Growing up in a predominantly white area, appearance has been something I have always felt insecure about. Whilst I could assimilate in other areas, my looks were not something I could change. My dusky skin marked me as being ‘different,’ along with my bushy eyebrows, unruly dark hair and fuller lips. Through society and media, I was taught that my features weren’t considered to be conventionally attracted. Princesses in books always have long blonde hair, and I struggled to find celebrities in magazines who looked like me. Colonialism taught us that eurocentric beauty standards were the only standards which mattered.
Yet now, the same thick eyebrows which brown girls would be mocked for are now trendy, and people will pay hundreds of pounds on eyebrow products and procedures such as microblading for fuller eyebrows. Thanks to celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, fuller lips are demanded and demand for lipliner and surgery has soared—yet brown and black women are mocked for their lips. Whilst I appreciate that these figures are no longer ridiculed, it is infuriating when women of color are derided for such features, whilst white women are praised for having the same features.
Unfortunately, the issue with beauty standards lies closer to home. Within Asian communities, there is a desire for fair skin, as it is considered to be more attractive. Skin whitening creams such as ‘Fair and Lovely’ turnover over $1 billion annually, promoted by celebrities and advertisements showcasing a girl being able to attract boys after she has lightened her skin. Many of my friends have been told to stay out of the sun or use such creams in order to be considered ‘beautiful.’
My problem lies with the definition of beauty. Colonialism taught us that only fair skin and Caucasian features are attractive, yet the majority of the world do not share such features. The media, and society, should radically alter their notions of beauty to consider a wide range of people and a variety of ethnicities and racial groups. Maybe someday, young girls will no longer feel insecure about their looks and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Sukirti is a sixth form student, hoping to study PPE at uni. She is passionate about politics, art and music and hopes to travel the world someday.
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.
Sukirti is a sixth form student, hoping to study PPE at uni. She is passionate about politics, art and music and hopes to travel the world someday. 
