Cosmetics in Goa made in India

This material was prepared for us by Ekaterina Koroleva; the girl spends more than three months in India every year, and therefore knows everything and even more about Indian cosmetics. In our review today: what Indian cosmetics should be used, what you need to pay attention to when choosing products, and what you should be careful with.

Mysterious and amazing India attracts travelers with its exoticism, vibrant nature and culture, rich in traditions. Locally produced cosmetics attract with spicy aromas, ingredients from overseas plants, fruits and, of course, reasonable prices.

ON THE AYURVEDIC LINE

In India, Ayurveda has traditionally remained in fashion - the science of life and longevity, the system of Vedic medicine. Ayurvedic philosophy influences not only the lifestyle of Indians, but also the local cosmetics industry. It is understood that only natural plant materials are used to produce Ayurvedic skin or hair care products.

In the photo: Ayurvedic massage

ATTENTION! If you are a fan of a healthy lifestyle and are going to use products from the “ayurvedic” line, be prepared for the fact that the products will not contain any perfume at all. In some cases, natural sediment may form at the bottom of the bottle. But you can be sure that the product is 100% natural!

OIL OIL

Looking at the strong, thick braids of Indian women, you wonder: how do they do it? Local women willingly share their secret - they use hair oils. The choice of oils is impressive: coconut with vitamins, jasmine, sandalwood, sesame (sesame) or with amla extract (Indian gooseberry, the champion among berries and fruits in terms of vitamin C content, can be sweet, spicy, bitter, tart or sour).

There is nothing easier than buying a miracle cure in a store, but you need to use it wisely. The packaging usually contains a recommendation for use: apply to hair after washing.

ATTENTION! There is no need to follow the instructions. The fact is that Indian and European women have different hair thickness and structure. After using the oil, the Indian woman achieves the desired effect: her hair almost completely absorbs the oil and becomes manageable, shiny, and easy to style in a hair-to-hair style. Most European girls have thin hair and not as thick as Indian girls, and if you rub it with oil... it looks greasy, unwashed, the volume disappears, and as a result the curls weigh like tow.

In the photo: Amla hair oil, Dabur, India - one of the best Indian hair oils.

Therefore, it makes sense to use the oil in a different way. For example, as a mask. Apply a small amount of oil to your hair and leave for 40 minutes. Then wash your hair as usual. After the procedure, the hair becomes moisturized, elastic, smooth and shiny. The oil perfectly glues split ends of hair and reduces their fragility.

In the photo: cosmetic products from the Indian brand Biotique, one of the best Indian brands.

You can also use oils as a styling product to create a perfectly smooth hairstyle. But you also need to do this wisely: literally rub one drop in your palms, apply it to your hair, and then style it.

TRICKY QUESTION

On the shelves of pharmacies and cosmetic stores in India you can see flavored talc (powder). In the hot and humid climate of this country, this is an irreplaceable thing. Can be used by both women and men, especially useful for those who are prone to sweating.

In the photo: Indian body talc “Neem and Tulsi”

A pinch of such powder with the aroma of neem, tulsi (Indian basil) or sandalwood absorbs excess moisture and odor, has an antibacterial effect, and saves from irritation, prickly heat, pimples and other skin reactions to heat and moisture.

ATTENTION! When using this product, it is important not to overdo the quantity. If there is too much talc on the body, its particles will stick together and turn into lumps. And yet, talc can leave marks on clothes, especially if they are dark in color.

Let's move on to the topic of natural Indian creams: are they as good as we think?

ALL SHADES OF CREAM

Creams with extracts of papaya, avocado, pineapple, Himalayan plum or the mysterious mogra (a flower with an incredibly sensual aroma that grows in India) are completely exotic. Almost all day creams have UF protection of varying degrees, which is certainly very convenient for sun exposure.

In the photo: Indian avocado cream Jovees

It’s just that my eyes run wild, however, there is one “but”. The fact is that white-skinned women dream of tanning, while Indian women, on the contrary, make every effort to make their skin look lighter. Therefore, many locally produced creams meet the needs of Indian women, that is, they have a whitening effect.

ATTENTION! We advise you to carefully read the instructions on the jar of cream; if you see the “whitening” mark, it is better to leave it on the store shelf. If you apply this cream to your face, it will become ultra-white, and even with a pearlescent sheen.

CAUTION HENNA!

Some Indian shampoos contain a whole herbarium. There is hibiscus with bioprotein, saffron, lemongrass, the most aromatic ylang-ylang and patchouli. By the way, you rarely see locally produced hair balms here, but rather conditioners or two-in-one products. And yet, it turns out that when choosing a shampoo, it is not enough to focus only on hair type.

