Experience the next level of fruit based facials !!!

Hey you beautiful people. Today I have something exciting for you.
Lotus Herbals, Professional range Launches – Advanced Fruit Marmalade Facials Now Available @ CATALYST
Revamping your beauty routine has never been easier with a cool new class of fresh products for your regular facials. Whether you're looking for softer skin, pretty hair, or hot nails, there's some cool technology, amazing ingredients, and—let's face it—gorgeous results that have us hooked !
A perfect blend of vitaminised fruits, this Fruit Facial  from Lotus Professionals will surely give a natural glow to your skin. So, if you want to rejuvenate your facial muscles and tone them up to get an improved skin texture, then this facial is recommended.
It is a mixture made from fruit that has been produced using a revolutionary process that preserves the highly concentrated fruit with all its pure nutrients, enzymes & vitamins for optimum skin benefits. This facial employs potent organic formulations, that administer higher concentration of active botanicals in each product to provide safe and natural care effectively. It is free of chemical preservatives, artificial fragrance and color, making it one of the finest natural facial care products available for facial treatments in salons today.
This range includes 4 types of facials:
1. Advanced Bearberry Marmalade facial - for whiter, brighter skin
These powerful detoxifiers rehydrate the skin and restore balance to a lacklusture skin. They are excellent for skin whitening and radiant looking skin.
2. Advanced Kiwi Fruit Marmalade Facial - for younger looking skin
Kiwi repairs collagen and elastin bonds and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It is ideal for women leading a hectic, urban lifestyle.
3. Advanced Vino Grapes Marmalade Facial - for glowing radiant skin
Re-hydrates the skin and restores balance to lacklusture skin. Removes dark patches and blotchiness caused by sun damage.
4. Advanced Papaya Marmalade Facial - for blemish free skin
Papaya fades out dark patches, sun spots and freckles guaranteeing a blemish free skin.
Service Duration : 60 mins
Recommended Frequency Of Service : Once a month
These facials certainly have a soothing effect on a person and one feels fresh and re-rejuvenated after having this facial as the smell of the fruits is also De-stressing for a lot individuals. They are also a great natural alternative and helps our skin be young, refreshing and glowing!!

I hope this review was helpful to you all. Until next time, take care and stay beautiful!
                                                                  CATALYST

BEAUTY AND MAKE UP TIPS FOR THE NECK

Most of us often fail to take proper care of our neck as the focus always stays on the face and hands.  Did you ever really notice that the neck is being left out in all our ‘indulgences’?
Patches of dark skin around our neck may make us feel like covering up our neck even in the warmer season. One of the main reasons of dark neck is that we always ignore our neck while washing our face. When we look the celebrities, their neck is like white pearls. Sticky dirt is also the one of the main reasons of dark neck; even we do a lot of cleaning and scrubbing. These dark skin patches are also caused by hormonal imbalances, eczema or sun exposure. Our neck has many folds that’s why dirt and dust easily stick to it. To prevent from the dirt from going into these folds you have to do necessary clear and clean it regularly. There are few things you can try at home.

Use lemon juice to lighten dark neck because in lemon citric acid is present which is a natural bleaching agent. But be careful don’t expose your neck skin directly to the sunlight after applying lemon juice. Apply directly lemon juice or rib lemon slice on your dark neck with the help of cotton ball or fingers. If you have very sensitive skin use diluted lemon juice on your dark neck.
Use honey, tomato and lemon juice to treat dark. For that simply make a paste of almond, and then add milk powder, honey, lemon juice and olive oil. Make a thick paste and apply this on your dark neck for thirty minutes or make a paste of honey and tomato, scrub this mixture for a few minutes to remove dead skin cells. Honey, lemon and milk help to lighten and nourish the dark skin.
Dark skin of the neck has been never a pleasant thing to see. Hope these tips will help you to treat your problem effectively.

Beauty Tips For Neck

Tip 1: The direction of massage for the neck skin is a very important thing to remember because a nice massage in a wrong direction or with wrong movement over the neck skin can damage the skin. Neck skin is very thin and delicate. It is more delicate than the skin of your face. The proper direction to massage the skin of the neck is by moving both your palms from lower to upper region in vertical movements. Never massage your neck in circular motions or from top to bottom.
Tip 2: Oils help the neck skin to rejuvenate. Not just any oils though. You have to be careful when it comes to selecting the right kind of oil. Select those oils which are not extremely heavy.
Below some oils are mentioned which can be used for neck massage therapy in their pure form. Coconut oil is heavy oil but it can be used in very little amounts or you can mix it with a little water on your palm and then use it. Olive oil, sweet almond oil, chamomile oil, eucalyptus oil and rose oil are also good options.
Tip 3: Do not over massage you neck. A neck massage should last from 10-15 minutes maximum with a possible break of 1 or 2 minutes in between. Over massaging can strain the neck skin.
Tip 4: Masks also work wonders for the neck skin just like the skin of the face. Use fruit masks on the neck for best results. Fruits like apple, ripe banana, avocado and plums can work wonders for the neck skin.
Tip 5: A very important point to remember while using packs on the neck skin is never allow any type of pack other than fruit packs to get dry on the skin of the neck. Packs of clay, gram flour, whole wheat flour, or any other kinds of mud packs should never be left to dry and crack over the neck skin.
Tip 6: If you can get a spa treatment for your neck, then nothing better than that once in a while. Make sure that your body position while taking massage is correct. If you are taking a massage for relaxation purpose or to get rid of spondylosis pain, then a sitting position can be quite good; but if you are taking a spa polishing or smoothing treatment for the neck then the best position would be to lie flat on your back and take it.
All of the above mentioned homemade mixtures are easy and readily available at home. These are best for soft, young and hydrated skin. These method helps prevent signs of aging and repair damaged skin.

