Removing makeup without makeup remover

Removing makeup without makeup remover

    Who says you need to invest in a hideously overpriced makeup remover? And what if you run out of makeup remover? Here are a few inexpensive and effective ways to get your warpaint off:
    COLD CREAM: Everyone has a tub of cold cream lying around in their house. Slap on some cold cream all over your face or only on those areas where you have applied makeup. Keep it on for about five minutes giving your skin time to soak up the cream. Wipe your face with some cotton balls and then wash your face with a cleanser.
    BABY OIL: Dip a cotton ball in baby oil and wipe off every last bit of makeup. Use a washcloth dipped in warm water to wipe off the excess oil left on your face. Baby oil works especially well to clean out mascara. Hold the cotton ball around your eyelashes for at least three minutes such that they are clamped in between the cotton ball. Let the baby oil loosen up the mascara off your lashes and wipe clean.

Mind your manners

Mind your manners

Following certain beauty etiquettes is not only a healthy habit, but also talks a lot about your personality

    We kinda learn makeup, both techniques and manners during our growing-up years while observing friends and family. We continue doing some things, while dumping what doesn’t suit us. One thing that many women aren’t particular about is beauty etiquette. We compile a list of common faux pas women make and etiquette that must be adhered to. Read on:
TESTING MAKEUP Although you are not allowed to apply makeup testers on your face, you can never be too sure how many hands the tester has been through. Also, taking precautions never hurts anyone. Many women insist on using testers on their faces. Protect your skin and also spare a thought for others and refrain from doing any such thing. Always try out testers on your hand and use disposable brushes or applicators if you can. The least you can do is to wipe out the first layer (for e.g. lipstick) on a clean tissue and then try it on. Hygiene and makeup go hand-in-hand.
DRIVING AND PRIMPING A little narcissism is fine. But preening and primping while driving? Really ladies! Surely, that bleeding lipstick or errant tendril of hair can wait until you have reached your destination and are done driving. There is absolutely no need to indulge in such hazardous behaviour.
SALES ASSISTANT ETIQUETTE Most Sales Assistants in makeup aisles are extremely helpful and glad to assist you with products and the right shades. However, they might come across as meddlesome in their eagerness to help you and it is appropriate to firmly but politely put down their suggestions. Be forthcoming about when you want to be left alone as well as when you feel the SA is not helping or is curt.
GRAB ’EM SAMPLES It is not tardy or a faux pas to ask for samples of makeup products since that precisely what they are for. If a brand is giving out samples, by all means, go ahead and get yourself one. Try it on before splurging on the product. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. However, taking one too many samples is downright cheap. Just pick up one for yourself and leave the rest for the janta.
    Guilty of any of the above faux pas? Never mind. You have been warned. Try adhering to these etiquettes. Your girly gang might be used to your makeup habits, but being considerate about others never hurts anyone.
    bushra.khan@timesgroup.com 

TECH FREAK It’s the age of technology and we are all guilty of being glued to our handsets. But talking nineteen to the dozen in a salon or spa is horrible offense. Not only is it extremely annoying for others but also for the attendants and technicians as they constantly navigate around you and your cellphone. Rule out long-winded conversations in such places. If you must answer a call, keep it brief. And turn down the volume on that ringtone. It might be your favourite song. But that’s no reason to force it on others.

OOPS I BROKE A NAIL! Most women think it’s okay to whip out their nail filers just about anywhere and everywhere and start filing nails. Although we may think it is a harmless and innocent act that need not be frowned upon, usually filing nails leaves a trail of dust from the nails and dead skin. This can be gross for people around us. Therefore ladies, filing, picking, peeling or grooming nails goes down in the rule book of decorum alongwith biting nails. Restrict it to the cozy confines of a salon or your home and probably the ladies compartment in the local trains!

LIP-PING AROUND THE TABLE Ladies there’s a washroom for when you need to “powder your nose”. However, fishing out your pocket mirror and then making a big show about reapplying your lipstick or touching up your makeup while at the table is a no-no with a capital N. If you are gonna be swift about reapplying your lipstick, then by all means go ahead. But if like most women you are not that gifted about applying lipstick without the help of a pocket mirror and end up checking out the rest of your makeup too, head to the washroom. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.

