5 Skin Shaving Myths, You should definitely Know

Whether you’re an amateur or you’ve been shaving for years, you’ve likely to believe a few myths about shaving that your mom might have told you. The first and highly acclaimed would be, “shaving makes your hair grow back thicker” and we know you didn’t even realize they weren’t true. If so, you might want to know five shaving myths which are definitely worth ditching and the great truth below!

MYTH #1: Shaving makes your hair grow back thicker & faster
FACT: Well, I would say is, if shaving makes hair to grow back much thicker, wouldn’t it be a great idea that bald man  should start shaving their heads constantly? This is all about perception, and in this case, it is not at all reality. Shaving makes the hair a blunt, course tip. That coarse tip might feel ‘pointy’ for a time as it grows out and making it look thicker.

MYTH #2: Fresh razor blade causes cuts than a used razor blade
FACT: Some people like to call it a clean shave for a reason. *Logic* You get a perfect shave when your razor is sharp and glides evenly & smoothly over the skin with a perfect amount of pressure. Remember, it also depends on your skin care routine too, shaving cream usage etc. The first and important thing is “a fresh blade”. Have you ever experienced that whenever you use a dull razor, it leads you get rashes, redness because of skipping, tugging and dragging. Sounds awful unhygienic, right? So it’s a great lesson for you to remember that If you’re a daily shaver, change your blade every week.

MYTH #3: While shaving, pressing too hard cause ingrown hairs
FACT: I personally face this ingrown hairs problem sometimes, thanks to my busy work schedule! Every once in a while, I try to ensure a clean shave by exfoliating the skin properly beforehand. This is the best way to get rid of those gunky dead skin cells (the great sinners) which can clog pores and lead to ingrown, not the pressure you apply. Always make sure to give your skin a great moisturizing massage to soothe the skin .

MYTH #4: Shaving with soap is fine but shave butter works awesome
FACT: Try and avoid this if you know, you get rashes afterwards. We know that soap is good for removing dirt and impurities, but did you notice that it doesn’t provide enough cushion for the razor to roll on smoothly over your skin. It’s always the best method to use a moisture-rich shave butter, which gives you a smooth and easier removal.

MYTH #5: Always shave a day before an event 
FACT: You guys always might have enough idea from my previous posts, how sensitive my skin is. If your skin is sensitive like me, I highly recommend you to shave the day before. If incase, you  are invited at a beach or pool party, in this case it’s a great idea to shave the day before so irritated skin has time to heal, otherwise it may be possible for shaved skin to be aggravated by salt water, chlorine or sunburn.

Finally the TRUTH: Shaving is good for your skin

Did you know that shaving actually provides short & long-term skin benefits. The reason is, It exfoliates the skin, gets rid of dead skin cells and smoothes the skin. And I have already empathise enough on the fresh blade, “A Fresh Blade” is key that effectively roll over the skin to remove hair and dead skin cells. A Blunt blade just does the opposite and cause too much friction and try to removing cells which are not even ready to be removed, causing irritation.

Source: Yahoo!

Be watchful of the perfumes you use – Our expert tells you why!

We may boast of our perfume fragrances and often let it be a part of our identity, but we should look beyond its physical properties now. These are commonly a part of cosmetic fragrances, deodorants, body mists, colognes, and many air fresheners, fabric softeners, detergents and candles. Since they do come in contact with our skin, we must know the harmful effects they carry. Dr Shefali Trasiinforms us about what we must be watchful about.

What is the effect they can have on different types of skin?

It can cause pigmentation and allergies on sensitive skin, as well as on dry skin. It is also a concern of worry for people who are already prone to severe pigmentation. Regular use of perfumes can also lead to change in skin colour. Here is how you can get rid of skin pigmentation and freckles.

In what cases should people avoid using fragrances? 

People who already have pigmentation or pigmented skin, allergic tendencies (strong smell), or those suffering from atopic dermatitis must not use perfumes.

What ingredients particularly cause skin allergies? 

Fragrance substances and alcohol content are harmful enough and cause unwanted skin allergies. Here are some ingredients should be careful of in cosmetics. 

What precautions or damage control methods should one keep in mind?

Preferably, apply the perfume on clothes and not directly on your body or any skin area. Also, here is why you should go make-up free once in a while.

