Magnitone Lucid Review

I was yearning to purchase a facial cleansing brush for almost a year after reading rave reviews about the clarisonic and the magnitone lucid, I decided to invest in the magnitone lucid when on offer at boots for £50 instead of £70.

Magnitone Lucid

I ordered the blue as the green was sold out. It's a really nice shade, kind of an electric blue. The magnitone is simple to use, and the charger is a magnet you attach to the part you hold whilst using. The charge does last long, I have only charged mine 2 or 3 times! I have quite small hands so the size is perfect for me. It only comes with one brush which is rather miserly. It should come with a spare!

The website promises that it "unclog pores, and sweep away dry and dead skin cells, leaving a clearer complexion"and "softer, brighter, clearer skin".

Reviews read: "Leaves skin feeling lovely and clean"; "skin feels firmer"; "My skin is more radiant and even toned".

I really wished this to be the case for me, but it wasn't. I have had the magnitone for over 3 months (I gave an extra couple of weeks on the magnitone 7 day challenge stated in their advertising) and now and have not noticed any difference whatsoever! My muslin cloth does a better job at making my skin feel clean and polished and that only cost a couple of quid.

Save your money ladies. I only give this a 1/5.

20 Reasons to Love Argan Oil

From tackling skin problems and stretch marks to softening skin and smoothing hair, could argan oil be the world’s most useful all-natural beauty product? Caitlyn Davey reveals the myriad benefits of this Moroccan elixir.

Often confused with Moroccan oil, argan oil is a pure substance extracted from the argan tree in Morocco. Moroccan oil is a less pure form of argan oil that typically contains synthetic additives. Argan oil, in its pure form, has a myriad of beauty uses, which is why hairdressers and therapists often recommend it.

Founder of Izil Natural Argan Beauty, Mohamed Najib Mouline, shares her top 20 ways to use and benefit from argan oil.

1. Treat your wrinkles
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help to fight against wrinkles and other skin changes.

2. Enjoy brighter skin
Mix argan oil with a spoonful of honey and a spoon of rosewater to create the perfect 30-minute face mask.

3. Fight off oily skin
Apply argan oil to the face – it acts as a sebum production regulator, reducing the skin’s production of natural oils.

4. Combat dry skin
If you have dry skin, argan oil will help balance moisture thanks to its rich fatty-acid content.

5. Fight dandruff
If you suffer from dandruff, apply argan oil to your hair and massage well into the scalp. Brush the oil through and wrap in a hot towel. Leave for 20 minutes before washing as normal. Then you will be able to see the difference: the oil will soothe, hydrate and nourish your scalp.

6. Prevent hair loss
Following the same process as you would for dandruff, you can create thicker hair. Just remember to distribute the oil evenly.

7. Enhance your existing products
You can even use argan oil to enhance your shampoo and conditioner. Simply add a few drops to your regular products for an ultra-hydrating experience.

8. Repair damaged skin
Cracked skin on feet can be unsightly. Nourish cracked heels by applying argan oil, then cover with socks. The deep hydration will sink into the skin cells and soften your feet.

9. Soften your hands
Massage your hands with argan oil each evening to rehydrate and strengthen, saving your nails from brittleness and cracking.

10. Eradicate stretch marks
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks by massaging argan oil into the tummy, chest, hips and thighs.

11. Treat skin complaints
Eczema and psoriasis can be relieved with the soothing power of argan oil, the substance is natural so it will not aggravate skin conditions.

12. Hydrate your skin
If you are prone to dry skin, rest assured that through applying argan oil to the affected area, you can enjoy smooth, hydrated skin.

13. Soothe sunburn
Sunburn can be painful, but heal those hot spots with a touch of argan oil and feel the sudden difference.

14. Treat bites and stings
Calm irritating bug bites and insect stings with argan oil, which will tone down the redness and soothe itchiness.

15. Fight infection
Argan oil is renowned for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing organic, natural care for your skin.

