Beauty rituals that women follow around the world!

India is not the only country where people believe in different beauty rituals but there’re people around the world who also follow amazing beauty techniques. Not only are they intriguing, but also completely natural. So, next time when your mother gives you an earful about a good old champi, do not just dismiss that.

Here we give you some exciting beauty rituals followed by people in different countries:

1. Potato slice for dark circles (Spanish ritual): People in Spain use very thin potato slices over their eyes to lighten dark circles. It takes only ten minutes to give their effect. You will notice that they actually lighten the skin reducing the blueness of the veins under your eyes. 

2. Kiss cellulite goodbye (Brazilian way): Brazilian women used to rub sand on their bodies. For cellulite, dry brushing is the best, natural and probably, the only way to getting rid of them. So, use sand to kiss cellulite goodbye.

3. TLC for lips (Greek type): Greek and Italian women use olive oil to sooth and repair chapped lips. It is the best treatment to heal dry and irritated skin. It also conditions skin and lips while making it glow beautifully.

4. Beat ageing (Chinese style): Drink white tea if you want to defy age-related problems. Chinese ladies used to protects their skin drinking white tea. To save you skin from free radicals and you don't need to worry about Botox, fillers, collagen and the likes. 

5. Dandruff, give it a bay (Australian way):  Australian use eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to remove dandruff. Use the same with your shampoo and kiss those flakes goodbye. This is a foolproof trick from down under to getting rid of dandruff. Be careful with the essential oils though. Massage your scalp with a few drops to see the change.

6. Applying eye cream. The under-eye area is so sensitive that eye cream must be applied slowly, in a gentle dabbing motion, preferably with your pinkie. This ritual gives me plenty of time to look in the mirror, examine my wrinkles, and confront my mortality.

How to apply makeup step by step guidelines

Girls are synonymous to makeup and when it comes to the techniques, they can go to any extent to learn the right process, its advantage, disadvantages, its after effect and how to continue using makeup sans damaging skin.

Now if you are among those crazy women, then here we bring you the best step-by-step procedure to apply makeup.

Step 1. Prep the skin: According to Nabanita Chakraborty, makeup expert with an international makeup brand, “Prepping the skin includes four steps within it. Cleansing, toning, applying serum (which is the food for the skin) and finally moisturizing. Many people forget to use a serum and only stick to cleansing, toning and moisturizing; applying a serum is equally important.”

Step 2: Foundation: First of all, buy a foundation which is closest to your skin tone, because too much foundation makes you look like clown and too little, gives you an unpolished appearance. There are particular foundations available in market as per your skin tone. “Take your foundation and mix it with a bit of serum. Then take a powder brush and apply it on your face in circles,” says Nabanita.

Step 3: Makeup: “Take a medium shade eye-shadow and apply it from your lash line, till the crease of your eyes. You can choose pastels, light copper and bronze. Then take a dark, coffee-brown eye pencil and line very close to the upper eye lash. Then smudge it a bit,” explains Nabanita.

“Do the same under your eyes as well; from the middle of the lower eye lash to the outer corner. Then smudge it, pulling it inwards. Apply mascara and you're done with the eyes. Put on a shade of blush on your cheekbones to accentuate it and you're done,” she added.

Step 4: Lips: Nabanita says, “Take a neutral shade, the one closest to your lip colour and apply it on your lips. You can even pick up a nude shade. Then, take a lip colour on your finger and stain your lips with it. Then just at the centre of your lips apply gloss.”

The pointless ocean moans on top of each conventional mathematics.

Women in love, the astro way

Love is eternal, and men and women inseparable! The masculine and feminine forces, although interchangeable, aim in directions opposite to each other. However, it's when they flow into each other, and not in opposition that they come together to create the complete circle called life. Yet, it's undeniably true that both the sexes are 'different' in their approach to various aspects of life. And, love is no different. 

Usually women are said to be more emotional and attached than men. The gender stereotypes and societal roles too contribute to this difference. That is why, even the men and women of the same Zodiac Sign have varying emotional responses to relationships. Read ahead to find out how women of various Zodiac Signs love and love to loved!   

