Addicted to makeup? You're a cosmoholic! (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
Constantly buying makeup, obsession with wanting to look different and being unable to wear your natural face qualify you as a 'cosmoholic'. Watch out, say experts...
You've heard of shoe fetishes and other obsessions that people have. But did you know there is a makeup addiction, too? Do you end up buying lip colours that 'look similar' to ones you already have? Does your bathroom look like a storehouse of cosmetics? Watch out, you might be a makeup addict or a cosmoholic. Someone who may go to any lengths to buy makeup, cost and quantity no bar. Plus, like other addicts, these women will also not admit at the onset that they have a problem. A recent study has raised the alarm on the issue, saying an addiction to makeup has become like a 'crutch' for women.
What the study showed
A few research studies might startle you. In one study, out of 1,292 women who were surveyed, 44% felt negative about themselves when not wearing makeup. While about 16% felt they were "unattractive", 14% felt they were "naked" without it. Another study showed how ladies who 'donned greasepaint' were regarded as more 'competent' than those who didn't wear any. This linked makeup with success, which is wrong.
Experts have their say
So, what's with the constant obsession of looking perfect all the time? Explains psychologist Dr Seema Hingorrany, "People who have an intense desire to please others also have an intense need to look good. Often, these women have a whole drawer of unused lipsticks, shadows etc and still can't resist the urge to buy more. This makeup addiction is like an obsessive-compulsive disorder. People like to hoard things and are unable to discard old, unused items. It makes them anxious to think about it."
Makeup artiste Marvie Beck elaborates, "For many women, putting on their makeup is an important part of the daily ritual. They see cosmetics not as a splurge, but as essential buys. They dislike the thought of people seeing them without a well made-up face and harbour the notion that it makes their appearance more accepted. In a sense it boosts self-respect, too. While I agree one should wear makeup, it's also important to 'dress the face'; it's about confidence really."
5 signs you know you're addicted when:
1. You buy at least 20 eye shadows that are more or less the same colour.
2. More than washroom breaks, you take concealer touch-up breaks.
3. In supermarkets, you always find yourself in the makeup aisle.
4. You have a monthly budget for your makeup (but never stick to it).
5. The suitcase you pack on a weekend getaway has more makeup than clothes.
You've heard of shoe fetishes and other obsessions that people have. But did you know there is a makeup addiction, too? Do you end up buying lip colours that 'look similar' to ones you already have? Does your bathroom look like a storehouse of cosmetics? Watch out, you might be a makeup addict or a cosmoholic. Someone who may go to any lengths to buy makeup, cost and quantity no bar. Plus, like other addicts, these women will also not admit at the onset that they have a problem. A recent study has raised the alarm on the issue, saying an addiction to makeup has become like a 'crutch' for women.
What the study showed
A few research studies might startle you. In one study, out of 1,292 women who were surveyed, 44% felt negative about themselves when not wearing makeup. While about 16% felt they were "unattractive", 14% felt they were "naked" without it. Another study showed how ladies who 'donned greasepaint' were regarded as more 'competent' than those who didn't wear any. This linked makeup with success, which is wrong.
Experts have their say
So, what's with the constant obsession of looking perfect all the time? Explains psychologist Dr Seema Hingorrany, "People who have an intense desire to please others also have an intense need to look good. Often, these women have a whole drawer of unused lipsticks, shadows etc and still can't resist the urge to buy more. This makeup addiction is like an obsessive-compulsive disorder. People like to hoard things and are unable to discard old, unused items. It makes them anxious to think about it."
Makeup artiste Marvie Beck elaborates, "For many women, putting on their makeup is an important part of the daily ritual. They see cosmetics not as a splurge, but as essential buys. They dislike the thought of people seeing them without a well made-up face and harbour the notion that it makes their appearance more accepted. In a sense it boosts self-respect, too. While I agree one should wear makeup, it's also important to 'dress the face'; it's about confidence really."
