With Diwali coming up and Christmas round the corner, card parties, cocktail parties, Halloween parties and all kinds of Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties are bound to take place. If you are a party animal and a workaholic who likes to burn the candle at both ends, read on for tips on how to look your best at work or when partying.

Even the best looking models wake up looking like something the cat dragged in if they party too much. Puffy eyes, dark circles, dull skin, flat hair and overall tiredness are just some of the side effects. Not to mention dehydration that comes with too much alcohol and fried snacks, while less balanced meals can also lead to pimples and a bad stomach. So what do you do to look your best during the festive season and retain a fresh look even if you’re going to bed when the rest of the world is waking up?

There are some natural remedies and make-up tips that help camouflage the aftereffects of too much partying.

Puffy eyes This is the first indication that you have been partying too hard. But don’t worry, the easiest thing to do is place slices of cucumber or used tea bags dipped in chilled water over your eyes when lying in bed nursing a hangover. This should reduce the puffiness and soothe the burning behind the eyelids you may experience, due to lack of adequate sleep. If you have the energy, grate some cucumber, mix it with rose water or lemon juice and apply it to the skin.

If you have the luxury of sleeping in, do that. If the party was on a Friday night, use most of Saturday to get over the tiredness. Get a massage, use a face pack or just take a long soak in the tub and you will reduce the tiredness, enough to be able to party again on Saturday night.

For make-up to cover puffy eyes or dark circles, make the concealer your best friend. Dot the area under the eyes with concealer and gently blend without pulling the skin too much. Avoid black eyeliner as it will emphasise the dark circles. Instead, use soft pastel shades with a touch of gloss and a medium brown eyeliner so your eyes have a softer look. The shine in the eyeshadow will help your eyes look brighter.

Use transparent mascara instead of the black one.

Dull skin Perk up your skin with remedies from the kitchen shelf. In the past through this column, I have offered tips on how to bring a glow to the skin with natural products. If nothing else, simply apply honey to your skin and wash it off after ten minutes. It should make your skin feel plumped up as honey is a natural moisturizer and the dry look will definitely reduce.

For make-up, apply your most intense moisturizer ten minutes before you start applying make-up. Then use liquid foundation which has been diluted with a drop or two of water. This gives you a thinner layer of foundation on the skin, with the natural, no make-up look. Then apply loose, translucent face powder, after which you can apply blusher, preferably in a nude shade or with a hint of glimmer.

Also, during the day, drink as much water as you can to flush out the toxins from your system that have accumulated through fizzy drinks and alcohol.

Hair Your hair is also likely to take a beating if you have been partying too hard. Usually, there is the residual smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke that rubs off onto your pillow as well. The best thing is to wash it well, but before that pamper it a bit so that when shampooed, it looks fresh and shiny. Mix one egg with two tablespoons of yoghurt or olive oil, mix well and apply on the hair. Leave it in for 20 minutes, then wash off. Olive oil is a natural anti-microbial so it controls dandruff, and oil is always good for the hair. Yoghurt is a natural conditioner and egg gives it protein and bounce. Wash and then condition before drying your hair. A leave-in serum helps contain the shine and prevents the hair from looking too dry.

To style your hair, if you don’t have time to give it the homemade protein treatment, wash well and braid it into a French plait if you have long hair, or tie it into a low chignon at the nape of your neck. If you have short hair, run a dryer through your hair briefly and not on a very hot setting, as using hair dryers frequently can make the hair dry. Style it the way it naturally falls for best results. Rub in some mousse and you are good to go.

So to all who work long hours and party hard, worry not. Follow these tips, keep your energy levels up and as long as you are not overdoing the alcohol bit, you are ready to party away the weekend.

We all love to look our best and pretend we can do so without the help of make-up. Well, research has advanced enough to give you cosmetics that make you look like you are blessed with a naturally rosy complexion and an even skin tone. We share with you some tips on how to have a no make-up look.

Get even

The foundation is what you need to work on first to get an even skin tone. Earlier, one had to apply a moisturiser and then a liquid foundation to get that smooth skin surface. Nowadays, you get tinted moisturisers which are a boon for women who have to wear makeup to work as their job requires them to do so. It also works for those who like to look their best at all times and not have to worry about dry skin.

Tinted moisturisers give your skin the moist look and leave your skin unclogged as they are usually light in texture. It goes without saying that if you have oily skin, choose an oil free one and a cream based one if you have dry skin. Apply a thin layer of the tinted moisturiser with a damp cosmetic sponge or dot your face with the liquid and spread out evenly with your fingertips.

You can also use a concealer for problem areas like the under eye or freckles.

Blush right

While one prefers a powder blush at most times, for the natural look it is okay to go with a crème blush. This will blend better with the tinted moisturiser as well. Apply it on the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers moving the colour from your cheekbones to the temples. To look natural, go for a light peach or a pale pink depending on what suits your skin tone best.

Coat with a light dusting of loose powder, preferably tinted, and do not use the generic talcum powder variety. Dab a little powder on to a puff then dust off the extra powder on the back of your palm and gently pat on your face.