16. Help your joints
Ease your arthritis or rheumatic problems by massaging with argan oil daily. This helps to reduce pain and help improve your quality of life.

17. Use as a baby product
Your baby can bounce around with moisturised and healthy skin. Use argan oil to hydrate without the use of the potentially harmful chemicals and additives found in many baby products.

18. Combat the effects of the sun
Sitting in the sun can result in scaly skin. Applying argan oil will help the scaly areas disappear.

19. Clear up your skin
If you’re prone to acne, use sebum-production-regulating argan oil. It will moisturise without making the face oily, and is also gentle on the skin.

20. Calm down
Relax in a hot bath using argan oil. Add a few drops to the running water and soak up the natural goodness.

By Caitlyn Davey

From: Time Out Dubai

Nailed it: How your fingertips hold the key to your health

Your nails can significantly contribute to the impression you leave on people. But they can say a lot more about you than just how strongly you take care of your appearance.
Research reveals that your hair and nails can be an indicator of your overall health. Healthy hair and nails have been linked to good nutrition. On the other hand brittle discolored nails and dull hair, among other conditions, can offer warning signs of malnutrition, infection and serious disease.
You probably don’t spend much time looking at your nails and hair. Abnormalities in these two areas often indicate illness in the body before the rest of the body will. Although nothing replaces a proper diagnosis from your doctor, read on to learn how to decode the signs of ill health.

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Are your nails cracked, brittle, and quick to break? That’s often a sign of iron deficiency, anemia. However, if your tips seem to crack at the slightest touch, this could be caused by an underactive thyroid.
 White spots on nails, also known as milk spots, are ironically not signs of calcium deficiency. They are simply a result of minor injuries to the nail. In some cases, they are indicators of zinc deficiency. 
Pale nails, on the other hand, could be a sign of anemia. Inadequate oxygen levels in the blood can leave the tissue beneath your nails looking ghostly. More seriously, pale nails could be a sign of congestive heart failure and liver disease.
The thickening of nails, often combined with their yellowing, is usually a sign of fungal infection. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as thyroid disease. 
Rippled or pitted surface of the nails can be an early sign of inflammatory arthritis or psoriasis.


 You are what you eat

• While your nails aren’t a living part of your body, improving your inner health will affect their outer appearance. Before you invest in all those nail strengthening products and pills, follow these 10 simple steps to have strong healthy nails by improving what you eat. After all, you will be tackling the condition from the core.

• Consuming a balanced diet abundant in fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy, meat, and good fats will provide you with the nutrients you need for strong healthy nails and prevent any nutrient deficiencies. Eliminating one of these food groups may disturb the balance.

• Nails are layers of keratin, a type of protein. So, including protein in your diet, from meat, chicken, fish, and eggs, is essential for their strength.

• Make sure to have one iron rich food source in your daily diet. You can try these foods: Pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, lentils, oatmeal, red meat, spinach, dark chocolate, and tofu.

• Drink more water. It keeps your nails and hair hydrated. Aim for at least 8 cups daily.

• Also, exercise regularly to relieve stress. Brittle, peeling nails are a common side effect of stress due to the rise of the stress hormone cortisole.

• Vitamin B7 (biotin) can also reduce your body’s stress levels. Common dietary sources of biotin are bananas, beans, and whole grains.

• Keep your thyroid regulated by consuming sufficient Iodine. It is abundant in dried seaweed, iodized salt, milk, shrimp and eggs.

• Antioxidants can play a role in your nails as they can prevent dry weak nails and repair broken tissue. Antioxidant superfoods you should consider in your diet include berries, green tea, broccoli, cocoa, and avocados.

• Omega-3 fatty acids, amongst their countless benefits, promote nail health. This can be found in salmon, tuna, eggs, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts and almonds

• Excessive alcohol drinking and smoking can have a negative impact on nail health. It keeps the liver strained as it excretes toxins from the body.

Now that you’ve been equipped with the right information, make a habit of checking your nails on a weekly basis.

