BEST FOOD FOR PERFECT SKIN

It’s time to throw away all those ineffective products and start eating foods for perfect skin.

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a tasty vegetable that can be enjoyed either cooked or raw. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanols that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage. Moreover, cocoa relaxes arteries, increasing blood circulation that leads to healthier skin.

Salmon

Salmon is an excellent food to fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Salmon also provides most of your daily vitamin D needs. And as you may already know, Vitamin D is responsible for keeping your heart, bones, colon and brain healthy. It also helps prevent colon cancer, anxiety, depression, heart disease and bone disease.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat with about 90 percent of calories as saturated fat. It contains lauric acid, a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that keeps away viruses, infections, inflammation and acne. Coconut oil is also rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are perfect for keeping your skin moist, soft, and wrinkle-free.

Green tea

Well, so I know green tea is actually a beverage, but tea leaves come from a plant! Even though I love black tea, I drink green tea every day because I know that it is a great source of antioxidants and a unique amino acid, L-theanine that helps relax your body and lower stress.

Spinach

Spinach is a healthy and nutrient-rich food you should certainly include in your everyday diet. You may hate spinach, but it is a wonderful source of iron, folate, chlorophyll, Vitamin E, magnesium, Vitamin A, fiber, plant protein, and Vitamin C. Due to their antioxidant abilities, Vitamins C, E, and A are especially great for your skin.

Seeds

Chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds are all great for your skin. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both rich in selenium, Vitamin E, magnesium and protein. Selenium and protein keep all wrinkles away, Vitamin E enhances moisture in your skin and magnesium lowers your stress levels. The healthy Omega 3 fatty acids in flax, chia and hemp seeds are perfect for fighting wrinkles and acne. Plus, these seeds are rich in protein.

Celery

Another food to eat daily for perfect skin is celery. Many of us underestimate this veggie, but celery contains Vitamin K that keeps the blood circulation healthy and helps to reduce high blood pressure. This can reduce your stress level, and as you know stress can cause bad skin, migraines and even cancer.

Papaya

Papaya is a wonderful fruit which has a rich history and numerous nutritional benefits. It is very low in calories (only 39 calories per 100 g!) and also contains no cholesterol. So if you are trying to lose weight, consider eating papaya every day to maximize its health benefits.

Carrots

Carrots are good not only for your eyes, but also for your skin. They are especially good for clearing up breakouts. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores.

You don’t have to eat all these foods every day, but even some of them would be great! Be sure to avoid junk foods, too much sugar, trans fats and refined carbs for the best skin possible. 

DKNY's RAMADAN COLLECTION

DKNY’s Ramadan Summer 2014 collection, styled by two Middle Eastern women: Yada Golsharifi, fashion editor of Styles Magazine; and Tamara Al Gabbani, a fashion designer in Dubai.

The collection includes long, flowing dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits; long-sleeved shirts, coats, and even a three-quarters-length leather jacket. The result: outfits that are effortlessly chic, fresh, and elegant, and inspirational for Muslim women looking for ways to be glam and modest at the same time. 

The fact that this collection has been styled by Muslim women who are professionals in the fashion industry is a brilliant move on the part of DKNY: these women aren’t just experts in their field, but they know the context and requirements of the women the collections are aimed for. No fashion faux pas here: everything in the collection is beautiful – and halal.

Arms and legs are covered, necklines refrain from plunging to JLo levels, silhouettes are draped with slips so limbs don’t show in the light. The fabrics drape around the body, encasing the curves that nature gave Middle Eastern women without making them obvious, or attempting to disguise them in bag-like abayas.

There must be something wrong with wanting to spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes during Ramadan – after all, this is the month of prayer and reflection, of fasting and charity, of austerity. Isn’t it crassly materialistic to drop a thousand dollars or more on this kind of clothing, in this, the holiest of months?

Well, Ramadan may be dedicated to spiritual practice, but Muslims are raised to celebrate it, and to bring a joyous spirit to the entire month, enjoying its blessings and benefits. Yes, we’re encouraged to spend our money on feeding the poor, on donating to charities, and to concentrate on God, rather than our wardrobes. 

But in Muslim countries, many people buy the entire years’ clothes for themselves and for their loved ones; even this act can accrue blessings because it occurs in such a holy month.

HOTTEST MAKEUP TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2014

Dramatic Eyeliner

Angular eyeliner is one of the big makeup trends for summer 2014, but you can also get a softer look with an exaggerated cat-eye. Winged-out eyeliner is a good choice for evening, especially when it’s thicker at the outer corners of your eyes, giving them an instant lifting effect. 

For daytime, stick to a more subtle approach to eyeliner, that falls into the category of a “no makeup” makeup look.

Softer Eyebrows

While big androgynous brows are still a bit trend, you can go for a softer approach, with the right arch for your face shape. 

Making sure your brows are well defined is still one of the big makeup trends for summer 2014, but if you want to keep the brows straighter and more natural looking, you’ll need to focus more on curling your eyelashes, to get a romantic touch that balances the look of the most boyish eyebrows.

Big Eyelashes

The doe-eyed look that Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn popularized in the ‘60s is back. Big eyelashes are definitely one of the biggest makeup trends for summer 2014. Use a curler and a volumizing waterproof mascara for warm humid days.

You can even opt for false eyelashes, and not just on top. Eyelashes on the top and bottom eyelids are definitely not a day look, but you can definitely pull it off successfully this summer, in the evening.

White Eyeliner

One of the most daring makeup trends for summer 2014, white eyeliner doesn’t need to be interpreted literally. However, if you don’t like the look, you can’t deny the beautiful brightening and illuminating effect it can have on the skin. 

