Summer skincare tips!

Summers is definitely one of the least liked seasons and if you live in a tropical country, it can be a nightmare. So here are a few tips to beat the heat. Also, don’t forget to eat right and exercise!
 

1.   Stay hydrated.
Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s really important to drink a lot of water and liquids.
CAUTION: When celebrities say that they drink 3-4 lts of water everyday, they do not actually mean water. But they are talking about the fluids they get from fruits and juices, etc. Drinking large amounts of water can actually drain you of essential nutrients.

2.   Sun protection: 

It is best if you don’t go out in the sun between 10am-2pm because the sun’s rays’ are the strongest at that time. If it's really necessary, apply a sunscreen thirty minutes before going out and keep touching it up after every few hours. Also, it is best if you use a sunscreen of SPF 30-40 which is highly recommended for Indian skin.
CAUTION: Applying a sunscreen does not protect you from tanning. So it is better if you cover up nicely before going out in the sun.

3.     Moisturize:
Use a water based moisturizer unless you want to end up looking too “shiny.” Or you could make your own moisturizer at home by mixing rose water and glycerin in the ratio 3:1.

4.  Treat sunburns:
If you get sunburned, apply Aloe Vera extract. In fact, you can grow some in your kitchen garden. The effect of Aloe Vera will soothe your skin and will help youheal faster. 

5.   Makeup:
It is best to leave your foundation or tinted moisturizer in the refrigerator. When you apply it, the heat from your face will melt it into your skin making it giving you a very natural look.

Sachin- The style icon

Sachin may have ruled the cricket grounds but he's also managed to impress the fashion police off field. As the master blaster turns 40, here’s a look at his top style moments:

Sachin during a recent endorsement for an automobile brand.

A picture from a random event.

With his favourite lawn tennis player, Roger Federer

At an event, wearing a traditional turban.

Caught in one of his random moods.

After the World Cup win.
“He’s carried the burden of the nation for 21 years, so it’s time we carried him on our shoulders.”- Virat Kolhi

At Wimbledon, to see his favourite Roger Federer play.

Elante Mall Chandigarh

So I was about to post a new entry on the blog but I decided to visit the newly opened Elante mall instead, which is somehow the same thing. It had been quite some time that I had been reading about it in the newspapers and hearing about it from others. And I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed. It is rarely that you come across so many international brands under one roof in Chandigarh.

Zara, Bebe, Promod, Louis Philippe, The Body Shop, Latin Quarters…the list is endless. For what it’s worth, a shopaholic like me can practically live there and still not get tired. What’s more is, even when you think you have gone through all the brands, if you happen to take a look around you’ll come across something you missed.

The bottom line is if you are looking for a perfect place to splurge or even window shop, Elante is the perfect destination. It gets my vote hands down.

5 summer hairstyles for men

So I was talking to a guy friend a couple of days back and he complained how he really needs to change his hairstyle, but couldn’t decide what to do with his hair. So here I’ve complied a few hairstyles (there are certainly a lot more to go for). Take your pick:

 

1. Looking slick

This style NEVER gets old. The classic cut- lean and clean. Think Don Draper in Mad Men. For a more modern edge, check out Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl.

2. The short texture haircut

For men with thick hair, this style is a good option. The hair is cut short on the sides and back and left a little longer on top. You could use a bit of styling gel to add texture and create a casual, spiky effect. 

 

3. The quirky quiff

This is most definitely for guys who want to go out of their comfort zone and experiment a little. David Beckham carries it off effortlessly, can you?

4. The military cut (High and Tight cut)

It certainly beats having long hair like most guys these days have and what’s more is that it is a favourite with the girls. But be careful! Not every guy can pull off this look. Though this is true for all hairstyles, but you have to be especially careful with this one.

 

 

5. Ponytails

Though I am personally not a great fan of men with long hair, I certainly have come across some men rocking this look. It looks great if you are creative about it. Do not keep the band too tight and pull it a few inches away from your head. 

5 most stylish players of IPL-6 (Part 1)

With the IPL fever catching on; why not take a look at the most stylish players on and off field? Here’s my compilation (and yes I’ve been highly biased towards Indian players), feel free to add yours!

1. Manan Vohra (Kings XI Punjab)
   He missed the U-19 World Cup due to an injury, but if his first IPL match is any indication, he’s a talent to watch out for. His laid back style off field has been my personal favourite.
   
   
   
    
2. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
   
   From his Gangnam stint after the World Cup win to his smashing sixes in the IPL, Gayle radiates style of his own.
   
   
   
   
   
   3. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
   
   Love him or hate him, but you simply can’t ignore him. His aggression on field and his personal style statement off field leaves the girls asking for more. From a sharp Tom Ford suit to an Ed Hardy tee, he can carry off anything without effort. No wonder he’s a favourite.
   
   
   
   4. Dale Steyn (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
                                                                                                                              
   
   
    This right arm fast bowler from South Africa sets hearts racing whenever he comes on field. He not only drives his team victory but also has an impeccable sense of style.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   5. Unmukt Chand (Delhi Daredevils)
   
   He may have failed to impress with his bat this season. But Unmukt has been successful in carving a niche for himself in the ad world.
   
   
   
   
   

8 tips for healthy nails

The girls will agree with me when I say that it feels wonderful when we have a great set of nails to show off. Nail care is extremely important because your hands are always visible.

So here are a few quick tips you can use to avoid running to the salon every week. 

 1. Moisturize the cuticle area to prevent cracking and peeling.

 2. Do wear a sunscreen: Sunscreen not only protects your skin but your    nails too. Wear it on your hands and cuticles every time you go out to prevent sun damage, which can hurt your nails. 

 
3. Clean all nail implements: This is something most of us forget or ignore to do. Change nail files your nail files often. Bacteria and other microbes get transferred easily by these tools and the result is infection. 

 4. Your nails are not tools! Do not use your nails to pry things open. You risk breaking your nails, harming your matrix or catching an infection. 

5. Don't soak nails for long periods or use any kind of soap: If you keep your nails and skin under contact with water or soap for a long time, you may weaken your nails and damage your nail and cuticle structure. 
 

 6. Don't allow tools that have not been properly sterilized be used on your nails: Risking your health and well-being for a manicure is just not worth it, and that is a definite possibility with bacteria-laden nail instruments! 

 7. Don't ignore signs of infection: Disinfect the skin as soon as you come across any kind of inflammation with an antibacterial or antifungal agent. Any change to the nail's appearance needs to be checked out by a dermatologist. 
 
8. Let your nails breathe: Yes, nail colour looks fantastic. But once in a while leave your nails bare and let them breathe. This will prevent your nails from yellowing and keep them healthy.

Latest swimwear trends

Summer means ice cream, cool drinks, and long hours in the pool. Here are a few options you can use while heading out to the pool:

This red swimsuit with a plunging neckline will definitely grab eyeballs whereever you go. A break from the routine, the different design is perfect for those looking to expriment this summer. 

Guys can opt for cool colours like green and blue and team up their trunks with sweatshirts and wear colourful slippers.

If you have been slogging it out at the gym for long, now is the perfect time to show off your toned body by wearing swimsuits like this that compliment your figure.

And guys can opt for this H&M swimwear maybe.

If you're not for showing off a lot of skin, you can go for an option like this. You don't show off a lot and still manage to look glamorous and chic.