 tsps garlic paste
2 tsps ginger paste
Salt according to taste
1 tsps garam masala
½ tsps black pepper powder
3 tsps kasuri methi(dry fenugreek leaves)
Oil for frying

For decoration

2-3 leaves of cabbage or salad leaves

1 firm ,red tomato

Some grated beetroot

Method

1) Cut cauliflower into big florets .clean , wash properly & slightly boil it (such that its ¼ done),let it dry.

2) Except beetroot put all the ingredients & toss properly such that the cauliflower pieces gets coated (not a thick coating).

3) Take out the juice of beetroot by squeezing it & put strains of juice on cauliflower.

4) Keep aside for ½ an hour.

5) Heat oil put the florets till slightly golden ,take out .

6) Take a plate arrange cabbage leaves & put cauliflower pieces on top of it.

7) Take tomato peel theskin starting from the top & moving in circular manner around the tomato ,than just roll the skin to make a flower.

8) Put few strands of beetroot on top of it. Serve with ketchup.

Types & Application of Eye shadow

2007-07-10T20:12:00.000+05:30

Step one- Application of base

1) The Foundation matching the color of eye should be applied, blend it well.

2) Apply concealer to hide dark circles with ring finger or concealer brush.

3) Dust translucent powder with powder brush over foundation & concealer.

Step two- Basic Areas of application

1) The first area (A) is between the upper lash line & brow bone.The first base shade is applied here.

2) The second area (B) is the natural arc below the brow bone. The darker shade is applied in this arc that is below the brow bone & upper part of first zone area.

3) The third area (C) is above the brow bone below the arc of the eyebrow in the outward direction & can also be applied in the inner corner of the eye. The lightest color is applied in this area.

4) The fourth area (D) is below the lower lash ,usually an eyeliner or mascara or kajal does the trick for this area but now-a-days a light colored eyeshaow is applied foe the dramatic look.

Step three- Basic Types of eyeshadow

1) Creamy eye shadow- This type of eye shadow is creamy in texture & can be applied with the fingertip. Normally one shade works as it blends nicely .not more than two shades should be used otherwise it gives the grayish effect.

2) Loose powder eye shadow-This type of eye shadow is basically used for shiny effect rather than color-Use a big brush to apply all over the eyes.

3) Pressed powder eye shadow-This type of eye shadows comes in different colors. This is first applied with a sponge brush & than blended with the eye shadow brush.

Step four- Basic colors of application

1) The less the use of colors the less the defining capability ,so the more use of colors brings greater defining capability.

2) The colors should either belong to the same color family or should compliment each other.

3) The blending should be done perfectly such as there is no discrimination between the start & end of color.

4) The proper blending not only gives the natural look but also hides the fine lines .

application of blush

2007-06-19T14:04:00.000+05:30

The most important thing is selection of right color that suits your skin .Apply blush first on the inner side of wrist area if it suits ,than it ‘ll suit your cheeks too .
Try to avoid blue ,gray colors choose warm ,peaches pinks etc.
The right color will bring out the blush that is present naturally.
Choose the brush that is round from front & fits the size of the apple of your cheeks when you smile ,that is the perfect brush for you .The bristles of brush should not be too long.
Taking the right amount of blush on brush is very important as too much of color will result in streaky application of blush.
For taking the right amount of blush on brush pat the end of brush very lightly on the blush ,their will be little traces of color present on brush .Then shake the brush slightly ,don’t blow the brush.
Now smile & tap the brush lightly on the apples of your cheeks ,never go back & forth as it becomes streaky so for the fine look tap it.
The blush should be applied on the limited area that is it should on move beyond the eyebrows towards the forehead & not beyond the nose that is downwards. If it extends beyond this ,as it looks bad & distorts the bone structure.
For powder/cream or gel blush normally one coat is enough for daytime .For night wear one can apply two coats.
For shiny cheeks apply one thin layer of eye shadow on powder blush ,never try this on cream or gel blush as they ‘ll turn streaky.
If your face is fuller apply blush outwards towards the temples.
With high cheekbones apply it in center of face.
In case of gel blush apply it in circular motion on cheekbone than blend it towards the hairline.

Selection of Blush

2007-06-05T13:02:00.001+05:30

The right type of blush done in a right way can do wonders.There are many blushes available now-a-days.

