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How to use sandalwood in your wellness routine

How to use sandalwood in your wellness routine

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Follow this guide

What’s the story

African sandalwood, with its soothing aroma and therapeutic properties, is a go-to for wellness enthusiasts.
This aromatic wood is known for its calming effects on the mind and body.
From skincare to aromatherapy, African sandalwood can be used in a number of ways to promote relaxation and well-being.
Here are five ways you can add this natural resource to your wellness routine.

Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil

Aromatherapy with African sandalwood oil can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Just add a few drops of the oil into a diffuser, and let the calming scent fill your space.
Inhaling the aroma can help you relax after a long day or set a peaceful atmosphere for meditation.
The oil’s grounding scent is said to promote mental clarity and emotional balance.

Skincare benefits of sandalwood

African sandalwood is also used in skincare products, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
You can apply sandalwood paste or cream directly onto your skin as part of your daily skincare routine.
Its natural oils provide hydration without making your skin feel greasy, making it ideal for all skin types.

Enhancing meditation practices

Incorporating African sandalwood into meditation practices can deepen focus and enhance spiritual connection.
The wood’s earthy aroma helps create an environment conducive to mindfulness by minimizing distractions.
Burning sandalwood incense during meditation sessions can also aid in achieving a state of tranquility, allowing practitioners to immerse themselves fully in their practice.

Creating relaxing baths with sandalwood

Adding African sandalwood essential oil to bathwater can transform an ordinary bath into a relaxing spa-like experience at home.
Just add a few drops of the oil into warm bathwater, and soak yourself in its soothing embrace after a tiring day or before going to bed at night.
This practice not only relaxes muscles but also uplifts mood through its calming fragrance.

Using sandalwood for stress relief

For those looking for quick stress relief, African sandalwood can be a great option.
Applying it topically on pulse points, like wrists or temples, provides immediate calming effects through inhalation of its scent throughout the day.
This makes it easier to manage everyday stressors without any hassle.

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Here's how to do a full eye look when you only have five minutes

Here’s how to do a full eye look when you only have five minutes

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Whether you’re easing into eye makeup or can sculpt and shade with confidence, a quick eye makeup routine brings welcome clarity to a day filled with deadlines and endless to-dos. A few well-placed strokes can streamline rushed mornings and make those spontaneous evenings feel just about manageable.

Vogue’s quick eye makeup essentials

There was a time in the 2010s when I was obsessed with watching lengthy step-by-step makeup routines on YouTube. Back then, thick eye primer, a dramatic cut crease and a razor-sharp cat eye was my signature.

These days, though, I gravitate toward something simpler. A flick of a wing with the same pen I use to fill in my brows, sticking to the outer corners only to avoid smudging on my hooded eyes. Other days, I skip eyeliner altogether and swipe just a single wash of colour across my lids (a bronzer, blush or a brown eyeshadow stick, depending on what’s closest). A coat of tubing mascara helps open the eyes and I’m done. I’m much more focused on lip liner for a pouty finish, rosy cheeks and a fluffy brow. Simple, effortless and just polished enough.

So what’s the trick to refining your eye look? “Cutting down on the number of products you use is key to achieving a faster look,” pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina previously told Vogue. Remember: a little product goes a long way, especially when time (and patience) is short. Ahead, discover four key tricks to achieving an eye makeup look in five minutes flat.

Stick to a single colour eyeshadow

For your own good, put down the 16-pan eyeshadow palette. Instead, opt for a single eyeshadow for a polished look with zero effort. “There is something so striking about a single colour wash all over the lid,” celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker previously said. “It’s timeless, elegant and ageless and it requires minimal skills to execute, making it a perfect look year-round.”

There are plenty of ways to achieve this simple eye look. “For a quick eye look, cream shadows are your best friend. They blend out beautifully and look like you did more than you actually did,” pro makeup artist Kasey Spickard says.

