BEAUTY BIBLE Archives

In BEAUTY BIBLE July 15, 2017

Flawless Foundation

Fatima Sheikh discovers crucial tips on applying the perfect tone of foundation from certified makeup artist, Saima Yousaf, owner of SYS salon, Lahore, who has taken makeup courses around the world

Myth:

Our face needs to be covered with skin coloured foundation to appear flawless.

Reality:

Saima Yousaf completely differs on this point. She tells us that women here are using the same base tone and shades, like NC-5, or FS-45. They are a little too dark for darker skin and a little too pale for fair skin. The base is a composition of pigments and tone, which we should calculate before applying. The shade and the tone are to be decided before deciding the colour. Some women should acquire pigments that consist of more red, some should acquire more yellow, green, blue and some purple. They are all different from each other and they produce different results, which only experts can fully judge before application. The perfect natural end result is apparent to everyone when it appears undetectable. Simply put a person with yellow skin tone cannot apply a red base colour. Suppose a person has pale skin, if we directly apply a skin foundation on it, the end result will never be smooth and subtle, instead it will give a cakey and cracked effect.

“Makeup is an art, but without blending with the right colours itâ€™s lifeless”

â€”Saima Yousaf Sheikh

These are magic tips and tricks to apply a smooth base. The difficult areas to apply are under the eyes and around the lips. These are the areas where the skin tone is different. What we have to do is accurately reflect the colour of our skin and according to that apply tones to neutralize the shade. You can mix two different shades. 90 per cent skin is two-toned, which is why different shades are mixed. These colours are called colour correctors that neutralize the tone of our skin and make it ready for applying foundation. Mostly, orange tone is applied underneath the eyes because the skin under the eyes is black or brown. Around the lip area the skin is green blue or purple so mixed shades should be applied to neutralize it. Then, the diversity of the tone should be minimized by blending properly.

The side effects of directly applying foundation can be that the face looks very pink or grey, because when applying light foundation on dark skin, it gradually looks a little grey. Also when you apply the same foundation on your cheeks, under the eyes and around your lips, the cheeks take it well, but slowly the other areas start become grey and look odd.

The correct character tone of colours and pigments is very important according to our skin tone. Only then our foundation will become flawless, wonâ€™t show any cracks and give a smooth end result.

In BEAUTY BIBLE May 15, 2017

Five Makeup Trends to Embrace This Season

1. Bye Bye Matte, Hello Gloss!

YES, enough of those patchy matte lips! This summer let’s break out of the rut and bring out those luminous bombshell pouts! It won’t only make your lips look more voluminous but attractive as well.

2. Natural Brows Are In

This summer let’s flaunt our natural brows and not draw those customized brow shapes. Brush through your brows and fill in the natural shape with which you’re blessed.

3. Minimal Contour

Yes, please. We all know how 2016 was ALL about a strong contour game. Well, this year let’s just give that a break and go for minimal contouring. After all, less is always more.

4. Keep all that drama for your lashes

Focus on the lashes this season ladies. Get your best mascaras out and go for those voluminous doll like lashes.

5. Coloured liners it is

Let’s skip the old school black liner and go for blues, purples, pinks, teal and emeralds this season.

In BEAUTY BIBLE March 31, 2017

10 Hair Myths

When it comes to Hair are you following your Naniâ€™s Totkas (Old wives tales)? following some of these age-old myths may well be damaging your hair.

All types of hair, from lustrous long locks to sassy and chic shorter styles, have their own set of challenges. separating hair myths from facts might help you on your way to catering to your specific hair-type.

Let’s debunk these trickeries and achieve healthy and= gorgeous hair

Shampoo is the reason for hair fall!

Address the real problem rather than blaming shampoo for your thinning locks. Women often face the horror of having to deal with meshes of hair that clog the drain. Hair fall is more noticeable in tubs or on tiles of your bathrooms, but if you start observing carefully, you might find comparatively more hair on your pillow covers. In fact, you are doing more damage to your hair than doing good if you are not washing it regularly, as build-up is a cause of inflammation, which in turn exacerbates hair fall.

To have it looking lush, just go ahead and brush!

The only thing over brushing does to your hair is that it makes it lusterless. Overbrushing does NOT boost blood flow to the scalp, nor does it aid the process, instead it vitiates the growth and damages the cuticles. So brush them once, maximum twice to make sure they look healthy and nice!

