PERFECT MANICURE

A step-by-step guide to a do-it-yourself manicure that will give you salon-style results

Tools you'll need:
A small bowl for soaking, polish remover, cotton balls (or pads), and manicure tools (a cuticle pusher and a flexible nail file).

How to do it:

Step 1. Remove your old polish with a few fresh cotton balls or pads and an acetone polish remover.

Step 2. File and shape your nails. Nails that are filed into a square shape, with the edges only slightly tapered, look more sophisticated―and practical―than long, pointed talons. Most women look best when their nails extend only a sixteenth to an eighth of an inch past their fingertips. To get the right shape, use an emery board or flexible nail file, not a metal file (it may may damage nails). File each nail, working toward the center of the nail with each swipe; sawing back and forth will tear the nail. Filing in one direction also lets you proceed slowly, so you're more likely to achieve the shape you want. Start with a coarse file, then finish with a finer texture.

Step 3. Soak your fingertips. Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water, and submerge nails and cuticles for a few minutes. If you have time, give yourself a post-soak hand massage. Make a fist and push the knuckles of that hand gently into the palm of the other hand; then switch hands. Rub your fingers along the bones in the back of each hand, then pull gently on each finger.

Step 4. Groom your cuticles. Apply a dab of cuticle cream to each nail, massage it into the nail bed, then let it do its thing for a minute or two. Gently push cuticles back with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick.

Step 5. Clean up. Wash your hands, using a small nail brush or towel to get the cream off your fingers; then swipe nails with polish remover to clear them of excess cream.

Step 6. Apply polish. Start with a layer of base coat, then follow with two coats of color and a final dose of top coat. (If you're pressed for time, try a one-coat polish.) For best results, work slowly and hold the hand you?re polishing flat on the table in front of you. Practice so that you get just enough polish on the brush to make one complete swipe of your nail per dip-without puddles of extra polish forming on either side of the brush as you apply it. On each swipe, plant the edge of the brush on the center of the nail, just in front of the cuticle; slide it back so that it barely touches the skin, then pull it forward toward the tip of the nail to make a single stripe of polish. Repeat with another stripe on either side of the center stripe, keeping the brush just inside the cuticle on each side of the nail. Try to cover the entire nail with only three strokes of polish; the more swipes you take, the more likely you are to get streaks.

Step 7. Clean off any polish that might have dripped onto your skin with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover. Be sure to let nails dry for at least 15 minutes before handling anything, and be extra careful for a complete half-hour to prevent smudges or dents. 

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Cleopatra's Spa Review

My husband and I (I love saying that) were very luckily invited to try out two of the lovely treatment packages at Cleopatra’s Spa. It was one month since we had got married so what a perfect way to spend the day and have all the leftover wedding tension eased from our bodies by the expert therapists at the spa?

My husband had chosen the Simply For Men package which included a body exfoliation, signature massage and an urban cleanse facial and I had selected their Slimming Package to try and ease some of the post festive season and wedding diet ending bloat. The package included a detox hydrotherapy bath, a slimming massage and an Elemis cellulite treatment.

Cleopatra’s has a separate male and female spa so we said good bye and went our separate ways. I was looking forward to completely chilling out and think it was the first time I had been on my own since the wedding! It was nice to be having some “me” time!

You feel instantly relaxed as soon as you walk into the reception area of the spa- the lighting is subdued and the music pleasantly tinkles and you can smell the wonderful aroma of the Elemis products. I had a consultation were I was treated to the best ginger tea I have ever had and then was ushered into the changing area.

I really like the changing rooms… you are given a very spacious locker and a lovely robe and slippers to put on before you are whisked away to the inner sanctum to meet your therapist. It was really nice to spend time talking about my body and knowing that the person understood me. I have an old ankle injury with a pin in it and usually when I go for a massage I warn them not to press on the area and they always do. My therapist totally understood what my injury had been and I had every confidence that she would not aggravate it and I was correct.