Eye wear

A great way to highlight your eyes is to play around with your eyeshadow. What I have seen many experts do is that they cover the eyelid with one shade of colour that usually complements the colour of the outfit the person is wearing. Then just as you would apply an eyeliner, take a complimentary shade of eyeshadow that matches the colour already applied. Apply with small strokes on the lid just above the eyelashes. You can go with a thin line or a thick line depending on the look you want. If you want a smoky eyed look, then go with a thick line. Top with mascara for the lashes and you are good to go.

Just keep in mind that using shades with too much shimmer in them or shades of greens and blues can look unnatural so apply very little of these shades if you are using them.

Lips don’t lie

This is one part of your face that can look the most natural if you choose the right shade. You get lip glosses that are transparent so your lips have an attractive sheen to them and their natural colour is all the help you need. But, if you want to use a little colour, choose the shades that belong to the pale pink and nude colour family. Avoid using a lip liner and if you must use one, always do so after filling in the colour and in a shade that is closest to the lipstick or gloss that you have used.

If you have chapped lips, you can also use the coloured chapsticks that are available. They moisten the lips while giving them a hint of colour as well.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can look your best with the least amount of makeup. And the best part is, no one will be able to tell you are wearing any.

Baby, it’s cold outside. The mercury is dropping and so our quest begins for the perfect winter coat or the perfect leather boots. However, winter doesn’t always mean going out and buying a whole new wardrobe (as fun as that can be!) but investing in key pieces and accessories for a chic and on-trend look. Dark days have never looked so good.

Hot hues

Colour is such a refreshing way to revitalise your winter wardrobe, so if you’re game, go bright.

Be inspired by Australian couture king Alex Perry’s glamorous gowns in stunning colours and work these hues in your everyday wear. An emerald green shift dress or red cropped jeans from Camilla & Marc will instantly lift your outfit while floral chiffon prints in Zimmerman will have you yearning for warm summer days. Colour blocking is also a popular trend where the loud colour combinations make for a dynamic and confident look, as seen at Arthur Galan. Keep the look slick and modern with boots and minimal accessories such as a simple gold or silver cuff.

For something more ladylike, Jayson Brunsdon’s autumn/winter collection features rich jewel tones in pink and orange creating strong silhouettes with an emphasis on grace and cinematic femininity. Accessorise with Audrey Hepburn inspired feline sunglasses as seen at Prada or a wide-brimmed felt hat for a relaxed 1970’s vibe.

If you’re too intimidated to embrace colour in all its glory, choose bold accessories to brighten up your outfit. A scarlet red tote, a playful pink lipstick or a colourful chunky scarf will add a dash of colour to winter neutrals.

The perfect accessories – a touch of sequins and a bold red lip as seen in Portmans – will take your winter look from day to night.

Digital age

Inject your wardrobe with an eclectic mix of techno prints which have come to the fore this winter season to update your look. Printed silk pants, shift dresses and blouses are also big for winter. Take a leaf from the girls at Sass and Bide – be brave and layer and clash printed pieces and ground your look with a pair of fierce heels or tough biker boots. Accessorise your look with an oversized Swarovski ring or tribal-inspired jewellery and exotic accessories for added drama.

Every wardrobe should have a statement dress and this winter you can’t go wrong with a Country Road or Cue dress in a contemporary digital print.

Amazing lace

Delicate lacework has an instant appeal, which is why the delicate fabric is reinvented season after season. Whether it is blush pink, cream or black, feminine lace is an understated classic. Everywhere you look this winter will be a little bit of lace, including at Collette Dinnigan and a younger take at Forever New. A long sleeve lace blouse looks elegant with tapered trousers and kitten heels. Want to stand out in the crowd? Take a look at the sexy but demure cobweb lace dresses at Kookai.

Work the coat

Nude is the new black. Embrace the delicious tones of butterscotch, caramel, oat or toffee this winter season. This season – a season of proper, grown up dressing – camel is everywhere and it looks best on a coat.

With a unique masculine edge, the perfectly cut overcoat in camel is a classic piece which is a winter wardrobe essential. Camel tones offset black nicely so a camel cape flung over a Zara leather t-shirt will add softness to your outfit. Or add a printed scarf in place of a necklace to peek out of your coat to create an outfit far from bland. Team your overcoat with flowing feminine layers like a chiffon dress or a silk slip for the evenings to create an element of the unexpected.

Can’t bear to emerge from the covers this winter? Then the winter cape is for you. Twirl on a fine wool cape buttoned at the neck that falls to the shoulders for sweeping elegance to add polish and poise to any look. Capes in rich tones such as navy or deep ruby red are perfect to winter and don’t be afraid to experiment with shape; wear with wide leg pants or your favourite skinny jeans and anchor the look with a chunky heel.

The pea coat is also a flattering look for this season as the double-breasted coat is cut precisely to flare out at the hips delivering instant grown-up glamour.

Winter is the time to invest in a reliable trench coat. A trench should always be clean and simple with a classic silhouette.

Black, navy, charcoal and chocolate brown are the traditional hues for winter coats and suit all women but don’t be afraid to experiment with silhouettes and colours which match your style and personality, whether it’s girlie or sexy or classic, or belted trench or a faux fur chubby. Stand out from the crowd and venture into animal prints, bright plaids and bold colours with luxe details for a winter look that will pop.

Baby, it’s cold outside. The mercury is dropping and so our quest begins for the perfect winter coat or the perfect leather boots. However, winter doesn’t always mean going out and buying a whole new wardrobe (as fun as that can be!) but investing in key pieces and accessories for a chic and on-trend look. Dark days have never looked so good.