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Natural Remedies: Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are fast becoming a beauty staple. Costing a fraction of the price of designer potions - you can pick up a tub for £1.25 at your local chemist - they’re being hailed as a miracle fix for everything from greasy hair to a bloated stomach and lacklustre skin.

The salts’ healing properties were discovered in the early 17th century when a farmer living near Epsom, Surrey, discovered a spring rich in magnesium sulphate. It wasn’t long before the great and the good were flocking to ‘take the waters’ - and now they’re back on the beauty radar. Here’s our guide to an Epsom salts makeover...

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BLOAT BEATER
Bathing in Epsom salts helps to reduce water retention and tummy bloating, says life coach Janey Holliday. She recommends a bath three times a week in a dilution of two mugs of Epsom salts per bath.
‘When you have an Epsom salts bath, magnesium and sulphate are absorbed through the skin,’ she says.

‘Because our skin is porous, reverse osmosis takes place, which means toxins and excess fluids are drawn out of the skin as the goodness goes in.’

The end result is a flattened tummy. No wonder, then, that an Epsom salts bath is popular with models the night before a bikini or lingerie photoshoot.

Victoria Beckham reportedly takes such baths to streamline her figure. ‘I love Epsom salts baths to detox, revive muscles and de-puff my skin,’ says Gwyneth Paltrow. Celebrity trainer James Duigan, who works with Elle Macpherson, recommends using a body brush to stimulate the skin and open the pores before a 20-minute soak in an Epsom salts bath.

BOUNCY HAIR 
Epsom salts will soak up excess oil from the hair. Just add a handful when you shampoo and wash as normal.

The Epsom Salt Council recommends making a volumising mask by mixing one part hair conditioner with one part Epsom salts. Warm this mixture in a pan and work it through the hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse.

Hair will look fuller and feel softer, and the minerals will help to repair and strengthen heat-damaged ends. It’s particularly good for smoothing frizz out of curls.

PERFECT PINS 
For even-toned, summer-ready legs, you can lessen the appearance of bruises by applying an Epsom salts compress.

Soak a flannel in a cupful of cold water mixed with 2 tbsp Epsom salts and apply directly to the skin.

INSTANT FACIAL 
Exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin by mixing ½ tsp Epsom salts with your usual cleanser. Massage on to the skin, then rinse with cool water and dry.

‘This will boost your skin’s magnesium level,’ says therapist Philip Steward.

‘Epsom salts are a natural cleanser,’ he says. ‘They rejuvenate and rehydrate skin as well as removing toxins. Because the minerals are being absorbed through the skin, you can’t overdose on it.’

FOOT SOAK 
Got tired, hot feet? Not only will Epsom salts soothe aches and pains after a day in heels, they are an anti-inflammatory and will also help to reduce swelling and puffiness.

Add half a cup of Epsom salts to a large bowl of warm water and soak your feet for ten to  20 minutes.

The salt will remove odours and soften dry skin, which can then be removed easily with a pumice stone or foot file.

JET-LAG CURE 
Soaking in an Epsom salts bath after a long-haul flight has a sedative effect on the body.

The minerals help muscles and joints to relax and this leads to a more restful sleep, giving the body a chance to re-energise.

Magnesium sulphate activates the body’s healing mechanisms and many athletes take a soak the night before a race.

A long soak will also help with aches, stiffness, tightness and soreness after exercise. Rub achy areas with a flannel before getting in the bath. Don’t rinse off afterwards.

SKIN EXFOLIATOR 
Rubbing the skin with Epsom salts removes dead skin cells and promotes healing and rejuvenation.
Massage handfuls of Epsom salts over wet skin, starting with the feet and working upwards towards the face. Then have a bath to rinse.

The magnesium can also help reduce cellulite as it draws toxins and fluids from the skin.

Celebrity skincare guru Ole Henriksen recommends a shower smoothie: half-a-cup of Epsom salts, half-a-cup coffee grounds, 1 tsp eucalyptus oil and enough sesame oil to form a smooth paste. Mix together and work into the skin.