Powder blushes- These are best suited for oily skins, but will work for all skin types .,these are densest of all blushes so are the long lasting ones.
Cream blushes- These are best for dry skins as they have moisturizing properties.They blend well and allow the skin to show through after application.
Gel blushes- These are fast drying blushes & are meant for sheer glow. They work best for oily to normal skin but spread with difficulty on dry skin.
Tint blushes –These are also fast drying ones so should be applied fast & properly.
Shimmers- These are best during night & can be applied on forehead,inner side of eyes & upper bow of lips but should be applied with proper care as they accentuate the area.

Selection- Select a color of blush that resembles the natural glow of skin ,the blush should be applied in the inner side of wrist area & blended properly if it suits you then it ‘ll surely suit your cheeks. Choose a lighter color for day, and a darker one for evening look.

Choosing the Concealer

2007-05-29T13:41:00.000+05:30

Concealer is used to hide dark or brown spots, scars, pimple marks etc . Choose your concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation. There are different types of concealers available in market.

The liquid concealer-Those who have dry skin should choose the liquid concealer becoz of its moisturizing effect. The liquid concealer also helps to camouflage larger areas such as the dark circles around your eyes but they usually do not offer as much coverage as a solid stick concealer.
Solid Concealer-It is considered better when it is time to hide certain problem areas such as pimples, scars and bruises.They are basically available in Stick or Wand types .They are said to provide direct on-the-spot application. Wand concealers are best used on light skin tones, because they don’t overpower the fair skin
These are the two main types of concealers, you can also choose from Pot and Pencil concealers. Pencil concealers are ideal for covering tiny facial blemishes only, while pot concealers seem to work best for darker skin tones that need more coverage.

Concealer Tips

You should choose a makeup concealer that is not only lightweight but at the same time creamy also.
Test the variations of yellow based concealers since white, pink and green concealer can leave colors.
You should go for a concealer that is water-resistant and fragrance-free.
Use the brush to apply the concealer. It will enable you to place the concealer precisely where it is required, brush on with a soft flat brush.
In case you prefer to use your finger then opt for the ring finger, as it applies less pressure on your delicate skin.Gently pat concealer on with fingertips.
A yellow-based concealer is a best match for most of the skin tones while translucent powder helps it to set.
You should apply the concealer in the inner corners of the nose by the eyes and the dark areas under the eyes. To give a perfect look to your skin gently pat the concealer on with your fingertips and then cover the entire under-eye area and outside area of the eyes .
under eye concealer can be used to neutralize the purple or brown tones of bruising, under eye circles and . Concealer should cover entire under-eye, including outside of eye to give it lift. You should also note that the darker the circle is around your eyes the darker the concealer should be. You should test the color of a concealer over the foundation that you apply. The effect should be invisible.
Concealer first or foundation??? -With liquid or solid foundation you should apply the concealer after the foundation but with cream-to-powder foundation then use the concealer first and then the foundation..
To keep things as natural as possible,& for hiding fine lines apply your foundation first and then top up the cover on only the inner half of the under eye. This way you are not adding weight to the outer half .
If you are not using a color corrector then you should apply your foundation as normal. After that apply nearly dried concealer over the foundation in light patting strokes. And then reapply a bit of foundation in the same way.
Concealer for Sensitive Skin If your skin is sensitive then you should choose a concealer that contains only pure mineral pigment color and no dyes, oils, talc or starch.
Dry your pimple with the help of a blow dryer on low heat and then use a pointed brush to target the yellow-toned concealer that matches the tone of your foundation, which is dry and has a high pigment level, to the spot. Lightly press around the edges with fingers. Set with loose powder. You can also use concealer pencil for the purpose.
Remember that the concealer is only meant to hide small blemishes or unevenness in the skin and not to cover up major skin flaws.
This makeup must be applied in a very directional manner otherwise it might highlight the area rather than concealing it..

Application of Foundation Base

2007-05-22T11:28:00.000+05:30

Application of Liquid Foundation

To get the best results start with cleansed, toned and moisturised skin. Apply colour to the centre of the face, across your nose and cheeks then blend out over the face.
To ease blending and avoid caking always prime your skin with moisturiser before applying foundation and give it a minute or so to absorb. If you use a liquid foundation, always shake the bottle well before you apply it. Pigment can settle at the bottom and give you an uneven finish.
For perfect application, stroke liquid and stick foundations on with your fingers rather than a sponge. The heat of your fingers makes the foundation melt into the skin better. Make-up sponges can skid across the surface and leave streaks.
Blend your foundation onto your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, even your eyelids, starting from the nose and working outwards. Use as little or as much as looks right for each area - which sometimes means none at all.Use lighter shade foundation for T-zone,under the eyes,beneath the lashes& upper & lower eyelid.