Colouring hair = Damage Alert!

People believe that colour treating hair is the second name for hair damage. However, products available for colouring hair these days have more conditioners, making hair more glossy and manageable. Bleaching hair, on the other hand, does make it thinner and brittle. Knock knock! Bleaching and colouring is not the same thing!

Best way to rinse: ice ice baby!

Though taking super hot showers is not good for hair nor the scalp, that doesn’t imply that ice cold water is especially beneficial. It might be a good way to shower in the morning to stay more alert and active but solely doing it for the sake of making your tresses shinier is not a good idea. Better to wash it with lukewarm water as the result won’t be any different.

Trimming often is the key to rapid hair growth!

Cut it or not, your hair will grow approximately half an inch per month. So the only benefit of frequent trims is giving your hair less split ends!

Switching shampoos makes your hair better!

A change is better but not in every case. People believe that prolonged use of a particular brand or variant of shampoo makes it less effective for your hair. Total gibberish! Although you might keep trying different brands to see which one works the best, hair never becomes immune to any product. So if you are happy and satisfied with the one you are using now, carry on with it.

Air drying is better than blow drying!

Let us blow your mind away with this amazing info. By comparing blow drying with air drying, we concluded that as perceived blow drying can cause â€œsomeâ€ damage to your hair while air drying too can damage your hair. Experts say that the interior of hair swells if exposed to water for longer periods of time, thus, resulting in more damage than heat styling/drying. If you are running late and want to dry those flicks in an instant, then do it guilt free!

Flat hair can never have a voluminous solution!

People with flat and fine hair seem to give up on the road to thicker and bouncier hair. But donâ€™t lose hope because the equipment today is so advanced that a good 15 minute twirling around with large hot rollers or a curling tong can make your hair go full volume. So if you have resigned on your dream of having voluminous locks then buckle up, get the right equipment or visit a good stylist and your hair can get the bounce and thickness it craves.

Plucking one gray hair brings back two!

A gray hair signifies that your hair has entered the phase of graying but people strongly believe that plucking that one gray hair will double the growth of gray strands. We will recommend you not to launch that plucking war on your hair, not because it will gray more rapidly but because plucking it harms the hair cuticle and root.

Dandruff signifies a dry scalp only!

Newsflash: Dandruff is not just a sign of dryness ,although we have long associated it with a dry scalp only. Dandruff tends to grow due to the type of yeast that overgrows in an oily environment, so to get rid of those dry flakes, look for hair masks or treatments specifically for dandruff and not just for a dry scalp.

In BEAUTY BIBLE March 15, 2017

Dr. Tauqeer Ahmed

By Mahlia Lone

Dr. Tauqeer Ahmad of Signature skin careÂ

You are more than just a dermatologist. Aren’t you also a licensed international trainer of dermatological techniques?

I am an international trainer for the Happy Lift Non-Surgical Facelift, which offers results for 3-5 years. I also train doctors for Botox, fillers, threads, as well as work training doctors for Soft Surgery System.

Tell us about natural ways to slow down aging. How can a dermatologist help with that?

The natural way to treat the skin is to treat the skin from within, to slow down aging results by including a healthy diet and lifestyle as well as supplements.

What is bespoke signature skincare?

This is our personalised skincare, It treats every aspects of your skin and we have over 1170 different formulations we can use. Depending upon the response, this can be varied to optimize skin radiance and lifting , whilst combating the root cause of the problem.

How does the price compare to drugstore or department store creams?

It compares with the best top end skincare products and contrary to popular belief is very affordable. It is not about how much you are spending but it is how you spend your money.

How does a collagen supplement drink improve skin and hair? Isn’t taking vitamins and minerals the same thing? What about juicing?

A collagen supplement drink is not about drinking collagen but its about taking collagen precursors that stimulate the whole body. Vitamin supplements can be added to this process to further stimulate theprocess.

At what age should a woman really start caring for her skin?

Men and women should start using protection for skin from the age of 20.

If one is on a budget, then what are cost effective and high priority skin treatments to do?

This varies depending on the condition of the skin and should focus on achieving healthy skin, Treatments for all conditions are available at all price points.

Are facials a waste of money?

Anything that cleanses the skin is good as long as there are no harmful products.

If you take care of your skin properly, how many years can you knock off?

The older you get the more years you knock off but 5-10 years is quite realistic.

What are special goodies you are offering only to GT readers?

