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The Ultimate Guide to Pre and Post-Holi Skincare Tips

Posted on by Matra
Pre-holi and post-holi skincare

All set to look glam in every #Holi photo? Let’s get your skin and hair Instagram-ready with our pre and post-holi skincare tips!

With Holi just right around the corner, aren’t we all gearing up for the vibrant festival of colours? Apart from herbal colours, water balloons, and sweet gujiyas, what more do we need for a happy Holi? A practical holi skincare routine, DUH! Our skincare experts have curated an effective pre-holi and post-holi skincare routine so that you don’t have to panic about sensitive skin and funny stains before the after-party! 

 

Pre-Holi Routine

Pre-Holi Skincare Routine

Most Holi colours carry harsh chemicals and toxins that might prove to be perilous for the skin. So how do we deal with this? Lock up ourselves in our room? No way! We’ve got you covered (pun intended) for a safe and happy Holi. Let’s get started, shall we?

Pre-Holi Skincare

  • Skin IcingSkin icing for pore tightening

Ice cubes are the coolest way (quite literally) to prep your skin for Holi. Rubbing ice cubes on your face can help shrink pores to prevent colours, dust, and other allergens from settling in the pores. It will help prevent any itching, acne, or irritation that may otherwise be caused due to clogged pores. Plus, it’s a great way to prime your skin for a long-lasting holi makeup look. 

 

  • Oil Your Body

Oiling skin for smooth texture

Well, yes, you read that right! Oiling isn’t meant just for the hair. Oiling your skin is an excellent pre-holi skincare tip that naturally protects your skin texture from the harshness of toxic colours. Apply a mix of castor oil and coconut oil to your entire body. Not only does the oil form a protective barrier between the skin and colours but also keeps it nourished amidst the joyful splashes. 

 

  • Sunscreen’s never off duty! Model using sunscreen before holi

Holi means playing outdoors for hours and that means continuous exposure to the sun. Longer exposure to the sun clubbed with toxic colours and water could lead to tanning, excessive dryness, and dullness. That’s when sunscreen comes in handy! Generously apply sunscreen to the face, neck, ears, and hands before splashing into the festivities! Cover up and wear full sleeves for maximum protection. 

 

  • Lip protection

Lip protection for holi

Don’t our lips do a lot for us on Holi, by helping us gorge on innumerable sweets and smiling away for the prettiest Holi photos? Let’s ensure that your lips are holi-proof too! Gently exfoliate with a natural sugar and honey scrub. Generously apply a lip serum or lip balm to lock in the moisture. Go for a tinted lip balm or a lightweight lipstick and avoid mattifying lip products to prevent dry and chapped lips. 

 

  • Nailing it the right way!

Coating nail with vaseline for holi

Raise your hands if you hate those terribly stained nails and dirty cuticles after holi! Taking it off feels like an eternity! Prevent nail and cuticle staining by coating your nails and the skin around them with Vaseline, olive oil, or any thick moisturizer. You can also paint your nails with nail polish to prevent staining.

 

  • Go light on makeup!

Minimal makeup for Holi

Avoid wearing heavy makeup on Holi as it can clog your pores and make it difficult to remove colors later. Instead, opt for minimal, lightweight, waterproof makeup. You don’t want your foundation and mascara trickling down your face with every splash of water. So remember, when it comes to your Holi makeup look, “less is more” is the ultimate mantra!

 

 

  • Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate!

Hydrating for soft skin

Holi marks the onset of spring and eventually summer, which means you need to amp up your hydration, both internally and externally. Drink plenty of water before you set foot outside. Increased water intake will ensure that your skin feels hydrated throughout the day. Use a moisturizer that richly hydrates your skin so that it stays supple and soft all day against the drying spell of the incoming summer. 

 

Pre-Holi Haircare

  • Oiling goes a long way!

Hair oiling for holi hair care

Oil your scalp and lengths with a lightweight oil infused with Neem or Aloe Vera to protect your hair from harsh chemicals. Oil forms a protective sheath between the scalp, strands, and colours to prevent dirt and chemicals from accumulating in the pores. Also, make sure not to shampoo your hair just a day prior to Holi; it will rob your scalp of its natural oil and make your hair drier, making it prone to itching, irritation, and terrible dandruff.

  • Hair serum to the rescue

Hair serum for holi hair care

Use a nourishing hair mist that will ensure that your hair stays soft and beautiful for all those pretty holi pictures! Taming your hair with serum will help prevent tangles and knots so that cleaning your hair after Holi becomes easy! You can also use a hair mist toner to keep your hair looking frizz-free and voluminous during in all your #Holi reels!

 

  • Do not leave your hair open

Hairstyle for holi

While we all do want to look like Deepika from the song Balam Pichkari, trust us, it’s a bad idea to leave your hair open while playing Holi. Tie up your hair in a braid or bun to provide maximum protection against colours clogging the hair follicles and damaging the strands. You can go a little stylish while holi-proofing your hair by accessorizing with a bandana or scarf! 

 

Post-Holi Routine

Post-holi skincare

After a long day of playing with colours, getting rid of the colours can prove to be more tiring than playing Holi itself! But don’t worry, we have got your back with a perfect post-Holi haircare routine! Let’s get you ready for the after-party!

Post Holi Skincare

  • Double Cleanse

Oil cleansing for holi skincare

Don’t run straight to the shower! Taking a simple shower won’t do the trick! The trick is to double cleanse. Start with an oil-based cleanser as Holi colours are fat-soluble and oil will help remove the colours from your skin. You may use coconut oil or olive oil and wipe it off later with a soft dry cloth. Proceed to shower. 

 

  • Avoid Harsh Exfoliation

Natural soap and loofah for post holi cleansing

Exfoliating might seem like the ideal thing to do when it comes to taking off Holi colours but trust us, you don’t want to irritate your already irritated skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly. Use a mild, natural soap and a natural loofah pad to gently get rid of the colours. 

 

  • Face Packs to Tackle Stains

Turmeric face pack for post holi cleansing

There’s nothing more embarrassing than funny colour stains. Make a curd and turmeric face pack to get rid of stubborn stains and post-holi dullness. If you hate the hassle of making homemade face packs, you can use our Haldi Chandan Ubtan to regain a naturally glowing complexion. 

 

  • Nourish with Serum and Toner

Applying hydrating serum for glowing skin

Holi colours can leave your skin feeling parched, dry, and lifeless. Use a refreshing face mist toner to give your skin much-needed hydration. Follow with a nourishing serum to repair the skin barrier and replenish the skin for renewed vitality. Use a Vitamin C or Rosehip serum that seeps into your skin to revitalize the tissues for a rejuvenated glow. 

 

  • Amply moisturize

Using aloevera gel for moisturizing

Dryness is an inevitable skin trouble that follows the Holi madness. After showering, pat your skin dry with a soft towel and generously apply a nourishing moisturizer to restore a supple and smooth skin texture. You can also use aloe vera gel or coconut oil to moisturize.

 

  • Avoid waxing or shaving

Avoid shaving and waxing Your skin might feel a little sensitive even after a few days of Holi. It is best to avoid waxing, shaving, and any other intense skin treatments as they may cause the risk of further aggravated skin. So let’s just say NO to the razor and wax strips for a little while, shall we?

 

Post-Holi Haircare

  • Use a gentle shampoo

Washing hair with mild shampoo

Before shampooing, simply rinse your hair with plain cold water (make sure, no hot water) to wash off any color. Use a mild scalp clarifying shampoo and scrub gently with a scalp massager to easily remove colour, dust, and grime on the scalp. 

 

  • Use a nourishing conditioner

Applying conditioner to revitalize hair

Holi colours can rob your hair of its natural shine and texture. Your hair is in dire need of deep hydration and nourishment right after Holi. Deep condition your tresses with a softening conditioner and apply a hydrating hair mask to ward off dryness and brittleness. 

 

  • Don’t forget the toner!

Hair mist toner for smoother, healthy hair

Once done with the hassle of getting your hair and scalp clean, it’s time to tame your tresses with a hair mist or serum to prevent any knots, breakage, and brittleness. A smoothening alcohol-free toner gets rid of tangles, enhances the hair texture, revitalizes the strands, and restores natural lustre. 

 

Have A (Skin) Safe Holi!

Girls enjoying and playing Holi

This Holi, be carefree, drench yourself in vibrant hues, and enjoy delicious sweets. But amidst all the fun and frolic just don’t forget to follow our Holi tips for skin and hair. The right tips and the right products go a long way when it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of harsh colors. So, gear up to enjoy the festivities, and we wish you a safe and happy Holi! 

Haircare

Glass Hair: All About Instagram’s Affair with Glossy Hair!