Make up tips for the neck :
"Please stop applying foundation that stops at your jawline—it's so important to blend your makeup into your neck. Use a dampened sponge to work in liquid or cream foundation in a circular, stippling motion (tapping up and down). Since your neck is naturally a shade or two lighter than your face, use the excess product left on the sponge to blend the face, jaw, and neck area together. Once you've blended the pigment into the skin, dip a smaller powder brush into a dot of loose powder and feather out your whole face.

Homemade Chocolate Facial - Yummy !

If women find it hard to resist chocolates, I feel chocolate facials are even harder to resist. With so many exotic packages available on chocolate facial sessions, I feel we have hundreds of reasons to go for a most pampering chocolate facial session. But is that the only way you can benefit from chocolate facial? What if you want to get a chocolate facial with homemade products? Of course, as you can understand, these questions crowded my mind and I thought of conducting a research. Here is an article, based on the research and I would like to share with you all that I came to know.


 Benefits of Chocolate Facial:

  Chocolate facials are known for the following benefits:
Chocolate, with its high level of anti-oxidants, is great for your skin.
The facial has anti-ageing properties.
It imparts a healthy glow to your face.
It takes care of blemishes and boosts the production of collagen.
It softens and hydrates your skin so that wrinkles are kept at bay.

Chocolate facial is known to suit almost every skin type and hence, you can benefit from this divine chocolatey experience, no matter what skin type you are blessed with.
How To Do Chocolate Facial:
Now, the easiest option is to go to a spa of your choice and get a chocolate facial session. Trust me, it is absolutely hassle-free and wonderful that way, but it would cost you a minimum of Rs. 1000 in any reputed salon, no matter how low the rates are. So, if the pocket pinch is too much, invest in a chocolate facial kit from a reputed brand available in the market. Now, follow the directions as provided in the kit or hire the services of the parlor lady on a convenient day.
How To Do Chocolate Facial At Home:
Of course, you can go for an elaborate chocolate facial with homemade products, but then, it can be cumbersome and quite hectic to gather all the necessary ingredients and use them the way you should.
Here are the steps:

Milk with a pinch of turmeric or a paste of besan and milk as they clean the skin in an amazing way.
Scrub – Make your favorite chocolate scrub by using a spoon of cocoa powder, a spoon of brown sugar, a spoon of olive oil and a pinch of vanilla extract. Mix them together and exfoliate your face with it.
Chocolate cream for face – To make a nourishing face cream, take a cup of cocoa powder and add six spoons of cottage cheese to it. Whisk them together. Now, add half-a-cup honey. Blend them well. Massage this mixture on your face with gentle upward motions. Let it stay for 15 minutes and rinse with plain water.
Chocolate face mask – Take a bar of organic dark chocolate, two spoons of oatmeal, five spoons of salt and organic milk (1/5 cup). Melt the chocolate and allow it to cool. Mix it with milk and salt. Alternately, you can make a face pack by combining half-a-cup of cocoa powder, 8 spoons of yoghurt, 4 spoons of honey, 2 capsules of Vitamin E and sufficient rice flour. Apply the mask on face and allow it to stay on for sometime, till it dries off and gets hard. Rinse with tepid water.

Chocolate Oatmeal Face Mask Recipe
A chocolate face mask that nourishes your skin that you can make at home with every day ingredients.
Ingredients1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream, or sour cream
3 tablespoons oatmeal powder
Instructions

Using a small bowl and spoon or spatula, mix all ingredients until well combined.
Apply immediately on face using a clean brush or fingers.
Gently massage into skin.
Lay down, and leave on skin for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

If you don't have oatmeal powder, simply use Old Fashioned Oats and pulse in a food processor.This face mask can not be made ahead and stored. I put some in the refrigerator for several days and I could not get it to thin out enough to use. So I recommend mixing when ready to use for best results.
Chocolate facials offer you a luxury experience and you would surely love the rich feeling it offers.

MOISTURISING ORANGE FACE PACK FOR A BRIGHTER YOU

Let’s talk about natural skin care – and you. You’re special (and if you’re choosing a skin care product, so why not try something natural).