We offer a free skin analysis and in depth consultation for your skin, as well as special VIP time slots for GT readers.

In BEAUTY BIBLE March 1, 2017

The Perfect Summer Palettee

Sweet Peach Palette by Too Faced

This Summer itâ€™s all about soft peachy eye looks with flirty lashes. Peach has a warm tone that is flattering on the South Asian complexion. This rectangular shaped palette is a must have with light pinks and peachy shades with quirky names that give you the perfect natural glam. A combination of 18 shades consisting of favourites like Bless Her Heart, Talk Derby To Me and Charmed, Iâ€™m Sure. The pigments will blow your mind. A must have for all you makeup lovers out there.

By Fatima Sheikh

Summer has started! So browse through our favourite summer looks as produced by these five ravishing makeup palettes

Master Palette Mario

by Anastasia

This palette is a makeup loverâ€™s dream come true and comes in a black rectangular box with a brush. The swatches have us watering at the mouth. This one is an all rounder with both dramatic and natural shades. Itâ€™s a compilation of 12 shades with one word names like Paris, Isabel and Hollywood. Most of the shades are shimmery and fun to play with. Donâ€™t forget to get your hands on this beauty before it runs out because it is a limited edition set.

Morphe 350

by Morphe

This palette is for all you warm pro makeup lovers who love nudes. Find all your neutrals in one place, including both matte and shimmer shades. We canâ€™t get over how affordable this set is for what it offers: variety, consisting of a whopping 35 shades. It is great for detailing because every shade is precise. It is simple and to the point without any names given. The look it generates is simply flawless–a no makeup makeup look.

The Burgundy Palette Kyshadow

by Kylie CosmeticsÂ Â

How can a makeup list be complete without including a Kylie Jenner palette? It comes in a white square kit without any names. There are a total of 9 dark and dusky shades. This palette has the most beautiful colours to create dreamy burgundy and warm looks, which are trending this year. Kylie Cosmetics, whether good or mediocre, are so popular that the products fly off the shelves and are hard to get your hands on.

Modern Renaissance

by AnastasiaÂ

It is the perfect palette for you if you are into bright pinks and burnt oranges, along with neutrals to balance out the colour. It comes in a girlie pink box and has a fluffy eyeshadow brush in it. The names of the shades are so cute like Love Letter and Golden Ochre. These extremely buttery shades will blend like a dream and stay on throughout the day.

In BEAUTY BIBLE February 15, 2017

Glitter Lips

Valentine’s is all about love,
and Pat McGrath Labs Lust 004 is what we are lusting after this season. This kit elevates your makeup bag to the next level.
first seen on supermodels drenched in glitter lips on the Atelier Versace runaway, Later the secret was revealed by Pat in the form of a magical kit.

Called the most influential make-up artist in the world by none other than Vogue magazine, Pat McGrathâ€™s shimmering shades are like no other. Models, like Maria Carla Boscon, Bella Hadid, Taylor Hill, Karen Elson, Chrissy Teigen, Shay Mitchell and last but not least Naomi Campbell, have given us some major lip goals by showcasing the look on runways, celebrity events and social media. For some, however, glitter lips can be an acquired taste.

Shay Mitchell

Taylor Hill

Chrissy Teigen

There are 3 kits in total called Flesh, Vermillion Venom and Blood Wine and each kit comes in a pink sequined pouch. For starters, I thought the sequins can be applied on the lips, but that is just McGrath’s presentation of the beautiful product. After all she has been in the business for over 20 years. Each set of the kits contain two complimentary lipsticks, a tube of vinyl gloss, a jar of molten gold powder, and our favourite jar of glitter.

This pretty Cirque du Soleil of glitter comes in a total of 11 shades consisting of six lip
liners, which are all a combination of shimmer, bronze, nudes and tasty reds. four
among These are thick glitter in the tones of blood red, wine red, bronze and gold.

Application Process

First I applied the lip liner, then the gloss that comes with it and later I put my hands straight to the red glitter. This minute long process is definitely a trend thatâ€™s here to stay. The look appeared flawless because I had glitter lips with minimal make up. So striking! This kit is surly for goddesses who wish to bring their makeup A game. The combination of the vinyl gloss, shades of lipsticks combined with glitter brings different tones on different lips. If that isn’t magic what is?