We also discussed my problem area which was my slightly cellulite-y thighs and we decided to concentrate on those areas. I was then led to the hydrotherapy room where I would be starting my detox process.

The bath was huge and as I am very tall it felt great to be in a bath I could stretch out in for once. It was explained that different jets would be flowing all over my body in different patterns and that the water would become gradually hotter as the treatment went on for the half hour. Special Elemis detox powders were put into the bath and the treatment started.

I really enjoyed it! It was so relaxing and my therapist brought me a cold compress for over my eyes and some cool water to sip. I could feel all my stresses floating away and the jets were very stimulating. I especially loved the ones on my back and shoulder area, gently pummeling away the tension. I could have stayed in there for an hour!

After the hydrotherapy treatment finished I was taken to another room where my body treatments would commence. I led face down on the massage table and had my first experience of dry brushing which is excellent for circulation flow and detoxing. I could really feel it waking my back and legs up. This was followed by quite an intense massage that was really focusing on the lymphatic drainage areas of my legs. I really felt like things were being worked on rather than the usual massage of someone going through the motions.

This was then followed by a sea weed wrap for my thighs which made me laugh as I have never had anything like this before. I felt a bit like a sushi roll! The seaweed mask was a very pale green and was warm and was painted all over my upper legs in a very thick layer and the area was then covered in plastic and left to work its magic. Next followed a stomach massage, which I usually do not have but I felt so confident in my therapist I was happy to try it. We had to work in tandem with her movements corresponding to my breathing so rather than my usual thinking “Erk I don’t like having my stomach massaged!” I was focusing on my breathing and actually found the experience quite pleasant. This was then followed by a lovely head massage which let me drift off for a while until it was time to remove the wrap. I was quite amazed how it all peeled off in one go- I would love to have a full body wrap now after trying this!

To finish off the experience the Elemis cellulite oil was used and you could really tell how excellent quality Elemis products are as the oil being massaged in was heavenly.

I was very sad when the bell tinged to signal the end of my treatment. I was ushered to the chill out and relax area where I relaxed on cushions and drank some more of the gorgeous ginger tea and snacked on orange and apple segments! Bliss! I did not want to leave and could have stayed there all day but knew my husband would have finished and I really wanted to see how his experience had been. So I got dressed and want out to meet him where we had a juice in Carter’s upstairs from the spa.

He’d also had a totally wonderful time although unfortunately he’d not been very well the night before and had had what we think was a slight allergic reaction to something we’d eaten. So when it was time for the facial under the specialized lights they use- loads of red blotches had shown up on his skin and that meant the facial couldn’t happen. Although he was disappointed he was highly impressed with the knowledge and expertise of the therapists as we are both sure many spas or salons might not have noticed or just gone ahead anyway and maybe damaged his skin. So top marks to Cleopatra’s for that! He’ll come back another time for his facial.

It was only his face that had been affected so he was all good to go for the exfoliation and massage and he said it was the best massage he has had in a long time. The therapist was strong and really worked well on his muscle knots and areas of tension. When we met up he did seem all glow-y and relaxed which was so nice to see after the stress of the past few months. He was really impressed with the products that Cleopatra’s use as well as he has a penchant for high quality products- I’m surprised he didn’t buy any, am sure he’ll be going back!

So to summarise we both had a really relaxing, over 2 hours at Cleopatra’s and really enjoyed our treatments as well as benefiting from them- my thighs are still very silky and smooth and there is a definite difference… I think we need to make this a once a month ritual and try out some more of the wonders that Cleopatra’s have to offer!

Reviewed for ExpatWoman by Gail & Douglas 

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Opening hours: Female Spa 9.00am to 8.30pm Male Spa 10.00am to 9.00pm Email: cleopatrasreception@wafi.com Call: 04 324 7700  www.cleopatrasspaandwellness.com

THIS IS HOW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WORKS ON YOUR SKIN!

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh crushed apples which later are put in wooden barrels. It has the needed nutritive ingredients, amino acids and enzymes which help the body in various ways. It is important the apple cider vinegar to be done from organic grown apples because only like this will contain the needed ingredients.