‘Epsom salts have amazing detoxifying properties,’ he says.

Post-scrub, your skin will look luminous, smooth and soft and will better absorb skincare products.
spot blitz

Epsom salts are also hailed as a budget treatment for skin prone to spots.

Rich in minerals, they can be used as an exfoliator to remove dead skin and decrease the depth of acne scars.

INNER CLEANSE 
Ease an overloaded or poorly functioning digestive system with Epsom salts.

Magnesium sulphate works as a laxative, drawing water into the bowel to soften stools, making them easier to pass.

Epsom salts taken internally must be food grade and it’s best to take them before breakfast in a powder form that can be mixed with water.

There are possible side-effects, including gastro-intestinal irritation, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, so the advice is to speak to your doctor before taking Epsom salts.

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Benefits of Fuller's Earth

Fuller's Earth (aka Multani Mitti) is a natural occurring clay. Its typical mineral content includes silica, alumina, lime, sapphire crystal, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. Fuller’s earth facial masks reduce oil and remove impurities from skin, and as such, are highly recommended for people with acne problems, spots, and blemishes. Below are some benefits.

•  For Sun burn: usually extra exposure to sun gives dark and burnish skin , to heal such skin,  apply one tbsp of  rose water and fuller’s earth each, or you can also try with one bowl of 1 tomato juice with 1 tbsp of fuller’s earth for about 15 to 20 mints. (Avoid and wash immediately, if redness or burning sensation occurs).

• To remove blackheads: not many of us know that fullers earth can actually dig out the white and black heads.  Mix 4 ounces of powdered almonds, 2 ounces of glycerin soap and one ounce of multani mitti in a ¼ cup of water. Rub this scrub on your cheek bones, nose and chin in circular motion. Massage for 20 mints and wash off. Exfoliation removes blocked pores.

•  For prickly heat: it is also an excellent reliever from prickly problem.  Prepare a paste by soaking 2 to 3 tbsp of clay into a cup of chilled water and remove after 20 mints of application.

For dull and damaged hair: Moisten your hair with warm water first and massage it  with few drops of sesame or apricot oil and wrap a plastic cap on your head and a towel for about one hour prior any application. Next step: apply a mixture of 2 tbsp of Fullers Earth to your scalp for 30 mints.  Rinse your hair throughout with warm water.  Shampoo mild.  Apply a liberal amount of refined oil to your scalp to dampen the roots.  Towel -dry the scalp.

• Treating split ends: Massage your hair with few drops of olive oil and leave it for 2 hours.  After that steam up with hot towel wrap for at least half an hour. Wash using mixture of fullers earth  and curd 1 tbsp each.  Wash off with your regular shampoo next day. * use butter milk for oily hair.

These are just some of the benefits of Fullers Earth, there were way more that I came across. Also, this product is available in Asda!

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Home Made Remedies to get Rid of a Sun Tan

- A mixture of lemon juice, rose water and cucumber juice should be applied on the face as a face pack. Lemon juice is citric acid that helps remove the tan and the cucumber and rose water are cooling agents.

 - Mixing together some honey and lemon juice and applying it on the affected area can be one of the best anti tan pack mixtures.

 - Preparing a paste of some raw milk, turmeric and some lemon juice. This mixture should then be applied on the skin and be allowed to remain till it dries up. Thereafter, it should be washed with some cool water.

 - Prepare a mixture of oats and buttermilk. This mixture should be rubbed onto the tanned area as the oats will help in exfoliating the skin and on the other hand the butter milk is known to be extremely soothing for the skin.

- Mixing together some gram flour (chickpea flour), lime juice and some curd on the affected area on a regular basis gives best results against tanning.

 - Applying some fresh lemon juice and allowing it to remain for at least 15 minutes on the elbows, knees or patchy areas helps remove the tan and making it fair.

- A regular use of fresh coconut water on the hands and face is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.

