Spa treatments from the kitchen

A home spa experience is tucked into the family kitchen. I'm 50 years old, wrinkle-free, and some of my favorite beauty products are stored in the refrigerator and food cupboard.

Here's the logic: A lot of expensive facial products use fruit acids, honey and olive oil to promote the removal of dead skin and minimization of fine wrinkles. But why pay a fortune for skin care products spiked with food, when you can opt for do-it-yourself recipes without the harmful preservatives and chemicals that are bundled into some personal care products.

With the following ingredients, I have created home spa treatments for my face and hair.

• Tomato and citrus fruits. Slices of tomatoes, oranges and grapefruits promote external and internal health. I slice and eat a bit of the fruit. Step 1: I rub a few of the slices on my face. Step 2: I leave the fruit pulp and juice on my face for 20 minutes. Step 3: Rinse with warm water. Fruit acids brighten the complexion and help your face shed old cells. Test the fruit on a small patch of skin before applying to the entire face.

• Honey and eggs. Whether mixed together or applied separately, honey and raw eggs make a great facial mask. Honey tightens pores and moisturizes the skin. And there's nothing like egg or egg whites on your face. Let the food harden and then rinse with warm water. read more...

New Year, new looks

As winter shivers on, try putting a little Spring into your beauty routine with a few new hair and make-up tricks.

Me models Shauna Sullivan and Emma Sanderson picked up some advice from Carlisle's beauty experts to boost their New Year look.

Dark-eyed brunette Emma Sanderson, 21, of Brampton, was treated to a makeup makeover at Debenhams’ Clarins Spa with beauty therapist, Tricia Mountsey.

Tricia showed Emma how to make the most of her colouring by bringing a few new ideas to her make-up routine.

A radiance-boosting foundation was applied to make the most of Emma’s clear complexion followed by under eye concealer to brighten the whole eye area and act as a base for a smokey eye in plum shades.

Tricia chose plum as a way to highlight Emma’s eye colour – a move away from “safe” taupes and browns which can really make dark eyes pop.

Using a lighter shade all over the eye area then defining the socket and outer corner with the darker plum, is a tried and tested way to smoky eyes. The look can work for day or night according to the intensity of the shadow. Simply load more onto your brush for night and go a little sheerer for day. read more...

How to pep up your winter wardrobe

It's a new year and what better time to replenish your wardrobe. From ankle length maxis to high heeled boots, from starry eyes to curly hairdo- get ready to be a winter goddess this chilly season...

Fashionably yours!

Hey girls, it's time to jazz up your appearance in the most stylish way. Just wear those sexy ankle length maxis, knee length skirts, killer jackets and bright ponchos that are ruling the fashion circuit. First things first, it's your choice, to either follow the fashion rules or break them. We suggest, you go all out and create your very own style statement.

Designer Abhishek Dutta says, "What's hot this season is the bolero, team it up with your denims or a dress. Another interesting thing are treggings, wear them with beautiful kurtis or tops. For an evening party, opt for ankle length maxis as they are hot this season. High ankle leather textured boots are another absolute must-haves for winters. They make you look sexy, stylish and smart. Also, scarves with digital prints and Swarovski work are very much in demand." It is also commended to try bold colours this winter. Designer Shane Peacock says, "The hot colours are red, black, white, purple, blue, brown, dull gold, shiny silver, bronze and lots of other metallic shades."

Accessorise for attention

Don't step out of that door, until you've accessorised yourself smartly. Accessories can add a lot to your looks, but be careful with over accessorising. Just wear two or three accessories at one go, don't over deck yourself. Designer Puja Arya gives away a few tips on how to accessorise smartly, "Flaunt that clutch. There are lots of beautiful, glitzy bags around, decorated in beads or sequins. Balloon and baggy pants are a super hit this season, so team them up with a big broad belt tied around your waist. Boots can make you a style-icon, so think stylish. A big bag with animal prints also looks very smart. Cozy mufflers, bright woollen scarves, vintage brooches, go-go sunglasses, chunky necklaces, jewel watches and broad belts are destined to spice up your winter dress code." So girls, be a head turner with eye catching accessories! read more...

Enhance your beauty from the inside out

Put a little beauty back in your life, one week at a time. Here are 10 tips from Woman's Day magazine:

• Get the most out of a deep conditioning treatment by squeezing excess water from your hair before applying. This allows it to effectively penetrate the hair shaft.

• Quit smoking (or persuade a friend to). Besides the many health hazards, smoking accelerates the presence of fine lines and wrinkles that pop up as we age -- and really, who needs that?

• Get a glowing complexion by eating more salmon (it's packed with skin-boosting omega-3s).

• Recruit a beauty buddy and make monthly mani-pedi appointments together to catch up.

• Lock in moisture. Turn the water temperature in the shower to warm, not hot (yes, even in the winter) to prevent stripping the skin of its natural oils.

• Load up on vitamin C, a potent antioxidant found in broccoli, red peppers, citrus fruits and strawberries, to keep skin healthy and prevent collagen from breaking down. read more...