Why apple cider vinegar in used in skin treatment?

Apple cider vinegar may improve the complexion and skin condition. It may stimulate blood circulation in the small capillaries which are responsible for circulation on nutritive ingredients in the skin. Apple cider vinegar is proven to help in establishing pH balance in your skin and increases skin function.

It will remove the bad bacteria and dead skin cells. It relief blocked pores and as a result you will get healthy and beautiful skin.

Apple cider vinegar it will reverse the process of aging. Sulfur will decrease the visible wrinkles and age spots. As well it will help you remove fat layers on the skin surface and it will significantly decrease skin peeling. If you suffer from some skin diseases than you always must have apple cider vinegar close to you.

Apple cider vinegar and acne treatment

This treatment will help you decrease pimples. The antiseptic properties of honey and apple cider vinegar will kill the bacteria, release pores, remove extra oil and calm the skin. Honey will as well help you in skin hydration.

    ¼ cup of honey
    1 cup of chamomile tea
    ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
    Mix these ingredients. Before going to bed dip a cotton pad in it and clean your face skin.

Apple cider vinegar will help you remove dead skin cells
If you mix apple cider vinegar with aspirin it will work as marvelous peeling. It will help you decrease the marks from acne and it will make the skin soft and smooth. Use this treatment every day in order to have better results.

    150 ml apple cider vinegar
    90 ml mineral water
    1 Effervescent aspirin

Mix the apple cider vinegar and mineral water. Crush the aspirin and add it to the mixture. Use it on marks from acne, on the places where the skin is rough and on enlarged pores.

Apple cider vinegar and pH balance

This mixture will help you regain the natural pH balance of the skin and the lavender oil will help you decrease skin irritation.

– 2/3 cup of filtrated water

– 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar

– 3 drops of lavender oil

Mix all of the ingredients and shake well the mixture. Dip a cotton pad and clean the whole face.

The Ultimate Guide to Acne-Free Skin — the Vegan Way!

To have blemish-free skin, you must first clear up your acne and then maintain your new, healthy skin. Thankfully, there are many methods that can help you achieve the skin of your dreams, including buying acne-fighting products and making your own DIY skin treatments. You can help prevent future breakouts and keep your skin under control by eating healthy (which includes ditching dairy products, of course) and using store-bought skin-care products or your own DIY concoctions. While I was researching this topic, I was happy to find that many companies make cruelty-free vegan skin-care products. Here’s to your new compassionately clear skin!

Dietary Remedies

If you want clearer skin, you have to acknowledge the connection between the consumption of dairy products and acne and cut those products from your diet. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that there’s increasing evidence of a correlation between acne and our diets, particularly diets that are high in glycemic load and dairy products.

In addition to being dairy-free, vegans’ diets generally contain more vegetables than those of their meat-eating counterparts, which is good news for skin. Plant-based diets are typically low in fat and avoid the pore-clogging saturated fats found in animal products. Fruits and vegetables are high in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, the fiber from produce and whole grains crank up that healthy glow by flushing out toxins.

Vitamins C and E—which are commonly found in healthy vegan meals—are powerful antioxidants, and according to a recent article in Health magazine, the zinc found in beans combats zits and decreases inflammation, preventing redness and pimples.

Ramping up your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans—while taking a pass on dairy products and meat—is a recipe for clearer and more radiant skin that glows from the inside out.

Cruelty-Free, Vegan Skin-Care Products

Check out the skin-care products that these compassionate companies offer:

Relogy: This skin-care system uses natural ingredients—such as coconut milk, jojoba, bergamot, orange, and rosemary leaf extract—to create its unique and effective formula.
Bare Bones: This company’s toner is made simply with lemon juice and witch hazel, and it’s super-refreshing.
Alba Botanica: We love the ACNEdote cleanser to help zap zits. It’s a deep pore wash that’s also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial colors.

