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life lessons: Chinese Proverb of the Day: “A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from…” — Life lessons on perception, grooming, presentation and why confidence is the best makeup

life lessons: Chinese Proverb of the Day: “A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from…” — Life lessons on perception, grooming, presentation and why confidence is the best makeup

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Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights a traditional saying that reflects patterns of human experience, perception, and the way ideas of beauty and self-presentation influence everyday judgment. The proverb “A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from makeup” offers insight into how appearance is often shaped by both natural features and personal effort. It suggests that beauty is not viewed only as something inherited, but also as something developed through care, grooming, and attention to presentation. Many people interpret such proverbs as reflections of how society forms standards of attractiveness based on both innate qualities and external enhancement. These sayings are often rooted in cultural observation and passed down through generations. Over time, they encourage reflection on how confidence, self-care, and perception work together in shaping the way individuals are seen and understood in everyday life.

Chinese Proverb of the Day — Why nothing is more beautiful than self-confidence

“A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from makeup”

Meaning of the Chinese proverb

Chinese proverb of the day highlights a timeless idea about human perception, self-expression, and the way beauty is often shaped through both natural features and personal effort.

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The first part of the proverb suggests that natural beauty alone is only a partial influence on how a person is seen. It challenges the idea that appearance is fixed or entirely dependent on genetics. Instead, it shifts attention toward the role of care, grooming, and presentation in shaping how beauty is perceived.
The second part emphasizes how personal choices and daily effort influence outward appearance. It suggests that practices like makeup, styling, and self-care play a significant role in enhancing or refining natural features. In this sense, beauty is not only something one is born with, but also something that can be developed and expressed through intention and effort.
Together, the proverb teaches that beauty is a blend of nature and nurture in appearance. What is seen on the outside is often the result of both inherent traits and the way individuals choose to present themselves, reflecting confidence, self-care, and personal expression in everyday life.

Why confidence makes you attractive

Confidence is often seen as the most powerful form of beauty enhancement a person can have. Unlike external makeup, which changes appearance temporarily, confidence shapes how a person carries themselves in every situation. It influences posture, expression, communication, and the overall impression one leaves on others. When someone feels confident, it naturally reflects in their smile, body language, and energy, making them appear more attractive without any external effort. This idea suggests that true beauty is not only about physical features but also about how comfortable and secure a person feels within themselves. Confidence helps reduce insecurity and self-doubt, allowing individuality to shine through more clearly. In many ways, it acts like an invisible makeup that enhances natural qualities rather than covering them. Ultimately, when confidence is present, it elevates personality and presence, proving that inner strength often defines outer beauty more than any cosmetic product ever could.

Life lessons from the proverb

The proverb carries practical lessons about beauty, self-care, and how individuals present themselves in daily life.

  1. Effort enhances natural appearance
     How a person looks is not defined only by natural features, but also by the care and attention they give to grooming, styling, and presentation.
  2. Beauty is partly self-created
     While natural traits form a base, personal effort through makeup and self-care can significantly shape how beauty is expressed and perceived.
  3. Confidence influences appearance
     When individuals feel confident in how they present themselves, it often reflects positively in their overall appearance and presence.
  4. Perception is shaped by both nature and effort
     How others perceive beauty is a combination of inherent features and the choices people make to enhance or refine their look.

Why this proverb is still relevant today

In modern life, the proverb “A woman gets thirty percent of her beauty from nature and seventy percent from makeup” extends beyond physical appearance. It reflects today’s culture of self-image, social media presentation, and personal branding, where appearance is often carefully shaped, edited, and enhanced before being shared with the world. People are constantly influenced not only by natural looks, but also by trends, filters, grooming standards, and the curated visuals they see online.

The proverb encourages self-awareness about how beauty is perceived and constructed. It reminds us that appearance is not only determined by natural features but also by personal effort, style choices, and confidence in presentation. In many cases, how someone chooses to present themselves reflects both self-expression and social influence, especially in environments where visual impression carries significant weight. Ultimately, it teaches a simple but lasting idea: beauty is not fixed or purely natural. It is shaped through a combination of inherent traits and intentional effort, while confidence plays a key role in how that beauty is expressed and understood in everyday life.

