Beauty Secrets of India Part 20: Solah Shringar, the 16 Adornments of a Bride
Solah shringar, the 16 adornments of an Indian bride, brings together kajal, mehndi, alta, flowers and jewellery. A guide to each, plus the full series index.
Beauty Secrets of India
Beauty Secrets of India Part 19: Kumkumadi Tailam, Ayurveda's Saffron Face Oil
Kumkumadi tailam is a classical Ayurvedic face oil made with saffron and herbs. What is in it, how to use a few drops, and who should be careful.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 18: Methi, the Fenugreek Hair Mask
Soaked overnight and ground to a slippery paste, methi seeds are a kitchen favourite for conditioning hair. How to make a fenugreek mask that rinses out easily.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 17: Ghee and Malai for Lips and Skin
Long before lip balms, Indian families reached for a dab of ghee. How ghee and malai are used for dry lips, heels and winter skin, and when to skip them.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 16: Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Abhyanga, the daily warm-oil self-massage of Ayurveda, is Kerala's most famous wellness ritual. How it is done, which oils to use, and who should skip it.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 15: Jasmine and Gajra, Flowers in Indian Hair
From Madurai malli to Maharashtra's gajra, fresh flowers are India's most fragrant hair accessory. The traditions, the flowers and how to wear them.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 14: Reetha and Shikakai, India's Original Shampoo
Long before shampoo bottles, Indians washed their hair with soapnuts and shikakai pods. How the herbal hair wash works and how to make it at home.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 13: Amla, the Indian Gooseberry for Hair
Sour, green and packed with vitamin C, amla is a star of Indian hair care. How amla oil, amla powder and henna-amla packs are made and used.
Beauty Secrets of India Part 12: Kannauj Rose Water and the Art of Attar
In Kannauj, India's perfume capital, roses are still distilled in copper pots. The story of gulab jal and attar, and how to use rose water well.