- Aloe Vera gel is an excellent remedy for taking care of dark tans. It will lighten the skin in as little as a week, if applied everyday to the affected area. However, aloe has the property of making your skin photosynthetic and can darken it if you go out in the sun without sunscreen lotion. This makes it important to remember to use sunscreen every time you go out.

- A cream with equal parts of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil can be applied and left on for 20 minutes. This will help lighten your tan. You can store this for about a week and use it thrice daily for best results.

- Apply a paste made with turmeric powder and lime juice thrice a week. This will lighten the skin colour considerably and remove the tan.

- Soak almonds overnight and grind them into a fine paste the next morning. Add equal quantities of milk cream to the paste and apply on the affected area to make the skin fair.

- Apply a paste of oatmeal, yogurt, a few drops of lime and tomato juice. Wash this with cold water after half an hour and see the difference.

- Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area. Papaya is excellent for the skin and also helps in anti-aging.

- Combining ash gourd juice with Fullers Earth (multan mitti) and applying it all over the face helps reduce the tan considerably.

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I also found a Q and A style article from Khaleej Times which has natural remedies including for suntan, open pores, dandruff and facial hair.

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon

Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
Surat An- Nahl (16:69)

It is found that a mix of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey ...as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour beforebreakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

The Prophet (PBUH) said : 'Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur'an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you remedies, the Qur'an and honey.' (Bukhari)

The Prophet (PBUH) himself used to drink a glass of honey and water each morning on an empty stomach

(Taken from http://fatalfacts.com/index.php?/topic/1308-facts-on-honey-and-cinnamon-it-is-found-that-a-mixture-of-honey-and-cinnamon-cures-most-diseases/ )

*Best type of honey to use is raw, unpasteurised honey.

Henna - Best Ready Made Cone & Tips

(For the wedding season)

Usually ready made henna cones get a bad rep, but I used "Mehak Dulhan Henna" and the quality was very good - not bad for £1.

Tip 1: The henna came out a dark cherry/mahogany colour when left overnight with a lemon/sugar mixture.

Tip 2: Another tip to get a dark colour is to wrap the hand in a plastic bag - this will not only protect your bedding (and face!) from getting henna onto it, but the heat generated will activate the henna to darken further. You could also use a large disposable plastic glove.

Tip 3: Apply oils to moisturise and protect the henna from fading once you have washed or scraped the design off.

The henna colour was much darker in real life!

Mehak Dulhan Henna Cone

How to: Make a henna paste

I have posted a few henna posts before and wanted to show you how you can do it yourself at home!

Use a good quality finely milled henna powder such as Jamila Powder as it will come out of the cone much more smoothly and you wont have to keep stopping to "unblock" the nib - who hates that?! Make sure it is from a recent crop!! Each new crop comes out during the summer, so if you were to buy one right now, it would be a 2012 crop.

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A heaped tablespoon of powder is enough for approximately 1 medium-large cone or 2 smaller cones.

Method
Stage 1

• Add 1 tablespoon of henna powder and enough fresh lemon juice (not water) to make a firm mashed potato consistency. The paste must be very thick, smooth with no dry bits. Seal with cling film for 6 hours in room temperature (perhaps near an oven/cooker).

• Make sure there are no air bubbles and that the clingfilm is resting on top of the paste.

Stage 2

• Add essential oils such as Eucalyptus B.P oil or Gajaput oil. (For every heaped tablespoon of henna powder you need 1 teaspoon of oil).

• Top up the mixture with fresh lemon juice to get the right consistency. The consistency you should be aiming for is a 1-2-3 drop consistency similar to toothpaste consistency. Confused? Get a teaspoon full of the mixture and then drop it into the mixture bowl - it should fall on the third count (after 3 seconds). Don't count tooo fast nor too s  l  o  w!
• Rest for 6 hours to allow the lemon juice to break the chemicals down. Don't put cling film on top of the henna (you may put it over the bowl though).
• This is probably best done the day before you need to apply the henna or if you are at work, do stage 1 overnight and then stage 2 in the morning.

