Courtney Maum
The Top Five Secrets of Indian Beauty
Slumdog Millionaire is a great movie. Uplifting and heartwarming, without being cheesy. But let’s be honest for about 45 seconds, shall we? Freida Pinto is a total babe. I’m a straight woman and I’m halfway in love with her. Want to know her beauty secrets, other than unfair genes? Here are five, for starters.
1. Aromatherapy
Most of us know the benefits of aromatherapy, but it’s useful to know the individual benefits of the plants, herbs and fruits used in this wonderful form of alternative medicine. Basil, for example, helps with digestion, while cinnamon acts as a stimulant and lemongrass helps reduce cellulite. Florapathics has an extensive selection of aromatherapy products with prices as refreshing as their ingredients. [social_buttons]
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a key part of any Indian beauty regime. Made from aroma compounds of plants, essential oils are commonly found in candles, beauty products, fragrances, massage products and homeopathic treatments. Be careful though, it’s ultra important to purchase only organic oils because “wellness” doesn’t rhyme with pesticide. And make sure to dilute your oil of choice before applying it to your skin- this is powerful stuff! Some personal favorites: avocado for super dry skin, macadamia for an unforgettable massage, and apricot for a ripe complexion.
3. Shikakai Powder
Want to have lustrous locks like Freida? Her secret is Shikakai! Shikakai powder strengthens hair roots, eliminates dandruff and promotes healthy growth. Simply mix the powder with water and use in place of your regular shampoo. You’ll go straight from your bath to Bollywood!
4. Shea Butter
A major component of many European cosmetic products, Shea Butter is a luxurious way to moisturize achy dry skin. Packed with non-saponifiable fats like keratin, allantoin and vitamin E., it smells lovely and feels totally decadent to apply. In addition to treating your skin to a blessed bath of moisture, shea butter is soothing for wounds and doubles as a sun screen. As always, make sure to buy fairtrade and organic!
5. Facial Scrubs
Indian beauties subscribe to the DIY system, especially when it comes to exfoliating scrubs. If you don’t live near an Ayurvedic vendor (ask for an herbal vegetable face pack), just use your kitchen! Woman’s Passions might not know a lot about English grammar, but they know a heck of a lot about making your own facial scrubs. At the end of the day, if you put it in your body, shouldn’t you be able to put it on your body?
Now if only I could find an earth-friendly way to get XXL lips….
Photo Credit: Jeff Karpala under a Creative Commons License
