Fight Ageing with these Super-skin-treatments

Credit Role: Ms. Bharti Taneja, Director of ALPS Beauty Clinics

RRR Facial:

This is amongst the successful skin treatments to combat signs of skin-ageing. As the three R’s imply – this facial, rehydrates, regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. So, if you encounter sagging or loss of elasticity on your skin, due to age or any other factor – this treatment is sure to prove beneficial by treating such issues.

How it works?

The elements involved in this treatment boost the collagen production in the skin-cells – making you do away with early signs of ageing. This process involves exfoliating and enhancing the fabrication of new cells for faster renewal of your skin – which shows off! The facial is done using micro-massager or uplifting machine which uplifts your face while making the saggy skin firm and elastic. In the end, a face mask called ‘young-skin’ mask is applied all over your face –containing 95% of collagen. This works as a great skin-food and rehydrates your skin as well – improving its firmness and flexibility.

Photo Facial:

The process of Photo Facial takes around 60 minutes and starts with thorough cleansing of the skin; like any other facial. This treatment is often done by a professional Doctor – who follows the process of Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL) and infuses light rays called, genone, deeper inside your skin. It enhances the production of collagen – a protein found underneath your skin and responsible for its flexibility. This procedure increases upto 50% production of collagen in your cells – while preventing maturing skin’s issues; such as, wrinkles and fine lines, saggy skin to occur on your face – while keeping it firmness enact. Also, this improves the cellular activity of the skin and decreases melanin formation for keeping brown spots etc, at bay. This also augments the action of nourishing elements inside the skin layers – eventually, making it appear better in texture. Also, responsible for boosting the regeneration process of the cells, this treatment concludes along with applying a ‘young-skin’ mask again, for a smoother, firmer skin.

How it works?

This facial lightens the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles and makes your skin glow by removing spots of ageing on your face. Moreover, the treatment can also be used to making loose skin tighter, by implementing a latest technology using light. Besides slowing down signs of early ageing – this facial also removes pigmentation spots upto a great extent.

For more information visit www.alpsbeautyclinic.com 

Grooming tips for corporate women traveller

Earlier round-the-clock performance was like an impossible dream. But, today it is most women’s claim to fame. For the working class, time is money and dressing for success is inevitable. This does not just include choosing the right outfits or accessories, but also personal grooming and makeup.

Women today strive to balance home, family, work and social obligations, with equal aplomb. And what they can’t miss out on is their own look at home or work.

Frequent travel and power point presentations might leave them tired, but their professional appearance always has to match their personal achievements. The business attire cannot be distractingly sexy, drab, or colourful. One must also keep some simple yet important grooming tips in mind while indulging in regular business meets or frequent corporate traveling-

• Avoid using too much perfume or oils. Scents can trigger asthma or overpower a conversation in a room. At the same time, do not smell of smoke.

• While making that sales pitch, make sure your hands look pretty. Avoid wearing too much jewellery.

• Your hairstyle should be neat and conservative. Make sure it is easily manageable while traveling as well.

• Keep your makeup minimal and appropriate during the daytime.

Caring about how you look and paying attention to details demonstrates that you are serious about your work as well needs of co-workers and clients alike.

Too much travel can take a toll on anyone. To avoid such hassle, it is always important to pencil in your travel dates and stay ready, much ahead of time.

One challenge of travel is how to pack light? If you are going to more than one destination with varied temperatures, do not pack multiple outfits. Deal with temperature variations with layering. Always plan a capsule wardrobe, which includes a silk shirt, cashmere sweaters, tights or leggings, pashmina scarves or stoles. Make sure you carry at least one camisole or tank top. Try and keep items that are lightweight and washable.

Before coming to your makeup, here are a few suggestions to plan your wardrobe properly-

1. Research your destination. Check your itinerary to see how many formal and casual sets of clothing would you need.

2. Plan your colours depending on the place and your schedule. Pick neutral colours and white, cream, black.

3. Mix and match items to plan your wardrobe.

4. First pack basic items like bras, underwear, half-slip, tops, bottoms, and shoes and then add extra items like a dress, another sweater or top.

5. Once you are back, review what you used and what you didn’t to help better planning for the next time.

You can consider the following makeup techniques to create your vanity box.