Experts know how to perform the perfect application to create the Versace runaway look, but I couldn’t wait to dab some glitter on my lips. Ladies, I bet you would go wild experimenting as well. The brand has also collaborated with Sephora, so you can purchase singles or the full set for $150.

These are versatile looks that can be acquired using this
kit–looks which i created myself assigning names.

Gold Goddess look:
More vinyl gloss and more gold glitter giving a shimmery metallic gold effect. It looks like you have drunk liquid gold.

Red-Wine Goddess look:
Less lip liner and more red glitter for luscious glittery lips.

nude Goddess look:
Less colour to get a more subtle, but still dazzling nude effect.

Multi Goddess look:
Mix a bit of 2 or 3 glitters and lip liner to get a unique multi-coloured shade.

There is room for many more looks once experimented.

“I wanted to create the ultimate editorial kit that takes you from nothing all the way to the most extreme, jewelled,
three-dimensional mouth.”
â€”pat McGrath

In BEAUTY BIBLE January 31, 2017

When in doubt just add Glitter

By Fatima SheikhÂ

When we say magic we think of glitter, like Tinkerbell’s fairy dust. Glitter can be applied anywhere be it nails, body, hair, etc. Even men have been experimenting by glittering up their beards. For women, glitter lips is such a hot trend right now.

However, the most popular form of application of glitter makeup is on our eyes. Eyes are the window to the soul and adding a little magic to them can be breathtaking.

Pat McGrath has unbelievable glitter makeup products. Â Kim Kardashian as Â done up by the makeup guru for the cover of The Violet Files

Smoky eye glitter
Who is not in love with a smoky eyes? Add a touch of glitter and what you get is perfection.

Gold eye glitter
It’s a royal and bold look

Red eye glitter
A very seductive look. It’s fresh and edgy at the same time. Make it dark and dusky.

Peacock eye glitter
This over the top eye makeup will make your day.

Silver eye glitter
Silver is the new gold. The silver eye glitter is the easiest look to carry.

Animal print eye glitter
Not for our everyday events, but it is fierce.

Yellow eye glitter
Add black eyeliner with it and rev up the magic.

Nude eye glitter
Always number one for a minimal makeup effect.

Rainbow eye glitter
Not ideal for a sunny day, but works with a toned down face and outfit to balance it out. A look for the bold and daring

Black eye glitter
Cat eye lovers, this one is for you

White eye glitter
A subtle and snowy look, it will turn you into a snow princess

Pink eye glitter
If you are wearing pastels, then this is the perfect combination. Don’t use too dark a tone of pink, but go for a more subtle baby pink.
Minimal makeup or extravagant cat eyes, glitter can pull off any look and give you a completely mesmerizing look. Don’t be afraid to play with different colours and looks of glittery eye makeup.

In BEAUTY BIBLE January 16, 2017

Mirror Mirror on the wall

By Fatima SheikhÂ

Itâ€™s true that bronzed skin looks healthy, exotic, attractive and expensive–a sign of a luxurious beach holiday perhaps–but some still prefer to be fair and pale. These home remedies are for all those who want that milky white complexion. Forget whitening injections, these tricks and tips not only give you fair skin, but more importantly help your skin become fresh and flawless. Though one should always be comfortable in one’s own skin, taking good care of it is of paramount importance. These tips will delight one and all

Dead cell removalÂ

Mix together:
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons rice flour
4 tablespoons milk
Mix until the consistency turns into paste
Apply a thick film on your skin like a mask
Now dip a paper towel in goat’s milk and cover your skin with it
Cover the whole hand or body and apply for 20 minutes
Wash it off with mild warm water

Goat’s milk contains skin minerals and vitamin A. This remedy is for removing dead cells of your hands and feet, making them fresher, softer and fairer. Use this continuously for a week for optimal results.

â€œEVERYONE WANTS TO HAVE FLAWLESS SKINâ€
â€”Kristin Baker

Rose & cucumber mask

MIX:
1 small cup of fresh rose petals washed thoroughly
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 small cup wheat flour
1 small cup milk

Grind all the ingredients together until it becomes a mask. Then, apply a thick layer on your face until it dries out. Take a cotton ball, soak it in cool water and remove the mask gently. Then rinse it off. Rose petals contain vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. Cucumber is good for hydration and removing skin scars and spots. Wheat flour is a key ingredient for lighter and softer skin. Using this regularly can do wonders.

