Massage gel (dry skin)

Hi friends,

Today is the last day of my schedules DIY week. Firstly, a big thank you to all my friends for so much of love and appreciation. I  will be back soon with more DIYs .

Let’s begin with our last recipe: Day 7: massage gel for dry patchy skin.

Ingredients:

1. Honey: it is loaded with anti-oxidants and works as an amazing moisture get gel.

2. Olive oil( extra virgin, cold pressed) : it is immensely moisturising and has a power doze of vitamin E. It helps in repair and building of new skin.

Procedure:

1. Mix equal amount of honey and olive oil in a container and mix well. Although they both can not be thoroughly mixed due to their difference in densities, still beat them together to mix well.

2. Apply a generous amount of the mixture and massage well for around 10 minutes. Leave the gel on face for about 10 more minutes.

3. Wash of with a face wash and pat dry .

In my personal opinion, this massage gel deeply moisturises skin and regular use makes skin soft.

Until next time🙋🏻,

  STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS-STAY YOU!!

Do comment below if you have enjoyed the DIY and which ones will you use / have used. Stay connected 🙋🏻.

Lots of love,

AQSAimage

Anti- aging face-pack

Hi friends,

Aging is a natural phenomenon, and we cant defy it. But with proper care it can be delayed, and trust me you don’t need high end cosmetics to achieve it. Lets start with Day6 : Anti – aging face-pack.

Next time you boil rice, think twice before throwing the water. Rice water is rich in beauty minerals and vitamins that make it fantastic for both skin and hair. Asian women have used rice water for centuries to beautify their hair, face and skin.

Rice water has been used in eastern medicine to keep skin pliable and youthful-looking and to make hair grow strong and shiny since ancient times, in places ranging across the Asian continent. You won’t find any sulfates or silicates in a bowl of rice water, and the best part is that you can whip it up quickly in the comfort of your own home for a price that can’t be beaten.

Traditionally, female rice farmers in Japan used to bathe and wash in the water used for cleaning white rice. and their beauty needs no description.

Ingredients:

Rice , water.

Procedure :

Boil a handfull of rice in excess of water and overcook the rice . Once the rice is cooked, grind the water and the rice together to form a smooth paste. Apply a thick coat on face and neck. Strictly do not talk while the pack dries. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.

The logic behind using rice water is simple. It starches our skin to avoid wrinkles(similar to cotton-fabric)

With this simple receipe discover the youthful you!!!

STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS- STAY YOU!!

Lot’s of  love,

AQSA

Hair straightening and conditioning.

Hi friends,

I would begin with a gentle reminder, don’t forget to cast your vote.#mumbaikar #votekar

Having said that, let’s start with Day5: hair straightening and conditioning.

Its almost every girls dream to have straight long manageable hair. But many of us aren’t blessed with it. This simple recipe will certainly change the curves of your hair, slowly but safely.

Ingredients:

coconut milk, corn flour, lemon juice , almond oil

Procedure:

1. Cut a large coconut into small pieces and grind in a mixer with a cup of water, until thick creamy juice can be squeezed out. ( Dabur coconut milk is readily available in tetra pack. Although I cannot comment on its results because I have always used fresh milk )

2. Take half a cup of lemon juice and add a table spoon of corn flour into it. Mix well to avoid any lump formation. Add 2 tablespoon of almond oil into it. Mix thoroughly well to make a smooth thick paste.

3. Boil the already prepared coconut milk and then add the paste prepared in step2 to the boiling milk and wait till it thickens. Let it simmer till it gets a creamy consistency.

4. Let the mixture cool.

5. Section your hair into small parts and apply the mixture from scalp to the end properly.

6. Once the paste applied on hair has semi dried take a wide tooth comb and comb the hair straight .

7. Let it dry for almost 45 mins n keep combing in between if the hair turns wavy.

8. Rinse with warm water and then shampoo.

You are all set to go girls!! Flaunt the gorgeous conditioned and straight hair!!

image
Unruly curly hair😏

I have been doing this almost every month or sometimes twice a month since 2 yrs now . My hair has totally transformed from unruly curly to beautifully manageable slightly wavy hair. There is definitely a transformation in their texture and type both.

 

It’s worth a try gurlz!

STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS -STAY YOU!

Love you all,

AQSA❤️

Home-made bleach

Hi friends,

At the onset of a beautiful week, I would like to send my warm regards to all my friends.

Tomorrow is BMC elections in MUMBAI, and I remind each mumbai-ite to vote. Casting our vote is our basic right and we should execute it.

With a hope of having a cleaner and greener Mumbai, I proceed with Day 4 : Home-made bleach.