HELPING HAND It is your duty as a woman and fellow makeup user, to help a woman in (makeup) distress. Were you to spot a woman with bleeding lipstick or, much worse, lipstick on her teeth, bring it to her notice immediately. Beauty blunders, on yourself or complete strangers, should be avoided at every cost. Let the victim of the faux pas known what’s up. She will be ore than grateful for the tip-off.

Applying lipstick on your table at a restaurant is frowned upon

A fashionable night out...

A fashionable night out...

    This Signature Fashion Party hosted at Smaaash saw the guests having a great time. Many sports enthusiasts were seen trying their hand at the many sport activities like stimulated reallife cricket and football that the venue provides. Esha Gupta, who was present along with her sister Neha, was seen playing cricket. Sneh Jha Nigam from I Am Fashion says, “We are happy to be associated with Signature.” Signature Fashion Parties are parties for the trendy fashion designers. The event was managed by Spotlight Events & Entertainment.

Esha Gupta

Pankaj Aggarwal

Neha Gupta and Mona Juneja

Diamond Necklace

Diamond Necklace

Guys in dresses and girls in tuxedos

Guys in dresses and girls in tuxedos

It’s a brave world of fashion where men are modelling for womenswear and vice versa

    The latest trends to capture the attention of the fashion industry worldwide are square jaws and boyish builds. It’s the women who are wearing the pants on global runways. In a gender-bender coup of sorts, Dutch model Saskia de Brauw (31), has been chosen as the new face of a Parisian fashion major’s latest collection of menswear. In a series of black and white images, the female model looks like a pre-pubescent pageboy.
    But, Saskia is not the first girl to model for a menswear line. Before her, 35-year-old Casey Legler from New York was signed on by a modelling agency as a ‘male’ model. Strong jawbones, lanky builds, cropped hairstyles and six-feet-plus heights seem to work in favour of these women who seemed to have embraced their new roles with classy nonchalance.
    Girls like Saskia and Casey have men like Andrej Pejic and Stav Strashko for company. Andrej created news when he signed up with a lingerie brand. Stav had stunned all with his advert for a car company that featured him only in bikini bottoms, his sinuous back and seductive gait giving nothing away about his sexuality. In 2010, Lea T, a Brazilian transsexual model, was made the face of a big fashion house. She then went on to feature in fashion glossies and even on a cover where she was shown kissing Kate Moss. Models like Agyness Deyn and Stella Tennant are also proving that they can fill out couture gowns and make tuxedos look sexy. Nobody’s complaining as long as the dresses look fierce and the pants look smart!
GENDER BENDER: THERE ARE OTHERS TOO Stav Strashko: The Ukrainian lad did an Andrej Pejic when he dare-bared in an ad campaign for a car company. The brief was, of course, a bikini bottom. Only a bikini bottom! Casey Legler: Female model Casey Legler was signed up by a New York-based modelling agency as a male model. Valentijn de Hingh: Originally a boy, this Amsterdam native underwent gender reassignment surgery after which she started strutting her stuff on runways for major fashion brands.

Transsexual model Lea T is the face of a big fashion house

Female model Saskia de Brauw is the face of a Parisian fashion major’s menswear collection

Male model Andrej Pejic regularly models for womenswear for big fashion labels

Quirky & footloose

Quirky & footloose

High fashion footwear is making strides into quirky territory. Nona Walia explores what’s new in wacky heels

1 The Aztec shoe I Sophia Webster’s shoes have caused a stir in the US. The shoes are a riot of colour and quirky design elements — Aztec prints, hearts, polka dots, flamingos.Webster draws the prints on her shoes by hand. They range from flats to stilettos. Her style is colourful, playful and sexy.
2 Yellow furry stilettos I After Celine’s Spring 2013 collection, shoe fashion may change for good. Phoebe Philo’s shoe designs are arty with a touch of quirkiness. Their latest collection features blue, red, lilac and yellow furry stilettos. 3 Scariest heels I The shoes conceptualised by artist Leanie van der Vyver and made by shoe designer René van den Berg, have been called scary beautiful. Rene’s goal was to “challenge our current beauty ideals by inflicting an unexpected new beauty standard”. In fact, the shoe has been nominated for a design prize at her university, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie for her creative pursuit of “forcing the wearer to develop a new way of walking, leaning forward while refinding a painfully fragile balance”. 4 Crystal fascination I Shoe snobs will love Prada’s purple crystal-loaded shoe in satin. What makes this shoe unique is its tricky bulbous shape, which is cut high on a bridge with a curvy heel.
5 Asian dragon heels I Emilio Pucci’s Chinese-style dragon wedges look like carved ivory. These intricately-designed four-inch wedges are a must-have accessory for the coming season.