1. Limit your makeup palette- Once you know your wardrobe colours, you can easily toss out lipsticks and eye shadows that don’t match.

2. Double-use products- Carry a moisturizer with a sunscreen, four in one pencil and combination blusher/lip gloss.

3. Decant everything into small bottles or tubes- Make use of small jars or lens cases to store liquids or cleansing solutions. Do not carry big bottles as it adds unnecessary weight.

4. Take miniature brushes and tools- Invest in a set of travel makeup tools like mini eyelash curler and other brushes.

5. Carry makeup removal pads.

6. Minimize electronics like hair dryer or straightening iron.

I bring to you a checklist detailing everything you must carry depending on your needs. If possible, store these items in a different drawer at home so it is easy to pack them at once.

An Ultimate travel check list-

• Hair colour

• Hair fiber

• Hair mousse

• Sunglasses and spectacles

• Slippers

• Socks

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Beauty Grains

• Soap

• Tissues

• Wet Tissues

• Moisturiser

• Cream AHA

• Shampoo

• Under garments

• Night Suit

• Shoes

• Jewellery

• Purse

• Safety pins

• Towels

• Charger

• Rusk

• Tea and tea bags

• Spoon

• Needle

• Thread

• Filer

• Nail Paint

• Scissors

• Gel

• Hair Spray

• Tail Comb

• Cottom

• Medicines

• Lens and solution

• Snacks

Make sure you shampoo your hair before taking off. Carry a dry shampoo in case you feel you won’t get time to wash them on the trip. Perfumes are a must to be well scented. A hand sanitizer in the bag and foot spray to prevent foot must feature in your pouch. Mouth fresheners, toothpicks, ear buds to maintain the highest levels of hygiene is crucial.

We all need a quick touch-up after a long train or flight journey, Carry the lipstick and eye shadow matching that day’s outfit in your bag. Cold eye pads or cold teabags will help rid puffiness from the eyes. Instead of watching television on a long flight, it is better to sleep. Do some exercises on board to not have a stiff back at the end of travel. Carry a change of dress, deodorant, safety pins etc. for emergency.

For an avid corporate woman traveller, it is best to always stay ready for immediate meetings in and out of town or country. A few handy tips to stay ready would consist of going for facials regularly. Haircut, permanent straightening or curling could set your hair and make them manageable.

To save time, you could also explore a permanent method of applying makeup on the face using FDI approved pigments that are inserted deep into the skin. Permanent makeup is applied in the form of lip colour, eyeliner, eyebrow and even a beauty spot to define and enhance a person’s appearance, reducing the time and money spent on daily beauty preparations and to look beautiful for years together.

For all the women who face unique challenges balancing life at home and on the road can consider this a corporate boot camp to ease their hectic schedules with effective makeup and styling tips.

(The author is the Director of ALPS Clinic and Academy)

Bikini Waxing: Tips and frequently asked questions

Bharti Taneja

What are the things to keep in mind before getting bikini wax done first time?

Bikini area is sensitive and if you are going in for your first session, tread carefully! Hygiene is of paramount importance while choosing the salon you visit. The practitioner should wear gloves during the procedure. Also, the knife used to apply the wax should be sterilized and separate wax should be used. An antiseptic lotion or cream is essential and must be applied before and after the session. The person attending to you should also have been specifically trained to perform Bikini waxing and have enough experience in the same. After, considering all of the above, look at the cost to make a final decision. If you follow these few simple rules, the procedure is a simple, quick and efficient way of hair removal.

How does it happen? Explain the procedure.

The first step should always be cleaning the area with a generous dose of antiseptic lotion. The wax should be then applied in the direction of the hair. Once you put a strip over the wax, stretch the area properly and pull. It`s important to stretch the skin, to ensure all hair is removed with minimal pain. This should be followed by antiseptic lotion again, to reduce the risk of infection.

How to reduce pain during bikini wax session?

Bikini waxing is a painful procedure so you have to make your mind up before you head to the salon. The best way to reduce pain is to stretch the skin properly and in the right direction before pulling off the strip. It`s also a good idea to divert your attention away from the procedure. Read a book, catch up on your mails or simply talk to a friend to stay distracted.

