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Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com

I apply almond oil daily on my face. Is it suitable for oily skin? What should I do to control pimples and black marks? — Shantha

Oil should not be applied on oily skin. It will clog the pores and lead to more pimples. Wash your face in the morning and night with a medicated soap. Then wipe it with an astringent lotion, using cotton wool. Mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste and apply it on your face, washing it off after 15 minutes with water. Mix cinnamon (dalchini) powder with a little lemon juice and a few drops of honey into a sticky paste. Apply it only on the pimples daily, leaving it on for at least an hour. Mix one tsp each of honey and lemon juice and apply it on your face daily. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply it on your face two or three times a week. Wash it off when it dries. This will help reduce both the marks and pimples. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and yoghurt in your diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning.

I have a long face. Which hairstyle will suit me? — Prerna

A soft fringe on the forehead will suit a long face. The hair should not be allowed to fall straight down, as it would give an impression of length. Instead, choose a cut that adds width at the sides, if you have a long face. A short hairstyle is suitable for a thin, long face.

I have black dots on my face. They increase on hot, sunny days. — Malathy

Apply a sunscreen with a high SPF before going out in the sun. Mix rice powder and curd and use it as a facial scrub once or twice a week. Rub it gently on the face with tiny circular movements. Leave it on for a few minutes, before washing it off. Mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply it daily on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Twice a week, apply a face mask. Mix 3 tsp. of oatmeal with one tsp. each of honey, curd and lemon juice, or egg white. Apply this on your face, avoiding the lips and area around your eyes. Wash it off after half an hour.

What should I do to improve oily skin ? — Fiona

Buy an astringent lotion. Mix it with rose water in equal quantities. Keep it in a bottle in the fridge. After washing your face, wipe it with this lotion, using cotton wool. You can also wipe your face with this lotion whenever your skin feels oily. Mix multani mitti with rose water into a paste and apply it daily on your face. Wash it off when it is dry. Avoid creams and moisturisers. Use only oil-free products such as a day cream.

I am thin, but have plump thighs? — Sheeba

To reduce your thighs, do the following exercises. Lie on your right side, leaning on your elbow. Place your left hand on the floor, palm downwards, in front of your chest. Lift your left leg about 8 inches off the floor and hold it. Supporting yourself with your hip, elbow and hands, try to raise your right leg to touch your raised left foot. Return both legs slowly to the floor. Repeat this exercise five times, then turn on your left side and repeat it.

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