Beauty Front Benchers
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Beauty isn't performative. I've always thought of it as a radical act of self-care, a sacred space that's entirely mine to claim and a moment of mindfulness I can tap into when life feels overwhelming. It's the scent that's designed to sit close to my skin, the roller gliding over the contours of my face, the buttery balm I lavish over my limbs. These rituals are intimate yet universal, and they give me a way to regulate my emotions when nothing else seems to help. Dr Arouba Kabir, Mental Health Professional & Founder, Enso Wellness, echoes my thoughts: "I do value those little acts of care. There's something comforting about taking a moment to tend to yourself."
The opposite is also true. Just as beauty rituals can influence how we feel, our emotions can leave their mark on how we look and carry ourselves. A restless night can settle under our eyes, stress can weigh on our shoulders and a moment of happiness can bring a natural flush to our cheeks. Sometimes, our faces give us away before we've said anything. Smile, and your face is aglow. Receive a well-timed compliment, and you might find yourself looking a little brighter for the rest of the day. These small shifts are a reminder that the mind and body are more closely connected than we often realise. Dr Kabir says, "In my practice, I often meet people who are dealing with skin concerns or hair fall, and as we talk, I also hear about how much they've been carrying emotionally. It's important to remember that struggling with your skin doesn't mean you haven't looked after yourself well enough. I want people to know that how they feel deserves attention too."
The skin’s natural collagen reserves decline as we age—but you knew that already. What you may not know is that there is a handy way of giving your skin’s collagen production a helpful nudge in the right direction. This Biodance formula is packed with collagen, probiotics and hyaluronic acid. The hydrogel Korean face mask is designed to gradually turn transparent to signal optimal absorption of the active ingredients. A face mask that delivers real good results? Sign us up.
This viral mask launched in India this year and quickly became the one we save for dull days, long flights or those “my skin looks tired” moments. It fits like second skin and infuses collagen deep into the layers of your skin. The serum mask hugs the face and leaves everything looking plumper and more rested after 20 minutes.
Not at all. Some of the most restorative rituals can take only a few minutes. The idea is less about how much time you spend and more about creating a moment that feels deliberately yours.
Look for moments that already exist in your day rather than trying to create an entirely new routine. A few minutes before bed, between meetings or while getting ready can become opportunities to slow down and reset.
Beauty rituals can be pleasurable and grounding, particularly when they give you a chance to pause and focus on yourself. They aren't a substitute for professional mental-health support, but they can be one small way of making space for yourself.
It's often about intention. Put your phone away, slow down, engage your senses and give yourself permission not to rush. Even something as ordinary as applying moisturiser can feel different when you're fully present for it.
There's no universal formula for self-care. If meditation or journaling doesn't appeal to you, don't force it. Your ritual could be getting ready slowly, taking a long shower, putting on a favourite fragrance or simply doing something that makes you feel more like yourself.
For years, the skin-mind connection has existed at the periphery of beauty. Now, it's moving closer to the centre of the conversation, and rightfully so. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's only fair that we treat it with the care it deserves. This Mental Health Day, I'm sharing five self-care habits I personally swear by, remedies, routines and rituals that bring greater well-being into my life. Perhaps they'll help you take that first step towards putting yourself first.
One thing about me: I don't enjoy rushing my makeup. I've noticed that when I do, that chaotic energy follows me around. So, starting recently, I've learned to savour the getting-ready process instead. I queue up a playlist, light a softly scented candle and lay out all my products about an hour and a half before I'm meant to leave. If this sounds a lot like a GRWM reel, it's because it is. I was feeling inspired.
Turns out, there was some merit to my experiment. Dr Kabir says, "For someone who enjoys makeup, those few minutes can become a small way of building a kinder relationship with themselves."
And I've come to see exactly what she means. The whole process feels meditative. Blending my base feels more intentional, I linger a little longer over my liner, perfecting it twice, or thrice, if needed, and by the end of it, I feel almost triumphant. Unlike frantic touch-ups in the back of a cab, taking my time lets me ease into the evening rather than rushing towards it.
Of course, slowing down doesn't have to begin with a long, elaborate ritual. Sometimes, it can be as simple as turning the lights off.
As a 9-to-5-er, I often reach home feeling like I haven't truly left my desk. A crowded inbox, eight-plus hours of screen time and a constantly chiming phone have a way of doing that. So when I discovered "dark showering" on the internet, I decided to try it myself. The concept was almost alarmingly simple: an hour or two before bedtime, turn off the lights in the shower, step beneath a stream of warm water and let the day fall away.