Posted on by Matra
Glass hair trend

Is your Instagram feed flooding with models & celebs flaunting mega slick & glossy hair? The glass hair trend has already taken the internet by storm & you will be blown away too!

 

Liquid tresses

Be it celebrity Instagram, the fashion world, red carpets, YouTube beauty gurus, or pop culture, you have definitely spotted glazed, silky straight glass hair everywhere! We need no more telltale signs to prove that this ultra-glossy hair trend is here to reign as one of the best beauty trends of the Instagram era! 

Remember the buzz around glass-like glossy skin? K-beauty gifted us dreamy dewy beauty goals with skin so luminous that it resembled shiny, reflective surfaces. However, unlike the glass-skin trend, glass hair is not a Korean blessing! It was Kim Kardashian who first flagged off a sensational spark by flaunting an ultra-glossy bob in 2018. Now, the trend is back with a bang all across the internet in 2022. But just like the glass skin trend which featured super radiant skin, glass hair too is all about achieving that blinding shine! 

What exactly is the glass hair trend?

glossy black hair

Unlike how the name suggests, the trend has got nothing to do with glass, instead it’s all about the gloss! And when we say gloss, it’s all about being bougie and EXTRA! Extra-glossy extra-glazed, extra-hydrated, and extra-smoooooth! 

It is a sleek, straight hairstyle that completely cuts out the existence of frizz & flyaways and brings out perfectly liquid & luscious locks! Here’s an add-on; the colour of your hair matters a lot when it comes to this trend. While it may not look so impressive on blond or light-colored hair, it leaves a divine halo-like gleam on denser colour dimensions like black, brown & brunette. 

How to achieve the glassy gloss?

Professional glass hair treatments are the new thing but trust us, you can do it at home too! However, it’s not gonna be very easy to get uber-glossy hair! Achieving those radically gleaming and sleek strands take more than just styling! The secret key to opening the doors to glass hair is prepping your hair well before intense styling. Keep scrolling to know how to get glass hair!

Prerequisite Prepping

Clarifying shampoo

  1. Call it the rule of clean girl aesthetics; one must always begin with a healthy and clarified scalp! With the amount of product and styling that is about to follow, your hair & scalp need to be free of any product residue or buildup. Use an SLS-free shampoo to cleanse and clarify your roots and lengths.
  2. Getting glass hair can be made easier but only on one condition. You’ve got to condition! The very soul of the gloss lies in the lack of frizz, dryness & damage. And the best way to feed the soul is to deeply condition your hair with an ultra-hydrating leave-in hair mask that can keep damaged and dull strands at bay.
  3. Prepping doesn’t end here! Now is the time to lock in moisture to cut out any chances of frizz! Gently wring out excess water from your hair with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber towel. Use a nourishing hair mist or serum to smoothen out tangles to prevent breakage or heat damage when you start styling. Hair mists replenish and restore moisture in the strands to ensure zero frizzy fuss and flyaways so that your final results are seamlessly shiny! 

Now, comes the styling part!

Straightening hair

  1. The key to getting that ultimate glass hair look is even-lengthed hair. It doesn’t matter whether you have got a short bob or tresses that reach your waist, but the length needs to be even. The final sleek glazed look comes through only if your hair looks like a smooth surface and not an uneven terrain. Trim your hair evenly if necessary. (Plus point? You can get rid of split ends too!)
  2. Split your damp hair into equal sections because it’s time to straighten it out. Don’t use a plastic brush as it might aggravate frizz due to static electricity. Use a wooden comb/brush instead to detangle and part your hair. Blowdry and straighten along the lengths of your hair as you comb it all the way from the roots to the ends. If your hair is long, you might get fru-straight-ed but don’t give up! The results are worth the heavy-arm workout!
  3. Once straightened, spray a hair mist or apply a few drops of hair oil or serum to seal the look. To make it last longer, straighten again after you apply the serum or oil. You might see some steaming but don’t panic! Your hair isn’t on fire, it’s just the oil/serum. Just watch how it adds an instant ultra-sleek & gloss to the strands!

What’s the final word?

Glossy glass hair

Glass hair is trending for all the right reasons and we stan the glam! However, trends will come and go! Be it glass hair or glass skin, the key takeaway is not the final glam but the focus it brings to the connection between health & beauty!   

 

Skincare

5 Skincare Cocktails That Will Make Your Skin Go Sip Sip Hurray! 

Posted on by Matra

When skincare troubles throw lemons at you, it’s time to make cocktails out of them! 

Detox your skin with these refreshing cocktails that not only taste good but also reboot your skin health for an envy-worthy fresh & glowing look!

One of the most common (and indeed effective) tips that we get for glowing skin is to stay hydrated. How about we make hydration more fun? Here are a few delicious skincare cocktails recipes that are worth giving a “shot”! 

Squeeze The Day With VITAMIN C!

When it comes to beautiful, youthful skin, the first thing that comes to mind is Vitamin C. Being the ultimate collagen booster, Vitamin C plays a major role in keeping your skin young, radiant & flawless. Not only does it help enhance skin complexion but is an all-in-one solution to most skin troubles like acne, dry skin & dullness. Our first cocktail recipe is a delightful burst of Vitamin C with the sweet and tart citrusy mix of orange, lemon, and pineapple! 

Recipe:

Take 4 slices each of pineapple and orange and add them to a glass of water. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice or simply pop in a lemon slice to elevate the tangy taste. To spruce it up even better, you can also use sparkling water. And, tada! Your Vitamin C cocktail is ready! 

If you have been struggling with dull, pigmented, and spotted skin, this drink is exactly what your skin has been craving! 

Calming Cucumber Coconut Drink

Like your overworked self, your skin too gets stressed due to the everyday exposure to the sun, pollutants, and other environmental aggressors. What better than the cooling relish of a Coconut Cucumber cocktail to destress and calm your skin? Full of calcium, potassium, and vitamins, these two ingredients are widely known for detoxifying miracles. Cucumber and coconut can flush out toxins & impurities from your body, give an instant hydration boost and promote healthy skin that glows from within! 

Recipe:

Add a few slices of cucumber into fresh coconut water. Add some ginger slices if you would like to pep up your drink. Let it sit for an hour and then garnish with mint leaves and viola! Enjoy your ultra-hydrating slurpy drink. 

Free your skin from the clutches of dehydration and dryness with this tropical charm of a drink! 

How About Some Berry Buzz?

Strawberries are as amazing as they look when it comes to skincare benefits! Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory properties, strawberries are an excellent anti-aging agent. It amply hydrates your skin and delays aging to ensure supple, soft, and firm skin. Let’s get to juicing out these benefits into a delectable cocktail!

Recipe:

Take 4 strawberries and a few mint leaves. Crush them in a blender or muddle them with a spoon to smash them into a smooth paste. Squeeze half a lemon into the mix. Transfer the mix into a glass and add sparkling water. Stir it all well and done! 

Keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay and enjoy a timelessly youthful glow as you sip on this berry berry tasty cocktail! 

Care For An Apple Cinnamon Twist?

Not just the doctor but an apple a day can also keep dull & dry skin away. Enriched with vitamins A, B complex, and C, apples boast of amazing skin health benefits that keep the skin supple and soft. It prevents premature skin aging, brightens the complexion, and also tackles stubborn pigmentation for a naturally radiant complexion. Cinnamon has excellent antibacterial properties that keep acne at bay and adds healthy plumpness to the skin.

Recipe:

Take a jug full of water and add some freshly cut apple slices into it. Squeeze in half a lemon to add a tangy twist. Next, add a cinnamon stick and stir the mix well. Top it off with some fresh mint leaves. 

Fight off acne, dark spots, and blemishes for a toned and beautiful complexion with this delicious drink. And your skin lived apple-ly ever after! 

Zesty Orange Papaya Cocktail

Orange being the king of the citrus empire, is obviously a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that get rid of skin impurities and dead skin cells to promote healthy cell turnover. Papaya has enzymes like papain and chymopapain that reduce inflammation to calm down active acne and prevent further breakouts. If you have been dealing with sensitive, acne-prone and dehydrated skin, this orange papaya cocktail is your ticket to rejuvenated & glowing skin.

Recipe:

Take a small bowl full of papaya cubes and wedges of a whole orange and put it in a blender. Make sure you deseed the orange wedges before you add them to the blender. Add a few mint leaves and a spoon of honey. Blend it all well and add some water to make the consistency a bit thin. Pour it into a glass and serve!

This fruity mix will not just revive your skin but will also boost its natural barrier for long-lasting protection from other skin troubles. 

Awaken the glow within!

No matter how much effort you put into polishing your skin on the outside, it might not improve without focusing on what goes within. You are what you eat and drink! Try out these skin care drinks to quench the thirst of your parched skin. 