It’s because you’re special that we’ve carefully researched and selected a great range of completely natural skincare packs. Everything you find here is designed and made to nurture and care for special faces like yours – and to be good for your skin and the environment.
If you’re anything like us, you are a fan of having clear skin. Clear skin = happy skin = happy you.
You’re probably wondering why we are talking about food. After all, this is a beauty and skin care blog, right?
 Today we’re talking about food for your face!
Since your skin is your body’s largest organ, what you put on it is as important as what you put into it, right !
 We have decided to launch a new section on the site devoted to homemade natural beauty products. Recipes for your face! And your body! And your hair! Yeah!

Anyhow, this orange face mask is amaaaazing for adding moisture and radiance to your face. All you need are a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, too!
Freshly squeezed orange juice is packed full of zinc and antioxidants, which your face loves a whole lot. Oatmeal and dried orange peel are excellent for gently exfoliating the dead skin cells from your face. Honey is naturally antibacterial and is wonderfully cleansing, and also is good for tightening your skin. And yogurt? Yogurt is SO good for your face, guys! It moisturizes, reduces the size of your pores, and even helps with break-outs.
Plus, if some of this mask accidentally drips into your mouth, you can totally just eat it. It’s delish! speaking from experience.

Moisturizing orange face mask
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup oatmeal (you can substitute instant unflavored oatmeal)
juice from 1 whole orange
3 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons dried orange peel (found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir until well-mixed and combined. You're looking for a consistency that is thick, but not too runny so it will stay on your face. You can always add extra oatmeal to thicken.
Spread onto your freshly washed and dried face in an even layer, being careful to avoid the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse this mask off with warm water.
Store any leftover mask in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

           
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Also, if you are feeling extra generous please leave some encouraging feedback in the comments section at the bottom of the page. We love getting feedback from visitors. It will encourage us to write more natural treatments that are cheap and effective!
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and we hope to see you here again soon!

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                                                            CATALYST

Bling It On With L'oreal Glitter Nail Polish

Hey everyone!
The L’Oreal Paris Cannes Special Nail paints are now available for purchase! Out of all the products that are part of the L’Oreal Sunset collection, I was most excited about the glitter nail paints! Here are 4 out of the 6 nail enamels launched in this collection ~

Because each of these nail paints has 2 sizes of glitter particles – one smaller dense glitter and the other larger hexagonal flecks, it gives a pretty intense shimmery effect on the nails. I LOVE it! There are 2 more shades in this range – one is shimmery gold and purple (not glittery) and one is a metallic silver.
These apply well, give fully opaque coverage in 2 coats and dry pretty quickly. I love the packaging they come in – so luxurious (makes me think of Chanel or YSL)! These are now available on counters for Rs 235 each. These are Limited Edition – part of the Cannes 2013 range (L’Oreal Paris is official makeup partner for Cannes).
If you love glittery nail paints, you should definitely try these! I’d recommend 821, 822 and 823!!!

The Colors
There are 6 glitter polishes in this collection and i have three of these in my stash. These are:
Copper Cuff : Clear Base polish with gold sparkles and copper heaxogonal glitters
L'oreal Amethyst : Dull purple base, with gold micro shimmer
Flaming Sunset: Black base with gold hexagonal glitter and gold specks.

My favorite has to be Flaming Sunset- I am not even a black nail polish person but the contrast of the gold glitter against the black is totally mesmerising !!


The Texture

These polishes are two coats to opaque (Copper Cuff has a clear base so that will take you three), but in terms of texture they are pretty average. They are thin, so they are not gloopy for sure and they apply smoothly but the wear time is just about 2 days. They chip very easily and obviously being glitter polishes, they are a pain to remove.

Recommendation: Out of this bunch, i only like the L'oreal Paris Flaming Sunset Color Riche (Black with Gold Glitter). The other two are can be skipped according to me, but check out the others from this range-Bronze Parure and Amethyst Riviera look stunning but were sold out so could not get my hands on them. Of course all of these are gorgeous to look at with the hexagonal glitters but they just don’t hold up over time. Chipping happens pretty quickly. I just wish that L'oreal had come up with some gorgeous pinks, turquoises and greens with these hexagonal glitters. I would have bought everything.

It's truly amazing how just by simply adding a little bling here and there you can totally change the look and feel of an outfit. We would love to get your shine on!
                                                                   CATALYST

Top 3 Fruity Face Masks For Fantastic Skin

Face masks are one of the best ways to hydrate, clear and cleanse the skin. They are able to energize, revitalize and rejuvenate while also keeping skin disorders at bay.
There are a number of ingredients you can include in your face mask recipes, but fruits are some of the best. In this blog post we will discuss why – and how – you should use mixed fresh fruits in your beauty regime