5 signs you know you're addicted when:
1. You buy at least 20 eye shadows that are more or less the same colour.
2. More than washroom breaks, you take concealer touch-up breaks.
3. In supermarkets, you always find yourself in the makeup aisle.
4. You have a monthly budget for your makeup (but never stick to it).
5. The suitcase you pack on a weekend getaway has more makeup than clothes.
Have large facial pores? (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
Here's how you can maintain that kind of skin.
It is not possible to completely reduce the pore size on the face. However, what you can do is make them look smaller. This, in turn, will also make your skin look better. Even though age and genetics play quite a big role in determining the size of ones facial pores and the quality of the skin, you don't need to indulge in expensive spa treatments to improve the appearance of your skin. Also, large pores are prone to infections. So if you want a clearer skin, here's what you can do to avoid the situation:
Kick that cigarette butt. Yes, cigarette smoking can add to facial pores. It also makes the skin look dull and sallow. If you have particularly large pores, smoking can surely worsen the situation. It is advisable to give up smoking in such situations.
Exposure to direct sunlight is harmful. It breaks down the collagen and also affects the
elasticity of your skin. Over a period of time, the skin starts sagging. This makes the pores prominent and also makes them look larger. Hence, protect your skin by using a good sun block (use one with a higher SPF). Wearing sun block is as important as cleansing your skin.
Large open pores provide easy access to dust and grime. Thus, it is extremely important to clean your face. Do this at least twice a day with the use of a gentle cleanser. Also, exfoliate your skin with gentle products that contain sugar so you can easily get rid of dead skin and dirt.
It is not possible to completely reduce the pore size on the face. However, what you can do is make them look smaller. This, in turn, will also make your skin look better. Even though age and genetics play quite a big role in determining the size of ones facial pores and the quality of the skin, you don't need to indulge in expensive spa treatments to improve the appearance of your skin. Also, large pores are prone to infections. So if you want a clearer skin, here's what you can do to avoid the situation:
Kick that cigarette butt. Yes, cigarette smoking can add to facial pores. It also makes the skin look dull and sallow. If you have particularly large pores, smoking can surely worsen the situation. It is advisable to give up smoking in such situations.
Exposure to direct sunlight is harmful. It breaks down the collagen and also affects the
elasticity of your skin. Over a period of time, the skin starts sagging. This makes the pores prominent and also makes them look larger. Hence, protect your skin by using a good sun block (use one with a higher SPF). Wearing sun block is as important as cleansing your skin.
Large open pores provide easy access to dust and grime. Thus, it is extremely important to clean your face. Do this at least twice a day with the use of a gentle cleanser. Also, exfoliate your skin with gentle products that contain sugar so you can easily get rid of dead skin and dirt.
Ways to look fresh and flawless
A few tips to avoid depressing days when your skin refuses to co-operate
- While indulging in your weekly clean-ups, use hot milk instead of hot water to steam your face. Bring the milk to boiling point, pour it out in a warm bowl and steam your face while covered with a thick towel. Milk has lactic acid that unclogs pores, leaving you with skin that is moisturized and clean.
- Mix a tablespoon of honey with two crushed aspirin tablets to form a thick paste. Apply it to the face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off to get refreshed skin. Aspirins have beta-hydroxy acid, which is an ingredient in a lot of high-end face masks.
- The current makeup trend is skin that's fresh and flawless. Wondering how to get the look? For normal skin, mix two drops of water with your foundation. For dry skin, add toner. For oily skin, add two drops of witch hazel in foundation.
- Many women restrict their makeup and skin care regimen to their faces. However, the neck, chest and cleavage are as delicate as your face and are equally vulnerable to developing wrinkles, fine lines and other ageing signs and damage caused by the sun's harsh rays. Hence, extend your TLC to your neck and decolletage and do apply serum, face cream, sunscreen and exfoliate beyond your jawline.