It’s best to do a patch test first and check if fragrances leave stains on your clothes. It’s best to skip such scents if they do. Also, be wary of chemical ingredients like acetone, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, mythelene chloride, diethyl phthalate, camphor, and limonene mentioned on the packaging of perfumes. Consult your dermatologists immediately. These may cause itchy skin, migraines. The reactions of these and other ingredients could vary keeping your medical record in mind.

Instead, slather a preferred essential oil for a chemical free scent after a bath or try making your own fragrance at home, here is how.

Image source: Getty Images

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10 hilarious Indian pregnancy myths busted!

When you are pregnant be ready to get advices from all directions, pouring in generously without any second thought given to them. The problem is not the well-meaning advices, but that they are seldom correct scientifically and are based on superstitions passed from one generation to the other. Most women believe in them out of fear and for the sake of her baby’s well-being. However, it is wise to validate these advices which are just myths, before you start acting on them. Here are 10 common ones busted by Sonali Shivlani, an Internationally Certified Pregnancy, Lactation and Child Nutrition Counsellor.

Myth 1: Hanging pictures of beautiful babies on the wall result in cute babies.

Fact: Looks and features of the newborn depend on genetics. Hanging photos of cute babies does not ensure any particular features in your baby. However, having good looking or positive pictures on the wall can surely make the would-be mother feel good which is great for overall pregnancy and well-being. Remember, stress alone holds a lot of power to hamper your baby’s growth and development both aesthetically and physiologically. So be positive always. Still want cute baby pictures, check our gallery with 25 baby pictures that will make you go awe.

Myth 2: Drinking coconut water after the seventh month of pregnancy makes the baby’s head as large as the coconut.

Fact: We are wondering from where did this come from. This is completely false. Coconut water is a good source of potassium and should be consumed in moderation for optimum gut health. It will have no impact on the size of the baby’s head. Here are more reasons why pregnant woman should drink coconut water.

Myth 3: Drinking coconut water will result in the baby having a lot of hair and the mother gettingacidity.

Fact: Again, not true! The baby generally lays head-down in the third trimester and the acidity that the mother suffers from is a result of her growing belly. As the mother progresses into her pregnancy the uterus stretches out and pushes the intestine upward which makes the process of digestion sluggish and is responsible for all the acidity and constipation.

Myth 4: Eating something white first thing in the morning will result in a fair-skinned baby.

Fact: Oh really! Then all that milk and bread would have turned anyone white by now. This is sheer myth. The colour of the food you eat has no bearing on the complexion of your newborn. Like looks, it too depends on your genetics. However, here is a list of top 10 foods you should be having during pregnancy.

Myth 5: One should not indulge in any activity during an eclipse else the baby will be born with some deformity.

Fact: An eclipse is a natural phenomenon. It will definitely not cause any defects or deformities in the baby. This does not mean you look at one with the naked eye. General precautions need to be taken by everyone, not just by pregnant women.

Myth 6: The shape of the stomach can help determine the sex of the baby.

Fact: The stomach is shaped on how the baby lays in the womb. Whether it is a girl or boy cannot be deciphered based on the shape. Here are nine other funny ways in which people try to predict their baby’s gender.

Myth 7: The type of cravings a pregnant woman has can determine the sex of the baby.

Fact: Pregnancy cravings are essentially due to nutritional deficiencies in the body and not because it is a girl or boy. There is no concrete proof that craving for a certain food means the woman is expecting a girl and vice versa.

Myth 8: The mother’s complexion determines the sex of the baby.

Fact: It’s actually hormones which cause skin changes during pregnancy like patches on the neck, dark underarms and at times even darkening of skin on the face which is called the pregnancy mask. Here are a few home remedies for skin care during pregnancy.

Myth 9: Eating ghee or oil will help the baby slide out from the vagina during labour.

Fact: Ghee or oil does not help the baby slide out easily in any way. All they do is add a whole lot of calories in your body which becomes difficult to shed once the baby is born. Refrain from eating piles of fatty food and eat a healthy, balanced meal. Here is all that you need to know about weight gain during pregnancy.

Myth 10: Pregnant women need to double their diet quantity as they are eating for two people.