Without overhead lighting or distracting mirrors, there's less to pull my attention back into the day. It's just the steady sound of water, a moment to decompress and nothing else vying for my attention. It sounds bizarre, yes, but I've found that the ritual helps me transition into the evening, and an invigorating shower gel only adds to the experience.
Dr Kabir points out that this isn't a formal therapeutic approach, but it can be a small experience of comfort, giving us a break from constant thinking.
Not every act of self-care needs an hour set aside in the diary. I wish it did, but who has that kind of time in the middle of the day? I certainly don't. Instead, I've started paying more attention to the little moments in between. I could be at my desk, on a red-eye flight or in the middle of brunch with my girls, and I'll still find a few seconds for myself. A slick of sunscreen over my skin, a lip balm rolling over my lips or a hand cream for some well-deserved TLC.
They're small and fleeting, sure, but that's precisely what I like about them. They don't ask me to stop everything I'm doing. They simply give me a moment to pause, check in with myself and return to whatever comes next feeling a little more present.
Some rituals are less about what they do and more about how they make you feel. I discovered that with hair perfume a few months ago, when the category first sparked my curiosity.
The first time I spritzed one onto my strands in a store, I could catch the scent every time I turned my head or tousled my waves, hours later. It even earned compliments whenever a friend leaned in for a hug. Now, my friends associate the scent of coconut with me, which feels strangely lovely.
It's a small, admittedly niche ritual, but there's something about carrying a scent you love with you throughout the day that can instantly lift your mood. Sometimes, that's reason enough.
I love skincare that demands a little more facetime. Most days, I complete my five-step routine in a matter of minutes, and I like it that way. It's simple and streamlined. But every now and then, when time allows, I give myself permission to slow it down. Friday nights, when the promise of a well-rested weekend awaits, or long weekends and unexpected mid-week holidays are perfect for it.
Dr Kabir makes me think about what happens when we do: "During a skincare ritual, I ask people to notice what comes up: pleasure, ease, anxiety, guilt? Quite a few tell me they feel guilty. But what makes taking this small amount of time for yourself feel so difficult?"
It's a question I've found myself thinking about. In a world of five-second videos and constant notifications, a few uninterrupted minutes can feel almost indulgent. It can also make me feel like I should be doing something more productive. I've learned to resist that impulse. Instead, I'll reach for a mask, an overnight treatment or a face tool that makes me linger in front of the mirror a little longer.
Because perhaps that's what these rituals are really about. Not adding more to my to-do list, but creating small pockets of time where I don't have to be productive at all.
Not at all. Some of the most restorative rituals can take only a few minutes. The idea is less about how much time you spend and more about creating a moment that feels deliberately yours.
Look for moments that already exist in your day rather than trying to create an entirely new routine. A few minutes before bed, between meetings or while getting ready can become opportunities to slow down and reset.
Beauty rituals can be pleasurable and grounding, particularly when they give you a chance to pause and focus on yourself. They aren't a substitute for professional mental-health support, but they can be one small way of making space for yourself.
It's often about intention. Put your phone away, slow down, engage your senses and give yourself permission not to rush. Even something as ordinary as applying moisturiser can feel different when you're fully present for it.
There's no universal formula for self-care. If meditation or journaling doesn't appeal to you, don't force it. Your ritual could be getting ready slowly, taking a long shower, putting on a favourite fragrance or simply doing something that makes you feel more like yourself.
For years, the skin-mind connection has existed at the periphery of beauty. Now, it's moving closer to the centre of the conversation, and rightfully so. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's only fair that we treat it with the care it deserves. This Mental Health Day, I'm sharing five self-care habits I personally swear by, remedies, routines and rituals that bring greater well-being into my life. Perhaps they'll help you take that first step towards putting yourself first.
One thing about me: I don't enjoy rushing my makeup. I've noticed that when I do, that chaotic energy follows me around. So, starting recently, I've learned to savour the getting-ready process instead. I queue up a playlist, light a softly scented candle and lay out all my products about an hour and a half before I'm meant to leave. If this sounds a lot like a GRWM reel, it's because it is. I was feeling inspired.
Turns out, there was some merit to my experiment. Dr Kabir says, "For someone who enjoys makeup, those few minutes can become a small way of building a kinder relationship with themselves."
And I've come to see exactly what she means. The whole process feels meditative. Blending my base feels more intentional, I linger a little longer over my liner, perfecting it twice, or thrice, if needed, and by the end of it, I feel almost triumphant. Unlike frantic touch-ups in the back of a cab, taking my time lets me ease into the evening rather than rushing towards it.
Of course, slowing down doesn't have to begin with a long, elaborate ritual. Sometimes, it can be as simple as turning the lights off.