How it is better than temporary hair removal creams or Shaving?

Shaving only cuts the hair from the surface and the roots remain intact which means the hair starts growing back in a day and the entire growth is back by a week. The entire process is tedious and time consuming. Another drawback is that the hair comes back thicker and usually irritates the sensitive skin in the area when it’s growing back.

Hair removal creams are also very cumbersome and there are chances of getting allergies from the chemicals used. Also, prolonged use of these creams will darken the area considerably which can make it appear unsightly.

What are the benefits of getting bikini wax done regularly?Apart from being a very hygienic solution, it also removes the hair from the root and thus you need to go for a session once a month and sometimes even longer! Over time, getting regular bikini wax sessions makes the hair follicle finer and easier to pull out. So the more sessions you go for, the less painful it is to extract the hair.

What time of the month is best to get bikini wax done?

There isn`t a particular time which is better but scheduling your appointment a few days before your menstrual cycle is advisable.

Mention different types of waxes used for waxing the bikini line. Howdo they differ?

When it comes to bikini waxing, it`s best to avoid Rica wax which is normally used for waxing other body parts. Opt for chocolate or flavoured Aloe Vera wax which are definitely less painful and give you better results. I personally recommend chocolate wax, which is the least painful and most effective of all, besides leaving you smelling great!

Tips to avoid infection after bikini wax session.

The best way to avoid infection is to keep hygiene in mind before anything else. Use of antiseptic lotion before and after the session is essential. Before the procedure ensure the practitioner is wearing gloves and is using a separate wax and sterilized knives. Throw away strips should be used instead of the reusable ones. The more hygienic the entire process, lesser the chances of infections will arise.

www.alpsbeautyacademy.com

(The author is the Director of ALPS Clinic and Academy)

How to protect your skin during winter

As fall announces its arrivals with that unmistakable nip in the air,Beauty Expert and Founder Director of Alps Cosmetic Clinic,Bharti Taneja, guides you to the best ways to protect and prepare your skin for winter.

Deal with dryness

As the weather changes, the most obvious change that you notice in your skin is ‘dryness’. Soak in a handful of almonds overnight. Peel them and make a fine paste. Mix a few drops of honey and one tea spoon of milk cream with it and gently massage it on your face. Leave for 15 mins and wash it off. This is excellent in combating dryness along with soothing your skin.

Face it with facials

Regular facials are important to keep your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated during this time. Instead of Veg facials, Fruit peels are better for young skins during this season. Whereas a little mature or ageing skin can go for AHA cream facials that help in skin fairness, hydration and reduce the dryness too.

Commit to cleansing

The change in the season also demands for an update in your skincare kit. Replace toner or astringent with cleansing milk. Instead of directly washing your face with water, you can use fresh milk to remove dirt and impurities and then wash off with water.

Moisturize more

Pick any light moisturizer that easily meets your skin’s hydration needs. For mature skin, collagen creams and serums work the best. Apply them before going to bed and it will repair and rejuvenate your skin as you sleep in deep slumber.

Lovely lips

Lips dry out more easily as they retain less moisture than other parts of your body. Take fresh milk cream and add a few drops of honey to it. Apply for 15 minutes and clean it with a tissue paper. Be faithful about using lip balm. If you want to use lipstick, then first apply lip balm and leave it for 10mins. Now remove it and apply the lipstick. It keeps lips hydrated for long hours.

Pretty Hands & Feet

Owing to repeated washing, hands are especially vulnerable to abuse this time of the year. Keep a tube of hand cream on your desk or in your purse and use liberally. Make your own nourishing concoction at home with rose water, glycerine and lemon drops. Apply on your hands and feet religiously.

Get ready for a Honeymoon Makeover!