A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY Glam up those special occasions with Weaves, an exhibition-cum-sale of exotic silks and cottons

A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY

Glam up those special occasions with Weaves, an exhibition-cum-sale of exotic silks and cottons

    Gear up for special occasions with Weaves, an exhibition-cum-sale of exotic silks and cottons. From items of home decor to designer clothes and local crafts from across the country, Weaves is a kaleidoscope of colour, diversity and talent. Artisans from many states, including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, will sell their creations at the expo. It will bring more than 50 designers and artisans under one roof.
Weaves offers saris and dresses that suit any occasion — formal and casual. With the marriage season almost here, there is a demand for classy Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram, Chanderi, Pochampally, Benarasi, Jamdani, Jamawar and printed crepe saris. Dress materials in Ikat prints are also much
in demand in this
season. Available for men are exquisite silk and linen fabrics to stitch sherwanis and kurtas. Also available on sale are home-furnishing items like bedspreads, Jaipuri quilts and beautifully embroidered cushion covers in soft and vibrant hues.
    Weaves has completed more than 150 successful exhibitions since it started in 2006. Its commitment towards artisans remains unwavering. As a result, demand for its products has been increasing over the years. Artisans, too, have been working harder to create new products, keeping in mind today’s fashion. The use of fabric is traditional, but the designs are contemporary. Weaves offers after-sales support as well.
    Pick up your shopping bags and head to Weaves to replenish your wardrobe for special occasions. And while you are there, enjoy the variety that traditional Indian handicrafts have to offer.

Some of the items on display at Weaves

Weaves is being held at Expo Centre, 1st Floor, Shopping Arcade, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, till December 22, 10 am to 8 pm.

On display at the exhibition are Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram, Chanderi, Pochampally, Benarasi, Jamdani, Jamawar and printed crepe saris

MAKE A DISTINCT PERSONALITY STATEMENT

MAKE A DISTINCT PERSONALITY STATEMENT

Designer Azeem Khan’s creations range from the traditional to modern and even Western applications of Indian textiles

    For some people, the term fashion conjures up the idea of slavishly following the trends. But great fashion designs have always gone at least a little against the grain — sometimes a lot. Designer Azeem Khan created his niche in the world of haute couture by designing breathtaking, classic and elegant ‘After Sevens’. Following his mantra of ‘Don’t go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and make a trail’, Azeem has contributed many firsts to the Indian fashion industry. Elegant and romantic, his creations are true poetry in motion where glamour and artistry come together in every design.
Soon after his return from the US — after his Masters in Fashion from Parsons — he came up with the corset teamed with a sari that was to become a trend much later. He then went on to create the second skin churidar, which has become the norm today. The innovation of the double-pallu sari is another creation that has been a rage for most brides-to-be, as it is traditionally functional. These are but just a few of the innovations from the House of Azeem Khan. With a focus on quality and preferability, Azeem believes in his clients making a distinct personality statement rather than just a statement in style. His work ranges from the traditional to modern derivatives and even Western applications of Indian textiles. Having established his name successfully as a couturiere, Azeem has now launched an elegant line of embroidered accessories in order to expand his creative vision. Yet again a first in the Indian context, Azeem Khan Accessories discover, explore and celebrate an infinite reality hidden within every woman — the reality of rejoicing the passionate sensuality that every woman possesses in a manner that is so very intense.
    “For me, design is like trying to put lightning in a bottle; in actuality it is something one cannot truly contain because it is so kinetic — an almost combustible sense of creative energy. Design to me is aesthetic, innovative and eternal,” says Azeem.

