Cupping was originally used to heal internal disease and respiratory problems; the Greeks used it to restore balance in the body’s four “humors” or elements; blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Today it is practiced at certain acupuncture centers to help fatigue, stress, migraines, stomach pains, and coughs.

The cupping practitioner will either heat up a plastic or glass cup, or reduce the oxygen inside the cup. The cup is then placed on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and stomach. The heated or oxygen-free cup acts as a vacuum, sucking up the skin as the blood flows up to the skin, stimulating the blood and sucking out toxins.

The cups are usually left between 5-10 minutes and may leave marks, but they will normally disappear within a few days. The idea of cupping is to get rid of excess blood and increase blood flow. The benefits are said to be similar to those of a deep tissue or shiatsu massage. A treatment cost about $100 for 60 minutes. To get a referral, contact the Acupuncture Society of New York.

Wearing a tinted moisturizer gives you  great coverage along with a  light airy feel.   Skin looks fresh and clean with the right amount of natural glow coming through. Many are oil-free and most of them now contain some amount of SPF.  These moisturizers can even out your skin tone and often contain nutrients and anti-oxidants that help repair your skin. Some tinted moisturizers  push up the glow factor, if you are looking to achieve a “dewy” look.   It’s great to use tinted moisturizers when you are outdoors or on the beach because they’re easy to apply and make your skin feel cooler.    

CitySaheli tried and tested many of the tinted moisturizers available in the market.  This is what we found worked especially well with South Asian skin tones:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – InStyle magazine “Best of Beauty” awarded this as the best tinted moisturizer in April 2009.  Packed with SPF 20 this lightweight moisturizer has a hint of color that works well as a foundation substitute. With ten shades to choose from, you are bound to find the color that works best with your skin. 

Laura Mercier Illuminating Moisturizer—If you are looking for that “dewy” look, this is a great tinted moisturizer to invest in.  It works best blending with other moisturizers.  This is one moisturizer that is guaranteed to make you glow!

Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer – Bobbi Brown often has many colors that work well with South Asian skin tones.  This also holds true for its moisturizer.  It has a clean look and great sheer coverage. 

Dermalogica Tinted Moisturizer—With SPF 15 and oil free, this compact -packaged  moisturizer is smooth and provides great coverage.  It comes in 3 colors, so depending on your skin tone, you may need to blend two different colors to make the right color combination.  It works especially well with sensitive skin. 

Check out Rivera’s tips for your bridal beauty countdown and find out which treatments, diet and more is right for you. 

1. How early do you think a bride should start her skin care regimen?
 Ideally, a bride should begin three to four months before the big day, but it’s never too late to start. If you have serious skin conditions you want to improve such as hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone, dark spots) or acne, you should start as soon as at least 6 months ahead of time.

As a professional in the wedding industry,  I’ve seen brides try to do too much too soon before the wedding and not enough in the two to three weeks prior.  Your last facial should be about two weeks before the big day. If you do too much right before the wedding, the end result can include a litany of problems which can increase stress and lead to more skin issues erupting (no pun intended).  Allow your skin to heal before your wedding day.   Planning ahead is the best advice I can give, and remember that taking care of your skin should be part of your daily routine!

2. What can brides do to ensure a glow for their wedding day?

Rest,  rest, and more rest,  and water, are essentials in any brides tool kit if she wants make sure she is glowing.  As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to have a consistent routine with your skin, which includes a daily beauty regimen.  These are the essential steps to beautiful skin:

1. Cleanse

2. Exfoliate

3. Moisturize

4. Protect with SPF  (preferably those that contain Zinc and titanium dioxide).

It’s also important that brides have the appropriate products for their specific skin needs. Pairing that with consistency will produce amazing results. Consult with a skin professional and get a customized skin evaluation.  A professional will guide you to set goals for your desired results for the allotted time frame.  

3. What foods do you recommend to help plump the skin and make it look vibrant?  Many South Asians are vegetarian, what foods would help their skin?

Foods high in antioxidants:  Deep green dark vegetables (spinach and kale) and fruits high in antioxidants including  blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums . Antioxidants protect your skin cells from free radical damage. Free radicals can be formed from sun exposure and can damage the membrane of skin cells, resulting in premature aging and wrinkles.  Other foods that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, beans (black, red, and pinto beans), prunes, and pecans.

