3 Simple & Quick Homemade Clay Mask Recipes

Last time we hung out we played with lemons, oats, and honey.  Not only did we play with our food, we also smothered the ingredients all over our faces.  List-breaking to the max. Today, we’re going a step further with three mud-slinging, food-playing masks that deep-clean, moisturize, and stop those blemishes from ever coming back.
Each mask uses bentonite clay as the main ingredient. You may remember this clay from my favorite make-up bag essential, homemade foundation powder. I also use this clay to make my family’s homemade toothpaste. That’s some versatile clay!
Bentonite clay pulls toxins, chemicals, and even heavy metals. The clay also helps provide oxygen to cells and has an alkalizing effect. Bentonite clay is rich in beneficial minerals such as: magnesium, silica, and calcium. When mixed together with healing and antibacterial ingredients, the clay creates a mask that can safely and effectively be used for maintaining healthy skin.

Before we play, let’s take a look at a few other ingredients:
Yogurt: helps exfoliate skin and tighten pores with naturally-occurring lactic acid. Yogurt also contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to help keep blemishes far away.
Honey: with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, honey is perfect for achieving that “glow” while fighting acne and nourishing aging skin. Honey also naturally opens pores.
Oats: contains anti-inflammatory properties and saponins, a cleansing agent, making oats perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Known for its antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil has been used for everything from treating acne to dandruff.
Ready to play? Me too!

Acne-Fighting Tea Tree Mask

Ingredients

• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1-2 TB water (Clean tap water is fine for short-term use. Use distilled or boiled and cooled water for long-term use.)
• 1 TB ground oats
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

Combine the bentonite clay and oats in a small bowl. (Please do not use a metal utensil or bowl when working with bentonite clay.)  Add in enough water to make a spreadable paste. Add 4 drops of tea tree oil and stir. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth.
*Note: To grind oats, place desired amount of oats in a spice grinder, blender, or food processor. Pulse oats until coarse and flour-like.

Soothing Yogurt Mask

Ingredients

• 1 TB bentonite clay (where to buy)
• 1 TB plain yogurt (homemade)

Instructions

Combine the bentonite clay and yogurt. (Please do not use a metal utensil or bowl when working with bentonite clay.) Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.  To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth.

Acne-Fighting Honey Mask

 Ingredients

• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1 TB water
• 1 TB raw honey

 Instructions

Combine the bentonite clay, honey, and water. (Please do not use a metal utensil or bowl when working with bentonite clay.) Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.  To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth.

Source : http://livesimply.me/2014/07/10/3-simple-quick-homemade-clay-mask-recipes/

Soothing Clay Mask for Stubborn Breakouts

soothing and antibacterial properties.

This clay mask is my go-to product for breakouts, clogged pores, or just tired skin. It’s soothing, detoxifying, and hydrating.

Soothing Clay Mask For Stubborn Breakouts

Serves: 1 facial mask

Ingredients

• ½ TB bentonite clay
• ½ TB aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant
• 1 tsp raw honey
• (optional) 1-2 drops lavender essential oil
• (optional) 1 drop tea tree essential oil

Instructions

1. In a medium-size bowl (you'll want lots of room to stir the ingredients), stir or whisk together the ingredients. It's important to avoid using metal when working with bentonite clay, so opt for a wooden or plastic spoon or fork.
2. The mask should be wet and a bit lumpy. If the mask is too dry or hard to stir, add a bit more aloe vera gel until you reach the desired consistency.

To Use: Massage the face mask on a clean face, or use the mask as a spot treatment. Let the face mask rest for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water and a washcloth.

Easy Foaming Body Wash

This body wash is easy to make, and it foams! The “body wash” may be used as hand soap or face soap, too.

Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash (Multi-Purpose)

Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash (Multi-Purpose) Author: Kristin Marr

Author: Kristin Marr

Serves: 1-8.5 ounce soap dispenser

Ingredients

• ½ cup rosewater
• ⅓ cup alcohol-free witch hazel
• 2 TB castile soap, I use Baby Mild
• 1-2 TB nourishing oil, such as: jojoba, almond, olive oil
• foaming soap dispenser--Without this product the body wash is very watery.