A hair mask you can try at home (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
Here is a mask using just two natural ingredients to bring to life that dry and dull hair
Taming those tresses is one thing women would love to learn even before they know how to tame their man. Because, frizzy hair, we know, can kill your whole look instantly without giving you any brownie points in the beauty department. Sometimes, no matter what products or brands you use on your hair, a natural concoction that you can create at home is the best your hair can get, and that surely is a life saver. Here's a simplehair mask using just about two ingredients that you can try when your hair looks dull, dry and lifeless.
Take a mashed banana and add to it about half an avocado. Mix these two ingredients thoroughly and comb this mixture through your dry strands of hair (it is best to use it when your hair is dry as dry hair tends to absorb more moisture than wet hair). Wear a plastic cap over it and leave this mixture on your hair for about ten minutes after which you can rinse it off with regular water. The two ingredients in this mask are extremely useful for the hair; banana comprises potassium and avocado has fatty acids in it. A combination of the two moisturises the hair and makes it smooth.
simi.kuriakose@timesgroup.com
Taming those tresses is one thing women would love to learn even before they know how to tame their man. Because, frizzy hair, we know, can kill your whole look instantly without giving you any brownie points in the beauty department. Sometimes, no matter what products or brands you use on your hair, a natural concoction that you can create at home is the best your hair can get, and that surely is a life saver. Here's a simplehair mask using just about two ingredients that you can try when your hair looks dull, dry and lifeless.
Take a mashed banana and add to it about half an avocado. Mix these two ingredients thoroughly and comb this mixture through your dry strands of hair (it is best to use it when your hair is dry as dry hair tends to absorb more moisture than wet hair). Wear a plastic cap over it and leave this mixture on your hair for about ten minutes after which you can rinse it off with regular water. The two ingredients in this mask are extremely useful for the hair; banana comprises potassium and avocado has fatty acids in it. A combination of the two moisturises the hair and makes it smooth.
simi.kuriakose@timesgroup.com
6 steps to floral nails
You don't need to visit a salon to get floral motifs on your nails; now you can do it at home with our DIY guide
Simple spring flowers are a great way to dress up a manicure. You can choose any colour — subtle or bright — to lend a floral feel to your hands. Here's how you can do it...
Step 1: Begin by painting two coats of your base colour — pinks, purple, white etc — to get a light but bright background. Wait for the base colour to dry.
Step 2: Now take the colour that you would like to use for your flower petals and put a few drops of it on a piece of wax paper.
Step 3: Dip the edge of a bobby pin into the polish drop and start making the petals on your nail. It's best to first put four to five dots in a circle to make the flowers look even. Now re-dip the pin for each dot so that they will be roughly of the same size.
Step 4: After the first flower is done, you can choose where you want the next one. Continue to make the flowers on each nail and be sure to leave a space for the centre colour. You can play around with the placement of the flowers and experiment with making half flowers on the edges as well. Remember to clean the bobby pin in between.
Step 5: When you are done with making the petals, wait for five minutes for it to dry up.
Step 6: Now take the colour that you wish to apply in the centre. Take another bobby pin and now paint the centre and wait for it to dry off. Let the centre dry before you apply your top coat. Now you are all ready to flaunt your perfect floral manicure!
Simple spring flowers are a great way to dress up a manicure. You can choose any colour — subtle or bright — to lend a floral feel to your hands. Here's how you can do it...
Step 1: Begin by painting two coats of your base colour — pinks, purple, white etc — to get a light but bright background. Wait for the base colour to dry.
Step 2: Now take the colour that you would like to use for your flower petals and put a few drops of it on a piece of wax paper.
Step 3: Dip the edge of a bobby pin into the polish drop and start making the petals on your nail. It's best to first put four to five dots in a circle to make the flowers look even. Now re-dip the pin for each dot so that they will be roughly of the same size.
Step 4: After the first flower is done, you can choose where you want the next one. Continue to make the flowers on each nail and be sure to leave a space for the centre colour. You can play around with the placement of the flowers and experiment with making half flowers on the edges as well. Remember to clean the bobby pin in between.