Apply your ‘true’ shade, which matches the natural skin tone of your neck, all over your face as normal. Then apply a little bit of darker foundation over the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead to create a ‘cross’ of slightly darker colour in the centre of the face. This technique ‘punches-up’ the colour in the face and really livens up the skin tone.
When you're shopping for foundation take a compact mirror with you so you can put the colour on your face then check it outside. A shade that looks great on your skin in the artificial light inside the shop might look dreadful in daylight.
The right foundation for you will be virtually invisible when you apply it to the skin between your cheek and your jaw.
The first and most important step in getting good results is selecting the correct shade or mix of shades to match your skin tones perfectly. Your skin tone changes from season to season so that a shade that looks perfect in the winter will not necessarily work for you in the summer.

Application of Compact Foundation

Apply with a dry sponge to get even coverage.
Put some powder on the sponge and dab it around the centre of your face. Blend the powder outwards using gentle strokes.
The cheeks and the areas around the nose and under the eyes are prone to dark shadows and broken blood vessels. These will need the most coverage. You can use less around the hairline and at the ears.
Blend the foundation as you apply it paying particular attention at the hairline, jaw line, ears and eyebrows.
Retouch as needed. You can use powder foundation to alleviate any shine that builds up.
You don’t need to use powder with compact foundations.

Application of Stick Foundation

Can be applied directly to the skin by stick or with fingertips.
If you are using the stick to apply, draw it along both cheeks and blend outwards.
Apply a little to the chin and forehead and blend outwards.

Application of Cream Foundation

Squeeze the foundation cream onto one hand and work with it from there. It brings the creme to body temperature, allowing for smoother application.
Foundation will set up during application so it’s best to apply it in one area at a time. For example separate the 'canvas' into 1/3's, start in the center of each 1/3 and work the sponge outward in short strokes to the hair line, under the jaw and down the neck, respectively.
If you have fine hair on your face, stroke the sponge in the direction the hair lays. Inspect all the angles and areas of your face, and use your make-up sponge to blend and smooth where needed.

Selection of Foundation Base

2007-05-15T00:27:00.000+05:30

Foundation is used to balance the definition of tones in different areas of your face, accentuating an even glow

Choosing the right foundation

Emulsions offer less of a glow than liquid or cream solutions but provide more effective concealment of blemishes and imperfections.
Loose powder foundations have the function of combining both foundation and powder in one product. It 'sets' your foundation to make it last, it adds a matte finish to the skin that looks fresh, makes the skin seem finer by making the pores seem smaller.
Pressed cosmetic foundations give a smooth, matte finish to the skin that helps control shine. It can be applied with either a damp or dry sponge. This type of foundation works for all skin types and is easy to carry around since it's not as messy as loose powder. This makes it quick and handy for touch ups. It is available in more shades than loose powder. Use lightly since it tends to accumulate on your skin during touch ups.
Cream-based foundations,are formed from a high concentration of oils and are consequently more use to people suffering from dry skin.Creams provide a heavy cover which is good for concealment while also giving more of a glossy finish. Concealer may be applied either before or after the foundation. Use a wedge-shaped latex sponge and light strokes to apply the foundation across the face.The thicker and heavier it feels, the more it covers. So if it feels slightly dry it offers light to medium cover. Try not to cover too thick with cream foundation or it may look artificial.
Liquid foundations are available for all skin types and are one of the most popular forms of foundation. Liquid foundations also gives off a glossy finish.To avoid a streaky finish place a very small amount of foundation on sponges and always brush over with powder. The powder helps the cosmetic foundations last longer.Make sure you get the right cosmetic foundations for your skin type - choose an oil-based foundation for dry skin, water-based foundation for normal skin, and 'oil-free' foundation for for oily skin.
Gels emit a lighter, more natural look and are useful if you have a clear complexion with little or no blemishes.
Cake is a solid form of foundation, also called sticks. Cake has a drying effect which has the most benefit to people who suffer from oily skin. Cakes provide a thick layer of foundation which is effective in concealing imperfections such as scars. Cakes are not practical for everyday use.

application of concealer

2007-05-07T16:00:00.001+05:30

Bemishes are common on skin. It can be amark on skin caused by pimples ,blocked pores or any other spot. Few make up supplies can easily conceal the blemishes........