Just like your nuptials– honeymoon is also an integral and much-awaited aspect of your life. You might have been yearning for it ever since your engagement ceremony and would want to emerge the most beautiful bride in front of your partner during your entire honeymoon trip.  And, of course who can forget those teasing glimpses of relatives and friends – once you land back home! To fulfill your urges of looking like a ‘sweetheart’ itself on your honeymoon and even after it, Renowned Cosmetologist & Aesthetician and Founder-Director of ALPS Beauty Clinics, Bharti Taneja, shares some honeymoon makeover tips only for you…

Get a Haircut:

As a bride you must have not given the heed to the need of getting a nice hair-cut – reason being most brides prefer long hair as they have to either don a bun or a braid for their marriage ceremony. But, you can shed you worries by getting a hair cut just before your honeymoon. Go for the one that suits your face-shape and highlight best features of your face.  This will not only endow you with a different look and but will give out tresses that are hassle-free and easy-to-manage too – to save a lot of morning time to be rather spent with your partner!

Apply Hair Color:

Coloring your hair is very-much in trend nowadays – then why spare it on your wedding! You may go for hues like; browns, burgundys, blondes, according to the color of your eyes and skin-tone. Opt for colored streaks or a ravishing Global color and add an extra amount of glamour to your look. Meanwhile, always remember to choose a professional salon for getting your color done by the experts available there, to choose the best possible color for your hair type. This will definitely provide you with a nice professional color while making your husband swoon-over you!

Go for Perming/Straightening:

A change in hair texture/style is able to bring about ‘huge-some’ difference in your personality too. Especially, if you are heading towards your honeymoon – this change is pleasantly welcomed by your lover as well others when you come back. Therefore, it is suggested to go for permanent styling such, as perming/straightening just before your nuptials to keep flaunting you hair-makeover even after your honeymoon. This would make sure that your friends flow with envy after seeing a brand-new look of yours upon returning.

Avail Permanent Makeup:

Imagine a day on your honeymoon when you wake-up with your makeup being intact – like with, perfectly drawn brow-lines, a non-smudged kohl/eyeliner along with rosy lips – and a face complimented with a tiny beauty spot! Isn’t it enough to make your partner go crazy? Yes, this dream can become true with permanent makeup that endows you with a perfect beauty forever. It involves permanent eyebrow shaping, eye lining, eye-lash curling, lip coloring, beauty spot. You can round upon any of these procedures, depending upon your individual need. All of them save a lot of time, energy and money, where you can indulge into your various other chores – for making your love happy while on your trip.

Buy Contact Lenses:

Get few contact lenses to bring about a huge difference into your look as eyes are your most beautiful assets and can compliment your personality like no other accessory can do.  So, it would be nice if you go for wearing lenses; especially, in greens or hazes to add a unique spark to your persona. Also, you can wear different colors of lenses every other day on the trip to enable yourself to become your man’s fancy!

Opt for Soak-off Nail paints:

Roaming around with chipped nails/nail paints shows that you are not groomed enough and can be a turn-off for your man! And, whichever nail-polish you may apply, it does not stay for more than a week and reapplying becomes a bit hectic, especially, when you’re on your honeymoon.  At the same time, it is difficult for you to apply your paint like an expert; so this also makes things complicated for you. But, don’t worry as a new revolution in nail-technology called soak-off nail paints can help you shed you dilemmas. Opt for them, if you want to flaunt latest colors and designs on your nails to make them look more attractive, without worrying about applying nail color every other day, as these last up to 20 days after application!  You can also go for 3D nail-art to infuse some more boldness to your avatar. Now, be happier to hold hands of your lover; with utmost style and love along. 

Get glowing with permanent makeup on your D-day

Every bride dreams of looking beautiful and natural best on her wedding. After all, it’s the day she has always dreamt of and thus, leaves no stone unturned in her endeavour to shine and glow, like a true princess. However, juggling a wedding, all the arrangements and numerous guests with countless other things means you can spare little time for proper personal grooming. But, why let the time crunch spoil your big day when you have Permanent makeup!

Quick and effective, it offers prospective brides-to-be easy, one-stop solutions to all their beauty worries. Whether one wishes to correct some imperfections, conceal a flaw or want to skip the tedious bridal makeup session, permanent makeup is the answer to all the problems. Moreover, the effect of such treatment lasts for around 10-15 years. So here are a few easy, effortless and popular treatments to get you ready for the clicks, close-ups and compliments.

Beauty Spot that Makes You Hot

Reminiscent of the fabled beauty spot of Marilyn Monroe, the procedure involves the addition of a strategically placed beauty spot as desired by the person. The right spot at the right place can wonderfully enhance a bride’s overall look.

