Celebrities with the Best and Worst Skin

Experts reveal what these stars are doing right and wrong when it comes to taking care of their skin

Celebrities have some of the best skin gurus in the country at their disposal, and plenty of cash to splurge on skin-perfecting treatments. But why then do some of them have less than perfect skin? Could it be the late-night partying? Too much fun in the sun? Read on to find out -- you may just learn a thing or two about how to take better care of your own skin. See celebrities

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The Weekend Beauty Read

Raging Rouge blows her diet with a 2,000 calorie treat by MAX Factor.

Your chance to win 'The Swerve' , the world’s first “full body groomtool” at Beauty and Personal Grooming. Click here to enter the giveaway!!

Beauty Anonymous loves the fresh floral scents of Bond No.9 Astor Place Eau de Parfum.

The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Exhilarating lipgloss in Guava and lipstick in Raspberry.

A Touch of Blusher stops by Dolce & Gabbana's makeup counter in London.

StyleBell reviews the latest Damp to Dry Flat Iron by HAI Elite, the HaiDraStik. Read if StyleBell gives it a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

ThisThatBeauty has found her signature RED lipstick. Check out Lipstick Queen Red Sinner.


Beauty in Real Life is having a giveaway with Beautyfix, click here to enter to win one of 15 sets up for grabs!!!

Decorative Diva's reviews a new sweet treat, The Body Bakery's Arm Candy Deodorant.

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Sun Protection Mantras for Desi Skin

[In this post, Dr. Aparna Santhanam, skin care expert from Kaya Clinic gives some valuable advice about sun protection and skin care for Desi (Indian) skin.]

It is the truth. The quantum of sun that we as Indians are exposed to in summer far outstrips that which our western counterparts experience. Yet, most of our fundas on sun care emanate from the west. Let us look specifically at some unique issues that Indian skin faces due to the sun.

1. The risk of sun exposure in the west is mainly linked to worries about skin cancer. There is some good news for us. Being pigmented, we have some inherent protection and with a sensible outlook to sun, we do not have to worry about the risk of contracting cancer.
2. The biggest risk that Indian skin faces is pigmentation. Due to extra melanin in the skin and a prototype that is prone to tanning, patchy darkening of the skin is the biggest worry. This can be effectively prevented as well as treated.
3. The third worrying side effect of sun exposure is premature ageing of the skin. Again, Indian skin ages more slowly than our western counterparts. This gives us an opportunity to protect our skin to hold aging at bay for even longer.

Ten Mantras for protection

1. Use a sunscreen at all times between the timings of 8 am to 6 pm.
2. Ensure that your sunscreen has a UV A and UV B block. Look for words like broad spectrum and dual protection which indicate this.
3. The SPF factor is an indication of UVB protection which is a sun burn protection indicator. So, do not get too caught up on the SPF number. The way you apply the sunscreen is far more important.
4. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you step outdoors. Ensure that you cover all exposed parts including ear lobes, neck and arms liberally with the sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen every four hours.
5. If you are spending a day at the beach or the pool, ensure you apply the sunscreen every one hour.
6. Bolster your diet with food high in anti oxidants like carrots, papaya, pomegranate, beetroots and water melon, for internal sun protection.
7. Being Indians, our lips are prone to darkening and pigmentation. Do use a lip balm with sunscreen to prevent darkening.
8. Check areas like forehead and around your mouth to ensure you detect and seek help early for pigmentation.
9. Do not forget to protect your back and wear gear like goggles for additional protection.
10. Services like skin polishing and detanning peels can help you reverse tanning quickly. Do check with your dermatologist regarding the same.

Be sun safe and skin smart this summer. Follow these mantras and bask in the glory of a lovely summer’s day!

About Dr. Aparna Santhanam

Dr. Aparna Santhanam (MD,DNB), is a 39 year old cosmetic dermatologist and hair specialist from Mumbai, India with a long standing interest in writing of all kinds as well as holistic health and fitness. A firm believer in combining modern medicine with traditional beliefs and remedies, she has worked with various companies like Marico, Kaya, Cipla and Novartis. She currently has her own practice in Chembur and is a beauty and wellness consultant with Kaya Skin Clinic, Kaya life and Marico. She is also, a professionally qualified and trained broadcaster and columnist with experience in various forms of electronic, print and digital media.

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The Not-So-Visible Side of Personal Grooming

(Guest Post by Kat Sanders)

It may sound unethical and unfair, but the hard truth is that beauty is indeed skin deep. There’s a great deal of emphasis being placed on looking good, dressing well, and being groomed to your last finger nail. Style does win over substance, at least at first glance and with the first impression. And so it follows that well-groomed individuals are able to attract immediate attention and get people to take notice of them. They find it easier to prove themselves because the foundation and groundwork are laid by the way they look – that’s how important personal grooming is.