Wash your hands & face properly, dirt will aggravate the blemish.
Because concealer can settle into even the finest lines and take on a flaky, cakey texture, it's important to moisturize the area you're concealing before applying the cosmetic. Pat a tiny bit of moisturizer (or eye cream) over areas and allow the lotion to sink into skin for at least ten minutes.
Choose a concealer according to the type & color of blemish you wanna hide.Concealer is a creamier foundation but with added pigments for specific parts of face.
Yellow tinted concealer can be used to hide red blemishes.
A little lighter concealer than your dark colored blemish can be used to hide dark spots.
Masking cosmeic can be used to hide more prominent blemishes like scars left by pimples or irregularities on skin.
Apply the concealer through your finger or eye shadow brush or a sponge.
Blend the edeges properly to match the sides of skin.
Use circular motion for blending.
Set with a special setting powder ,than apply foundation & powder.

selecting a lip color

2007-04-30T23:32:00.000+05:30

The best way to find the right shade for you is to try it on. But here are a few guidelines to help you make a choice:

If you have dark skin you have the greatest flexibility: Plums, chocolates, reds, pastels and oranges all work with your skin. If you have a medium skin tone with golden undertones, all shades of red ,brown-based mauve, sheer berry or spicy brown can be wored. If you have pale skin try sheer shades,nudes, beige tones, light corals and light pinks will work for you.
Get a touch of color with a tinted gloss. Consider ruby or coffee shades for evening, and mauves, taupes and caramels for day.
Choose a lip liner that's a shade or two darker than your lipstick. Lining your lips will add definition and help keep your lip color from bleeding.
Balance heavy eye makeup with a more subdued lip color. Pair a bold lip color with softer eye makeup.
Skip pastel and frosted shades, which can leave Asian complexions washed out or flat. Do look for soft colors that have a delicate shimmer or subtle shine
Check out the new color sticks that can go from cheek to eyes to lips. This is a great option for busy, on-the-go gals, or those who prefer a simpler beauty regime.
A lip liner gives definition to the shape of your lips, helps prevent lipstick bleeding and also allows you to correct any little flaws in the shape of your lips. Select a lip liner close to your lipstick shade so there is no obvious line when lipstick is applied. Outline lips and if you fill in your lips with liner before applying lipstick, your lip color will last a lot longer. Now add lipstick. For a really professional, longer lasting finish, use a lip brush to apply lip colour. Then blot with tissue and apply one more coat.
Apply lip balm once a day or choose moisture-rich lip color formulas to counteract dry or chapped lips.
Light colours, including shiny or frosted emphasise lips and make them look larger. Dark and matte shades make lips look smaller
Never line your lips all the way to the edges. This makes them look wide. Instead, draw up to just before the edges. For the appearance of a small mouth, only draw to the edge of the fullest part of your bottom lip.
If you have light-colored eyes of blue, hazel, green or gray, a frosted lip color will bring a dazzling sparkle to your eyes.
Choosing lipstick, with blue in it ,helps your teeth look whiter.
NEVER apply too much shiny gloss to your lips, even without lipstick, as too much shine makes you look like you have been eating greasy food like chips! It is best to just buy a shimmery lipstick and forget about gloss .
According to dress colors-

If you wear black, white, or nude colours, then your best accessory will be a bright lipstick in any hue of red, livening up your entire look. Apply lip gloss on top to magnify the effect .
For a pastel or dark outfit, match lips with one of your outfit’s colours, but make it brighter. If you have the confidence to wear the boldest colours, then try making your lipstick and outfit palettes complementary instead of matching them.
For a bright outfit, lighter or darker lips are best.

Depending on its texture-

Transparent gloss makes the lips look full, sexy, and luscious.
Sheer lipstick is ideal for natural, sensual lips, and suits women of every age group & can be worn every day.
Opaque lipstick gives the best coverage.With bright,metallic &matte colors different looks can be created.

Varieties present now-a-days-

Long lasting lipcolors-These lipsticks are more like a permanent lip color, which you literally paint on your lips and wait to dry. Once the color is dry, apply the clear top coat, which gives the lips moisture and shine. When using this type of lipstick, it is essential that the lips be well hydrated, since these formulas tend to be a bit drying.
Liquid lip color- adds an intense shine on your lips, much more than lipstick. Liquid lip color glides on smoothly and is available in long wearing formula to last all day long. Lip color leaves the lips with a glossy shine and rich color. These lip colors come with a convenient wad that aids easy application.
Lip stains- come with a brush that makes them easy to apply. Lip stains come in liquid form and are long wearing. They come in colors that easily blend with the natural skin tones. Sometimes, lip stains are used as blush too, applied to the cheekbones and blended with a sponge.
Lip gloss- leaves the lips in its natural state, with just a hint of shine. Lipgloss can be found in refreshing shades ranging from deep bronze to pale pink or even coral or walnut brown.

nail paint selection & application techniques

2007-04-23T15:21:00.000+05:30

Nail polish comes in thousands of shimmering, matte, glittering rich colors. But choosing the perfect color & type is difficult.