Fact: This is quite common but is untrue. Though you are eating for two people, you do not have to double the quantity of food. All you need to add is 300 extra calories. The healthier options you choose, the better it is. Pregnant women need extra nutrition from all food groups and not just fat. Never indulge in eating for two, here are reasons why it is not healthy.

Sonali Shivlani is an Internationally Certified Pregnancy, Lactation and Child Nutrition Counselor. She has worked with more than 10000 couples through her pre- and post-natal programs. She is the Executive Director of CAPPA India and trains and certifies professionals in the Birth field. She heads the Pregnancy Fitness Educator Program for CAPPA International. She is also the author of the Super Mom’s Recipe Book. She is on the expert panel of Mother and Baby a leading magazine in this genre.

Image courtesy: Getty Images

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Top tips to take care of your feet

Did you know that your feet are the most abused and often used parts of the body? You walk, run, step into all kinds of places and your feet never complain. And do they get the kind of attention they actually deserve? Most likely, the answer is no.

Top tips to take care of your feetYour feet face numerous problems ever day – from foot odour to cracked skin, corns, fungal infections to ingrown toenails. Today we’ll give you a few tips on how to keep your feet healthy and happy:

Wash every day

Washing your feet daily is a must. Your feet are exposed to a lot of dirt and dust throughout the day. The moisture and sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. So make sure you wash your feet once you get home. Use a mild soap and pay more attention to the gaps in between the toes and pat dry them with a towel. You could use a foot powder as this will keep your feet dry for longer. By following this routine, you are also making sure that your bed, where you rest and relax is clean. In addition, exfoliate your feet once a week to remove the dead skin on the heel and toes.

Comfortable shoes

Make sure you always buy a pair of shoes that fit right. If your shoes are too tight it may cause pain, hammer toe, ingrown toenails or corns. On the other hand, extra-large shoes may make you uncomfortable while you walk, cause blisters and sore heels. Did you know that your feet actually stretch out by the end of the day? So, if you want to shop for a pair of shoes, do it in the evening after you finish work! Here’s an interesting fact – your feet actually becomes slightly bigger/larger (a half size perhaps) as you age. So, if you were a size 6.5 when you were 20 years old, your feet may not fit into the same sized shoes 10 years later. Also, do not wear high-healed shoes regularly as they can damage the bones of your feet. It is OK to wear them occasionally, but for daily wear pick a pair of comfortable flat soled shoes/slipper/sandal.

Moisturise

This might sound like we are contradicting what we said earlier about keeping your feet dry. However, moisturising your feet is important. Your feet endure a lot of wear and tear throughout the day which may cause dryness and cracks. And if you wear sandals more frequently, this problem may worsen. However, the cure is quite simple. Rub in a moisturiser which contains cocoa butter every morning before stepping out. You can also do make it a nightly routine.

Always wear socks

Now that you know how important it is to wear comfortable shoes, we’ll tell you about the significance of socks. Your socks, apart from protecting your feet from the daily grime and dirt also absorb the moisture, as your feet tend to sweat through the day. And if your work requires you to stand all day or most of the day, a soft pair of socks is ideal as they add some shock absorption. Also, socks help reduce blisters and calluses.

Drink water

Did you know that dehydration may cause cracks in your feet? So, drinking eight to ten glasses of water every day is a must. When your body is hydrated, your skin automatically becomes soft and supple. In addition to drinking water, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with high water content like water melon, oranges, pineapple, cauliflower, cabbage and carrots.

Tips for soft, supple feet

Salt soak – Dissolve half cup of baking soda and half a cup of sea salt in hot water. Soak your feet in the water till the water turns warm. Salt is anti-bacterial, baking soda softens your skin and, aids exfoliation.

Pumice stone – Use a pumice stone to scrub your heels every day. This method not just removes all the dead skin but also makes your feet soft.

Pedicure – Go for a pedicure at least once every month. You can do this at home as well. Add a mild shampoo to warm water, soak your feet for about 10 minutes and then scrub your feet with a scrubber. This will help in exfoliating and keep your heels crack free.

Photograph via sxc.hu

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Banana Yogurt Moisturising Face Mask–Natural beauty

Beauty doesn’t have to involve expensive creams and make up tricks. In this series, Bhavna shows  simple home remedies to really help your body, skin and hair shine. 