Opt for multipurpose products

Professional makeup artist El DeBratto knows all about maximising time by minimising the number of products used, in an effort to streamline their routine before early morning shoots. “I’m a huge proponent of finding products you can ‘break the rules’ with and apply to multiple areas of the face, which helps with the overall look of makeup cohesion,” they said. When curating a five-minute routine, Vavina suggests taking a “one-and-done” approach by using the same colour across cheeks, eyes and even lips for a natural, unified flush. Basically, ditch your eyeshadow and use a single-colour cream stick instead. Tap with fingers, blend lightly and your makeup looks cohesive without ever looking overdone.

Swipe on a statement liner

One swipe of eyeliner instantly transforms: the graphic winged eyeliner of the mod era, the moody smudges of ’90s grunge or whisper-thin strokes on the lash line for a minimalist touch. With just a pencil, gel or liquid pen, you can go barely-there or full drama. Eyeliners come in every texture and finish imaginable, from classic kohl that melts on contact to razor-sharp liquids built for precision. The possibilities are endless. “To take an easy eye look up a notch, I like to take an eyeliner in the same colour family but a shade deeper of whatever eyeshadow you use,” says Spickard. “Bring your liner along the the upper and lower lash lines and buff out with your finger or a small pencil brush.”

Bat your lashes big-time

When in doubt, mascara is the simplest route to any easy eye makeup look. Never underestimate what a quick lash curl and a few strategic swipes can do. “Curling your lashes will make you look instantly more awake,” per DeBratto. “I like to curl my lashes to the gods, squeezing the curler from the base of the lashes to the tip to ensure that I get an even bend throughout the lash. Then I’ll opt for my favourite tubing mascara to hold it all together.” The effect is eye-defining, effortless and done in under 30 seconds.

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Skincare tips for grooms to be: Pre-wedding tips to match your bride's glow on your big day

Skincare tips for grooms to be: Pre-wedding tips to match your bride’s glow on your big day

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Weddings are not just about vibrant decor or stunning outfits. It is also a time to invest in a proper skincare routine to wear the best glow for your special day. Gone are the days when grooms would just show up clean shaved, wearing the wedding outfit. Today’s man indulges in a proper skincare ritual to look their best on their D-Day, and match their bride’s glow.

Skincare tips for grooms to be(Pexels)

If your wedding is just a couple of weeks away, it’s the perfect time to start investing in your skin to make a noticeable difference.

Pre-wedding skincare tips every groom-to-be

“Grooms like to keep the skincare simple. Start with a good exfoliating face wash once a day, follow it up with a light ceramide-based moisturiser and don’t forget a water-based sunscreen. For eye care, go for a thick moisturiser, and keep the beard area soft with gentle shaving,” dermatologist and aesthetic medicine specialist Dr Geeta Mehra, founder of Skin & You Clinic, tells HT ShopNow.

Start early: At least 2–3 months before the wedding

Good skin takes time. Begin your skincare routine early, so your skin has enough time to heal, adjust to new products, and glow naturally. Consistency is key, so, don’t expect results overnight.

Follow the basic CTM routine

Cleansing, toning, and moisturising is not just meant for women. Men should also follow this basic skincare ritual, whether they are getting married or not. This skincare routine twice a day helps maintain clear and healthy skin.

Cleanser: A cleanser is one of the most crucial skincare products. Use a gentle face wash suitable for your skin type.

Toner: A toner helps minimise pores and control oil without drying your skin. Make it a point to cleanse your face with a toner to remove excess dirt, grime, giving you a clearer looking skin.

Moisturiser: Never skip a moisturiser, come what may. A moisturiser keeps your skin supple and prevents dullness or flaking. Choose a moisturiser as per your skin type or skin concerns. Choose an oil-free moisturiser if you have acne-prone or oily skin, and go for a hydrating moisturiser if your skin in dry and flaky.