English equivalent and related expressions

Other English expressions that reflect similar thinking include:

  • “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
  • “Presentation matters.”
  • “Confidence is the best makeup.”
  • “Take care of your appearance, it speaks before you do.”

Each of these highlights the idea that appearance, confidence, and self-presentation work together to shape how people are perceived, often just as strongly as natural features themselves.

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5 skincare experts share the timeless beauty lessons they learnt from their mums

5 skincare experts share the timeless beauty lessons they learnt from their mums

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Behind many of our earliest beauty habits is someone who taught them to us first. For some it was a mother insisting on sunscreen before leaving the house; for others, a reminder not to pick at spots or the quiet ritual of removing make-up before bed. But as time passes, those lessons often start to flow in both directions.

In the world of aesthetics and skincare, many experts say their first inspiration came from watching the women closest to them care for themselves – and now, with years of professional expertise behind them, they’re returning the favour. To celebrate Mother’s Day, WH speaks to five mothers and daughters about the beauty wisdom they’ve shared across generations, from lifelong skincare habits to evolving ideas of confidence, self-care and what it really means to feel comfortable in your own skin.

1 / Cheryl Cain & Julia Cain

Cheryl is a GetHarley practitioner and master’s-trained ANP with a Level 7 qualification in aesthetics and a special interest in health optimisation and skin health. She is the owner of The Good Skin Guru Medical Aesthetics Clinics in Cumbria and Manchester, as well as Sōma Sana, a health optimisation clinic opening soon in the Lake District. Julia, her mum, is 65 years old, a nana and married with three adult children. She works in a local school kitchen and spends her spare time sewing and creating fancy dress costumes.

Biggest beauty lesson you have learnt from each other

‘Mam always told me from a young age never to pop spots because of the scarring and marks they could leave. It was a good habit to learn as a teenager, as I know so many patients struggle to break this habit as they get older. The older your skin is, the slower healing can be, leading to worsened scarring.’ Cheryl

‘I didn’t really have a skincare routine before Cheryl started giving me tips. I just washed with warm water and used a basic moisturiser. My skin is so much better since I started taking more care of it – it’s so much smoother and the lines around my eyes are nowhere near as noticeable.’ Julia

What does beauty mean to you?

‘Beauty is feeling happy and confident – in who you are, in how you present yourself to the world, and in how you treat those around you, including yourself.’ Cheryl

‘When a person is selfless and caring and will go out of their way to help others. That’s beauty to me.’ Julia

Favourite beauty products & treatments

‘I’m a fan of the Tinted SPF Cliniccare Dermo Corrective Creamfor broad-spectrum protection with an added glow. Skinthings Night Shift, a liposomal retinol and peptide night treatment that’s barrier-restorative rather than irritating like many retinoids. I also love Alumier’s Vitamin C with peptides, which you mix on arrival to keep it fresh and potent. For treatments, SkinPen Precision Microneedling with exosomes is a firm favourite. It stimulates collagen with minimal downtime and always leaves my skin glowing.’ Cheryl

‘Skinceuticals vitamin CE Feruelic is my favourite serum because it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. I also like Obagi tinted SPF because it gives a hint of colour and I don’t have to wear any makeup. My go-to treatment is the BBL laser treatment because I see fast visible results, especially with my redness, from just one session with no downtime.’ Julia

2 / Dr Anjuli Patel & Bina Patel

Dr Anjuli Patel runs a medical aesthetics clinic in Fitzrovia where she specialises in non-surgical facial balancing. Her mother Bina is a 63-year-old retired teacher.

