July 4, 2018April 29, 2020 4min readBy Komal Patel
Don’t you just love a good tip? I’m talking like any tip – anything that is going to help me struggle through life a little less, I am all ears for it! This practice heavily implies to everything and anything that has to do with beauty. Beauty tips for the win!
Of course, we all have tips and tricks that we swear by when it comes to our beauty regimens – like a turmeric and honey mask once a week is a must; or, coconut oil in your hair for the win! Whatever it is, if it works, then stick to it!
Here are seven general beauty tips that I swear by. They’re quick and easy, and will make life so much better – promise!
1. Bye Bye Static
When you have static hair that is fresh, clean and bouncy, you don’t want to add oil to calm it down because it will change the texture. Go into your laundry cabinet and pull out one of your “Bounce” static-free sheets that we use for our clothes in the dryer. Rub it on your hands, clothes and then in your hair and, voila, no static.
2. The Versatility of Vaseline
I have a giant tub of Vaseline, and my friends have made fun of me. But Vaseline can be used in so many ways! It’s not just for chapped lips; you can use it as a brow bone highlight, tame unruly brows, make lips appear fuller (my favorite use), and even add it to your favorite color to give your eyeshadow a glossy texture – the possibilities are endless!
3. The Classic Duo: Pimples and Toothpaste
Everyone has done this at one point or another, and that’s why it’s worth revisiting in this list! I haven’t used this trick since I was a teenager—thank goodness I don’t get acne anymore—but mine was bad growing up, like BAD.
Here’s a refresher for anyone who needs one: Apply a little squeeze of toothpaste on the pimple before sleeping, and you will get rid of it, usually, overnight. It should be a plain white toothpaste, although I do like the cooling feeling of mint. This practice can be a good alternative on occasions when you don’t have a proper spot treatment at hand or when you are out of your usual acne cream – but remember that it shouldn’t be your everyday go-to fix. I mean, it IS toothpaste.
I have been doing this since I was old enough to shave (actually my mother never let me shave and Indian girls are hairy AF, so I’ve been secretly doing this since I was 10).
If you’re out of shaving cream or just don’t want to deal with buying another product, lather your legs with conditioner instead of soap. The conditioner will soften the hair on your legs making it easier to shave. It will also leave your skin feeling extra silky smooth.
5. Apply Sunscreen Daily
Since I have vitiligo, this is nonnegotiable for me. I wear sunscreen every damn day whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing, whatever. An easy way to remember adding sunscreen to your daily routine is to have SPF in your makeup and body lotion. I use iT Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50 and Aveeno Daily Lotion with SPF 30. That way you don’t even have to think about it.
[IT Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50 | Photo source: Americans Shop]
6. Tweeze with Care
Before you tweeze, make sure you soften your skin by soaking a cotton ball in warm water or cream. When you start tweezing, do it in the direction of your hair’s growth. Then, follow up with some Rose Hip Oil. It helps with the redness and feels gentle on your skin. Add this trick to your beauty tips, please, you’ll love me!
Legit. My pedicures usually last two months or so. I just file down instead of cut. Save money on your beauty routine by taking care of your feet on a daily basis. Get yourself a pumice stone and scrub those feet down in the shower every morning. When you are done showering remember to moisturize. Moisturizing your feet will increase the amount of time you can go without a pedicure and will keep your toes healthy and fungus free.
[The pumice stone perfect for an at-home pedicure. | Photo source: Sephora]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
