5 Skincare Tips to Help Make That Melanin Glow Everyday

So, maybe our skincare resolutions from January haven’t quite become as much of a habit as we’d hoped. But, it’s never too late to renew our promises to our skin and make sure we always put our best foot forward before we ever apply a drop of makeup! (P.S. Take notes! These resolutions make for the best skincare tips!)

[Read Related: Busted! 5 of the Biggest South Asian Skincare Myths we all Believe]

1. I Resolve to Clean My Beauty Blender Atleast a Couple of Times a Month

I don’t know about you guys, but I NEVER take an extra couple of minutes after doing my makeup to wash the one tool I could never live without. I’ll only notice how dirty it gets when I’m doing my makeup at a friend’s place and suddenly become conscious of the dirty sponge that was once my beloved beauty blender. Let’s keep the bacteria at bay and wash with a gentle soap around once a week — it’s the least we can do.

2. I Resolve to Always Keep Makeup Wipes Next to my Bed

There are always more nights than I’d like to admit where I come home late and wake up to a pillow full of my face art, sparkles and all. By keeping wipes on my bedside table (Neutrogena ones are my fav), I’d at least do the basics of skincare. Let’s keep our pillowcases from an ill fate and our skin from dullness or premature aging!

 

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3. I Resolve to Empty out my Makeup Graveyard and Check Expiration Dates

You may think that products last forever (they should for what we pay for them), but sadly, they don’t. Products that you’ve used for too long could be ridden with bacteria and just not be good for your skin anymore. Why not use the upcoming new year as a clean slate? Make sure to throw out skin products that have been open for more than 12 months, lipstick that’s been open for more than 1.5 years, and mascara that’s been open for more than 3 months.

Read Related: Busted! 5 of the Biggest South Asian Skincare Myths we all Believe

4. Rain or Shine, I Resolve to Wear SPF Daily

This is the one I struggle with the most. I consciously made the decision to order some skincare products last winter, that have SPF, with the intention to start wearing it every day in January. We know our melanin doesn’t make us exempt, and we know that it doesn’t matter the weather conditions – but for some reason, I still use those as excuses to skip this step. SPF should be a morning ritual. My favorite is by Supergoop!

 

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5. I Resolve to Treat Myself Atleast Once a Month

I have a drawer in my bathroom just overflowing with sheet masks, whitening strips, bath salts, etc. Instead of hoarding the skincare section of Sephora, why not make it a goal to actually use everything up? My favorite (super cheap) sheet mask is the Beauty 360 Hydrating Purifying Tissue Facial Mask. Honestly, sometimes bath bombs are better than jager bombs. Self-care is never time spent poorly!

So, those were my skincare tips and resolutions. What are yours? Feel free to take note of the ones above — skincare tips go a long way for everyone!

By Seerat Saini

Seerat is a Sikh Punjabi tech nerd making waves in San Francisco with her passion for fashion, beauty, and intersectional … Read more ›

17 Ayurvedic Beauty Brands on our Radar Right Now

Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.

The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.

Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.

[Read Related: The Budget-Friendly Beauty Guide you Need This Spring Season]

Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.

Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.

Soma Ayurvedic

Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.

 

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Sama Tea

If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.

 

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Sahajan Skincare

Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.

 

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Shaz and Kiks

This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!

 

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Ranavat

Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.

 

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UMM Skincare

UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!

Zaila

Give your skin the best by adding ZAILA to your daily skincare routine! Click here and start shopping!

Taila

This brand is all plant-powered, and we’re here for it — you should be too! Check out their full range of products here.

Inde Wild

Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.

 

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Mango People

I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!

Kama Ayurveda

Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!

 

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Forest Essentials

According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.

 

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Koppen Ayurveda

A brand made for modern living, their essentials are all worth a shot! Start shopping here!

 

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Aavrani

Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!

 

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Delhicious

Plant-based skincare, anyone? Delhicious has got everyone covered, so click here and fill your baskets!

 

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Pratima Skincare

Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!

 

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Fable & Mane

Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.

 

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[Read Related: 10 Clean Beauty Products That’ll Have you Winning on Earth Day]

In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.

By Hrishika Muthukrishnan

Raised in North Carolina, Hrishika Muthukrishnan spent 18 years thinking there wasn’t much to the suburbs before she discovered how … Read more ›