Haircare, Uncategorized

7 Monsoon Hair Care Tips to Fight Frizzle This Drizzle Season

Posted on by Matra

Has monsoon humidity got your hair looking like a bird’s nest? We bring you a haircare routine for monsoons that is sure to make your tresses feel like a breath of fresh “hair”!

 

Did you know that during monsoons, the average hair fall rate can increase up to 30%? Along with thinning strands, it also causes itchy scalp, dandruff, and frizzy hair. Though monsoon drizzles seem all about love and romance, your hair hates it. 

Here are a few monsoon hair care tips to balance the love-hate bond between your hair and humidity.

Give your hair a soothing oil massage

Hair oil massage for monsoon hairfall
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Humidity means too much moisture in the air and too little of it in your hair. What’s the tussle all about? Monsoon humidity leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hair proteins, causing your hair to frizz up and curl. So, what’s the best way to restore moisture in hair? A calming hair oil massage, duh! 

Warm oil massages twice a week can boost your hair growth and volume by promoting active blood circulation to the scalp. It deep conditions and hydrates the roots and shafts to tackle the unruly Hagrid-hair mess. Oils like neem and coconut are enriched with antibacterial and antifungal properties that keep the scalp free of fungal infections and itchiness that are notoriously common during the rainy season. Not only does hair oiling prevent breakage and damage but also adds a healthy shine to it. Coconut, Jojoba, Almond, Bhringraj, Aloe Vera & Neem Oils are some great options, to begin with. Monsoon means time to relax with a good old champi!

Cleanse & conditionHair cleansing and conditioning for monsoon  

Damp, grimy hair is one of the most annoying concerns during the downpour season. Adding to the trouble, dandruff, and dirt can leave you scratching your head all day. Like the weather outside, your hair too starts looking gloomy and flat. How to save your hair from going limp & lifeless? Regular cleansing & conditioning is the way out. Cleansing becomes of utmost importance in your monsoon hair care regime.

Owing to the rising humidity and damp hair, the scalp tends to attract more dirt and grime than usual. Use a gentle SLS-free shampoo to effectively cleanse the scalp without stripping off the natural oil balance. Post shampoo, treat your hair with a lightweight conditioner to control frizz and prevent knotted unruly hair. After you shower, don’t forget to dry your hair well because damp hair is a hub for bacteria and fungi during monsoons. If you are planning to blow dry, use a leave-in conditioner or a refreshing hair mist for humidity-proof styling.

Mind the pH!

Now that we are talking about cleansing, here’s something that you might not know! Rainwater has acidic content that can disrupt the pH of the scalp. This can cause dandruff, a flaky scalp, infections, and increased hair fall. Plus, it also triggers excess sebum in the scalp which in turn, leads to oily and greasy hair.

While the idea of a romantic monsoon drizzle sounds perfect, trust us, you really don’t want rainwater in your hair for long. Wash it off as soon as you get back home. Use a good clarifying shampoo to rinse off all rainwater, dirt, grease, and other scalp build-ups. It restores a healthy scalp pH that is essential to keep the hair follicles healthy & promote stronger roots.

Focus more on hair nourishment

Desperately looking for ways to get rid of the frizzy fuss? One of the best treatments for humidity-beaten hair is right there in your kitchen! Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants revitalize hair health and strengthen the scalp for stronger and shinier hair. Not just topical care but your hair also needs nourishment from within.

Some excellent hair superfoods that you can add to your special monsoon diet are; eggs, spinach, avocados, berries, fish, fresh monsoon fruits like Jamun (Indian blackberry), nuts & megs. These can combat the lack of hair lustre and strength to make way for naturally thicker and luscious hair. Hair superfoods activate antioxidant activity in the body to undo hair damage and boost denser, longer hair.

Indulge in some spa time for your hair

Hydrating hair mask for shinier healthy hair
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Monsoon is the perfect time to pamper your tresses with luxurious hair treatments like hair slugging and deep conditioning hair masks. Find some spa time for your hair at least once every two weeks. Not only is it going to be a therapeutic retreat for your hair but will also give you the pleasure of a much-needed me-time.

During monsoons, rough hair becomes inevitable and hair masks come as the ultimate rescue to treat the dryness and dullness. Hydrating hair masks lock in moisture in the strands and nourish the scalp to activate healthier hair growth and effective frizz control. Pick hair masks with natural ingredients that reverse hair damage to repair and replenish your hair in the safest way possible. Simply, apply the hair mask and leave it on for around 20 minutes and wash it off.

Another trending way to revive your pretty locks is hair slugging. Rooted in most Asian cultures, hair slugging is an increasingly popular way of treating dry hair. It involves heavily coating your hair with a calming leave-in oil and letting it seep in for an hour or two. Wash it off properly & dry with a soft towel to unleash your hair’s newly found life and lustre!

Tackling the infamous monsoon hair fall!

Monsoon hair fall care tips
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If you had a dollar for every strand of hair that you lose during monsoons, you would be a “million-hair” by now. 

The rains can get you shedding like a husky because humidity deteriorates hair strength, aggravating split ends and brittleness. What to do to bring back the good hair glory during monsoons?

  • Don’t comb or tie up wet, damp hair. For the love of your locks, never do that!
  • Choose a wooden comb over a brush to prevent static frizz.
  • To dry your hair, use a soft cotton towel that is gentle on your hair. Prevent rubbing your hair and just gently squeeze out the water to dry.
  • Before combing your hair, use a hair serum to prep the hair for easy detangling so that you don’t end up painfully tugging and pulling out strands.

The ultimate monsoon hair care tip: Let your hair be!

What better season than monsoon to detox your skin and hair? The hair becomes more prone to breakage and brittleness during the rainy season. Avoid using heat-based styling tools like curlers and straighteners that can aggravate the damage. Go for simple hairstyles like a ponytail or pleated hair. It’s also best to avoid chemical treatments and hair dyeing so that your hair can breathe free! Remember your monsoon hair care mantra: Less is always more!

 

Currlll! You’ve got this!

Naturally healthy hair this monsoon without styling equipment

Caring for your hair during monsoon can sound like a daunting task but it isn’t impossible. Keep the above tips in mind and customize a hair care routine for yourself. And….consistency is key! Pouring rains don’t seem to take a break and so neither should your hair care regime.

Skincare, Uncategorized

7 Monsoon Skincare Essentials You Must Not Skip

Posted on by Matra

It’s raining cats and dogs! So just relax, sip on a hot cup of adrak wali chai, and read about a few ways to get glowing skin this monsoon!

 

As we move from scorching summers to moody monsoons, not just OOTDs but your skincare needs a seasonal change too. Like unpredictable rains, your skin too might start misbehaving due to rising humidity, giving you a hard time with breakouts, fungal infections, body odour, sweat rashes, and what not! We curated a list of top 7 essential monsoon skincare tips to get you ready for the rains this year.

Level Up Your Cleansing Game

Face Cleansing for Monsoon
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The rainy season means bizarre levels of humidity, sweat, and clogged pores. If you are already dealing with oily skin, monsoons are no less than a nightmare with devilish sebum and an army of acne on the way. Simply washing your face with soap will not do the trick! Here’s where cleansing and regular exfoliation come to the rescue.

Washing your face twice a day with a soap-free cleanser is the best way to gently purify your skin & control sebum without stripping it off the natural oils. Weekly exfoliation helps rejuvenate the skin by buffing off dead skin cells and unclogging pores to make way for newer skin cells. Don’t know where to start? Begin with our Vitamin C Face Wash and Coffee Scrub for perfect cleansing & exfoliation that restores your natural glow with an oil-free equation.

Toning Is Unavoidable!

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We all want that lovely dewy glow during monsoons but what we end up with is greasy, sticky skin that looks ready to fry like our favourite baarish wale pakore. Your battle against excess oil cannot be won without an alcohol-free toner. Toning your skin is ultra-essential for an ideal monsoon skincare routine. 

Not only does it help maintain a perfect pH balance but also helps tackle dry skin in monsoon. It flushes out grimy residue from the pores to shrink and tighten them for a smoother and softer texture. A refreshing face mist imparts a healthy glow and also keeps blemishes and acne at bay. So what if the weather is gloomy? While you can’t control the looming clouds, you can keep your skin happy and healthy with a hydrating face toner.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen!

Hold on! Did you just skip applying sunscreen because it’s cloudy outside? Well, the clouds don’t bar UV rays, which means that your skin is still exposed to the harmful effects of the sun. Sunscreen should be a top priority in your monsoon skincare regimen. Always apply sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping out and use it every three hours to keep your skin perfectly sun-protected.

