Beauty Care in Dhaka

Middle Age Skin Care

Suddenly you wake up one day and you are 40!There are little tell-tale lines around the eyes, skin that was oily is suddenly dry, or is dull; laugh lines don't disappear even after you have stopped smiling; hands seem harder, not to mention crinklier. Grey hair has been spotted.

All hell breaks loose! Age has caught up with us and we embark on a quest to find the magic potion that will stop the passage of time and keep us young forever.

Well ...I'm not offering you the fountain of youth or the magic potion but I can tell you how to care for yourself.

There are many grandmothers who visit La Belle and I'm amazed at how good they look, how graceful and well groomed they are. And do you know what they have in common.....they have ALWAYS taken care of themselves, they have not woken up at 50 and decided to make an annual trip to the salon. They have given their looks some priority and due diligence.

So if you're touching 40 there's still time, apologise to yourself for the neglect and move ahead.

With the passage of time, skin tends to become drier and the need for moisture is greater. Therefore the products that we use need a change. The introduction of serums is imperative to the daily skincare range- simple moisturisers will not be enough at this stage.

It's important to know the role of serums, so that their benefits are appreciated.

Serums boost moisture levels very effectively as well as retain the moisture longer. They also speed up the natural repair process of the skin when used with the night cream.

The appearance of lines and wrinkles will diminish as long as we can keep skin well moisturised.

The other best friend of skin is sunscreen.

Studies show that the majority of the visible signs of premature aging are a result of environmental assaults, not the passage of time. This unavoidable exposure damages the skin cells and tissues. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are the culprits from whom we need protection.

Answer: sunscreen.

This cannot be avoided. It must be used every morning and reapplied in the afternoon, even if you are not going out of the house.

Usage of sunscreen should become a habit like brushing your teeth.

Night creams are of a richer consistency than day creams and lotions. If it does not feel rich enough, a drop or two of olive oil will do the trick. Those with an oily skin can settle for a light lotion mixed with water, since they have a god-gifted store of natural oil. The good news for them is that although they may have suffered pimples and other woes earlier but they can now turn up their noses at others because they're are not getting wrinkles anytime soon.

Cleansing skin is as important as breathing because that is exactly what skin needs to do.... breathe.

Clogged pores, caused by dirt, dust and pollution need to be addressed regularly. Abuse that skin can handle at 20 cannot be put up with at 40. It needs to be treated with a lot more respect now.

Harsh scrubs need to be tossed out of the window. Usage of bleach and harsh chemicals is to be minimal, perhaps once in two months, then too they should be of milder concoction.

Facials are a boon, twice a month if possible. The method should be correct and the products should be of quality. With salons on every street corner, you need to be careful, please visit reputable salons only. Never hesitate to inquire about the qualification of the proprietors.

Diet, needless to say, plays a great role in the general well being of a human being. A healthy balanced diet with a decent amount of exercise will lead to not only good skin and hair, but also good health.


I am very sceptical about these various new fad diets with low carbs and high protein and what not. Drastic diets are out. Losing a lot of weight will make you look haggard, so watch out. If you are on a diet, lose weight gradually and in a healthy manner.

Meanwhile, I am off to spend more time with my 50/60-year-old models of dignity and grace to collect more tips for Lifestyle.



Sadia Moyeen, Beautician, La Belle
Slide showPhoto: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Alveera Mannaf Rahman Nita, Interior Designer
Make-up: Farzana Shakil Maveover Salon Ltd

Fitness trends in Dhaka

Fitness Trends

These days, when awareness is high, we know more than ever before, how our body works and how to keep it healthy. Even so, there is an ever-increasing trend worldwide towards obesity. It is perhaps human nature to not look far into the future, instead we focus on the here and now, being oblivious to the long-term benefits and threats. It cannot be denied however, that a fit body leads to a better lifestyle because one does not get exhausted as easily, something that is very relevant to modern life.

Gyms have been sprouting up all over Dhaka in recent times, hinting at a rise in awareness of the necessity for a healthy life. However, they are not the only avenues one might explore in the search for a fit body. There are a number of other ways to stay in shape. Recently there has been a rising trend in the practices of Yoga and Pilates.