· Quick drying formulas that stay longer are available. But on the other side, they chip easily too. They should be used only in emergencies and should not be included in your daily makeup kit.

· Strong and longer lasting nail polishes are chip-resistant and do not need frequent touch-ups and are thus pretty good for daily purposes.

· If you are in a hurry and need a quick manicure for our nails, opt for light or sheer shades.

· Solid color nail paint is the most basic and simplest of all.

· Basic neutrals and mild nail colors are best for first meetings and job interviews.

· If you are wearing open-toed shoes, you can also apply the same shade on your toenails for the stylish look. Match your nail polish with your outfit. For an easy pick, try choosing the shade that is the second most common in your clothes to emphasize it.

· Since black and silver lend a bold look so use it only while dating, going to the parties or when you are going on outgoing with your family and friends. Tropical or bright colors for a date or dinner with the girls are good to choose. For an evening event, try a dark, more intense color

· Become a craze in college by doing you nails in uniform colors. You can try painting one nail in one color entirely and then use another color to paint the next nail and so on or paint the body of the nail with one color and tips with another. Dare to paint the nail in one color and the mascot of your institute on it in another color.

· Just as fashion trends change with the seasons, so should your nail color! For spring, think fresh, fun flower colors, such as light or candy pinks.

· According to skin tones you can choose-Fair Skin: Choose berry reds, as they nearly always have a bit of pink in them. Medium Skin: Choose deep burgundy or wine colors. Olive or Bronze Skin: Choose orange-reds, browns, or gold. Dark Skin: Choose strong reds, deep plums, or silvers.

Nail paint applying techniques-

Apply thin coat of nail polish, let it dry and then apply another coat. Even if you want a glossier effect, go for more than two thin coats rather than a thick coat of polish as it dries sooner and lasts longer and do not chip off easily. To quicken the process, you can use the branded quick drying formulas, readily available in the supermarkets. It always handy to keep a cotton bud by your side to remove excess nail varnish on the top of the bottle, as it will prevent of it being glued shut by the drying of the color.
It is advisable to use the remover and applying nail polish only once or twice a week to prevent your nails from drying. Even if you do this, be sure to use removers with built-in moisturizers to keep your nails healthy.
Always store your nail polish in a refrigerator though a cool dry place is still a better option.
For the French Manicure, use a white nail pencil to line the nail tip from beneath for that pure white clean look instead of white nail polish.& a hasty look can be achieved by using a neutral shade as the base paint and the white shade on the tips of your nails.
Do not forget to a weekly hand massage to pamper yourself, increase your circulation and enhance nail growth, you can read article on nail care for that.
To make the chip-resistant nail enamels last longer, submerge your freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 seconds.
While running for the car, you will just need five seconds to put a wide stripe of a quick-drying nail varnish down the center.
If your nail polish has chipped to an extent that touchups are of no use, better use the remover rather than trying to hide it under a coat of nail paint that makes the texture of your nails look uneven.
You may sometimes even get away with cleaning the nails underneath, rubbing on the buffing cream and use chamois buffer for the healthy shine.
Remember never to file the corner of your nails as it weakens them and make them brittle.
Get fashionable and funky by doing your nails in a solid color and allowing them to dry. Then use a toothpick to make a diagonal line across your nails in a different color. More skilled artists can go for more complicated patterns of their own. You can stick the ready tattoos available in market, which really are cool.
For club night outs or hot dates, try metallic glints; nail piercing, nail tattoos and embellishments. If your nails are not as long as you desire, you can opt for fake nails too.
For shimmer and glitter, use a coat of clear gloss or sparkle on your dried nail polish. Silver glitter looks best on dark blue and black shades while gold glitter goes well with red shade. They are the best choices for bridal look or on weddings of near and dear ones and formal wear.
And remember that no matter what color you end up flaunting, don’t put it on naked nails--colored polishes tend to highlight every bump and blemish you’ve got, so lay down a layer of basecoat first.

Recipe and instructions for homemade waxing

2007-04-16T17:14:00.000+05:30

1) Ingredients

1 cup sugar
Half a lemon for the juice
1/4 cup honey

Mix lemon, sugar, and honey in a bowl. Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, until it bubbles into a smooth consistency. If you use the stove use LOW heat.Let it cool properly.Store it in a plastic or a glass container.

Before using microwave it for 20 seconds .