Using white just at the inner corner of your eye will make your eyes seems bigger and brighter. If all whites are off the table, try a nude eyeliner on the lower waterline for a similar brightening effect.

Daring Cream Blush

Rosy blush has been a big hit on the runway, but the right way to get a beautiful glow is to opt for creams and liquid blushes, not for powders. Whether you prefer a warm apricot or a softer golden pink, go for the highest point of your cheeks in order to get the cool summer trend. Make sure you pick the right shade of blush based on the look of your skin after bronzer, not before.

Orange Lipstick

Probably the biggest trend of the season, orange lipstick is here to stay. Whether you’re in your 20s or in your 50s, you’ll definitely find a shade that works for you, from neon tangerine to a more subtle coral. 

Go for a sheer finish, since matte orange lipstick will make your lips look thinner and they don’t give you the same gorgeous glow. If you’re only going to try one of the makeup trends for summer 2014, make it orange lipstick.

Blue Eyeshadow

Aquatic shades are perfect for your summer holiday, but this is one of the more difficult summer makeup trends to pull off. Stay away from blues with a frosty finish and opt for bright shades.

For a more youthful look, you can replace the blues with other cool shades, like purple or lilac, but make sure they have a blue base in order to fight redness.

Sheer Tinted Moisturizer as Foundation

The bareface trend didn’t translate as well from the runway to women everywhere, but the key to it is switching to a “no foundation” foundation or even replacing it completely with a sheer tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Forget about full coverage and go for less. If tinted moisturizer isn’t enough, choose a creamy and satiny foundation with moisturizing properties.

Metallic Eyeshadow

While bold metallics make for a gorgeous and dramatic runway look, the key to making this trend wearable is to go for the subtle approach. You can go for golden or bronze with just a touch of metallic shine or for an even softer look, try using a metallic eyeliner and an eyeshadow in a complementary tone.

HOT WEEKEND & AFTER 5 LOOKS

Weekends are for relaxing and spending time with family and friends, but cast aside those jogging bottoms and trainers and instead choose clothes that are elegant and softly tailored.Just sneak the look from our favorite picks.

STAY HEALTHY & FASHIONABLE WITH THE 8 MOST EFFECTIVE EXERCISE FOR FULL BODY WEIGHT LOSS

Jogging

Running is one of the top full body workouts there is and the best part is that the only ‘equipment’ you need is a pair of good shoes. Jogging a few kilometers a day will, Boost Your Metabolic Rate, Increase Your Fitness Levels & Endurance, Help You Shed That Unwanted Body Fat. All this will happen faster than you ever thought possible.

However, jogging is hard on your knees so it’s always best that you make progress slowly and progressively, increasing your speed and distance as your fitness levels increase.

Walking

If jogging is a bit too intense for you or if you have joint problems, then walking is an excellent solution for you. Walking can be even better for your weight loss than running and it’s certainly safer and easier to get started with.

 It’s also a great way to socialize when you get friends to join you on your walk. This will also help make sure you don’t get bored with your regime and that you have a group of people holding you accountable.

Weight Training

How would you like to burn calories non-stop for up to 48 hours no matter what you’re doing? That’s the power of this type of training and the effect of after burn.

Most people, who just want to lose pounds, think that they don’t need to worry about going to gym to lift some weights. This is especially true for women who worry about looking too ‘bulky’. This misconception about weight training and fat loss could be holding back your progress because no dietary regime is complete without at least a little effort in gym.

Building muscle is one of the most effective ways to burn fat and the best part is that, once you have muscle, it continues to burn fat for up to 48 hours after you exercise. Talk about getting the most out of your workout!

Cycling

Riding a bike is one of the best cardiovascular exercises out there and it’s also a whole lot of fun!. Breezing past traffic as you feel the wind in your hair and burn massive amounts of calories – the benefits of cycling are huge!

Another great thing about cycling is that it’s a competitive sport so you can use a competition to motivate you. 

Simply choose one goal that challenges you but is still within your reach and create a game plan for finishing it. Soon, you won’t feel like you’re exercising anymore! Your competitive spirit will take you through the whole process and help you lose pounds easily.

Swimming

For a low impact, high results sport look no further than swimming. This seemingly effortless activity burns hundreds of calories, literally, without you breaking a sweat. The many swimming strokes will help you get different types of aerobic exercise and make sure you always have a new challenge to master.

Simply swim a few laps around the pool every day and you’ll see a noticeable difference in your fitness level and waistline without any damage to your knees or ankles.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is a great way to get your heart pumping and shed those stored calories. A simple 20 minute session a few times a week can help you get rid of unwanted weight fast. There are many different types of these workouts on the market with varying degrees of success.

Sex!

Before you brush it off – hear me out. There are numerous clinical studies that now prove that sex is a great form of exercise as well as a natural part of life.

Regular lovemaking can: Burn Calories, Increase Your Heart Strength

Even Help You Gain More Body Confidence, So have more (responsible) sex – doctor’s orders!

Dancing

If you’re looking for a fun way to tone up and lose weight, why don’t you try dancing? This is an excellent way to raise your heartbeat and the constant challenges along with the changing rhythm & routines will make sure you never get bored.

Luckily, there are many different types of dance so you can be sure that you’ll find something that fits your personality and your lifestyle.

How Often Should I Work Out?

Most respectable health professionals recommend that in order to get optimum results you should exercise:

At Least 3 Times A Week

For 20 Minutes A Session

At least one day of rest a week is mandatory and you must make sure you drink lots of water the entire time you’re exercising.

You can either choose one or two of these exercises or mix them up to make sure you have a fun and challenging program