As a 9-to-5-er, I often reach home feeling like I haven't truly left my desk. A crowded inbox, eight-plus hours of screen time and a constantly chiming phone have a way of doing that. So when I discovered "dark showering" on the internet, I decided to try it myself. The concept was almost alarmingly simple: an hour or two before bedtime, turn off the lights in the shower, step beneath a stream of warm water and let the day fall away.
Without overhead lighting or distracting mirrors, there's less to pull my attention back into the day. It's just the steady sound of water, a moment to decompress and nothing else vying for my attention. It sounds bizarre, yes, but I've found that the ritual helps me transition into the evening, and an invigorating shower gel only adds to the experience.
Dr Kabir points out that this isn't a formal therapeutic approach, but it can be a small experience of comfort, giving us a break from constant thinking.
Not every act of self-care needs an hour set aside in the diary. I wish it did, but who has that kind of time in the middle of the day? I certainly don't. Instead, I've started paying more attention to the little moments in between. I could be at my desk, on a red-eye flight or in the middle of brunch with my girls, and I'll still find a few seconds for myself. A slick of sunscreen over my skin, a lip balm rolling over my lips or a hand cream for some well-deserved TLC.
They're small and fleeting, sure, but that's precisely what I like about them. They don't ask me to stop everything I'm doing. They simply give me a moment to pause, check in with myself and return to whatever comes next feeling a little more present.
Some rituals are less about what they do and more about how they make you feel. I discovered that with hair perfume a few months ago, when the category first sparked my curiosity.
The first time I spritzed one onto my strands in a store, I could catch the scent every time I turned my head or tousled my waves, hours later. It even earned compliments whenever a friend leaned in for a hug. Now, my friends associate the scent of coconut with me, which feels strangely lovely.
It's a small, admittedly niche ritual, but there's something about carrying a scent you love with you throughout the day that can instantly lift your mood. Sometimes, that's reason enough.
I love skincare that demands a little more facetime. Most days, I complete my five-step routine in a matter of minutes, and I like it that way. It's simple and streamlined. But every now and then, when time allows, I give myself permission to slow it down. Friday nights, when the promise of a well-rested weekend awaits, or long weekends and unexpected mid-week holidays are perfect for it.
Dr Kabir makes me think about what happens when we do: "During a skincare ritual, I ask people to notice what comes up: pleasure, ease, anxiety, guilt? Quite a few tell me they feel guilty. But what makes taking this small amount of time for yourself feel so difficult?"
It's a question I've found myself thinking about. In a world of five-second videos and constant notifications, a few uninterrupted minutes can feel almost indulgent. It can also make me feel like I should be doing something more productive. I've learned to resist that impulse. Instead, I'll reach for a mask, an overnight treatment or a face tool that makes me linger in front of the mirror a little longer.
Because perhaps that's what these rituals are really about. Not adding more to my to-do list, but creating small pockets of time where I don't have to be productive at all.
For years, the skin-mind connection has existed at the periphery of beauty. Now, it's moving closer to the centre of the conversation, and rightfully so. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's only fair that we treat it with the care it deserves. This Mental Health Day, I'm sharing five self-care habits I personally swear by, remedies, routines and rituals that bring greater well-being into my life. Perhaps they'll help you take that first step towards putting yourself first.
One thing about me: I don't enjoy rushing my makeup. I've noticed that when I do, that chaotic energy follows me around. So, starting recently, I've learned to savour the getting-ready process instead. I queue up a playlist, light a softly scented candle and lay out all my products about an hour and a half before I'm meant to leave. If this sounds a lot like a GRWM reel, it's because it is. I was feeling inspired.
Turns out, there was some merit to my experiment. Dr Kabir says, "For someone who enjoys makeup, those few minutes can become a small way of building a kinder relationship with themselves."
And I've come to see exactly what she means. The whole process feels meditative. Blending my base feels more intentional, I linger a little longer over my liner, perfecting it twice, or thrice, if needed, and by the end of it, I feel almost triumphant. Unlike frantic touch-ups in the back of a cab, taking my time lets me ease into the evening rather than rushing towards it.
Of course, slowing down doesn't have to begin with a long, elaborate ritual. Sometimes, it can be as simple as turning the lights off.
As a 9-to-5-er, I often reach home feeling like I haven't truly left my desk. A crowded inbox, eight-plus hours of screen time and a constantly chiming phone have a way of doing that. So when I discovered "dark showering" on the internet, I decided to try it myself. The concept was almost alarmingly simple: an hour or two before bedtime, turn off the lights in the shower, step beneath a stream of warm water and let the day fall away.
