Does all your jewellery turn brown no matter how expensive it is? Although a lot of people experience discolouration of jewellery or skin with cheap items, certain people also see an effect on their silver or white gold jewellery. The answer to your problems could lie in a number of things, be it the quality of the jewellery you are buying or the chemicals in your skin. Make sure you know why your jewellery starts to tarnish and discover simple ways to fix tarnished jewellery.

Silver

Silver jewellery tends to tarnish, with the rate this happends dependent on the type of silver worn and how frequently you wear the item. Most silver jewellery is coated with rhodium plating, which can chip off and result in dull looking jewellery. As solid silver is very soft it is normally mixed with sterling silver which has a tendency to discolour. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting because silver plated jewellery will discolour quickly. Faux silver jewellery is hard to spruce up while solid silver can be rubbed with some silver polish or homemade remedies like toothpaste.

Gold

White gold also often has a rhodium plating that can chip off and discolour jewellery. To improve the look of your jewellery, you will simply need to get it recoated with rhodium on a regular basis. With gold and white gold rings and jewellery the test is in the quality – make sure you are purchasing high quality items that are not just plated but are pure gold. If, however, you work outside, your jewellery could just be turning brown because it is dirty and so should be cleaned regularly.

Your skin

If you have a real problem with discolouration in your jewellery it could be a chemical imbalance in your skin. Sweaty skin can cause corrosion in silver and gold jewellery, causing them to discolour and so they should be removed when engaging in physical activities. Chemicals such as nitric acid can also cause black stains on your skin and jewellery and if you work with these chemicals make sure you wash your hands regularly. Certain antibiotics and medications can also cause a chemical reaction between your skin and jewellery causing the metal to tarnish. People who have experienced this problem should always opt for jewellery in a higher karat as it contains less metal elements and a greater volume of pure gold or silver.

Perfumes and incense have been used over time to do anything from heal the sick to avert ‘the evil eye.’ Although we may no longer use fragrances to invoke the gods, aromatic substances still have a powerful effect on the human psyche. Most aromatic materials come from the flowers, leaves, bark and resin of plants — although musk is obtained from the glands of various mammals. Here are a few fragrance-dispensing techniques that have been used by various cultures over the millennia.

Joss sticks, pastille and oil burners

Pastille burners were popular during the 16th century in the West. This involved using a candle to warm a perfumed tablet that was positioned above it. Oil burners are used today in aromatherapy treatments whereby drops of essential oils are heated.

Joss sticks were made through the mixture of aromatic powders with clay. This was done so that the fragrances would adhere to the stick, which were then burnt. The fragrant sticks were kept upright by placing them in a perforated stand or a pot that was filled with sand.

Joss sticks became popular in the West during the 1960′s and 1970′s and remain popular to this day.

Alabastron, jars and bottles

Ceramic containers were often used to store fragrances in the past. Perfume bottles with stoppers stopped scents from radiating while perforated pot pourri jars allowed scents to waft through the air.

The Ancient Greeks stored their fragrant oils in round-bottomed bottles called alabastron or aryballos. They used these aromatic oils to anoint their bodies.

Incense burners

The easiest way to burn incense in the past was to place it on a fire. To this day, smoke is used to make a home smell good in Yemen, while clouds of aromatic smoke were produced with metal or clay burners in China. The Aztecs, who believed that fragrance could cure many diseases, burnt the resin of a tropical tree in large ceramic braziers and in Renaissance Italy many women used the smoke of incense to scent their hair.

Click here to learn how to make your own incense.

It’s always a difficult job choosing perfume for somebody else, especially when one considers the cost involved. But now scientists can explain why it is that we have so much trouble finding a fragrance that is perfectly matched to a significant other. New research shows that people are drawn to scents that complement their own natural body smells. It turns out that it is almost impossible to decide on the correct product for another but then, it works perfectly well if one chooses perfume for oneself.

Suit yourself

The latest research suggests that those who choose their own perfume become more attractive to the opposite sex. Generally speaking, fragrances aren’t chosen to hide natural body smells – they are chosen to work with one’s own unique smell.

Dr Jan Havlicek of Charles University in Prague told the Sunday Telegraph that ‘perfumes have been used by people for thousands of years and the prevailing view has been that this was to mask our natural body odour to make us smell more attractive.’

