Arabian Beauty/Basra Haider: Forever Silky Smooth!

By BASRA HAIDER 
AL ARABIYA

Laser-hair-removal has served the Arabian woman well. We are perhaps more grateful for it than any other women, because the hair is dark, because there’s a lot of it; because-most of us are waxed at the tender age of eight or nine, the belief being that if the hair is removed before puberty then it has less of a growth spurt when everything else starts to grow.
Growing-up in North America, I was spared this ordeal of getting waxed at a tender age. I personally tried waxing for the first time when I was 15, but did not stick to it, it was expensive to afford and the pain unbearable. But I soon realized that shaving was not the answer for me, either, as my-blonde sisters suggested; unlike their hair, my hair would grow back not only within a few days but sharp as needles, each leg hurting the other as I got under the covers, and-horror if you accidently rubbed arms with your date when you left the shaving a few days too long!
I had no choice but to try and find another solution and until then to endure waxing.

Laser-hair-removal really works! In my case, I did it for the-first time in 2000. To my joy I read that a new laser machine had come out for brown skin tones! At that time, I didn’t have much of a choice as to where to go. Dubai had the option of two clinics that had-this latest laser machine I was after, a Diode.

At the time it was very expensive and I opted to go for the underarms, bikini-line and half legs and my first session was horrifically-painful and I thought I would be scared for life.

But, the marks went away and so did about 80 percent of the-hair in one session! Money well invested! Freedom! I have to admit-that to date it is still the best session I have had and it was in a plastic surgery clinic not at a dermatologist or beautician. Today, they have more-sophisticated Diode machines and a newer Yag laser, which is safer for almost-all dark tones, as long as the hair is darker than the skin-tone, the best being a Nd Yag.

The worse-experiences I have had in Dubai are in beauty salons. There is something that is called a pulse light system, and this was for a while allowed in beauty salons and was a cheaper option than the laser at a doctor’s clinic. Personally, it did not give the same permanent-results, and I was told I would need multiple sessions. My two experiences with the lamp-type hair removal system left me scarred for years on my face and my arms.

The one that burnt my facial skin was called a “Spa Touch 2 Photo epil`tion, but the technician insisted that the fault was hers and that the machine was excellent and that she had forgotten to pull my-skin taut while applying it. The one used on my arms was an IPL ( Intense Pulsed Light ) machine. However, IPL systems have evolved into a far more sophisticated--machines today that can treat from almost white to the darkest hair on all skin tones. The best being the AIPL Pulsar

For me, laser hair removal is the real deal. However, the operator-is of utmost importance, perhaps more than the machine itself. Many technicians and clinics are afraid of burning dark skin tones, sometimes they play it too safe, they keep the power--so low and in some cases, the laser can actually stimulate hair growth! Some clinics may continue the practice because it gets you to come back! Do your-research and find a doctor not beautician to work on you and endure the pain during the test path, for better results. Done right, it is worth it.

Do keep in mind that once the hair is gone, it does not come back. For example, the only regret that I have is when I actually had my-brow hair done at the suggestion of the technician, yes I too sometimes fall into the trap of giving over my decision making power over to an “expert,” so it has limited me to what I can do with my brows. And I am surprised to hear that most women request a full Brazilian I cannot help but think-- what if that trend changes too!

I say, “Viva Laser Hair Removal! Forever Silky Smooth!”

(Basra Haider covers the beauty-industry. She can be reached at: basra@consultant.com)

Why you can safely ignore most trends in Fashion Magazines

The pointy-toe shoe. In, out, shake it all about? Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian

Many titles cover fashion with a level-of-intelligence that would give a brick a superiority complex. Are pointy-toe-shoes in? Is anything?

By Hadley Freeman

guardian.co.uk

I see in a magazine that pointed-toe shoes are "back". What does this mean?

Geraldine, by email

What this means, Geraldine, is that a hapless work experiencer came into the office one day and, instead of being alternately ignored and sent-out for the coffee run, an overstressed fashion assistant told her to ring round every shoe designer she could think of and ask them to send over whatever pointed shoes they had in the store room because they'd look good on a double-page spread. And that, boys and girls, is how fashion journalism works.