Hot hues

Colour is such a refreshing way to revitalise your winter wardrobe, so if you’re game, go bright.

Be inspired by Australian couture king Alex Perry’s glamorous gowns in stunning colours and work these hues in your everyday wear. An emerald green shift dress or red cropped jeans from Camilla & Marc will instantly lift your outfit while floral chiffon prints in Zimmerman will have you yearning for warm summer days. Colour blocking is also a popular trend where the loud colour combinations make for a dynamic and confident look, as seen at Arthur Galan. Keep the look slick and modern with boots and minimal accessories such as a simple gold or silver cuff.

For something more ladylike, Jayson Brunsdon’s autumn/winter collection features rich jewel tones in pink and orange creating strong silhouettes with an emphasis on grace and cinematic femininity. Accessorise with Audrey Hepburn inspired feline sunglasses as seen at Prada or a wide-brimmed felt hat for a relaxed 1970’s vibe.

If you’re too intimidated to embrace colour in all its glory, choose bold accessories to brighten up your outfit. A scarlet red tote, a playful pink lipstick or a colourful chunky scarf will add a dash of colour to winter neutrals.

The perfect accessories – a touch of sequins and a bold red lip as seen in Portmans – will take your winter look from day to night.

Digital age

Inject your wardrobe with an eclectic mix of techno prints which have come to the fore this winter season to update your look. Printed silk pants, shift dresses and blouses are also big for winter. Take a leaf from the girls at Sass and Bide – be brave and layer and clash printed pieces and ground your look with a pair of fierce heels or tough biker boots. Accessorise your look with an oversized Swarovski ring or tribal-inspired jewellery and exotic accessories for added drama.

Every wardrobe should have a statement dress and this winter you can’t go wrong with a Country Road or Cue dress in a contemporary digital print.

Amazing lace

Delicate lacework has an instant appeal, which is why the delicate fabric is reinvented season after season. Whether it is blush pink, cream or black, feminine lace is an understated classic. Everywhere you look this winter will be a little bit of lace, including at Collette Dinnigan and a younger take at Forever New. A long sleeve lace blouse looks elegant with tapered trousers and kitten heels. Want to stand out in the crowd? Take a look at the sexy but demure cobweb lace dresses at Kookai.

Work the coat

Nude is the new black. Embrace the delicious tones of butterscotch, caramel, oat or toffee this winter season. This season – a season of proper, grown up dressing – camel is everywhere and it looks best on a coat.

With a unique masculine edge, the perfectly cut overcoat in camel is a classic piece which is a winter wardrobe essential. Camel tones offset black nicely so a camel cape flung over a Zara leather t-shirt will add softness to your outfit. Or add a printed scarf in place of a necklace to peek out of your coat to create an outfit far from bland. Team your overcoat with flowing feminine layers like a chiffon dress or a silk slip for the evenings to create an element of the unexpected.

Can’t bear to emerge from the covers this winter? Then the winter cape is for you. Twirl on a fine wool cape buttoned at the neck that falls to the shoulders for sweeping elegance to add polish and poise to any look. Capes in rich tones such as navy or deep ruby red are perfect to winter and don’t be afraid to experiment with shape; wear with wide leg pants or your favourite skinny jeans and anchor the look with a chunky heel.

The pea coat is also a flattering look for this season as the double-breasted coat is cut precisely to flare out at the hips delivering instant grown-up glamour.

Winter is the time to invest in a reliable trench coat. A trench should always be clean and simple with a classic silhouette.

Black, navy, charcoal and chocolate brown are the traditional hues for winter coats and suit all women but don’t be afraid to experiment with silhouettes and colours which match your style and personality, whether it’s girlie or sexy or classic, or belted trench or a faux fur chubby. Stand out from the crowd and venture into animal prints, bright plaids and bold colours with luxe details for a winter look that will pop.

Most of us buy a lipstick or a moisturiser and use it without giving a thought to its expiry date. But it is important to know when to chuck your cosmetics, even if you haven’t run through the bottle or the tube yet.

We all love to use those fragrant creams that leave our skin soft, lipsticks and eyeshadows that add glamour to our look. But how many of us recall when exactly we bought that mascara or lipstick.

If you are one of those compulsive shoppers who buys every new shade of lipstick that appeals even if you have a dozen sitting in your cosmetics cabinet, or are ever ready to try out the new moisturiser or foundation being sold as a special at Target, then this one is specially for you.

Unlike medicines which come with expiry dates on every pack, not every cosmetic company will mention in fine print whether the product is good for the next three or six months of use.  And most people unthinkingly use these cosmetics until the product itself starts to smell funny or precipitation occurs (in the case of lotions).

Curb the cosmetics

So what’s the solution to ensure that you’re not applying cosmetics well past their use by date?

For starters, don’t buy too many of the basic essentials. Make do with one foundation stick or bottle, one compact, one loose powder box and a handful of lipsticks and eyeshadows. And because you’re using the product daily, it is likely to run out well within its expected shelf life. Then go and indulge yourself with a replacement.

When it comes to colour cosmetics like lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes and eye pencils, it is all the more important to not use products that have been in your cabinet for too long. Eye pencils and mascaras especially, are known to cause eye infections as they may develop a chemical reaction or the pencil could end up with some fungus on its tip if it  has been unused for some time. Mascaras are a little more obvious in that sense as they dry up with disuse, and you know that the product is unusable.