He went on to say that the facts are quite different: ‘What we have found is there is a strong individual interaction between perfume and body odour. People choose fragrances to complement their own odour. It is probably why buying perfume as a gift is so difficult and why they end up lying in the bathroom not being used.’

Dr Havlicek’s study

During Dr Havlicek’s study , 12 volunteers sprayed a personally chosen perfume onto one of their armpits. Another randomly chosen perfume was then sprayed onto the other armpit. A panel of 21 women was then asked to judge the swabs taken from each armpit.

What was found was that the women consistently favoured the perfume that had been personally chosen by the individuals in question.

Immune response

A taste and smell expert from Cardiff University, Professor Tim Jacob, suggests that one’s immune system has a role to play in what fragrance is chosen. That’s because people seem to be attracted to the smell of those who have different immune systems to their own.

‘This makes sense from a biological point of view as it has obvious advantages for our children who would inherit a combination of both immune systems,’ he was quoted as saying in The Daily Mail.

Sarah Mower reports in her article ‘Once Forbidden, Now a Fad: Top-to-Toe Prints’ in Vogue Daily that prints are back with a vengeance. ‘Had a prophet tried to tell us two years ago that wearing a top and a pair of trousers in – wait! – a matching print was going to be the fastest-moving trend of the second half of 2011, we’d have laughed so hard we’d have fallen off our platforms,’ writes Mower.

How it all started

Mower launches straight into a ‘forensic investigation’ to find out who exactly has inspired this ‘taste-challenging idea’ and why it has been embraced so enthusiastically. Her findings indicate that the change may have begun in Februrary in London’s fall shows when three designers paired extremely peculiar tops and pants outfits.

The power of three

‘It caused a sharp intake of breath when Mary Katrantzou threw patterns derived from cloisonné bowls over a chiffon shirt and narrow pants, topped with a yellow biker jacket in the same print: Who would really wear that?’ continues Mower.

It wasn’t long before there were murmurs of approval though. These followed quickly on the heels of J.W. Anderson’s silk paisley piece which was ‘not cut as a pajama suit exactly, but in a matched round-necked top and tailored trousers.’

The stage was then set for the new trend when Maarten van der Horst followed with his work, which certainly seemed to rip convention to pieces. Mower says that he ‘made eyes pop and stomachs lurch with his vivid, kitsch, and ingenious use of Hawaiian print.’ She states that to qualify as a trend, things ought to happen in threes. And so it was.

Pattern goes viral

Raf Simons showed a top with daring daisy prints at Jil Sander. It was a narrow pant and top sequence which Mower has described as ‘Intriguing but weird. Pending further proof.’ The proof came in the form of Phoebe Philo’s work at Celine which came in the form of a ‘floral-smothered’ top and pants combo.

Stella McCartney happened to be on the same page with a so-called surfer psychedelic print tunic and skinny pants. And so it was that pattern went viral.

We fell in love with her in Mamma Mia and she has been charming her way into our hearts ever since. Well-known for her bountiful, blond curls, Amanda has hair that most girls would die for. Then in her recent movie – In Time – she goes for a complete change with a short bob but still manages to look just as striking. How does she do it?

Premiers

Amanda is often seen gracing a red carpet with sleek, effortlessly wavy blond locks. To get this look make sure your hair is professionally coloured in a golden, shiny blond. If you have short hair, add some stylish extensions – the trick to getting Amanda’s hair is uniformity in colour and length. Amanda Seyfried loves to wear a deep side part, mysteriously covering her face by her hair. Amanda swears she doesn’t own a blow dryer but if you are not graced with Amanda’scurls, simply create those undulating waves with a wide barrel curling iron or a round brush and blow-dryer.

Updos

Amanda prefers to wear her hair in the loose curls we love, but when she wears an updo it always looks fantastic. A lover of French twists and buns, Amanda’s updos always look whimsical. To create one of her famous updos, like the one seen at the premier of Red Riding Hood, you need to first curl or crimp your hair to get Amanda’s natural waves. Next create two ponytails, one on top of each other, at the base of the neck, leaving out a few wispy pieces to frame the face. Next wrap the two ponytails together into a loose bun, allowing the bottom ponytail to hang out more, creating a relaxed, messy updo like Amanda’s.

In time

Amanda’s locks in the movie In Time are not her own, but the sultry wig is a big change for this innocent Hollywood sweetheart. The cropped, red bob she dons in this movie makes a bold, sexy statement. If you have porcelain skin like Amanda, a bold colour like this red can really set off your natural tones. Make sure you get your hair cut by a professional hairdresser and make sure all the lines are sharp and perfectly straight for this dramatic look.