Biggest beauty lesson you have learnt from each other

‘The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learnt from my mum is the importance of a consistent nighttime skincare routine. Growing up, I watched her take off her makeup every evening and go through her full routine without fail. It was never rushed and it always felt like a small ritual of self-care and a way to unwind at the end of the day. Seeing that consistency really shaped the way I approach skincare now. I see those few minutes in the evening as a moment to reset, take care of myself and maintain healthy skin over the long term.’ Anjuli

‘One of the biggest beauty lessons I’ve learnt from my daughter is the importance of wearing SPF every single day. I grew up in Kenya where we had lots of sunshine year-round, and at the time sun protection simply wasn’t something people spoke about as much as they do today. Through her work, she has taught me just how important daily SPF is for protecting the skin and preventing pigmentation and premature ageing.’ Bina

What does beauty mean to you?

‘For me, beauty is about taking the time to prioritise yourself in the same way that so many of us naturally care for others. It’s about those small daily moments of self-care that help you feel confident and feminine, whether that’s a skincare routine, a treatment, or simply giving yourself a bit of time and grace.’ Anjuli

‘As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that our skin and beauty needs naturally evolve, and it’s important to adapt your routine as those changes happen. I feel very fortunate to have a daughter whose expertise helps guide me with that. She has taught me so much about skincare and treatments, and it’s been lovely to share that journey together. For me, beauty is really about self-care, confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin at every stage of life.’ Bina

Favourite beauty products & treatments

‘My CurrentBody LED Mask is one of my favourites. I use it every evening while reading, so it’s become part of a habit-stacking routine that keeps me consistent. I also love the Wonderskin Lip Stain Masque in Whimsical paired with AlumierMD LipBoost peptide treatment for a hydrated, subtly overlined lip. ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5% is another staple for improving brightness and texture and maintaining a healthy glow. My favourite treatment is Sofwave. It’s completely non-invasive, requires no needles or downtime, yet stimulates collagen beautifully. With results lasting up to 18 months, it’s a great low-maintenance option for keeping the face firm and defined.’ Anjuli

‘Retinol has become a staple in my routine as I’ve gotten older. It’s made a real difference to my skin texture and helps keep my complexion looking smooth and refreshed. I also love ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum as it makes my skin feel stronger and more resilient. My CurrentBody LED hair growth helmet has been another favourite as it’s easy to use at home and supports healthy hair growth. My favourite treatment has been Pico Laser. It makes a huge difference to sunspots and uneven pigmentation, leaving my skin tone clearer and brighter. I also love that there’s no downtime, which makes it easy to fit into everyday life.’ Bina

3/ Dr Fiona McCarthy & Izzy McCarthy

Dr Fiona McCarthy is a Consultant Medical Oncologist with a specialist interest in skin toxicities associated with cancer treatments. As well as her NHS practice, she is also the founder and Medical Director of The Bronte Clinic, a specialist dermatology and aesthetic clinic with locations in London and Surrey, where she and her team focus on skin health and natural, regenerative aesthetic treatments. Her daughter Izzy is 11 years old and loves playing cricket and hockey.

Biggest beauty lesson you have learnt from each other

Izzy has reminded me that the best skincare habits are often the simplest ones. Her routine is very simple (just washing her face and wearing sunscreen) and it is a very good reminder that healthy skin often comes from keeping things simple rather than using lots of products.’ Fiona

Use SPF every day! Mummy always says it’s the most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy. Izzy

What does beauty mean to you?

‘Beauty, to me, is about feeling comfortable in your own skin – something that often only comes with age. I love the Roald Dahl line that good thoughts shine out of your face like sunbeams — a lovely reminder that kindness is often the most beautiful thing about someone.’ Fiona

‘I think beauty is being kind and just being yourself.’ Izzy

Favourite beauty products & treatments

‘My go-to products are La Roche Posay UV Air SPF 50, Medik8 Lipid Cleansing Oil, I use this religiously every night as it manages to remove all makeup and make my skin feel incredibly clean, and SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF. This works as an antioxidant, helps target pigmentation, stimulates collagen. It is difficult to choose just one treatment, but if I had to choose, it would be BroadBand Light (BBL) and it evens skin tone, stimulates collagen and leaves the skin looking healthy and luminous with very little downtime.’ Fiona

