Smell This

The Prettiest Indian-Inspired Beauty Products That'll Change Your Routine

You used to need an actual Indian grandmother—or a really good friend willing to spill her secrets—to harness the time-honored beauty traditions from south Asia. But thanks to, well, globalization, ingredients like turmeric, neem and sandalwood are making their way into some seriously impressive (and totally accessible) mainstream products.

By Shivani Vora

September 5, 2016

1/4
Aveda Tulasara Radiant Awakening Ritual
This two-piece dry brush and facial oil set is a double whammy for boosting circulation and luminizing skin. The idea is that in a nod to the ancient Ayurveda Gharsana, you first sweep clean skin with the brush to slough away dead skin cells. Then you top freshly exfoliated skin with oil, which in this case is a sweet-smelling concoction of organic sesame, sunflower, and sweet almond oils. We'll also note that something about the two-step process makes the oil feel lightweight, even on oily complexions.
$89 (aveda.com).
2/4
Juara Clove Flower and Turmeric Anti-Aging Serum
The four women who launched Juara wanted to showcase Jamu, an Indonesian herbal health elixir, but in this golden liquor, it's turmeric that takes centerstage. (We've shouted out turmeric many times in the past.) This oil- and fragrance-free version makes your skin look brighter the first time you use it, and Indian gooseberry works to even your complexion over time.
$65, (juaraskincare.com).

3/4
Pratima Healing Neem Oil
In India, the bark, leaves, and oil from neem trees have been used for centuries to treat everything from inflamed skin and acne to dandruff and eczema. You too can experience neem’s versatile magic with this godsend oil for rashes, skin irritations, scaly patches, blisters, and even a dry scalp. (It's kind of the Indian version of Aquaphor, only better.) This particular blend has a few drops of sandalwood and lavender essential oils, so the scent is even more exotic and transporting.
$40, ((pratimaskincare.com).
4/4
Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
When turmeric first started getting blogged about, you either had to get crafty in the kitchen or order something kind of sketchy from Amazon Prime. Then Kiehl's combined the ground root with cooling kaolin clay, cranberry seeds, and hydrating glycerin. Game over. The nubby cranberry seeds work as a gentle exfoliant in an otherwise calming, soothing, and completely skin-satisfying experience.
$32, (kiehls.com).