Stage 3

• Fill your cone with 2 tea spoons of henna.
• Seal nib with sellotape to stop henna from pouring out and remove after you have sealed the top if your are going to use it then.
• Fold at top sides in a diamond shape then make small folds at the top and work down. Seal with sellotape.

For more info on how to roll a cone click here.

DIY Beauty Products from Kitchen Ingredients

Brown bread: DIY cleanser

“Remove the crusts from a fresh slice and roll them each into a ball, roll the ball over your cheeks, nose, forehead and chin (avoid the eyes), using a new ball for each area. The bread will pick up dirt, grime and excess oil from your skin.”


Banana: DIY face mask

“If the weather is cold and you spend most of the day in air-conditioned or centrally heated rooms, skin can become dehydrated,” says skin therapist Nataliya Robinson of the Michaeljohn Salon, London. “A mask once a week will help nourish the skin. Make your own by combining one ripe mashed banana, a tsp of honey or maple syrup and 10 drops of lemon juice. Mix and apply to clean skin for 10 minutes. Rinse.”


Soured cream: DIY moisturising mask

“Soured cream makes a great DIY mask, especially for dry skin. Smooth on, leave for 15 minutes, and wash off with a warm flannel. It is beautifully moisturising.”


Raw oats: DIY exfoliating mask scrub

“Take two or three teaspoons of raw oats and crush by hand,” says Nataliya. “Mix with pure honey and a quarter tsp of apple cider vinegar until it forms a smooth paste. Use more honey if it seems too dry. Next, add one drop of tea tree oil to aid healing. Apply in circular movements, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with tepid water.”


Beetroot: DIY lip gloss

“Peel a small beetroot and chop into small cubes, add two tsps of sugar and place in a microwave for a 30-second blast,” says Sally. “Leave to rest for a minute before another 30 second blast or until the sugar has dissolved and the beetroot has softened slightly. Add a tsp of olive oil, stir well and apply using a lip brush. Keep in the fridge, but discard after three days.”


Apple cider vinegar: DIY hair detangler

“Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar after shampooing and conditioning,” says Sally. “Vinegar closes the hair cuticles and removes unwanted oily residue. Since residue coats the hair causing it to look dull, removing residue gives your hair more shine. By closing the cuticles, the hair will be smoother and have fewer tangles. Any vinegar will do, but using apple cider vinegar will see the best results.”


Cucumber: DIY breath freshener

“Stick a slice of cucumber to the roof of your mouth for about 30 seconds or so and it will eradicate bad breath,” says Dr Mervyn Druian from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry.


Brown sugar: DIY exfoliator

“Mix a tbsp of brown sugar with one tbsp of olive oil,” says Nataliya. “Next, gently massage the scrub into your skin in a circular movement, but without pressing too hard. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after use.”


Eggs: DIY face pack

“In addition to eating eggs for breakfast, try applying the whites to your face,” says dermatologist Dr Murad, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA, US. “The albumen tightens the appearance of the skin and improves the look of a tired complexion, as well as helping to hydrate.”


Avocado: DIY intense hair treatment

“Mix half a ripe avocado with two whisked eggs, two half eggshells of olive oil or other light vegetable oil and 50ml purified water,” says trichologist Philip Kingsley. “Work the mixture in with your fingertips, leave for 10 minutes and then wash off.”


Camomile tea: DIY cleanser

“Daily cleansing is vital even if you do not wear make-up,” says Nataliya. “During winter and early spring, your cleansing procedure must be gentle. The right cleanser will leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, not tight and dry. If you feel that your skin is irritated, wash it with cool camomile tea, which can provide a real tonic for your skin.”


Coconut milk: DIY body moisturiser

“With so many body moisturisers containing coconut milk, why not use the real thing?” asks Janey Lee. “Mix some high quality coconut milk with the same amount of purified water and add a few drops of sweet almond oil. Warm the liquid gently and top up roughly one quarter of the total amount with coconut oil. Allow to cool and hey presto!”