Look, I would never knock fashion per se, so calm down. But there is no doubt-that a lot of magazines cover fashion with a level of intelligence that would give a brick a superiority complex. Are pointy-toe-shoes in? Is anything? As has been advanced-before on this very page, yes, there are spikes in popularity of a certain trend or look, and occasionally there is even the seismic, nay, cosmic coincidence of two major advertisers-I-mean-designers doing the same thing in one season. But in the main, fashion consists of a lot of people-making a lot of different kinds of clothes in the hope that as many people as possible will forget about the recession and spend money. That is how fashion – as opposed to fashion journalism  works.

And isn't that marvellous? It means that, contrary to popular perception, fashion designers do not hate the majority of the female race and-only want attenuated zombies to wear their clothes. They love you (or at least, your money) and they throw as many clothes as possible at you in the-hope of tempting you. Yes, the fact that they put the clothes on attenuated zombies in their fashion shows is confusing, but a large part of the blame for that can be laid at the stilettoed feet of . .  magazines.

Someone, somewhere, a long-time ago, decided that fashion looks best on skinny women in magazines. The repeated defence of this is that it "hangs better". But this argument is clearly more subjective than the defenders like to think. With just the tiniest bit of magical thinking, one can imagine a world in which-plumpness was venerated and fashion-magazine editors were challenged on their use of impossibly chubby models: "I understand your concern but the clothes just cling better when the models are plumptious," the rotund Edna Mode would say airily.

Quite why so many-fashion magazines do such a disservice to the subject they are covering – making it sound like something only for anorexics who insist on trying to talk as if they're 16 even if they're closer to 46  is one of the great mysteries of life. In fact, what-seems to have happened is that fashion journalism has painted itself into a corner, desperately claiming from week to week that there are new "essential" trends. No one ever says in Empire, "OMG! Sci-fi is totes in this week! You gotta see sci-fi and only sci-fi!" And as far as I know, there are never articles in the LRB mocking their readers if they like to recline on the sofa instead of in the garden when-they peruse their novels. So here's what I'd like to see in a magazine: "Look, here's some-pretty clothes. Don't be scared of feeling 'out of it' or what have you. Just pick and choose what you like-and get on with your day. The end.

Dior couture dazzling but erratic

Dior creative director Bill Gaytten sent out this homage to the sad clown Pierrot at the end of the first show he did in 15 years without John Galliano.

By Jeanne BekerFashion Columnist

PARIS:- Colourful mosaic appliqués, off-beat geometric headpieces, tiers of chiffon on grand ball gowns, and glittering confetti paillettes should have made for a joyful buzz inside the tent on the-grounds of the Musée Rodin. Instead, the erratic Dior haute couture collection left many fashion insiders scratching their-heads, lamenting the loss of the house’s creative director, John Galliano, and longing for just--the right knight in shining armour to be named as his replacement.
Earlier this year, just before-the fall ready to wear-collections got underway, the disgraced Galliano was dumped by Dior amid a blaze of controversy. A video showing the genius-British designer praising Hitler and making other racist remarks went viral, and within days Galliano was ousted-from the house after 15 years of exquisite collections and some of the most theatrically impressive-presentations in fashion. Citing the pressures of his job as well as drugs and alcohol as the reason for his inexcusable behaviour, many have opined that Galliano committed career-suicide. Judgment will passed on Sept. 8, when a verdict is expected in the trial on charges of public insult. Meanwhile, LVMH, the powerful luxury goods group that-owns Dior, is taking its time naming a successor to Galliano.


“We want to find a long-term solution,” stressed Dior president Sydney Toledano in an interview after the show. While several names have been bandied about for the potential-post, from Haider Ackermann and Riccardo Tisci to Azzedine Alaia, there hasn’t been any news. In the meantime, 51-year-old Bill Gaytten, who worked alongside Galliano for 23 years, has been named creative director of Galliano’s-namesake label (also controlled by LVMH) and oversaw the hotly anticipated Dior couture-collection.

Of all the impressive-labels owned by LVMH, Dior is considered to be the jewel in its crown. Unquestionably, the team is known as one of the most accomplished in the-business. And there’s no doubt that Gaytten, an expert cutter and pattern maker, is a most talented-designer.

But many-insiders who saw Monday’s Dior show felt the magic was missing. Though its signature 1947 New Look silhouette was out in full force, with several gargantuan ball gowns upping the fantasy-ante, there didn’t seem to be a cohesive story going on. 

Gaytten said he-wanted to create a very modern collection, and the team drew inspiration from Italian Memphis Group architect Ettore Sottsass, French art director Jean Paul Goude and Toronto-born architect-Frank Ghery. However, the resulting hodgepodge of ideas came off as a kind of pop pastiche. The appearance of St. Louis model Karlie Kloss at the show’s end, dressed as the sad clown-Pierrot in an elaborate black and white creation, served as a poignant punctuation mark perhaps acknowledging the longing this house has for a hero to take it into a new age.