Aries
One would need to know right up that the Aries Female has low tolerance for insecurity. An easy display of confidence and composure, hence, shall naturally help one earn brownie points with this outwardly tough, but inwardly innocent babe. And, genuineness is important, for pretensions won't last long with this smart girl. An Aries woman loves challenges and adventures. Not the typical mother hen type, Aries girl won't like to listen to her partner's insecurities. Rather, she wants a hero who can handle everything, even slaying dragons. A paragon of self-direction herself, she admires self-made men - those who have risked failure and loss, and yet risen to conquer all. She also expects her man to stand by while she fulfils her own ambitions. The best match for her is a man who is secure in himself, and can give her enough space to be her energized and passionate self. The Ram girl loves the chemistry of early romance. She hits the ground running, and is totally engaged from the first date itself. Once in love, she is usually generous to a fault, and can be extremely understanding, especially if her own needs are understood and cared for.

Taurus
The Taurus female is ruled by Venus, a fact that is reflected by her natural and feminine tastes. One who loves to be pampered, the Bull girl admires men who never fail to make her feel special and beautiful. Hence, the basic trappings of romance are essential for her - fine dining, long-stemmed flowers, gourmet chocolates, long drives, dinner by candlelight et al. Although outwardly easygoing, the Taurus female is particular about substance and stability in life and in love. She loves the good life, so she wants to make a wise and realistic choice when it comes to a partner for life. When in a relationship, the Bull gal doesn't believe in playing around. Yet, she expects her partner to be someone with class, taste, manners, style, spirit, and sensibility, not to mention a stable ground (fancy degrees, solid families, moolah - all count). And of course he needs to be loyal and stable; she only expects the commitment she is willing to give. The driving force of a Taurus Female is loyalty. Once she gets someone who fits the bill, she will not hesitate in sacrificing her own needs for those of her partner's.


Gemini
The Gemini girl has multiple sides to her personality and all she wants is a guy who will be compatible with all of them! She loves the phase of being in love - from the stolen glances to the flirty innuendoes, she is totally involved. There are no half measures for this feisty female; she may flirt and tease, but likelihood of her being unfaithful is meagre. As long as she feels an equal commitment from her mate, and an understanding of her Twin opposing needs of freedom and security, she will be a loyal partner. What the choosy Gemini gal is looking for is an ally for her irreverent escapades - someone who can be alternately nutty and sane. Unpredictability and adventure find favour with this girl. Constantly geared up to expand her horizons, she can entertain her mate with witty tales and non-stop chatter. Blessed with a brilliant sense of humour, this girl usually makes for an easygoing, social and extremely articulate companion. Actually, the Gemini female is on an incessant quest for knowledge, so she makes sure to fill her life with varied activities and friends. People-watching may be a hobby for her.

Cancer
A sensitive soul, highly intuitive, the Cancer female needs a partner who would be able to respect her myriad emotions and wavering moods. Tough out, soft in, a Crab girl may be extremely shy in the first few meetings, leading one to believe that she has airs. However, this is just the time that she needs to understand the tuning she may share with the other person. She needs to be sure of the reliability of her partner, before she open up. Crabby girl craves stability, and is often attracted to confident, secure individuals; her ideal partner needs to be both tough and tender. The heart rules a Cancer female, and she believes in taking small steps in a relationship, mostly to ensure that she lets only the right people in. Once in love, she may become clingy, though. She takes the longest time to feel secure in love, so once she is involved, she is totally committed. Her family and friends are crucial to her existence, so she expects her partner to get along with them. All these are signs that she takes this relationship seriously, so the smooth-talking players should stay away.
 
Leo
The Leo female makes heads turn wherever she goes; she exudes so much energy, warmth, and light that people are naturally drawn to her. Naturally vivacious and witty, she can brighten up any drab place. The feeling of being in love is what makes the world go around for the Lioness. Style is her eternal mantra so she expects her mate to pull out all the stops when wooing her;  roses, champagne, moonlit walks, expensive gifts - she wants them all. She thrives on the attention, and being overlooked or ignored is something she will never ever forgive, let alone forget. While her family and career may seem well-knit, the Leo female tends to have a not-so-perfect love life. And yet, the Leo girl adjusts, as long as she is sure of his eternal commitment. She is a loyalist, and can charm her way into people's hearts just by the sheer warmth and generosity she offers. It is important for a Leo Female to be in a relationship where she feels respected and loved. She may get so caught up in the moment that she may overlook the signs of heartbreak early on, focusing on the glamour instead.