“When customers come to me, they want to increase their flexibility and do strength training,” Samah Hamza, a yoga instructor says. “Yoga is about maintaining fitness, more so than weight-loss, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

When asked whether she has seen an increase in the interest over the recent past, she replies in the affirmative, “Definitely. Two or three years ago most people were not interested in Yoga. Now, frankly speaking, it is the celebrities- Hollywood and Bollywood stars - turning to Yoga, in turn inspiring the masses to do the same. People have become more fitness conscious, perhaps because of pressure from what they see on magazines and television.”

On the subject of diets, she is cautious: “I only give dietary suggestions if asked. Even then, I do not give them any fixed guidelines, just suggestions based on what I eat and think is healthy. The trend of going on diets is based on a misconception. People think that if they stop eating, they will lose weight. Actually that is very unhealthy. To have a healthy lifestyle and stay in shape, one has to have more meals a day of healthy food, thereby gaining the energy to exercise and get in shape. When you have a balanced diet, the body will keep responding to exercise and you will lose weight.”

The modern obsession with losing weight is a lot about looking good. Yoga can help there. “Although you do not lose weight as a direct result of practicing yoga,' says Hamza, “Yoga helps in reducing body inches, thereby making sure that clothes fit better and you look better.”

Pilates is the latest trend in fitness, and there has been a lot of interest in the discipline. It focuses on exercising the whole body, and emphasizes control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively. The focus is on quality and not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely.

“Pilates is not just a one-off exercise routine, it's a lifestyle choice,” opines Pilates instructor Shazia Omar. “My classes are really tough, and only someone who is regular will get the benefit of Pilates. It reduces your weight, increases your body awareness and coordination, strengthens core muscles and improves your metabolism and posture.

Since it strengthens muscles, it's really good for the back as well, and a lot of my clients come to me with back problems. It helps in preventing general illnesses as it increases circulation. It also helps to prevent injuries like slipped discs, which are very common here.”

This focus on core stabilization which makes one stronger from the inside out. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner, more balanced, and stronger body. Also, it helps in weight-loss as, according to Omar, her students all leave her class sweating. For full effect there is no air conditioning in her class.

Omar also thinks that the fitness awareness among Dhakaites has gone up. “There was a time when people would only go for a walk in the park if their doctor prescribed it. Now, people are much more aware, and want to stay fit and healthy for their loved ones. Not enough though, which is surprising, because your health is your biggest asset, and if you're not healthy you cannot function in other aspects of life. Not everyone makes the commitment to stay healthy, but awareness has definitely increased,” she says.

She does not believe in prescribing diets for her students. “I don't give them any hard and fast guidelines, but it's always good to cut out fat and oil, and eat vegetables and fruits.” Her classes are from seven to eight in the evenings at Club Amazon in Gulshan on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, and if you get there armed with a yoga mat, a bottle of water and a towel, you can start immediately. The class is available at Dhanmondi too, taught by Omar's younger sister Alizeh Ahmed.

Gyms have been a part of the Dhaka fitness scene for quite some time now. Sports Zone gym instructor Rana Ahmed is also of the view that recent times have seen an increase in the interest. When asked what he would put it down to, he says, “The volume of illnesses has gone up in recent times and also the rate of diabetic patients. The media has played a part in raising awareness. Also, when sportspeople look at other countries they see that we are behind in terms of fitness levels. All this has contributed to the rising interest.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that of the many gyms that have sprung up in the city, there are some whose instructors are not that involved in the activities of their patrons.

On the importance of responsible instructors, Ahmed says, “Without instructors you cannot have a gym. Instructors basically offer consultancy and supervision. If you exercise without the supervision of an instructor, you run the risk of injuring yourself. Also, you will not get the full benefit of the workout. An instructor motivates you, gives you direction, and basically sees to it that you are progressing correctly and at the right pace.”

Whatever discipline you choose, it is important to make an informed decision. The three instructors have all stressed upon one aspect; the importance of our health. It is definitely not something to be toyed with.