Spot the difference

So how does one tell whether the product is still good to use or needs to be discarded?

There are telltale signs but the most important thing to remember is that with most products, the moment you open them and start using them, the process of deterioration begins.

With a moisturiser or a foundation, sometimes the product will precipitate and there will be a watery liquid floating on top while the heavier components of the product settle at the bottom, much like curdled milk. In some cases the product will become lumpy and not spread evenly on the skin. That’s when you know that the product should not be applied on your skin at any cost. It can result in skin infections, irritation and even boils and rashes.

In the case of lipsticks and glosses, they develop a funny waxy smell which is not normally present in them. I have seen this happen several times to lipsticks that I may have forgotten in some handbag or make-up kit. That’s when it’s time to throw away these lipsticks as they could cause irritation.

Powder problems

When it comes to blushes and compacts, if they are the matte, dry ones, they will develop lumps on the surface. This happens because the puff we use to apply the powder on our face sometimes absorbs sweat or moisture on our skin. Resting on the compact, the powder absorbs this moisture and sometimes leads to the product going bad. Which is why it is better to use loose powder than compacts, as that problem doesn’t occur with loose powder. You can avoid this problem by regularly washing and drying your puffs and brushes.

The same may not happen with a blush, so the best way to check if a product is still good to use is to test it on your elbow or your wrist. If there is any kind of burning or itchy sensation, you will immediately know that the product is past its use-by date.

Eye care is important

The products one has to be most careful about are cosmetics for the eyes. Being sensitive, our eyes can react instantly to an eye pencil with some bacteria on it, or an eyeshadow whose chemicals can cause rashes on the eyelids. Mascaras too, can result in you losing eyelashes if they have gone bad. Besides going dry, mascara can also smell funny if it is going bad.

So remember to be frugal with your basic skincare and cosmetic shopping. If you choose one of each category with a few coloured cosmetics that go with most of your clothes, you will protect your skin and save a few dollars too.

I wake up to a lazy Wednesday morning and am still planning to plan my day, when suddenly the editor calls, asking me to cover the Resort & Swimwear line at the prestigious Rosemount Australia Fashion Week (RAFW) 2011.

A heady ambience

It’s Day 3 at RAFW, the venue is the Overseas Passenger Terminal, against the spectacular backdrop of Circular Quay. Unlike the fashion weeks that I have covered in Mumbai which revolves around Bollywood and only Bollywood, RAFW was definitely a welcome change, with fashion being the focus and designers, the stars. So here I was, all geared up to watch the 3:30pm show, the Resort/Swimwear group collection. (Perhaps at this point I am the envy of all the men reading this, but read on and you’ll experience it like it happened to you!) Four designers were showcasing their collection: Foxton Danger, Karen Neilson Collection, Terri Donna and Roopa Pemmaraju. Did that last name strike a chord in your heart? Well, it did in mine. Being Indian, it certainly was a proud moment to see a fellow Indian showcase her collection at the RAFW, amidst a group of well-known Australian designer labels.

On the catwalk

It was Foxton Danger’s bohemian charm and the relaxed, carefree Australian attitude that kickstarted the show. Followed by hand-airbrushed prints, neon colours and a lycra swim collection, kimonos, jumpsuits, wideleg pants, one-piece shapes such as catsuits, lace-up fronts, bare backs, cutaways and sexy sliding bottoms, all which exemplified the Karen Neilson collection.

Terri Donna’s beach goddesses exuberated effortless style and confidence, celebrating everything Australians love, summer, fashion, fun and pets! Oops! Yes the dog on the ramp was the one who stole the show!

Desi chic and charm

And then there was our very own desi collection infusing the ramp with the old world charm of the Nizams. Flowy fabrics, intricate embroidery, splashes of colour and barefoot models in stylishly flowing kaftans sipping coconut water, bringing in the much needed exotic flavor in all things Australian! This was Roopa Pemmaraju showcasing her collection for the second consecutive year at the RAFW.

A packed house of almost 500 fashionistas, connoisseurs, critics and experts of fashion scrutinized every designer’s offering. And yes, Roopa seemed to have held her own.

Beyond black!

Roopa Pemmaraju shared the history of her success, her creations and future plans with me in a short chat….

Priyanka Tater: You were the only Indian designer selected to showcase at the FAFW for the second consecutive year. What really clicked for you?

Roopa Pemmaraju:  It’s hard to say, but I was excited to showcase my designs for the second time. It does take lot of hard work to be a part of such a prestigious event and literally compete with the Australian designers.

PT: Tell us about your journey so far. How did fashion designing happen, that too in a foreign land?

RP: It’s my partner who got me here. He got a good job here and I followed him. Though before coming to Australia I showcased my collection at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) in Mumbai and my runway shows were styled by one of the mainstream Australian stylists, named Kelvin Harries. He was the one who encouraged me and said that my clothes would do well in Australia. My colour sense would win over the clichéd blacks and grays that dominate fashion here. He gave me a lot of ideas in terms of how I could move forward to the Australian Fashion week. Coincidentally at the same time, my partner decided to migrate to Australia and that’s how things came into being. Having said that, I took almost two years to decide if I really wanted to be a part of the fashion world, or if I should start a regular 9 to 5 job. It took a while for me to understand the Australian taste and what they like to wear. So finally, when I applied for the first time to the RAFW, they asked for my profile and its details. After screening, the committee chose me to be a part of their designers. Not many overseas designers come to Australia to showcase their collections because we are almost a season behind, and not many designers can cope with that.