Banana Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Mask

Did you know that skin is the largest organ in your body? Well, with winter season in gear, our skin generally tends to dry out, so today I’m going to show you a quick and easy face mask that will add moisture and glow back into your skin!

Moisturising Banana Yogurt Face Mask

You only need three ingredients for this – a half of a ripe banana, half cup of plain yoghurt, and a teaspoon of honey.

• First, crush the banana in a small bowl getting rid of all lumps. Bananas are amazing because they have vitamin c and antioxidants which help cleanse the skin of free radicals.
• Once you’ve made a paste of the banana, add the spoon of honey and yoghurt and stir and mix till its smooth. Yoghurt cools the skin, reducing any redness and tightens pores. Honey is a natural antibiotic so it can kill any bacteria in your skin as well as adding moisture.
• As with any face mask, it’s important to make sure you have a clean face, devoid of make up first.
• Generously apply the mask to your face and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Use warm water to wash it off. Finally, splash some cold water on your face to close up your pores.

Source: Yahoo!

2014: What to expect this year in Fashion

Turquoise & Gold gives Yahoo a peek into what the year ahead holds for fashion.

 

Turquoise & Gold is a family-owned fashion house catering to the premium and luxury fashion market. T&G's signatures are unique & exclusive prints, a creative collaboration between independent print designers from the UK and Europe to create collections that are print and design centric. They design, manufacture and export garments for brands like Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Burberry and IKKS.

Turquoise & Gold was born with the passion to create clothes that make women feel comfortable, confident and chic. They create contemporary resort-wear that is vibrant and fun, with easy silhouettes, designed for the free spirited, global traveller who wants to be elegant and feminine whilst always on the move with her eventful lifestyle.

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We caught up with Dimple Varma, the creative head of Turquoise & Gold, to understand what fashion trends we can expect for the year ahead. Here’s what she predicts:

“This season we are focusing on ancient architecture, and exotic fictitious flora and fauna found in an imagined secret world. A world that blue velvet orchids grow in oversized abundance and flamingos flock at sunset!”

Cropped summer blouses are paired with soft full maxi skirts. New style kaftans taking you from poolside to party also feature heavily. The bold beautiful neutrals seen in the "stone" prints make a refreshing relief from the wild brights that have come before.

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The softer palette is nonetheless dramatic. It is classic and sophisticated featuring modern sparkles - offset with our beautiful hand crafted jewelry. The overall mood is modern and refined.

The collection wouldn't however be Turquoise and Gold without an element of fun and frivolity! The painterly flamingo print is a real "talk about" number! We have included this in our ready to wear and swim collection for maximum impact! Treat the Flamingos like a work of art that you can wear!

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Pushing the boundaries in resort wear and travel essentials - we have been working on pieces that feature the maximum impact in terms of glamour both everyday and evening; pieces that are easy to pack and take care of. We are developing styles and shapes in fabrics that can be rolled and twisted, items that don't need an army to steam and iron once you arrive at your destination! The pretty lavender print dress is one such look.”

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2014 promises to be an exciting year for fashion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour, texture and fabric. Bling can be exciting when underplayed with subtlety. Your clothes reflect your mood and personality so don’t hold back; embrace prints that speak to you, and shapes that excite you. Let 2014 also be a journey of self-discovery as you travel the world around you.

Source: Yahoo!

5 bad habits that lead to unattractive teeth

Don't you just love Madhuri's heartwarming bright beautiful smile?

Smiling is one of the most attractive features in a person’s face! But neglecting the health of your teeth can result in damaging them which can lead to wiping off that beautiful smile from your face. We share with you are some of the more common habits that lead to poor health and appearance of teeth.

Is there a bad habit for teeth we missed? Tell us in the comments below.

Set design courtesy of Stylecraft

Special thanks to Pan Pacific Hotel

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Try a posh ponytail!

Kim Kardashian

Give your humble pony a stylish make-over, true runway style! Easy to acheive, slicked back ponytails are hot for three reasons—one, they help keep hair away from your face, two, it's the perefct way to hide a badhair day, and three, it's a major runway craze. Create a bouffant version  or use clips and scarves as embellishments to upgrade your pony.

Content Courtesy: Cosmopolitan
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Source: Yahoo!

