Hello Gorgeous,

Everything I’m about to tell you is OLD NEWS!  And by that I mean more than a thousand years old. So you’re probably wondering how this is relevant to you now? From natural, to processed, to genetically engineered, we have circled back to natural. Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, cruelty-free, alcohol-free… I could go on and on and you know it! How many of you are particular about the ingredients in your products and go through the back of the packaging with a fine toothed comb..raise your hand 🙂 Me too!

I am going to use this post to talk about products that have off late become obsessions with people but have in reality been around for well…forever! Just like our beloved coconut water.

• Sandalwood powder – This mixed with different things such as water and honey is used for a clear complexion, to tighten skin and has anti aging properties. Available at any Indian store and definitely online as well!
• Turmeric – Called now as the wonder drug. The benefits of this spice are so many that this post could be just about that..so google it !  It’s a staple in Indian cooking, but if you’re living on salads and green juice then pop a turmeric pill or sprinkle some on your salad. Boom..Done!
• Kohl (pencil) – You know that favorite Marc Jacobs or Make Up For Ever kohl pencil that you use religiously in your water line? It’s made in 2 min or less. The process is kinda cool but no, I won’t get into the actual process here.
• Rose water – No product is touching my face without a few spritzes of rose water first.. Why? Its an anti-inflammatory, and a fabulous cleanser. So that is my first step and then I’ll go in with my other products.  
• Cinnamon powder – Again, this spice is used more often than not in Indian food and has multiple benefits. From sprinkling some on your morning latte (like you have been reading on social media everyday) to really adding it to pretty much anything, this spice will promote hair growth, will cure acne..etc etc..Make sure you ask your Starbucks barista to sprinkle some on your latte!
• Coconut oil – Have you heard my chant KOPARI lately (if you follow on Instagram)? From eating a spoonful cause of its benefits to using it in your hair. Stop and look at an Indian woman’s tresses. I remember my mother forcibly rubbing a dollop of coconut oil into my scalp while growing up while I tried to wrestle her away. I now do the same for my child 🙂 … need I say more? At some point I had promised myself that I would not torture my child with coconut oil like my mother did. There was a method to her madness though, as we know now.

For thousands of years, women in the South of India have been using coconut oil for maintaining great hair. And now the rest of the world has jumped on the bandwagon and can’t get enough of it.

The point I’m trying to make is that a lot of our current day beauty must-haves haven’t changed in over a thousand years!

Here are a few of brands that I have personally used and love…

• Mario Badescu  and  Heritage Store … click click… for your rose water needs !
• From Marc Jacobs, Make Up For Ever to Charlotte Tilbury ..their kohl pencils are very long lasting…no Raccoon eyes.
• Ah! Kopari with their coconut oil (this one is not edible by the way so put down that spoon).

Alright Gorgeous…now that you have learned something new/old today, don’t go and start throwing products out just because you can’t pronounce the name of the ingredients. Raid your grandmother’s /mother’s dresser first and then make some LIFE DECISIONS  😜 LOL!

As always keep the emails coming. You can reach me at MITALI@CLOSETSTYLIST.NET and follow me on Instagram.

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.
Stylishly Yours,

The Closet Stylist.