B eautician Shahnaz Husain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com
I have oily skin. What creams, lotions, face wash and moisturiser should I use? — Nivvetha
Oily skin does not need moisturiser or nourishing cream, especially in hot and humid weather. Wash your face with soap twice a day, or use a cleansing lotion or face wash, specially formulated for oily skin. A skin tonic should be applied after cleansing. A rose or mint-based skin toner would be good. Oily skin needs an astringent toner, which helps reduce oiliness and close the pores. A non-oily day cream may be used. Scrubs and masks may be applied two or three times a week to deep cleanse the pores and reduce oiliness.
I get pimples which leave dark scars. — Sabari
Wash your face morning and night with a medicated soap. Then apply an astringent lotion with cotton wool. Mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste and apply it on the entire face, washing it off after 15 minutes. Mix cinnamon powder with a little lemon juice and a few drops of honey into a sticky paste. Apply it only on the area with pimples daily, leaving it on for at least an hour. Take two teaspoons of curd, add a pinch of turmeric and apply it on your face daily. Wash it off with plenty of water after 20 minutes. This helps prevent acne and relieves dryness. Mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply it on your face two or three times a week. Wash it off after it dries. Use only oil-free products. Include fresh fruits, salads, sprouts and yoghurt in your daily diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning.
I have lots of facial hair. How can I get rid of it? — Sonam
Go to a beauty salon and find out about facial hair removal using a combination of threading and waxing methods. Home remedies do not remove facial hair, but are believed to lessen its growth if followed regularly over a period of time. Try any of the following remedies to discourage facial hair growth. Make a thick paste of sugar, lemon juice and water, and apply it in the direction of the growth. Wash it off after it dries. Apply it once or twice a week. Apply a paste of turmeric powder and milk and rub this on your skin with a circular motion. It is said to discourage facial hair, but it may leave your skin looking slightly yellowish.
My face is round. Suggest a suitable hairstyle . — Anjali
Allow your hair to grow up to shoulder level. A centre parting will suit you. Avoid fringes and styles that add width to the sides of your face. Sport a style that adds height to the top of your head. You can also have a layered style, but the layers should start at chin level. The hair should frame your face softly.
My face looks dull and dark though the rest of my body isfair. — Manjula
Use a facial scrub twice a week. You can either buy a scrub, or make one mixing rice powder with curd. Apply it on your face, rubbing the skin gently using small circular movements. Leave it on for 5 minutes, before washing it off with water. Mix one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice and apply it daily on your face, at any time. Twice a week, apply a face mask. Mix 3 teaspoons of oats with one teaspoon each of honey, curd and lemon juice, or egg white. Apply this on the entire face, avoiding the lips and the area around your eyes. Wash it off after half an hour.