Step 5: When you are done with making the petals, wait for five minutes for it to dry up.
Step 6: Now take the colour that you wish to apply in the centre. Take another bobby pin and now paint the centre and wait for it to dry off. Let the centre dry before you apply your top coat. Now you are all ready to flaunt your perfect floral manicure!
Beauty benefits of using a skin serum
To get the best results for gorgeous-looking skin, along with your cleanser, toner and moisturiser, add a face serum to your daily skin care routine.
What are serums?
Loaded with nutrients, ceramides, glycerin, natural ingredients (cucumber, aloe vera etc.) and vitamins like C, K, E, skin serums are oil or water-based products, that have the ability to penetrate deep within the layers of your skin, so that you get phenomenal results. Unlike other skin products, these have a higher concentration of active ingredients and usually come in a creamy gel form.
Applying it the right way
For best results, incorporate the serum in your daily beauty routine. Use only a dime size of the product.
- After cleansing your face, use an alcohol-free toner and leave it damp on the skin before applying your serum. This way, the ingredients will penetrate deep within the skin.
- Wait for a few minutes until the serum is fully absorbed by the skin before applying a moisturiser.
- Keep your moisturiser in the refrigerator as when it is applied cold, it pushes blood away from the skin and in the process, creates a vacuum effect to pull the potent serum ingredients deeper within the skin.
The benefits...
Each face serum available in the market may be aimed at solving a specific skin problem, so the benefits vary. Dr Navin Taneja, director, National Skin Center says, "Since this highly concentrated treatment contains high levels of nourishing ingredients, all of them help restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, while regulating oil production." The most common benefits include hydration, increased nourishment, brightening of the skin, and acne prevention. They also help in strengthening skin cells. While other face creams contain only 5 to 10 per cent of active ingredients, a face serum can contain up to 70 per cent! No wonder these potent products are able to deliver a much greater concentration of nutrients, deeper into the skin.
.... and the pitfalls!
Always use serums according to the instructions and as per the prescribed amount because excessive use of serums can cause irritation, rashes and itching to the skin. Also, never use two serums at a time. Dr. Kiran Lohia, dermatologist and founder of Cosmedic Skin Solutions, says, "Firstly, it is time consuming to add another product to your existing skin care regimen. Because of the active ingredients they contain, serums can be expensive. Next, given the heavy content of these products, clogging of pores is a common side-effect, especially if the serum isn't non-comedogenic. Finally, they can make your skin feel greasier and look oilier, particularly in summers."
How are serums different from moisturisers?
- The molecules in serums are smaller than those in your regular moisturiser; thus they penetrate deeper into the skin and give better results. A moisturiser has larger molecules, and so it works only on the first layer.
- While serums deposit highly concentrated active nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for treating various skin conditions, moisturisers provide moisture and hydration to the skin.
- The efficacy of serums is more as compared to moisturisers. The results acquired are quick and satisfactory, unlike the latter.
Choosing the right serum for your skin
Whether you're blessed with a good complexion or have problematic skin, the sheer variety that you have in serums can be a conundrum for even a beauty junkie. To ensure that you find one that will suit your skin, begin by picking a serum as per your skin type — dry, oily, combination or sensitive. There is no such thing as the best face serum for everyone. You can determine the right product for you according to your age and needs.
Also consider what other skin care products and techniques you are using. Dr Taneja warns, "If you use chemical peels regularly, be careful if you are adding an anti-ageing serum to your routine. The Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids in these serums are very acidic and can irritate freshly peeled skin. Be careful with other forms of exfoliation when using anti-ageing serums." Get the best results from most skin care products by using them consistently. This is especially true if you are trying to remove wrinkles and age spots. Try a serum for at least a month before you give up on it. It can take some trial and error, but eventually you'll find the best face serum for your needs.
What are serums?