Without overhead lighting or distracting mirrors, there's less to pull my attention back into the day. It's just the steady sound of water, a moment to decompress and nothing else vying for my attention. It sounds bizarre, yes, but I've found that the ritual helps me transition into the evening, and an invigorating shower gel only adds to the experience.
Dr Kabir points out that this isn't a formal therapeutic approach, but it can be a small experience of comfort, giving us a break from constant thinking.
Not every act of self-care needs an hour set aside in the diary. I wish it did, but who has that kind of time in the middle of the day? I certainly don't. Instead, I've started paying more attention to the little moments in between. I could be at my desk, on a red-eye flight or in the middle of brunch with my girls, and I'll still find a few seconds for myself. A slick of sunscreen over my skin, a lip balm rolling over my lips or a hand cream for some well-deserved TLC.
They're small and fleeting, sure, but that's precisely what I like about them. They don't ask me to stop everything I'm doing. They simply give me a moment to pause, check in with myself and return to whatever comes next feeling a little more present.
Some rituals are less about what they do and more about how they make you feel. I discovered that with hair perfume a few months ago, when the category first sparked my curiosity.
The first time I spritzed one onto my strands in a store, I could catch the scent every time I turned my head or tousled my waves, hours later. It even earned compliments whenever a friend leaned in for a hug. Now, my friends associate the scent of coconut with me, which feels strangely lovely.
It's a small, admittedly niche ritual, but there's something about carrying a scent you love with you throughout the day that can instantly lift your mood. Sometimes, that's reason enough.
I love skincare that demands a little more facetime. Most days, I complete my five-step routine in a matter of minutes, and I like it that way. It's simple and streamlined. But every now and then, when time allows, I give myself permission to slow it down. Friday nights, when the promise of a well-rested weekend awaits, or long weekends and unexpected mid-week holidays are perfect for it.
Dr Kabir makes me think about what happens when we do: "During a skincare ritual, I ask people to notice what comes up: pleasure, ease, anxiety, guilt? Quite a few tell me they feel guilty. But what makes taking this small amount of time for yourself feel so difficult?"
It's a question I've found myself thinking about. In a world of five-second videos and constant notifications, a few uninterrupted minutes can feel almost indulgent. It can also make me feel like I should be doing something more productive. I've learned to resist that impulse. Instead, I'll reach for a mask, an overnight treatment or a face tool that makes me linger in front of the mirror a little longer.
Because perhaps that's what these rituals are really about. Not adding more to my to-do list, but creating small pockets of time where I don't have to be productive at all.
Not at all. Some of the most restorative rituals can take only a few minutes. The idea is less about how much time you spend and more about creating a moment that feels deliberately yours.
Look for moments that already exist in your day rather than trying to create an entirely new routine. A few minutes before bed, between meetings or while getting ready can become opportunities to slow down and reset.
Beauty rituals can be pleasurable and grounding, particularly when they give you a chance to pause and focus on yourself. They aren't a substitute for professional mental-health support, but they can be one small way of making space for yourself.
It's often about intention. Put your phone away, slow down, engage your senses and give yourself permission not to rush. Even something as ordinary as applying moisturiser can feel different when you're fully present for it.
There's no universal formula for self-care. If meditation or journaling doesn't appeal to you, don't force it. Your ritual could be getting ready slowly, taking a long shower, putting on a favourite fragrance or simply doing something that makes you feel more like yourself.
Not at all. Some of the most restorative rituals can take only a few minutes. The idea is less about how much time you spend and more about creating a moment that feels deliberately yours.
Look for moments that already exist in your day rather than trying to create an entirely new routine. A few minutes before bed, between meetings or while getting ready can become opportunities to slow down and reset.
Beauty rituals can be pleasurable and grounding, particularly when they give you a chance to pause and focus on yourself. They aren't a substitute for professional mental-health support, but they can be one small way of making space for yourself.
It's often about intention. Put your phone away, slow down, engage your senses and give yourself permission not to rush. Even something as ordinary as applying moisturiser can feel different when you're fully present for it.
There's no universal formula for self-care. If meditation or journaling doesn't appeal to you, don't force it. Your ritual could be getting ready slowly, taking a long shower, putting on a favourite fragrance or simply doing something that makes you feel more like yourself.
For years, the skin-mind connection has existed at the periphery of beauty. Now, it's moving closer to the centre of the conversation, and rightfully so. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's only fair that we treat it with the care it deserves. This Mental Health Day, I'm sharing five self-care habits I personally swear by, remedies, routines and rituals that bring greater well-being into my life. Perhaps they'll help you take that first step towards putting yourself first.