Massage does more than relieve aching muscles. Research shows that it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, unlocks repressed emotions, increases energy, relieves pain and strengthens the immune system. Consider how your body feels as you read this. Are your neck and shoulders tense? Is your breathing shallow because of a tight diaphragm? If so, consider seeing a professional masseur or ask your partner to massage you. Read on to find out what makes for a good basic massage.

Basic massage tips

A good back of the body massage requires a minimum of half an hour plus resting time. A full body massage would need an hour but this would depend on who is giving the massage. An inexperienced person might not be able to massage for all that long due to aching hands, for example.

The room should be warm and the person being massaged should lie unclothed on a firm mattress. Towels can be used to cover areas of the body that are not being worked on. A base oil like almond oil can be used together with an essential oil like lavender. The oil should be at body temperature and the person giving the massage should use just enough to lubricate the skin.

What makes for a good massage is when the masseur is in a giving frame of mind. The masseur should have warm hands, short nails and be free of rings. One hand should be kept on the body at all times and firm massage strokes can be applied in the direction of the heart. The masseur should understand the basic techniques of stroking, pummeling, knuckling and kneading.

When not to massage

If somebody has a serious medical condition, they should refrain from being massaged unless they have the consent of a doctor. Pregnant women should not be exposed to essential oils without consulting a physician.

A lighter stroke must be applied, should the recipient of a massage experience pain. Injuries, breasts and varicose veins should be avoided.

Time factors

If there isn’t much time available, consider a scalp and neck massage, a neck and shoulder massage, a foot massage or a facial. Nothing quite beats a full back or body massage though.

When it comes to wearing shoes for show, the old adage ‘form follows function’ gets a real walking over. As any girl who’s a sucker for high heels knows, they somehow make you feel good even if they give you blisters. The reason is simple: you look so good when you walk in them. A new exhibition called ‘Shoes for Show – the Sculptural Art of High Heels’ explores the theme further. It’s on from 4 to 8 November at The Loading Bay in Brick Lane, London.

Shoes as sculpture

The ‘Shoes for Show – the Sculptural Art of High Heels’ will be presenting couture pieces from the private collections of public figures including one-off designs. These shoes were not necessarily made for walking and some have come to be viewed as sculptures.

‘I wanted not to dismiss the functionality, but to focus on their beauty by placing them in the context of a gallery as sculptural pieces of art,’ said the curator, Shonagh Marshall. ‘I wanted to highlight the mathematical proportion and precision that goes into shoe design.’

Highlights

The crazy ‘medieval face armour’ shoes worn by Beyonce in the video called Run the World (Girls) will be one of the highlights of the exhibition. They were created by Gareth Pugh, an infamous British designer.

There will also be a pair of gold platform shoes which were designed by Rupert Sanderson for Verdi’s Aida which was performed at the Royal Opera House. Christian Louboutin’s en pointe Swarovski-encrusted shoes are bound to cause a stir. The ballet stilettos were created for ENO.

Stepping back in time

The show also offers a historical take on the ‘decorative’ shoe. There will be a shoe with a four-inch heel on offer for those who want to step back to the 1850s. It is on loan from the Northampton museum’s shoe collection and was once featured at The Great Exhibition.

Another old pair of shoes dating back to 1890 will be on show. These are more functional Turkish bath shoes. The platform soles helped keep the wearer’s feet clean and dry when walking through water and puddles. That said, the mother of pearl embroidery may suggest otherwise.

Details

Javari.co.uk is hosting the show and states that the exhibition will grant ‘access to shoes that have been hidden from public view until now. Shoes that capture a moment in time, or represent a designer’s innovative playfulness. “Shoes for Show” will feature bespoke and one-off pairs kindly loaned by Daphne Guinness, Christian Louboutin, Natacha Marro and many more.’

If you’re keen to attend, you won’t have to pay as public entry is free. Viewing hours are 11am to 7pm every day of the week except Sunday. Sunday’s viewing times are 11 am to 5 pm.

There’s a lot to be said for a faux tan: you get to have a golden glow without having to expose your skin to the sun. But for many of us, the idea of applying fake tan brings flashbacks of streaky and awful looking fake tans. The good news is that technology has now advanced to the point of being able to fool even the sharpest eye. The secret ingredient is dihydroxyacetone, a sugar that reacts with the skin to create colour.