2) Ingredients

· 2 cups brown sugar

· ¼ cup water

· ¼ cup lemon juice

Pour the sugar, water and lemon juice all together in a saucepan, and heat it over a low flame. Keep stirring the mixture to avoid burning. Stir it until all the sugar has melted, and you have a thick brown liquid. Let it cool slightly before using it. It can be stored in a heat proof container for later use. Store it in fridge. It can be easily warmed up in the microwave. It a natural home made wax that can be used for waxing for arms, legs, underarms, upper lips and eyebrows.

3) Ingredients:

· 1 cup Sugar (approx 220gms)

· 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (30mls)

· 2 Tablespoons Water (30mls)

Put sugar, water and lemon juice in a saucepan, mix and put on a low/ medium heat until sugar has dissolved and the solution is a clear liquid. Bring to boil for about 30-40 seconds and remove from heat (the wax should appear clear with slight yellow tint). Pour wax into suitable plastic or glass container and allow to cool .Keep refrigerated to store.

Instructions for waxing-

1) The hair you want to wax is at least 1/4" long, the wax needs something to grab on to.

2) Make sure your legs or where ever you wish to place it is clean and dry and dust area with baby powder or cornstarch if desired. Do not wax straight after having a hot bath or shower. Spread a thin wide layer of wax across your skin using the spatula ,butter knife or lollipop stick. The wax should be spread in the direction that your hair naturally rests on your skin. (If your hair grows in downward direction, then spread the wax downwards).

3) Take a cloth strip make sure that the cloth is washed properly before use and press firmly over the wax. Rub the strip with the palm of your hand back and forth 3-4 times.

4) Now take hold of the cloth strip at the bottom, and quickly pull off your skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

5) Most of the hair should be pulled off, if not then try again; your hair may not be long enough yet, or you may not have made the wax with the right proportion of ingredients.

6) Continue until you have removed all unwanted hair. When all hair has been removed, take a shower and apply shaving balm.During application if the wax becomes too thick to spread, put it again in the microwave for 15-20 secs again or keep the container on double boiler .Remember to always test the temperature before applying to the skin

7) This is a bit painful . But after awhile, it will make your hair growth less thick and less frequent. If you hold your skin taut and rip it out quick, it is less painful.

Choosing skin cleansers

2007-04-09T17:14:00.000+05:30

A good cleanser not only removes make-up but also exfoliate dead cells & helps out from the problem of closed pores.Thus , one should take care of following while choosing a good face wash-

It should be mild
Should maintain natural PH balance .
Hydrate the skin.
Do the deep cleansing.
No artificial colours or deodorisers should be present.
It should not be allergic to skin .Now a days there is huge range of face washes that contain glycerin,aroma oils,flower extracts,vitamin E& C,medicated etc but one should choose it according to individuals skin type.
If your skin is sensitive then don't use perfumed formulated cleanser otherwise it may result in itching or stretchiness.
If the skin has acne problem then take medicated,Neem based or anti acne cleanser.
To maintain the moisture of dry skin choose oil or glycerin based cream cleanser.
For combination skin use mild milky cleanser.
For normal skin type use moisturising formula based cleanser.
For hydrating the skin use vitamin E based cleanser.
For dry & flaky skin use exfoliating cleanser.
Use anti bacterial or oil free cleanser on skin that sweats more & is oily.
For relaxation use cleanser with essential oils

Cleansing is done in morning & evening & should be done at night also in order to deeply clean the skin that bears full day make-up ,sweating, oiliness & impurities that get inside the pores .If one sleeps like that than it will result in acne or skin allergy.

First remove eye makeup.For removing mascara dip cotton bud in eye cleansing lotion & remove mascara from eye lashes.
Than for removing eye liner & eye shadow take eye makeup remover bud on cotton on gently remove .
Then take face cleansing cream ,apply it on nose,chin ,forehead & cheeks & starting from neck area massage in upward direction .In the end massage eyes & nose.
While cleansing face give gentle strokes with fingers in circular motion .In the end wipe out with tissue paper.
After removing make up wash face with face wash & splash water on skin.

One should tone & moisturise skin as many times cleansing is done .if skin is dry & mature than it should be nourished properly .If its oily than use rose water or astringent lotion for toning.

Choosing Foundation for skin

2007-04-02T17:13:00.000+05:30

An attractive makeup application must begin with a foundation that blends smoothly and evenly, merging with your skin. Even if you feel that you need a foundation that provides good coverage, obvious coverage is a mistake and can negatively affect your entire makeup application. The primary goal when shopping for foundation is to be sure it matches your skin exactly. Avoid ever buying a foundation to alter skin color because in daylight or office lighting, it will appear completely unnatural.

