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When director Todd Haynes secured Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, 46 and nominee Rooney Mara, 30 to star in his new film, Carol, he not only secured a casting coup, but two of the most inherently stylish and photo-ready women in Hollywood.

This means that every time Blanchett and Mara step out to promote the forthcoming release, their union creates an easy-on-the-eye tableau; Mara, with her porcelain skin and bird-like physique, is the fragile counterpart to Blanchett’s mega-watt aura and commanding presence.

Take this week, when the co-stars appeared at the BFI London Film Festival to undertake promotional duties for Carol in Europe. Both were singing from a very similar style sheet – Mara in a white, delicately ruffled mini dress, Blanchett in a slightly edgier, negligee jumpsuit, toughened up with a black blazer to avoid them looking too matchy-matchy.

At the London premiere in Leicester Square (main picture), Rooney, in a romantic, knitted Alexander McQueen dress, was the light to Blanchett's dark sartorial statement, courtesy of Esteban Cortazar.

But even when the actresses do go down the co-ordination route, they are individual enough to complement each other rather than look like doppelgangers. In New York, their black dresses featured a similar neckline (Mara’s by Chanel and Blanchett’s by Aouadi Couture) but were contrasted by details that reflect their personality – Blanchett’s featured an unusual tattoo-like sheer layer while Mara’s sparkled thanks to a scattering of sequins.

Playing lovers in Carol will have made the actresses closer than the average female co-stars; the story, set in 1950s New York, tells of a department-store clerk (Mara), who falls for an older, married woman (Blanchett) as she dreams of a better life. This ease with each other comes across in their body language - even when they opt to wear the same designer in public, as they did at a photocall in Cannes this May, when they both donned Alexander McQueen.

So there’s no risk of ‘twinning style’ on this promo tour, just a delectable feast of harmonising outfits from two of the biggest style risk-takers in Hollywood. We’re hungry for more…

The allure of non-invasive, less painful and quick treat ments that have almost zero downtime, is unbeatable during the festive season, especially because of the visibly effective results.

There are a host of treatments available that claim to erase lines, make your skin glow and sculpt your face. We spoke to dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, dermatologist and laser surgeon Dr Apratim Goel and dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar to find out about some quick procedures that can help brighten up your festive days...

PHOTOFACIAL

These facials are done with a skin brightening solution that contains hyaluronic acid, after which a fractional ND-Yag laser is used. And since this is fractional laser, the downtime is zero. This can be done not just on your face and back, but also on your entire body .

YELLOW PEEL

Though this has amazing results, there is a downtime of three to four days. It has to be done once a month. The peel has to be kept on the skin for six hours and then the skin slowly peels off over four days. Shallow, superficial scars are gone. You get a glow and there is noticeable skin brightening.

WHITENING FACIAL

This instawhite treatment is a combination of microdermabrasion, peel and laser lightening. Once the skin a prepped and polished using enzyme solutions and microdermabrasion is done, fractional QS NdYAG laser is sprayed on to the skin in short bursts with a cryo spray to minimise discomfort. Finally, skin is nourished with oxy gen infusion containing vitamins and hyaluronic acid. This improves the tone and texture of your skin, removes tan and reduces fine lines and also reduces the appearance of fine hair.

BLOODYHYDRALIFT

This procedure involves the reinjection of platelets (PRP) centrifuged and removed from a patient's own blood back into the pre-numbed skin of the patient. It is done with the help of derma-rollers or micro-injections to achieve overall reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and facial rejuvenation.Initially, the skin looks a little swollen and red at places. However, after two to three days, the skin looks deeply hydrated, radiant, and youthful.

FOR YOUR BACK

One could use the above mentioned treatments on the back, including laser, yellow peel and whitening. Back polishing and microdermabrasion on your back can also give you quick results.

KEEP IN MIND

All procedures require maintenance.

- You need to apply high quality sunscreens, moisturisers, serums and night creams, post the treatment.

-Make sure the procedure is done under the guided supervision of a well-trained dermatologist.

-You need to check whether the clinic customises skin treatments to your individual skin needs.

-Opt for a clinic that encourages client education.

There are certain times when you shouldn't be exercising at all, when you can safely stop training and don't have to blame yourself for being lazy

We are so busy trying to keep fit these days that we overlook the times when it's essential to stop training. Look through these specific times when it is okay to make an excuse to not step into the gym or park.

When you're unwell

Even if you have a common cold, refrain from exercising when you are physically unwell. Your immune system is weaker during a prolonged illness and a workout will only strain it further. Exercising in sickness can also lead to injuries since your energy levels and concentration are not 100%. Worse, one could faint in an aerobics class, for instance.

When you are stressed and exhausted

Everyone has days when they don't feel like going to the gym, but at times it is the body telling you to take a break. It will do you a load of good to take a day off from your fitness regime. Don't punish yourself if you can't go to the gym for a day. Even though workouts give a happy high, sometimes it is okay to relax.

When you have a hangover

Hung over from a binge-drinking-and-dancing-party last night? Avoid hitting the gym or the tarmac in the morning. Alcohol is dehydrating, so drink a large amount of water to minimise its influence. Never work out if you still feel under the influence. Having a wholesome breakfast helps since you are refuelling your system.

When you have an injury

Any kind of injury should put a break on your fitness schedule until the time it is completely healed. You could end up harming your body further if you decide to push yourself into working out while injured. Seek advice from a specialist for injuries that hurt more than a day later.