Virgo
The Virgo female is a perfectionist, and her mate would do well to remember that at all times. On the other hand, she can be such a softie that she will willingly overlook trivial faults if she feels that the other person is vulnerable. This makes her feel independent and individualistic, as though she can run the whole show, which she does uncomplainingly if she feels respected in the relationship.   She will coolly observe and remember the little things, and question her mate's statements and actions from time to time until she is convinced everything between them is in perfect coordination. The Virgo gal is intelligent and rational in her thought process, so she is not going to be easy to convince of the other's point of view, unless she is sure of the reasoning and research. She doesn't believe in ego massages, so as a partner, one should not expect her to hang on to his every word, or agree with his opinions. Never mistake a practical Virgo Female following her heart over her head; she may be sentimental and romantic, but she's not blind in love.


Libra
The Libra girl is often a stunner, and more than aware of the fact, mind you. Most people may be fooled by her aloof demeanour, and believe her to be arrogant. But remember that, she may be choosy, she herself has such a clear and beautiful mind that it's natural that she take time to find someone she can connect with. Once she is able to match frequencies with her mate, it will be a glorious lifetime of conversations over myriad topics. Not the one to shy away from a good discussion, Libra girl will have a lot to teach her companions, especially in terms of her debating skills. And, remember that she is equally capable of defending the positive and negative side of an argument, as her discerning mind easily critiques the issue and synthesizes information to support her argument. This may become a problem, though, as the Libra girl rarely believes in  giving an argument rest. Lover of beauty and quality in everything, this female is a romantic idealist, and in her search for her Prince Charming, she may leave behind many expectant hearts. And, although, she is no dominatrix, she doesn't want to be bossed over either.

Scorpio
Getting to know a Scorpio gal is not an easy task. Usually fanatical about her space, and suspicious of getting too close too soon, she may keep her probable mates waiting, sometimes for too long. She is addicted to love, and is yet afraid to surrender completely, as she fears disappointment and heartbreak. Her style is to gradually discover the qualities of a prospective mate, and let her love and trust grow over time. To this effect, she is grateful for a partner who gives her the time and space to decide. Not one of the players of the zodiac, she loses herself once she has taken the plunge. She will be loyal and trustworthy, and infuse the relationship with an intensity and intimacy that will be overwhelming. And, she will demand an equal, if not more, unrelenting passion and devotion from her mate. Often magnetically attracted to strong personalities, Scorpio girl herself radiates an unusual confidence, sexuality and ambition. No wonder, this smart one always has practicality and future prospects at the back of her mind. She will have a tendency for vengeance.


Sagittarius
Sagittarius or Archer is the zodiac's free spirit, a true traveller who's comfortable on the road. True to her form, Archer girl has a huge appetite for life, and her partner/ s must share that quality. Finding someone who would keep up with her endless quest for adventure and expansion is no mean task, but the Archer woman is not the one to be deterred. As a passionate, intellectual and independent fire sign, she throws herself in everything with the force of a speeding train. Ruled by expansive Jupiter (the largest planet in our solar system), she is liable to think BIG. She, thus, needs a mate with a definite vision. And, he has to be grounded enough to reassure her when the going gets tough. Honest to the point of bluntness, she Archer, however, may drive her mate crazy with her dark humour and stinging remarks. But again, as zodiac's optimist, she always manages to see her mate's potential. Physical attraction plays a vital role in the Sagittarius woman's love domain. Yet, there's an innocence about this lady that's so very captivating. Free birds, these women, once they find true love, don't hesitate in settling down, though.  

Capricorn
The Capricorn woman is a formidable force - cool and intimidating at times. As zodiac's most goal-oriented sign, Goat is not the one to play around. In fact, the Goat girl would rather be alone than jump from partner to partner. As the sign of public image, Goats are also status-conscious, and they want the definite material qualities in their partners. The sign rules the zodiac's tenth house of career; no wonder they have CEO written all over them. These ambitious and sensible women, however, need to learn that they cannot and should not fail to feed their relationships with care, affection and love. The loyalty of these tough gals is not to be underestimated, though, even when they appear flirty or flitty on the surface. It also pays to remember that behind their secure exteriors lies a deep reservoir of self-doubt. Family is important to them, and they must find a stable ground to feel secure. It takes a confident lover to win her respect and her heart. The female Goat admires those who achieve, despite the odds. Not the one to leave things to chance, she is a one-woman planning committee. And, she loves it when she makes correct decisions. She would not dominate in a relationship, but would also not take things lying down.

