The Natural Way

Suparna Trikha Dewan offers natural solutions and home remedies for your beauty problems

I am a 19-year-old girl. During summers, I tan considerably. I have an oily skin and sunscreens do not suit me. Please suggest a natural remedy.

Name and address withheld

Apply an oil-free sunscreen whenever you are venturing outdoors. Use a sandalwood pack on alternate days. This will reduce the tan and will also keep your skin glowing.

I am an 18-year-old girl. I have lots of pimples which have left behind unattractive marks. I follow a healthy diet and apply a camphor-rose water tonic. Please help.

Name and address withheld

Continue with the camphor rose tonic. Make a scrub using 2tsp masoor, 1tsp each of sandalwood powder, lemon peel powder and fuller’s earth. Mix with rose water to make a thick paste and apply on the skin. When dry, dab with coconut water and scrub off gently in a rotating manner. Do this on alternate days.

Cosmetic cures

Bridgette Jones has the most effective make-up tricks up her sleeve

I am a 34-year-woman with medium complexion. What colour lipsticks will suit me?

Name and address withheld

First select the kind of look you want to create. Hold a lip colour up near your face and see if its tone complements your hair and skin colour. For hygiene test a lip colour on the pad of your fingertip. The skin here is more pink and similar to the colour of your lips.

Now you can experiment. Here are a few basic colour theories. While deep, rich colours warm the complexion, pale colours drain it. Therefore, if you choose a colour somewhere between the two for a daytime shade, your job is instantly made easier. Pinky-brown shades which closely match your actual lip colour suit almost everyone and give the most natural look. Brown and toffee tones are flattering too, offering subtle definition without being garish.