ATTENTION! Some hair products are dangerous, for example, they may contain an element such as henna, or another natural, but still coloring ingredient. Local beauties all have black hair, and natural dyes only emphasize their natural hair color, that is, they make it more saturated. If a bottle of shampoo, conditioner or hair mask is marked “coloring”, you should not use it - the result, especially for those with blond hair, can be unpredictable.

TOO MUCH

It is no secret that the Republic of India has long been one of the leaders in the field of pharmacology. The local toothpaste is beyond praise: whitening with the smallest abrasive particles (teeth brushing + preventive gum massage), in addition, there is a special toothpaste for vegetarians and herbal pastes that care for the oral cavity. What makes sense to bring from India is toothpaste.

In the photo: Indian toothpaste with Dabur spices

ATTENTION! Some pastes can have a specific taste of Indian spices, that is, they are really very hot, after using them everything in your mouth “burns with fire.” You may also come across toothpaste with tobacco leaf extract. It is dark brown in color, bitter in taste, and has a characteristic odor. The most unexpected thing is that it contains active tobacco-nicotine substances, which can have a corresponding effect on the body. Therefore, non-smokers are not recommended to brush their teeth with this paste. By the way, paste manufacturers honestly warn the consumer about this unusual nuance in small letters on the packaging box, so just be careful.

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All women have heard at least something about cosmetics from India at least once in their lives. But once in this country, you find it difficult to imagine what Indian cosmetics to buy in the store? How to understand cosmetic brands, what you should pay attention to and what you definitely can’t leave India without? Today is a very detailed post about how to pamper yourself and what to bring as a gift to your family.

Indian cosmetics: Indian cosmetic brands

Let's start with the simplest thing - let's look at the brands of Indian cosmetics. They all make their products from natural oils and herbal extracts. Some people prefer face creams, others shampoos and hair oils. Some brands are more popular and well-known, while others are not inferior in quality, but are cheaper.

Himalaya (Himalaya, Himalaya)

I know everything about Indian Himalaya cosmetics. This company has already become an international corporation, so cosmetics under the Himalaya brand are already produced in Russia. But, judging by numerous reviews on forums, Indian products are very different from those made outside India. In general, there is only one conclusion - Himalaya needs to be bought in its original version. We love toothpaste and facial gels. Himalaya also produces many Ayurvedic herbal medicines that cleanse the body from the inside and make the skin clean and smooth, strengthen nails and hair. I’ll write about medications in another post.

When purchasing shampoos or cleansing gels, be sure to look at the ingredients. In goods not for export, the company sometimes uses an unhealthy chemical component - lauryl sulfate. The rest of the cosmetics are excellent.

Swati (Swati)

Personally, I just fell in love with this brand after I tried their shampoos. A year ago I gave up chemical shampoos with lauryl sulfate and parabens, and now my head feels very well any chemicals. Swati shampoos (a 200ml bottle costs about $6) are made from natural ingredients, oils and extracts. In addition to them, the company also produces conditioners and hair oils, masks and creams for the face and body. Swati is more expensive than Himalaya, but it is justified.

Khadi

Swati and Khadi are produced by the same company, only Khadi is positioned as a premium line. The products of both brands are made according to the principles of Ayurveda - the ancient Indian science of health and beauty. But Khadi is also made by hand. This brand includes herbal shower gels, aromatic massage oils, soaps and herbal lotions, as well as shampoos, hair oils and facial gels.

Biotique

An excellent inexpensive series of cosmetics made from natural ingredients. Biotic shampoos cost around 150-160 rupees ($3) for a small 210 ml bottle. Biotik has a lot of cosmetic products based on exotic herbs and fruits. Mountain Ebony Hair Oil or Himalayan Plum Soap, Papaya Scrub or Thyme Volumizing Conditioner.

Jovees (Jovis)

Another brand that deserves attention. Jovis is produced in northern India, and until recently this brand was sold only in expensive cosmetic stores in Delhi. Now it can be found in large supermarkets not only in India but also in Europe. You should definitely try anti-aging cosmetics, Jovis has a very large selection of them. I bought myself a face cream "for those over thirty" with black berries, grapes and alpha hydroxy acids. Now I'm waiting until I'm younger. You should also pay attention to such unusual products as face cream with Himalayan cherry, lip balms with fruit acids and moisturizing facial lotions.

Divya Patanjali (Patanjali)

Another inexpensive brand that produces cosmetics according to the canons of Ayurveda. It is worth paying attention to a shampoo with soap beans called Shikakai, Alma oil to strengthen hair. In addition, the company produces food products, spices, teas, incense and Ayurvedic medicines (herbal supplements).

