MAKE YOUR OWN MAKE UP REMOVER

Are there any effective natural makeup removers? If so, could you please provide the steps to making the same? — Bindu

You can clear your makeup with rose water mixed with coconut oil or almond oil. Take three parts oil and one part rose water in a bottle and shake well. When you want to remove your makeup, simply soak the liquid on cotton pads and use them to cleanse your skin.

I have red bumps ( I think it may be keratosis pilaris) on my upper arms. I have tried using coconut oil and rose water but they do not eliminate the bumps completely. It has gotten so bad that I can’t wear certain dresses these days because of it. Please help.

— Name withheld

If you’re sure you have keratosis pilaris, this is something you really should consult a dermatologist about. However, if you wish to try a home remedy, then your first step would be to avoid hot showers. Avoid having refined and processed foods and eat plenty of fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits instead. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. Mix soda bicarbonate with yoghurt and apply this onto your skin. When dry, very gently exfoliate. Do this thrice a week.

I am a housewife in her thirties, looking for a homemade kajal recipe. Any suggestions? Many thanks in advance.

— Priyanka My mother used to actually make kajal at home. She did this by standing a little ghee in a stainless steel bowl and crushing camphor powder into it. This bowl would be kept over a burning lamp. The thick black powder that finally resides can be mixed with a few drops of castor oil. When this creamy black paste has cooled down, it is ready for use. Just make sure that you make it hygienically.

I am a 12- year- old girl and I read your column every week. I have a problem with frizzy hair. Is there any way I can smooth it out? Coconut milk is excellent for your hair. Just massage it into your scalp and hair thrice a week, one or two hours before shampooing. It will make your hair soft and smooth, and activate hair growth.

I love going out for morning runs but hate how sweaty my hair always gets. A simple wash doesn’t help — I have to shampoo it, and really don’t think it’s a good idea to shampoo my hair every day. Is there anything I can do to retain the bounce in my hair after a workout? — Taruna

Here’s something you could do to solve your greasy hair problem. After you are back from your morning run, massage one tbsp of aloe vera gel into your scalp. One hour later, rinse your hair with filtered or mineral water. Not only does aloe vera cleanse the scalp, it also gives it volume and strengthens the roots. ( Got a beauty- related query?

Write in to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)