Most Frequently Asked Beauty Queries

1.I use cream for my dark circles under the eyes, but it makes make-up look dull.Please suggest how to get rid of dark circles?

Suzanne via E-mail.

Using cream under the eyes for dark circles will not help if you are putting makeup.Gently massage eye gel creams, at night for a specific problem; cool your skin with cucumber water packs.For a bright lasting make-up look, invest in a good quality concealer, which is better than just foundation and learn to use it well from a good beautician.Always remove makeup gently with cotton wool pads soaked in baby oil or eye make-up remover liquid and remember to bring the cotton wook inside from the outside of the eye.Most women harm the delicate skin around the eye by pulling it harshly while removing makeup.

2.I am a 20 year old boy.I suffer from grey hair and dandruff.I have tried most of hair oils available in the market with no result.

Todd Anderson, Michigan,USA

Grey hair is hereditary in some cases.There is no proper treatment for grey hair, except good diet and keeping your scalp clean and free from dandruff helps.You should try and get rid of dandruff, which is not always helped by oil alone.Stimulation of scalp while masaging should get natural oil secretion increased.Add 1 tbsp medicated oil or use unscented oil like almond or olive.After applying oil, wrap your head in a hot towel (soak the towel in hot water and squeeze water out) for 20 minutes.Before washing, apply a paste of curds and 1 tsp of oil for another half an hour.If the problem persists, see a dermatologist before trying anything else.

3.I want to have an aromatic bath that will help me relax.How should I go about it?

Rosetta via E-Mail

To relax, create the right ambience.Ensure you are undisturbed by phones or family members, light candles and play soft music.There are many options for essential oil blends that you can use.Some suggestions: Mix 5 drops of lavender, 3 drops of geranium and 3 drops of ylang-ylang or 5 drops of neroli and 5 drops of rose with a few tbsps of honey and a few handfuls of fresh rose petals.Add these oils to the bath water.Add 20-30 ml of sesame or olive oil for moisturising dry skin.Begin with scrubbing dead skin off with a loofah.Then, slide into the bath and relax for 20 minutes.Make the water lukewarm in summer and baths are best enjoyed before meals or one hour after.

4.I keep getting blackheads on my nose.I have tried everything, but they keep coming back.What can I do?

Mariah via E-mail.

Check you eating habits and increase your intake of fresh foods.Equally important is reassessing your digestion process.It is important to finish eating dinner two hours before sleeping.Consult your family physician and take a blood purifier Tonic regularly.You can treat blackheads in this manner: To oxygenate the area and encourage drainage, prepare a cup of hot water and a cup of ice cold water.Starting with the hot water, dip your nose in it for three minutes followed by one minute in the ice cold water.Alternate the hot and cold water for 15 minutes, finishing with thge hot water.Then, lie down for 15 minutes with a cotton cloth covering the area.Repeat this cycle twice daily, for a week.Also regular use of a Face scrub if you have an oily skin helps.Keep your skin scrupulously clean.