My go-to products are Laneige lip mask, Byoma creamy Jelly Cleanser and Cerave Facial moisturiser SPF50.’ Izzy

4/ Dr Alaa Ati & Semira Ati

Dr Alaa Ati is a GetHarley practitioner, medical aesthetic practitioner and the founder of The Clinic By Dr Alaa, based in Harley Street, London. Outside the clinic, she believes strongly in the connection between wellbeing and skin health, and enjoys staying active through reformer pilates and strength training. Semira Ati is a mother and grandmother, she has dedicated her life to her family, nurturing them with warmth, generosity, and love. She also has a passion for cooking.

Biggest beauty lesson you have learnt from each other

‘The biggest beauty lesson I learned from my mum is that the most powerful kind of beauty comes from within. It’s not just about how you look on the outside, but about your heart, your kindness and the way you treat people. Growing up, I always noticed how warm and generous she was with everyone around her, and that left a much deeper impression on me than anything purely superficial. It taught me that the most beautiful people are the ones whose inner qualities shine through.’ Alaa

‘The biggest beauty lesson I have learned from my daughter is how much science has evolved when it comes to skincare and aesthetic medicine. I’ve being introduced to treatments that support healthy skin and help you age confidently, rather than trying to change how you look.’ Semira

What does beauty mean to you?

‘Beauty is about confidence and authenticity. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and embracing who you are, rather than following trends or trying to meet anyone else’s expectations. To me, true beauty comes from caring for yourself in a way that nurtures both your skin and your spirit.’ Alaa

‘The most meaningful kind of beauty is the kind that comes from your values. It’s not just about products or treatments, it’s about kindness, warmth, and living with generosity.’ Semira

Favourite beauty products & treatments

‘I never start the day without a broad spectrum sunscreen. My go to is the Intradermology Synergy 6 NX-Gen SPF 50 because it gives excellent protection while still feeling light and wearable every day. Next up is Revision C+ Correcting Complex. It’s fantastic for brightening the skin and protecting against environmental damage whilst giving a really healthy glow. This also has prebiotic technology which helps nurture my skin’s microbiome. I’m also a big believer in the importance of retinoids and one of my favourites is Cellderma RetinAce. ‘ Alaa

‘I love the Meder Quatre Peptide Mask which has a blend of four potent peptides to help support collagen signalling while delivering deep hydration, leaving the skin looking plumper and more rejuvenated. Revision DEJ Eye Cream is another staple, alongside Obagi Elastiderm Lift & Sculpt Facial Moisturiser, which focuses on improving skin elasticity while providing deep hydration to support a firmer, smoother complexion.’ Semira

5/ Dr Priya Verma & Neelam Rallon

Priya Verma is a GetHarley Practitioner and Founder and Medical Director of ART Clinic in Belgravia. Neelam Rallon is a 64-year-old entrepreneur who has successfully run her own property and convenience store businesses in Greater London for more than 35 years.

Biggest beauty lesson you have learnt from each other

‘The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learnt from my mum is that true skin health starts from within. She has always prioritised eating well, sleeping well and taking care of her overall wellbeing through yoga, meditation and staying active. Growing up, I saw how those habits translated into healthy, glowing skin. It taught me that skincare isn’t just about products – it’s about nurturing your body and mind as well.’ Priya

‘The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learnt from Priya is that helping the skin age well comes down to small, consistent habits. She has taught me that gentle treatments, good medical-grade skincare at home and simple preventative steps can make a big difference over time. It’s not about doing anything drastic, it’s about maintaining healthy skin in small, easy and sustainable ways.’ Neelam

What does beauty mean to you?

‘To me, beauty is about respecting our own individuality, our unique features, expressions and identity. The goal isn’t to change how we look, but to feel confident and comfortable in our own skin.’ Priya

‘For me, beauty is about feeling happy and confident. When you take good care of yourself through healthy habits, balance and consistency, that confidence naturally shines through.’ Neelam

Favourite beauty products & treatments

My favourite treatment is the LaseMD Ultra laser facial. It’s a fantastic treatment for overall skin rejuvenation, improving skin tone, texture and luminosity while stimulating collagen production. It delivers noticeable skin quality improvement while still looking completely natural.