Post-show, I asked Kloss-how she felt doing the Dior show without Galliano. She looked at me wistfully and quickly changed the subject “I’m just thrilled to be able to wear such amazing things,” she insisted. “Just Look at this outfit!” she gushed, pointing out her lavish, ruffled tulle collar. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” 

Some are suggesting it’s the beginning of a new era in fashion, one in which celebrity-designers do not helm houses and it’s about “the workmanship of the ateliers, what the team produces together,” starchitect-Peter Marino said in an interview. But others, like the iconic Marisa Berenson, believe a fashion house, especially with the kind of huge legacy that Dior has, “needs a visionary at its helm for direction.”

Then there are those who simply long for the good old days. “I just wish they’d give Galliano a second chance,” confided New York’s Joyce Samuels, a Dior client-for over 40 years. Samuels, decked out in a pastel floral coat with matching big-brimmed hat from the garden inspired collection Galliano presented for Dior Couture last year, knows it’s a daunting challenge.

But, as Berenson-noted, “fashion is always changing, and we always do manage to pick ourselves up and keep on going.”

The fashion-world is watching as Dior finds its way. 
source: http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/1020708--dior-couture-dazzling-but-erratic

Should a Woman be Forced to Wear Makeup?

BY MARY ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

A Harrods employee causes-an-uproar when she refuses to paint her face. Was she right to quit or just deluded?

Melanie Stark worked for nearly five years as a sales-assistant in the HMV music shop of Harrods. The 24-year-old says she was commended for her customer service and was described by one of her managers-as-among "the best." Why then does she say she was "driven out" of her job last week? Because-she wouldn't makeup.

London's venerable retail-emporium is known throughout the world as a bastion of British propriety. It even has a dress code for visitors that implores them to make sure "all clothing is clean and presentable and that the appropriate-footwear is worn while in the store. Refrain from wearing clothing which may reveal intimate parts of the body, or which-portrays offensive pictures-or writing." In other words, if you'd like to see the that famed food hall, leave-your "MOUSTACHE RIDES: $1" shirt at home. The store is, naturally, even stricter with its staff – the full two-page "ladies" dress-code tells workers in every-department to wear "Full makeup at all time: base, blusher, full eyes (not too heavy), lipstick, lip liner and gloss are worn at all time and maintained discreetly (please take into-account the store display lighting which has a 'washing out' effect)." It's a good thing I don't work at Harrods, because I don't even know what-constitutes "full eyes," or how to wear three kinds of lip products "discreetly."
Stark knew what she was-getting into when she was hired by Harrods and received its employee dress code. Yet she says she didn't wear makeup for her job interview, or at times during her tenure on-staff. The policy wasn't enforced until last-August, when, after being spotted by a senior manager, she was sent home. The next day she was put to work in the stockroom. Stark says she was later offered a makeup workshop and told, "We're not-making you look like the girls on the beauty--counter" and that she could "just wear eyeliner and lipstick." But after some more back and forth, she simply decided to stick to her guns and that "it was time to move on."
Though Stark herself-seems to have a relatively low-key attitude toward her choice, it's inspired its share of both detractors and supporters. The Guardian's Sali Hughes called the policy "deeply sexist" and said that "it implies-that a woman, however-clean and presentable, can pass muster only in heavy makeup, and that anyone opting out is by default shabby and below par."
That's exactly what the Daily Mail's Liz Jones thinks. In a fiery, quintessentially British op-ed about the row titled, "If you're too bolshy to put on some lippy, why should any firm give you a job?" Jones states that "Women who feel no compunction to improve what nature bestowed upon them are, in my experience, arrogant, lazy or deluded, and frequently all three … Why does a young woman-think her desire to show us her open pores and ruddy complexion outweighs the wishes of her employer to present a polished-face to the customer?"
It's reasonable to expect and enforce a code of dress for a business that deals with the public. Plenty of retailers have them, and many arespecific to the point of absurd. Banana Republic-requires employees to wear a three-piece ensemble at all times, and hoop earrings are verboten at Abercrombie & Fitch. But you know what? Their store, their rules, however arbitrary they may seem. While Liz Jones is full on crackers to assert that a woman without makeup is derelict in her duty to "improve what-nature bestowed," Stark was mighty lucky to skate by for five-years without a hint of Harrods imposed mascara.
Does a female living on this planet in the 21st century really need to coat herself in "lipstick, lip liner and gloss" to do her job, even one in sales? Of course not. Stark, like-plenty of working women, knows that. But just because a workplace rule is stupid, it doesn't mean you get to break it. Now, Stark just needs to find a place with more Stark-friendly rules. Maybe she-could work for American-Apparel, whose dress code handbook tells its workers to be "clean and tasteful-preferably no makeup.
source:http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/06/harrods_retail_dress_code_makeup/