Magic Ayurveda

This is a very interesting brand, completely different from all the others. In addition to regular hair masks, she produces very piquant cosmetics. For example, oil for breast enlargement. The instructions say that the oil strengthens the chest muscles and you should get a visual effect. It will also help you cope with stretch marks after breastfeeding and improve your shape. I have little idea how it works, but since it is in demand among Indian girls and tourists, it means we can try it.

Another unusual thing is Magic Sex Booster Oil. Male enhancement oil costs about $5 for a small bottle. Please note the instructions for use: apply to the male genital organ and rub in for 2-3 minutes daily. I think that even if you rub regular sunflower oil for three minutes, the effect on a healthy man will be approximately the same. If you try sex oil, please post your results.

Now, in great detail, what exactly Indian cosmetics are worth buying.

Indian cosmetics: what to buy?

Coconut oil

A must-have purchase in any Asian country is coconut oil. Buy it on your first day in India and start using it as soon as possible. A two-hundred-gram bottle of coconut oil costs only a dollar. It perfectly moisturizes the skin and hair after the sea, and helps with sunburn. Although for burns there is another thing - Kailash Jeevan ointment (Kailash Jeevan), but I will talk about it in an article about Indian medicines. Coconut oil also helped me a lot in our latitudes - last winter, when we returned from Asia early and found severe frosts.

Amla oil for hair

If coconut oil is the international beauty product, then a unique Indian option is Amla oil. Amla is an Indian gooseberry, and its oil accelerates hair growth and makes it shiny. Indians are also sure that if amla oil is regularly rubbed into the scalp, you can improve memory or get rid of headaches. It is recommended for students to use during sessions. When buying amla oil, carefully look at the composition. Sometimes manufacturers, in order to reduce costs, dilute amla oil with mineral oils.

Hair oil Trichup (Trichup)

Trichup oil is sold in pharmacies because... it is prescribed for hair loss. The oil is based on sesame and coconut oil, enriched with herbal extracts. The recipe is unique and patented. Manufacturers assure that after Trichup hair becomes not only strong, but also voluminous, and also grows faster. If you want to grow long, strong hair, try Indian Trichup oil.

Gels, scrubs and masks with neem

The leaves of the Indian neem tree are not used in medicine. If you take the powder from the leaves internally, you will cleanse your intestines and blood, and if you add them to cosmetics, you will get a powerful antibacterial effect. Any Indian brand has cleansers with neem; you just have to choose according to your taste and budget.

Handmade soap with extracts of herbs and fruits is simply a pleasant purchase that will give you the aroma of exotic plants and fruits for a long time after you arrive home. Scented soap along with other cosmetics can be a good gift for friends.

Indian toothpaste

Himalaya and Dabur make excellent pastes made from natural ingredients. You can also buy exotic black toothpaste made from charcoal or Patanjali Ayurvedic toothpaste made from acacia bark, neem powder, toothache tree extract, black salt and quartz powder.

Face masks

I have already written about handmade cosmetics from the Khadi brand. Well, they make some great face masks in tins. Inside you will find a bag of powder or a ready-made mixture that you need to apply to your face and wash off after 15 minutes. Such masks do an excellent job of their tasks - moisturize, nourish, and disinfect. In addition, thanks to the beautiful and unusual packaging, they can be a good gift from India for family and friends. Khadi cosmetics are not cheap by Indian standards, around 6-7 dollars per jar.

Face creams Kumkumaadi Lepam (Kumkumadi)

The cream is sold in small, nondescript tubes of 10 grams and is not at all expensive. Kumkumadi is produced in the Indian state of Kerala in southwestern India. The cream is based on saffron, Bengal ficus and a large list of other exotic plants. To give it all a creamy texture, add sesame oil and cow's milk.

Stone deodorant Crystal

I already wrote about solid antiperspirants in an article about what to bring from Thailand. It's a similar principle here. A deodorant made from mountain minerals that looks like a transparent stone. Before rubbing this deodorant into the skin, you need to moisten it in water. It does not contain harmful chemicals like aluminum, which you are sure to find in almost all antiperspirant sprays or creams. But you shouldn’t buy stone deodorant as a gift, because... some people are allergic to them.

Solid perfume

Also pay attention to dry sandalwood-based perfumes - Chandan paste. They also sell sets of six or even twelve jars with different scents. To keep the perfume dry, essential oils are added to beeswax. Jojoba oil and aloe vera are often added to perfumes, which also care for the skin.