Vitamin A is another vital component in your diet for skin health and beauty.  Eat low fat yogurt to help skin growth. 

Salmon (for the non vegetarian) and  walnuts, canola oil, flax seed and olive oil. These seemingly unrelated foods all deliver essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 which help plump the skin.

Whole grains provide vitamins minerals that are especially great for the skin as well in addition to fiber which cleanses the system. Keep away from too much fat, sugar salt.

4. Many brides turn to peels or microdermabrasion to make sure they are bright and dewy for the big day.  Can you describe the differences between the two and what they are used for?

Here is the breakdown as I see it.

Microdermabrasion consists of a jet of micro crystals which are propelled through a small pencil like hollow across the skin surface. It removes damaged and dead cells with vacuum pressure. The results are great and very effective for reducing scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It stimulates collagen production and cell turnover and the often results in smoother, healthier and younger looking skin.

Chemial peels have a wide spectrum of skin conditions they can treat.  They are applied directly to the skin and change the composition of the skin. Peels deliver a very controlled type of superficial tissue destruction removing the outer layer of the skin. The skin then repairs itself allowing new skin to emerge.  There are various levels of peels: superficial, mid depth and deep.   These peels in the right professional hands can deliver amazing improvements to the condition of the skin.   It takes approximate 7 to 10 days for the skin to go through the peeling and healing process (which depends on the intensity of the peel). Smoother more healthier skin is the result.   Your skin consultant will know the method of treatments that will best suit the condition you would like to treat. 

5. How many times should a bride be exfoliating her skin?

It depends on how sensitive your skin is but approximately once or twice a week is appropriate.   Be careful not to over exfoliate, since it can strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to protect the skin.

There have been a few studies which show the benefits of using turmeric with your beauty regimen.  One study showed that creams with turmeric along with Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B, showed results 15% better than creams that had Niacinamide alone.  Another study showed that the use of turmeric creams alone reduced the appearance of hyperpigmented age spots by an average of 15% after eight weeks of twice-daily use. 

The turmeric complex in the new DDF Advanced Protocol fights skin-damaging free radicals, protecting and hydrating skin’s moisture barrier to measurably improve fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness.  The new skincare line has been able to reduce the intense color and odor of turmeric.   According to DDF, after 4 weeks 63% of women saw visible improvement in their facial skin firmness, and 80% after 8 weeks.  

Stay tuned for more information once CitySaheli gives the curry cream a try!  Want to try it yourself?  Buy it here.

International make up artist and skin care consultant Karuna Chani of KC Makeup has worked with some of the world’s top beauty magazines and is no stranger to the world of fashion.  She advises that the fashion runways are a great place to get inspiration and new ideas on how to modernize and update your look. Vijay Uttam, stylist and PR representative for Karuna Chani, shares some of Karuna’s favorite makeup trends for Spring/Summer 2010 with CitySaheli.  With these few easy tips, you too can turn runway looks into reality!

 You Only Better

The natural, no makeup look is one of the most popular make up trends for Spring/Summer 2010.  Karuna recommends using a lightweight foundation, concealer and sheer/soft colors and the eye lids and lips.

Products to try: Tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown foundation

 Color Me Coral

Shades of coral and peach were spotted on the lips and eye lids of many models during Fashion Week in NYC.  Karuna suggests trying one trend at a time by using these cheerful colors on the eyelids or lips.  She also advises that shades of coral are very complimentary to olive complexions, as they reduce the yellow undertones of the skin.

Products to try: NARS blush in Amour, CoCo Rouge collection by Chanel

Shades of Peacock

Bright colors pop on the runway, but adding colored eyeliner to your eyes will make you POP.  Karuna suggests colors that are found on the feather of a peacock such as sapphire blue and deep green.  These colors are great for a day or night look and even help to make the whites of your eyes look brighter.  Rihanna’s eye color is definitely intensified using this look.

Products to try: Eyeliners by Laura Mercier or Urban Decay
 

Red + Gold = Bold

From Bollywood to Hollywood, red lips are classic, timeless and always a favorite on the catwalk or the red carpet. “Warm reds are usually best for olive skin, stay away from reds with an orange undertone. Also try a touch of sparkly gold eye shadow on the lids for a great alternative to the classic brown eye shadow” suggests Karuna.  Jessica Alba masters this look below!