Hair Today, Gone 2morrow

Hair removal can be a painful process but homemade remedies may just be the easy way out. PHOTO: FILE

Hair removal can be-quite a dilemma, especially for women who are always on the go. If you think the only way to get rid of annoying body hair is to go through the physical pain of waxing or the mental agony of shelling out a bomb on laser therapy, then you probably haven’t yet discovered the virtues of spearmint-tea and lemon-honey paste.

For women, the problem-of excessive hair growth, which is scientifically known as hirsutism, starts around puberty and marks its territory across the face, neck, chest, back, toes and arms. It mostly afflicts women-between the age of 18 to 45.

“The reason behind excess hair growth is an increased-level of male hormones in the blood (androgens). Although all women produce androgens, increased levels could lead to hirsutism. Genes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian tumours and adrenal disorders are other reasons for excessive growth of hair,” says Navin Taneja, director of the National Skin Centre in India.

Although-shaving, waxing, threading and bleaching are temporary solutions to get rid of unwanted hair, there are some natural remedies which help reduce hair growth.

“Drinking spearmint tea twice a day, for five days, can reduce levels of male sex-hormones. A paste of gram flour, curd and a pinch of turmeric powder can be used on a daily basis and one can also use a pumice stone while bathing,” suggests Taneja.

Beauty and skin expert Shahnaaz Hussain, a prominent Indian female entrepreneur best known for her herbal cosmetics, has a few suggestions.

“Mix 30 grams of sugar with 10 millilitres (ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice in 150 ml of water. Mix well and then apply it on the--face in the direction of the hair growth. Leave it for 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water, rubbing the facial area gently. Repeat once every week,” the beauty expert says.

“Another remedy that can help in reducing hair growth is to squeeze 10 ml lemon--juice into 40 ml honey and prepare a mixture. Take a cotton swab and rub this mixture in the direction of the hair growth. Rinse after 15 minutes. Repeat twice a week for two weeks.”

Ritika Manchanda, an HR-professional, swears by the prowess of such home-remedies.

“I had a major issue with hair on my upper lip area – it was almost like a light moustache something I was always very--conscious of being a woman. I used to get it waxed, but my skin used to get extremely red and dry and sometimes used to even peel off,” she said. “But it was a relief after someone suggested home remedies to me. Of course, they can be a little messy because it is all do-it-yourself but it was totally worth it!”

Vandana Chatrath, a dermatologist in Delhi, says women need to change their-lifestyles to tackle hormonal imbalances.

“It is important to-change one’s lifestyle. Imbibing healthy eating habits and regular exercise help tackle the underlying problem of hormonal imbalance,” she said.

“Losing excessive weight also helps. Those suffering from this problem-should avoid eating foods that have a high glycaemic index (a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels) and fatty foods,” she added.

source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/200426/hair-today-gone-tomorrow/