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a foaming soap dispenser, adding the castile soap as the last ingredient. Gently shake the bottle, with the top on, to combine the ingredients.

To Use: Press the pump down to dispense the body wash. Use your hand, a washcloth, or a puff to massage the body wash over the skin. This body wash may also be used as hand soap or a face wash.

2-Ingredient Aloe Facial Moisturizer

I’ve been on the hunt for my “perfect” facial moisturizer for a very long time. The “perfect” moisturizer will be different for everyone, but for me, this is the product. I used this during the summer and plan to continue using it throughout the “winter” months.

2-Ingredient Aloe Facial Moisturizer

Serves: varies

Ingredients

• aloe vera gel (where to buy)
• nourishing oil, such as: grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba, apricot kernel, argan, or tamanu.

Instructions

1. In a small bottle (I use a 4oz. bottle), combine the aloe vera and nourishing oil in equal amounts. Feel free to play around with the ratio that works best for your skin. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients. If you'd like to add additional ingredients, I suggest adding a small amount of vitamin E oil or a few drops of your favorite skin-friendly essential oil (I love lavender, tea tree, or carrot seed).

To Use: Before use, I vigorously shake the bottle for a few seconds to combine the ingredients. Then, I place a small amount of moisturizer on my (clean) fingertips and massage the moisturizer on my face. I use this moisturizer on my face, and prefer a thicker lotion or body butter on my body.

How to Wash Your Face Naturally

Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser

Servings 1 /2 cup   

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 TB extra virgin olive oil or jojoba oil. Any nourishing oil will work other options include: almond, avocado, apricot, argan, coconut. If you plan to use coconut oil, make sure the oil is soft before adding it to the aloe and honey.

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients. That's it!
2. Okay, a few more notes: This cleanser can be stored in a sealed jar (I use a Mason jar) or a soap dispenser. Either method works, it's completely up to you. If you're using a jar, I recommend using a spoon to scoop the cleanser into your hand to avoid introducing bacteria to the cleanser. Store the cleanser at room temperature for a couple of months. If you're using fresh aloe, store the cleanser in the fridge since the aloe may spoil quickly.

Recipe Notes

To Use: Shake the cleanser. Apply a small amount of cleanser to our hand, then massage the cleanser on your face. Allow the cleanser to sit for about a minute total, just to absorb the wonderful qualities of the ingredients. Using a damp wipe  for facial cleansing!! LOVE!), gently remove the cleanser, rinsing the wipe as needed.

Author Kristin Marr

POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Most people underestimate the power of essential oils and their uses. Not only are essential oils highly therapeutic, they are also good for several beauty remedies. I often use them when teaching aroma therapy meditation to corporates but they can be used in a variety of beauty potions too.
The most important thing to remember is that all essential oils require a carrier oil and that means that you can use a heavy oil to massage the essential oils into the skin as they cannot be used directly.  Coconut, almond, sesame, castor and even rice bran oil can be used as carrier oils. Let’s start with some basic skin problems and how to tackle them with the use of essential oils.

1. To get rid of pimples and acne: Tea Tree Oil

Take about 2 drops of Tea Tee oil and mix it with 1tsp of Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) and some spring water. Make a smooth paste and apply this on acne and pimples on the face. This oil naturally kills bacteria that leads to pimples.


2. To nourish and fight against hair thinning: Ylang Ylang Oil

If you have damaged or parched hair that is thinning and requires nourishment then I suggest that you massage your hair with castor oil to which you have added 4-5drops of Ylang Ylang oil. This also helps hair to grow and thicken hair. It is also known to protect the hair from salt water and chlorine.

3. To rejuvenate dull skin: Rose Hip Oil

I have often seen even the best of skins looking dull. For this take 2tsp of almond oil and add 2 drops of Rose Hip oil and massage into the skin to see the most amazing and rejuvenated skin in no time at all. This just wakes up the skin as it contains
Vitamin C

and Lycopene.
 

4. To fade away stretch marks: Jasmine Oil

If you are suffering from stretch marks and loose skin that has lost its elasticity, then I recommend that you should massage your skin with a mix of coconut oil and Jasmine oil. Take approximately 50ml of pure coconut oil and mix this 5 drops of Jasmine oil. The stretch marks will fade with regular use.