Loaded with nutrients, ceramides, glycerin, natural ingredients (cucumber, aloe vera etc.) and vitamins like C, K, E, skin serums are oil or water-based products, that have the ability to penetrate deep within the layers of your skin, so that you get phenomenal results. Unlike other skin products, these have a higher concentration of active ingredients and usually come in a creamy gel form.
Applying it the right way
For best results, incorporate the serum in your daily beauty routine. Use only a dime size of the product.
- After cleansing your face, use an alcohol-free toner and leave it damp on the skin before applying your serum. This way, the ingredients will penetrate deep within the skin.
- Wait for a few minutes until the serum is fully absorbed by the skin before applying a moisturiser.
- Keep your moisturiser in the refrigerator as when it is applied cold, it pushes blood away from the skin and in the process, creates a vacuum effect to pull the potent serum ingredients deeper within the skin.
The benefits...
Each face serum available in the market may be aimed at solving a specific skin problem, so the benefits vary. Dr Navin Taneja, director, National Skin Center says, "Since this highly concentrated treatment contains high levels of nourishing ingredients, all of them help restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, while regulating oil production." The most common benefits include hydration, increased nourishment, brightening of the skin, and acne prevention. They also help in strengthening skin cells. While other face creams contain only 5 to 10 per cent of active ingredients, a face serum can contain up to 70 per cent! No wonder these potent products are able to deliver a much greater concentration of nutrients, deeper into the skin.
.... and the pitfalls!
Always use serums according to the instructions and as per the prescribed amount because excessive use of serums can cause irritation, rashes and itching to the skin. Also, never use two serums at a time. Dr. Kiran Lohia, dermatologist and founder of Cosmedic Skin Solutions, says, "Firstly, it is time consuming to add another product to your existing skin care regimen. Because of the active ingredients they contain, serums can be expensive. Next, given the heavy content of these products, clogging of pores is a common side-effect, especially if the serum isn't non-comedogenic. Finally, they can make your skin feel greasier and look oilier, particularly in summers."
How are serums different from moisturisers?
- The molecules in serums are smaller than those in your regular moisturiser; thus they penetrate deeper into the skin and give better results. A moisturiser has larger molecules, and so it works only on the first layer.
- While serums deposit highly concentrated active nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for treating various skin conditions, moisturisers provide moisture and hydration to the skin.
- The efficacy of serums is more as compared to moisturisers. The results acquired are quick and satisfactory, unlike the latter.
Choosing the right serum for your skin
Whether you're blessed with a good complexion or have problematic skin, the sheer variety that you have in serums can be a conundrum for even a beauty junkie. To ensure that you find one that will suit your skin, begin by picking a serum as per your skin type — dry, oily, combination or sensitive. There is no such thing as the best face serum for everyone. You can determine the right product for you according to your age and needs.
Also consider what other skin care products and techniques you are using. Dr Taneja warns, "If you use chemical peels regularly, be careful if you are adding an anti-ageing serum to your routine. The Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids in these serums are very acidic and can irritate freshly peeled skin. Be careful with other forms of exfoliation when using anti-ageing serums." Get the best results from most skin care products by using them consistently. This is especially true if you are trying to remove wrinkles and age spots. Try a serum for at least a month before you give up on it. It can take some trial and error, but eventually you'll find the best face serum for your needs.
How to cover up body blemishes
If you want to wear a sexy backless dress or gown that reveals parts of your body, but don't have the confidence to do so, because of thoseblemishes on your skin, one of the simplest ways to hide those marks is by using a colour corrector.
A colour concealer is helpful in covering up even purple bruises — all you have to do is apply a little bit of it on the area, without smearing it. Dust it with a little compact powder, which will help the concealer set.
For stretch marks, it is best to use a bodyfoundation, which is available in the market. This will definitely make the marks appear faded.
If you marks or blemishes tat aren't too opbvious, but still bother you, all you need is some glitter and shimmery make-up. Add this to some body lotion and apply it over the skin. This will give your bosy a lovely shine, as well as take all the attention away from the blemished areas
.