Aquarius
Aquarius is the sign of groups, friendship and humanitarian pursuits. Connecting with a partner on the mental plane is far more important for Aquarius beings than seeing them in the flesh every day. A she-Aquarius has a cool social ease, and she loves her freedom to bits. Her contact list is often full with an eclectic mix of characters. Known to look beyond labels, she would date across the age, race and culture spectrum. But, she likes to be friends first, and stay that way, no matter what. This girl can bring so much fun, creativity and whackiness to a relationship. Her strength of individuality shines through in any conversation. She prides herself on being a progressive thinker, and loves a thorough challenge; she can be a maddening debater. The female Water-bearer is quite unpredictable, intelligent and astute. A keen observer, she loves originality in her men. She likes being in touch with her mate/s via gizmos and modern communication systems. Yet, being sure that she is in love can be tricky. She may be engrossed in an intimate chat with a friend a moment, and the next, she may pull away - her line disconnected, her phone unreachable.

Pisces
The ocean-sized eyes of Pisces girl let you know this is no ordinary woman. Often watery, and quick to brim with tears or twinkle with joy, they don't let the Fish miss anything. A kind, sincere heart is a real draw to her. The shy and considerate romantic Fish girl loves the idea of being in love - at least, in theory. Ruled by Neptune, the planet of fantasy, most Pisces girls prefer to be swept off their feet by romance. Glamorous and intuitive Pisces also rules the imagination, and that is why Pisces girls have their unique way of making everything feel tinged with magic and fantasy. Their intense creativity, desire to make the world a better place, and love for all creatures makes them a total catch. Gentle, nurturing and sensitive, they form reliable and ardent lovers. However, they get disillusioned quickly, which may lead them to the famous Pisces escapism. These girls may also be drawn to most unlikely of the people, including tortured souls and people with a dark side. Unfortunately, this vulnerability may make them victims of betrayal and deception. Once she lets her guard down, she is also liable to be treated as a doormat, given her submissive nature.

10 essential foods for female health

A varied, balanced diet is the cornerstone of healthy living for everyone, yet healthy eating can sometimes mean different things depending on your gender. While there are some foods we should all be eating more of, men and women also have their own set of dietary requirements as well as their own unique health concerns. Here are ten foods all women should eat. 

Figs are a great health food, containing many vital minerals and vitamins as well as contributing to your daily portions of fruit and veg. Two minerals found in figs that are particularly beneficial to women's health are iron, which is often deficient in menstruating women, and calcium, which is important for post-menopausal women, who are more prone to osteoporosis.

Flax seeds are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and have been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The seeds' anti-inflammatory properties are also good for preventing arthritis, while their digestive benefits can help irritable bowel syndrome; two painful conditions which are more prevalent in women than men.

Milk is a great source of calcium, which is extremely beneficial to women's health, particularly when combined with vitamin D (found in some varieties of milk and many fortified milk products). Consumption of the combined nutrients is not only good for warding off osteoporosis, but a study has suggested that a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D could ease, or even prevent, symptoms of PMS.

Oats are literally packed with health-boosting nutrients, many of which have great impacts on female health. Oats are not only great for heart health, digestion and blood pressure levels (with hypertension affecting many women over 50), but they contain vitamin B6, which can help prevent PMS and mood swings, and folic acid, which is important for women to consume before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in babies.

Spinach is rich in many different vitamins and minerals, but one thing that makes it great for women is its high content of magnesium. Research has shown that magnesium may be beneficial in reducing many of the physical symptoms of PMS which plague women, including reduction of swelling, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain.

Salmon has a multitude of positive health benefits for women. Not only is it rich in iron — which is integral to the diets of premenopausal women — but it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, known for their mood-enhancing effects. Studies have suggested that omega-3 can help beat depression (something that affects twice as many women as men) and prevent mood swings, while salmon can also boost babies' intelligence when eaten during pregnancy....

Tomatoes Another vibrant carotenoid beneficial for women's health is lycopene, a pigment found in tomatoes. Studies have suggested that lycopene may be effective in preventing breast cancer. Furthermore, there has been considerable evidence to suggest that the powerful antioxidant can help reduce risk of heart disease — the leading cause of death in women in the US, Australia, England and Wales.