It’s best to invest in a water-resistant/ gel-based sunscreen so that your sunscreen doesn’t wash off when you are out enjoying a breezy drizzle. You can also look for a sunscreen that is made of moisturizing and mattifying ingredients so that you can save yourself from an oily “ready-to-fry” look.

Clay Masks Can Bring Your Glow Back

Clay mask for monsoon
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Thanks to the crazy levels of humidity, our skin keeps shuttling between too oily and too dry during monsoons. What better way than clay face packs to tame your skin? If you are a DIY freak, making face packs at home is a fun way to deal with the oily mess. But if you have got no time to make a face pack on your own, you can try our ready-to-use Hyaluronic Acid with Dead Sea Mud mask. 

Along with excellent cleansing benefits, clay masks and mud face packs have active antibacterial properties that repair and refresh your skin. The skin refining agents effectively eliminate pollutants and pull out toxins to detoxify and revive your skin. It absorbs excess oil and gives your skin a natural radiance for that dreamy dewy look you always wanted!

Add Vitamin C to Your Monsoon Skincare Stash

Vitamin C skincare for monsoon
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When it comes to monsoon skincare essentials, Vitamin C is a boon in disguise. Like the weather outside, when your skin is acting up with acne and dullness, Vitamin C helps you combat it all. While your special monsoon fruit smoothies may contain Vitamin C, there is no guarantee that it will reach your skin. Using Vitamin C-infused moisturizers, serums and toners can give your skin a much-needed Vitamin boost this monsoon. 

Enriched with antioxidants, topical Vitamin C prevents oxidative cell damage and promotes cell regeneration for younger & brighter skin. Be it dark circles, redness, acne scars, or lifeless skin, a daily dose of Vitamin C has got you covered for the season. Flaunt your youthful and radiant skin in every #monsoon post!

Bonus hair care tips to get you through the frizz season!

Monsoon haircare routine
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Let’s not forget that along with the joy of rains come annoying monsoon hair problems! Grimy, unruly, frizzy hair with severe dandruff and itchy scalp can ruin your day. And the culprit again is none other than humidity! Here’s what you can do to beat the frizzy fuss:

  •  Your grandmother’s good old champi can do wonders! Jojoba, Neem, Amla, Bhringraj, and Coconut oils are some great options, to begin with.
  • You are what you eat and so is your hair! Consume hair-nourishing superfoods like eggs, avocados, berries, fish, fresh monsoon fruits, nuts & megs.
  •  Pamper your tresses with the luxury of therapeutic oil slugging and hydrating hair masks at least once every two weeks.
  •  While it is okay to enjoy your Bollywood moment in the rain, remember that acidic rainwater can disrupt the pH; so, use a good clarifying shampoo to rinse off all rainwater, dirt, and other scalp build-ups.
  •  During monsoons, the hair is more prone to breakage and brittleness, and using heat-based styling tools might just worsen it. Let your hair be and take a break from intensive styling. 

Remember, Less Is More!Healthy skincare for monsoon

Now that you know what your monsoon skincare kit needs, you are all set to brave the season of downpours with some delicious pakoras by your side. Here is a bonus golden tip! When it comes to both food and skincare for monsoons, less is always more. Use lightweight products and minimal makeup to ensure that your skin breathes amidst the rising humidity.

Pamper your skin and most importantly, listen to what it needs because your skin knows what’s best. While the pouring clouds are beyond your control, your skin health is definitely in your hands! 

Haircare

Are you Oiling your Hair Correctly? Read THIS to know more

Posted on by Matra

Want to add life to your tresses? Ace your grandma’s fav Champi the easiest way..

 

Remember those days when our mum & grandmums used to apply oil to our hair and kept going on & on about how good it is for your locks? Well, same!! But we’ve come far away by ignoring those tips & all we’re left with is damaged hair!

Let’s not just sulk about it, and let us help you find the correct way to oil your hair & make your nanis and dadis proud!

 

What is Hair Oiling?

Hair Oiling is a common ayurvedic practice in South Asia dating back almost 5000 years ago. Thanks to TikTok, it has been rebranded under the name ‘Hair Slugging’ and is widely taking over the hair care industry by storm! 

If you’re new to this concept, hair oiling involves pouring oil into your scalp & hair and massaging it gently. Usually, it’s left like that for a few hours or overnight (up to you) & rinsed after! The benefits are ample, the most common being getting soft & conditioned hair!

 

What are the benefits of Oiling Hair?

Just like your body, your hair needs essential nutrients to strive & grow! You gotta fuel your hair with oil so that it always stays healthy, strong, and lustrous. Hair Oiling protects your hair from environmental aggressors, daily wear & tear and enhances strength of your locks.

Hair Oiling for Hair Growth

Massaging your hair and scalp with oil boosts blood circulation and ensures that plenty of nutrients are absorbed so that your hair grows long and strong. 

For best results, ask your mum, bae or anyone to give you a relaxing head massage with warm hair oil! Trust us, your stress will just melt away, all with the added benefit of lustrous hair growth. It’s definitely a win-win 😉

Strengthens Hair

If you’re someone whose hair doesn’t stop falling, then hair oiling is one of the best techniques to reverse this problem. Applying a hair oil provides essential minerals to your scalp & prevents any kind of environmental damage. This improves the tensile strength of your hair which is definitely one of the best benefits of oiling hair.

Reduces Hair fall

If hairfall is one of the major hair issues you’re dealing with, pamper yourself with a nourishing hair oil massage. This exfoliates your scalp, gets rid of dead cells & nourishes your hair that completely reverses hair fall & encourages thicker hair growth.

Maintains Hair & Scalp Health

Using products meant for hair may make your hair appear healthy but they usually contain harsh chemicals that lead to product build up. This keeps your scalp & hair away from being healthy. But, as always, hair oiling comes to the rescue as it keeps your hair hydrated & maintains scalp health.

Keeps dandruff in check

Did you know that a majority of the population suffers from dandruff? As common as this problem is, not many know that regular hair oiling can actually help with this issue! Applying a hair oil nourishes your dry scalp & reduces flakiness, thereby curing all your dandruff woes.

 

How to Oil your Hair?

Oiling your hair the right way is a skill in itself! And we’re absolutely sure that you wouldn’t like to see your efforts go in vain.

Follow these steps & learn how to oil your hair in the best way possible:

Step 1: Heat up the oil

warm hair oil

Take a few spoonfuls of oil according to your hair length & warm it on a low flame. A warm hair oil massage will allow the oil to penetrate deeper into your scalp & ensure better nourishment.

Step 2: Part your hair into two sections

Before you start applying hair oil, part your hair into two sections for better application! When you massage hair oil in sections, it ensures that it reaches the scalp & gives better results.

Step 3: Apply Oil

Start massaging your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes. Run your fingers through the entire scalp & spread it to your strands when done. 

Step 4: Wrap it up with a warm cloth

Tie your hair & wrap a warm cotton shirt or cloth around your head. This allows the pores to open up & enhances better penetration of hair oil. 

Step 5: Time to rinse!

rinse hair after oiling

You can also leave the hair oil overnight and wash off your hair the next day. Just ensure that you use a mild shampoo & rinse with cold or lukewarm water.

 

Which Hair Oil to use?

The kind of oil to use widely depends on the type of hair you have.

As per Ayurvedic texts, your hair type is determined by three doshas known as Vata, Pitta & Kapha. If Vata is predominant, your hair will be dry & frizzy and therefore you’ll need a hair oil massage every day. People having high Pitta have oily hair while people with high Kapha have long & smooth hair. 

Don’t know your Ayurvedic Dosha? Read our blog here.

Also, it is important to do a patch best before so that you don’t develop an allergy. Wondering which hair oil to use? Read on:

Aloe Vera Hair Oil

Aloe Vera has a cure for all hair problems!! Yep, truly! Aloe Vera hair oil naturally makes your hair softer, smoother & frizz-free. The proteolytic enzymes in Aloe Vera moisturize your hair & scalp, lessen hair breakage along the shaft & lock in moisture which helps improve overall hair texture. It also relaxes the mind & boosts blood circulation which may activate hair follicles for thicker, stronger & voluminous hair growth.

 

Bhringraj Hair Oil

According to Ayurveda, Bhringraj is considered to be a ‘Rasayana’ that rejuvenates your hair & improves its longevity. It’s often known as ‘Keshraj’ or ‘King of Hair’ due to its excellent ability to maintain hair health. Being rich in active constituents like Jatamansi and Haritaki, it also helps to maintain your natural hair colour & reduces pigment loss. It also provides a firmer grip on the roots and reverses hair damage so that your hair stays healthy & strong.

Want to reduce hairfall & regrow your hair at the same time? Bhringraj is your go-to hair oil to get the best of both worlds! 