Ingredients :

  1. Rice Flour : The high levels of PABA (para aminobenzonic acid) can act as a sunscreen.The allantoin present in it soothes sun burns and promotes skin repair.The tyrosinase present in it controls the production of melamine in the skin.It removes excess oil and sebum from the skin.It is a rich source of vitamin B which boosts new cell production and slows down the aging process.It helps to brighten the skin by improving the collagen and elasticity of the skin.
  1. Lemon juice: it acts a natural bleaching agent.
  2. Orange juice: it is also a mild bleaching agent and is loaded with vitamin C which prevents free radicals and provides freshness to your skin.
  3. Turmeric: its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are used to cure any acne , skin issues. It helps to brighten and lighten our skin.
  4. Baking soda: Baking soda is composed of sodium and a pH neutralizer which exfoliates the dead skin cells throughout the skin. The pH of baking soda helps to neutralize the acid– alkaline nature of the skin.It acts as an exfoliant that removes the cellular damage in the darkened skin.Regular application will make your skin whiter, softer and shinier. It has anti – bacterial, anti – fungal, antiseptic and anti – inflammatory properties that clear all the infection on the skin along with its scars. It acts as good oil – absorbing agent to clear excess oil.It evens the skin tone and prevents the buildup from clogged pores. . It deeply cleanses skin by absorbing the excess oil.

Procedure:

Take on table-spoon of  rice flour in a bowl, add half lemon juice and one table spoon of fresh orange juice to it.(Do not add packed juice as it will contain loads of preservatives and sugar. Squeeze some fresh orange pieces into a bowl with hand. Orange is optional. In off-season we can skip orange juice)

Mix half tea-spoon turmeric and a tea-spoon of baking soda.

The moment we add soda , bubbles start releasing , mix the content well to form a smooth paste and apply all over the face and neck.

Let it dry for 15 mins then massage the dried bleach with wet fingers and then wash off with cold water(only)

Don’t apply soap on face for 3 hrs after bleaching and avoid direct sunlight.

Try this preservative free homemade herbal bleach to knock out the dullness from your face and find the radiant you!!

STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS-STAY YOU!!

Love you all,

AQSA

Almond scrub and facepack

Hi friends,

I hope you all are having a relaxed Sunday. Today , I am very excited to share my third recipe of almond scrub and pack. I have been using this past a week everyday and it has made my skin unbelievably soft and radiant.

Ingredients:

  1. Almonds: benefit the complexion as they contains a good amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which helps in preventing cell damage and also helps in preventing the damage caused by the sun’s rays. Almond milk is also rich in proteins and vitamins and helps hydrate and soften the skin.
  2. Raw milk (without boiling):it works as:
    • Natural Face Cleanser. Raw milk is an amazing natural facial cleanser.
    • Great Moisturizer.
    • Lighten Tans and Skin Tone
    • Exfoliates Skin Cells.
    • Soothes Sunburned and Inflamed Skin.
    • Face Scrub.
  3. Kesar: its an amazing beauty ingredient for naturally glowing skin.

Procedure:

Soak 15 almonds overnight in 2 tablespoon of raw milk and 2 strands of Saffron (Kesar). Don’t add excess milk.

Grind the soaked almonds with the milk and kesar into a coarse mixture.

Scrub your face with the coarse paste thoroughly for 3 mins and then leave the paste on your face for 15 mins to dry.

Wash off with cold water and repeat daily for shiny – soft – groomed skin.

Fill the paste into a clean container and you can refrigerate for a week.

Enjoy the new glow with Almond scrub and pack!!

STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS-STAY YOU!

Love you all,

AQSA

 

 

 

Pigmentation and blemish pack

Embarrassing skin problems affect people of all ages, races, socioeconomic statuses and genders, at some point during their lifetime.

It is not life-threatening, but most people experiencing severe blemish problems will agree that it significantly alters their lives and self-esteem. It can leave unsightly scars on the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, general knowledge concerning the causes of blemished skin is scarce.

In my blog we focus more on, how we can improve. Imperfections are a part of each one’s life and they can be surely treated.

Blemishes or pigmentation caused either due to acne scars or sun-tan etc can be reduced with an effective home remedy. Past November, I suffered from dengue and post treatment , my face wascovered with visible black spots due to heat-boils/ acne. My face appeared more like a “chess – board”. This seems a joke now, because the marks have faded and so have the emotional scars on me. But back then, it was an emotional pressure.

This particular pack has helped me to reduce my scars considerably and I found it necessary to share it with you all!