Azeem Khan

Second skin churidar

Rimi Sen in a sari

Kangana Ranaut in an Azeem Khan creation

Bipasha Basu in a long dress and bib neckpiece

A model displays a sari

Isha Koppikar wears an anarkali adaptation

Kurta with second skin churidar

इंडिया इंटरनॅशनल ज्वेलरी वीक

A French Odyssey

A French Odyssey 

THE BOURJOIS STORY BEGAN WAY BACK IN 1863 AND EVER SINCE THEN, IT HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH ITS FRENCH ROOTS. THE BRAND RECENTLY SHOWCASED ITS LATEST COLLECTION AT THE TFWA WORLD EXHIBITION IN CANNES. WE CAUGHT UP WITH MARIE HÉLÈNE PRIMA COMAS, EXPORT MARKETING MANAGER, BOURJOIS AND NICOLAS LEVRON, AREA SALES MANAGER, MIDDLE EAST, BOURJOIS, WHO GAVE US SOME INSIGHTS INTO THE BRAND AS WELL AS SHARED THE LATEST GLOBAL MAKEUP TRENDS.

The brand approach Bourjois began in 1863 when the Wertheimer family, who owns Chanel, also bought Bourjois. At our company, we have a specific approach to developing products. Our colours are always in keeping with the colours that are big in fashion. Our core target is a younger audience in the age group of 18 to 25 years. As a brand, we have a strong presence in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Asia and South America are also strong markets.
Adapting to the Indian market We have tried adapting to the Indian market with an approach of focussing on colours and expertise. India is definitely a major priority for the brand. Global trends are becoming increasingly popular and consumers today are more open to the use of colour. The middle class is also growing. We are adapting to this dynamic market by shifting our launches from the eye category to the lip category. We are also trying to create more awareness about the brand among the discerning public.
    Colour trends in India for 2013 If you notice, during periods of crises, people try to compensate by using bright shades. This helps in boosting the spirit. Colour trends are therefore linked with the cycles of economy. In India, lip colours comprise about 40 to 45 per cent of the makeup market. Globally, it comprises about 25 per cent of the market. Owing to traditional reasons, (Indians have used kajal since ancient times), the eye segment is still developing. There is also a misconception that mascara will have an impact on the lashes. The choices of lip colour are usually brown, beige and purple. In the rest of the world, the use of these colours is limited, with red being the most popular choice.
MAKEUP TIPS Apply blusher on areas where you tan easily.
Apply concealer around the lips before wearing your lipstick, as this makes the lips look fuller.
Dab foundation around the eyes before applying the rest of your eye makeup to make your eyes look brighter.

 

Scent of luxury

Scent of luxury 

SYNONYMOUS WITH LUXURY, CARTIER HAS BEEN PATRONISED BY THE LIKES OF ROYALTY AND STATE HEADS THROUGHOUT ITS ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY. ORIGINALLY, A JEWELLERY BRAND, THE REPERTOIRE TODAY ALSO INCLUDES FRAGRANCES IN ADDITION TO FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND ACCESSORIES. WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH MAZEN BAKI, EYEWEAR AND PERFUME COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, CARTIER MIDDLE EAST, WHO SHARED MORE ABOUT THE LATEST FRAGRANCE LAUNCHES FROM THE BRAND