My favourite treatment is the LaseMD Ultra laser facial. It’s a fantastic treatment for overall skin rejuvenation, improving skin tone, texture and luminosity while stimulating collagen production. It delivers noticeable skin quality improvement while still looking completely natural. As for products, my go-tos are Intradermology Synergy 6 NX-Gen SPF, Revision Skincare Derm-Protect Barrier Defence, and Alastin Aluminate Brightening Serum.’ Priya

‘My favourite treatment is the Belgravia Signature Facial at ART Clinic, which incorporates the iS Clinical Fire & Ice facial protocol. It leaves the skin feeling incredibly refreshed, smooth and glowing. Product wise, I like iS Clinical Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque, Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisturiser and Alastin Restorative Neck Complex. ‘ Neelam

Perdita Nouril is the Beauty Editor for Women’s Health UK. She has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years since graduating from the University of Nottingham. Adept at exploring the colossal world of beauty, she loves to scratch beneath the surface to debunk the myths, decode the science and challenge traditional notions of beauty. You can always find her preaching sermons on the power of a red lip, extolling the virtues of a decent serum and championing the very best female beauty founders.  
 You can find Perdita on Instagram on @perditanouril

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BUILDING A LUXURY SKINCARE BRAND IN INDIA: LESSONS FROM A FOUNDER

BUILDING A LUXURY SKINCARE BRAND IN INDIA: LESSONS FROM A FOUNDER

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Luxury skincare often looks glamorous from the outside – beautiful packaging, premium pricing, and aspirational storytelling. But building a truly luxury skincare brand in India is far more complex than it appears. Behind the aesthetics lie years of formulation discipline, difficult trade-offs, and an unwavering focus on long-term skin health rather than short-term trends.

By Bathula Meghana, Founder, GlowBareSkin

As India’s beauty market rapidly expands, founders entering the premium skincare space are learning that luxury today is no longer defined by surface-level appeal alone. It is shaped by trust, science, and patience – qualities that are far harder to build than a visually striking brand.

By Bathula Meghana, Founder, GlowBareSkin

Why Luxury Beauty Is Harder Than It Looks

India is one of the fastest-growing skincare markets in the world, driven by a young, digitally aware consumer base. At the same time, this growth has created an intensely crowded landscape. New brands launch almost every week, many riding waves of viral ingredients, aggressive claims, and fast-turnaround formulations.

For a founder, the challenge is not launching quickly – it is choosing not to.

Luxury skincare demands restraint. It requires resisting shortcuts, avoiding formulation compromises, and accepting slower timelines. Unlike mass beauty, where speed often wins, luxury skincare is built on precision, consistency, and long-term performance. Every ingredient choice, concentration level, and formulation decision carries weight, because the end consumer expects results that go beyond immediate gratification.

The Quality vs Speed Dilemma

One of the earliest lessons in building a premium skincare brand is understanding the cost of speed. Faster product development may bring quicker market entry, but it often comes at the expense of formulation stability, ingredient synergy, and skin compatibility.

In skincare, what works instantly does not always work sustainably. High-percentage actives may deliver short-term glow, but they can also compromise the skin barrier when used repeatedly or without adequate formulation balance. Luxury brands must think beyond trends and ask a harder question: Will this product still serve the consumer’s skin six months, one year, or five years from now?

Choosing quality over speed means longer development cycles, multiple rounds of testing, and, at times, saying no to popular ingredients that do not align with long-term skin health. It is a slower path – but it is also the only one that builds credibility.

Consumer Trust in a Crowded Market

Indian skincare consumers today are more informed than ever. Ingredient lists are scrutinised, routines are compared across global markets, and brand claims are increasingly questioned. Trust is no longer built through marketing alone – it is earned through consistency and transparency.