PT:  Having experienced both, the LFW in India and the RAFW in Australia, what do you think are the major differences between the two?

RP: Fashion in every part of the world is about glamour, style and making a statement. But in terms of LFW, the focus is Bollywood. Almost every big actor or actress is a part of it and it’s all about them, they are the ones who hog the limelight. But here at RAFW, it’s about business. One gets to meet buyers from all over the world and selling is the focal point.

PT:   Can you describe your resort and swimwear collection for those who weren’t able to witness the splashes of color on the ramp?

RP:  I can vouch for the quality of my collection. I use pure fabrics such as chiffons, georgettes, silks etc. I do not use polyester mix or synthetic, and poor quality fabric. My collection is very thematic; I look for look for a concept or theme in everything I design and work on it. Since I originally come from Bangalore and have my studio based there, I make all my collections in India.

This time, my collection was inspired by the Nizams from Hyderabad. That era boasted of intricate work, detailed embroidery, flowing fabrics and colour and my resort line reflected the same. Resort wear needn’t be structurally fitted clothes; it’s more about comfort and loose, flowing fabrics.

Also this year I had lot of sponsors coming onboard, as opposed to last year. I couldn’t believe it because last year I was struggling to put my name out there and make myself known. But just one show at the RAFW, and things had changed for the better.

PT: How different is Australian fashion from the world over?

RP: Australian fashion is really different. It’s just too different. People coming from overseas to Australia are shocked to see the amount of black that dominates. If you’re looking down onto a street from a high-rise building, all you’d see is black with a sprinkle of grey or white. I understand it transcends from the European culture, but even there people have started experimenting with colour, whereas here we are still stuck with black!

PT: Who is your fashion guru/idol?

RP: Amongst international designers, I really like Etro. I look forward to see Etro’s designs, season after season. Etro brings in a lot of prints, colours and styles. Manish Arora is an Indian designer who I feel is brilliant with colours and concepts. He’s doing very well internationally, and I really appreciate his work.

PT: So what’s next for renowned fashion designer, Roopa Pemmaraju?

RP: (Smiles) I will only be thinking of how many orders I will get from this fashion week (laughs aloud). I believe that for every designer this is the most crucial phase, when one looks at how many buyers really come up to you and place their orders, and what the agent feedback would be after a particular show. I am looking forward to this as I have got some great feedback from my agent and a few of my buyers. Also, there’s been a huge demand from outlets in Brisbane and Sydney, saying that they want to stock my label. In the next few weeks I will also start selling my collection online.

PT: While I was happy that you were the only Indian designer to showcase your collection, I found myself asking why just one, and no more. What does it take for more Indian names to feature on the RAFW list?

RP: It’s just the mindset and the fact of whether you really want to focus on the Australian market. I think India has some brilliant designers, but Australia is a small market in terms of demand and stocks. So it’s about whether one really wants to cater to this island.

PT: Finally, your fashion tips for readers of Indian Link?

RP: We should show how colourful we can be. We shouldn’t blindly follow the Australian trend as we Indians know how to dress up and go beyond ‘black’. We need to come out and make a style statement that the Ozzies can follow. India has the best variety of fabrics, such beautiful embroideries and palette of colours

Goddess gaffe

While day three of RAFW, was a peaceful affair, day five was embroiled with controversy. Designer Lisa Burke’s swimwear line sparked outrage, flaring Hindu emotions. She used images of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi on skimpy bikinis for her label Lisa Blue at the Australian Fashion Week. In India, sentiments poured out on streets as activists burned the Australian flag and demanded an apology from the Australian designer and the government.

While the designer has apologized and promised that none of the swimsuits would ever make it to store shelves, spokesman Brett Galvin said: “She really just wanted to celebrate the culture and bring that to people through fashion, and obviously she got it so wrong. As soon as we found out we acted immediately and we have halted production.”

Though India resorted to violence in order to protest, Indians living in Australia have been showing mixed reactions. While Rakesh, one of the callers on my show on Indian Link radio, blamed the issue on mutual cultural differences and ignorance of the others’ beliefs and faith, he stressed that resorting to violence is not the solution; instead, it is important to be aware of other cultures. Another listener Gargi sounded helpless, claiming that had she been in India, she would have joined the activists and protested; but here, all she can do is feel bad and lament.

But the question that irks me is: if Lisa Burke could find a picture of the goddess Laxmi to adorn her swimwear line, sure the same Google search would have indicated to her the importance of the deity in terms of religion. So was she blind to have overlooked it, or was she being knowingly ignorant? After all, any publicity is good publicity and in that sense, she’s got it bang on!

What you eat, your lifestyle and mental health, all these factors affect the skin’s appearance and can cause ageing if one is not careful. The sun’s UV rays can be combated with sun protection creams which I believe are vital to the skin. The UV rays can damage your DNA, and free radicals that are generated by pollution and the sun destroy the skin’s weaker cells resulting in increased wrinkles, lines and loss of firmness.  In fact, a sun block is important even on not-so-sunny days to prevent the damage from the environment.