Milk powder: DIY bath soak

“Sprinkle a handful of milk powder (full-fat, semi-skimmed or skimmed) into a warm bath before a long soak,” says Sally. “Lactic acid found in milk is a skin softener and helps to make skin baby soft!”


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What Your Dark Circles and Acne Are Trying To Tell You!

That pimple on your forehead - what does it mean? According to dermatologists who specialize in the ancient art of face mapping, it could tell you more about your health than you know.

Where is your "pimple zone" :p

Zone 1 & 3: Bladder & Digestive System — Improve your diet and drink more water.

Zone 2: Liver — Try cutting back on alcohol, heavy food or dairy. This area can also indicate a food allergy.

Zone 4 & 10: Kidneys — Make sure you’re keeping yourself hydrated with water and cut back on liquids that dehydrate you. This means nix the soda, coffee and/or alcohol.

Zone 5 & 9: Respiratory system — Those who smoke or have allergies tend to have acne here.

Zone 6 & 8: Kidneys — Dark circles are usually a result of dehydration. Drink up!

Zone 7: Heart — Check your blood pressure and make sure you’re not using makeup that irritates your skin.

Zone 12: Stomach — Consider a detox or adding more fibre to your diet to help with digestion.

Zone 11 & 13: Hormones — Stress and hormonal changes can sometimes be alleviated with more water and a few extra servings of dark, leafy greens but if breakouts in this area persistent, make an appointment with your doctor to look into a possible hormonal imbalance. Additionally, breakouts in this area also indicate when you are ovulating (and which side).

Zone 14: Illness — Can be a sign of your body fighting bacteria to avoid illness. Take a breather and drink plenty of fluids.

Article by  Sarah Jio

Top 10 Foods for Perfect Skin

1) Almonds contain vitamin E which can help protect the skin from UV light. They are also low in saturated fats and contain calcium and magnesium for strong bones.

2) Carrots improve the eye sight, contain cancer fighting properties as well as the vitamin A being excellent for clearing up skin prone to break outs.

3) Dark chocolate contains flavanols (antioxidants) which can contribute to smooth skin and help to protect against/absorb UV light. It also increases blood flow to the skin as well as improving your mood :)

4) Flaxseeds contain omega-3 which plumps the skin making it look younger, hydrated, clearer and fine lines less visible. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try a flaxseed oil supplement and increase foods with omega3 such as nuts and fish.

5) Green Tea is naturally rich in antioxidants helping your body against free radicals.Some research suggests that drinking 2-6 cups a day can reverse the effetcs of sun damage. Read here for green tea beauty recipes such as facial spritzers and face masks.

6) Safflower oil is great for those with dry, itchy skin or eczema as it contains omega-6. 9 and vitamin E. Can be used for cooking or directly applied to skin to help keep skin supple.

7) Spinach contains vitamin C and is great for those with iron deficeincies. It is packed with lutein, which keeps eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that people who ate the most leafy greens actually had half as many skin tumors over 11 years as those who ate the least. It is believed that the folate in these veggies may help repair and maintain DNA — basically strengthening cells' ability to renew themselves.

8) Sweet potatoes are a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes. They contain vitamin A for eye health, reducing wrinkles, protecting against aging and dark spots. Vit A also helps to cure skin conditions like acne, sunburns, eczema, cold sores, psoriasis, sun damage, etc. Vitamin C (essential for collagen production), folate and Vitamin B6 contained in sweet potatoes are also beneficial for skin health. Health benefits include stress, asthma and bronchitis.

9) Tomatoes contain lycopene - a UV ray fighting chemical. You can use it directly on your skin as it soothes sun burnt skin and contains vitamins A and C. Cure acne with tomato pulp, shrink pores with tomato and lime and get glowing skin with tomato juice and honey here!

10) Tuna has the nutrient selenium which helps to preserve elastin- keeping skin smooth and firm. Just half a can a day can help, or if you're not a fan of tuna try a handful of brazil nuts.