 

Neem Hair Oil

Looking for a cure for dandruff? Neem Oil is your go-to hair oil! Neem is called a ‘universal healer’ as it is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties that kill dandruff-causing fungi and provide relief against scalp itchiness & inflammation. 

It also reverses hair damage caused by pollution, strong medications, heat styling & stress, and also prevents breakage along the hair shaft.

 

Onion Hair Oil

Being rich in sulfur, Onion Hair Oil nourishes hair strands & ensures hair growth. This hair oil also reduces split ends and maintains the overall health of the hair. 

Using onion oil on a regular basis treats baldness & prevents hair thinning. By maintaining the pH level of the hair, it also prevents premature greying and stimulates your scalp to boost blood circulation & reduce hairfall.

 

Castor Hair Oil

Castor Oil is rich in ricinoleic acid that lubricates the hair shaft & helps minimize hair breakage. It is advised that you use Castor Oil with another carrier hair oil like Olive Oil or Coconut Oil otherwise it will make your scalp greasy.

Coconut Hair Oil

Coconut Oil is one of the most common hair oils widely used by people. Being lightweight, it easily penetrates into the hair shaft & reverses hair damage.

Almond Hair Oil

Almond Oil is a bit thicker than Coconut Oil and contains essential vitamins that encourage hair growth

Argan Hair Oil

Also known as Moroccan Oil, this hair oil contains important vitamins & omega-3 fatty acids that condition and strengthen hair. 

Olive Hair Oil

If you’re looking for the quickest way to condition your hair, then Olive Oil is the best hair oil for that purpose! It also encourages healthier, thicker & luscious hair growth.

 

Common Hair Oiling mistakes that you should AVOID

Never comb after having a hair oil massage

Combing your hair right after hair oiling will lead to breakage as your scalp is relaxed. If you really need to avoid tangles, comb your hair with a wooden Neem Comb before starting with a warm hair oil massage.

Wrapping your hair with a towel

Never wrap your hair with a warm towel as the fibers are rough which may lead to more breakage. Always use a warm cloth or a T-shirt instead.

Applying oil on wet hair

The reason why you shouldn’t apply oil on wet hair goes back to our 6th grade Science class! Oil repels water & no matter how much hair oil you apply, your hair won’t absorb it at any cost. So, it’s always better to apply hair oil on dry hair so that it penetrates deep into the layers.

Tying hair tightly after hair oiling

Your hair is at a vulnerable stage after a good hair oil massage & if you make the mistake of tying it too tightly, then it will further cause more damage & you’ll end up incurring major hair loss.

Applying Hair Oil every day

If you oil your hair everyday then it would technically mean shampooing it every day too. Leaving hair oil for too long will clog pores, accumulate dirt & dandruff, and cause product build up. However, applying it once or twice a week is highly recommended.

Don’t apply too much oil

When you apply too much hair oil, you’ll end up using a lot of shampoo to wash off excess oil. This will strip off your hair’s natural oils leaving it dry & dull.

Haircare

Do These Things to Protect Your Color Treated Hair

Posted on by Matra

Got your hair recently colored? Now it’s time to make it last longer..

 

If you are someone who loves to stay with the newest hair color trends, then you are not alone! Be it funky pink or subtle brown, you’re the one to never miss out on the fun! You’ve already spent a few thousands to achieve the hair color of your dreams, but do you take enough care of your color treated hair?

All you need to do is to put in some extra care & effort to protect and maintain your color treated hair. Ideally, it takes your hair color around five to six weeks to start fading, and in order to make it last longer, you need to follow proper color treated hair care.

 

Best treatment for colored hair

You got your hair newly colored, now the most important step is to keep your hair color from fading. Want to know how? Let’s find out:

Wait for 72 hours before you wash color treated hair

Did you just get your hair colored? Then it’s ideal to wait for atleast 72 hours before shampooing your mane. When you freshly color your hair, the hair cuticles are opened so that the color can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. It takes upto three to four days for the cuticles to close and for the color to finally settle down. 

If you wash your colored hair just after your salon appointment, chances are your hair color would wash off and fade quickly. The more time you give your hair color to settle in, the longer will it last, which ultimately means fewer touchups!

Use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair

Ever heard of SLS? Yeah? That’s Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a harsh chemical detergent found in a lot of shampoos & conditioners that strips off your hair’s natural oil & makes it dry and brittle. When it is mixed with water, it produces a lather which quickly dries out your color treated hair & fastens up fading. 

It’s better to make a switch to a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair to maintain long lasting color.

Wash your color treated hair with lukewarm water

A hot shower may sound tempting after a long, tiring day, but you gotta avoid it for the love of your hair! Hot water opens the hair cuticles, tends to dry out your color treated hair, strips off the natural oils, and quickly fades the hair color faster. So, it’s better to rinse your hair with lukewarm water or cold water to maintain the color for long.

Avoid washing your color treated hair frequently

“How often should I wash my color treated hair?” – One of the most common questions that people with freshly colored hair ask! The answer is: not too frequently at least!

When you wash your color treated frequently, it washes off your hair color quickly leaving it dry and brittle. Reduce the limit of shampooing your color treated hair to two or three times a week to lock in that hair color. If you have oily hair, wash your hair every alternate day to keep it fresh & healthy.

Deep conditioner for color treated hair

To make your color treated hair shine, pamper your tresses with deep conditioning treatments through hair masks. Use a protein rich hair mask that gives back the lost protein and leaves your hair healthier & stronger. Apply a scoop of hair mask on your color treated hair from the roots to the tips and detangle your hair using a comb. Wrap a hot towel around it for 30 minutes and wash your hair off with sulfate free shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair. When you rinse it off, you’re going to experience a softer & stronger mane!

Invest in a dry shampoo for color treated hair

If you are someone who has to wash their color treated hair everyday no matter what, then it’s worth investing in a dry shampoo (meant for colored hair obviously!). Dry shampoos get rid of all the product build up, dirt, pollution & gunk from your color treated hair without stripping off the color.

Leave-in treatments for color treated hair

After you get your hair colored, it tends to become dull and dry which brings leave-in conditioners into the picture!

These leave-in conditioners contain silicones that provide intense hydration to your color treated hair & make them soft and smooth. It’s also important to find leave-in conditioners that also provide protection from heat styling tools & UV rays as they cause severe damage to your colored hair when directly exposed. 

Give your color treated hair regular trims

Trimming your color treated hair regularly gives your tresses a chance to breathe and also maintains hair health. If your hair is damaged, by damaged we mean if it has split ends and the locks can’t keep themselves under control (they are frizzy in simpler language), then you better head to the salon to trim those ends for fresh root-to-tip hair color appearance.

Try to avoid chlorine on color treated hair

If you love swimming, then always wrap your colored hair in a swimming cap. This is to avoid the damage of chlorine on color-treated hair as it contains certain chemicals that can cause your current hair color, especially the lighter tones, to convert to an unattractive shade. Apply protective leave-in conditioner for better protection!

Don’t color your hair that often

Getting your hair colored often causes more damage, so restrict coloring your hair to once every five to six weeks. If your hair grows quickly and the roots begin to show, revive your colored hair at home by doing touch-ups or use a hair mascara to hide those grays if any.

Oils for color treated hair

Two of the most common concerns of color treated hair are- loss of moisture and dryness.

Hair experts recommend applying oil after coloring to make your color treated hair shine & lustrous. Regular oiling retains moisture into your dry color treated hair & forms a protective layer on your strands and prevents hair color from fading. Using a hot towel treatment, i.e wrapping a hot towel around your freshly oiled hair provides instant nourishment & improves the health of your color treated hair. Use Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil for color treated hair as they penetrate deeper into your hair shafts & strengthen your strand by counteracting the damage caused by hair dyes. 

Avoid heat styling tools for color treated hair

Colored hair is more prone to damage from high temperatures. Therefore, it’s best to avoid heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling iron, and hair straighteners. The wisest thing to do is to let your color treated hair air dry & avoid the possibility of using them. If it’s necessary to use these tools, then make sure to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and a heat protectant meant for your color treated hair, and then use these tools at the lowest heat setting. 

 

What’s the take away?

Apart from taking care of your hair externally, what you eat is reflected  in your hair too! Important nutrients like proteins, omega 3, iron, and other essential nutrients are essential for your hair’s well being. Incorporate meat, spinach, fish, fresh fruits, and green leafy vegetables that improve the texture and health of your color treated hair. 

Selfcare

Must-Have Facial tools to de-puff your skin in minutes!

Posted on by Matra

How does a salon-like facial at the comfort of your home sound? Amazing, doesn’t it?