Fruits are all time favorite for everyone. But you know even your skin loves fruits. Fruits makes your skin clean, moisturize & tighten your pores with their natural ingredients. Fruits contains all the natural properties which our skin needs and have proven their power also. By using Fruit mask immediately your skin will start feeling that something is happening with your skin and fruits will start doing their magic on your skin.
A fruit mask is easy to prepare at home consuming less time & money. You can enjoy a relaxing & satisfying natural spa & salon right at your home by using these fruit masks. You can even use your kitchen ingredients along with these fruits face masks.
As different fruits have different qualities and do their own magic’s on our skin, that’s the good reasons why many of the more exclusive, well know masks & masks products are based & made up of fruits.
So below are the few FRUIT FACE MASKS which can be easily prepared at home.
Before using any fruit mask or any mask it is important to remove all the cosmetics, creams, lotions, or any types of products applied on your skin in short nothing should be there on your face & neck. Use mild face wash or soap if required to wash your face and neck. Once you wash your face pat it dry.
Mixed Fruit Face Mask - FACE MASK are for all types of skin
 Papaya, Banana, Avocado, Fruit mask

Note: Vitamins C and E plus enzymes in the papaya and avocado help exfoliate and smooth the complexion. The banana is an antioxidant and provides plenty of potassium. The honey has antibacterial properties and helps your skin glow.
Ingredients
½ a papaya
½ avocado
½ banana
1 teaspoon honey
Directions
Peel, slice and blend all ingredients in a small mixer until a nice, smooth paste forms. Apply to your face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
The mask is essential beauty care for every woman. But Cosmetics mask items. It contains fruits acids which is actually injurious to the skin. We can use some fresh fruits ingredients, which is highly effective care for our skin. So I've given below some of the homemade fruits mask.

Watermelon, Papaya, Banana, Cream, Fruit mask
Ingredients:
1/4 small Watermelon
2 slices Papaya
1 Banana
1 tablespoon Cream
Procedure:
Take watermelon, papaya, banana and cream and blend it all into a smooth paste. Apply gently with fingertips on your face and neck avoid around the eye. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Then rinse your face with cold water. Then apply moisturizer.

Melon Facial Mask 
 Ingredients:
½ cup melon
2 cup honey
Procedure:
Deseed the melon and make fine paste with addition of honey. Apply the paste on your skin and let it dry and wash off with luke warm water


 Have you all ever tried these masks or are you going to try it ? We would love to hear from you about your experience with this beauty mask.
♥ ♥
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                                                             CATALYST

PRETTY IN PINK EYESHADOW TUTORIAL

Hey everyone! For some of you girls out there who are looking for the perfect brand of makeup, then this will REALLY come in handy, and if you just want to shop for some makeup, then this review is for you! Cream eye makeup that never will disapoint you-if you like some fall-out, then you will LOVE using glitter too. I am a BIG fan of the eye glitter. Love the fall-out. If you're personally not a fan of fall-out, just try it, and see how you like it. . You really get what your money is worth. If you're going to an evening event, looking for a flirty look, the perfect looks for different seasons, you can count on these cream eye shadows to give you exactly what you're looking for!

Here are some pics of some very bold, bright eye Make up pictures:

Now I present you the "Pretty in Pink" tutorial.
1. Start off by properly cleansing your skin around the eyes to remove any dirt or bacteria
2. Dry your eyelids with a face cloth and apply moisturizing cream
You are now ready to begin!

 EYES IN PINK SHADOW


Now it’s time to apply and blend eyeshadow! I chose the cream eye shadow from make up studio.This eyeshadow is great if your favourite eyeshadow colours are light pink and light purple. It’s simple and easy to use, however, if you like to use different colour tones, try a different colour combination of the triple eyeshadow such as: Pink Grey, G Brown Khaki, Blue Navy, G Black Smoky, Colour Harmony, Sky Blue, Bronze Brown, Maple Brown, or Gold Brown. For this tutorial, I chose the ‘Lovely Pink’ colour combination because it’s a pink theme ^^~

Using the dark coloured pink cream eyeshadow, sweep the colour across the inner corners of your eyes and about halfway across the lid area (from the corner of your eyes to midway across your lash line to midway underneath your eyebrow) with a shadow brush. If you like, you can apply the white eyeshadow across your upper lid again for an extra touch of shimmer.

After eyeshadow application, apply volume mascara on your eyelashes and curl them. This will help draw attention to your eyes as it creates a flirty and feminine look to your lashes.

To add that extra ‘girly’ touch, apply some pink nail polish!
There you are! Pretty in pink~
Thank you for reading, we hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Until next time ........ take care!