Never skip sunscreen

If you thought that sunscreens are not for you, it’s time to rethink! Sun exposure accelerates tanning, dark spots, and premature ageing. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, especially if your wedding events include outdoor shoots or ceremonies. Sunscreen ensures your skin tone remains even and photogenic.

Get regular exfoliation

Dead skin cells can make your face look rough and tired. So, exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to brighten your skin and prevent clogged pores. You can opt for face scrubs from the list below:

  • Physical scrubs for normal or oily skin
  • Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) for sensitive or acne-prone skin
  • Avoid over-exfoliation to prevent irritation.

“A good facial goes a long way on looking good the wedding day, you can also use a hydrating or lightening face pack as needed”, Dr Fazalbhoy says.

Keep yourself hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is a solution to most of your skin problems. Hydrated skin appears firmer, smoother, and more radiant. Increase your daily water intake and include water-rich foods like cucumbers, citrus fruits, and melons. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they dehydrate the skin, especially during pre-wedding celebrations.

Manage facial hair thoughtfully

Grooming matters. Whether you’re planning to flaunt a full-grown, or a subtle beard, make it a point to tame your whiskers to look your best. Here are a couple of pointers you need to take care of to manage your facial hair:

  • Trim regularly to maintain shape
  • Use a beard oil or balm to soften facial hair
  • Consider a pre-wedding professional shave or grooming session

A pro tip is if you’re prone to razor bumps, switch to a gentler razor or try shaving creams suitable for sensitive skin.

Also read: From beard to body: Top 8 grooming tools for men that every contemporary man needs

Prioritise sleep and stress management

Wedding planning can be stressful. But lack of sleep leads to puffy eyes, dull skin, and breakouts. Try to take adequate rest and sleep at least for 7–8 hours. You can also incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, light exercise or yoga. After all, healthy lifestyle habits show on your skin more than you think.

“Lastly, it is also crucial to avoid too much sugar and alcohol and stay hydrated,” Dr Fazalbhoy asserts.

Similar articles for you:

Korean skincare routine: 10-steps to get perfect glass-like glowing skin

Makeup forecast 2026: Minimal and natural looks will rule, say celebrity makeup artists

Truth about sunscreen you wish you knew earlier: 7 common myths busted by a skin expert

How to do smokey eye makeup: Our step-by-step guide to flaunt bold, shimmery eyes

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Mindful gardening habits that soothe the soul

Mindful gardening habits that soothe the soul

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If you’re new to gardening, start small

What’s the story

Gardening is not just about planting seeds and watering them. It is a holistic practice that can do wonders for your mental health.
By adding mindful gardening to your daily routine, you can improve your mental well-being and find a sense of calm.
Here are five practical ways to incorporate mindful gardening into your life, and how it can help you relax and focus.

Start with small spaces

If you’re new to gardening, start small.
Use containers or small plots to create manageable spaces.
This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and can focus on nurturing each plant with care.
Starting small allows you to gradually build confidence and skills without the pressure of maintaining a large garden.

Practice daily observation

Observing plants daily is a mindful practice that enhances awareness and presence.
Spend a few minutes each day looking at the growth, changes, and needs of your plants.
This habit encourages patience and attentiveness, while also fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Engage all senses

Mindful gardening also involves engaging all your senses.
Feel the texture of leaves, listen to the sounds around you, smell the earth, see the vibrant colors of flowers or foliage, and taste fresh herbs or vegetables from your garden.
This sensory engagement helps ground you in the present moment.

Set aside dedicated time

Dedicate specific times in your day or week for gardening activities.
Whether it is planting seeds, watering plants, or simply enjoying the garden’s beauty, consistency is key.
Regularly scheduled gardening sessions create routine and structure, which can be soothing for the mind.

Reflect on your experiences

Take time to reflect on what each gardening session means to you personally.
Journaling about your experiences can help process thoughts and emotions that arise during this mindful practice.
Reflection also allows you to recognize progress over time, both in yourself as a gardener, and within your garden’s ecosystem.

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