How to: Apply fake lashes like a pro

Bipasha Basu

There has never been a better time to embrace false lashes than now. Given their popularity in both Hollywood and Bollywood, false lashes have fast become a makeup must have and luckily, are readily available. A small strip of natural looking false lashes is all the added glamour you need, without any elaborate eye makeup. Celebrity makeup artist Clint Fernandes gives us a four step guide to turn those small barely there lashes into fun, flirty, attention grabbing wands.

Before you start application, gently place one end of the false lash strip between the index finger and thumb of each hand and give it a good wiggle to loosen the strip and make it less stiff.  This helps the false lashes fit better along the contour of your eye.

It is also important to resize the length lash strip to fit your eye. Place the strip along the curve of your upper lash line.  If the strip appears long, use a pair of manicure scissors to snip off the extra length from the outer half (the side with longer lashes) of the strip. Now onto application.

Step 1: “To start with see that the eye area as well as the lashes are totally clean, free from any oils or cream,” says Fernandes. Any residual oil from moisturizers keep the glue from effectively holding  the strip in place. Use a blotting paper and gently go over your eye to soak up excess oil and sebum.

Step 2: “Apply the glue with the pointed part of an orange stick to the lashes.. Keep the glue in a thin line.”  Allow the glue set for a minute.

Step 3: “Starting with the inner corner of the eyelid press the false lashes down in place with the flat side of the orange stick, moving to the outer corner of the eye lid. “

Step 4: “Let the glue set in place for at least 5 to 7 minutes. Now apply mascara coating both the false lashes and your natural lashes in gentle sweeping motions.” advices Fernandes.

Step 5: When its time to take them off, do not pull them off - you'll only damage your skin. Instead, saturate a cotton ball with makeup remover and hold it over the strip, along your lash line for a couple of minutes. This loosens the glue and helps the false lash strip come off easily.

Content Courtesy: Vogue

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Three fab spring/summer beauty trends

Spotted from the spring runways and red carpets, these are Style Factor's favorite (and easiest to do!) beauty trends.

Priyanka Chopra

Pink makeup: Try rose gold shadows, or hot hot pink lips like Priyanka Chopra here and everything in between for spring.

Deepika Padukone

Center parts are back: Take a cue from Deepika Padukone here! whether sleek and smooth or tousled and bedhead-ish, this low-maintenance style looks great on just about everyone.

Sonam Kapoor

Extra-thick brows: We’re not kidding girls! Put down the tweezers because bushy brows are back to the forefront of beauty this year. Uber fashionista Sonam Kapoor's sporting the look too!

Adapted from The Thread

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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An easy guide to go graphic!

The new season puts the spotlight on your eyes with precisely drawn swipes of eyeliner. It's slightly tricky to apply, but once you've mastered it, you can wear it to work as well. Here's how to do it right: Before starting, know what shape you are looking for. If you are not sure, dip your liner brush into an eyeshadow and make a rough line.

Graphic eye liner

If you have small eyes, try a thin line close to the lash line. If you have big eyes, you can either draw a thick line evenly or one that gets thicker towards the outer edge of the eye. For a sharp look, use a classic liquid liner.

A liner pen is also a good option and helps achieve a straight line at one go. Gel-based liners in greys and browns are softer in appearance and do not flake. To avoid smudging, start by applying an eye primer. With a steady hand, draw a line across your top lid in a single sweep.

For cat eyes, you can go backwards-mark the point till which you want the liner to extend with a lighter coloured pencil. Then sweep the liner from the middle of the lash line towards this point. You can fill the innermost part of the lash line at the end, making it as thin as you can.

If you're applying the liner on the crease of the eye, be sure to keep your eyes closed for at least a few minutes so it does not get smudged. If you have hooded eyes, bring the line to the brow bone so that it is visible when the eyes are open. Keep a few Q-tips handy to make sure your liner remains neat and smudge-free.

Content Courtesy: Prevention

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Summer love with Nauheed

Nauheed at the beach

Film and Television personality Nauheed Cyrusi has joined the Style Factor family! She'll bring you the latest from the world of style and fashion via the Style Factor webisodes and her blog.