catalyst

Your Way To Healthy Hair

You may want to ask; What does your stomach have to do with your hair? Well, almost everything. The guy who said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder should have included the stomach of the subject!
You are what you eat; it is as simple as that. There are types of food that will give your hair a major boost, unbelievably, and here is a list:
Generally, your hair needs three things: Proteins, vitamins and Minerals. Human hair, being made of amino acids, need protein for its growth.
Zinc and Iron are crucial for hair growth. Vitamins promote growth through enhanced blood circulation. Vitamins B-complex, E and C are all-essential
Water! Unless you do not consider water as food. Apart from being the universal solvent in your system that carries all nutrients to the required parts of the body, water is also a detoxifier and a moisturizer. Drink plenty of water for your hair to grow thick, shiny, and healthy.
Healthy hair growth needs lots of Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin B. Red meat, especially cooked beef, has plenty of this.
You must like fish. Your hair needs Essential Fatty Acids to grow healthy. Fish has lots of it. Fresh fish, dried fish, fried fish, any fish is good enough, but salmon is the best.
In case you are a vegetarian, then have plenty of almonds in your diet. Besides reducing cholesterol, almonds contain lots of nutrients needed for hair growth, like minerals and vitamins.
Fresh fruits, especially of the citrus family are highly critical. Oranges, tangerines, and lemons have lots of Vitamin C, which works together with iron to form collagen, a vital component of human hair.
Milk is another rich source of nutrients not just for the whole body but for the growing hair as well. Milk is a complete meal, containing minerals (especially Zinc & Iron), proteins, and vitamins. In this regard, cow’s milk is the best.
Your boy in general needs plenty of Vitamin B6 and Zinc. Chicken-peas can be a great source, apart from enriching your body with high quality plant proteins. Soybeans are also in this class. These two food types should particularly interest vegetarians and vegans.
Another source of Iron is the oats. The good thing is that eating oats gives your body Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium as well. You can add whole wheat to the mix to obtain Silica, which though not a required mineral in itself, but enhances absorption of the others.

                                                                            CATALYST

Home Remedies To Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is an embarrassing problem. One that often gets aggravated as winter sets in. We’ll tell you how you can get rid of it and have beautiful locks!

What is dandruff?
Dandruff is shedding of the skin on the scalp, that leads to white flakes on the head, neck and shoulders.
Our skin cells continuously renew themselves. The new skin cells push the old ones to the surface and out of the scalp. In the case of a person with dandruff, the rate of renewal is faster – which means more dead skin is shed, making dandruff more noticeable. Some people with dandruff might also suffer from irritation, itch and redness on the scalp.
Excessive flaking could also be a sign of underlying conditions like psoriasis. Dandruff can also occur when the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.
Signs and symptoms of dandruff:
The biggest sign will have to be white flakes on the scalp and hair. If the person is wearing dark-coloured clothing – flakes will be noticeable when they fall on the shoulders.
An itchy scalp
Sore scalp
Greasy flakes
If you have dandruff pay attention to these tips:
There are many over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that contain varied ingredients to combat dandruff effectively. It’s best to pick one with any of the following ingredients: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acids, tea-tree oil, green tea.

 Shampoo your hair every day to prevent dead skin build-up on your scalp.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, and use a mild shampoo on the other days of the week.
When you wash your hair, apply shampoo, lather well, rinse and repeat again. Make sure you rub your scalp gently to dislodge any dead skin on your scalp. Also, if you are using an anti-dandruff shampoo add another step i.e.: apply shampoo, lather well, wait for 2 minutes and then rinse. This allows the shampoo time to work.
In case you use a conditioner, make sure you only apply it on your hair and not the scalp. Also ensure you wash it off thoroughly, as any residue will only worsen your dandruff.
Brush/comb your hair regularly. This will help routinely dislodge any dead skin on your scalp.
Some home remedies for dandruff:
Make a mixture of 6 tsp. of water and 2 tsp. of vinegar and apply on scalp with cotton. Leave it on overnight and rinse. Do this once a week for about a month.
Make a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds and curd. Apply on scalp and leave for half an hour and wash.
Mix a tsp. of lime juice and 2 tsp. of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash after an hour.  

Salt
The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You’ll find you’ve worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo

Mouthwash
To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo; then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. You can follow with your regular conditioner.

Betnovate Skin Cream
My favorite to get rid of flakky danruff that i constantly suffer from is Betnovate skin cream which you can get from a chemist. Apply on the scalp and leave it over night , in the morning your hair with your regular shampoo.

If your dandruff is persistent even after a few weeks of such treatments – it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.

                                                       CATALYST

Festive Hairstyles You Must Try

Yay so the much-awaited festivities have begun! This Onam season, instead of wearing your hair the usual boring way, leave it open or half up half down. If you want more, try these easy-to-do, yet  styles by Catalyst Salon and Spa, that will help you channel the inner diva in you!

 

Onam is one of biggest festivals celebrated in our country, especially in Kerala ofcourse. This festival celebrates the home coming of Mahabali who was considered as the Vamun Avatar or Lord Vishnu’s Avatar. This celebration is held in the month of Chingam which is between August-September and continues for 10 days. It is usually celebrated by various festivities like large banquet lunches, Onam pookalam (flower rangoli)or attapoo as well as boat races and many other activities.

How to Style Festive Hairstyles with Ease
Festive hairstyles don't have to be elaborate but they do have to last through the party. The hairstyle must survive the special event and everything that may happen getting there and getting home. Here are a few tips to give your special hairdo staying power:
Store up on extra-hold styling mousse, blow-drying spray and anti-frizz lotion before you even start styling your festive hairdo.
Check out your festive hairdo before you dazzle with it at a special event. Vigorously move around your hair to find out whether the hairstyle is fit for dancing and having fun. At home, you can still secure a few escaped unruly strands of hair.