Excerpts from the interview DECLARATION IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR FRAGRANCES BY CARTIER. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL? Declaration is our classic fragrance, which is very wellknown. It was launched in 1998 and is still growing. It’s literally a phenomenon in the perfume industry. The notes are fresh and spicy, which give it a distinct flavour. We are also launching a new version of the fragrance. By changing just a few ingredients, a completely different feel has been created. The preliminary feedback says that it’s doing extremely well. It’s available in most markets, but unfortunately not yet in India.
WHAT ARE THE NEW OLFACTORY TRENDS THAT YOU HAVE NOTICED? Today, nothing is restricted, be it in terms of ingredients or design. For instance, earlier, floral elements were very popular. Now, everything is possible, whether it’s the type of ingredients, type of bottles, etc. There are also a lot of innovations taking place in marketing campaigns.
CAN YOU SHED LIGHT ON THE NEW CARTIER LAUNCHES IN INDIA? We’ve just launched Baiser Vole in India, which is also becoming a success. Another one of our pillars is Eau de Cartier for which we’ve created an extension. We have the classic Eau de Cartier EDT as well as the concentrate. Essence de Bois was launched last year as well. And now, we have the Goutte de rose which is based on rose. What makes it different is that it’s light, yet long-lasting. It’s a fresh fragrance. The base of Eau de Cartier gives it distinct freshness. Despite being light, you can feel the essence of rose. We also have an essence of Baiser Vole, which is very concentrated. The bottle looks classy; there’s no writing — it’s engraved.
FOR OUR READERS, CAN YOU SUGGEST TIPS ON HOW TO APPLY A PERFUME CORRECTLY? I recommend that a fragrance should be used with its bath and body line. This holds true more so for ladies. When she’s wearing a perfume and wants to enhance the fragrance, the bath and body line really helps. They also say that if you apply fragrance to your hair, it stays for a long time, but one must take care, as I believe it damages the hair.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS A COMMON MISTAKE WHEN IT COMES TO APPLYING A FRAGRANCE? There is a mechanism called adaptation. After smelling a certain scent for about 10-15 minutes, the nose stops being receptive to it. So, while, you won’t be able to smell the perfume, other people around you can. Most fragrances have this feature. It’s something that people should keep in mind. People often make the mistake of spraying the fragrance over and over again, because they can’t smell it. Some fragrances fight this adaptation, and are mistaken as long-lasting.
    Another mistake I’ve noticed is that often people confuse the terms ‘timeless’ and ‘classic’. ‘Classic’ essentially refers to an old perfume. But some perfumes that are not classic are timeless, such as Declaration. So, don’t get confused between the two.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE TFWA WORLD EXHIBITION? The exhibition is an excellent place to interact with people. One may not get a chance to visit all markets, so here you have the opportunity to meet people you sometimes haven’t met in years. It’s a platform to see clients from all over the world.

 

ACNE ATTACK!

Expert Talk acne

Zap
that
Zit!

ACNE ATTACK! THESE TWO WORDS CAN SHAKE UP ALMOST ANY WOMAN’S COMPOSURE — MORE SO BECAUSE THEY DEFY THE WORD PERFECTION IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY. TIME ’N STYLE BEAUTY SHARES ADVICE FROM DR. JAISHREE SHARAD, COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIST (MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF SKINFINITI AESTHETIC SKIN AND LASER CLINIC, MUMBAI), TO HELP YOU BATTLE THIS DEMON

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS CAUSES FOR ACNE? While there could be several causes for acne, a major one is hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and genetic predisposition could be others. As basic as it may sound, stress is definitely a cause. The use of cosmetics such as creams, oil-based moisturisers and foundations also stir up the germ for acne. Also, application of oil or gel on the scalp could lead to pimples on the back and forehead. Climate also plays its role, and hot and humid conditions often cause acne to come to the fore. Lastly, drugs such as oral contraceptives, steroids, isoniazid, lithium, phenytoin, and iodides can cause pimples.
HOW DOES IT DEVELOP? The skin has minute glands called sebaceous glands, which open into the hair follicle. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which gets released on to the skin surface through the hair follicle. During puberty, the male sex hormones, which are normally present in both, males and females increase in the body and activate the sebaceous glands to increase in size, which in turn leads to an increase in the secretion of sebum. Secondly, the cells are shed more rapidly and they stick together, plugging the opening of the hair follicle, resulting in whiteheads. The pigment melanin present in whiteheads, when exposed to air, forms blackheads.
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD ONE LOOK OUT FOR TO CATCH ACNE AT THE GRASS ROOT LEVEL ITSELF? If you want to treat acne before it takes a severe form, then you must look out for blackheads and whiteheads. Also, excessively oily skin is a cause of concern.
HOW CAN ONE GET RID OF ACNE? Here are a few simple ways to keep acne at bay:
    Wash your face with an
    anti-bacterial face wash
    at least two-three times a
    day.
    Include Vitamin C and
    zinc in your diet. You
    could start by increasing
    the intake of citrus fruits
    such as oranges, grapes,
    lime and lemon. Also,
    ensure that you drink
    plenty of water.
    Do not pick on or
    squeeze the pimples as
    this causes infections,
    pigmentation and even
    scarring at times.
    As much as possible,
    avoid the use of oily
    cosmetics, whether it is
    cleansing milk or gel.
    Be patient. Give the
    medication time to show
    beneficial results. You
    may have to take
    antibiotics for 8-10
    weeks.
    In extreme cases, you
    could require surgical
    intervention in the form
    of comedone extraction,
    cryoslush, cryo-peel with
    liquid nitrogen or a
    superficial chemical peel.
    These are best performed
    by a dermatosurgeon.
HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE FOR ACNE TO CLEAR UP? It isn’t a problem that will vanish overnight; you will need about 6-12 weeks for it to fade out completely.
MANY PEOPLE HAVE NEVER HAD ACNE AS TEENAGERS; WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF ITS SUDDEN ERUPTION AS AN ADULT? While hormonal imbalance in the body can erupt at any time; consumption of oral contraceptives, excessive stress and facials or makeup, which clogs pores, could be many other factors that induce acne at a later stage in life.
WHEN SUFFERING FROM ACNE, WHAT KIND OF COSMETICS ARE ADVISABLE TO USE? I would suggest that you apply a moisturiser which has natural ingredients before stepping out in the sun. A milk-based coconut body lotion infused with tingling mint extracts will keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated during summer. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic cream, gel-based sunscreen and water-based foundation.
ARE THERE ANY SOLUTIONS FOR ACNE SCARRING? Scars can be tackled using both surgical and nonsurgical methods. While the surgical methods include subcision, punch elevation/ excision and grafting, dermabrasion and Co2 or erbium laser ablation; the non-surgical methods could be tried first. Some of these are chemical peels, microdermabrasion, nonablative lasers, fraxel, fillers and microneedling and radiofrequency.