As for the weather, be it summer or winter, you must drink lots of water to keep the skin plumped up and moist from within. We tend not to drink enough water in winter and this dehydrates the skin from within and outside as well. You also need a rich moisturiser in winter to compensate for the dryness in the air.

Errors of skin care

Your skin revives itself while you sleep which is why the night cream industry is booming as well.

We don’t realise that some of our daily habits can damage the skin in the long run. Too hot water during a shower for example is one of the biggest culprits. Soaps or washing agents with lots of lather are as bad as water and these high foam cleansers dissolve the skin’s oils from the top protective layer. Not only do these dry the skin out, they also make the skin sensitive and it reacts badly to the sun, dust, pollution and some cosmetics.

You know your skin is getting dry if it itches soon after your shower.

That is an indication that your cleanser is not the right one for you. Switch to a cleanser with less foam or a soap with moisturising properties. Avoid very hot water as well.

When you stress, worry, drink too much alcohol or smoke too much, or have too many late nights, these habits affect the skin straightaway. Adequate sleep is one of the best things you can do to rejuvenate your skin. Your skin revives itself while you sleep which is why the night cream industry is booming as well.

Avoid too much alcohol and cigarettes as these hasten the signs of ageing as well.

What you eat impacts your skin so go easy on the pickles, the chilli and food with preservatives. Here people are health-conscious so everyone is into low fat and cholesterol free and low oil content foods which is good.

Oily or spicy food can cause the skin to break out. If you have binged on too many nights out, you can detox your skin by going on a fruit and yoghurt diet once a week. Actually, doing that on a regular basis is a good idea, whether you binge or not. Fruits and yoghurt have anti-oxidants which cleanse the skin and the stomach so your skin stays clear and spotless.

Stress: The big culprit

Stress is one of the main causes of early ageing signs and dull skin. Still for every problem there is a solution so what you can do is find ways to combat the stress in your life.

Exercise

Not only does exercise improve your blood circulation, it gives the skin a healthy glow. Exercise also produces endorphins in the brain which are the chemicals that keep you feeling positive and happy and thus able to deal with your problems. If nothing else, go for a brisk walk now and then and you will feel better.

If you are a believer in meditative techniques follow one that suits you best. There are several to choose from and you can learn to meditate the right way by attending courses on meditation, yoga, the Art of Living, Transcendental Meditation, Reiki etc. Choose what works for you and just 20 minutes a day of meditation will calm you down and help you clear your thoughts. Positive thinking helps, and happiness is really the best cosmetic!

So besides using the regular skincare products to protect and moisturise your skin, use these techniques and cultivate healthy habits for great looking skin. You’ll stay young forever.

After a long drawn winter surely even the most diehard of sceptics would look forward to a nice, long summer. Lazy weekends on the beach, long afternoons spent shopping for trendy short-sleeved and sleeveless tops, capri pants, cool skirts and shorts, stylish sandals and thongs.

But as is true for everything in life, along with the delights come the dilemmas. In this case, topping the list is the struggle to keep ourselves hair-free ad infinitum, to be able to flaunt this season’s must-haves. Fortunately with technology advancing at a rapid-fire pace, there are many options available both for men and women to rid themselves of unwanted hair. From tried and tested razors, waxes, tweezers and sugars to electric shavers, epilators, depilatories that offer temporary solutions, to more advanced electrolysis and the latest trend – laser hair removal that promises the regrowth of hair at a very slow rate and in some cases, not at all. So if you’ve heard the ad for a popular cosmetic clinic that insists ‘Now is the best time to get laser hair removal’, I reckon you might be one of many considering the option for yourself. But before hopping onto the treatment couch, donning eye protection and settling for a session, it is vital to do some research and know key facts about this procedure.

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
It is important to understand that despite some misconception, there is no technique yet that guarantees permanent hair removal. Laser removes the hair from the root ensuring that regrowth is very slow. This procedure is gaining popularity based on the fact that it is fast, relatively pain-free and cost effective. During the process, a hand-held device is pressed onto the area to be treated. Light rays of different wavelengths are beamed at the dark pigmented melanin in the hair. This heats up and damages the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding area. Some hair follicles are irreparably damaged so those hair don’t grow back. The laser light only affects hair that is in an active growth phase which leaves the hair in dormant cycle unaffected. For this reason, multiple sessions are required to treat all hair as it passes through the growth cycle and becomes active. Laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark hair, but different lasers to treat different types of skin and hair colour are now available.

Advantages
The most obvious advantage of laser hair removal is a long lasting result and a reduction in the appearance of hair growth, which is permanent. The hair that grows back is lighter in colour and thinner in texture. It is faster and less time consuming than waxing or other methods and ingrown hair is better managed. This procedure is especially useful in getting rid of unwanted hair on large areas like the back, chest, arms and legs. For women, it is one of the most effective options for facial hair removal.

Disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of laser differ from person to person depending on their skin and hair type. Some people experience blistering or a burning sensation after the initial treatment which usually disappears with successive sessions. After treatment the area may feel sensitive, and some flaking can occur. It is also important to follow the before and after instructions provided by the clinic, as the treated area needs to be kept clean to avoid the risk of infection between sessions. Laser can trigger an outbreak of herpes if you suffer from this condition.  It can cause burns, abrasions, pigmentation, blistering, redness, swelling, skin discolouration and scarring if improperly applied. Another drawback is the fact that there is no long term evidence to support the effectiveness and ensure the safety of this procedure. In addition it can be costly, because several sessions are required to achieve desirable results.