For founders, this means recognising that trust is cumulative. One poorly thought-out product or exaggerated claim can undo years of effort. Luxury skincare brands must communicate clearly, avoid overpromising, and allow products to speak through performance rather than hype.

In a market flooded with “miracle” solutions, restraint itself becomes a signal of confidence. Brands that prioritise education over exaggeration tend to build deeper, longer-lasting relationships with their consumers.

Why Skin Health Must Come Before Hype

The rise of social media has amplified skincare trends at an unprecedented pace. Ingredients cycle in and out of popularity, often without sufficient context around suitability or long-term effects. For founders, the temptation to follow these cycles is strong – but doing so can dilute a brand’s core philosophy.

True luxury skincare is rooted in skin health. It focuses on barrier integrity, hydration balance, and ingredient compatibility rather than aggressive transformation. This approach may not always produce dramatic overnight results, but it supports resilient, healthy skin over time.

Founders who anchor their brands in skin-first thinking often discover that loyalty follows naturally. Consumers may experiment initially, but they return to products that respect their skin rather than overwhelm it.

Personal Learnings from Building GlowBareSkin

Personal Learnings from Building GlowBareSkin

Building GlowBareSkin, a luxury skincare brand from India, reinforced many of these lessons in practice. From formulation decisions to brand positioning, every step required clarity on what the brand would – and would not – stand for.

From the beginning, the focus was on developing a long-term skin health approach rather than chasing short-lived trends. This meant spending more time on ingredient sourcing, prioritising balance over intensity, and ensuring that each product aligned with a broader philosophy of skin wellbeing.

It also meant accepting that growth would be gradual, shaped by trust rather than rapid scale. Perhaps the most important learning was that luxury is not about perfection – it is about responsibility: responsibility to the consumer’s skin, to honest communication, and to building products that age well alongside the people who use them

The Global Vision for Indian Luxury Beauty

The Global Vision for Indian Luxury Beauty

Indian beauty brands are increasingly stepping onto the global stage, not by copying international models, but by redefining what premium skincare can look like from India. There is a growing opportunity for brands that blend scientific rigour with a deep understanding of diverse skin types and climates.

The future of Indian luxury skincare lies in this balance – globally informed, locally intelligent, and deeply respectful of skin biology. Brands that succeed will be those that view skincare not as a quick commercial opportunity, but as a long-term commitment to consumer wellbeing.

For founders, the journey is demanding – but deeply rewarding. Building a luxury skincare brand in India is not about chasing trends; it is about building something that lasts. And in an industry driven by trust, longevity may be the most luxurious outcome of all.

Note to readers: This article is part of HT’s paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently.

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21 Beauty Lessons To Learn And Live By, According To NZ Experts

21 Beauty Lessons To Learn And Live By, According To NZ Experts

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Nine New Zealand tastemakers share the beauty lessons passed down through generations, the wellness practices that draw on heritage, and the daily rituals they use to stay calm, grounded and connected.

Rachel Soo Thow

Freelance writer, book enthusiast and content creator @thelitlist__

You don’t need

Listen to your skin. You don’t need to follow the same skincare routine every night. If your face is feeling dry, hydrate with face oils and moisturisers to provide that extra hydration. If it’s feeling oily, use a lighter gel moisturiser. You are the only one inhabiting this body, nourish it.

Sunscreen is always a non-negotiable. Japanese sunscreens are so, so good – not only are they super light but your makeup application will thank you as they act in part as the best primer for makeup.

Sleep is your best friend. While some of us may not get the full 8.5 hours, embrace it. Turn off all screens and be present. Rested. At ease. Your mood tomorrow will thank you.

The best piece of advice I’ve been given lately: Stress kills gratitude. Rushing kills presence. Fear kills possibility.

(Now read that backwards).

Lucy Slight

Beauty and lifestyle journalist, certified personal stylist @lucyslight

Keep it simple, stay consistent. If you’ve ever found yourself on #beautytok, you’ll know that skincare trends are constantly changing, with new ingredients being hyped every time you scroll. But the most enduring advice when it comes to skincare is that a simple routine practised consistently will do more for your skin than any fleeting trend. When you give your skin stability with an at-home routine that consists of products suited to your skin type, that’s when you’ll find harmony (and a happy skin barrier).

