Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance. Around 90 percent of women suffer from it in their legs, buttocks or stomach. There are ways in which you can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Let us look at some of them.

(Also read – How to burn fat without losing muscle)

Eat healthy

A healthy diet plays an important part in keeping cellulite at bay. Eat plenty of fibre and whole grain foods as well as fruits and vegetables, since they help to remove waste and toxins from the intestinal tract. Drink plenty of water as well. Water helps in shedding of fat and also in strengthening the collagen in your skin.

Exercise

Cellulite is basically fat. Excess body fat shows itself through cellulite. Exercising regularly can reduce this excess fat and get rid of cellulite.

(Try reading – Main causes of belly fat)

Massage

There are many cellulite massage tools in the market

Massaging the area with certain tools available in the market will help in stimulating circulation and breaking up fluids beneath your skin, leaving a more even appearance.

Gelatin

Consuming gelatin helps in tightening loose skin and it also improves digestion. It is also rumoured to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. So, there’s nothing like trying.

(You may find this interesting – Fitness habits to establish in your 20’s)

Coffee scrub

Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The caffeine in coffee helps in tightening the skin.

Kettlebell workouts

Kettlebell workouts are effective in reducing fat

Kettlebell workouts are a great way to increase blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Known to be one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat, Kettlebell exercises are especially good for your thighs, hips, buttocks and stomach area.

(Also read – How to lose weight without hitting the gym)

Omega 3

Consuming Omega 3fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Besides, they are also good for various other functions in your body!

A close friend’s wedding is coming up! All your attempts to lose weight have failed, and you’re getting panicky. You want to appear thinner instantly, without going to the gym in these last few days? And without those silly crash diets? Well, of course you do! Here’s how you can!

Stand up straight

Standing up straight will make you look thinner

When you improve your posture, not only do you visibly decrease your stomach fat, but you also gain confidence.

Wear proper fitting underwear

An ill fitting bra or underwear will make fat spill over. Wear the proper size and you will look a whole lot thinner.

Wear long fitting tops

Wearing a long fitting top or shirt will stretch out your torso and thus make you appear thinner.

Choose colours carefully

Choose your clothes’ colours wisely

Avoid bright colours and patterns as they make you appear bigger than you are. Dark colours are known to make your heavier sections appear smaller.

Shoes should match your body

The shoes you wear should match your body type and size. If you are on the heavier side, try and look out for bulkier shoes, and don’t go in for slender heels!

Distract

Another way to appear thinner is to distract everybody from your body and make them notice either your face (for makeup tips read – How to enhance your best features using makeup ) or your hair (for hairstyle tips read – Hairstyles that can make you look stylish instantly!).

Size of clothes

Wear the right size of clothes. Do not go in for a larger size or anything too tight. If you try to squeeze into a size 12 if you’re a size 16, then you are surely going to accentuate your body fat, even the little that there is.

Stay away from horizontal striped tops/t-shirts

Don’t wear horizontal striped t-shirts or tops as they made you appear wider. But if they are vertically striped, they make you appear thinner.

(Also read – Mistakes that slow down your weight loss)

Jewellery

Match your jewellery to your body shape and size. If you are a big and/or tall person, wear a bigger size chain.

(Also read – Ways to get rid of cellulite)

Black clothes

Black will always make you look thinner

If you don’t mind the colour, consider that black will always make you look thinner!

Any girl would tell you that the biggest question in the whole wide world is – “What do I wear today?”

Maxi dress

The most embarrassing situation would be stepping out for a party with your pals and looking trashy, just because you crossed a thin line that differentiates between class and crass. This usually happens with girls who have always been simple and traditional in dressing up, and were never exposed to modern ways of making a style statement. In a bid to go from simple to chic you may sometimes go a little overboard and end up looking indecent with the new found cleavage baring dress that you thought made you look like a million bucks.

If you don’t want to look like the most promiscuous girl at the next party, here’s help. And you can thank us later…

Also read: 5 secret hair tricks that really work

Always take a second opinion while choosing new items to dress up for a special occasion. You may feel that a bandage dress can look good on you, but probably your girls may give you an honest opinion. And that in turn would save you from looking like a victim of a fashion “accident” in need of a bandage. Choose a maxi dress that will not look like you strayed far away from your usual salwar kameez and still make you look gorgeous.

If you’re thinking of wearing a skirt instead of a sari at your friends pre-wedding cocktail party, go easy with the length. Your friends are used to seeing you covered up in the 9 yard drape, and if you make a sudden appearance wearing an ultra mini skirt, everybody’s going to think you’re craving to be noticed. Swap the mini skirt for a tea-length pencil one and accessorise it well.