Products to try: Cruella by NARS or CoCo Rouge collection by Chanel

Light and Smokey

The smokey eye is a trend that is here to stay.  To update the look for the spring/summer, Karuna recommends using jewel tones such as vibrant violets and jade green instead of the traditional black and gray.  Salma Hayek looks so classy and sexy with the smokey look.

Products to try: Star Powders by Makeup Forever

For more information about Karuna Chani or to see a portfolio of her work please visit www.kc-makeup.com or visit KC Makeup Group on Facebook.

The unique aspect of Shobha’s salons is that each person that threads, waxes and sugars is taught the “Shobha methodology.”  The owner strives to provide each person working at her salons with the right training, to ensure the processes are consistent.   CitySaheli was comforted knowing that each person had the same training, now we know that each subsequent procedure will always be just as great as the first the first visit.  Clean, painless and consistent! 

Shobha Tummala is the founder and CEO of Shobha.  She combined her knowledge on the benefits of using natural products which she acquired in India, with her MBA from Harvard University and her electrical engineering degree from Michigan State University, to create a salon that focuses on providing top results, upholding tight standards  and offering excellent hair removal products.  Shobha launched her first salon in 2001 which catered to people who viewed hair removal as a necessity in their lives.  She created a place where hair removal was the main focus, and sought to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere for her clients.  She leveraged her experience in developing training programs to ensure that all the licensed aestheticians would be consistent and maintain the highest standards of hair removal.  Her business has grown over the past few years and she has opened two additional boutiques along with an online product business. 

Shoba pairs natural post hair removal products with her tried and tested process and continuously delves into her South Asian roots when searching for these products for her clients.   For example, after a hair removal procedure, dead upper layers of the skin could build up and trap hair.  The hair build up can result in ingrown hairs and bumps. To prevent such a reaction to hair removal, Shobha sells an exfoliating cloth and her ingrown relief lotion.  CitySaheli tried the cloth and relief lotion and experienced a reduction of ingrowns and bumps immediately!  

Shoba offers hair removal tips online.  If you would like to try Shoba’s, click here to find out more about the many NYC locations.  Shobha’s salons is offering CitySaheli readers 20% off their online purchases through the end of February.  Just enter coupon code CITYSAHELI  at the checkout. 

To help CitySaheli readers, Mariwalla answered some of important questions, provided useful information and offered some great tips on conquering this problem.  

Why are dark circles in the eye area a significant problem for South Asian women?

Dark circles below the eyes in South Asian women are considered normal. In every person, regardless of skin color, under-eye skin is some of the thinnest on the entire human body.  If you look closely, almost everyone has a slightly darker hue below the eyes as compared to the rest of the face.  A purplish-blue hue is seen through this thin skin because there is a very rich blood supply that sits right underneath it. In South Asian skin this purplish hue looks brown.  In addition, as we age, the skin becomes thinner and some of the blood from the capillaries leaks which leaves a deposit of brown pigment from the hemoglobin in blood (otherwise known as iron).

There are other factors that can exacerbate the appearance of the darkness in the area.  One of these is allergies and asthma. Medically, we refer to these circles as “allergic shiners.” If the eyes are rubbed frequently, the appearance of the dark circles worsens.  The key thing is to go to an allergist to keep the underlying cause under control.  Similarly, eczema can cause worsening of the dark circles, so it is important to see a dermatologist to make sure it is treated.

Even if you do not have allergies or eczema, dry skin alone can make the under-eye area appear worse. A good eye cream or daily moisturizer to the area will keep the skin plump and brighter.

Many women do not simply have brown circles however. They also have hollowness underneath the eyes, which can encompass the entire lower lid area or the crease between the cheek and eye otherwise known as a “tear trough deformity.”  While the name implies something abnormal, the hollowness is actually a natural product of aging. As we age, the orbital fat pads start to move down with the direction of gravity.  The result is hollowness, which then makes the brown appear even darker due to the shadowing that occurs.

Lastly, brown circles can be caused by iron deficiency anemia, lack of sleep and eye strain (looking at a computer all day or having underpowered glasses or contact lenses).

How do you remove the appearance of dark circles in the eye area?

