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Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain offers tips and answers queries. You can send your queries to shahnaz_press@yahoo.co.in

I have stretch marks on my hands and stomach, which appeared due to increased weight. — Nimmo

Stretch marks form due to destruction of skin elasticity. Usually, they become lighter with time. Apply til oil daily and massage it into the skin. On the abdomen, use large circular strokes. Mix besan with curd and a little haldi. Apply it on these areas daily, half an hour before your bath.

I am 28 and fine wrinkles have started appearing on my forehead, mouth and around my eyes. — Prashanti

You are too young to develop wrinkles. The wrinkles you mention are expression lines. If you have normal to dry skin, you can have a professional facial at a beauty salon. The facial massage, toning and mask applications will help. You can also nourish the skin daily with a good nourishing cream containing Vitamins A and E. Use outward and slightly upward strokes on the mouth and cheeks. Using only the ring finger, massage very lightly around the eyes, with a circular movement. For the forehead, using both hands together, start at the bridge of the nose and go slightly upwards and then sideways towards each temple in a gentle arc. Keep your skin well moisturised during the day. Two or three times a week, mix oatmeal with honey and egg white and apply, washing it off when it dries.

My hair has become soft after applying henna. But I would like to know how often it should be applied. I use it mainly for colouring. Also give me tips on make-up. I have pimple marks. Should I use a foundation or concealer? Should I use lipstick? I want to look presentable, but have never used these things. — Vidya

Apply henna once every ten days. Using a foundation depends on the skin type. For oily skin and in humid conditions, applying foundation becomes difficult, as it never stays on the face. Apply a foundation, which is one shade lighter, or a concealer, on the acne marks. Then apply powder compact (pressed powder). Select a colour that is close to your skin tone. Avoid pinkish tones and go in for beige or cream coloured tones. Use an eye pencil to line the upper and lower eyelids, close to the lashes. It should not be a harsh line. Yes, you should use lipstick to give a balance to the face. Try a lip-gloss for the day and colour for the night. Shimmering or frosted lipsticks are in fashion.

I am 22 and have oily skin. Can you please tell me how to clean, tone, moisturise and maintain oily skin? — Meera

Deep cleansing is important for oily skin. Wash your face with soap or oil-free soap-wash only twice a day. Washing too much with soap and water destroys the acid-alkaline balance of the skin. Use a facial scrub thrice a week. The rice powder and curd mixture would suit oily skin. If you can get witch-hazel, mix rose water with it in equal quantities and keep it in a tightly closed bottle. After cleansing, use this to tone the face, by wiping the face with it, using cotton wool. You can use this during the day whenever the face seems oily. If you cannot get witch-hazel, mix an astringent lotion with rose water. Avoid applying creams and moisturisers, unless it is an oil-free day cream. Mix honey with egg white and apply it daily on the face, washing it off after 15 to 20 minutes. Twice or thrice a week, mix multani mitti with rose water and apply it on the face, washing it off when it is dry.

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