 Tea-length skirt

We all dream of wearing a cute bodycon dress, but wearing one and having to constantly pull it down is a huge turn off. Here’s a helpful tip: when shopping for a bodycon dress if it feels like it’s a little short, try to pick a size bigger and preferably one that has a crew neck. This way you’ll have a more conservative ensemble that balances out the skin show.

Also read: 2014 fashion trends – what sizzles and what will fizzle

If you’ve never worn denims before, you may probably not want to directly jump to stone washed skinny jeans, or low rise and distressed ones. Pick a pair of simple mid waist jeans instead, and wear them with long tunics. Yes, we know crops tops are in and you’re probably thinking of flaunting your midriff, but you need to remember it’s a transition that must be carefully made.

Bodycon dress

Lastly, be sure to look and feel confident when you decide to go for a style makeover. It shouldn’t make you feel like you have had to jeopardise your self-image in the society. After all, beauty is in simplicity.

Also read: This year flirt with the skirt

Open pores gives you an appearance of premature aging. Usually, those with the oily skin type are largely affected by this problem. The most common cause of open pores is acne infection and picking on pimples. The pores may be most apparent on the nose, cheek and chin where the oil concentration is higher. However, if you are willing to take that extra effort to take care of your skin, you can conceal such open pores and make your skin healthier than it is.

Exfoliation

Exfoliate your skin but not too often

Most people with open pores tend to think that scrubbing the skin excessively can cause the pores to appear closed. However, over-exfoliation can worsen the problem. Make sure you exfoliate only once or at the most twice a week without being too harsh on your skin.

Pimples

Refrain from popping pimples

When you pop a pimple, your pores get damaged and this prevents it from returning to its original size. Rather, use some soothing remedy than touching a pimple, so that you can prevent scarring and open pores.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen can prevent collagen degradation

Everyone seems to overlook the advantages of sunscreen and settle for a natural tan. However, sunscreen actually prevents damage from ultraviolet rays rather than just tanning. Collagen degradation can cause open pores as well, and if you use sunscreen effectively you can manage to keep your collagen levels optimal.

Home remedies

There are several home remedies for open pores

There are several home remedies to help with this problem. Lemon juice, aloe vera, curd, honey and vinegar and apricot are some ingredients that are usually used to prevent swollen open pores.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a method used to reduce open pores

Another way to reduce the size of the pores is with microdermabrasion. This method is normally conducted by a healthcare specialist. In this technique, fine crystals are used to mechanically peel the skin that helps to reduce open pores.

Who wouldn’t want a flawless skin? Whether you are a teenager, a tweenager or nearing your late forties, age is just a number! A good skin care regimen can make you look years younger. If you don’t follow a skin care routine yet, it’s never too late to start. To get you started, find some beauty essentials listed below…

Moisturizer:

No skin care routine is complete without moisturizer. Always use a good moisturizer with SPF 15 before you step out of the house, as the sun can age your skin well before you do. Even before you go to bed, you must follow a CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) code. The results will surprise you within a few weeks.

Skin serum: A good skin serum infused with vitamins B12, A, E can help in effectively combating wrinkles and fine lines. You can find the best anti-ageing serum at any good cosmetics outlet.

Anti-wrinkle day/night creams:

No, these anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle creams will not give you results within a day. Skin care goes a long way. If you want wrinkle-free skin at 40 then you must start taking proper care of it from the time you are in your late twenties. Use anti-wrinkle creams in the day as well as the night and keep yourself well hydrated.

Sunscreen: A good sunscreen is a must have for every girl irrespective of her age. The harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted from the sun cause tanning, dullness, and premature ageing. A sunscreen with SPF 20 or more should be regularly used for a flawless complexion.

Follow these tips and be assured of turning heads around!

Everyone loves animals. Do I hear a no? Okay, there may be some people who dislike them, but majority of the world’s population love animals and some people even have them as pets at home. Be it parrots, guinea pigs, cats, dogs or even lion cubs, there are a variety of animals and birds that can be kept as pets at home. However, dogs seem to top the pet list worldwide.

The way they yelp for food, their bum wobbling when they play, their sad face for locking them in the kennel, the excitement they show when they see you after long hours, getting petrified of their own fart noise, hiding under our legs when lightning strikes and much more. Can you name one thing that you don’t find to be cute in your furry ball of joy? Initially, they might be a headache; but, they capture our hearts soon enough and become a part of our family.

With so much ‘dog’ertainment that we get, the least we can do is to tend to their needs. Once we bring them home, they are under our protection. It is important for us to know what is right and wrong for the puppy’s growth. If you are a first timer, here are a few essential tips that will help you take good care of your four-legged buddy.

Do you have the essentials?