 

Just like our body, our face tends to get tired because of a lot of tension & stress, and it becomes all the more important to pamper it with some oodles of love and self-care. This is where a soothing facial massage with facial tools comes to the rescue! It aims to relieve facial tension & gently de-puff your skin by encouraging lymphatic drainage. 

From relieving stress to helping you get a firmer look, these facial tools do a lot of work for you to help you get an appearance of your choice. Given a lot of options in the market, one is ought to get confused about which tool to buy. But, worry not, we’re here to help!

Let’s have a look at easily available facial tools for oh-so-amazing facial sessions-

 

Ice Globes aka Blue Tools from the FutureIce Globes

Don’t we love how good the cold spoons feel under our eyes? Or how ice cubes provide an instant depuff & rosy blush to our worn-out faces? But what about the mess after? 

Well, welcome Ice Globes, your partner from the future! Your savior from the icy, not so nicey mess! 

These super cool wands (quite literally) come with an anti-freeze liquid & treat your skin with an ultimate soothing facial massage & give an instant coolness and calmness to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s natural radiance by stimulating blood circulation, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and relieving muscle tension, sinus & headaches. 

These ice globes restore your skin’s natural vibrancy & radiance by reversing the signs of aging & ease facial tension & anxiety with brightened & enhanced complexion.

How to Use:

Apply a facial serum, oil, or moisturizer on a cleansed face. Massage in an upward motion to lift your skin for a younger & tighter appearance. You can also massage in a downward motion to encourage lymphatic drainage & minimize puffiness.

Matra tip: Keep these ice globes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Also, don’t keep these wands in one spot for a long time as they may damage your skin cells.

Gua Sha aka Natural Face LiftersGua Sha

“Perfect jawline with an equally sculpted face”– if that’s how your dream face looks like, Gua Sha is your go-to beauty tool. Hailing from the ancient traditional Chinese healing practice, Gua Sha is known to relieve tension & stress on your face by scraping the skin gently. 

Made from semi-precious crystals, these tools help to improve lymphatic drainage and boost blood circulation so that you can flaunt that chiseled look you always desired. The perfectly scraped angles target all the pressure points for increased blood flow and relax your skin in just a few minutes!

How to Use:

Before starting with the face sculpting process, ensure that you have applied a serum, moisturizer, or facial oil. Move the Gua Sha in an upward motion to the concerned area of your face. Don’t forget to give your Gua Sha a little wiggle after each stroke!

Matra tip: Store Gua Sha in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before starting your DIY Facial contouring massage.

Face Rollers aka Rollers that roll your stress away!

If we could give facial rollers one word, they’d be called “magic wands”. Why? Because these rollers come with a handle that mimics your knuckles & showers your face with tonnes of TLC! These rollers are popularly known as anti-aging tools as they reduce puffiness & instantly uplift your skin for clear, even-toned look!

The facial rollers have two rollers attached- big and small. The big roller is specifically suited for areas like the forehead, neck, and cheeks while the small roller is meant for your eyes & eyebrows. This rolling action destresses your skin, removes toxins & encourages lymphatic drainage for a plump & soft appearance!

How to Use:

Apply your favorite serum, moisturizer, or oil to your face. Move the roller up & down so that the product gets completely absorbed. Roll the bigger end in upward & outward motion along the forehead, cheeks, face, and neck. Use the smaller end to roll over eyebrows, fine lines, and under the eyes. Don’t forget to roll over the lines that run around the nose, chin & mouth.

Matra tip: Store your favorite Facial Roller in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before a DIY Pampering session

What a perfect end to an exhausting day!

Microvibrating Rollers aka New Age Facial Rollers

You know about Facial Rollers, now it’s time to get familiar with an upgraded version of them – Microvibrating rollers!!

These rollers are battery operated & are designed with sonic vibrational technology that produces 6000 micro-vibrations per minute. This provides a sensational yet relaxing massage all by refreshing and rejuvenating your face in just a matter of a few minutes. These beauty bars are plated in 24k antibacterial gold which is safe for your skin thereby preventing future breakouts. The small gold particles get absorbed into the skin and activate skin cells imparting long-lost radiance and glow.

Using it over your favorite facial product ensures that the product seeps in deeper & helps in fighting all the signs of aging from within.

How to Use:

Apply a facial serum, oil or moisturizer and roll the micro vibrating roller on your face in upward & outward motions. For the chin & jawline, roll the face massager down towards the neck.

Matra tip: Do this routine for a maximum of 5-10 minutes each session twice a day to reduce facial sagging & bloating.

Kansa Wands aka Time Tested Ayurvedic Facial Tools

Kansa Wands dates back to over 5000 years ago at the same time when Ayurveda originated. These tools are one of the first facial tools to have ever existed. The physical components are made of zinc, copper, bronze, or tin which provide healing properties to the skin.

These wands balance the three doshas of your body– Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and help encourage lymphatic drainage for a bouncier, lifted & plumper appearance. Massaging them in circular eights helps you carve out your cheekbones for enhanced beauty.

How to Use:

Apply a facial serum, oil, or moisturizer to your face. Massage Kansa Wands in circular motions 

on the area of your choice.

Matra tip: Massaging these Kansa Wands in circular eights helps you carve out your cheekbones for enhanced beauty.

Derma Rollers aka Collagen inducing therapyderma roller

For the new ones out there, micro-needling is a process of pricking the skin with tiny needles in the top layer in order to boost collagen and elasticity. This enables your skin to produce more collagen & reduces fine lines & wrinkles and helps you look radiant and younger.

Do not let these tiny, good for your skin needles intimidate you! Derma Rollers are harmless and painless so if you’re looking for something to amp up your skincare routine, go ahead with these dermat-approved rollers.

How to Use:

Roll your derma roller in all directions using gentle pressure. Roll twice over your forehead, cheeks, neck, lips & chin.

Matra tip: Always consult a dermatologist before starting with a derma roller. Make sure that the needles are not longer than 0.25 cm.

Here’s a sign to start your at-home facial now!

No matter what your target area of concern is, these facial tools always have a solution for all your problems! Be it face sculpting or face lifting, these facial tools have totally become a must-have in everyone’s skincare routine.

You can also try our range of facial tools made from 100% Pure & Natural stones that are perfect for a Sunday self-pampering session!

 

Selfcare

What is Hair Detox & Here’s How You Can Do It

Posted on by Matra
Hair Detox

You must have heard about detox water & detox diets for your body, but how about hair detox? Ever thought about that? Read on to know more…

Be it tying in a different way, dyeing in a trendy color, or heat styling, your hair goes through a lot of experiments to help you get the desired look. But, all of this comes at a cost! Your hair undergoes dryness and breakage & on top of it, the products that you use to restore its health cause a lot of product build-up and toxins on your hair as well as scalp. This causes irritation, itchiness & lots of hair problems. 

Do you ignore it? Yes! 

Can you do anything about it? Absolutely!

So hit that refresh button and give your hair a much-needed break! Here’s how:

But first, what’s a Hair Detox & when should you get one?

Hair Detox is a process where all the product build-up, oil & other impurities are removed from your hair strands & scalp that might be weighing down your hair. Doing a hair detox energizes your hair and brings it back to life. Doing so ensures that the next time you use a hair product, you can actually see the results! Scalp detox is also a major part of hair detox treatment where a healthy scalp maintains its health & increases oxygenation to your hair follicles. Hello, healthy hair!

When should you get a Hair Detox?

When you apply plenty of products & it stays inside instead of coming out, your scalp feels clogged & your hair appears synthetic, then it’s a major sign that you need a hair detox. It may take up to a few weeks for your hair & scalp to completely get rid of these impurities, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run!

How to Detox your Hair?

From improving your hair health to your hair color, here’s how you can perform a hair detox on your own:

  • Select the right hair productsHair products

Choosing the right products for your hair is the most important part of the hair detox process. Use a mild shampoo & conditioner for your hair type that detoxifies & moisturizes your hair to avoid further product buildup. Investing in a good hair detox shampoo also detoxifies your scalp & gets rid of all dead skin cells and flakes ensuring that other products seep right into your hair & nourish it intensely in return. Just make sure all your hair products are parabens & sulfate free!

  • Massage your scalp with a good Hair Oil

Ever loved good ol’ champis from your nanis and dadis? Well, little did you know that she was actually helping you with a good hair detox. Hair oils like Coconut Oil, Onion Oil & Jojoba Oil are extremely nourishing to maintain hair & scalp health and prevent further breakage & split ends.

  •  Use the right comb for your hairhair oil

If you are an avid hairbrush lover, then you just gotta stop!
Hairbrushes cause damage to the hair and leave it brittle so it’s better to switch to wide-tooth wooden combs with smoothed edges & work out knots starting from the tip! Wooden combs reverse all kinds of hair damage, promote healthy hair, and keep frizz in control.