Apple and honey mask

Take half an apple and peel off the skin
Blend it and put the mixture in a bowl
Add 2 teaspoons yogurt
Add 1 teaspoon honey and blend the mixture
Apply it gently on your skin and leave on for 20 minutes
Rinse off

Apples are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Yogurt exfoliates the skin removing blemishes. Apply this remedy 2-3 times a week for fairer and more radiant skin.

Â Scar Removal Mask

MIX TOGETHER:
3 tablespoon rice flour
1/2 teaspoon of 5% hydrogen peroxide solution
Mix it well, adding 4 tablespoons of Shea Butter
Add juice of 1/2 an orange
Apply the thick paste on your skin for 30 minutes until it is completely dry
Rinse your skin with rice water afterwards

These simple home remedies should be applied according to skin type. It might suit some and might take time for others.

Lemon scrub

MIX:
2 tablespoons honey
Freshly squuezed juice of 1/2 an orange
Mix properly
Take half a lemon and rub the scrub on your skin using the lemon
Leave on for 25 minutes
Rinse off
The citric acid and vitamin C from the orange juice and lemon results in whiter skin. Apply this remedy regularly. You will start to notice your skin is fairer after only 2 to 3 applications.

Be the judge yourself and love your skin.
Fair or tanned, your skin should always look fresh and flawless.

In BEAUTY BIBLE December 16, 2016

Beauty bible: Dr. Tauqeer Ahmed of Harley Street Skin & Cosmetic Clinic tells us how to remain Forever Young!

In life you aspire to be the best version of yourself, a version that is unique and distinctive. You want to stand out, be noticed, and be admired. But the question is how far should we go to get what we want?

There is a fierce debate surrounding the need to upgrade oneâ€™s appearance by permitting the use of methods that can adjust the way you look. Some people frown upon the idea of exercising aesthetic medicine or dermatology and label it as a superfluous alteration. However, there are those who have a better understanding of the procedures and have also embraced the groundbreaking practices.

One of the biggest advocates of Aesthetic Medicine,Â Dr Muhammad Tauqeer AhmedÂ Â said, â€œAesthetic Medicine is one of the most rapid growing specialties and to this effect a new postgraduate college for its specialization has been established in the UK. In this modern era a niche, which could not be filled by other aspects of medicine, has been addressed. The regulation of practitioners is key to ensure that quality treatment is delivered. Exciting times are ahead with stem cell therapy and DNA based research to reverse the aging process.â€

A UK graduate with a special interest in dermatology, he is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and launched Vaser Liposuction, Carboxytherapy, PRP and PDT therapy in Scotland and the UK.

ButÂ how doÂ we know what we want? Which processes work better and which techniques suit us?

The consultant can either do what the patient wants and leave the decision entirely up to him/her or recognize their need and guide him/her accordingly. Dr. Ahmedâ€™s methodology is unique; he not only discusses the changes his patients want but also inquires why? He believes in understanding the desire to change, and feels the more he knows about the person, the more accurate his assessment will be. Maybe what is required is a simple procedure like Botox or other non-surgical face lifting treatments that not only give an instant lift but also keep the look enhanced for long periods. Known as the go to doctor for many in the fashion and beauty industry including Miss Scotland and Miss Earth, Dr Ahmedâ€™s clientele is as diverse as the methods heâ€™s mastered.

Client testimonials:

Natasha said, â€œI love Dr Ahmedâ€™s medical facials, especially DMK that tightens and evens out skin and PRP, which not only activates but gives the skin an amazing glow as well.â€

Amira said, â€œI have had melasma on my cheeks and forehead for many years for which I have gone through many treatments in vain. Dr. Ahmed used a combination of treatments and procedures accompanied by a dedicated follow-up assessment. After three treatments, many people have complimented me. His service spells out the highest level of professionalism with commitmentâ€.

Young, beautiful and healthy girl with the arrows on her face (spa, surgery, face lifting and make-up concept collage)

Dr Ahmed is well known for his comprehensive protocol, his use of multi-disciplinary approach and combination therapies are a success; he has a great track record for treatment of dark circles, stretch marks, cellulite, acne, pigmentation and other common skin problems, and he is one of the few doctors who specializes in dark Asian skin and has customized procedures for his patients. Dr Ahmed is now offering his services in Pakistan and has established a Cosmetic Mega clinic located in Lahore where he is also currently working on DNA based aesthetic, weight management, sports performance, and non-surgical hair loss treatments.