India is known as the land of exotic wonders- from intricate costumes and aromatic recipes to delicate herbs of the earth. In a time when corporates dominate the color of our skin and quality of our skincare regime, India offers a wide range of not-so-hidden beauty secrets.
We’re giving you the top 5 Indian beauty tips to make sure you look radiant throughout summer.
1. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) :
image courtesy: http://solvaibz.blogspot.in
“One of the earliest substance used by man as a face pack, Multani Mitti is obtained from decomposed volcanic ash and is found in northwest India.”
Benefits: Improves complexion and removes impurities.
Who should use it: People with oily skin.
How to use: Mix a small amount of Multani Mitti with an equal amount of water or rose water and apply like you would a regular face pack. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Beauty Secret 101: Multani Mitti can also be used as a dry shampoo. Part your hair into sections and apply the dry powder to the different segments thoroughly. Leave it in for about 10-15 minutes and brush your hair after. The powder acts as a cleanser and removes all the dirt.
2. Neem
image courtesy: http://www.lifepositive.com
“The age old tradition of drinking Neem ka Ras to purify the mind and body is embedded in every Indian woman around the world. Made by boiling neem leaves, this herbal juice can be used as a drink (as bitter as it may seem) or to wash your face and hair.”
Benefits: Clears the skin and adds shine to your hair.
Who should use it: Everyone!
How to use it: Boil a few leaves in water and drink the juice or chew on 3-4 leaves (make sure to keep a teaspoon of honey ready!) You can also use this water to wash your face every morning or refrigerate it in an empty body mist bottle to use as a face spray whenever you need a little pick-me-up!
3. Haldi (Turmeric):
image courtesy: http://www.commodityonline.com/
“We all know of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, but the marvels of this spice doesn’t stop there. There is a reason haldi is given its due importance at Indian weddings- this plant comes from the ginger family and its benefits range from being antiseptic to a fairness cream.”
Benefits: Antiseptic, anti-bacterial, detoxifier, painkiller, cleanser and skin purifier.
Who should use it: Both men and women above the age of 18.
How to use it: There are several ways of using haldi: Mix it with milk or warm water or a few drops of mustard oil and lemon and use as a body or face pack. Use it in your everyday cooking (it has no taste and adds a beautiful color to your food). Or mix turmeric with sugarcane juice for wrinkles and coconut oil for cracked heels.
4. Gulab Jal (Rose Water):
image courtesy: http://www.makesscentsspaline.com
“Although the rose isn’t the national flower of India, it has deeply connected influences on the crafts, textiles, arts, flavors and scents of the country. You can either make gulab jal (rose water) at home by steaming it or buying a bottle from your local market.”
Benefits: Skin toner, purifier and soothing.
Who should use it: Men and women of every age can use it. It’s also a great way to relieve stress after a long day’s work.
How to use it: Use rose water every morning or evening to wash your face. Or, mix it in with your shampoo to increase growth and strength of your hair.
5. Chandan (Sandalwood):
image courtesy: http://yazmrazk.files.wordpress.com
“Sandalwood comes from a class of frangrant woods found mostly in India. It can be used in a powder form to make home based face packs and can also be used as oil for perfumes and other fragrances.”
Benefits: Anti-ageing, anti-acne, massage oil, tan remover and for dry skin.
Who should use it: Both men and women can use sandalwood due to its umpteen benefits and unisex woody fragrance.
How to use it: Sandalwood powder can be made into a paste with a little turmeric and equal amount of water to be used as a face pack. This paste can also help remove an unwanted tan. Chandan oil is great for massages and dry skin.
cover image courtesy: http://www.desidieter.com
Share and get 15% off!
Simply share this product on one of the following social networks and you will unlock 15% off!