  • Get rid of those split ends

In order to ensure healthy hair growth, it’s important to trim your hair after every 3 months. Before starting with hair detox, get rid of those split ends to allow fresh air & better product penetration into your hair.

  • Your hair needs some moisturization too!

A moisturized hair & scalp automatically implies healthy hair. Select the right hair butter, hair mask or hair conditioners that fill your hair with truckloads of moisture. These also prevent your hair from getting dry & brittle!

Are there any DIY Natural Remedies for Hair Detox?

Apart from buying hair products from the market, you can also opt for any of the easiest following DIY Natural remedies for hair detox: 

  • Scalp Detox with Aloe Vera aloe vera for hair

As Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins, minerals & other nutrients, it helps maintain a healthy scalp by increasing the generation of cells & reducing dandruff. 

How to use: Rub fresh Aloe Vera gel on your scalp gently, let it sit for one hour & rinse with a mild shampoo 

  • Rinse your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular hair care product that removes all the product residue on your hair and adds luster & shine for a beautiful mane. 

How to use: Mix 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in water & pour the diluted water on your hair after you’ve applied shampoo & conditioner. Do not rinse!

  • Baking Sodabaking soda on hair

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an excellent exfoliator that removes product residue & ensures scalp health. It also fights dandruff & allows fresh oxygen to enter your hair. 

How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 250ml water & pour it into your wet hair. Massage and keep it on for 10 minutes & rinse.

  • Moisturizing Honey Mask

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 3 tablespoons of water, and apply this mixture to your scalp followed by the length of the hair. Let the mask sit for a few hours & rinse it after with a mild shampoo.

  • Detoxifying Sea Salt Shampoo

Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt to your shampoo & massage your hair gently. Rinse it off with water. Do this once a month regularly & experience the magic of good hair evolving!

  • Cinnamon Hair Detox Maskcinnamon for hair

Mix 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil,½ teaspoon of Cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda & apply this mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave for half an hour & rinse with a mild shampoo.

  • Age-Old Shikakai Paste

Ask your grandmother & she’ll definitely vouch for this age-old Ayurvedic ingredient! Shikakai is rich in antioxidants, vitamins & saponins that act as a natural cleanser. 

How to use: Mix 2 tablespoons of Shikakai powder in water & apply this paste to your scalp & hair length and rinse with cool water.

How to maintain your freshly detoxed hair?protein for hair

Yay, now that you’ve achieved a healthy scalp, it’s important to maintain this progress! Avoid heat styling or chemically treating your hair to maintain that lustrous sheen. Also, make sure you always choose hair products that are free from parabens, sulfates & silicones.

Last but not the least, drink lots of water & load up your diet with proteins so that your hair always stays healthy & happy!!

Skincare

What Ayurvedic Dosha are you?

Posted on by Matra
bidoshic and tridoshic

All about Ayurvedic Doshas and the right way to eat accordingly!

Before getting started with this blog, have a look around you. Think about all the people you know and their reactions to different situations. You’ll notice that no two people react the same way. The way people think, behave and react towards a particular situation differs from one another. But, what causes these differences in personality?
No, we are not going to bring in a psychologist to provide you with all the answers! Rather, we’ve got Ayurveda to support these statements with a detailed explanation.

Ayurveda, also known as the science of life, proposes that all living and non-living beings are composed of five elements of life, known as Mahabhutas. These are Prithvi (Earth), Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Aakash (Space), and Teja (Fire). These elements vary from every species and are present in a predetermined ratio which can’t be changed. The permutations and combinations of these elements form the three doshas– Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (known as tridoshas), which form the fundamentals of Ayurvedic philosophy. These doshas are responsible for a person’s emotional, mental, and psychological well being.

Depending on your environment, climate, health, lifestyle, season, diet, relationships, and age, the ratio of these doshas changes. This constant fluctuation can affect your overall mood and health. A proper balance between these three doshas is important for complete well being.

What are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha?

Vata: Air and Space

Vata is called the “King of Doshas”, and translates to “vayu” which is associated with the movement and flow in the body.

Physical and Emotional Characteristics of Vata dominant people:

  • They are lightweight and thin.
  • Vatas are energetic but sometimes feel tired unexpectedly.
  • They are known for having cold feet and hands and have dry, flaky skin.
  • When their dosha is in imbalance, their skin type shows early signs of aging.
  • They also experience anxiety, weight loss, frustration, aches, and pains.
  • Vatas get angry easily but are also quick to forgive.
  • They are also really creative and love to thrive on new experiences and adventures.

Best time of the day: 2 am to 6 am, 2 pm to 6 pm

Governing season: Mid September to Mid February

Favorable food items:

  • Vata is a cold dosha that can be balanced by having warm and nourishing foods. Adding butter and fats to food items helps in stabilizing Vata.
  • Foods having sweet, salty, and sour flavors are relaxing and gratifying.
  • Vatas respond well to warm soups, foods, and beverages.
  • Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cumin are some of the best spices.

Foods to avoid: Cold foods like raw vegetables, greens, iced beverages, too much caffeine, and unripe fruits should be avoided.

How to stay balanced:

  • Maintain a proper diet
  • Exercise daily and regularly
  • Avoid cold and windy weather
  • Get regular Ayurvedic massages
  • Avoid crowded and loud places
  • Get enough sleep

Pitta: A Bit of Water and Fire

Pitta is a transformative force that is dominated by the fire element. It regulates all the metabolic processes of the body and regulates body temperature and hormonal balance.
Pitta is what allows you to perceive what is happening around you. They are distinguished by their quick thinking, as well as their powerful intellect and ambition.

Physical and Emotional Characteristics of Pitta dominant people:

  • Pittas have a warm body temperature and an excellent digestive system.
  • They are medium built and have a muscular structure.
  • They have oily reddish skin with light-sensitive intense eyes. It is easier for them to gain and lose weight.
  • They also have a good complexion with strong eyesight.
  • Pittas are good decision-makers and have high concentrating and learning ability.
  • They are goal-oriented, passionate, and competitive.
  • Pittas are often outspoken, direct, and quick-witted.
  • They love adventure and obstacles. When they are out of balance, there can be sudden emotional outbursts, anger, and arguments.

Best time of the day: 10 am to 2 pm, 10 pm to 2 am

Governing season: Mid June to Mid September

Favorable food items:

  • Cold and warm foods are better for Pittas.
  • Food items that taste astringent, bitter, and sweet are ideal.
  • Cold food like ice cream, milk, and salads are refreshing while soothing herbal tea is favorable.
  • Pittas should opt for vegetarian meals as red meats tend to increase body heat due to high-fat content.
  • Vegetables, food grains, and milk should be consumed in large quantities.

Foods to avoid: Sour food items like pickles, cheese, and sour cream aren’t ideal for Pittas. Butter and fats should be added to food items. Foods that are alcoholic or fermented should also be avoided. Nuts, egg yolks, spices, fried food, and beverages should also be consumed in less to no quantities.

How to stay balanced:

  • Maintain a proper diet
  • Exercise when the weather is cool
  • Avoid excessive dry and humid weather
  • Stay hydrated
  • Be patient and considerate
  • Avoid conflicts
  • Maintain moderation in every aspect

Kapha: Earth and Water

Kapha consists of water and earth elements, and translates to “the one that binds things”. It is responsible for the body’s stability, support, and lubrication.
It promotes emotional stability, physical, and mental endurance, and allows one to feel deeply. Its dense and stable quality protects our organs and maintains body heat.

Physical and Emotional Characteristics of Kapha dominant people:

  • Kaphas have a broad and curvy frame with strong bones and muscles.
  • They have cool and smooth skin with thick and wavy hair.
  • Their prominent feature is large and bright eyes with fuller lips.
  • They gain weight easily but find it difficult to lose weight.
  • Kaphas are fine with having a couple of meals a day as they sometimes have slow digestion.
  • They have a loving and calm nature.
  • They appreciate life and prefer a regular routine in their personal and professional lives, and want to do things in a meticulous, step-by-step manner.
  • Kaphas are powerful, patient, helpful, and show an excessive amount of attachment.
  • During an imbalance, they become stubborn, complacent, and unmotivated.

Best time of the day: 6 am to 10 am, 6 pm to 10 pm

Governing season: Mid February to Mid June

Favorable food items:

  • Warm lightly cooked or raw food items are the best for Kaphas.
  • They prefer dry cooking methods like boiling or grilling to moist cooking methods like steaming or poaching.
  • Consuming spices like sesame seed, turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek seeds are helpful for increasing the appetite.