Make a Fashion Splash With Your Monsoon Rainwear

Make a fashion-statement every time you walk out of your home this-monsoon - in trendy trench coats, raincoats or gumboots. 
Indian designer Sonya Vajifdar, who has launched her rainwear line for men, women and children, as well as a special section for dogs, feels monsoon-wear is finally catching up in the country. 
"It's true that market for rainwear is not that great in India. There is hardly anyone in India who is making such lines. But the market of rainwear collection has evolved in the past two years and-people are open to new designs," Vajifdar said in an interview. 
She says her collection, which includes trench coats, rain coats and boots, caters to the international market as well. 
It is not that we are making the Indian collection. We design keeping in mind the Western markets also. The sensibility and the style- of the pieces are different, she said, adding that "exclusivity is hmportant for good business". 
"For instance, if you take inspiration from Burberry trench coat and make a collection on the same line, it will not be sold. I wouldn't expect anyone to buy from- me if they are getting the same design from Burberry. So you have to present a different thing and this is how you will get good business," she added. 
Designers stayed away from rainwear mainly because demand for raincoats or trench coats has not been so high as the monsoon is short in various parts of the country and people don't find it wise to invest in- rainwear. 
Sarika Joshi is one of the few designers who has forayed into this side of the business. She will launch her collection in October this year. 
"If designers launch something, they want profit. But what if people hardly get a chance to wear those clothes? Monsoon season in India is hardly of two-months. So usually people are sceptical about buying something which is not properly utilised. 
"But now things are-changing. People are ready to experiment with new designs, so I thought it's right time to launch a rainwear line. Today, people are open to spending money to looking nice. If we provide them a different rainwear line, then-why not? I think, these clothes will make a comeback in a better way," she said. 
The rainwears-actually don't burn a hole in your pocket - designer labels are available at a price range between Rs.2,000 and Rs.10,000. As far as local market is concerned, there are not too many places to look out for except a few shops in Rajouri Garden in the capital that stores trendy rainwear. 
Vajifdar, one of the first to experiment, feels her interchangeable outfits will be the next big trend in the fashion world. 
My latest rainwear collection will have an extra touch of neon to give the superfluous touch of glow and transparency. The line is made of net and metallic fabric and consists of some of the interchangeable pieces that you can mix and match with your outfit. The garments will create a buzz in the fashion world, she said. 
Kolkata-based designer Nitya Rao too is of the opinion that trends in rainwear have taken a drastic change and that "people are experimenting with-their looks". 
If you are planning to take a walk in the rain, make sure you are wearing the right fabric underneath your rain coats, said designer Raj Kaushik. 
"Fabrics like georgettes and crepes are best suited for monsoon in colours like orange, blue, yellow and earthy tones. Short dresses, hot pants, capris or even dungarees can add glamour to the look. Avoid flowy-dresses and jodhpuri trousers," said Kaushik. 


While preparing your wardrobe for the monsoon, choose trendy dresses to look glamorous, says Neeru Kumar. 


"With a perfect amalgamation of sophisticated jumpsuit, bright flip flops, statement umbrella, backpack tote, scarves to eclectic earrings, one can definitely ooze the oomph-factor on a rainy day," Kumar said in an interview. 
"Be specific about your footwear - go for waterproof-rainboots, slip-ons, zipper shoes. They are not only-comfortable but also protect your feet," she added.
source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

How to Strengthen Your Hair Naturally

Men-and-women alike take good care of their hair for they believe it to be their crowning glory. This is the reason why salons are such a big hit all over the world. For those who have the time and the money, they can get their hair treated, styled, and taken care of by a professional stylist.


However, as time goes by, continuous hair treatments-can lead to damaged hair, especially when the products used contain artificially manufactured chemicals that may not only reduce hair's beauty but may also result in hair loss and breakage. This is the worst possible--scenario for anyone who prizes their hair. To avoid hair dilemmas such as these, there are alternative but natural ways to strengthen their hair.

The first thing that anyone can do to improve -their hair is to improve their-current lifestyle. Having regular exercise, a healthy diet, intake of healthy drinks like herbal or green tea, and having more time for relaxation are all parts of a healthy lifestyle.


Second, there are certain food ingredients that should be eaten sparingly since they can contain ingredients which contribute to poor hair health. A few examples of these -ingredients are alcohol, sodium, and caffeine.


Third, try using shampoos which -contain natural ingredients like aloe versa which is known to help increase and improve hair growth.


Fourth, avoid routinely drying your hair with a hair blower since it can dry hair and make it prone to split ends and hair breakage. Intensely rubbing the hair dry with a towel can also do harm in -the long run. Remember that the hair is at its most vulnerable state when it is wet. Allow it to dry naturally and take special care not to run a fine-toothed comb through it before it is completely dry.


The fifth reminder is to increase your vitamin A, C, and E intake. Certain foods and supplemental pills are good sources of these wonderful vitamins.


Lastly, visit a hair stylist-more often but don't allow them to perform procedures on your hair using chemical-based products. Having a regular trim would help eliminate split ends. They can also give you advice on which things you should or should not do to keep your hair at its healthiest and strongest state.


There are many products in drug stores and supermarkets-- which promise to aid people with their hair problems, but the best way to ensure that- your hair will continue to grow strong and healthy is to have a naturally good and healthy lifestyle. Be aware of what you use in your hair and what you eat and you'll be on your way to having strong and healthy- hair.