If you decide to go to a gym, ask others who go there whether the instructors supervise them properly. Do your research on your choice of workout, and if need be, consult with your doctor before going down a particular fitness route. Then commit to your chosen discipline and start a healthier life.

 Special thanks to Body & Shape, Shazia and Daily Star

Shoes Effect

Shoe Fantasy

Taking a few steps back and looking through the glass, it is love at first sight for her, if such a thing ever existed. A pair of red satin peep-toe stilettos nestled enticingly on a soft cushion set on folds of black satin to further enhance the luscious red with the spotlight shining bright above.

In spite of herself she goes into the store and asks to try on the shoes; after all she will just try them on. They fit her perfectly and when she wears them she towers above the shop assistant with those 5 inch heels at her feet. Taking them off she cannot bear to part with them as if they are her newborn babies.

Turning her back to them almost breaks her heart, but buying them would mean she would have little left for the rest of the month. She takes a few steps out of the store but she is pulled back by those shoes as if they have the power of silent hypnosis. Scouring her bag for every last penny, she manages to find just enough to pay for those beauties. It does not matter if she can not spend anymore for the rest of the month because her heart is content now with a pair of those red hypnotic monsters snug in a box just for her”.


This is the story of many a girl and as Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot”. However, in reality that man may actually owe women all around the world much more. While it is true that gorgeous high-heeled shoes are what a lot of girls and women love to sport, they do not come free of costs other than the monetary price one pays for them.

Those who have the habit of wearing high heels regularly have to pay the price through various physiological problems. It is common sense that the higher the heels the more out of alignment the foot will be. Anything higher than 2 inches, worn regularly, have the potential to cause problems by shortening the Achilles tendon leading to a condition called Achilles tendonitis.

High heels put abnormal pressure on the balls of the feet causing the ball to thin out resulting in acute pain that may become chronic. Plus if the feet hurt everything above the feet will be affected and the knees, back and hips will be stressed too.

Moreover, since the high-heeled shoes that women usually wear are at most times very tight-fitting, this may lead to bunions where the bone of the first toe is displaced causing the big toe to move toward the smaller ones and at times moving under/over the second toe.

Apart from this, high-heeled shoes, for some time now, have been considered to be, by experts, a possible cause of infertility. Shoes with over 3-inch heels impact a woman's posture by forcing the lower back outwards, causing a forward tilt in the pelvis.

With the pelvis at an awkward angle, the inner organs tend to get squished together in an unnatural manner. Some scientists believe this may cause some damage to the female reproductive system because this can slow down the gastric functions leading to menstrual dysfunction and ultimately impaired fertility.

The solution is to wear high heels sparingly, on special occasions, and take them off as soon as possible. Also avoid regular use of shoes that are both high and pointed since they can cause permanent deformity.

However, it would be completely wrong to see high-heeled shoes as the only kind of footwear responsible for any and every type of foot problem. Women in our country, especially university going girls and office going women, opt to wear flats, flip-flops and the now popular, ballerina flats. These can be as harmful as high heels. These shoes do not provide any arch support, lack cushioning and do not protect the foot making them prone to injuries. Troubles faced due to these shoes are scraped feet, strained ankles, chronic problems like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Ena La Mode Fashion

Backless shoes are also troublesome since the toes start to grab the shoe for support contributing to hammertoes. Also, breaks in the skin and calluses are caused as the shoe constantly taps the heel.

Men wearing flat, open shoes and tight ill-fitting formal shoes to office everyday are faced with similar problems of bunions, corns, calluses or swollen feet.

One would think that all this would leave no choice of shoes to wear regularly but that is not so. For daily wear, wearing dressy flats or pumps with heels of 1-1.5 inches is ideal. While buying shoes pay attention to the heel as mentioned above, try and opt for thick heels as opposed to thin ones, saving these for special occasions only.

Look for stiff heel counters, the portion of the shoe which holds the heels in place at the sides and the back and prevents it from sliding around the shoe; as this supports the foot and maintains its positions as the shoe contacts the ground. The bottom of the shoe should be flat and be adequately cushioned. All this applies to both genders.