When we talk of grooming, people generally mean the way you’re dressed from head to toe, the accessories you carry and wear, and the condition and appearance of your skin, nails and hair. But there are hidden facets to grooming that contribute to your overall appearance, aspects that are not generally known to everyone. If you think you’re not stunningly good-looking and need that extra effort to impress from the word go, here’s how these personal grooming tips can help give you the edge:

• Walk well: The way you carry yourself is extremely important when you’re trying to make a good impression. Slouching your shoulders, dragging your feet, or adopting an ungainly stride are mannerisms that are not going to win you any points. You need to convey a positive and confident attitude without coming across as too cocky.
• Talk technique: If appearance is the first way to impress, your communicative skills are the best way to gain an advantage. You need to speak clearly, according to the situation, without rushing your words, and intelligently. The way you talk can tell people a lot about you. Your communication skills can fill in a lot of gaps in the personal grooming department.
• Mind manners/mannerisms: And then there’s the factor of behavior; most people are impressed with someone who’s good looking and who also communicates well. But if they keep their mouth open while eating or if they keep scratching their heads while talking, it’s going to make a negative impact, one that deducts from the initial positive appraisal.

So you can see how personal grooming is not a question of looks alone – the way you carry, communicate and conduct yourself are also very important for an overall positive impact. Rather than just concentrating on the visible aspects of personal grooming, it’s time to wake up and realize that there’s much more hidden beneath the skin when it comes to making an impression.

About the author:

This article is written by Kat Sanders, who regularly blogs on the topic of Physical Therapy Assistant degrees at her blog Physical Therapy Blog. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: katsanders25(at)gmail(dot)com.

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Ayur Face packs for summer

These face packs from Ayur are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin in summers. I have used these packs several times before and they have worked for me. But, please test them on a small area of your skin before using them on your face and neck. It’s quite natural to develop rashes if you are allergic to any ingredient in them; so be forewarned.

Tulsi face pack

Ayur Tulsi face pack

The herb Tulsi is known to fight and ward off skin infections and as such this pack is found to be good enough for normal to oily skins.

Sandal face pack

Ayur Sandal face pack

Sandalwood is a coolant and anti-bacterial, fights prickly heat and acne and makes the skin glow.

Neem face pack

Ayur Neem face pack

This highly antiseptic and anti-bacterial face pack is most effective for acne-prone skins and heals pimples. (See also: Himalaya neem face pack: review)

Mint face pack

Ayur mint face pack

This aromatic face pack with its cooling and refreshing properties revives dull, tired skin.

Cucumber face pack

Ayur cucumber face pack

You need to nourish and moisturize oily skins in summers as well. Cucumber is an excellent cleanser and moisturizer and is found to be extremely beneficial as a skin-nourisher.(See also: Everyuth cucumber face pack)

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Did you know?

*Women are more vulnerable to the deadly side effects of smoking than men, a lung cancer study found.
* Women who have babies in their forties and fifties tend to live longer than other women, according to a new study.
* Children who are bullied at school over several years are up to four times more likely to develop psychotic-like symptoms by the time they reach early adolescence.
* Increased daily exercise can prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in obese women, but getting started and maintaining new habits is a challenge. A new study shows that extra support and encouragement can help more women to exercise to and from work.
* Fathers’ mental health problems could be harmful for their kids, a new research has warned.
* Sleep disturbances are more likely in babies born to mothers with depression than in those of mothers without depression, according to a new report.
* Mushrooms 'give your body a boost to beat the flu'. Eating fungi can help fight off infections and viruses by boosting the body's immune system, research shows.
* Feeling nauseous in early pregnancy could be a sign that your baby is developing a high IQ, according to a study.
* Conscientiousness is a good thing in a mate, researchers report, not just because it's easier to live with someone who washes the dishes without being asked, but also because having a conscientious partner may actually be good for one's health.
* Women who are overweight or perform heavy lifting or have certain conditions affecting the body's connective tissue may be at increased risk of having weakened pelvic muscles, a new study suggests.
* Probiotics may help ward off postpartum obesity.
* New research shows diets rich in fruits and vegetables and low in starchy carbs can lower risk for age-related eye problems.
* A new study suggests that older adults who eat diets rich in citrus fruits, leafy greens and fish oil, but low in "glycemic index," may have a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.
* Canadian researchers say that fortifying flour and pasta products with folic acid appears to cut the number of babies born with congenital heart disease, the most common of all birth defects.
* When it comes to equality, men may be lagging far behind women in certain matters. For instance, the latest study by the McGill University Health Centre shows that women have a more powerful immune system than men.

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