One thing about me: I don't enjoy rushing my makeup. I've noticed that when I do, that chaotic energy follows me around. So, starting recently, I've learned to savour the getting-ready process instead. I queue up a playlist, light a softly scented candle and lay out all my products about an hour and a half before I'm meant to leave. If this sounds a lot like a GRWM reel, it's because it is. I was feeling inspired.
Turns out, there was some merit to my experiment. Dr Kabir says, "For someone who enjoys makeup, those few minutes can become a small way of building a kinder relationship with themselves."
And I've come to see exactly what she means. The whole process feels meditative. Blending my base feels more intentional, I linger a little longer over my liner, perfecting it twice, or thrice, if needed, and by the end of it, I feel almost triumphant. Unlike frantic touch-ups in the back of a cab, taking my time lets me ease into the evening rather than rushing towards it.
Of course, slowing down doesn't have to begin with a long, elaborate ritual. Sometimes, it can be as simple as turning the lights off.
As a 9-to-5-er, I often reach home feeling like I haven't truly left my desk. A crowded inbox, eight-plus hours of screen time and a constantly chiming phone have a way of doing that. So when I discovered "dark showering" on the internet, I decided to try it myself. The concept was almost alarmingly simple: an hour or two before bedtime, turn off the lights in the shower, step beneath a stream of warm water and let the day fall away.
Without overhead lighting or distracting mirrors, there's less to pull my attention back into the day. It's just the steady sound of water, a moment to decompress and nothing else vying for my attention. It sounds bizarre, yes, but I've found that the ritual helps me transition into the evening, and an invigorating shower gel only adds to the experience.
Dr Kabir points out that this isn't a formal therapeutic approach, but it can be a small experience of comfort, giving us a break from constant thinking.
Not every act of self-care needs an hour set aside in the diary. I wish it did, but who has that kind of time in the middle of the day? I certainly don't. Instead, I've started paying more attention to the little moments in between. I could be at my desk, on a red-eye flight or in the middle of brunch with my girls, and I'll still find a few seconds for myself. A slick of sunscreen over my skin, a lip balm rolling over my lips or a hand cream for some well-deserved TLC.
They're small and fleeting, sure, but that's precisely what I like about them. They don't ask me to stop everything I'm doing. They simply give me a moment to pause, check in with myself and return to whatever comes next feeling a little more present.
Some rituals are less about what they do and more about how they make you feel. I discovered that with hair perfume a few months ago, when the category first sparked my curiosity.
The first time I spritzed one onto my strands in a store, I could catch the scent every time I turned my head or tousled my waves, hours later. It even earned compliments whenever a friend leaned in for a hug. Now, my friends associate the scent of coconut with me, which feels strangely lovely.
It's a small, admittedly niche ritual, but there's something about carrying a scent you love with you throughout the day that can instantly lift your mood. Sometimes, that's reason enough.
I love skincare that demands a little more facetime. Most days, I complete my five-step routine in a matter of minutes, and I like it that way. It's simple and streamlined. But every now and then, when time allows, I give myself permission to slow it down. Friday nights, when the promise of a well-rested weekend awaits, or long weekends and unexpected mid-week holidays are perfect for it.
Dr Kabir makes me think about what happens when we do: "During a skincare ritual, I ask people to notice what comes up: pleasure, ease, anxiety, guilt? Quite a few tell me they feel guilty. But what makes taking this small amount of time for yourself feel so difficult?"
It's a question I've found myself thinking about. In a world of five-second videos and constant notifications, a few uninterrupted minutes can feel almost indulgent. It can also make me feel like I should be doing something more productive. I've learned to resist that impulse. Instead, I'll reach for a mask, an overnight treatment or a face tool that makes me linger in front of the mirror a little longer.
Because perhaps that's what these rituals are really about. Not adding more to my to-do list, but creating small pockets of time where I don't have to be productive at all.
Not at all. Some of the most restorative rituals can take only a few minutes. The idea is less about how much time you spend and more about creating a moment that feels deliberately yours.
Look for moments that already exist in your day rather than trying to create an entirely new routine. A few minutes before bed, between meetings or while getting ready can become opportunities to slow down and reset.
Beauty rituals can be pleasurable and grounding, particularly when they give you a chance to pause and focus on yourself. They aren't a substitute for professional mental-health support, but they can be one small way of making space for yourself.
It's often about intention. Put your phone away, slow down, engage your senses and give yourself permission not to rush. Even something as ordinary as applying moisturiser can feel different when you're fully present for it.
There's no universal formula for self-care. If meditation or journaling doesn't appeal to you, don't force it. Your ritual could be getting ready slowly, taking a long shower, putting on a favourite fragrance or simply doing something that makes you feel more like yourself.