5. To improve skin’s elasticity: Frankincense, Patchouli and Geranium

These days we often hear of ‘face peels’ for turning back the clock. I suggest a natural solution for this too. 3-4 drops of frankincense, patchouli or geranium help improve the skin’s elasticity and encourage cell turn over. These oils also help to tighten the skin and lessen fine lines and wrinkles. I always feel they are best used either in almond oil or avocado oil.

Betacarotene and Vitamin A found in Carrot seed oil both detoxify and promote cell growth. This in turn helps block nasty free radicals found in the environment. Carrot seed oil is also an excellent sunscreen protecting the skin against pollution.

Dry Skin Care Tips by a Beauty Expert

Being someone who’s had to suffer with a terrible bout of acne due to my oily skin, I always felt that people with dry skin are happier. It was only later I realized that dry skin comes with its own set of problems like flaking, peeling, leathery look and above all it tends to age much faster than oily or combination skin. If your skin feels stretched and dehydrated then you are definitely a dry skin type which a lot of tender loving care.

Nourishing and moisturising both internally and externally are very important. Creams and moisturisers - all become ineffective when dryness plays up especially during autumn-winter months. So, what can one do to treat dry skin in the most natural way?

Let's start with internal oiling. From sunflower and olive oil to corn and mustard oil, keeping experimenting and use a variety of oil while cooking. Also, ghee or purified butter is a must. Keep a teaspoon of pure ghee handy with your meals. Almond oil is very effective in curing dry skin. Rub about a teaspoon of it onto your navel and pat slowly till the oil is absorbed completely. You could do this before going to be as it also has a calming effect.

For the face, there's one basic rule - moisturise daily. Take Vitamin E oil or almond oil and massage about a teaspoon on the dry areas. I recently made the most wonderful oil at home that I'd like to share with you. I took 10 frangipani flowers and added them to a cup of almond, wheat germ and olive oil mixed in equal quantities. This concoction was made to sit in a glass jar for a week. Later, I strained it and started massaging it on my skin. Believe me when I say this, it worked like magic and I highly recommend it to those of you who want to get ride of fine lines and wrinkles.

For another natural remedy, take 10 mashed figs and mix it with a handful of walnut paste. Add some milk and apply this to the skin. I use fresh cream when my skin is feeling really leathery and dehydrated and that often happens when winter is setting in and the smog just refuses to lift. Apply it on the skin for about 15 minutes and when soaked into the skin, dab some buttermilk or fresh milk and scrub off. Enjoy baby soft skin in minutes.

Most people I come across are confused about the kind of sunscreen they should use, what SPF it should be and whether it should have a moisturising agent or not. For those who have dry skin, I suggest you chose one which gives moisture, nourishment and hydration to the skin.

You can even make your very own moisturising spray mist at home. Take 100 ml of rose water and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Shake well and spritz all over the face and neck and let the skin drink this up. This helps in toning and moisturising at the same time.

Many fruits contain alpha hydroxyl acids and a wonderful way of giving the skin the nourishment it requires is to use them in face masks. Bananas mashed with honey makes for an excellent mask.
Similarly, mashed avocado mixed with a teaspoon of fresh cream and a few drops of honey is one of the best hydrating masks I have ever made.

Use some apricot jam mixed with a teaspoon milk powder. Massage this into the skin with some water and leave it on for a couple of minutes. Wash your face with cold water and pat dry.

One thing that you must always keep in mind is never to use hot water on the skin. This will make the skin drier. Use luke warm water and splash cold water on the face for reducing dryness and to increase blood circulation. Say goodbye to all your dry skin woes and pamper your skin with natural nourishing ingredients. 

Source: Suparna Trikha

I’m Not Scared at Night Spray

Do you know any children who get scared at night? This week’s recipe is a spray to help keep scary nighttime monsters away!

• 2 oz water in a 2 oz spray bottle
• 3 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Just add the essential oil drops to the water and shake before use.

Leave by the bed and spray in the direction of the scary monster! We all know monsters don’t like the smell of essential oils! It works every time!

Be sure to make a fun and colorful label for the spray, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep!