Food to avoid: Kaphas should avoid overindulging in sweet and fatty foods, as well as excessive salt consumption, which can lead to fluid retention. As Kaphas tend to overeat, they should have their main meal (dry and light) in the middle of the day. Sugar, fats, dairy products, and chilled products should be avoided. Ghee and oils should be used in moderation.

How to stay balanced:

  • Maintain a proper diet
  • Wake before dawn, and avoid sleeping during the day
  • Exercise regularly
  • Always keep dry and warm
  • Engage in activities that excite and stimulate the mind and body
  • Allow for a sense of adventure, excitement, challenge, and variety in your life

Can someone be bi-doshic or tri-doshic?

Bi-doshic means you have strong qualities in common with two doshic types. People having qualities of two doshas ( vata-kapha, pitta-kapha, and vatta-pita) are “split” in some ways. In certain conditions, one dosha will dominate the other one, and vice versa for other conditions.

Tri-doshic means having an influence of all three types of doshas in equal amounts. When the doshas are in balance, the person can be very strong but in case of an imbalance, he/she can suffer from poor health. The key to having a balance at all times is to follow practices that will counterbalance all the doshas.

The season is the best way to manage a bidoshic and tri-doshic prakriti. For example, as Autumn is a Vata season, it is better to follow a “Vata” balancing regime. During the summer season, you would follow a “pitta” balancing regime, and during the winter season, it is better to follow a “Kapha” balancing regime.

 

So, what’s your Dosha?

 

Skincare

Your Beauty Horoscope for 2022 is OUT!

Posted on by Matra

See what the stars have in store for your skin..

What’s your raashi? All of us have been asked this question- be it on a date, from our friends, or an acquaintance. Whether to check your compatibility with your partner or an answer to “Why am I always like that?”, your go-to zodiac signs always have the answer. As we have entered 2022, Matra experts have come up with some beauty advice that you should follow to have great skin all year long!
Check them out!

Traits: As the first sign of the zodiac, there’s no surprise that you love to be number one. Your never give up attitude and optimistic approach to life make you everyone’s favorite. 

Advice for 2022: Stay persistent with your skincare routine to make 2022 the best year for your skin!!

Traits: Just like the bull, you have a stubborn personality, and that stubbornness is reflected by your skin too. Those stubborn skincare problems just won’t go away!! 

Advice for 2022: In 2022, get out of your comfort zone & change your skincare routine for a better outcome!

Traits: The most unpredictable of all signs, you are known to be fickle, having an inconsistent personality (thanks to your twins’ symbol). You’re always craving new & exciting and that’s what makes 2022 the best year for your skin.

Advice for 2022: Keep exploring new skincare options in 2022, and make your favorite product the talk of the town

Traits: You may wear your heart on your sleeves, but that still doesn’t stop you from trusting people. Being frequently emotional & stressed causes frequent breakouts, and that has to be taken care of! 

Advice for 2022: Follow a constant CTM skincare routine in 2022 to keep those pesky breakouts driven by emotions, at bay!

Traits: Like a lion, you are a born natural leader, and fearless when it comes to taking risks. You’re dominating & ambitious, and that’s exactly why you are standing at the top of the ladder.

Advice for 2022: This strong and stubborn attitude makes you try almost all kinds of trending skincare. In 2022, go the traditional way & adopt a basic skincare routine and stick to it!

Traits: Everyone expects you to be the problem solver given your systematic approach to life. You know you are a perfectionist when you don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. 

Advice for 2022: In 2022, we are sure that you’ll be able to solve all your beauty problems & have a systematic approach to skincare!!

Traits: You are a free bird and are always in to try new things. Given how easily you can adapt to your surroundings, you are everyone’s favorite. 

Advice for 2022: Every skincare catches your attention, and you just can’t stop yourself from trying it out. In 2022, we advise sticking to a routine and following it religiously.

Traits: Being determined & disciplined is what you’re known for. Once you set your mind to something, you make ends meet to achieve it. 

Advice for 2022: We’re sure that 2022 will be an easy year for your skin! Consistency pays and reflects in your beauty too!

Traits: You never settle for less and always crave attention! The dynamic blend of all the positive energies helps you achieve your dreams. 

Advice for 2022: In 2022, blend your passion with your skincare and experience the best of both worlds!!

Traits: You are very grounded & practical. Your sincere devotion helps you achieve everything you decide on. 

Advice for 2022: As it’s your birthday season, your 2022 birthday will bestow you with a gift of good skin all year long.

Traits: You have a huge group of friends as you love to communicate. You find normalcy boring which makes you always crave something new. 

Advice for 2022: Give your creativity a headstart and let 2022 be a DIY skincare year for you!

Traits: Being a Piscean, your emotional content is always high! You are also considered as one of the most beautiful people from the inside out.

Advice for 2022: In 2022, this culmination of inner and outer beauty will reflect on your skin too!

Your skin should be taken care of, no matter what your zodiac is…

Taking care of your skin is essential throughout the year! No matter what your sun sign is, ignoring your skin is a big no no! If you need any skincare advice or tips, ask our expert to get glowing skin all year long!

 

Skincare

PCOS & Skincare: All You Need To Know

Posted on by Matra

Don’t let PCOS/PCOD hinder your confidence

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/ Disorder (PCOS/PCOD) is a disorder where one out of ten women of reproductive age are affected. It is characterized by irregular periods, excessive release of androgen, that is high levels of male hormones which cause excessive body or facial hair, and polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries enlarge and follicles surround the eggs. It is also a common cause of infertility in women.

PCOS results in many bodily changes like sudden weight gain, excess body hair, acne, and other issues. Dryness, excessive dandruff, hairfall, and itching are also common problems. Luckily, with some hormonal medications, a healthy lifestyle, and a proper skincare regime, you can take better care of your skin!

PCOS & Skin Impact

PCOS affects the body and skin in a lot of ways! Most of the common skin problems are as follows:

Hormonal acne: Women with PCOS may have acne around the lower part of their face i.e around the jawline, upper neck, lips, and chin. This can be in the form of blackheads or pustules. Some may also have cystic acne, which is a serious type of acne, that requires medical consultation.

Hair fall: As the levels of androgen, the male hormone is high, hairline starts to recede especially in the front of your scalp. This causes hair thinning and hair fall.

Hirsutism: Hirsutism refers to the excessive growth of hair on different parts of the body. Common areas of hair growth are the upper lips and chin. The sidelocks may also experience increased thickness. There’s also hair growth on your body in the back, chest, and around the navel.

Why is it important to adopt a PCOS- friendly skincare?

Having acne coupled with excess body hair can be really frustrating. Women having PCOS have excess sebum production that leads to more oily skin than normal. One of the major reasons behind this is the higher levels of androgen. Because of this, many skincare products become less effective as they are unable to get absorbed into the skin easily.

It is important that you follow a proper PCOS skincare routine in order to lower the production of sebum, reduce the acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. Following an effective treatment plan along with the specific PCOS skincare regime may help to some extent.

Ideal Skincare Tips

Skincare should always be a part of your daily routine. Incorporate a few of these tips for a healthy difference to your skin:

  • Gentle Exfoliation: Having oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t really mean that you shouldn’t exfoliate at all. Use a gentle exfoliator to get rid of all the dirt and impurities. This will also help to unclog pores. Exfoliate twice or thrice a week is considered ideal for healthy skin!!
  • Consistent Daily Routine: Having a consistent daily routine will help your acne in the long run. Use a salicylic-based cleanser, alcohol-free toner, gel-based moisturizer, and a gel-based sunscreen in your AM Routine. Wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks for your skincare products to show results, before giving up on your new product. You should also consult a professional for products that suit your skin.
  • Don’t overwash your face: Washing your face twice a day is ideal for people with oily skin as it helps to unclog pores. Washing more than twice a day will strip off the skin’s natural oils and make it dry. This will further lead to more breakouts which you definitely don’t want anymore!!!
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking sufficient water is important to manage PCOS/PCOD symptoms. This flushes out harmful toxins, cleanses the digestive tract, and also ensures regular menstrual flow.
  • Exercise daily: As one of the common symptoms of PCOS is weight gain, it’s important to exercise daily. If you can manage your weight with exercise, then other PCOS symptoms can be easily managed too! 20 minutes of daily exercise is highly recommended! So, put on that gym wear and get going!!!
  • Avoid Comedogenic Products: Avoid skincare products that are comedogenic in nature like cocoa butter, butyl stearate, almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cetyl acetate, and other ingredients. These may worsen hormonal acne.

What’s next?

While it is extremely common to have skin problems, it is important that you consult a dermatologist and your doctor for your condition. It may not have any cure, but it still is a manageable condition. A simple change in health, lifestyle, and diet will help you in the long run!   

 

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