Your pet might be a part of your family, but he is still an animal. It is mandatory to keep his things separate from yours. Feeding bowl, water bowl, comb, brush, shampoo, towel, collar and leash have to be washed regularly and kept aside. Do not mix your stuff with his. It is not good for your health and your puppy’s.

Did you puppy-proof your house?

It is important to puppy-proof your house, lest it keeps on chewing your stuff during its teething phase. Keep things at a higher level so that the naughty little one is unable to reach there. Be it kitchenware, shoes, clothes, combs or the kinds; don’t make it accessible for your puppy.

Do you take him to the vet regularly?

Initially, your puppy needs a few vaccinations to ensure that doesn’t face any health issues. Also, even if he is in the pink of health, make sure you visit the vet on a regularly basis, mainly because, even though he may seem fine he doesn’t ‘talk’ to tell us his invisible body problems.

Do you groom him from time-to-time?

If your puppy is furry, it is important for you to groom him from time-to-time. Otherwise, his hair can easily get knotted up and give him a lot of pain when you decide to sit one fine day to comb his fur. Also, clean and bathe him frequently as per the vet’s instructions. Make sure you keep a tab of fleas and other pests that may be clinging on to your pet’s body.

Do you know that human food is toxic to your puppy?

By feeding your puppy with food that you consume, you are intoxicating him. It might be difficult for you to gobble chips when he is sitting right in front you waiting for you to throw him at least one piece. But, don’t feed him. When you are eating, either keep him in his kennel or train him to not ask for your food.

Having a dog as a family member is a wonderful feeling. You can love him or abuse him; but, at the end of the day, he will still love you unconditionally. Let’s not do the latter, and be faithful to him, as he is to us.

Pets are more than just domestic animals. In fact I hate calling them animals and even worse hate calling them ‘domestic’. Our furry, finny friends are a lot like us and they too need time, attention and love in a safe and comfortable environment. And that’s why, if you have a pet(s), it is imperative to ensure your house is pet-friendly. But sadly, most pet owners aren’t careful enough while purchasing or modeling their house.

A wooden floor is more comfortable for your pets. Make sure you have enough space for them to run around.

If you care enough for your clawey-pawey friend and want to make your house pet-friendly, here are some things you need to keep in mind.

Also read: Things to consider before bringing home a dog

1-      When buying a new home, consider your pet’s particular needs. Pets need their alone-time too; so make sure you have enough space for them to be on their own.

2-      Think far; if you have a pup or a kitten today, they may grow up sooner than you can imagine and need more space, care, attention and the likes.

3-      Make you house as much comfortable for you and your pet, as possible. Say for instance; you may feel that a tiled or marbled floor is good for your pet as it can help them cool down in the hotter months. While that could be true, you need to think as per the behaviour of your pet. What if the marble is too slippery for your over-enthusiastic pet who comes running to greet you at the door? They may be hurt if they have a bad fall. A hard wood floor is the best option for houses that have too many paws. It’s scratch-proof and harmless for your dog.

4-      If you live on the ground floor close to a busy street, think twice before putting a dog-flap on your main door. You don’t want your dog to run straight into the streets bustling with traffic, it could prove dangerous for your pet and the public.

Make sure your pet always eats at his ‘eating spot’, this way, you’ll can keep a tab that they don’t eat anything unhealthy and the house will also be cleaner

5-      If your pet has been with you for years, you may not want to shift into the multi storey home just yet. Just think how uncomfortable it would be for your elderly dog.

Also read: Foods that can poison your dog

6-      Did you know there are many items in your house that could be hazardous to your pet? A simple thing as yarn, insect control products, medications meant for humans such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc., small home-decorative objects that can potentially choke your pawed friend, even your garbage and certain foods that humans eat can be extremely poisonous for your pet.

Also read: Top 4 tips for puppy care

7-      More than 50% pet-owners do not have a pet-first-aid kit handy. Make sure you have one and stick the vet’s contact number on it.

8-      If you have brought in your pet recently and they are not well-trained yet, you may not want to bring them near your guests. Also, if your dog or cat is over-protective of you, there are chances they may go postal on your guests. To avoid that from happening, keep your pet in a room just until the guests are gone.

9-      Keep a spot for your pet to eat. Train them to eat at this particular spot only, as some pets could be messy eaters and you don’t want your floor and walls resembling that of the public loo at CST station.

10-   Lastly, if you have a pet that sheds regularly, a vacuum cleaner is a must in your house. You don’t want loads of tumble weed and dead hair on your carpeted floor and furniture.

Also read: Things you need to consider before buying a dog

Take the above tips seriously if your pet is dear to you. Remember to keep reading and regularly learning about what you should be looking out for. A little planning can go a long way in helping you streamline your daily routine and also keeping your pet safe, comfortable and happy.