Acne Prone Skin And Oily Skin:

Oil-free, matte or semi-matte foundations are best, because they are least likely to aggravate the acne. However, these do not cover or last as well as the oily foundations, they are more difficult to apply and tend to collect around skin blemishes. Loose transparent powders applied over the oil-free foundation gives longer coverage. For skin with many comedones, sheer foundations are best. Inflamed acne needs moderate coverage, acne scars may need a cake foundation with minimum oil. Water-based creams or alcohol-based liquids can be used under the foundation. If medicated gels are applied they need to be allowed to dry before the foundation is used.

Normal Skin:

Moist semi-matte foundations are very good, especially if there is not too much oil present. Sheer is good for those who only need some skin colour. Moderate coverage may be desirable if your skin has variable colors from chronic sun damage.Flawless skin needs no foundation.

Dry Skin:

Oil-based or water based foundations with a moderate degree of oil give you the best chance of retaining moisture in your skin. The oil will give a semi-matte finish, and will be easier to apply.

Younger people may prefer a moderately sheer, moist semi-matte look, and powder can be added to reduce the shine. Older individuals may want to use moderate coverage that does not accentuate their wrinkles.

If you have very dry skin, a soufflé foundation may be more helpful because they are oilier and thicker. However, this can accentuate wrinkles, another option might be to apply a moisturizer followed by a less moisturizing foundation.

Combination Skin:

The oily areas i.e the T-Zone should be treated with an astringent, and the dry areas moisturized with an oil-free product.

Acne Scars:

Oily or silicone based foundations are needed and should be used with little or no water.

Split Ends

2007-03-26T16:35:00.000+05:30

Split ends is the most common problem that is faced by everyone .It damages hair in such a way that you can’t repair it. They happen when the proactive cuticle gets stripped away from ends .Splits can be 2-3 cms in length.

Causes-

Dry hair often split faster than any other type.
Over brushing & exaggerated backcombing .
Brushing wet hair.
Excessive coloring or perms.
Frequent use of heated appliances.
Towel drying should be avoided.
Frequently blow drying hair.
Bad quality elastic bands & hair accessories.
Inadequate balanced diet & low consumption of protein & avoiding fats totally.

Treatment-

Proper hair conditioners & hair packs should be applied in order to prevent dry hair.
Split ends should be cut every six weeks. As long as you ‘ll avoid them the worse will be the situation.
Hair should be dried properly before brushing it in order to avoid breakage.
Colored & permed type of hair needs extra care and should be treated with the appropriate products. Use a lot of conditioner and comb your hair through before
rinsing it out.
Try to avoid using heated hair appliances as much as possible! If you are using them anyway, make sure to protect your precious locks with a protective product.
You should dry your hair and then carefully comb it through with a wide toothed comb. Avoid using a hair dryer as much as possible since the heat won't do any good to your hair.
Avoid using uncovered elastic bands since these often pull out hair when being removed. Other accessories will damage or weaken the ends of the hair. If you put your hair in a ponytail, use a scrunchie; when wearing barrettes, take care not to catch hair in the metal clip.
Protect your hair from extreme weather. Wear a hat on sunny days and keep hair well moisturized in the dry winter months.
Use frequently leave-in conditioner with light hold or a pomade just at the ends.
Eat well balanced diets that include healthy proteins, along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.
Apply vitamin E oil or split ends serum or olive oil at ends once in a week .
Apply Aloe-vera gel or mineral oil at ends after washing hair.

Dandruff

2007-03-19T16:09:00.000+05:30

Cause-

First you should know that a person's entire body surface continuously sheds dead skin cells. The skin itself sheds every twenty-four days. Dandruff is the result of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. Shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an excessive rate, is the result of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy or dandruff can manifest as an oily greasy scalp with scales.

Internal Causes

Hormonal imbalance ,poor health, poor hygiene, allergic , hypersensitivity, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat, starch, improper nutrition, heredity predisposition .