Kajal or eye kohl

Eyeliner, which, according to Eastern women, not only makes the eyes more expressive, but also takes care of the skin around them. Kajal is used to make eyeliners, pencils, and mascara. But before you buy kajal or antimony, read the opinions of scientists. They consider this powder harmful and toxic to the human body. Antimony is a chemical element, a semi-metal, that depresses the thyroid gland, can cause nosebleeds and affect the skin.

Indian cosmetics are inexpensive in India itself. It is unlikely that you will leave more than a hundred dollars in the store, buying everything your heart desires.

Where to buy Indian cosmetics in Goa (map)?

The most famous brands - Himalaya, Swadi and Khadi - are sold in small shops and pharmacies throughout Goa. But if you want to have a large selection and live in North Goa, then go to the Oxford supermarket, which is located in Anjuna. I marked its coordinates on the map.

Indian cosmetics are sold in numerous online stores in Russia and Ukraine, so if you are not going to India in the near future, you can order a gift for yourself at home.

UPD: A reader shared a life hack with me: how to buy Indian Khadi cosmetics cheaper than in stores. Below are her quotes from our correspondence:
"I found the cheapest way - this is to order through the online store khadinatural.com. I plan to order from here on Monday. Not everything is available in Oxford, but I was pleased with the prices. 2-3 times cheaper than in supermarkets. I placed an order today They have it. Delivery is 60 rupees. Payment upon receipt. I will now wait. They have a set of 4 pieces of soap for 135 rupees, the same as 1 piece in Oxford (approximately) In short, I’m excited.

. As promised, I will write about the package with Khadi. Ordered on 12/29, arrived today 01/06/2015. As it is written 6 days (excluding holidays). As far as I understand, you can order it to our homeland, but you need to write to them and ask about the cost of delivery, otherwise it will be even more expensive than the order itself. In general, I'm satisfied. I ordered for 2 thousand rupees. I saved at least that much."

If you like something from Indian cosmetics, but did not find it on my list, please write about it in the comment. And if you find the post useful and interesting, share it with your friends on social networks.

You can make your skin, hair and nails beautiful not only with the help of creams and ointments. Ayurveda has many ancient recipes on how to use herbs to cleanse the body and nourish it with energy. In the next post I will write about Indian medicines. Don't miss it, it will be interesting!

I had been planning to go to India for many years, and of course, I spent a long time collecting a list of everything I needed to buy there.

As a result, I brought a brand new Indian suitcase of cosmetics from India.

Let me tell you right away that I purchased, first of all, essentials: shampoos, soaps, creams, toothpaste, oils (coconut, almond, alma for hair). And I took several washes, clay and other products to try.

I tried several brands of cosmetics: Himalaya, Swati, Pananjali, Dabur.

I didn’t immediately know which brand had the best composition and effect, but after using it I can say that Himalaya contains a lot of synthetic elements that do not have a positive effect on the result.

I purchased mainly only oils from Dabur, so I have no complaints, the oils are good for me.

And most of all, I liked the products from Swati and Pananjali, I plan to buy them again.

Cosmetics Reviews

I have written detailed reviews on some of the cosmetics with an analysis of the composition, you can read:

TOP 8 best products from India

If this is your first time in India, then here is my list of the coolest products that you definitely need to bring from India:

1. Coconut oil from different brands, try different types of additives, there is no such thing as too much oil. Approximate cost: 150 rupees for 500 ml.
2. Lip balm from Himalaya Lip Balm. This is the most popular lipstick from India. It's very cool to bring it as a gift. There are balms with different flavors. The composition includes the familiar Vaseline, and lips are less likely to crack. Costs 30 rupees.
3. Alma oil for hair. And this is probably the most popular hair oil from India. Helps improve hair structure. The cost is also reasonable ranging from 10 rupees to 150 rupees depending on the volume.
4. Boro plus. This is the only cream that helps me fight dry skin. It is noteworthy that the composition of the cream in India differs from that of Boro-plus, which is sold in Russia (it does not contain talc, the composition is better). Cost 80 rupees for a large tube of 50 grams. Also, small body lotions of the same brand can be attached to the cream as a gift.
5. Shampoo Pananjali. They cost approximately 70-80 rupees. Just choose for your hair type and buy.
6. Himalaya wet wipes. As stupid as it may sound, these are the best napkins. They act like a moisturizing mask and smell very nice. Price is about 40 rupees.
7. Soap. Yes, soap. In India they are made from natural oils, you will thank yourself in Russia. Price from 20 rupees.
8. Almond oil. This is a fairy tale for the skin. I bought Pananjali brand oil for about 50 rupees for a 50 ml jar.

This is where I will end my list of “minimums”. I'm sure you'll appreciate it.