A Desi Mom's Fun Skincare and Makeup Routine Evolution

‘Ignorance is bliss’ as the saying goes, you don’t worry about something you don’t have knowledge of. Let me take you on a fun ride on how my skincare and makeup routine evolved over the years as an Indian! By the end of this blog, most desi moms living in the USA or other countries can relate to what I have gone through in my life.

My Skincare and Makeup Routine Evolution - Present Day

During my School Days:

Back then, during my school times, I didn’t know what a skincare regimen or a makeup routine was. Body bars were my face washes and Pond’s talcum was my absolute go-to compact powder. Fair & Lovely creams were my holy grail as I believed that one day I would go from a ‘Chestnut’ to ‘Porcelain.’ That day never came! Ahh, my bad!

Eventually, I evolved and my skincare and makeup routine took some shape! I understood that no powder will make your face look brighter. So, I swore that I would never use talcum powders again in my life, which I stand by till now! The Fair & Lovely cream was replaced by the Lakme Foundation with one standard shade, ideal for all skin shades and types (as they advertised). I looked like a clown applying that shade (which was 10 times brighter than my olive skin tone). Yet, it was an accomplishment for me at that point of time. I used it only on special occasions though.

During my College Days:

For some reason, I decided to go to college ‘all natural’ with absolutely no creams and powders. The fact is, by the time I reach college after 2 hours of travel, I would have taken a second bath of sweat like when you are out of a steam spa. Just a simple everyday makeup routine! I promised myself. I used the little makeup knowledge that I had to spruce up my looks with an Eyetex kajal for the waterline, an eyebrow pencil to enhance the brows, and an occasional Lakme eyeliner for the lash line.

During my Office Days:

Another evolution took place when I started going to work for an MNC. I played subtle at first. Then, I started observing other employees’ makeup, attire and how they carried themselves. My skincare routine included a Biotique facewash and a Lotus cream with SPF. For my everyday makeup routine, I added a Maybelline Mascara and a Nivea Strawberry-flavored lip balm to my existing regimen. A long stick type kohl pencil just dropped in the market. Fascinated by this new product, I replaced the lipstick-like Himalaya Kajal with the sleek Maybelline Colossal kajal. That’s a wrap to my 5 minute makeup routine!

You would have noted that I never spoke about lipsticks because I always thought they made me look like a drag queen for some reason;-) However, I didn’t realize that this ‘thought’ would completely take a 360 degree turn in the near future.

You must see my lipstick stash now 😉

When I became a Mom:

The biggest change occurred when I was having the most-dreaded Postpartum Stress! To overcome it, I watched a million YouTube videos and one of my favorite topics were Beauty and skincare. Words like Contour, Concealer, Bronzer, Highlighter, Color corrector, Primer and more made sense for the first time as I aced through the various techniques of makeup routine from a million beauty influencers.

Drugstore brands were a big ‘no’ to me as they don’t let you test their products. So, I hung by Sephora and Ulta to try a lot of products. I am happy to have found these two gems, as I have made a lot of beauty purchases there. Similarly, Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers, and Serums gave me a clear picture on how a skincare regimen works. My first set of Skincare products were from Artistry, a beauty line of the Amway Brand.

Present Day:

Since then, my skincare and makeup knowledge has grown so much that I can identify Acids like the Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, AHA, BHA and more from the label and tell if a cream can eliminate your acne scars, keep you hydrated or vanish your wrinkles. Now, I follow the Ordinary Skincare routine with La Roche Posay cleanser and moisturizer, which I absolutely love. The same goes with my makeup routine too.

I learnt to use a primer before applying foundation, an orange color corrector before concealer, add a black base to make vibrant eyeshadows pop on my olive skin tone and more. The difference between a ‘No-Makeup’ look and a Full-Coverage look helped me where to play subtle and where to sport full-blown makeup. I started rocking nude shades! Thus, evolved my skincare and makeup routine and so did the beauty industry.

Conclusion:

In the present day, the Skincare and beauty industry is producing a huge selection of products, ideal for different skin types, while addressing various skin issues. I am, personally, overjoyed by the fact that there is a foundation for my skin shade out there in the market. No longer do I have to look like a clown!!! Hope you enjoyed my skincare and makeup routine evolution and I am sure you would have burst into laughter. Many Indian moms can relate to my blog as they would have gone through the same phases as me.

If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below. I would really appreciate your valued feedback. I promise I will answer to your questions promptly and provide some good content too.

A Desi Mom’s Fun Skincare and Makeup Routine Evolution

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