External Causes

Excessive use of hair sprays and gels ,improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons, cold weather and dry indoor heating, stress and anxiety, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

Remedies

Massage your scalp with baby oil .Then shampoo with mild shampoo you can use baby shampoo. Repeat it daily till dandruff goes off completely.
Massage scalp with Aloe-vera gel (use generously),then shampoo with ,mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Soak 2 tbsps of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind & make paste & apply on scalp for half-an-hour ,then rinse with water.
Soak some neem leaves in water for overnight ,give rinse with this water or grind neem leaves & apply paste on scalp leave for 20 min then rinse off .Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Apply warm coconut oil or mix half a lemon juice and apply on scalp ,leave for half-an–hour then shampoo.
Cut onion into half rub on scalp ,then wash hair with sulphur based shampoo.
Give last rinse with 2tsps of vinegar mixed in water then cover hair with shower cap & then comb with fine toothed comb.
Boil 4-5 thyme in water for few minutes ,then cool mixture & apply on scalp & leave it for 45 min then rinse off.
Rub olive oil on scalp ,keep it for 1 hr then shampoo.
Make a paste of lime juice & garlic ,apply on scalp ,keep it for half-an-hour then shampoo with sulphur based shampoo .
Make hair damp ,apply little mayonnaise on scalp .Wash off after half-an-hour.
Take 6 tsps of water ,add 2 tsps of vinegar apply on scalp leave it overnight.Wash off next day ,give last rinse with vinegar mixed in water ,repeat 2-3 times in a week for 3 months.
Regularly comb your hair & wash when required .Take lots of vitamin B foods in diet .Drink lots of water.

Hair problems-Hair loss

2007-03-12T18:06:00.000+05:30

There are certain hair problems that we face in our daily life. Hair loss, graying of hair, dandruff, split ends etc are common hair problems. In order avoid these problems one should take proper hair care & balanced diet , though most of these problems are natural signs of aging or part of our genetic makeup, there are some simple preventative measures and home remedies that may help some of these hair complaints.

Hair Loss generally is noticed in one of two-ways.

1. Common pattern baldness, the loss is gradual. It can start as early as puberty, or very late in life.

2. Sudden loss of hair, or loss in clumps usually indicates a different problem. This type of symptom could be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal changes, medications, thyroid problems etc.

Cause of hair problems:
The cause of hair loss is most commonly related to

Male gender
Hormonal changes
Genetics
Medications .
Temporary hair loss can occur in conjunction with a high fever, a severe illness, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, general anesthesia, drug treatments, hormonal imbalance, or extreme stress, and in women following childbirth. In these conditions, a large number of hair follicles suddenly go into a resting phase, causing hair to thin noticeably. These can be treated by taking care & taking well balanced food.

General care of hair from loss:

1. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important . The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.

2. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel, either. Many hair experts suggest you consider putting away the blow dryer and air-drying your hair instead. If you can't live without your blow dryer, try using it on a low heat setting.

3. Style your hair when it's dry or damp. Styling your hair while it's wet can cause it to stretch and break. And try to avoid teasing your hair, which can also cause damage. Finally, be careful when using chemicals - such as straightness or color - on your hair.

Natural remedy tips for hair loss:

Massage the scalp with 2-3 drops of essential oil (bay, cedar wood, grapefruit, jojoba, lavender, lemon, rosemary, thyme and Roman chamomile., olive oil). Massage well into the scalp so that the oil gets into deep roots of hair. Wrap the hair and place a warm towel around it for 2-3 hrs. Shampoo the hair with a mild shampoo.
Eat a handful of white sesame seeds every morning. One handful of these small seeds contains about 1,200 mg. of calcium and magnesium to ignite the required nourishments of your scalp not to loose hair.
Take some yogurt everyday .
Give last rinse to hair with a mix of some apple cider vinegar tea & water.
Mix little warmer castor and almond oil and massage over scalp at least once a week.
Grind lime seeds and black pepper in equal number in some water and apply on the scalp at regular intervals.
Scrub the bald portion with onions till it becomes red. Then applying honey, scrub the scalp once a day.
Massage almond oil on scalp 2 to 3 times a day. Further hair loss will stop by doing this practice.
Massage coconut milk or Aloe Vera gel into the scalp and hair. Leave it for ½ hour, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat 3-4 times a week.
Massage honey with egg yolk into the scalp and hair. Leave for a 1/2 hour, then rinse to prevent hair loss.
Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.
Amla oil serves as an excellent tonic for hair conditioning. To prepare amla oil, put some dry pieces of amla in coconut oil and bring to a boil. Apply this oil on the scalp and see the wonderful results.
For nourishing your hair, apply coconut milk all over your scalp and massage it into the hair roots.
Mix equal amounts of amla, reetha and shikakai, soak them in water for almost twelve hours, boil the liquid until it reduces to half the previous quantity, strain it and use it to wash your hair. This shampoo protects the hair from damage by the chemical ingredients used in the shampoos available in the market.
Massaging the scalp with a mixture of raw eggs and curd, or honey and egg yolks, helps. These materials provide excellent nourishment to your scalp and strengthen the hair roots.