Beautiful Brows

Sharp brows make heads turn and coax wows! Getting a perfect pair of brows has become easier than ever for women. Those noticeable cuts and irregularities in brow hair can be corrected with surprising ease, letting brides face the camera with confidence.

Enchanting Eyes

Dense eyes are the heart and soul of an alluring look. Putting on eyeliner and kajal everyday can be quite troublesome when short on time, especially for those who wear contact lenses or spectacles. With permanent liner and kohl, one can flaunt beautiful eyes at all times.

Perfect Pout

The right curvature of your pucker makes for a warm & gleaming smile. Outlining the lips helps young brides in a rush to fill in the lips and be ready instantaneously. Ask the aesthetician to do yours’ with a perfect pout.

Luscious Lips

Flaunting rosy pink and succulent lips 24X7 is possible now! This is a popular treatment among brides today and lasts for 1-2 years. So you no more need to worry about stashing that lipstick in your purse every time you step out.

From Patches to perfection

Concealing unwanted leucoderma patches is now possible with permanent makeup. Often chosen by prospective brides with untreatable and non-expanding white patches, it promises a flawless complexion.

 www.alpsbeautyclinic.com

(The author is the Director of ALPS Clinic and Academy)

Know what you should look in for a pre bridal package:

A queen for the day, a bride is the center of attention, the cynosure of all eyes. Her beauty is admired by everyone around and especially by the groom who can barely keep his eyes off her. It`s an occasion worthy of all the time and attention that is devoted on making the bride look her gorgeous best.

The Indian bride has come a long way from getting ready for her big day with the help of a few friends and family. Today, she travels across the globe and is well informed about the latest in the world of fashion and beauty. She knows what she wants and she won’t settle for anything but the best. Salons across the board have happily obliged by creating elaborate pre-bridal packages that can start from a few months before the wedding to just a few days for a time-strapped bride. The preparation to achieve what a bride’s heart desires needs planning, time and correct consultation so it’s advisable to take a 6 month package.

While looking at the options for salons keep a few things in mind before zeroing on one. Always try and opt for a salon that comes recommended by a friend or a family member, someone who was very happy with the services offered. You should also look at photographs of other brides at the salon to understand what their makeup artists have to offer. A once in a lifetime occasion requires a complete attention to details and a thorough understanding of how you want to look that day. It is ideal to set up a trial makeup session before hand, to test out and finalize the look you want with your wedding outfits

As you D-day approaches, a million things will demand your attention, so choose a place that will provide you with all the facilities under one roof. Another factor to consider is the hygiene levels of the salon you go to- make sure you check the entire area out before you sign up for anything. Finally, look at the cost versus value while weighing your options. You want a salon that comes within your budget while offering you quality service.

For those with serious skin concerns, opt for a salon that has a skin specialist on board for consultation. At Alps Beauty Clinic, we have a certified doctor on board who will help assess and understand your skin concerns and recommend treatments/medication for the same. This helps tackle all the issues on a long term basis and help you retain a healthy complexion long after the wedding is over. Although most salons will offer different packages, there are a few services that must be a part of the deal to ensure that your basic face, body and hair concerns are taken care of.

Here are a few things all brides should look for in the pre-bridal package:

1) FACE-

• One of the first things to schedule is once-a-month bleaching treatment at the salon. Running around shopping for your trousseau and various other chores that a bride must do, is bound to expose your skin to the sun very frequently. This leaves it tanned, uneven and dry.

• Milk based bleach is the best option available since it is nourishing and also helps improve the texture. All the stress and the jangled nerves can also make you skin more sensitive and prone to reaction which is another reason milk based bleach is better as it’s gentler on your skin.

• No amount of makeup can replace the radiance of healthy and beautiful skin. Ensure you get correct skin assessment from the in-house doctor at the salon and get regular treatments and cleansing procedures to fix any nagging skin problems.

• Those of you who have normal skin without a lot of concerns should opt for a facial at least once in two months. Facials help deep cleanse your skin along with relaxing massage to improve the circulation making you look naturally radiant. Gold Facials are an ideal option for enhancing the glow on your skin and you should get the last one 2-3 days prior to your wedding.