Ingredients:

  1. Cucumber juice: We are aware about the age-old trick of placing cooled cucumber slices over eyes to hydrates the skin and contract blood vessels to reduce swelling and puffiness.  It’s juice works as a tightening toner and has skin lightening effects. Rich minerals and vitamins present in cucumber is best for skin care. Cucumber juice contains natural skin lightening agent which ultimately helps to improve skin tone naturally. Mild bleaching property in cucumber helps to increase fairness in face. Cucumber juice cures skin problems like acne, dry skin, oily skin, pigmentation and keeps skin from any damages.
  2. Potato juice: Applying cold potato juice on blemishes –affected face helps to diminish them on continuous use. Potato does wonders for pacifying the sunburnt skin too. Potato juice helps in keeping the attack of premature wrinkles at bay. Regular application of potato juice gives a healthy glow and softness to the skin. Potato is a great help for removing dark circles.
  3. Nut-meg ( Jaiphal):This is the star performer of our face-pack. Nut-meg is an oval shaped seed of an evergreen tree-“Myrstica fragrans”. It is available in powdered form or whole.

    nutmeg
    Jaiphal

This exotic spice has an active component known as “Maslignan” , which is responsible for reducing fine lines , wrinkles. Due to its anti-inflammatory anti-microbial properties it is very effective in reducing acne and its scars. It is an effective moisturizer and exfoliator hence reducing dullness and blemishes on skin.

Procedure:

  1. Juice half a potato and half a cucumber with skin into a bowl. For juicing, you can use a juicer if you have or else grate the cucumber and potato with skin into a bowl and squeeze out the juice with hand.
  2. Add 2 tea spoon of nutmeg powder (easily available at Gandhi-stores / grocery stores)
  3. Mix them thororughly to form a homogeneous solution.
  4. Dip a cotton bob into it and apply the pack on the face specially targeting the scars , blemishes or darkened neck area.
  5. Keep it for 20 mins till it air-dries. Do not talk while it dries.
  6. Wash off with cold water.

You can store the pack for a week in refrigerator.

Continuous use for a week shows visible difference in the blemish marks.

STAY HAPPY-STAY FABULOUS-STAY YOU!!

Love you all,

AQSA

 

 

NIGHT SERUM

If you generally go to bed without having used a night cream, then you are doing something wrong. This is because of the benefits of night cream on your skin that you wouldn’t have ever imagined! Though the idea of applying night cream seems trivial, how it enhances your skin can’t be explained in mere words!

I have an acne prone skin, any medication or treatment doesn’t have lasting effect on me. In the vicious loop of wanting a clear and good skin and being unable to do so , I have wasted a lot of money behind beauty products which do more bad than good to skin , considering its chemical content.

My version of night serum is a miracle solution which works for :

  1. Skin Lightening ( here I precisely mean reduction in uneven patches or tan. I don’t believe in “Fair and Lovely “ theory because I am personally very fond of deeper skin beauties)
  2. Acne Problems
  3. Reducing Visible Pores On Cheeks
  4. Moisturing And Toning.

The ingredients required for the night serum are as follows:

  1. Rose water: Its mild astringent properties help tighten the pores and gently tones the skin.
  2. Glycerin: helps moisturize the skin without making it oily. It does this by attracting water to the skin and then helping the skin hold in this moisture.
  3. Turmeric: is effective in the treatment of acne due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties that fight pimples and breakouts to provide a youthful glow to your skin. Turmeric not only helps to clear acne scars and inflammation, but also reduces the oil secretion by the sebaceous glands.
  4. Lemon: are antibacterial, they can help treat acne.  Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so they can help brighten and lighten your skin when used over time.
  5. Saffron: Saffron, often called as ‘Kesar’ in Hindi, is a popular spice and an expensive one too. It gives an overall glow and natural fairness.
  6. EVION vitamin E capsules( easily available at pharmacies): these are oil filled capsules loaded with vitamin E and can be used on skin and hair both.  Vitamin E contains antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals caused by ultraviolet radiation, thus soothing sunburns.

Procedure:

Take a 50 ml spray bottle, fill it :3/4 by rose water and remaining ¼ with glycerine.

Add a tea spoon of turmeric, almost 5 strands of kesar, half a lemon( acne prone / oily skin), and prick open 3 evion capsules and empty it into the bottle. Shake well to form a homogeneous mixture and store in a cool dry place.

I usually make this in a sufficient quantity to run for atleast week. Due to presence of lemon refrigeration is mandatory. Dry skin beauties can skip lemon and store the solution at normal temperature too.

Spritz it over your already clean face , and massage well for 3 minutes. Leave it overnight for all the natural ingredients to act wonders to your skin.

Get up next morning to see a clearer – acne free- glowing YOU!!

( Natural remedies require some time to show effect, but in 15 days you shall see the difference and 3 months would transform your skin into a new YOU!)

STAY HAPPY – STAY FABULOUS- STAY YOU!!

Love you all,

AQSA

 

 

Dear Zindagi

life-is-good

When I was younger, I read somewhere that you can either choose to live your life in fear or you can choose to live your life in love. But you can’t live a life in both love and fear.