Aveda: The Outer Peace acne relief collection contains a cleanser, a cooling mask, lotion, and acne-relief exfoliating pads.

Hylunia: This great vegan skin-care company has a line of products for oily skin, including the Salicylic Facial Cleansing Gel and Grape Seed Facial Scrub.

Desert Essence: The company’s skin-care regimen for oily and combination skin includes Thoroughly Clean Oil Control Lotion, the Blemish Touch Stick, and Thoroughly Clean Face Wash.

LUSH: One of our favorite lines of skin- and beauty-care products offers several options for acne-prone skin, including the Herbalism and Grease Lightning cleansers and more.

DermOrganic: We love its Calming Facial Toner, which is 70 percent organic.
Murad: This company has some interesting products in addition to its regular facial cleanser, including a three-step regimen to help get rid of acne scars, the Post-Acne Marks Kit. It also has an anti-acne supplement, the Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement.

SIRCUIT Cosmeceuticals, Inc.: The skin-care line for those prone to acne features Fixzit serum, the Clarity Broccoli Sulfur Mask, and Sircuit Skin Savior facial cleanser.

Dermalogica: Lucky for us, Dermalogica has two skin-care lines for troubled skin—one for adults and one for teens! Note: Please avoid the Skin Smoothing Cream, Gentle Soothing Booster, Skin Hydrating Masque, and Essential Cleansing Solution, as they contain animal-derived ingredients.

Earth Science Naturals: This company offers a fragrance-free Clarifying Facial Wash and a lovely Clarifying Herbal Astringent.

Aubrey Organics, Inc.: This smaller company, which prides itself on its handcrafted products, has a Clarifying Therapy skin-care line to help prevent breakouts.
SW Basics: A simple Skin Care Cleanser made of rosewater, tee tree oil, and vegetable glycerin.
Freeman: Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask helps to draw out toxins from the skin and leave you moisturized to boot.

DIY Home Remedies

Here are some acne-fighting remedies that you can easily whip up at home:

Problem spot treatment: Mix a dash of lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Apply the mixture to the problem area with a cotton ball or Q-tip. Leave on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Overnight spot treatment: Mix 1/4 cup of water with a dash of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Add a healthy pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. Apply with a cotton ball or tissue to problem areas. Leave on your skin overnight, then rinse in the morning.

DIY toner: Brew a bag of green tea with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Put 1/4 cup of the green tea and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a plastic bottle and shake. Place in the refrigerator to cool. Use regularly after washing your face at bedtime.

Banana mask: Mash up one overripe banana and spread it onto your face. After 15 to 30 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.

Tea tree oil face wash: Mix 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap and 3/4 teaspoonful of tea tree oil in a small bowl. Brew a bag of chamomile tea with 1 cup of boiling water. Pour the tea into the bowl and mix, then allow to cool. Wash your face with the mixture in the morning and at night.

Oatmeal Mask:

3/4 cup of plain oatmeal
1 cup of filtered water
1 teaspoon of agave (optional – it has nice soothing and healing properties)
A few blueberries or strawberries (optional – high in anti-oxidants)
A few drops of tea tree oil (optional – it’s a great antiseptic)

Put the oatmeal and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Cook the ingredients for 1 to 3 minutes, and then remove from heat and allow it to cool. Next, add your optional ingredients and mix everything together into a nice paste.

Apply your mask to clean skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Now, rinse off the mask with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Use this mask once a week for a month and you’ll start to see improvement in you skin.

This beauty tips " The Ultimate Guide to Acne-Free Skin " has been taken from Peta.org.

5 Best Places To Go For A SPA In Dubai

In a fast paced city such as Dubai, stress is a part of life. Between constant deadlines, long working hours and the city’s notorious traffic jams, fatigue and anxiety often take over and there is little time left to enjoy the many pleasures the emirate has to offer. However, there is no better place to relax and rejuvenate than Dubai; with the large number of tourists that the emirate caters to, spa treatments are commonly available throughout the city.