After styling, spray some extra gloss hairspray over your festive hairdo to provide appealing lustre and safe hold.
Inclement weather may take its toll on your well organised festive hairstyle. Keep a pocket-sized version of your favourite hairspray, I prefer Ellnett ready for instant repair styling.
We want to help you find the hairstyle to make you stand out in the crowd. Simply break with old habits and try an entirely new hairstyle. Have you ever tried out the sleek look? Maybe you like to turn your straight hair into wild curls. Braids, updos and semi-updos with and without accessories can add glamour, sophistication or fun to your style.

                                                                       catalyst

2013 Hair Trends and Styles - The Most Anticipated Hair Trends

As beauty enthusiasts in the salon industry, we thought we’d provide you with our predictions on upcoming 2013 hair trends and styles. Enjoy, and stay tuned – we update these hair trends regularly!

 Braids with a twist!

We predict an increased demand for beautiful braids- whether it’s simple or intricate, for a wedding or a walk in the park, braids will continue to be a well sought after hairstyle in 2013. Don’t think that every braid has to be perfect; in fact, we think that the idea of the ‘messy braid’ is here to stay!

The Sleek Fishtail

A braid like this is the perfect way to stay—and look—cool. Keep it sleek and polished to go seamlessly from poolside to nighttime party.

How to do it:
Blow-dry hair using fingers until it's three-quarters of the way dry, then work in mousse from root to end. Try L'oreal professionnel volume mousse,Rs 550/. Use a paddle brush to finish blow-drying and smoothing strands. Make a deep side part and swoop the rest of your hair over to the opposite side, slightly behind your ear. "If you're doing it yourself, you may want to secure into a low pony to hold in place, then undo at the end". To start the fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections. Work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Next do the reverse: take a thin piece of hair from the left section and join it with the right. Continue until you have about 1 inch left at the end. Secure with an elastic—preferably one that's the same color as your hair—and smooth on an anti-frizz product, like the Sublime shine serum. It helps to control flyaways and also contains SPF.

Heat Waves

long, loose waves are equal parts sexy and casual—a perfect mix for summer.
How to do it:
Wash hair and let air-dry or try this look on a day-old blowout. Divide hair into a few large sections and use your biggest curling iron on each. "The key is to make sure you get waves, not curls,". "Otherwise it can look old-fashioned." To do this, hold the iron vertically and wrap sections down the barrel—starting at mid-shaft and working your way down to the bottom. Do not clamp hair in. Using a liss control cream, work your fingers through to separate strands. The more you touch the hair, the less curly it becomes, . It makes the look more laid back.

WATERFALL BRAID !

There are various methods of performing a hair braid. In fact, each of which is given a specific name, which serves as an overall description to the braided hair. One such type of hair braid is known as the waterfall brai...d. If you are gong to get a new fresh elegant hair style, why not consider this beautiful waterfall braid?

These Waterfall Braids are easy to do and just takes a few
minutes to look gorgeous. Happy Braiding!!!

                                                               catalyst

HOME REMEDIES FOR ANTI - AGING SKIN CARE

If you dread the crinkles and creases that come with aging -- don't! Stress only makes wrinkles worse. But how can you remedy the ones you've got?
Women want to stay looking their best as they age, so many are constantly looking for anti-aging skin care products and treatments. There are plenty of natural skin care remedies that everyone can follow to slow down the aging process. Here are some of the best anti aging skin care remedies that you can try out at home to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful. Natural skin care remedies help you wipe out the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and loose sagging skin on face and neck.

Homemade Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
e Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
Homemade anti aging aloe vera & cucumber facial peel beauty recipe tightens skin, smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines while nourishing skin with moisture.

Anti Aging Aloe Vera Cucumber Peel
1 small cucumber (peeled and seeded)
2 ounces of chamomile tea (steeped and strained)
2 ounces of green tea (steeped and strained)
1 ounce of aloe vera gel
1 small packet gelatin

Puree cucumber until it resembles a paste, then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth and reserve the juice.
In a saucepan, combine green tea, chamomile tea, and gelatin. Heat and stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer to glass bowl and add cucumber paste and aloe vera gel. Refrigerate until mixture starts to thicken, about 25 minutes. Apply mask to face and neck and let dry for about 20 minutes. When dry, peel mask from forehead to chin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
 Cucumber is an astringent that tightens the skin and smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.
 Chamomile and green tea work wonders with alleviating puffiness, and the aloe vera gel nourishes the skin with moisture.

Home Remedies for Anti Aging Skin Care – Best Anti Wrinkle Treatments
Try a combination of any of the following anti wrinkle remedies and tips to maintain smooth, younger, and healthier skin:

1. Vitamin C is one of the best skin care products for anti aging and anti wrinkle skin care. Vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin, helps protect the skin against sun and free radical damages, and improves the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. Vitamin C is commonly found in natural skin tightening treatments.

2. Honey is one of the best skin care products in many anti aging skin care products. This homemade skin care ingredient helps to retain moisture to keep your skin well hydrated. Application of honey on to the face will help you get rid of acne and also provides moisturizing anti-aging benefits. Try to do this natural skin care remedy regularly for best results.