So now that you know all of the causes, how do you fix it? The truth is most of the creams out there that claim to improve the appearance of dark circles do not truly work. Your options are to find a good moisturizer that you like and use it daily. This will hydrate and plump the skin.  For brown skin, a make-up concealer in the color range of pink-peach-orange will cover brown the best and help camouflage the dark areas. Brands such as Mac, YSL and Georgio Armani make this color range of concealer specifically for use in the under-eye area. 

Lastly, once you’ve gotten sleep, fixed your glasses and made sure your allergies are under control, the last and most aggressive option is for cosmetic filler in the area.  Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can be used to fill the tear trough and lift the skin off the vascular bed below.  This extra cushion improves the appearance of the hollows, removes the shadowing that occurs and decreases the purple-brown hue.  This procedure is performed by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. However, note that not all physicians have experience with placing this product under the eye area so when consulting with a doctor (and yes, only trust a doctor in the above two categories to perform this for you) make sure you ask if they have specifically placed filler in this area before.  The results last 4 – 5 months and will be longer with successive treatments.  The risk is some bruising which can temporarily worsen the dark circles but most people find that it is worth it. The average cost is about $600-$700 a treatment depending on where you live.

Dr. Mariwalla has contributed in various publications including New York magazine. 

With the premise that the world is made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth and space, Ayurvedic principles say that these elements are represented in humans by three “doshas” or energies: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Once any of these accumulate and become out of balance in the body, disease and illness could occur. To recover and maintain balance means following a lifestyle that supports a healthy diet, exercise, relaxation time and skin-care routine.

If you’d like to experience the healing power of Ayurveda for yourself, CitySaheli recommends the following Manhattan spas. You can receive a diagnosis of your ‘Dosha’, enjoy fabulous detoxifying programs, herbal massages, purifying facials and much more. We’d love to hear your feedback and your own personal favorites.

Mention City Saheli to get a discount at any of the spas listed.  Details for each discount are described below.

Chopra Center & Spa (at Dream)
1710 Broadway at 54th St
New York 10019
212-246-7600
www.chopracenterny.com

Namaste! Forming part of the luxe 14-floor Dream hotel and restaurant, this is a truly magical spa experience. Designed by Deepak Chopra himself, this luxurious midtown retreat offers meditation and yoga classes, in addition to the superb herb-infused and customized spa therapies. Try the wonderful Udi (steam and mud treatment) or a fabulous tension-relieving Vishesh massage. If you’re feeling particularly decadent you can ask for an extra masseur for the first 35 minutes.

SPECIAL OFFER: The Chopra Center & Spa is excited to offer City Saheli readers 20% off any 50-minute or 80-minute spa service! Offer is valid through December 31, 2009. One offer per guest.

Fine Living New York Ayurveda
154 W. 14th St (at 7^th Ave.) 4th Flr.
New York 10011
212-616-4127
www.newyorkayurveda.com 

This wonderful no-frills, office-like spa on the West Village/Chelsea border offers fantastic body and face treatments. Given by fully trained Ayurvedic practitioners, there’s a wide variety of therapies offered, from a dosha diagnosis to a heavenly foot and hand massage. CitySaheli tried a dosha diagnosis with Ritu Rudra, who studied at Delhi University and has been practicing for 10 years. The spa has its own Ayurvedic skincare range and also offers special Pregnancy and Post-Partum massages.

SPECIAL OFFER: FINE LIVING is generously offering CitySaheli readers 20% off all its treatments and products until December 31, 2009.

 
Amore Pacific
114 Spring St  No. 3
New York 10012
212-966-0400
www.amorepacific.com

Although not Ayurvedic, we’ve included Amore as its products are all botanical and work amazingly well on your skin. Well-known throughout Asia, Amore Pacific grows its own anti-oxidant green tea on its Korean plantations. Matsutake mushrooms, Korean ginseng and nutrient-rich bamboo sap are also used in its rejuvenating and anti-aging treatments and products. If you love facials, ask for Oni, and she will give you one of the best facial massages you’ve had in your life. We were in seventh heaven!

SPECIAL OFFER: Amore Pacific is kindly offering City Saheli readers a complimentary “add-on eye renewal treatment” with any 60-minute facial treatment, until December 31, 2009.