What to look for…
Laser hair removal is considered safe and complication-free if performed correctly by a qualified professional. However, there is a lack of legal regulations regarding the purchase, training and quality control standards for laser devices. There are many so-called experts with very little expertise so it is best to do your homework and not risk long term injury. Choose a practitioner who is willing to give you a consultation (preferably free) before you commit to anything. Ask lots of questions and get as much information as you can specially about pre and post procedure requirements, the qualifications of the practitioner and the cost. Make sure the premises are clean. It is advisable to shop around and not commit at the initial consultation. Also, don’t be tempted to go in for the cheapest option.  Once you’ve chosen a clinic it is important that your skin type is correctly assessed, any lesions are properly diagnosed and the right wavelength of laser is used. This is especially important for the face, as incorrect wavelength can cause hypo-pigmentation.

Is it painful?
Well, yes! Reliable laser clinics use pain reduction techniques like cooling gels, water mists and cool air to make the experience less uncomfortable. While areas of the body like the arms, legs and back may feel a slight stinging sensation, laser on the face can be a bit more painful for the simple reason that the face has more sensory receptors compared to other areas. Choosing clinics that use the most advanced devices like the Candela Gentlelase which has a dynamic cooling device attached, can minimize this problem.

It is imperative to look after your skin before and after the treatment.  Take all the necessary precautions. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use mild soaps and non irritating creams, and in no time you will be confident and happy, strutting silky smooth and hairless skin

Healthy hair is a sign of general wellbeing and gives you a sense of confidence. You can counter common problems with your hair through some simple tips, which will ensure that you have healthy, happy hair all your life.
 
SPF for the hair
Just like your skin, hair too can get damaged by the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. And especially in a country like Australia, where the sun’s rays can be really harsh during long summers. Unprotected hair can develop a straw-like texture and become dry and brittle. A leave-in serum or conditioner can work in protecting strands of hair. As for the roots, use a bit of sunscreen, preferably the non-greasy ones on your parting to protect the roots. In an emergency, lip balm will also work, but it might leave your hair greasy.
 
Deconstructing hair
Often our modern day lifestyles result in overuse of chemicals in sundry products we use. To minimise product build-up which can leave your hair flat and brittle, not to mention faded because sun’s rays strip hair of its colour, it is good to change products occasionally. Use a herbal shampoo if you can, or find one which is made with fewer chemicals and no preservatives. An old wives’ tip is to mix baking soda with your shampoo and wash it off after five minutes. Another good idea is to use shikakai powder to wash your hair.
 
Gentle dry
As everyone knows, using a hair drier too much can make hair dry and brittle. Use a hair dryer only if you must and when you do, keep moving it all around your head, or it can even burn your hair. Bend your head and dry it upside down as well, for extra lift and volume.
Also, never rub your hair vigorously when it is wet. The best thing is to use an extra thin, highly absorbent towel to squeeze out the excess moisture. Then just wrap a towel around your hair, or let it dry naturally. Don’t run a fine toothed comb through it while it is wet or it is likely to break. Instead, use a wide toothed brush. Also, avoid styling hair while it is still wet. Wait till it is almost dry and then style it or use curlers. 
 
Style right
A good way to maximise your tress appeal is to get it styled well. Always go for hairstyles that suit your face. For example, if you have a square jawline, opt for a bob which frames your chin and softens your facial lines. If you have a short forehead, go for longer bangs that don’t hide your forehead like a fringe would and if you have a chubby face or jowls, keep it short and away from the face. A haircut with long bangs will look unruly.

General haircare tips

• While having your hair cut, avoid smiling as it moves the muscles in your face and could affect your haircut
• Sitting cross-legged while the hair dresser is cutting your hair could lead to a lopsided cut as your body is not symmetrical. 
• Don’t style your hair when it is dripping wet. Make sure it is nearly dry and then start styling with the dryer or heated irons.
• Bend over and look down while drying your hair. This will give it extra volume. Keep moving the dryer all around your head, and never hold it too close to your scalp.
• Avoid too many chemical treatments like highlights or straightening of the hair.
• It is a bit difficult to avoid hot water in Australia’s harsh winters, but when possible, wash your hair with lukewarm water. 
• Use conditioning treatments like protein packs and hot oil treatments to nourish your hair.
• Don’t towel dry your hair vigorously. First, squeeze out the excess water and then dry with the towel.

If you have dry, chapped lips, no matter what brand of lipstick or gloss you wear, it is never going to be that effective. Keeping your lips soft and moist at all times not only keeps them healthy but lipstick stays on well too.

In the morning, while brushing your teeth, brush your lips as well. Gently rub a soft toothbrush or a terry handtowel over them. Then apply Vaseline or a bit of lip balm.

During the day, while you are running around with your work, keep your lipstick on at all times. It not only helps you look made-up, but if you opt for the ones which have in-built moisturisers and sun blocks, you will be protecting and hydrating your lips as well. If you are a sun worshipper, and plan to spend a day at the beach, a lip balm is vital to moisturising them and protecting them from drying out due to too much sun.