Massage and other spa treatments have been medically proven to promote well being, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Dubai spas cater to every possible luxury craving you might want to satisfy; from hot stone body massages to wraps and deeply soothing ayurvedic spa treatments, there are a variety of spas that can cater to your every need, be it relieving stress, soothing aches and pains or just providing relaxation for those who burn the candle at both ends.

With a dime a dozen spa treatments and locations in Dubai, it is important to do a bit of home work before you decide on which establishment will have the privilege of treating you like royalty! A recommendation from friends and family is always a great way to choose a spa; another great way to shortlist spas is to go online. Reputable establishments will have a strong online presence with photo galleries, details of their massage treatments and an informative website that will tell you exactly what to expect. This is also the best place to avail of special packages, seasonal spa treatments and discount offers.

The spas listed below are selected for their excellent service, professional and courteous staff and relaxing environs, all of which will help to make your spa experience an unforgettable one.

Yas Beauty Spa

This ladies and gents spa is located in Old Town Dubai at the Souk al Bahar. Offering a variety of hair, nail, facial and massage treatments for both men and women, this contemporary spa also has a Turkish and Oriental Hammam. The mission of the Yas Beauty Spa is to provide customer-centered treatments, personalized to specific requirements in an immaculately clean and serene setting.

One&Only Royal Mirage Spa

The One&Only Royal Mirage Spa located within the One&Only Royal Mirage resort is a luxurious, serene sanctuary with 12 individual therapy rooms that provide a wide variety of tailored treatments designed to unwind, balance and uplift. The spa features whirlpools, massage rooms, Jacuzzis and plunge showers set in a traditional Oriental Hammam with heated massage tables. The spa provides separate treatments and operating hours for men and women in an exclusive haven designed to relax the body and mind. The spa is well known for its Signature Deeply Relaxing Body Care with Hot stone massage and the Royal Hammam Experience.

Assawan Spa and Health Club

For an unmatchable experience, and for those who desire the ultimate in royalty treatment, a visit to the Assawan Spa on the 18th floor of the Burj al Arab will be an unforgettable one. With luxurious interiors, strongly reminiscent of the ancient Middle Eastern hammams and bathing pools, the Assawan Spa is equipped with the most modern amenities including infinity pools, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. With a spectacular view, guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the Assawan Amphitheater with a balcony on the 18th floor where guests can relax after a massage. Amongst the spa’s many well known treatments are the Burj al Arab Caviar Facial and the Burj al Arab Caviar Body Treatment that use exquisite caviar guaranteed to brighten even the dullest complexion.

Softouch Spa at the Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates

The Softouch Spa specializes in customized face and body spa treatments that are tailored to individual skin types. Utilizing natural ingredients based on the ancient art of Ayurveda, this luxury spa offers over 60 treatments including massage therapy, body scrubs and wraps, facials and the three Signature Softouch spa treatments designed to provide the ultimate relaxing ritual for the body and face.

Talise Ottoman Spa



Located behind exquisitely carved turquoise doors within the elite Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, this palatial spa offers guests a unique spa experience. The Talise Ottoman Spa is two time winner of the World Travel Awards, ‘U.A.E.’s Leading Spa Resort in 2011 and 2012 and offers limitless options in ways to pamper yourself, including thalassotherapy pools, snow rooms, saunas, hydrotherapy rooms and floating baths. At the heart of this grand spa is the Turkish Hammam decorated with splendid murals, mosaics and dark woods.

This useful and very important information "5 Best Places to go for a Spa in Dubai" has been taken from  famous blog livingindubai.org

Self Massage Techniques

Massage doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you! According to the American Massage Therapy association, massage helps improve circulation, aides in digestion, speeds healing, lessens tension headaches, reduces insomnia, and alleviates anxiety. Some even say that by bringing awareness to your body, massage can help weight maintenance.

If you can’t book an appointment with a massage therapist, you can still reap the benefits by making self massage part of your healthy living routine. Learn to harness the power of touch in your own hands with some easy self massage techniques and your body and mind will thank you.

