All Different Ways You Can Style a ‘Classic White Shirt’
August 22, 2023
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South Asia is a region of vivid colors, strong traditions, and bold beauty. From the shores of Sri Lanka to the valleys of Kashmir, our diversity is our strength—and that includes our skin, hair, and beauty rituals. While global beauty standards often overlook melanin-rich skin and naturally textured hair, our roots offer centuries of tried-and-true wisdom that can easily blend with modern science for the ultimate beauty routine.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a foundation that actually matches your undertone, or felt overwhelmed by beauty trends that don’t suit your lifestyle or features, this guide is for you.
Melanin-rich skin is often more resilient to early signs of aging, but it can also be prone to issues like hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven tone. South Asians commonly have combination or oily skin types due to the tropical climate in many regions.
Our skin needs hydration without heaviness, protection without ashy finishes, and brightening without bleaching. Most importantly, it needs consistency over intensity. Rather than chasing ten-step routines, opt for simple, effective products that target your needs.
Living in urban areas like Colombo, Mumbai, or Dhaka means constant exposure to pollution. At the end of the day, use an oil-based cleanser first to remove sunscreen and grime, followed by a gel or foam cleanser to purify. This two-step method helps prevent clogged pores and dullness.
A weekly face mask isn’t just about relaxation—it can deeply nourish your skin. Clay-based masks like Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) are fantastic for oily skin, while hydrating masks with aloe or honey can replenish moisture after sun exposure.
Thick, dark, and strong—South Asian hair is enviable around the world. But it also needs care, especially when it’s exposed to humidity, sun, hard water, or heat styling. Traditional haircare routines are built around the concept of nourishing the scalp first, then the strands.
🪔 Weekly Hair Oil Rituals
Our grandmothers were right—regular oiling really works. Warm oils not only hydrate the scalp but also increase blood circulation when massaged in. Add herbs like curry leaves, hibiscus flowers, or fenugreek seeds into the oil and simmer gently to enhance benefits.
💆♀️ Scalp First, Always
Modern beauty focuses so much on styling the hair, we forget the root of healthy growth lies in the scalp. Dandruff, hair fall, and thinning are often related to inflammation or buildup. Keep your scalp clean, exfoliate it gently once in a while, and avoid using too much dry shampoo.
🧴 Leave-In Conditioners & Serums
Humidity in South Asia can make your hair frizzy. Use lightweight leave-in products that hydrate without weighing hair down. Argan oil-based serums can tame flyaways and add a gorgeous shine.
South Asians often have medium to deep skin tones with golden, olive, or reddish undertones. Yet, many makeup products sold globally are created with lighter complexions in mind. The key to glowing makeup is not changing your features—but enhancing them.
💄 Perfecting the Base
Always match foundation to your undertone. South Asian skin often falls in the warm or neutral category. Avoid foundations that are too pink or grey. For oily skin, choose matte or semi-matte finishes. For dry skin, opt for dewy, hydrating formulas.
✨ Play with Colour
You can rock colors that others might shy away from. Think bronze, copper, terracotta, deep berry, emerald, and navy. Don’t be afraid to experiment. The richness of your skin tone can carry bold colors effortlessly—especially on the eyes and lips.
👁️ The Power of Kohl
Kajal or kohl has deep cultural roots in South Asia. It’s more than just makeup—it’s a statement. Use it to line your waterline or smudge it around the eyes for a smokey, sultry finish. Want to go modern? Try a gel-based eyeliner in deep green or purple.
Long before store-bought products filled our shelves, South Asians turned to their kitchens for beauty fixes. And many of these age-old remedies are still relevant.
🍯 Glow From Your Pantry
🧖♀️ Body Scrubs & Bath Rituals
Make a natural body scrub using rice flour + milk + a few drops of oil. It exfoliates gently and leaves skin baby-soft. For a luxurious bath, add a few drops of sandalwood or rose oil into warm water.
🧴 Hair Packs You’ll Love
Try a blend of egg yolk + yogurt + olive oil for deep conditioning. Or banana + honey + coconut milk for dry, frizzy hair.
You can spend thousands on skincare, but if your internal health isn’t aligned, it shows. South Asian beauty wisdom has always been holistic. Ayurveda teaches that our mental state, diet, and lifestyle deeply affect our appearance.
🫖 Sip Your Way to Beauty
🧘♀️ Stress = Skin Troubles
Anxiety increases cortisol, which worsens acne, hair fall, and premature aging. Practicing yoga, meditation, or even 10 minutes of slow breathing daily can have a visible effect on your skin and energy.
🥗 Eat for Beauty
What you eat reflects in your skin. Foods rich in omega-3, zinc, biotin, and antioxidants work wonders. Include spinach, nuts, pumpkin seeds, avocados, papaya, and dal in your weekly meals.
For too long, many South Asians have been told that “fair is beautiful.” But that narrative is outdated and harmful. Beauty is diverse—it lives in all shades, textures, and stories.
💬 Reject the Fairness Myth
You don’t need to bleach your skin to be beautiful. Embrace your natural tone. Choose skincare that protects and nourishes, not one that promises unrealistic lightening.
💪 Representation Matters
Support brands that showcase true South Asian diversity. Encourage beauty campaigns that reflect real people—from dusky-skinned models to those with textured hair and freckles.
South Asian beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s expressive, resilient, and beautifully unique. Whether you stick to DIY home remedies, indulge in luxury skincare, or go bare-faced with pride—what matters most is how you feel in your skin.
Embrace the power of ancient rituals and modern science. Blend turmeric with toner, pair Ayurveda with actives, and most importantly—honor your heritage with confidence. You’re not just glowing. You’re golden.
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