3. Add avocado to your skin care routine to get a younger looking skin naturally. The anti oxidants in this natural skin care fruit reduce free radicals in the human body. Simply apply either the mash or slices of avocado on your face and you will get that rejuvenated look.

4. Egg whites are best for natural anti aging skin care. Apply egg white mask to the lines under your eyes to get rid of under eye wrinkles and restore skin elasticity. This homemade skin care remedy is best for natural skin tightening and you will get younger looking skin.

5. Almond oil is one of the best skin care ingredients in skin care products and a good all-around beauty product. Almond oil help to improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. Many of the best wrinkle creams contain almond oil as a key ingredient for reducing wrinkles and sagging skin.

6. Potatoes have exceptional anti-aging properties for natural skincare. For removing blemish marks and dark pigments on the facial skin, you can rub raw potato slices over the area. This anti aging skin care home remedy is also best for treating the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Place two slices of potato on your eyes for ten minutes, to get rid of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles.

7. Coconut oil is the best natural skin care product for anti wrinkle treatment as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and tighten sagging skin. Massage your face with coconut oil before going to bed for reducing skin wrinkles, for natural skin tightening and getting a facelift naturally.

Anti-wrinkle facial treatments are an investment in beauty for life. Home remedies for anti aging skin care will help to keep you look fresh and youthful with no sign of aging.

                                               catalyst

RAINDROPS ON ME ........ MONSOON HAIR CARE TIPS

EMBRACING THE SHOWERS....

The rain gods be praised --------- monsoon's here! You love the rains ; don't make your hair hate them.
Cloudy skies spell a cheer in the air. For me, they take me down the memory lane ----- Duckback raincoats, rain - kissed walks back from school, hot samosa's and hot Chai by the window and much more. The joy was at times short -lived when the monsoon wreaks havaoc on my hair. Do you feel the same way?
Catalyst Salon and Spa is here to help you with effective monsoon haircare tips.
AVE THE SCALP!
SAVE THE SCALP
The monsoons are notorious for causing scalp issues such as dandruff, dry scalp or increased senstivity. A solution that puts a check mark is opting for regular hairspa's ( L'oreal) to keep the scalp free of infections . The easiest way to protect your scalp is using the right kind of shampoo to cleanse the scalp and please do not tie damp hair.

A PROTECTIVE SHEILD
How we shudder at the "F" word! Don,t get me wrong, I mean the "frizz" mass our hair turns during the rains. Serums are certainly the way to go and also choose the correct combination of anti - frizz cream ( liss control gel cream - L'oreal Professionnel)cream or Serum ( liss Ultime - L'oreal Professionnel) For a natural mask for the hair right from the kitchen try out a combination of olive oil,eggs and curd. Use this pack once a month for 30 minutes.Also use raincoats with hoodies or umbrella's to protect the hair from coming in direct contact with the high clorine levels in rain water.

BEING NIT PICKY....
Choosing your product for the season with exceptional care and in accordance with your hair type goes a long way.Not just when it comes to products related to haircare, but also picking what goes into your body ( having a healthy diet) is absolutely essential.

NAILING THE STYLE
The best way to make sure you stay on the style meter is by getting and flaunting a trendy haircut. I suggest in wearing the hair short or keeping it tied as the easiest way to manage your mane this season. If you are ready to go short , pick and choose from the wide array of bobs to mix  sophistication with fun. Long lengths still have your fancy? There's a whole platter of up- styles, be it pony tails or braids, at your disposal. You will have an interesting time playing mix and match.

THE BIG NO !
While shedding light on what should be done to protect the hair,giving you tips on the stuff that your locks will be better off without.
1. Tying or brush through wet hair.
This will only add to the damage levels.
2. Using strong shampoos:
 Only works to further dehydrate and dry out your hair.
3. Proper usage of conditioners and Masque :
Use a conditioner according to your hair type, mainly giving more importance to the length of the hair. Never use the conditioner on the scalp as it could cause dandruff.
4. Blow drying and heat treatments :
 It is not advisable to blow dry very often. These are hygroscopic in nature , which means that they make their hair absorb the moisture from the effect of the treatments.
With these handy tips now in your bag, go on, flaunt those gorgeous tresses away

So as I always say go out and dance in the rains this monsoon season and don't forget to post us your hair care tips.
                                                                catalyst

HOW TO USE TEA TREE OIL FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Tea Tree Oil - Wonder Oil for Acne treatment
Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Why do people use tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and anti fungal treatment. One study found that tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It appears to be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot.