Self-massage is simple.  No special equipment is needed, just your hands, some oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin, and a few minutes of spare time. Self-massage therapy is most effective when you can make it part of your routine several times each week. Read on for some basic self massage tips then get to the fun part… practicing!

Self massage techniques

First, ask yourself where you feel tense. It’s a good idea to begin in these places. Remember to always use slow, gentle pressure. “No pain, no gain,” is not necessarily the rule in self massage.

Experiment by pressing a thumb or finger on a sore area. Try using hands in flat broad strokes to apply pressure to larger muscles. For example, self massage legs by stroking shin firmly with the flat of your palm.  Also, try kneading and squeezing achy muscles to release tension. For example, self massage the neck region by squeezing gently just under the hairline.

It’s very important to breathe during a self massage. Holding the breath or struggling too much creates tension and stiffness. Along the same lines, try not to flex muscles while massaging. The more you breathe and relax, the more tension you will release. When finished massaging, always remember to drink water. Drinking water helps flush the body of toxins that were released during the massage.

If you’re not sure where and when to start self massage, begin when you wake up in the morning by gently thumping the outside of your body. Work from top to bottom gently thumping arms and legs. This movement will help relax nerve endings and ready your body and mind for the day. Doing the same technique before going to bed at night works out the tension built up throughout the day.

Self massage can be done anywhere. Try these self massage techniques while stuck in traffic, at your desk, after a workout, or while watching TV. Before you know it, self-massage will become habit—one that you wont want to give up.

This healthy tips  "Self Massage Techniques" has been taken from self-massage-techniques.com

How to Look Younger with a Facelift

Our facial skin is the primary spot that hints at the maturing as lines and wrinkles, lost fat and listing skin. These maturing signs do influence the presence of face however eventually and no one can avert them. Notwithstanding, there are different nonessential methodology that can help you revive your facial appearance. Both surgical and non-surgical strategies are accessible for this reason yet facelift surgery is the ideal alternative. It is an obtrusive system however the results are truly extremely advantageous. In this way, in the event that you need to make your face look young, you ought to experience facelift surgery. It can make you look years more youthful.

What is facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery – or rhytidectomy – is the surgical methodology that restores face and makes it more young by enhancing unmistakable indications of maturing on face and neck. Facelift is the most complete methodology for enhancing facial appearance. There are different procedures and sorts of facelift surgery. The surgery differs in extent from insignificant intrusive facelifts to broad surgeries. It enhances facial appearance by remedying after issues:

Droopiness in the center region of face

Profound wrinkles underneath eyes and crosswise over nose stretching out to the sides of mouth

Vanished or fallen fat that influences shapes of face

Drooping skin that makes cheeks

Overabundance skin and fat underneath the button giving the presence of twofold jaw

Facelift surgery can likewise be performed in mix of different methods like eyelid surgery and temples lift surgery.

What facelift surgery includes?

Facelift surgery has different sorts and it can be performed utilizing different strategies. Thus, the obtrusiveness of methodology significantly relies on upon the procedure utilized and sort of surgery. The most mainstream sorts of facelift are conventional or full facelift and smaller than expected facelift. Full facelift, as the name proposes, is performed on whole face and is flawless alternative for those individuals who need sensational change. It includes longer entry points and of a chance time for recuperation. Then again, smaller than usual facelift is less intrusive choice that addresses lower third of face just. It gives less emotional results yet is a powerful choice for the individuals who are hinting at ahead of schedule maturing. it requires less downtime and recuperation time.

Advantages of facelift surgery:

There are numerous advantages of facelift surgery. Some of them are specified underneath.

It is an onetime system and restores your energetic facial appearance for all time.

It doesn't require any support medicines.

It enhances your general stylish appearance.

It supports your self regard and certainty.

On the off chance that you are keen on knowing all the more about facelift or need to experience this technique, fill in the conference structure given on our site and timetable a free meeting with our plastic specialists. You can likewise have free online discuss