That moment I decided almost instantaneous that I wanted to live a life of love. A life that I could fill with laughs, smiles, and most importantly love. To be able to live a life without any regrets. I have seen my fair share of pain, suffering, and loss in my life and it has always made me take a step back and look at my own life. Life is one of the most precious things that has been gifted to me and it’s almost always too short, so why would you waste it?

That decision was taken by a young girl who did not think anything beyond that. There were many instances where I have lived a life filled with complete fear, something deeper and intense.

Fear of not scoring well in exams, fear of not winning the prize in elocution, fear of not making a career good enough to earn well, fear of opening my heart up, because of the fear of getting my heart broken and alone than I already do. My life was filled with undetected fears.

I have listed down things I wish I knew then:

1 – Some people are just rare. You don’t know why, you don’t know how. They have that thing that changes your whole mood and provides your whole being with positivity. Some souls are special; they’re guardian angels in disguise.

2 – Solitude is a good thing. You need to learn how to be alone without feeling lonely. Study yourself to avoid letting people telling you who you are.

3 – Happiness is little moments put together, it’s not a destination. Everything’s temporary, don’t forget.

4 – Don’t let your past control your present. Use it to change your future for the better.

5 – Don’t ever spend the night time around those you barely trust. Follow your instinct and be around people you can trust during your vulnerable moments.

6 – Some things can’t be explained, some things don’t even deserve to be described. Sometimes words ruin the beauty of a mystery.

7 – Being yourself is hard but being someone else and keeping a fake persona is harder.

8 – Family is more than flesh and blood. Most of the time, you choose your real family. Those who stand by you in darkness are your family.

9 – People love to talk. If you do good they’ll talk more, don’t feel ashamed of being proud of yourself because you hear words against your happiness. “Humbled” is a word often used by people, I dislike the hypocritically obsequious connotation of it in some contexts. I will say that you should be proud of your pride moments because such occasions have a way of putting you right in the right place!

I have my version of Dear Zindagi  enumerated for you all !!

  1. Unswerving [not changing or becoming weaker; steady or constant]

It is an absolute prerequisite to a happy and successful life. Don’t ever treat your little stupidities as if they are eccentricities that ought to be veiled from the rest of the world. Concede them and use them to define your own way of living the only life you have. All the most beautiful people in the world, the most creative, the ones who led revolutions, who discovered and invented things, did so because they embraced their own eccentricities. There’s no such thing as ‘normal’. That’s just another word for lifeless.

  1. Being Brave

 Don’t let your fears become closets for you. Open them out, feel them and turn them into the greatest courage you are capable of. I promise you, nothing will go wrong. But if you live by your fears, everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong.

All the planning in the world, won’t take you where you want to get to. It’s fine to take chances and not to know what you want to be twenty years from now.

  1. Honoring other peoples contributions

Don’t ever take yourself seriously enough to be so clear about your own ideas that you stop respecting other people’s. Our values are our values, they don’t make us any better than anyone else, at best they make us different. Always try to see the other person’s truth, every human being has a story and you have no right to imagine that yours is better than anyone else’s.

  1. “I do good, I get benefit”

It’s a simple truth. An act of goodness becomes worthless when you assign a brownie point to yourself for it, no matter how subtly you allow yourself to do so. As benevolent as your gesture might be; someone else could have made it too. Regardless of how rich, successful and famous you become, don’t ever underestimate the grace that other people bestow upon you just by being the recipients of your kindnesses!!!!

  1. Embrace Life

Sadness and happiness have the same level of transience. Life is a balanced exchange of one with the other. Don’t attach yourself to either, they’re both going to change with the same certitude. Take them with the ephemeral spirit of their impermanence and manage them with a healthy dose of good humour.

embrace-life

 

 

Live now. Live today. You may not see it with your youthful eyes, but NOW is as much time as you will ever get. Because tomorrow we will all be dead. And just in case there is no cycle of rebirth etc…why take a chance.

Study hard. Work hard. Play harder. Don’t be bound by rules…don’t hurt anybody and never ever live somebody else’s dream. Remember however many times you go wrong, no matter how many times you fail, despair, feel like this world is against you….in the words of Bob Marley…at the end everything is gonna be alright!!

death

I’m not afraid of death. Death is a natural thing, it’s part of life. We’ll all die one day, but till then I want to live mine to the fullest. What I am afraid of though is dying with regrets. Regrets that I didn’t see the things I wanted to see, experience the moments I wanted to experience, or live the type of life that leaves a lasting footprint in people’s hearts and lives for forever.

 

STAY HAPPY-STAY BLESSED- STAY U!

Smile forever!

until next tym,

AQSA.