• Keep your eyebrows groomed and upper lips threaded at regular intervals. Girls who are encumbered by excessive hair on their face should get IPL (Intense pulsed laser) treatments done. It will reduce the hair growth over a few sittings and you can stay hassle free even during your honeymoon.

2) BODY-

• Wedding is an occasion to flaunt your designer trousseau with elegance and confidence. This confidence comes from knowing that you are in your best shape. Those who want to lose weight should get a diet consultation and enroll in a gym at least 6 months prior to the wedding. This will ensure you lose weight in a healthy manner without resorting to crash diets that will take the glow away from your face.

• It is also important to take care of the skin on your body. Regular exfoliation and body polish treatments help scrub the dead skins off your body making it look young and leave you feeling very soft.

• A deep massage with aromatic oils is always recommended post the scrub as it will absorb the oil much better. A weekly session of massage combined with aromatherapy lend a nice fragrance to your body. It will also help sooth your mind and body giving you some moments of clam in the chaos that usually surrounds Indian weddings!

• Get a body pack a few days before the wedding, to help add a nice sheen to your skin. Just as for face, milk bleach is also recommended for your body to help remove the uneven skin tone caused by prolonged exposure to sun and also to nourish the skin.

• Body wax is always available with all packages and you should get it done 2-3 days before the wedding.

• You can also go for a bikini wax which is a neater and more hygienic option than shaving or hair removal creams.

• Today, there are different types of waxes available in the markets that are more effective. Chocolate wax by far is the best option. Not only does it remove hair more efficiently but it also makes you feel and smell nice. Chocolate wax also leaves your skin more smooth, which in combination with the scrubs and pack will leave your skin feeling as soft as a baby.

• Gunjan Gaur, Executive Director for Alps adds a word of caution, "Never get body wax, body scrub and bleach on the same day. Always have a gap of at least one day between each of these treatments."

3) HANDS AND FEET –

• Your hand and feet get a lot of attention during various ceremonies like the engagement and mehndi. Regular manicures and pedicures at a gap of 15 days will help keep your nails clean, your skin soft and indulging in small treatments regularly will keep you feeling relaxed and smiling as days inch closer to the wedding date.

• "Those who have extremely chapped skin on their hand and feet should get an additional paraffin wax pack applied to smooth out the skin in these areas" advises Ishika Taneja, Executive Director, Alps Clinic and Academy. With your skin feeling this soft, showing of your engagement ring to friends and family or holding hands with your partner on dates will add to your happy memories.

• For the nails, Nail art has come up in a big way in the last few years and you can add -ceremonies.

• There is also an option of permanent nail paint available that will ensure you put your best foot ( and hand) forward at all times, be it meeting your fiancée or his family members or just going out with friends to celebrate.

• Don`t fret if your nails chip off, through nail culture you can get broken nails fixed and you can maintain the desired length. Get two coats of your favorite nail paint 2-3 days before the wedding day and you are all set!

4)) HAIR-

• Healthy and shiny hair will let you experiment with different hairstyles for the different ceremonies that last a few days. Damaged and frizzy hair are very difficult to style so it’s important to work on improving the quality of your hair before hand to ensure that your hair can add an element of charisma to your personality.

• Make sure you are in good hands and have a consultation included in the package with a hair expert who will assess the treatment you need. We usually recommend regular spa treatments for everyone but those who have extremely damaged or dandruff prone hair or have a lot of split ends are recommended specific treatments like power dose.

• Girls who have grey hair, should opt for hair colour but if you are experimenting with colors then apply it a minimum of 10 days in advance. Apart from this, the hair stylist should give you a very manageable yet trendy hair style that ensure you never lose your charm even post the wedding day.

Weddings bring with them a lot of stress, nerves and late nights but you should feel relaxed, calm and happy throughout so you can enjoy to the capacity and let your inner happiness reflect on your radiant skin. You can also head off to a weekend getaway spa with a few friends away from the bustling city as you get ready to step in the limelight for your D-day.

(The author is the Director of ALPS Clinic and Academy)

Source: www.alpsbeautyclinic.com