Can you get tea tree oil naturally from foods?
There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Work Against Acne?
Often a variety of spots and scars on the face are the result of acne which has been before. Despite the fact that acne is already in the past, not passing scars on the face will constantly remind the owner of his past troubles. Therefore, a lot of people are looking for another way of treatment except various chemicals. Recently more natural products get in widespread use such as tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and bactericidal action against skin diseases.
The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Tea tree oil has become known around the world since the early 1900s. Since then it can be found in pharmacies in every corner of the planet. This oil was also added as a key ingredient into all sorts of creams and medicines that only did them better. Due to such solution, these creams began to possess antiseptic, anti fungal, antiviral, antibacterial and healing effects.
There are quite a few causes of acne. The most widespread one is hormonal imbalance, as it is considered to be the most common during adolescence. But, nevertheless, acne also appears in adults who have already passed adolescence and have no problems with hormones. The reason for this is excessive work of hypodermic sebaceous glands which during normal operation excrete a sufficient amount of sebum to moisturize skin. Consequently, skin pores become clogged. In combination with dust they form an enabling environment for bacteria.
In this case, tea tree oil is a solvent of oil and dirt. This oil clears the pores from bacteria, while its antibacterial function prevents further outbreaks.
But with positive aspects, tea tree oil also has negative ones. This oil contains toxins which are absorbed into the organism. Therefore, it is necessary to use it only on those areas of the skin where its direct influence is necessary. Concentrated oil has to be mixed with water because its use in a pure form can cause severe allergic reactions, causing more problems.
Tea tree oil is necessary to apply in such a way: first, dilute a few drops of oil with water and then put on a cotton swab and use only on the affected area. You will see the best effect when you start using this solution every day. Besides, it will protect your skin from new acne problems.
At the moment, tea tree oil is one of the most successful ways against acne. There are several ways to use this oil for best results. Some people suggest adding it to the cream which already contains an extract of aloe. They say that this combination has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to get rid of acne by destroying bacteria that contribute to their appearance.

How to get rid of Acne and scars using Tea tree oil ?
Use a very small amount of 100% pure tea tree oil on acne and scars while you shower. Or pour few drops of tea tree oil in a cotton ball. Dab it to the infected area.  Use tea tree oil every night and it  it definitely helps in getting rid of beginning zits or already developed zits overnight. Sometimes it stings a little but it really works! I recommend using it.
Another best home remedy using Tea Tree oil ,which i know to fight with some positive results is take about 20ml tea tree oil and squeeze to it about two capsules of vitamin E . Touch your scar with this oil (even active acne) and it should heal much faster.

 

catalyst

HOW TO FLAT IRON WITHOUT CAUSING HAIR DAMAGE

If you want straight hair,without getting it damaged here are some quick and easy tips for your hair:
Pick the right size flat iron
Flat irons are like clothes, they are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron.
 The right size iron will be easier to maneuver, straighten your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.

For short, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with narrow plates ranging in size from half-an-inch to one-inch thick. This will allow you to iron smaller sections.
For long, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with wider plates ranging in size from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide so you're able to cover more surface area in less time.

How Not to Wreck Your Hair

Your blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron can make your hair look great.
But if you misuse those tools or have the wrong ones, your hair may look like it's ready for a lengthy stint in hair rehab.
Use this guide to brush up on how to style your hair at home as well as how to mend damaged hair.

1. Buy Good Tools
Hair styling tools don't have to cost a fortune. But they do need basic features.
Look for tools that offer different heat settings. "The cheaper ones have just one setting."
Check to see if your tool displays heat temperatures. For instance, some hair irons can be dialed to a variety of heat settings, from 130 to nearly 230.
Above 230-degree setting is "definitely too high" for personal use by someone who isn't a stylists and is certainly not needed.
 Choose dryers with a nozzle attachment to target air flow and a diffuser to help distribute heat more evenly.

2. Know Your Hair -- and Style It Accordingly
When you select a heat setting on your dryer or curling or straight iron, consider the thickness of your hair.
"The finer the hair, the lower the temperature". "For instance, a person with baby fine hair should use the lowest possible setting."
That doesn't mean if you have a thick mane you should opt for the highest setting, he adds. "We rarely,"use an extremely high degree of heat even at the salon."
Before you get a curling iron or a flat (straightening) iron, take your natural hair texture into account.
"It's better to work with your natural hair texture than against it.

3. Protect your Hair from the Heat
There are hair products made to protect your hair from the heat of dryers, curling irons, or flat irons like the L'oreal Iron finish. Many of them use silicone as a protective coating for your hair.
To protect your hair while styling, work quickly.
"If you are using a curling or straight iron, you should probably not use it for more than three or four seconds [per section].

4. Study Styling Technique
A little professional advice never hurts. Ask your hair stylist to go over how to style your hair, even if you've done it yourself for years.
The stylist may be able to show you shortcuts, or newer techniques. Set up a separate appointment, or ask in advance for some extra time at your next visit. That will give your stylist time to work with you.

5.Things to avoid -
Do not iron hair when wet, as this is a sure way to fry your strands.
- Do not use broken or chipped hot tools, as they can be dangerous.
- Do not use a flat iron everyday as "any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use.

6. Use the right material
 Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metals. They will heat more evenly causing less heat damage to your hair. They are the "gentlest on the hair" because they release negative ions which work to tighten the hair's cuticle. This produces a shinier, healthier, less frizzy look and feel, advises. On the flip side, be weary of "irons that are ceramic 'coated' or Teflon 'coated" as they will heat a little more unevenly, and tend to have a more drying effect."

                                                          catalyst