I love summer! Yes it can get pretty hot, muggy and sticky specially if you’re in a city like Bombay. But this is that fabulous time of the year when you can go crazy experimenting with colors and short clothes and pretend like life’s one big fat beach party! However, if you’re not careful you can also end up looking like a shriveled prawn. So here are my tips on how to breeze through summer looking like a million bucks.

Sunscreen:

This is a must! Never ever underestimate the importance of sunscreen specially when stepping outdoors. Any crème with an SPF 15 will also do the job and keep your skin protected from the awful summer sun. Those of you who prefer to give the sunscreen a miss might end up with a higher level of pigmentation down the years. So if you want great skin for life the time to start taking care is now!

Lip balm:

Your lips need as much protection as your skin so a lip balm is an absolute must. Any petroleum free lip balm is good since its helps protect your lips and maintain their natural color as well. Balms with petroleum jelly are in fact harmful since I’ve noticed my lips get even drier when I apply them. So to prevent your lips from chapping don’t forget to moisturize them with a bit of petroleum free lip balm. My personal favorite…bees wax.

Water:
Since we’re on the topic of moisturizing, it is MOST important to stay hydrated! Hence you will never find me without a handy bottle of water. It is an absolute must to keep a bottle in your handbag just in case you are parched or feeling faint ... which brings me to my next summer essential

Candy:

I always carry a tiny bag of candy in my handbag. Sometimes the ridiculous heat ends up sapping all your energy and you end up feeling dizzy and lethargic. The only thing I’ve noticed that seems to revive me is if popping something sweet. So take it from me and always carry something sweet in your bag as well

Face mist:

These face mists are miracle workers in a tiny little bottle. So if they’re available in your city I recommend that you immediately stock up! But careful not to spray too much since that would make you tan faster.

A bright orange lipstick:

Nothing goes better with summer more than a bright orange mouth. This is the time to experiment with different lip colours but go easy on the eye make-up. That tends to run easily thanks to sweating. So do up your lips and chill out on the eyes.

Perfumes or deodorants :

Lastly and most importantly always keep a deodorant or perfume handy. It is almost mandatory to smell lovely at any given time in the day so don’t forget to stock up on your favorite fragrance.

Do let me if you have any tips for a great summer…I would love to hear about them. Until next time...stay fresh and fabulous!

Source: Yahoo!

Mother’s Day Special: Best tips from moms

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It's that special day of the year dedicated to one of the most influential people in our lives - mothers! Your mom is your first friend, confidante and your life long guide. And in this webisode we bring you some essential tips our readers' moms have given them and also some star advice from celebrity mothers.

What is the best advice you've gotten from your mom? Tell us in the comments below.

Set design courtesy of Stylecraft

Source: Yahoo!

Glamourise your wardrobe

sarah jane dias
Floral print dresses, corset and bustier saris are a few must-items to make your wardrobe trendy. If you are looking for such items, Suman Bharti's Vintage Goth spring-summer collection offers floral prints, cocktail and classic range to corsets and bustiers saris.Usually floral prints on cotton fabric appeal to women and keeping this in mind Bharti has created casual wears with prints of flora, peacocks and many more.

If you like to let your hair down after work, do grab his cocktail and classic dresses that are made of georgette, chiffon and poly dupion. There are short as well as floor length evening gowns. Low-cut, sexy neck line will flatter your figure for sure.

Give a twist to your traditional wear by slipping into ready-to-wear saris which have mermaid skirts and are made of net or poly chiffon with half delicate lace pallus. Team them up with corset or bustier.

Sequins, semi-precious stones, gold cut beads and crystals have been used to create saris. What's more? The embroidery on these saris have been created by hand by skilled craftsman and artisans.

Content courtesy: IANS

Photo Credit: Yogen Shah

Source: Yahoo!

Beat the heat with these summer essentials

jackie-o

Jackie-O style shades

The summer heat can rob your eyes of moisture and lubrication leading to red, itchy, dry eyes. Moreover, research shows that long-term exposure to the sunlight can lead to age-related macular degeneration as well as cataracts. Experts recommend protecting your eyes against the harsh UV rays. Broad-rimmed shades are your best bet as they provide maximum coverage (also helping arrest the dark circles around your eyes). Invest in a pair that offers over 95 percent UV protection. Remember, a dark lens has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the shades. "Those who wear glasses can invest in photochromatic lenses that block UV rays. Check with the vendor which ones offer the best protection," says Subhadeep Chakrabarty, optometrist at Rolex Opticals, Kolkata. Transitions, for example, claim to block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. "If your eyes still feel dry, OTC lubricant drops (Refresh Tears, Tears Naturale) can provide relief. Contact lens users can use preservative-free lubricant drops even with lenses on," says Prevention advisor, Dr Sanjay Dhawan, director, Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon.