Experiment! Everything washes off. Beauty should be playful, not precious, and I’m reminded of this every time I attend a makeup launch or receive a new set of colourful lipsticks or eyeliners. Knowing that a bold lip or a quirky eyeliner can be wiped away in an instant gives you freedom to experiment and get creative – something that’s impossible to do when you’re aiming for perfection. Some of my favourite beauty looks have come from these low-stakes trials and taking a chance on something a little out of my comfort zone.

Dan Ahwa

Honour your heritage. When it comes to anything wellness related, I tap into my Chinese heritage for guidance. For example, a morning routine is really important to start your day right. Something I have consistently done over the years is drinking warm water first thing in the morning. This allows me to set up my digestive system for the day, promote circulation and detoxification while balancing yin and yang, the latter playing a big part in my sense of calmness.

Stack your morning habits. Another Eastern wellness routine that I swear by comes from both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, tongue scraping. I do this before I brush my teeth with a bronze tongue scraper, and it just feels like I’m taking that extra step to ensure I start the day right.

Don’t forget your feet. Every six months, I also get a Chinese pedicure and reflexology massage. It’s important to take care of your feet as you age, and this very simple combination of scraping dead skin and massaging the pressure points of your feet is actually a vital part of overall health and wellbeing.

Tessa Stockdale

Wellness comes from within. What you give to your body, it will give you back. Drink two litres of water a day, nourish with whole foods, touch some grass and of course, drink your matcha.

Nothing protects, preserves and future-proofs like SPF. Your face and neck are a given, but don’t miss the back of your hands. Your 60-year-old self will thank you.

Spend where the change happens. Cleansers and moisturisers are your support crew. Serums are what will drive the results.

Sarika Patel

Freelance makeup artist, Viva Beauty Awards 2025 judge and shade matching expert @ssarika

Skin prep is non-negotiable. The one piece of beauty advice that has stuck with me came early in my career from the M.A.C greats – Amber D, James Molloy and the other incredible artists. I learned that achieving a radiant, second-skin finish starts long before you pick up a foundation brush. Proper hydration, priming and preparation (both internal and external) is what separates makeup that melts into your skin, enhancing what’s already there, from makeup that sits on top looking cakey and making it hard to blend.

Tanne Snowden

The body keeps the score, even in beauty. The moment I started using high-quality active ingredients on my arms, legs and chest, everything changed. My skin tone evened out and I felt more confident in my own texture. It made me realise that taking care of your body is deeply emotional, not just cosmetic. Treating the body holistically creates the kind of all-over glow you can’t get from facial skincare alone.

Wellness shows up on your skin before it shows up anywhere else. A nutritionist told me that your skin is usually the first to report back on stress, sleep and hormones. Dullness, breakouts, inflammation – they often speak louder than any lab result. It taught me to treat skincare and wellness as teammates, not separate categories.

Treat your neck and chest as part of your face. I ignored that area for years until extending my skincare downward became a ritual, and honestly, it’s one of the changes that made the biggest visible difference. It feels like taking care of future me.

Mary Outram

A swipe of lipstick will always make you feel polished. My mum always told me that my grandmother Mary (who I was named after) would never go into town without her lipstick on… even though she lived rurally on a farm. My mum passed that little ritual down to me, not as something over the top, but as a simple way to feel a bit more polished. Most days I don’t wear makeup, but I always brush up my brows, wear a touch of something on the lip, and let my BONNIE GLOW Gradual Tanning Face Drops and moisturiser do the rest. Lately, I’ve been loving M.A.C’s Soar Lip Liner paired with the YSL Love Shine Lipstick in Shade: 200 Rosy Sand, or a slick of the Hair Candy Lip Gloss.

