Young women in India and all over the world use cosmetics to enhance their beauty, and there is nothing wrong with it. Maintaining oneself and presenting oneself beautifully is an art that women learn at a young age. With the women force becoming more financially independent, the cosmetics market has also expanded widely. There are two types of regular uses of cosmetics- for skincare and makeup purposes.
Skincare Routine
Maintaining flawless skin is a necessity but at the same time difficult to achieve. Given our shortage of time, pollution, and stressful lives, it is never easy to maintain crystal-clear skin. However, there are several cosmetics available in the market that can be used to maintain clear skin. Facewash and scrub creams can be used at regular intervals to get rid of blocked pores to achieve plump skin. Just like these products take care of our skin, the hair oils and shampoos take care of our hair, which also incurs damage. Using oils and shampoos alternately on the hair is essential to clean the dirt off and maintain a healthy and shiny mane. Also, applying hair serums can ensure a smooth look on your hair without the much-dreaded tangles.
For Makeup
Cosmetics are used for makeup. There is an array of items from which young women choose their favorites while applying makeup. On one hand, items like sunscreen and face powders are mandatory for basic makeup; on the other hand, henna or mehndi and fairness creams are left to choose from for the women wanting to apply them. India is a tropical weather country, and leaving out some parts in the north, the climate is hot and humid, so the makeup items should be chosen to keep that in mind. Women in India mostly use smear-proof makeup to wear at their workplace or on invitations.
Some of the basic items always found in a young woman’s makeup kit include:
- Sunscreen Lotion – Women generally apply this half an hour before applying primer or face powder so that it settles on the skin. Depending on the weather, one can use sunscreen having an SPF of 30 and above.
- Primer – After applying the sunscreen and letting it settle on the skin, it is time for sometimes, primer application. This leaves the skin with a smooth and even finish before applying the foundation. Primer helps to blur the skin imperfections to provide an even look on the face.
- Foundation/Powder – Depending on your skin type, choose a foundation or face powder. Sometimes women do away with the foundation; they use the face powder only. However, as the name suggests, it provides the foundation for the rest of the makeup and displays smooth and flawless skin. Nowadays, women prefer a natural look and a lightweight foundation that they can carry all day long on their faces.
- Concealer – This again is optional. If you have damaged skin with blemishes, dark circles, and blackheads, you can use this. A concealer covers the irregularities and spots that a foundation cannot cover. Choose a concealer 2-3 shades lighter to highlight the face contour.
- Bronzer and Highlighter– A bronzer adds color to your skin, and a highlighter adds glow to your face making you appear radiant. Bronzer is applied on the high bones of your cheek, providing a sun-kissed look, while the highlighter adds a shine to the other high points of your face, thus rendering it dimension and warmth. This is a must.
- Brow Pencil– It is used to fill up the gaps in the eyebrows. A good-looking brow goes a long way in providing a flawless facial appearance. Choose the color according to your facial hair color and use it abundantly on the brows to make them appear fuller.
- Kohl/Kajal/Eye Liner– In most Indian households, this is a widely used form of eye makeup. Extremely popular, it highlights the eyes and provides a simple yet functional look. Especially, if you are going to the office or some other work, it establishes a balance between beauty and functionality. The same goes for eyeliners.
- Shadow Palette– It adds color, depth, and dimension to your eyes and is a little complicated in application. Eye shadow can be dramatic, subtle, or even bold, making a statement about your personality. Choose wisely.
- Mascara– Mascaras make your eyes appear big and lashes fuller. It completes the eye makeup, and women love using it.
- Lipstick/Lip Balms– Enhancing the beauty of lips and adding more depth to your look, lipsticks can work wonders for your overall expression of style. It adds color and isn’t complicated to apply also. Choose from colors and finishes, like glossy or matte, suiting different facial styles. Lipsticks sometimes define the personality of a woman. On the other hand, balms keep the lips moisturized to avoid being chappy.
There are some alternate products also used by women, for example, BB/CC creams cut down on the time of applying foundation but bring the same glow. These creams help during the long office hours when there is no time to apply makeup again. These are life saviors. Women also love using nail polishes or enamels.
The current trend is to sport pretty or funky nail art of the nails too done by professionals. Get your nails shaped and wear the color you wish to make a style statement. Last but not the least are perfumes or deodorants. Smelling lovely while also managing a flawless look makes you the show-stopper. While perfumes provide beautiful fragrances, deodorants also offer anti-perspiring quality. Choose wisely.
Mehndi designs are quite popular in India during festivals and occasions and are also considered auspicious. Using fairness creams is a matter of personal choice. Of late, Indians have started using Ayurvedic products made of sustainable herbs. They are less harmful to the skin and environment and seem like a responsible choice for makeup.