Get your glam on with these beauty tips

Out with the old, in with the new. As we bid adieu to a legendary year, it’s time to welcome 2021 with open, optimistic arms. After all, there’s a fresh lot of 365 days waiting to be seized. As we hit the reset button and resolve to reclaim our lives, the one thing we can’t leave behind is our beauty regime. Whatever the season, whatever the reason, this year let’s make self-care a resolution. 

Be it the harsh winter that plays havoc on our skin and hair or the not-so-fun effects after a super fun party, it’s time to undo the damage in the new year with a new you! 

Here are some fabulous tips to gear you for an extraordinary year! 

Skin Secrets

Let your complexion glow as bright as your year! 

Everyone wants impeccable skin. But to get the skin of your dreams, you need time, commitment and of course, the right beauty tips and products so you are never short of spectacular. Here are some super handy tips for the skin as ravishing as you! 

Always remember to cleanse 

Cleansing is the first and most important step of a skincare routine. Every day, our skin is exposed to aggressors like dirt, oil, pollution, sun, sweat, and unwanted skin cells. Daily cleansing with a gentle face wash or a mild cleanser effectively helps in removing these. Wash your face with cold water as it helps tighten pores, slows down the ageing process and helps fill out wrinkles.  

Must-try product: Inatur Charcoal Face Cleanser for radiant, detoxified skin.

Time to tone 

This is a very important step that many tend to skip. Toning is essential as it not only restores your skin’s pH balance but also helps brightens your complexion and gives a refreshed glow. Besides, it also helps in removing residual makeup and makes skin supple and keeps it hydrated. Avoid alcohol-based toners as this will dry your skin.  

Must-try product: Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner

Choose the right product 

While skincare is essential, what is also important is to choose products meant for your skin type. For example, products meant for oily skin will dehydrate dry or sensitive skin. In terms of toners, green tea works wonders for normal skin. If you have dry skin, use an alcohol-free toner. For oily skin, opt for a Tea Tree toner. Rosewater is a safe option for all skin types. 

Must-try product: Dabur Gulabari Premium Rose Water for normal skin.

 

Don’t forget to moisturise 

Moisturising helps to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. It also gives your skin an undeniable glow and helps deal with skin issues like pimple scars, dryness and anti-ageing. Always remember to choose a moisturiser that suits your skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a heavy moisturiser. If you have oily or combination skin, a light, oil-free moisturiser will work best. Before applying moisturiser, dampen your skin and lock in moisture. 

Must-try product: The Face Shop Mango Seed Moisturising Lotion

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate 

Exfoliation is very important. Over time, old skin cells build up on the skin’s surface making it look dull and rough. This can result in clogged pores and excess oil thus leading to blemishes and acne. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and uncovers healthy radiant skin. Moreover, it also helps in better absorption of other skincare products. The cleaner the skin, the easier it is for other products to penetrate through. Limit your exfoliation routine to once a week. Over-exfoliation can leave skin dry, irritated and damaged. 

Must-try product: Everyuth Naturals Advanced Walnut Apricot Scrub

Bonus DIY Face Mask 

Gram Flour and Raw Milk Face Mask  

1. Take one teaspoon of gram flour.
2. Mix it with one tablespoon of raw milk.
3. Gently apply all over the face.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse with water.
6. Reveal radiant, glowing skin!

Hair Hacks

It’s time to let your hair down! 

Everyone loves good hair days. After all, who doesn’t love well-behaved hair, right? The good news is that now getting good-looking hair is easier than you think. The trick is to choose a product depending on the texture of your hair, and of course, following a hair care routine religiously. With the right guidance, the right tools, and right products, you can have compliment-worthy hair. 

Here are some hair hacks to keep your hair as glorious as ever.

The magic of massage 

The marvels of an oil massage are plentiful. It not only nourishes your hair but also strengthens roots, boosts circulation, promotes hair growth and gives your hair the much-needed lustre. Moreover, a scalp massage helps relieve stress in the forehead, neck, and head. Always remember to pick an oil that best suits your scalp. Almond Oil prevents dandruff while Argan Oil is great for frizzy hair. Give your scalp time to absorb the goodness of oil. Wait for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.  

Must-try product: Parachute Pure Coconut Oil

Shampoo all the way! 

Shampooing is the Holy Grail of hair care. Whatever your hair type, it’s essential to keep it clean and healthy. Shampooing helps remove dirt, debris, odours and also excess oil. The frequency of shampooing also depends on your hair type. If you have oily hair, you will need to wash it more often to prevent the build-up of sebum. For those with dry hair, wash your hair less frequently with a gentle shampoo to avoid dryness. The thumb rule, however, is to use a sulphate-free shampoo. Never use hot water to wash your hair as it can strip your hair of natural oils and make it dry and dull. 

Must-try product: Tresemme Pro Protect Sulphate Free Shampoo

Give your hair the conditioning care 

Conditioner is essential for your hair’s optimal health. It conditions the cuticle and prevents breakage and tangling of hair. It also balances the pH levels and nourishes strands, thus protecting them from drying. While many skip this step, it is a must-do after shampooing to replenish and lock-in moisture. What you get is soft, smooth hair that’s worth flaunting. Also remember, never apply conditioner to soaking wet hair because then the conditioner will slide off and won’t coat the fibres. 

Must-try product: Biotique Bio Sea Kelp – Fresh Growth Revitalizing Conditioner

Use a wide-toothed comb 

A brush can lead to hair breakage, especially on wet hair because hair when wet is fragile and vulnerable. That’s why it’s best to choose wide-toothed combs. These combs prevent hair damage and loosen knots effectively. It also keeps your hair smooth and detangled for a good part of the day. Always remember, the wider the teeth of the comb, the less damaging it is to your hair. 

Must-try product: Roots Brown Wide Tooth Comb

Seal with a serum

Hair serum is the best thing to have happened to haircare. It has several benefits that many don’t know. It not only nourishes dry hair and protects it from external aggressors and humidity, but also helps to tame frizz and fly-aways. It softens strands, adds shine, and prevents hair damage. You can apply it to damp hair, mainly on the lengths and ends, or on dry hair around the frizzy areas.  

Must-try product: L’Oreal Paris Smooth Intense Serum

Bonus DIY Hair Mask 

Egg Hair Mask  

1. Whisk the egg.
2. Mix with 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
3. Apply generously over hair and scalp.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
5. Wash with water.
6. Get healthy, well-nourished hair.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, it’s time to prep your hair and skin for a night full of revelry and fun. And this year, make ‘you’ the priority. Give yourself the ‘me-time.’ Pamper your skin, indulge your hair, and celebrate the new you. A happy new year, indeed!