Honey – A natural lip healer

Well you all knew honey was meant to be had for such things as coughs, colds, sugar replacements, etc, but how many of you knew that it provides the perfect remedy to cracked lips (or even heels for that matter!)?

All you have to do is take a lip brush (I’ll write more on the various makeup brushes in another article) and apply a slather of natural honey on your smoochies. Get and use plain honey on your body. There are those with synthetic flavors and preservatives, but the best is to go a la natural.

Applying honey to your lips also gives them a natural sheen, just as a lip gloss would.

If you’re going to take a nap on the ground in a spot where you know there are bitsy bugs and/ or ants, I’d advise you to wait on the honey application. Otherwise though, it’s a healthy, foolproof way to care for your lips.

Some popular brands of honey are: Dabur, BeeMaid, Honeywell, Honey Gold, etc. Dabur Honey was ranked the ‘best buy’ by the CERS (Consumer Education and Research Society) after testing 17 different brands in its in-house laboratory. However, any honey sans the synthetic/ chemicals add-ons will work well.

Use it and love it. See how well it works. Watch those eyes stare at your glowing, healthy lips all day long. Smooooooooch!

Rose water - natural make-up remover

Not many people know this, but rose water is an excellent natural make-up remover for both men and women. Not only does rose water act as a perfect tonic for your skin, it is also a natural remedy for making your skin look clear, fresh and alive. Using rose water on your skin at least once a day, leaves your skin looking healthy and glowing.

All you need is a cotton ball and a few dabs of rose water. Gently dab - not rub - it onto your skin and let it work its magic. The best way to use it is right before bed. That way it has all night to sink into your skin and leave it looking fresh and pure again.

Rose water is also a great skin 'healer' from the everyday wear and tear of dust, pollution, heat, etc.

Fashionistas - The King Family

Today I was searching Facebook, My Space and other such sites for an idea of what people could be looking for in modern health and beauty. I came across a few Facebook profiles of friends. I am now convinced I've found something that everyone is searching for, but few have found - fashion and artistically draping your body.

There is this cute little family band that go by the name King Family. Going through their pictures I've come to the conclusion that either they really know their bodies and how to adorn them, or they've got a really good hair stylist, wardrobe counselor, make-up artist, etc. Their wardrobe is superb and a definite must-find-out-about.

I will likely write them this week and find out what their secret is. In the meantime, you can anticipate some really good Fashion Fundas that are sure to be coming up if they agree to spill the beans about it! Wish me luck in getting them to divulge their secrets ;)

Eye care - guard against 'crow feet'

As much as this may sound like your mother giving you unsolicited advice.. ;) take care of the skin around your eyes. Treat it as gently as you can.

The skin around your eyes is the most delicate skin on your body and takes wear and tear less easily than other parts of your body. As it is less elastic than other areas of skin, it wrinkles easier and once wrinkled, only plastic surgery and extreme care can help it to look as untouched as it once was.

For you women, use cotton balls and lotion, toner or make-up remover to wipe away the cosmetic products used.

For you men, use cotton balls and facial toner to wipe away dirt, dust and any concealer or eye-liner you may be wearing.

Using cucumber helps to de-stress the eyes, but it is just a myth that it can help cure wrinkles.

Take care of your eyes and the gentle, smooth skin covering around them. They are the only pair you've got.

Stop hair fall now

Is your hair falling out? Were you one of those who used to wake up in the morning to brush your thick hair and now, thanks to your hair fall, you are reduced to waking up to seeing at least 50 strands of loose hair spread out over your pillow?

The time to stop your hair fall is now. It can be a thing of the past. Start by understanding the core root of the problem.

Why does your hair fall out?

o A common myth is that a severe case of dandruff makes your hair fall out by handfuls. This however, is a myth and not a fact. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp caused by dead skin cells being shed. This does not affect the hair to a point where it falls out in handfuls.
o An important thing to remember is that losing or ‘shedding’ upto 100 strands of hair in a day is normal. The body easily replaces the fallen hair and as such, is part of a natural process.
o It could be due to a poor intake of vitamins – namely, the vitamin B6 and folic acid which is essential for hair repair and healthy skin.
o Hair fall often occurs due a non-balanced diet.
o It can occur after a prolonged illness, constant stress or unhygienic living conditions.

Treat your hair loss the natural way

o Massage your hair daily to encourage good blood circulation below the scalp.
o Eat a vitamin rich diet.
o Eat carrots, spinach, cabbage, nuts, wheat germ, liver, etc.
o Rub lime juice on your scalp with a cotton ball and allow it to steep into your scalp at least one hour prior to washing your hair.
o Apply coconut milk on your scalp and massage at least one hour before washing your hair.
o Try changing your shampoo.
o Change your pillow case and sheet often so as to promote good hair and skin hygiene.
o Wash your hat and hair scrunchies often.
o Apply henna to your hair at least once a week.

Before not too long, with the proper hair care, you should have noticed a visible change in your hair health. Hair loss will cease, and you will be a happier, healthier person because of it.

What works for you? Do you have a secret hair care recipe that you’re willing to share with us all? We’d all love to hear it!

Soften your feet with cocoa butter

Especially in summer months and dry climates, it can be quite a feat (no puns intended) to keep your feet soft and pleasant-looking. For women who wear open shoes, and men who wear sandals, keeping your feet clean and neat can be difficult when all day the sun and dust are working against the best of your efforts.

I read an article that a friend of mine had written in which she said that she found an effective feet softener – easy to use, quick and result-friendly. She said that she applies cocoa butter to her feet at night and wears socks to keep the moisture cream from rubbing off while it works its magic. By morning, you can remove your socks and actually feel the difference in and on your feet.

I found my friend’s advice to be spot on. Needless to say, if you need this remedy for any other part on you, just make sure you remember to wear a covering that is not too loose so as not to rub off the cocoa butter moisturizing cream. If you need to cream up your legs, wear tights or stockings to help keep that moisture in place. If you need to soften your hands, wear gloves.

For those of you who have cracks on the heels of your feet that bleed or pus, you may want to try a medical path before you jump to this easy remedy right away. This works great for dry and calloused feet, but deep cracks and bleeding may require something more antiseptic till they heal up a bit more. Get your doctor’s advice.

Hair Care with Banana

Strange, but true. Banana is an excellent conditioner.

Many companies make banana hair conditioner, banana hair masks, banana shampoo, etc. but the best banana hair treatment I have ever used, was the one I made for myself. Must sound pretty odd, huh? It isn't complicated at all though to make yourself a homemade conditioner. At least you know what's in there, so you can judge it according to your hair type.

All you need to do is blend a banana in the blender until it's smooth, and then apply it to your hair. Leave it on for about 1/2 hour to an hour and then wash your hair normally with your regular shampoo.

You will find that after applying the banana to your hair, your hair becomes naturally glossy and easy to manage. It is much softer as well. For this reason, using banana on your hair is great especially for those with rough or dry hair, or for those that experience extreme summer months and dry heat. It's excellent for preventing and repairing hair loss as well.

So is banana good for your hair? The answer is a wholehearted yes.