How to apply self tanner

The first step is to find a self-tanner that works for you. You may have to do a bit of sampling before you find a perfect match. If you’re naturally fair-skinned don’t choose a dark shade and vice versa. Find a shade and texture that suits your skin. Use testers on the inside of your arm. Watch how the colour develops and check that there’s no reaction.

Don’t apply self-tanner to your skin if you’ve washed with ordinary soap. The reason for this is that the soap’s alkaline PH will affect the final colour. Use a body wash instead of soap. And then, be sure to exfoliate your skin if you want to keep your tan for longer. Shave your legs before applying self-tan.

Once you’ve exfoliated and shaved, pat your skin dry with a towel. Apply the self-tanner by smoothing it on systematically and slowly. Start at your toes and blend it well so as to avoid a streaky effect. Work in small, circular strokes moving onto the larger areas of your body first. Once you’ve done your shins and thighs, move onto your arms.

Applying self-tanner to dry areas

Because dry, rough areas absorb more colour, it’s important to pay careful attention to your feet, knees and elbows. The trick with these areas is to apply some moisturiser onto the skin before you apply the self-tanner.

Applying self-tanner to the face

Apply a very thin layer of Vaseline to your brows and hairline before you apply self-tanner to your face. This will help prevent staining. Use a paler colour on your face than you would on the rest of your body.

Out go the bikinis and summer dresses as your wardrobe is once again stocked with wellies, coats and scarves. Summer has so many lovely scents and floral and citrus smells are synonymous with the season but what about winter? Many people forget about fragrances during winter but with all those clothes you need something to keep your body smelling nice and fresh. So what are the best fragrances to wear this winter?

Go bold

Winter allows for bolder, more intense scents that complement that roaring fireplace and glass of sherry. Deep earthly scents are great for winter and hints of pine, wood and nuts remind us of all those things we love about winter. Spicy, oriental flavours are fabulous for a night out; remember in winter your scent is often covered up by your many layers of clothing so a bolder, stronger scent is often better.

Food

Winter is all about food shared with family and you too can smell just as scrumptious. Vanilla is a favourite for winter and this simple scent can be found in all price ranges. Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg are all wonderful smells for winter – and they shouldn’t only come from your kitchen. Deep berry scents are also great for winter and if you are feeling bold check out Demeter Egg Nog, which this fragrance is winter in a bottle.

How to wear it?

Winter fragrances should be applied before and after dressing to make sure the smell lasts. If necessary combine your favourite fragrance with a matching lotion and deodorant to ensure you smell great all over, all the time. By going bolder and stronger it doesn’t mean putting on more fragrance it simply means going for scents with stronger base notes – don’t over-apply your perfume. Men also smell great in the musky, spicy, woody scents of winter.

Caring for your feet goes so much further than buying the perfect pair of high heels or running shoes.We pay so much attention to our face, hair and hands but we hardly ever notice our feet. Our feet are what support us most of the day and they need attention and care to keep them healthy and strong. Avoid fungal infections by looking after your feet and keeping your toenails in good condition.

Cleaning

Make sure you wash your feet on a daily basis and when washing actually make sure you scrub underneath the foot and between the toes. After washing make sure you dry your feet really well as water can accumulate between the toes and lead to smelly, infected feet. Also make sure you exfoliate and moisturise your feet as you would your hands or any other part of your body. Clipping your toenails should also form part of your cleaning routine as long nails can lead to infection and pain as your shoes press against them.

Your feet

Remember every foot is different and should be treated as such. Feet need regular exercise to avoid cramps and stimulate circulation and running is not enough; make sure you do exercises that specifically stimulate the muscles in the foot like dancing and yoga. A pregnant woman exerts a lot of pressure on her feet and shoes with padding help with comfort while hosiery can help to prevent varicose veins. Older feet need to be kept warm with socks and boots and feet should be regularly monitored for signs of arthritis.

Your shoes

Picking the right shoes is an essential part of caring for your feet. Shoes with adjustments like laces and straps are good for all ages as shoes can be adjusted as feet grow/swell. Make sure your shoes are always the right size and get your feet measured regularly – too small shoes can cause deformities and discomfort while shoes that are too big can slip off and lead to injury. Always opt for shoes with support and a good sole and avoid wearing high heels for lengthy periods of time.