Danny Pato (MNZM)

Award-winning hairstylist, co-founder of D&M Hair Design and 2025 recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit @dannypatohair

In summer, use a leave-in conditioner to hydrate and protect your hair from dryness, breakage and colour fade. You can then style it sleek and chic: centre or side part, slick back to the nape and secure in a chignon. Or for a loose beachy wave look, apply before bed and loosely braid, taking them out in the morning. The Rolls-Royce leave-in conditioner I recommend is the new Davines Beautiful Things Leave-In Mask, a healing and nourishing biotech treatment that protects from UV and heat.

Sara Higgins

Skin health is a reflection of internal wellbeing. Supporting gut function, managing stress and nourishing the body consistently have the greatest impact on how skin looks and feels. When the inside is cared for, the glow follows naturally.

Hydrate the fascia, not just the body. This has stayed with me as a guiding principle. Gentle movement incorporating bowspring, regular massage (daily self-massage and from a therapist when I can), and proper hydration keep everything supple and connected. When the fascia is nourished, the whole body moves and feels better.

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6 Dark Lipstick Shades That Complement Indian Skin Tones

11 Skincare Lessons For Indian Women To Take From 2025 Into The New Year

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As Indian women, we navigate busy lifestyles with ease, but our skin takes a beating given the stress, pollution, and diverse climates we live through. Nourish your skin and give yourself a healthy glow with these tips that will elevate your skincare routine. 

Skinimalism Please 
Ditching complicated routines for simple, multi-functional products that nourish without overwhelming your skin is the way to go. This helps reduce risk of skin irritation and breakouts. On the plus side, it saves time and is perfect for busy lifestyles. Simply start with a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and SPF; add products as needed. 

Climate-Specific Care 
Adapt your skincare products to India’s diverse climates – think lightweight gels for humidity, rich creams for dry zones. This ensures hydration matches environmental stressors. 

Elevated Body Care 
Extend your skincare routine to your entire body, not limiting it just to the face. This promotes overall glow and addresses neglected areas. Use a body scrub weekly and a hydrating lotion daily. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on exposed skin! 

Image: Pexels 

Be Smart With SPF 
Use sunscreens that offer protection against UV rays, blue light, and pollution, with added hydration benefits. This shields skin from premature ageing and damage in India’s tropical climate. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with a lightweight texture; apply about 20 minutes before stepping out and reapply every 2-3 hours. 

Barrier Repair 
A strengthened skin barrier prevents moisture loss and sensitivity in harsh conditions, and protects against pollution and stress. Add a ceramide-rich night cream or squalane oil to your skincare routine. 

Regenerate & Restore 
Regenerative skincare products target deep ageing signs with cutting-edge science. Consult a dermatologist for professional treatments or serums. You can explore exosomes for collagen boost, inflammation reduction, and repair. 

Biohack Beauty 
Boost your skin health with science-backed ingredients like peptides, stem cells, and NAD+ boosters. These ingredients help target skin ageing, build resilience, and repair at a cellular level. 

Image: Pexels 
 
Microbiome-Friendly Products 
Support your skin health with probiotics and prebiotics. These fermented ingredients balance your skin’s ecosystem, reducing inflammation and acne. Pick cleansers or creams with lactobacillus or bifida ferment. 

Wellness-Driven Skincare 
Holistic health reflects externally, so eat antioxidant-rich foods, hydrate well, practise yoga/meditation. Use neurocosmetics to your advantage – focus on stress-reducing ingredients that link emotional wellbeing to skin health. This can help manage stress-induced issues like acne or dullness. 

Personalisation With AI 
Leverage AI-driven skin analysis for customised skincare routines addressing your unique skin concerns. Tailored solutions for your skin type and issues boost effectiveness. Try apps like SkinMatch or consult a dermatologist who uses AI tools for a personalised plan. 

Sustainable Beauty 
Opt for eco-friendly packaging, and natural ingredients that are cruelty-free. Not only does this support the planet, but it often means gentler, skin-friendly formulas. Look for brands with green certifications, refill options, and minimal packaging. 
 
Also Read: Beauty Lessons To Take Note Of From Aditi Rao Hydari

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