Dong Quai is an important herb used in Chinese medicine, and has been used to treat PMS, menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms for thousands of years, although its effectiveness has yet to be clinically verified by Western health practitioners. It is also believed to dilate blood vessels, and is used to treat high blood pressure and circulatory problems.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is commonly believed to contain phytoestrogens, although clinical studies to confirm this have been far from conclusive. It is a perennial plant native to North America, and is also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, rattleroot and macrotys. The plant has a long history of usefulness as a medicinal treatment, first by Native American people and more recently by alternative health practitioners, and has been used to treat a range of gynecological ailments including menopause symptoms, infertility, inflammation of uterus and ovaries, and to induce lactation, bring on menstruation, and alleviate labor pains. It has also been used to treat rheumatism, fever, coughs and colds, hives and backache. Some studies have shown that taking pills made from black cohosh extract is very helpful in providing short term relief from a range of menopause symptoms including hot flashes, depression, mood swings and anxiety. However, little is known about effects of taking treatment in long term, and some negative side effects have been reported, including headaches, stomach and gastric discomfort and weight gain.

Maca

Peruvian Maca root is believed to work by stimulating glands in body to produce their own estrogen and testosterone. Maca has been cultivated in Andes region for perhaps thousands of years, and has been used as a treatment to increase energy, enhance libido and increase fertility. Maca root is claimed to provide a range of benefits, including alleviating PMS symptoms, reducing depression and stress, increasing athletic ability and creating a general sense of well being. It is also claimed to be effective in treating a wide range of menopausal symptoms, including mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, reduced libido, sleep disturbances and breast tenderness. Objective clinical research into effectiveness and potential hazards of taking Maca root supplements is very scant.

Progesterone treatments.

An alternative view of causes of menopause symptoms places more emphasis on role of progesterone, and imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. “Estrogen dominance” is a recently identified syndrome, and is believed by a small number of doctors to be cause of severe PMS and menstrual problems in early adulthood, and a range of severe symptoms as menopause approaches. Advocates of progesterone treatments believe them to be free from health risks and side effects associated with estrogen based treatments.

Natural progesterone cream

Natural progesterone creams usually contain extracts from Mexican wild yam, which contains a substance which is believed to be similar to progesterone produced in body. The creams are applied to parts of body where skin is thinner, such as breasts, inner thighs, inner forearms or stomach, and are believed to pass through skin and circulate through body. Many women have found natural progesterone creams to be very effective in treating menopause symptoms, but there is no evidence to show that creams lower risk of breast and uterine cancer, or are free from risk of side effects as is sometimes claimed.

Chaste tree berry

Chaste tree berry, sometimes known as Chasteberry or Vitex agnus castus has been used since ancient Greek times to treat a range of ailments. It is believed to stimulate production of progesterone, and has been shown to be very effective in alleviating severe PMS and a range of menopausal symptoms

If you choose adding a bit of golden touch to your face (we used Guerlain Let Meteorites Dorees to highlight Aliona’s cheekbones), make sure your skin is in prime condition, because shimmer will accentuate every little flaw. Exfoliate and moisturise your skin properly before applying a shimmery highlighter or a powder. “When your face is clear and glowing, makeup will look better”, adds Julie Redfern.

And best part is that you don't have to resemble an Oscar statue to complement bold eye: Julie Redfern suggests applying a lighter pink wash as a blush. “Pink is already beige-y type of color. It will add you a pop of color, which is essential when you go for gold”, recommends Julie. Liner is truly optional, but not mascara! Finish your look with black mascara, and for maximum impact, attach a set of gorgeous golden eyelashes. Add a touch of muted golden loose powder to center of your forehead and on apples of your cheeks. Keep rest of face neutral – apply a shiny pink sheer gloss, and you look like a million bucks!