It is essential to take proper care of one's feet to remain mobile and the first step to healthy feet is to check one's shoes. Poorly designed shoes will lead to discomfort and more serious problems whereas, as mentioned above, supportive, cushiony and roomy shoes will result in prolonged foot health.

The Blend in Taaga

Model: Tamona, Wardrobe: Taaga, Aarong, Makeup: Farzana Shakil

 Taaga Blend by Aarong

Fashion means dynamism, and dynamism connotes change. Fusion wear has brought about this vitality in the fashion arena of Bangladesh, one that flaunts comfort and style, all in one package. Women who like to be in their element, whether it is a hectic day out in the office or a jazzy night of partying around, have always embraced fusion wear as their primal source of placate and style. Parading a bit of your heritage and still looking gorgeously in vogue is indeed a concern that many falter to conquer.

Talking about fusion wear, the first name that comes up is that of Taaga, a sub-brand of Aarong that houses a fusion of western-wear with a little deshi touch in its ornamentations and approach. Taaga means 'thread', the core of all that is to be worn. Launched in 2003, Taaga is a favourite of women with a taste for western outfits.

Conspicuous use of floral and structural prints, innovative necklines, flares and hand and machine embroidery can be spotted in Taaga creations. Its uniqueness lies in selection of the finest fabrics, intricate trimmings and simple, yet stylish, silhouettes. The designs are mostly based on themes influenced by trendy patterns and colour palettes and aims at keeping the pieces as simplistic as possible.

Their latest introduction is a range of knitwear with unique and interesting shapes, cuts and necklines. They have a collection of chic bags and non-metal fashion jewellery as well.

The current summer collection of Taaga has a whole range of tops, skirts and flared bottoms that are perfect for summer. And they come in fun, playful layered flares, tie-and-dye, natural colours, trendy sleeves and sleeveless patterns.

The fabric mostly used is cotton and the colour palette has been kept on the lighter side, like pastels in light shades of blue, pink, white, green, etc.

Aarong's Taaga has done a great job in pioneering the fusion wear culture in Bangladesh, allowing younger generations the freedom to incorporate the best of both worlds and dress as they like. Taaga's up to date fashion knowledge has made it a well-known name in the fashion industry and a favourite of those who like to keep it classy, comfortable and trendy.

Arts and Crafts of Bangladesh

 

Arts and Crafts: Potteries of Bangladesh

Pottery is closely related to Bangali culture. Bangladeshi potters are famous for their fine art works and unique motifs. Nowadays, a lot of people prefer earthenware to decorate their interior in order to create a subtle ambiance.

The main element of any pottery is clay; sometime a number of other substances are added to it to ensure its durability.  Potters vigorously knead chunks of mud and set it on a huge wheel and rotate it until the clay mixture transforms into pots, bangles, vases, showpieces and what not. Later it’s burnt or embellished and polished with paints, sequins, glass works etc.

A number of road side earthenware markets in Dhaka city is dominating for decades, however recently a number of superstores, lifestyle stores and even online shops are selling and designing potteries successfully. Here, we are presenting two relatively new stores who work with potteries along with the road side bargains. Jhijhi Poka is an online shop while Joyeeta is a lifestyle solution store that has a fair collection of pottery.

Road side shops

 

Only recently potteries, clay jeweleries, earthenware are available in flashy stores; however there was a time when only the roadsides next to Charukala Institute, Shishu Academy and a few other places sold these products. Even with the arrival of various trendy collections of potteries, somehow the good old fashioned ones still hold their charm. Plus a larger collection of oversized vases, flower tubs are also seen along the roadsides.

Road side shops occupy the huge pavements from high court to Shishu Academy where a number of stalls sell huge to tiny décor pieces, jewellery, flower tubs, vases etc. The clay plates and bowls available in here may prove handy during the Pahela Baishakh and other occasions. Also the chimes, bells, pots of various size and shape, glittery huge vases shining in the roadside often tempt the customers more. The stalls along the road of Charukala Institute are still very popular for their innovative jewellery.