Water

Clearly your best friend for summer, drinking plenty of water (at least 10 to 12 glasses, more if you sweat profusely or spend time outdoors) is the number one way to prevent heat exhaustion and cramps. "Drink up before you step out and drink again after you reach your destination. It's a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you," says Dr MP Sharma, HOD, department of gastroenterology and endoscopy, Rockland Hospital, New Delhi. Since you also lose some essential minerals with your sweat, it may be a good idea to sip on a tender coconut or have lemonade during the day to replenish them. "Drink half a litre of water before you workout, sip 250-300 ml every 20 minutes during your session and about half a litre post workout," advises Mumbai-based Prevention advisor and Reebok master trainer Vinata Shetty. "One good way to tell if you are well hydrated: you pass clear urine every few hours," says Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, director, Max Institute of Internal Medicine, New Delhi.

Seasonal Fruits

Nature has a way of supplying what your body needs- and consuming seasonal, fresh and local foods is a good way of ensuring that. "Most summer fruits have high water content: watermelon, for instance, is over 90 percent water by weight. Other fruits from the melon family (musk melon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe) as well as litchi are super thirst quenchers too," says nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy from Bengaluru. Raw mango (in salad or bhel or as panna) is known to prevent heatstroke and help with digestive disorders. It's beneficial in its ripe form too. "They have healthy sugar in complex form-so it's not fattening," says Krishnaswamy. Just be sure that the fruits are not artificially ripened. "The pulp of a naturally-ripened mango is evenly ripe and sweet. Discard the fruit if the sweetness lies just below the skin while the area around the skin is hard, white and sour," says Claude Alvares, Goa based organic food expert. In case of watermelon, pick one which is medium-sized, and has a yellow spot at the bottom. To keep safe from pesticides, wash fruits properly under running water.

Cotton Clothes

We all read this in school but no harm reiterating it. Synthetic garments stink: they trap sweat leading to prickly heat and BO. Loose cotton clothes allow air circulation. "Opt for lighter shades especially during the day as these reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing it, making you feel cooler," says Sharma. Opt for gym wear in moisture-wicking fabrics for your workout.

Antiperspirant DEO

Regular deos just temporarily mask your BO-they don't stop your body from releasing sweat. Antiperspirant deos plug your sweat glands, stopping you from excreting sweat- in turn thwarting the smell-producing bacteria that thrive on it. "Spray or dab some in the underarm area and on your feet to reduce stink," says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel. Also, bathe twice a day and mop away the moisture to feel and smell fresh. Additionally, slather a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 about half an hour before stepping out. Re-apply every 3 to 4 hours," adds Goel. (see Everything you Ever Wanted to Know about Sun Safety)

Natural Mosquito Repellents

Mosquitoes don't just give you sleepless nights. They can transmit parasites causing malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Because no matter how hard you try, they find a way of sneaking in, you need repellents to keep them away from you. Chemical-based mosquito repellents come with hazards. "They can trigger asthmatic and allergy attack in patients, aggravate bronchitis, lead to chronic cough, cause irritation in the throat," says Dr Tanvir Reza, consultant pulmonologist at Kolkata's Columbia Asia Hospital. Natural fixes are a better alternative. Try Nomos available at www.vedicbiosource.com. These 100 percent natural, non-toxic repellents are available in three varieties: diffuser, room spray and sports spray (when you are outdoors). You could also try Kawach-mosquito repellent patches that are also natural and safe. "Using lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser is a good bet too. The scent of lemongrass is known to repel mosquitoes," says Suparna Trikha, a natural beauty expert from Delhi. She also recommends dabbing white vinegar with cotton on mosquito bites to ease the itch. But sleeping in mosquito nets may be your best bet for peace and safety at bed time.

Source: Yahoo!