Vanity Kit skincare Face first

Vanity Kit skincare

Face first 

 EVER WONDERED HOW CELEBRITIES HAVE FLAWLESS SKIN ALL THE TIME? WE LET YOU IN ON SOME OF THEIR BEST KEPT SECRETS
Through their long work hours, travel-schedules and hectic lifestyles, celebrities somehow manage to care for their skin consistently. Besides a healthy skincare regimen, there are some other procedures and techniques that can be used to achieve celeb-like skin.
The most common skin problems: Lack of moisture in the skin causes dryness. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning, constant travelling and alcohol consumption can have this effect on the skin.
    Fine lines and wrinkles are the outcome of ageing. Lines appear once there is a reduction in the collagen and elastin production of the skin. External factors include sun damage, smoking and stress.
    Pigmentation can be caused by exposure to sunlight and can also be hereditary.
    Acne is caused when your skin’s pores get clogged with excessive production of sebum that causes dirt and bacteria to build up. Though it’s most common in teenagers, adult acne is possible too. It can be hereditary as well.
    Dark circles can be caused by factors like lack of sleep, or excessive production of melanin due to prolonged sun exposure, among others.
    Facial hair growth in women can point to hormonal imbalances and are most common when women suffer from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.
    Solutions Intraceuticals perfected a treatment through which hyperbaric oxygen, or therapeutic-grade oxygen, is used as a medium to infuse a beneficial serum into the skin. A bubble is formed through the applicator, on the outermost layer of the skin which is a 95 per cent concentration of oxygen, and the serum is transmitted through this bubble. The serum is made out of very tiny molecules of hyaluronic acid, which is a very good carrier and helps transport many times its own volume of active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin. “It contains ingredients like green-tea extracts, amino acids, aloe and lightening agents like Vitamins C and E, which are all very mild agents, so no reaction is expected,” explains Dr. Geeta Oberoi, dermatologist, Skin and You Clinic, Mumbai. “After using it on patients, we have seen a slight plumping of lines and wrinkles and lifting in the forehead area. It is a very gentle, non-invasive treatment that can be used as a quick-fix,” explains Dr. Oberoi.
    The oxygen though, enables the serum to react more effectively than it would from just topical application. “Celebrity clients use this treatment if their skin needs a quick pick-me-up before an important event. It helps make the lines and wrinkles less obvious and lends a healthy glow to the skin. There is absolutely no down-time required as is the case with invasive procedures, so you can get it done a few hours before an event as well,” she says.
    There are four different treatments developed to focus on specific skin problems, namely, Rejuvenate for replenishment, Clarity for skin free from acne, Atoxelene for lines and wrinkles, and Opulence for brightness and skin free from pigmentation and age spots. This popular treatment is used by celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, Fergie and Preity Zinta.
    Skin polishing or microdermabrasion uses gentle abrasion to facilitate skin rejuvenation. This treatment exfoliates, polishes, and increases the lymphatic drainage of the skin. It uses a gentle vacuum to bring your skin in contact with ultra clean crystals that gently remove the top layer of dead skin. It can be used to help treat various skin conditions such as acne, blackheads, dull or rough skin, sunlight-damaged skin, pigmentation disorders, uneven skin, stretch marks and scars. It is commonly used on the face, but can be also used on the neck, back, and hands.
    Laser hair removal can be opted for by women who have unwanted hair growth. The laser works on the colour and thickness of the hair and is usually completed in about eight sittings. Unlike conventional hair removal methods, laser is not painful or uncomfortable and can be used to treat any area on the body. To make sure that there are no damaging side effects, professionals will test and prescreen your skin before you undergo the treatment.
    Acne treatments can range from cleansing routines, topical medications and antibiotics. These include chemical peels, micro pulse laser, dermaroller, microdermabrasion and porecleansing facials. The chemical peel involves the application of a medicated gel that cuts down oil formation, blemishes and scars. It doesn’t actually require peeling and doesn’t have any downtime. The micro pulse treatment uses ultrasound to deep peel, and laser to stimulate tissue repair, thus decreasing spots and blemishes. It is completely non-invasive and painless. Dermaroller involves a micro-medical needling procedure that stimulates the skin to restore and repair itself naturally. This rids the surface of acne and scars.