Their collections vary a lot as they have some unique products mixed in along with the rather ordinary ones. However, if you take a closer look you may find the more sophisticated, subtle products at a good bargain. Their products may prove to be a value for your money provided you know how to bargain for them. The price range of these products varies depending on your bargaining skill and the product you are opting for.

Jhijhi Poka

 A young couple Yaser Hossain and Fahmida Siddique, does its selling and marketing online through the popular social networking site facebook. Their collections of potteries are rather vibrant and exclusive. Fahmida designs and crafts the products herself.

Usage of cartoon characters, themes from our daily lives, bright colors depict the childish side of human nature. Amidst all the elegant and sophisticated decoration pieces showcased everywhere else their collection would be like a breath of fresh air to the younger customers. Young adults, teenagers can easily relate to their products and suit their mood!

Piggy banks, wall hangings, pots, decoration pieces, pen holders etc are available in here. As embellishment, glitters, stones leafy motifs etc are used. They also design products based on any upcoming occasion like Valentine’s Day, Pahela Baishakh, Mother’s day, etc. Messages are crafted in to the décor pieces to go with the celebration. Their products are priced within Tk 350 to Tk 1,200.

If you want to grab one of their cute dolls or a piggy banks then visit their page on facebook, choose the products and inbox them the link, they will send you back another message where the price and place of the product delivery would be mentioned.

 

Joyeeta

Joyeeta is a complete life style solution store yet it has dedicated a corner completely for their collection of potteries. The owner Purnota Yasmeen anxiously says, ‘Even though earthenware is closely related to our culture, it is becoming obsolete now.’ So to preserve one of our endangered arts and also to make it popular, she decided to include potteries into her shop.

Their collection of clay made products include jewellery, ashtrays, décor pieces, animals, Hindu Gods, toys and even kitchen sets for kids. Lamps, candle stands etc having a various shapes of leaves, birds, and banks in the form of animals adorn their shelves. Their jewellery collections include necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings etc. Shades of deep green, red, orange, purple and addition of beads, woods, sequins etc give them a playful look.

Some of their décor pieces have incarnation of the Hindu Gods like Ganesh, Shib and also Buddha along with the ones depicting the Muslim belief. A number of their pen stands, décor pieces like fishes, pen stands etc are polished with bright colors, however most of their collection retains the original earthen tone.

Their products are priced between Tk.10 to Tk.300. You can check out the 3rd and 4th floor of Rapa Plaza to find out more about their earthenware and jewellery.

Potters and pottery are an integral part of the Bangali culture and heritage; however this craftsmanship is becoming endangered. Buying and using these earthenware would encourage our potters to carry on with their decade long family business as well as portray our Bangali temperament even better.

Summer Fashion Trend

Fashion Trend - Summer 2012, Dhaka

Model: Faria, Dress: Dorji,

Present trend of fashion is long kaftan and long kamiz. Heat of summer ignited bright colored evening party dresses. Floral printed yolk and embroidered long dress as party dress is hot favorite. Party dresses are colored by bright White, Yellow, Feroza, Orange, Pink and Blue. Dresses are made of Linen, Vowel, Chiffon, Switch Crêpe and Georgette fabrics. Most remarkable theme in present trend of party dress is use of opposite color and long embroidery work, from neck to almost waist long. Opposite colored par(border) and stitch work, such as, many are adding red piping or kolki in a black and white dress. Even few are choosing black contrast with light yellow and light orange. Fashion designer Shasha told embroidery work is bending in both plain and printed cloths. And embroidery is getting so thick that the cloth is completely covered plus use of yolk. Some are also using yolk back of the dress. Summer party dress has not only changed the use of fabric, it also added few other norms of present fashion trend. 

Model: Faria, Dress: Dorji, Makeover: Farzana Shakil

Use of high cut neck, wide lace and multi-colored fabric border is in increase.

Farzana Shakil, beautician, has suggested to use dark but gentle makeup. She reminded to put makeup matching your look not with the dress.