Walnuts While all nuts are great for our health, walnuts have many great individual benefits for women. A study has recently found that walnuts, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols, may help to reduce women's risk of developing breast cancer, while their high omega-3 content may also help bone health, arthritis pain and depression. Walnuts also contain many nutrients essential for female health, such as ...

Butternut squash Like many other yellow/orange fruit and vegetables — is packed with carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. While carotenes should be included in everybody's diet for optimum health, they may prove essential to women's health as a high-carotenoid diet has been linked to lowered risks of both breast and ovarian cancer.

Cranberries Various studies have suggested strong links between consuming cranberries and reduced risks of breast cancer and heart disease. However, the most notorious benefit of cranberries is their ability to prevent and cure urinary tract infections such as cystitis, which is eight times more likely to occur in women than men. One study suggests that drinking two glasses of cranberry juice a day can prevent the symptoms of common UTIs in 

3 foods all women should eat

Starting this week, we bring you a new series on the power of the threes. Here is the third of the series, 3 foods all women should eat.

A varied, balanced diet is the cornerstone of healthy living for everyone, yet healthy eating can sometimes mean different things depending on your gender. While there are some foods we should all be eating more of, men and women also have their own set of dietary requirements as well as their own unique health concerns. Here are three foods all women should eat.

Butternut squash

Butternut squash - like many other yellow/orange fruit and vegetables - is packed with carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. While carotenes should be included in everybody's diet, they may prove essential to women's health as a high-carotenoiddiet has been linked to lowered risks of both breast and ovarian cancer.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and have been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The seeds' anti-inflammatory properties are also good for preventing arthritis, while their digestive benefits can help irritable bowel syndrome; two painful conditions which are more prevalent in women than men.

Salmon (Raavas)

Salmon has a multitude of health benefits for women. Not only is it rich in iron - which is integral to the diets of premenopausal women - but it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help beat depression (something that affects twice as many women as men) and prevent mood swings. Salmon can also boost babies' intelligence when eaten during pregnancy.

The best female health habits

Get to know your body

Although most men are more than familiar with their overall appearance, many are less than vigilant when it comes to looking out for signs of health changes and may pay less heed to their bodies’ signals than women. To keep your health in good condition it is important to pay attention to your skin (making note particularly of any changes in size, shape or color of moles) and perform self checks for signs of testicular cancer. By getting to know your body, you will start to become more intuitively aware of the state of your wellbeing.

Try a holistic exercise class

For a lot of men, exercise routines are focused exclusively on bulking up and improving body shape. However, you may be missing out on lots of the health benefits other more female-dominated forms of exercise can offer. To help boost your mental and emotional wellbeing , try supplementing your usual routine with a gentler holistic exercise such as Pilates, yoga or tai chi. As well as keeping you physically fit, these exercises have many great benefits such as improving posture; increasing energy levels; boosting flexibility, strength and stamina; improving concentration and reducing stress levels.

Get checked up

Just as it is important to track any changes in your body, it is equally as essential that you act on any possible symptoms by visiting your doctor about any concerns you may have. However, while women are generally good at getting regular check-ups, many men are guilty of ignoring their symptoms, possibly due to fear or denial of health risks. It is never worth taking a chance on your health, so put your mind at rest by giving your doctor a visit, no matter how small you think the risk may be.

Let yourself be vulnerable

While most women will happily let their guard down and communicate their troubles to their friends, many men are afraid of appearing vulnerable by opening up to others and showing how they really feel. However, not only will sharing your troubles help you gain support and bond with others, but crying can also help your body to release stress. So, next time you are feeling emotional, whether due to a bad day or a weepy movie, why not let those tears flow – your health will thank you for it!

Do more cardio

Many men centre their workouts around weight lifting and building up muscle, while women are more likely to opt for cardio exercise to help with weight loss. In fact, neither option is ideal as both types of exercise should make up a well-rounded fitness routine. Whether or not you want to lose weight, aerobic exercise is essential for heart health, so take a lesson from the girls and try swapping the occasional weight lifting session for a cardio workout to help improve your health and physique.

Indulge in some pampering

It’s a well known fact that most women like to be pampered and groomed, while men are a little more reticent to give grooming a go. Whether you care about your appearance or not, proper skin care (which includes using an SPF) is important for your health, as is looking after your nails to prevent fungal infections. If you want to go the whole hog and give your body a pampering treat, a massage can also do wonders for your health. With benefits including reduced back pain, detoxification and an increased sense of well-being, this is definitely not just a treat for the girls.