At night, just before you go to bed, apply your night cream or your under-eye cream or good old lip balm on your lips as all of these are effective as moisturisers for the lips. 

Now, if you want eminently kissable lips at all times, here are a few tips to make sure they stay luscious.

1. Always carry a tube of lip balm with you. Whenever you feel your lips are going dry, rub the lip balm over them. You can also use it as a base before you apply lipstick.

2. Do not use a dark shade of lip pencil and a light shade to fill in the colour. That is a fashion and make-up faux pas you cannot afford to make. Use a colour that is closest to the shade of lipstick you plan to use and fill in your lips with colour to blend in with the pencil.

3. If you have a long evening and you don’t want your lipstick to bleed or wear out fast, a simple trick is to apply your foundation on your lips as well. Then apply the loose powder and dust over your lips as you would over the rest of your face. Then apply the lip colour, blot with a tissue so all the excess comes off. Then reapply a touch of colour with a lip brush, gently draw the outline with a lip pencil in tiny strokes and voila, you are ready for the show.

4. Make sure you don’t have any lipstick on your teeth by rubbing your tongue over your teeth. Also, pucker your mouth, stick your finger in and hold your lips over the finger. Then draw the finger out so that any lipstick on the insides of the lips comes off.

5. A touch of gloss over the lipstick gives a sheen and moist look.

6. Lick the rim of the glass before you take a sip from it – the lipstick will not stick to the glass. 

7. Choose your lip colours to suit your skin tone. If you are fair skinned, you can go for pinks, peaches, beiges, browns and dark colours like cocoa, shades of red, burgundy and plum. Avoid colours that are too bright or which make your skin look pale.

8. If you have wheatish skin, wear earthy shades of reds and browns, nude shades and soft pinks.

9. If you are olive or dark skinned, wear dark shades of brown, deep wine and plum colours, plus all the berry and cocoa colours as these can be very flattering to the skin. Stick with matt shades and a hint of gloss as the very glossy ones can look jarring.

10. If you have highlights in your hair or have coloured it blonde/red etc, choose shades that are neutral or complement your hair colour. A bright orange on burgundy or reddish hair can make you look like a tropical bird.

Soft, moist lips can carry off matte or glossy lipsticks if they are in shades that complement your skin. Look after your lips to increase the value of your smile… and to have kissable lips all through the year!

If you have unruly hair that refuses to behave, you first need to find out the cause. Look for telling signs that indicate just what kind of TLC your hair needs, then go about doing damage control. Your hair will soon go back to looking its luscious best

Dry, rough, frizzy
If this is a problem, you could be guilty of hair abuse. Are you using hair dryers too frequently? Colouring your hair or spending too much time in the pool? If this is the case, you need to change your habits. When your hair is subjected to chemicals, without adequate hydration it can go dry and frizzy. Use a moisturising shampoo, avoid using too many chemicals and dry your hair naturally to help it recover. A hot oil massage with a deep conditioning protein treatment will give your hair the nourishment it needs on the inside and the outside. Go for one every month, if possible.
Home remedy: Try mixing an egg with yoghurt and apply on the scalp. Leave on for half an hour, and wash off.
You can also mix a mashed banana with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice till the mixture is smooth. Apply and leave on for an hour before washing it off.
 
Oily, greasy, limp
If you run your hands through your hair and your fingers feel sticky, it means you have greasy hair. The problem with greasy hair is that it tends to fall flat and have a permanently limp look. That could be due to an oily scalp or too much of the wrong conditioner. Wash it frequently and maybe change your shampoo to one suited for oily hair. Also, use a conditioner that is light in texture and avoid leave-on serums and styling products.
Home Remedy: Beat an egg and apply on the scalp. Leave on for 20 minutes then wash off with your regular shampoo. You can also mix honey and vinegar in equal proportions and apply to the hair. Wash off after 5 minutes.

Brittle, split ends, knotty
If your hair breaks midway every time you run a comb through it, something is definitely wrong. Also, if you have a lot of knots in your hair and it breaks while being combed, it is an indication that you are either using the wrong comb or not combing your hair frequently enough.
Some people have split ends and they leave their hair loose, which only draws more attention to the problem. This stems from infrequent haircuts. Always keep your hair trimmed and well groomed. The moment the ends start getting straggly, go for a trim if you would like to retain the length. Then, make sure you use a wide-toothed comb to remove knots, and this also helps improve blood circulation in the scalp.
As for breakage, the best bet is to consult a doctor and change your diet so that your hair regains its health.
Home remedy: Mix two eggs with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice and apply. Wash off after 20 minutes. You can also soak a ladleful of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind to a paste with a little water and apply. Wash off after it dries up.

Dandruff, itches, sore scalp
If your shoulders are often covered with dry flakes falling from your scalp, it obviously implies a dandruff problem. A dietary change is needed to increase nutrition. Sometimes, stress and inadequate sleep or using hair colour causes dandruff.
There are several good dandruff control shampoos available in the market. Opt for one that is gentle and doesn’t strip your hair of its moisture. Oil your scalp regularly, and if your scalp itches all the time and is a bit sore, consult a dermatologist who might suggest a hair lotion or medication that will help cure the problem.
Home remedy: Use a hot oil pack, but only after consulting a doctor so that you do not aggravate the scalp further, especially if it is itchy.