I find myself smiling every time I breathe it in. It has such a bright, warm, fresh scent that reminds me of warm summer days, feeling happy and healthy, and the sense that anything is possible.

 

These are some of the qualities Sweet Orange oil brings to your aromatherapy blends.

 

Tension, both physical and emotional, just seems to melt away under Orange’s sunny glow. Got the blues? Use some Orange! (Haha, I love saying that!) It helps everything flow more smoothly. I love Orange in blends that encourage digestion, relaxation, optimistic energy, clear thoughts, and overall health and happiness.

 

Orange is a great reassuring sidekick. You can keep it with you all the time by making an aromatherapy inhaler:

 

Bye-Bye Stress Inhaler

• 5 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 3 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
• 2 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

If you’ve never used an aromatherapy inhaler before, don’t worry—it’s simple!

 

You can get blank inhalers online. (I like buying from Aromatics International.) An inhaler is about the size of a lip balm tube, and it comes with four parts: a piece of cotton, a plastic sleeve, a bottom part that snaps the whole thing shut, and a lid.

 

Just drop your essential oils right onto the cotton. Then slide the cotton into the plastic sleeve, snap the bottom closed, and it’s ready to go!

Easing Tension:

Orange essential oil loves easing tension—whether it’s physical or emotional.

 

If you’ve been sitting too long at a desk and your shoulders and neck are tight, Orange would be the friend who comes up behind you to massage your shoulders.

 

One of my favorite massage oil recipes calls for vanilla infused jojoba—jojoba that’s been steeped with vanilla oleoresin. After a few weeks, the jojoba smells just like vanilla. It’s so decadent! (You can make this blend with me step by step in this YouTube video.)

 

Vanilla and Orange Massage Oil

• 2 oz (60 ml) vanilla infused jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
• 20 drops Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)

Blend the two oils in a 2 oz (60 ml) PET plastic bottle with a flip top. If you love this massage oil as much as I do, you can easily increase the recipe to make more. (I usually make 2 to 4 oz/120 ml each time.)

 

Source : Aromahead

13 Things to Do Every Morning to

Stay Healthy and Energized

We've all done it: snoozed so many times you're beyond late when you do finally drag yourself out of bed, and then all that's left to save you (time-wise) is a bottle of dry shampoo and a sugary breakfast bar. Nothing good ever comes of this routine. So, in an effort to help you win 2017, we enlisted some of the top wellness pros in the industry to offer their sage advice. Better mornings are just around the corner, we promise.

Start With a Smile

While still in bed, think of something that makes you smile (animal, person, positive situation, or a place) and hold that feeling, enjoying a wave of endorphins and serotonin rushing in. Being in a positive state has significant impact on motivation, productivity, and well-being. Get those happy brain chemicals moving!

Boost Your Caffeine Fix

Boost your rich dark coffee by adding a spoonful of cold-pressed coconut oil and a spoonful of honey. Both ingredients have been known to gently detox, speed up metabolism, and aid with digestion. Super delicious and energizing.

Breathe In Fresh Air

Open your window (even in the Winter) and let the fresh air in the room while you do some gentle movements. lling your wrists, ankles, hips, neck - a few Sun Salutations for the yogis - it's important to renew the air in your room and apartment.

You can also do five-minute breathing exercises while sitting in your bed with your back against the wall, eyes closed. I really love the cardiac coherence breathing technique - it's super simple and super effective. Just a five-second inhale, five-second exhale, for five minutes. It's best to do this three times per day.

Wake Up Your Feet

Our feet are packed with sensory nerves, which not only impact our balance and posture but also our mental focus and acuity," says the creator of Catwalk Confidence, Dr. Splichal (aka Dr. Legs). "Start your day with five minutes of fierce feet exercises including rolling your foot on a golf ball while brushing your teeth, followed by a quick yoga flow on a barefoot stimulating Naboso Yoga Mat. The golf ball and textured yoga mat is like reflexology for your feet.

Enjoy a Smoothie

I drink herbal tea in the morning and make a smoothie in my Vitamix," says lifestyle expert and Schwinn brand ambassador Jeanette Zinno. "My go-to recipe is 8 oz. of almond milk, flax seeds, pea protein powder, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, raspberries or blueberries, avocado, and chia seeds. I used to only have coffee for breakfast, but having a shake keeps me focused and more efficient in the morning."