Pratima Ayurvedic Skin Care
The Soho Building
110 Greene St., Suite 701
New York 10012 (between Prince and Spring St).
212-581-8136
www.pratimaskincare.com

Pratima clinic and spa founder, Dr Pratima Raichur is a legend in Ayurvedic circles, with more than 30 years of experience in treating clients from the ‘inside out’. Her Soho spa only uses the purest organic herbs, roots, flowers and essential oils, and boasts its own excellent skincare range. CitySaheli loved the Herbal Body Exfoliation – perfect for dry winter skin. Luxuriate under warming botanical herbs while you enjoy a relaxing face and scalp massage. Bliss.

SPECIAL OFFER: Pratima is very kindly offering all CitySaheli readers a 10% discount on all treatments (Tues, Weds and Thurs only). Plus 10% off any products. Both offers are valid until December 31, 2009.  

CitySaheli’s picks:

Neem Face Pack by Himalayan

What’s in this wonder mask? Neem is known for its antibacterial properties that help control acne and pimples. Neem is a tree in India is known as the “Divine Tree,” since every part of it is used for ayurvedic purposes. When combined with Turmeric, Neem effectively eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Another primary ingredient is multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) which cools and soothes the skin.  The results are firmer, tighter and glowing skin.  The combination of herbs makes this a great mask to use on a regular basis.

Buy it here: Himalaya Neem Face Pack

Vicco Turmeric Cream

The main ingredients in this ayurvedic cream are turmeric and sandalwood oil.  Turmeric is known for its many healing properties: it is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.  Vicco purports to help prevent and cure infection, inflammation, blemishes, wounds and many other skin disorders.  This relatively inexpensive cream has received rave reviews and the results speak for themselves.

Buy it here: Vicco Turmeric Cream

She recently provided makeup services for the “Cocktails with Payal Singhal” event presented by CitySaheli.  When Singhal requested that the models have smoky eyes at the event, Karuna knew exactly how to achieve this look and now you will too! 

What You Need:

Eye base

Two eye shadows: light pearl/shimmer for highlighting and a dark shadow for the lids

Gel eyeliner

Mascara

Flat liner brush

Smudge brush

Blush brush

Face brush

* Please note all brushes should be cleaned and used separately for best makeup application.

Here’s How:

1. Prep - To keep your eye shadow lasting all day and to reduce oil on the eye lids use an eye base.  Karuna suggests Laura Mercier eye base which eliminates creasing and provides a smooth finish.  Apply a small amount to your eye lids with your finger.  Also apply a light weight foundation and concealer to even out the skin.  A good foundation for South East Asian skin tones is Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation.
2. Eyeliner – Karuna suggests using a gel eyeliner as it provides a more precise application, try Bobbi Brown Gel eyeliner in Black Ink.  Apply eyeliner to make sure eyes are completely lined along the lash line and inner eye.  For a funkier look, apply eyeliner to the inside lower lash line in a sapphire, ivy or a violet tone.   
3. Lower lash line – Apply eye shadow color to the lower lash line and gently smudge it towards the outer corner of the eye with a smudge brush.  The eye shadow will set and soften the look providing that smoky effect.  Try NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Brumes for the lower lash line.
4. Eye lid – Sweep base color from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye.  Make sure to apply eye shadow under the crease of the eye lid.  Add a little pearl/shimmer eye shadow to the brow bone for a highlighting effect. Karuna suggests NARS eye shadow in Bombshell. 
5. Outer corner of the eye – Karuna recommends using the darker color from the NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Brumes, making sure to focus the color to the outer corner of the eye.  Make sure to apply the eye shadow below the crease in order to avoid looking like a drag queen!
6. Lashes - Finish the eye by applying three to four coats of mascara to the lashes. Some of the mascaras that Karuna favors Dior Show and Chanel Inimitable as they add plenty of volume, thickness and length.  For a really dramatic look, Karuna suggests wearing false lashes by MAC.
7. Lips – The nude lip and the deep dark pout are both very “in” this season.   For a nude lip, try a lipstick such as Chanel’s Temptation.  For a dark lip, try Lancome’s Fever Gloss in Combustible or NARS lipstick in Fast Ride.
8. Cheeks – As a final touch apply some natural looking blush to your cheeks.  This will give your complexion a glow.  Karuna recommends NARS blush in Lovejoy or Orgasm. 
9. Spot check – Make sure to double check your work to make sure that both eyes match and are blended evenly.

For more information about Karuna Chani or to see a portfolio of her work please visit www.kc-makeup.com or visit KC Makeup Group on Facebook.

Article contributed by Vijay Uttam.