Brand New new product launches 

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF FESTIVITIES WITH SOME HELP FROM THESE BEAUTY BUYS

Reader Review
Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure nail polish was a great buy. The thick brush allows easy application, while the lovely texture ensures a long-lasting finish. My choice of colour was a bright pink, which looked extremely chic. P r i c e : 4 5 0
    SARA PINTO, s t u d e n t

In order to address skin discolouration and the appearance of age spots, Max Factor has created the Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum. Through its treated pigments, this unique formula makes the skin look visibly young. The pigments gently reflect and diffuse light across the skin, preventing the appearance of fine lines. The serum also moisturises and protects the skin from harmful UV rays. P r i c e : 1 , 1 1 0

The fluid black ink along with the soft foam brush makes Clarins’ Instant Liquid Eyeliner easy to apply. The long wand of the liner gives the user better control and precision during application. Whether it is a basic outline or an elaborate wingtipped look, the formula ensures a lasting finish. P r i c e : 1 , 2 0 0

The Fig Leaf and Sage Skin-Softening Body Cleanser by Kiehl’s is a sulfate-free concoction that uses a blend of mild surface agents to prevent your skin from drying. The aromatic mixture of fig leaf and sage refreshes your skin, while Vitamin E and botanical oil help in hydrating it. P r i c e : 1 , 6 0 0

The new Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/ Firming Serum by Estée Lauder helps repair and prevent the effects of ageing. Providing a swift and speedy cure for unwanted lines, the novel CPR-75 Technology present in the serum increases the energy within skin cells, causing them to gain a firm and plump appearance. P r i c e o n r e q u e s t

Vastly inspired by Japanese lacquer ware is the Lacquer Rouge lipstick by Shiseido. Just one coat will give your lips a rich colour and an impressive sheen. The applicator has been designed to fit the size of your lips perfectly and to prevent the colour from running. Regular use will revitalise your lips and make them soft and smooth. P r i c e : 1 , 5 0 0

It’s your time to shine with the Trilliance Shampoo from the Sebastian Professional Flaunt line. Containing rock crystal extract, the shampoo cleanses the scalp effectively, removing unwanted residue. The smoother surface enables better light reflection that makes your hair shine brilliantly. P r i c e : 1 , 2 0 0

Reader Review The Faces Superlongwear Kohl was long-lasting indeed. The twisting mechanism within the plastic casing is very convenient as the pencil doesn’t require sharpening. The kohl gave an intense, black colour and didn’t smudge at all. The best part is that this multipurpose product can be used as a k a j a l as well as an eyeliner. P r i c e : 4 4 9