Set Your Alarm For the Same Time

I also try to wake up at the same time every day if possible," adds Zinno. "This improves my sleep quality, which boosts my energy and keeps my circadian rhythm in check. If I went for a long bike ride or did Pilates the day before and am feeling sore, I'll stretch with TheraBands

Motivate While Putting on Makeup

Get pumped for your day with motivational audio books or videos on YouTube, advises Splichal. "One of my favorite speakers (who makes me want to own the day) is Tony Robbins. I find him more energizing than pumped-up music as the words hit at what inspires success and drives productivity. Imagine what 10 minutes a day of motivational videos can do to your overall sense of purpose and vision."

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Studies show that giving thanks makes you happier and healthier all around," says Dr. Emily Kiberd, founder of the Urban Wellness Clinic. "Whether you're thanking yourself, those around you, or the great divine, there are incredible benefits wrapped up in the simple act of writing down what you're grateful for."

Move Toward the Light

Expose yourself to natural light for 15 to 30 minutes when you get up," adds Dr. Kiberd. "Sunlight hits the pineal gland in your brain, which lessens melatonin production and in turn makes you more alert. Indoor light isn't strong enough to trigger this response, but if it's dark or wintry when you rise, try a light therapy box."

Drink Lemon Water

The quickest, simplest, and most affordable thing we can do in the morning is to drink lemon water," says Liana Werner-Gray, brand ambassador for Explore Cuisine. "Just squeeze 1/2 a lemon into cup of water to boost the immune system (thanks to vitamin C) and alkalize the body, which keeps it feeling energized and fresh in the morning. It's a powerful way to start the day!"

Do a digital detox

When you wake up, do NOT pick up your phone to check messages. Leave this for later, she advises.

Give Juicing a Try

Drink one fresh juice every single day to ensure you are getting all your nutrition needs met," suggests Werner-Gray. "You could do a green juice (with cucumber, celery, kale, ginger, lemon, and apple) or a beet juice. This puts so many vitamins and minerals into the body that you can't help but immediately feel better. If you aren't able to make your own fresh juice or buy one, mix a teaspoon of a dried greens powder into a cup of water."

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Start each day with a breakfast packed with protein and fiber (try scrambled eggs with turkey sausage or 1/4 Greek yogurt with blueberries and nuts)," says Colette Heimowitz, Atkins VP Nutrition Communication & Education. "There are several benefits, including [that] you eliminate spikes and slumps in your blood sugar and you can achieve weight-management goals when you consume fewer carbs and replace them with high-fiber carbohydrates, healthy fats, and adequate protein." You can also try an on-the-go fiber fix like Munk Pack's oatmeal fruit squeezes. They're gluten-free, non GMO, vegan, high in fiber, and come in five delicious variates like: Apple Quinoa Cinnamon, Maple Pear Quinoa, Blueberry Acai Flax, Raspberry Coconut, and Peach Chia Vanilla.

Source: Adapted from MSN Health & fitness

Benefits of Orange Peel

While eating an orange peel might not seem very appetizing or appealing, it actually doesn't taste that bad. You quickly get use to the thickness and texture of the hard peel.
Here are some of the incredible health benefits!

1. Lowers High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Orange peels, white pulp, and pith are full of hesperidin, a flavonoid that's been shown to have these benefits. 

Elzbieta Kurowska, Ph.D., vice president of research at KGK Synergize in Ontario, Canada, has found in her studies that polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) in orange peels are more likely to lower cholesterol than many prescription drugs.

2. Anti-Allergetic

The peel has something in it that prevents histamine from being released. Histamines are a chemical that causes allergic reactions. Orange peel's prevention of its release makes them a potentially anti-allergic food that will help that sneezing and runny nose from allergies.

3. Anti-Inflammatory
Orange peels have similar properties to the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin.

4. Improves Oral Health

It whitens teeth and reduces sensitivity. The citrus also acts as a natural breath freshener.

5. Boosts Immune System

The high concentration of Vitamin C and Vitamin A will strengthen your immune system and keep a cold, cough, and flu far far away.

6. Anti-Cancer Activity
According to research published in the journal BioMed Research International:
"Due to their broad range of pharmacological properties, citrus flavonoids have gained increased attention. Accumulative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate protective effects of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) against the occurrence of cancer.
PMFs inhibit carcinogenesis by mechanisms like blocking the metastasis cascade, inhibition of cancer cell mobility in circulatory systems, proapoptosis, and antiangiogenesis."

7. Protects Respiratory System

Eating foods that contain beta-cryptoxanthin are proven to lower your chances for lung cancer significantly. Orange peels and oranges are both known to contain a lot of this.
The George Mateljan Foundation wrote on their blog about the benefits of orange saying that: "A study published in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from over 60,000 adults in Shanghai, China. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk.
When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most cryptoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health-protective foods."
Find more info about this blog here.

8. Improves Digestive System
The peels contain lots of fiber and non-soluble polysaccharides which help food move through your intestines better and digestion to work smoothly.
Read more about it here.

9. Helps with Weight Loss
It is low in calories and a great fiber to put in smoothies or to cut up and eat as a snack.

© jva_photography_ on Instagram Instagram photo by john 8. Improves Digestive System

The peels contain lots of fiber and non-soluble polysaccharides which help food move through your intestines better and digestion to work smoothly.
Read more about it here.
9. Helps with Weight Loss
It is low in calories and a great fiber to put in smoothies or to cut up and eat as a snack.

© dankajimura on Instagram Instagram photo by Dan Kajimura 6. Anti-Cancer Activity

According to research published in the journal BioMed Research International:
"Due to their broad range of pharmacological properties, citrus flavonoids have gained increased attention. Accumulative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate protective effects of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) against the occurrence of cancer.
PMFs inhibit carcinogenesis by mechanisms like blocking the metastasis cascade, inhibition of cancer cell mobility in circulatory systems, proapoptosis, and antiangiogenesis."

7. Protects Respiratory System

Eating foods that contain beta-cryptoxanthin are proven to lower your chances for lung cancer significantly. Orange peels and oranges are both known to contain a lot of this.
The George Mateljan Foundation wrote on their blog about the benefits of orange saying that: "A study published in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from over 60,000 adults in Shanghai, China. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk.
When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most cryptoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health-protective foods."
Find more info about this blog here.

QUICK BEAUTY FIXES - II

Painful Cuticles

Painful cuticles can cause havoc and I suggest that if you do regular manicures and pedicures, avoid getting them cut and use a cuticle pusher instead.

3-4 tsp mashed papaya

2 tsp mashed pineapple

Method: Mix the ingredients and dip your nails into it. Massage gently for 5 minutes. Wash off and dab dry. Not only will your cuticles feel softer but painless too.

Dark Lips

Smoking, drinking and inadequate water intake can lead to dark lips, besides the fact that they can be due to internal issues or hereditary problems as well. Make the following lip mask and use it daily for 5 minutes to nourish and lighten the lip area.

1 tsp almond powder

1 tsp fresh cream

1 tsp raw grated potato

Method: Mix well and apply.

Scanty Eyebrows

A lot of women suffer from this problem. Here's a quick recipe with the most amazing result -

Method: Use 2 drops of castor oil and massaged into the eyebrows daily for 2-3weeks.

Dark Circles

Dark circles can make you look older, ill and haggard. A quick recipe to reduce dark circles is to massage almond oil and papaya mash around the eyes and apply the following mask -

2 tsp almond paste

1 tsp grated cucumber

A few drops of lemon

Method: Put a thin bandage gauge on the eye area and put this mask on while lying down to relax. Leave on for 10 minutes and wash off.

Instant Face Lift

If you have to go out for a party and need your skin to look rejuvenated in minutes, use this tried and tested recipe -

1tsp vodka

1egg white, whipped until it forms peaks, then freeze

The juice of half a lemon

Method: Once the frozen egg white is out of the freezer, mix the rest of the

ingredients. Brush over the skin and let it dry. Avoid talking. Wash your face with ice cold water and pat dry.

Open Pores

This problem plagues many and the best solution for this is -

Method: Freeze raw tomato halves and rub them on clean skin daily. When done for a week, you will see a remarkable change in the way your open pores shrink and the skin looks porcelain.